Izea Attemps Damage Control
After writing my post, Losing Touch with the Blogosphere, I received an e-mail from Ted Murphy. You’re not surprised, are you?
You may remember, from my last post, that I posed a question to Ted about the importance of “smaller” bloggers using social media websites to monetize their blog. After a month, Ted had a moment to respond to the question.
Before we go there though, here’s a brief setup. You may recall that I asked the question I did because Ted offered to guest post on I’m Blogging That. When that didn’t pan out due to him being unable to come up with a topic, I asked a single question.
When considering what to ask, I wanted something meaty. My question was meant to spark something that is hot topic among bloggers… pushing both their traffic levels and monetization through the use of social media. On the other hand, I felt my question would carry enough significance for bloggers and Ted’s company that what I’d get for an answer would be something that could sustain a blog post all on its own.
Question:
Why do you believe it’s important for small time bloggers to maximize their use of social media sites right now?If you’re not of the opinion that social media is a must-use for all bloggers right now, where do you believe the future of social media is going that bloggers will still be able to use social media websites to maximize their blog’s earning potential?
Ted’s Answer:
I believe that Social Media sites are particularly important to small time bloggers because of their ability to assist the blogger in garnering a readership for their blog. Bloggers can utilize existing social media sites to identify, join and interact with groups of like minded individuals who have an interest in a particular topic. Those same individuals are the perfect target audience to expose to your blog and invite into a conversation on your own site.In some ways its like shopping for readers. If I wanted to build a blog about sport fishing the first thing I would do is find a place online that was hosting lots of conversations about my topic. I would then become part of that conversation and over time contribute urls to posts on my blog that are relevant to the given conversation. I might even let the existing conversations drive some of the content I create.
When used properly you can build your blog readership for free just by interacting with others. This is one of the best marketing tools I can think of for bloggers just starting out.
I won’t say that this isn’t a very valid statement. It’s great to point out how to use social media sites. But I’m still left wondering, how should smaller bloggers use these sites to maximize their blog’s earning potential?
It seems that question won’t be answered by Ted. But, that’s also a topic I can write about on another day and I will.
Ted’s e-mail to me also contained an invitation to reconsider my attendance of PostieCon (renamed IzeaFest), and said that he enjoyed meeting me last year at PostieCon.
My gut reaction was to drop this subject, move on, and forget further participation with Izea (note, not bloggers that use Izea’s services… I have made some great connections with them and bloggers using their network should not be included in the activities of the company).
Then, out of nowhere, a single login to the PayPerPost forum revealed the newest way that Izea is capitalizing on the loss suffered by their network of bloggers.
The newest website out from Izea is called RankSpank, displaying a single video of two Izea employees rapping about losing Google’s PageRank which of course, means that you should use IzeaRanks. The website also includes a nice badge that says “I Got Spanked.”
Professional, indeed.
Honestly, I enjoy companies that can have a great time, display enthusiasm for their business, and get their customers hyped. However, you’re not going to hype me up about the tremendous loss that bloggers have taken because Google changed their PageRank. Nor will I get behind the idea of down playing the importance that is placed on PageRank by promoting a brand new site that inaccurately reports your website’s traffic and links then gives an inaccurate “RealRank” of your website.
The PayPerPost forum is littered with quick to shoot, loyal PayPerPost users who don’t even realize that they’re worth isn’t being accounted for. And Izea, instead of taking the time to keep these people on their side, is busy working on stupid sound bite videos that are humiliating their posties.
Now, I have to tell you, the two Izea employees in the video were quick to let you know that the video was shot off hours. And that the development team, who should be working on the long overdue, SocialSpark had nothing to do with the video. Yet, I am hard pressed to believe that the RankSpank website wasn’t build with their assistance, on company time. Not that I care what is done on Izea’s dollar other than the lack of a website launch that was promised more than a month ago.
With further regard to the company forums, I’m unimpressed. Within a couple of days of joining the forum, I was reprimanded by a good loyal postie for mentioning PayU2Blog on their forum when she stated it wasn’t “kosher” to discuss other paid to blog companies (even though my statement was in support of PayPerPost and against PayU2Blog).
Other posties have their threads locked when they say something that doesn’t agree with the majority, are trashed with they open a forum that is in support of posties having a voice, and yet, it’s quite acceptable that another postie publicly states that people interested in pornographic websites are perverts.
While Ted attempted to do damage control with me via e-mail after my post, it seems his efforts would best be spent cleaning up the moral of his business. Addressing what is and isn’t acceptable on their company forum, working harder to launch the much anticipated SocialSpark, and bringing down the “Postie Circle of Trust” from their pedestals.
Long post made short, I’m done trying with this company. You don’t have a place if you’re not in the in crowd, and if you have an opinion that is against the norm you’ll quickly be chastised for such opinion. Frankly, none of it is worth the few bucks you’ll make for a few posts… that will only last until Google knocks your PageRank.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:26 am
I am sorry you are displeased Katy. I do hear your concerns. We recently had an executive session to discuss many of the issues that you raise in this post, especially as it relates to the boards.
We are not perfect as a company (nor am I as an individual) but I can tell you we give 110% in everything we do. We are committed to our community and try our very best to serve the diverse needs of our advertisers and bloggers. Sometimes we make mistakes. The only thing we can do is acknowledge them, note them so as not to forget them and move on.
IZEA is probably one of the most open companies out there. We invite all of you to participate, comment and speak your mind… even when it is hard to hear. More importantly we take your feedback and apply it to bettering the company and our offerings for everyone.
We care. I care. I hope we can make things right by you but if not I do appreciate the feedback either way.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Great post, as always Katy.
The professional attitude that PPP used to have is no longer evident. It seems now that they’re just out for the buck, and don’t really care about their longterm “employees”. This reaks of SixApart when they took over LiveJournal, and started adding ads everywhere until Sunday. Once they realized that the users didn’t like it (took them awhile, but they realized it finally), they jumped ship and sold the company.
I wonder how long it will be before Izea just jumps ship once they realize they’re only going to be getting bloggers who only care for the money, just like them, and advertisers start walking away because of the craptastic posts those bloggers make.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Ted » I understand that companies have a series of changes to go through, everything is always ever changing. However, it’s the public display of the company’s changes that make it difficult to follow and continue to support. Being that Izea is so open as a company, it makes me wonder if that’s probably the biggest downfall? Most bloggers want a way to monetize their websites in a way that is easy and supportive of their natural blogging behavior.
The fact that Izea so often includes their posties on the choices they make as a company projects the feeling that the company is headed into a direction that works for people who, let’s face it, are not CEOs (myself included). Additionally, for those that are not in the “in crowd,” it doesn’t feel like a community. It feels as though you’re unwelcome and your opinion is not valued unless you have 1,000 personal photographs taken with the CEO and several other key Izea employees. (None of which I have).
I once believed that PayPerPost was something revolutionary and you, being CEO, had the opportunity to change how the entire blogosphere operates in direct relation to monetization. Now that my feelings have changed on that perspective, I find disappointment. And while it’s obvious that Izea and its employees give 110% into everything that is done, it’s what’s being done that I wonder why anyone would put the 110% in?
Please understand that my open display of my personal opinion is something that is not meant to attack or belittle the individuals within the company. Nor is it something that is meant personally to you as a individual but only as CEO of the company I’m currently finding issue with. Not knowing you on a personal level, it would be inappropriate for me to make judgement calls or personal attacks to you who are.
While I’m moving myself in a direction that means I’ll be zipping my lip to what Izea does from here on out, it won’t mean that I’m not paying attention. Keeping an eye on the blogosphere and sharing my opinion on all aspects of blogging is why my readers come to I’m Blogging That and comment.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Sarah » Thank you. I agree with you on your statements regarding PPP. But, I think my response to Ted above also address some of the statements that you made. :o)
February 25th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
You made some really valid points Katy. I agree with you on most of them, in fact, 3 of my blogs were removed from PPP (by me) a while ago.
As far as the forums, it’s just like high school. If you’re not “in the loop” then you don’t count. That is a HUGE reason why I don’t go there much. I have stated my opinion on something only to be lashed out at and I don’t appreciate it at all…besides, you can’t argue with people who are right all the time**roll eyes**.
I enjoyed the video a great deal because I like humor and crave it. With all the negativitity on this situation (and in life), it was a nice break to see something that made me smile. I really don’t care if they did the video at work, home, or whatever. Frankly, it’s not worth my time to care.
I think so many people complain because they are just SAHMs trying to earn some extra money and not “Internet Marketers”. In other words, they don’t know how to make money with their blog other ways so they rely on PPP as their major source of online income. I don’t know, that’s just my 2 cents on that.
Everyone has a choice. They can stay or go just as you have chosen. No company is perfect and there will always be complaints and coulda, shoulda, wouldas. I will see what happens when Social Spark is released (if ever) and decide then on whether or not I will put my blogs into the system again.
Very well written post Katy!
February 25th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Oh shoot, I forgot to tell you that I love your bright, uplifting design:)
February 25th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
It’s unfortunate you had a bad experience and I commend you for writing so honestly about it.
I have joined several social networking sites only to be let down. It seems many are trying to jump on the bandwagon and take advantage of their users and traffic to get paid advertising without doing the bulk of the work. Small time bloggers should work hard on building relationships with other bloggers they enjoy to find targeted traffic, not just swim in a big fishing bowl of social sites.
February 26th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Lori » I’ve done the removing of my blogs as best as I can. I respectfully decline PPP Direct offers and simply do not take any opps that are rolled out. However, I do jump in and look to see what is available. Mostly because I feel that I’m watching a downward spiral of what’s available and see how blogs quickly turn from quality to splogs when using sponsored services (not just PPP either).
High school, I never thought to put the forums into that perspective but I think you’re absolutely correct! There have been a few times that I have left a comment about the offense that someone else stated. Not to start drama but to have them see another side. It’s annoying and rarely do I go back to a thread to see further comments. I just don’t care to be insulted by the same people more than once.
The video is probably for people that have a higher level of sense of humor than I have. I commonly don’t think things are funny that other people do. And while I see the humor in the video, I went straight to how it felt like a slam for everyone that lost their PageRank (and haven’t gotten it back).
Thanks for the compliment on the site too! :D
Michelle » I agree with you about some social networking sites. And you’ll find more often these days that it’s the bigger blogs reaching out as opposed to the smaller bloggers to each other. It’s interesting to watch. But, when it comes to social networking, I cannot sing the praises of StumbleUpon enough. Check it out!
February 27th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Hi Katy!
First, I want to say how beautiful your blog is–fantastic job and well worth your efforts! :)
Second, I want to tell you that I respect a person who speaks her mind in an straightforward manner and you do this very well. I could certainly benefit from borrowing a page from your book.
In re: the forums, I’m pulling way back now that I’ve seen some true colours flying and also have been reprimanded for alluding to (not even naming) another company.
I find forums in general tend to get clique-ish and I forget how much I hated that stuff in high school–until I get reminded. There are very obviously favourites and perhaps they earned it–but it being blatant makes the rest of us feel “less than.”
I must say some of what you wrote in re: PPP was almost painful to read. I’m not a SAHM and I don’t have my hopes pinned on PPP/IZEA but I do see the spiraling downward in quality of advertisers–and that’s cause for serious concern.
Regardless of what’s to come in the future, I wish you the best in your endevours.
Peace,
Cyn
(Caprica on PPP)
February 27th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Great post here as always Katy. I do notice that the thread locking seems to have slowed down some, so we will see how long that last.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Cyn » Thank you for the compliment on my blog design and the nice comment about voicing my opinion. It’s something that I certainly do often enough around here…
Lori mentioned that the forums were like high school as well and I really believe that’s the best assessment on them. I’ve stopped talking on a lot of subjects but will still post when I don’t have to put a strong personal opinion in. The drama that goes with that just isn’t worth my time. And true colors is absolutely true, I wonder how people will continue to make money when they’re giving themselves such a bad rep?
I can see how my words must almost be painful. It’s sad that it’s also reality. And I absolutely agree, it is cause for concern. Yet you don’t see anyone at the Izea offices jumping to fix it either. And they are, the attempts are failing.
Breezie » Thank you. I never paid too much attention to locked threads until your thread opened up about it. Then I took notice. If they have slowed down, that’s a great start for allowing your voice to be heard. Honestly though, the mods need to be paid or the board needs to be completely moderated by Izea to improve the quality there… thread locking or not.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I am in complete agreement that mods need to be paid, the mods leave me with the impression that they have no guidance at all.
We have been told by Gordon that complaints are being looked into, and that the forum is going to under go some sort of an overhaul.
Hopefully this will include paying moderators for the time that they do spend there. And possible improving the general quality and overall feel of the forum.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Breezie » They have given the impression that they have no guidance. And honestly, you’ll see me disappear completely if those mods are paid to do that job. The simple idea that they’re “Postie Circle of Trust” as if to say PPP trusts no one else and they’re more often than not rude behavior won’t leave a good taste in my mouth if they actually get paid by PPP to continue to treat people that way. It’ll speak volumes for me… and I hope that it will for other people as well.
Ted also eluded to the idea that they’re making changes within the forum. It’s something that I’ll be addressing in my e-mail to him today.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I would hope that the entire mod staff would be overhauled before they would consider paying them.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Breezie » Agreed!
March 1st, 2008 at 7:32 am
I actually like PPP so far. But was VERY disappointed when the lowered their blogging/postie rules. Allowing newer bloggers and also I think they only had to be posting for a month (or something like that)
I had to actually work at my blog - and now people are going to be busy trying to jump on the PPP bandwagon, allowing in really crappy reviews and all that.
My main goal is staying true to myself. But a lot of posties do not.
I think I have only done 6 PPP reviews! And my blog has been around for a while.
I have not even added my new blog to my account, and I do not think I will be either.
I read some of the other “reviews” that posties do - and they are awful! It’s quite embarrassing!
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:23 am
Simple Mindz » The first post I did about Izea a few weeks ago ultimately came about because of their terms of service change. If you didn’t read that post, you may be very interested in it: Losing Touch with the Blogosphere.
I used to be a very avid supporter of the PayPerPost system. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend PostieCon, and up until recently, sung the praises of the company and Ted.
For someone like who you uses the system sparingly, you may actually go further than putting all of your eyes in this basket to monetize your blog.
As for reviews other posties have done, I have to agree with you. I’ve seen some that aren’t well written at all… on the other hand, I have seen good stuff too!
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:49 am
Katy- I agree. I have seen a few good reviews too. For the most part though, I see many new blogs with just reviews written… It’s like reading one big commercial, page after page. I would think the advertisers would not want that…
Maybe I am wrong…lol
March 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
Simple Mindz » Commercial indeed! And it doesn’t really help that many paid to blog bloggers are using more than one system. It’s called overload and they just don’t know a limit. The money gets addicting but they don’t realize what they’re doing to a blog. :
I’m sure the advertisers don’t want this. I’ve seen multiple comments about it from advertisers on many different forums and yet, every company fails to do anything to stop it. What do they care? More money in their pockets! Bad for business…