Ok, while Jason Calacanis addresses the issue of sleazy services popping up where people pay for or trade with others votes and artificial bumping of news stories on Digg and Netscape, he says the following about social news sites:
“it is a privilege to engage in these systems”
I recognize the problem he’s talking about in his post, and it’s a big problem that needs to be nipped in the bud. I applaud Jason for taking immediate action against this. But the quote above is the reason why I just unsubscribed from Jason’s blog and will be removing the Netscape buttons from my blogs ASAP.
To AOL - An anti-social person who looks down on all others as being lesser (or “Low Rent,” a term he’s used in the past) and thinks others are “Privileged” to be able to use social news and networking sites, should NOT be in charge of a social news and networking site.
Jason, sorry man, my ever dwindling respect for you as a blogger and social networking evangilist has now vanished completely.
Jason, Kevin Rose of Digg.com and and yourself with inheriting the Netscape.com domain and userbase are both extremely Lucky and Privileged to have people visit and build your sites for you.
Your biggest problem isn’t people trying to scam their way to the top of your site, it’s your “Holier than thou” attitude that will be your downfall. You need to get back in touch with the people who really matter in the grand scheme of things, on their level - Your Readers and the people who are building your sites for you.
October 19th, 2006 at 8:23 pm
You make a good point… it’s a privilege for all of us to be part of these communities–I’ve always felt that. We are here to serve our members and our members are here to serve each other. My point is that we ALL have to look at each other’s time and effort as a gift that is not to be abused.
Also, I’m speaking to the low, low gamers and spammers in my post–not the good people. These gamers need to understand that these systems are not their for their abusive behavior… i’m sure you agree!
On the PayPerPost stuff, it is fine with me as long as folks are not COVERT. No one wants to be lied to–do you? So, I give kudos to the good people and I hate, hate, hate the bad folks.
I’m thankful for all our members on all our products.. trust me on that.
October 20th, 2006 at 8:15 am
Great post, Paul. I find it incredibly disappointing when every cool new website that could be a terrific service… turns into a war zone between spammers and controllers (ie those throwing money around to sway the results).
It means having to filter through A LOT of CRAP to enjoy any great resources on most of the major sites.