Start Ups are Hard Part II
Start ups aren’t hard, they are frickin brutal. Yesterday was a banner day for this statement. We changed the buzzrank. Holy crap, what a fire storm.
So what to do now?
We have a truckload of pissed off users. Some have already destroyed their accounts. Some have threatened to leave. Others have called into question our authenticity, the VERY thing we strive most for here on the buzz. (We took those allegations the most personal.)
Well, we have been givin’ some thought to all of this and I am recalling my B-School days. We’re gonna stay true to who we are and what we are about and let the chips fall where they may.
We are not going to do anything.
When we made the changes it was never our expectation they would be perfect. We anticipated changes would have to be made. Getting things right is important to us. So, regardless of yesterdays reaction(s) we are moving forward as planned. We are looking at the ranking, the effect it has on content and how closely it represents the likes and dislikes of you, our members.
What are we looking for the ranking to do?
We will know the ranking is correct when things look like this:
1) The MOST active people on the buzz with the BEST content have the highest rankings
2) The people with the BEST content, but are a LESS active are in the middle
3) The people who are MOST active but have average to POOR content are in the bottom half
4) The people who are LESS active and have POOR content, well they are scrappin the bottom of the barrel.
(MOST BEST is the best. BEST LESS is good, MOST POOR OK, LESS POOR, ain’t gonna cut it.)
The above is our goal. As part of this goal the above will be fresh. The content and profiles will be representative of the here and now. Those who are most active today, this week, with content that folks on the site today and in the here and now are ranking and following, will be the highest ranked. Not those of yesterday.
In order for cre8Buzz to blow up we have to be different, we have to offer more than just the same old. We believe that something different on cre8Buzz is the sharing of the content, traditionally locked away in other social networks. If we don’t move the good stuff to the front and do it regularly, then we are no different than the rest and we might as well shut it down now.
Movin’ forward-
We see there is a bug in the algorithm. We know it. We are now trying to find it. When we do, we’ll fix it and see what happens. We won’t stop until the above has been reached. (MB, BL, MP, LP)
Finally, if we upset ya with the changes, we are sorry. It was not our intention. If you feel that we don’t value those of you who helped get us this far because of the changes, that couldn’t be any further from the truth. For those who think the buzzrank is a reward for those who participate the most, that is not the case. It helps, but it’s not who cre8Buzz is. We are about the best content, getting exposure for those who have it and help those who are lookin’ for it, find it.
If this isn’t what you signed up for and you leave us, we understand. We know some of you have already left and we were sorry to see ya go.
We have a vision to be the place where the average person can have a chance to be seen, heard and found for what ever it is they are good at. Anything short of that and we just ain’t havin’ it.
If ya dig the vision stay with us. We’re gonna get there.
Peace
Antman~
UPDATE:
Thanks to those of you who have expressed ya support, put ya big girl pants on and to those of ya who took a little of the heat off. We could feel it and it meant a lot. We never meant to upset anyone . . . for real. It was never to be taken personal. We love ya’ll and we’re gonna get there.
Comments
Thank you, Antman, for coming right out and saying this. It means a lot to be told something straight, and without either fluff OR condescension.
Comment from Mr Lady on May 21, 2008, 10:16 pm
My better/good buzz ranking is leaving my insecure self wondering if I am the glitch in the algorithm. I think you could take a closer look? No one reads my stuff that much…seriously.
I hear lots of folks are stunned but I think I am going to ride the cre8buzz wave as long as I can. I personally enjoy your refreshing philosophies and intentions.
You guys rok.
Comment from Ammey on May 21, 2008, 10:24 pm
When all is said and done, I’ve “met” dozens and dozens of fantastic bloggers who regularly visit my blog and have become part of my usual circle. I was brand spanking new to blogging when I found the Buzz, and I couldn’t have found all this talent on my own. I’m stoked these people read me, and that’s all that matters to me.
That said, I like the Buzz concept and always have, and it’s nice to see it taking hold the way you always envisioned it. My rankings may have suffered, but I like the changes.
Comment from Deb (Missives From Suburbia) on May 21, 2008, 10:35 pm
Antman, if your words hold true, I am now a cre8Buzz lifer - regardless of my ranking.
Thanks for this.
Comment from Huckdoll on May 21, 2008, 11:06 pm
Antman,
I love the idea of the new buzzrank and wish the best for it. Good on you for sticking to your guns. Sorry some people have been giving crap about it.
Hang in.
Cr8buzz rocks
Comment from Heather (ramblin’ red/hamiam) on May 21, 2008, 11:09 pm
It’s all good - to me the new buzzranking is like a new, exciting and continuing personal challenge to get good content up. For me, that is my photography. So it gives me added incentive to get creative and in doing so - wil help improve my photography skills.
I don’t much care for my profile ranking - that is not important - but what means more is to see my images get exposure and recognition.
Comment from Jackal on May 22, 2008, 1:27 am
Yo Antman,
You said it well and I appreciate what you are trying to do. Being a new blogger (started in January), cre8buzz and The Anthill were the first communities I became a real part of. Just like I have changed and adapted, I realize that the communities must change and adapt, too.
Hang in there, change and tweak as necessary, make this the best damn community on the net.
-Stew
Comment from StewartAllyn on May 22, 2008, 3:59 am
I might write something about this as well. I think you are doing a fine job. Ranking isn’t everything, and it’s good to take turns.
Comment from Lady Rohan on May 22, 2008, 4:55 am
Antman,
I’m with you. It’s good to know someone out there has standards and sticks to them. That’s what makes this a great site.
Comment from Meg on May 22, 2008, 5:39 am
I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed when my ranking slid, but I would never get mad. Those that do and threaten to leave your wonderful site need to get a life! Seriously. What matters in the small picture is that you make fantastic friends here and read up on lots of interesting blogs. What matters in the big picture (hello people) is what you do to make your life count in REAL life, in every aspect of your real world to make a difference in your life and others’. I, for one, think you’re doing a fantastic job with cre8buzz. The mere fact that you’re fixing the ranking means that you’re trying to keep it real and fresh, and that should be commended!!!!
Comment from wornoutwoman on May 22, 2008, 5:59 am
I’ve been pretty quiet during this recent storm, mostly because I haven’t been well. I’m glad to see you’ve chosen this course and held to it. I know it isn’t easy when users are whining/griping/threatening and you envision all your work going down the crapper. That won’t happen in this community. This is a strong group, getting stronger every day, and a loyal one. I’m sure even some of those who acted in haste will return to us.
I believe you and the Buzz team made the right decision and I respect you for standing by it. I’ll still be here, regardless of rank, and I’ll continue to help the community however I can.
Peace.
Comment from timbury on May 22, 2008, 6:10 am
I was sorry to see the controversy the new ranking system caused. For what it’s worth, Real World Mom believes in cre8Buzz! and it’s mission, so I’m not going anywhere!
Comment from Stacey on May 22, 2008, 6:18 am
I have to add, we are like a family here, and if one is willing to give all of that up over momentary fame (or the lack thereof), they probably don’t belong here anyway.
Comment from Lady Rohan on May 22, 2008, 6:19 am
I for one appreciate the way you’ve handled this whole thing.
I’ll be honest, the competitive side of me makes me check my rankings all the time, more out of curiosity and to see what happens if I do a little of this, a little of that. I’ve been all over the map lately, but you know, that’s OK by me. I can see how some of the buzzers who spend a whole bucket load more time and effort and see their ranks plummet would be upset.
For me, it’s more about the community, that I can pop in here and say hi to my friends here at the Buzz, many who have the most amazing content, the level of which I could never hope to achieve.
This can’t be easy, I’m sure it will all work out in the end. But for the record, this mediocre buzzer appreciates the efforts that have been made to let every buzzer have a voice about things that happen here.
Cheers.
Comment from Karen MEG on May 22, 2008, 6:30 am
Startups ARE hard. These are growing pains, Antman. As to people who are destroying their accounts over their buzzrank… Think about it. Ask yourself - do you really need this kind of members?
Comment from Leo on May 22, 2008, 6:46 am
Personally I was annoyed by always seeing the same stuff at the top all the damn time. I knew there were better posts, videos and pictures out there but the old stuff just wouldn’t fall from the top. I am glad you are making changes. If this place is about getting exposure then why are people fighting what it’s going to take for people to get that exposure.
All the stuff and people who were at the top for months and months and months… they were already known here. People know who you are and they will continue to read your stuff. You’ve had your exposure. Now, let’s give some other talented people a turn to get noticed!!!
Good for you cre8buzz for trying to make changes that I think are for the betterment of the community!!!
Comment from TheBitterQueen on May 22, 2008, 8:10 am
Don’t sweat it, man. Cre8buzz is great, and the new ranking system will work just fine. Anyone who has a problem or raises a fuss needs to just get over themselves.
Comment from Drapheus on May 22, 2008, 9:31 am
I appreciate this so much. I also appreciated your willingness to listen to my concerns. I still don’t quite understand how it is working, but because I am unsure how I am rankings so HIGH now. LOL I added two pictures, and a few blogs, but I’m not sure anyone has really looked at them.
I do hope that asking questions will not be associated with whining. If this place is about community, we have to work together to get it right.
thank you. Love the buzz. I don’t always have the time for it….but I love it.
Comment from Corey on May 22, 2008, 10:30 am
Startups aren’t easy — and neither is change. And the community will be all the better in the long run from your efforts to make this a quality experience for everyone.
While I’ve been waaaaay under the weather during this transition, I know that personally I’m going to use the changes as a personal challenge to myself once I’m functioning at my normal level again. And for that, I thank you.
Hang in there!
Comment from citizen jane on May 22, 2008, 1:01 pm
Well, I tried to comment twice from work and it wouldn’t work so I’ll try once more from home. I LOVE it here!! I’ve met so many people I’d never have been able to find by just surfing. I’m here to stay, no matter what!!! Love ya, Antman!!
Comment from Jen E on May 22, 2008, 3:13 pm
Well, even though I enjoyed my much higher position, I didn’t know I was supposed to get so angry about the change. Thanks for the frankness, antman, no problem here. I’m just as popular as I was in high school! 
Comment from rjlight on May 22, 2008, 4:05 pm
Quite honestly, I nearly choked on my Cheerios the morning I saw myself listed in the top 8 for Moms. And then again today when that ranking rose even higher, I did, in fact, choke on my Cheerios (it was Raisin Bran, actually, but “…nearly choked on my Raisin Bran” just isn’t as fun to say).
At any rate, I’m thrilled to think that there are people out there (or dogs or incredibly dexterous lizards) that have actually discovered a shred of worthiness associated with me and/or my prose–no matter how minuscule or temporary that might be.
So thank you to whomever made my 15 minutes of fame possible. And for what it’s worth, I’m still a Cre8Buzz fan, no matter how the rankings are determined.
Sorry to the herds of people I surely pissed off.
Comment from Planet Mom on May 22, 2008, 4:54 pm
Don’t give it any worry antman. Those that can’t stick w/ the new program well, they will come back. And those of us that r new are just learning the program. So, Take that weight off your shoulders, we’re behind you.
Comment from Shannon Saylor on May 23, 2008, 2:56 am
It made me sad at first but I get it. I still love it here and I’m staying. Thanks for being honest and sticking to what you think is right, that makes me respect you all a lot.
Comment from Jo Beaufoix on May 23, 2008, 10:08 am
My only comment–GOOD FOR YOU. It’s your sandbox, it’s your rules. The Buzz ranking isn’t a big deal for me–I wish it were higher, but…meh. Whatever. If folks don’t like it, they can either find a new social networking site to join, or cr8 (HA!) their own…
Comment from jtj3 on May 23, 2008, 3:04 pm
Antman and The Hill have been good to this Buzz’r. I truly am thankful for the opportunity to be here to buzz around spread that good old buzz luv. Good job! Keep it up. % )
Comment from BugLady58 on May 24, 2008, 2:37 am
Antman - Once all is shaken out, I believe you modifications will just make the community that much better. Way to keep looking at your creation and refining it. Go Sox!
Comment from bgabree on May 27, 2008, 3:35 pm
It simply is what it is, antman. Love ya.
Hey, my rank dropped, jumped, dropped. got lost…who cares. It’s all good. I do what I can.
Comment from melody is slurping life on June 2, 2008, 11:57 pm
Hey Antman, I’m not hatin’ on how you feel bro. Change doesn’t work for everyone. As long as you hold true to your philosophy regarding the site, make any changes you want.
You’ve always shown interest in making sure the small person gets noticed. All you’re saying is you need to be active and put up good content to be at the top. Keep up the good work.
Comment from tjohnson3 on June 6, 2008, 1:37 pm
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