MyBlogLog Aims High - At God No Less
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I have never been inclined to beat a dead horse to death, but some dead horses need it. I did a post recently about social networks in which MyBlogLog was mentioned as one network that could use some new blood. It is important to note here that my intention in criticizing any startup is to provide feedback in order to help. Stupidity and mediocrity are not the way to succeed in Web development or operation however - so MBL or any other community are fair game for criticism in my book.
Because of recent events and improper statements by company representatives, MyBlogLog should issue a general apology to anyone who took offense at the text on any page of their site and also to anyone who was slighted by Ian Kennedy’s flippant commentary on Mihaela Lica’s blog, read on to find out why.
MBL’s Little Dictator Insults The Populace
In response to my post, Ian Kennedy (the community manager at MBL) commented in their defense by throwing a rather lame excuse (as if one was needed) at my insinuation that MBL is on the decine - duh. Ian insisted that MBL is a different kind of community (okay) and also sort of spammed my comments by advertising their new API as the cure for all ills there. I had no real problem with this, and naturally assumed that my input would be run through the feedback mill with perhaps at least some scrutiny.
Well, this was not the case, as we can see now. Out of course, my partner Mihaela Lica wrote a much more tangible and evidenciary post chastising both MyBlogLog and Yahoo for not living up to expectations, both those of the users and Web 2.0 enthusiasts. The resultant response from MBL’s guru was less than appropriate.
Just so you know - some numbers don’t lie - the issue on MIG’s post
Improper Is Improper
Mihaela presented some rather damning evidence to the effect that Yahoo and MyBlogLog are guilty of either massive abuses of success and power or downright stupidity. I know her intend and style of writing and no one – no one, could actually want these entities to succeed more. So, Ian comments on improper text about religion and general ludicrousness on the MBL help section - as if it is funny - and this is somehow supposed to be okay?
I do not understand how any modern website or business could be so stupid, but I am more concerned with the attitude of the representative of MBL. The community manager of any site worth a damn should certainly never leave a public comment minimizing or admonishing genuine and legitimate feedback from users. I must say I was infuriated to see such arrogant and frivolous commentary from MBL - even through a proxy.
What Did He Say – You Say?
The issue here was not specifically religion, but rather the tone and constituency of one of the key pages on MyBlogLog. Secondarily, Mihaela addressed the paradox of Yahoo and its relative inability to transform the most popular website in the world into a complete success (or any kind of relative success for that matter). But the fact that the content on that page basically insults Orthodox Christianity and the intelligence of MBL users for that matter is damnable .
Ian expressed that the people who wrote the page were just having some fun, but in my mind the help page of one of the most popular sites on the Web, a place where professional and amateur blogger alike reside, is not place to poke fun or insult the religion of the usership.
The help page is where people look for answers, not jokes and idiocy – where does a serious website put their helpful information? Ian’s comments went on in an effort, not to apologize or factually explain, but to further inflame or castigate not only Mihaela’s readers – but the people of the MBL community at large. The best excuse Ian could give for MBL’s plummet in Alexa rating was that the numbers were wrong or basically that MBL is MBL. I suppose we are all supposed to be in awe that MBL is coming out with a cool API – one which according to Ian will make all these issues go away (are API’s holy?).
I feel bad actually writing such a negative post. I just don’t like being insulted and I particularly don’t like my friends and contemporaries being insulted. Any of us is capable of a mistake or two – I have sure made my share. However, learning from these and when appropriate apologizing for them is paramount if we are to progress as human beings. This is evidently not the philosophy of Yahoo employees, and certainly not corporate dogma either – lest Yahoo make a good decision once in a while. Here, see if this Q & A looks like something that should reside on a serious help page.
What is the meaning of life?
What we’ve come up with can be reduced to two fundamental concepts. One, people are not wearing enough hats. Two, Matter is energy. In the universe, there are many energy fields, which we cannot normally perceive. Some energies have a spiritual source, which act upon a person’s soul. However, this soul does not exist automatically, as orthodox Christianity teaches, but has to be brought into existence by a process of guided self-observation. However, this is rarely achieved due to mankind’s unique ability to be distracted from spiritual matters by everyday trivia.
Sorry, I just don’t see it. I should also note that Ian told Mihaela’s readers (and MBL’s best) that the help page had not been update and these things were there before Yahoo took over – but the announcement of the new API is there? Pass the buck – the American way. I expect these guys would blame global warming on the Pilgrims or Leif Ericson. Any way, please just think about this everyone.
I have always said that any startup or endeavor is about the people behind it. MBL is not dieing because of the users, not because the technology doesn’t exist and not because of the lack of an API. It is dieing because of apathy and stupidity or at the very least the lack of funds and attention. Yahoo should really be ashamed of themselves for being so pitiful. I hope they listen for once and ask some people who knows WTF is going on what to do next. I would not recommend adopting MBL as your spiritual minister - what if they are wrong and we are actually born with a soul?
Sorry but I had to get it all in..in case ya know?
Phil, I couldn’t help a smile when reading your last paragraph. You know me already - I joke about a lot of things, religion including. But I am with you on this one: such jokes have no place on a corporate site open to millions of users.
MyBlogLog ceased to be a private site a long time ago. Yahoo! was careless about that help section - if what Ian says is true (which I doubt).
In his comment on my blog Ian even insinuates that they will take off the orthodox Christian reference, but keep on the hats.(?!) Whatever.
This is a 5 minutes job and yet the text is still there. I wonder if they need a deadline, or for me to send out screenshots (yes, I have them) to the Russian and Greek orthodox Patriarchies and communities (”See how Yahoo! is mocking your beliefs”), and then to sue. Hm…
Ian, I know you’ll read this one. Do us all a favor and call your boss. You are way overwhelmed in this situation, and while my blog entry was just to show a few flaws and hope that you guys will take the time to make a note and eventually address them, this time I am getting serious.
Phil, first of all, I do believe they have no idea about religion. As Christian Orthodoxy is not the only one preaching the soul is a given. So if you look deeper, I am sure you can see they have actually offended many more.
As for Ian, if I were their PR, or working for Yahoo in PR, I’d be crying right now! I am really anxious to see how they handle it further. Will they simply keep going on this track, acting stupidly and cocky and offending anyone they meet?
Phil,
I couldn’t agree more. When you consider our nation was founded on freedom of religion as a core principal, the actions of Yahoo are unacceptable. And yes, Yahoo is responsible. I cannot imagine a large corporation would not have the resources to scan each and every page for offensive or inappropriate material, maybe not each independent blog, but certainly their corporate help pages.
Like a doctor, a company must adopt the philosophy of “do no harm.” Clearly, they do not have this philosophy. They’ve harmed many people.
When I read the term “orthodox Christianity,” by the way, I took it to mean all of Christendom, not just Eastern Orthodoxy, for example. Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc… should all be at least offended, if not outraged.
Yahoo could have handled this with 2 simple actions:
1. Remove the remark.
2. Explain that it was a quirky “edgy” artifact of the original start-up, that has no place in a large corporation.
I’m pretty sure Yahoo corporate-types all get training on not harassing or acting inappropriately - we all do. I’m not sure how they repair it. Perhaps the person you mention gets removed and transferred to regain the confidence of bloggers and readers alike.
The arrogance of the people who put that comment on the site to begin with is astounding. It shows a new form of fascism where pseudo-intellectuals can say what they want, and anyone who disagrees is beat down. It’s a shame. What a dumb and totally avoidable situation.
Dear Phil,
I am so sorry. I certainly did not intend to upset or offend anyone.
Upon further investigation, I’ve since learned that the source of this FAQ was from the Monty Python movie, The Meaning of Life.
http://www.intriguing.com/mp/_scripts/meanlife.asp
Search for “hats” on this page and you’ll find the quote.
But you’re right. The FAQ was out of place if it’s confusing for some, it certainly does not belong if it offends. It’s been deleted.
Please accept my sincerest apologies.
Sincerely,
Ian
Product Manager, MyBlogLog
It’s just a Monty Python quote.
http://passionforcinema.com/and-now-for-something-completely-different/
I am one of the co-founders of MyBlogLog. The FAQ entry is actually a quote from the Monty Python movie The Meaning of Life. The founders are big fans of the comedy troupe. We included the quote as a small tribute and to offer a little humor to people that were reading the site. We are sorry Monty Python’s quote has offended you.
As for the success of MyBlogLog since moving to Yahoo!, you can see updated numbers on this post:
http://mybloglogb.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/02/2008-state-of-t.html
Nearly 3 times the traffic and over 5 times the number of sites is not bad for one year. The numbers look down for mybloglog.com on Alexa since much of our site is now served from the Yahoo.com domain.
Why don’t you, co-founders make a Monty Python fan club and spare us the trouble?
Why is so difficult to admit that you made a mistake? Thank you, Ian! I underestimated you and this is the kind of apology which I accept wholeheartedly, even if you didn’t publish it on my blog. It’s not the place that matters!
But you two Eric and Todd should know better: when you quote a source give the reference - the links above should be on the help page under the quote in quotation marks to avoid any situations like this. Honestly now, was that really necessary?
Ian, I appreciate your good will here, and it is true that though I like Monty Python, I did not recognize the quote. It is good to see that there is in fact intelligent life at MBL.
I am sorry if I implied incorrectly that you were less than in the 90th percentile. It is quite obvious that a fast learning curve combined with a genuine sense of at least someone else having feelings - is in fact one of the earmarks of someone with potential.
It is unfortunate however that the upper echelon of MBL (who have graced my blog with their presence) either have been asleep, awake too long or just don’t get it. It matters little to me if this quote is from Monte Python or from Gone With The Wind. There are several points here as you can easily see.
I criticized MBL and others for basically boring people to death and not being progressive. I also think Yahoo is a shambles and needs to get their head out of the sand. You did your job and did some damage control on that…bravo..I don’t blame you. It is okay to take up for the boss…really.
Then, as she has done many times, Mihaela directed a keen sense of how this Web works and also a genuine desire to make things better at the problems you guys are facing. Namely Yahoo and the freaking unbelievable chasm of value between it and Google. And once again you tried to do your job..all be it not using the clarity of vision one might need in addressing an obviously supportive if discouraged audience. No big deal, you came off wrong - we all make mistakes man.
Erringly, the issue became just about religion and not so much about the way you handled the MBL members commenting. The issue was not all about the FAQ but as much or more about WTF is Yahoo going to do about squandering billions literally while their competitor abuses them in public.
Any of us can make a mistake as I said. All in all I have made too many to list. I am sorry for those I have made, and I try to learn from them so I don’t do them again. One way to avoid these mistakes is to always treat everyone with respect and try to be humble no matter how big your brain is. I hope we can all do this more.
As for your bosses here, I cannot decide which one pisses me off worse. Eric, who has taken the arrogant (OMFG I had to come to this asshole’s site and actually comment) stance - or Todd, who decided to copy and paste his comment either here or on Mihaela’s site (they are identical). Now I know where the arrogant smirk thingy came from in your original comment on Mihaela’s site - the bosses act that way don’t they Ian?
Well, don’t emulate them…I expect they are the ones who must have been burning a fatty and watching Monte when that FAQ went up. Guys, I don’t know what the Orthodox church is going to react to, but my most vehement reaction to this less than chivalrous BS is to drop my MBL accounts and set a new goal. Driving signups and traffic to either Blog Catalog or a new startup that we might be developing in the near future (to be announced).
You heard it Dmitry, you made a great startup once, here is another chance to dethrone a dead duck! Come on VC guys, I know you read this stuff, I am right 80 percent of the time - divvy up - probably 10-12 million A series.
This is so ridiculous, two co-founders too big for their britches and a product manager who has some sense caught in the middle. All because people can’t get past their own egos. That is why this is called unplugged…I get to call BS without worrying about the guy upstairs.
I see that the offensive quote was removed, so at least we accomplished that. Now I am off to remove my MBL account..and I wish the service luck….it can’t take criticism so it will need it.
Phil - Out
Eric and Todd, Thanks so much, I do not know how to thank you guys for your apt humility and grace. I guess you just missed the point, but you have bigger problems if you think a widget already in use elsewhere basically is going to revive MBL. Just so you know I have a sense of humor I attach a portrait of the MBL crew. What’s in that pipe you are smoking Eric? Todd, don’t look so damned despondent and Ian get up, don’t be scared…hey who are these other guys - the unseen back end? (NOTE: The proper way to make a joke using Monty Python - do it unplugged)
The MyBlogLog management flanked by the new Yahoo execs.
I for one do not see the problem. It’s cleary not meant to be taken seriously, unless you insinuate that more people should wear hats to battle global warming. However that might help (the extra shade might?).
As an atheist, I am offended that everytime some orthodox religion gets offended there is a big moral panic. Do we see the same tough love when actual atrocities are committed in the name of orthodox religion? Not at all. Papal pedophilia resulted in out of court settlements and a big hush hush. Islam is treated with velvet gloves becuase their fundamentatlists have a reputation for resorting to violence when they get offended (Danish cartoons?).
Now, a backhanded, poor attempt at humour is enough to result in fancy graphs and a scolding of MyBlogLog?
Just grow up.
Garg, Thanks for your comment, believe it or not I believe everyone is entitled and should comment in discourse.
I am always a little miffed when people do not read or take in the whole conversation. The religious aspect was indeed inflammatory, but the ham handed and arrogant attitude of MBL is really as much an issue as any of the other ones (of which there are several if you follow the string).
There are always fundamentalists in every group (of which I am not one) and I hope no one jumps on atheists at MBL too. Even though this is not strictly a religion, it is your right and you should not be regaled for it.
Please understand, we are not arguing for just the rights of orthodox Christians, but for respect and better places for everyone.
These communities do none of us a service by overlooking or downplaying shortcomings. I hope you can see that. I am sorry, but if growing up means indifference or only the belief in what we see, I will remain as a child.
Always,
Phil -
I don’t find religious statements inflammatory. I am indifferent to any religious statements.
Usability is a big factor. Speaking about MyBlogLog, I find it very useful to monitor site traffic. As a community, not so much. BlogCatalog is a similar venture but much more community oriented. For instance, you don’t get general discussions on MBL, discussions are reserved to groups.
I apologise for ranting at you, as I can see poking fun at users looking for help is not well, helpful. That is the issue, no?
Garg,
Yes, one of the main issues. It is just indicative of a rather adolescent approach to dealing with people in general. The folks never took notice of who was commenting (not that it matters too much). Most of these people are professional bloggers in their own right.
These people, and especially a few who contributed to this Web 2.0 aspect, did not just jump off the turnip boat. Feedback from such a group could prove invaluable to MBL or any community. So, you see, blowing off skilled people who are members of your community off handed is not exactly corporate behvior lesson number one.
I agree with your assessment of MBL and Blog Catalog completely. I use to use MBL for quick inaccurate stats too, but Statcounter is free and much more in depth and accurate. Besides the MBL widget on my blog there —–>>>>>>>>>>>> Well, it used to be there (now the Blog Catalog one is) it was the only reason to really use MBL in the end.
Thanks for commenting and no need to apologize for your appropriate comments..we can disagree you know. Just don’t tell someone who has tested 350 startups that everything Monty Python is appropriate anywhere.
Always,
Phil
Do you think that Microsoft will make this all better?
If you can’t get help from a websites help department, except a ration of defensiveness, perhaps you have touched on a sore spot. It seems to me that constructive criticism is an opportunity for any company to look inward,so as to enhance their corporate culture. Too bad.
Hi Maggie,
Actually, MS will only exacerbate the situation in my view. Sad to say it but Google is the only player in this game. I am not saying these other people can’t, hell I have been waiting on them for 2 years. Yahoo is the most popular site in the world, yet …yet…..yet they still can’t break out of the mold.
You are so right about the MBL guys…but in their defense (God why do I defend people) having one’s baby insulted can make on defensive. I do think there is trouble in many sectors of social networking…the bubble may in fact burst on the whole lot for all we know.
I would never have gotten so angry if it were just my blog. Mihaela however, has done nothing since I have known her but help people unselfishly and professionally. The people commenting on her blog were sincerely offering feedback out of caring. To be slighted and minimized like that really pissed me off.
I appreciate all the efforts you and so many others make Maggie. Friends are always so supportive and kind…do you ever wonder why we can’t all be friends?
Always,
Phil
I am a born agaion christian and have no issues with this statement.
However, this soul does not exist automatically, as orthodox Christianity teaches
I think this was a great way to have a little fun with on the help page. As a regular run of the mill internet user and new blogger I am finding that I may be at odds with a lot of the professionals. I don’t see myself as having a need to be professional. I left that behind when I quit working for corporate companies. I don’t write to be a professional writer just a writer. In my worthless opinion I think professionalism has no business in writing. Political correctness does not belong in writing. Expecting anyone to be professional whether they are a corporate entity or not is ridiculous. I find professionalism in itself is soul destructing.
There is room out there for everyone to go and have fun. I read the article and it cames across as an outright attack on MBL. Mind you until I read this article I had no clue what MBL was. I guess it may not be that important. I regularly read articles that much more attacking of Christian beliefs but rather than throw a fit and attack back I just smile and move on. This little joke of MBL really has been blown way out of proportion and remember I said I am a born again Christian. Really just let the idiots be idiots and quit sinking to their level. I like reading this blog and I truly think you are better than a name calling war with another site.
I got nothin’ but love in that pipe, Phil.
I wonder though, if I should take offense, or perhaps feel threatened, that you’ve insinuated that I’m the dead Python
(Things are so much more troubling when everything is read literally.)
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the input. I feel badly that you perceived the article as an outright attack. It is not my nature to be negative unsolicited. We have been reviewing and commenting on startups and websites for some time. Out of course some of the commentary gets to be rather negative, but it is meant to be feedback to the innovators so that they might improve or at least be aware of the needs of users.
This was the original intent of my partner Mihaela Lica, with here article about some of the shortcomings of MBL and Yahoo. The stroy got “thicker” when one of the MBL people came to her blog (amidst several prominent bloggers and members of the community) and basically blew off the feedback and comments in defense of MBL.
So, this is how my post came about. I guess you could call it a counterattack in that rude crude and socially unacceptable behavior from Corporate executives of a social networking site does not sit well with me (or most people I think). As it turns out, it is fairly clear that the MBL people never really intended to sound arrogant, but were I think just tired and defending their creation. Harm is harm no matter how you slice it though.
So, now we are all on the same page I guess, butI do not want any reader to think I attacked anyone unprovoked. I don’t care if people are in a high rise corporatr3e office or sitting at home eating a ham sandwich, they can still be civil and especially when they are addressing their meal ticket.
I hope this made the situation more clear, and like you I believe that God has a sense of humor. I do not however think that hanging a clothes line in his favorite tabernacle would make him smile much. So, there is a place and time for everything under the sun.
Thanks,
Phil
Hi Eric,
I love you too man, can I have a beer? We wish you guys well..really. We will also help in any way we can…We already have a few ideas for how MBL might easily add some value.
Always,
Phil
Phil,
Thanks for taking the time to offer further explanation. I typically really enjoy reading your stuff. I guess we all have those moments when some one or some thing rubs us the wrong way. After working for several years in the corporate environment I understand the need to throw out silly stuff from time to time.
I just reread my original comments and I definitely over did it myself. My apologies for any offense that may have been taken.
No Jim, NO offense taken really. I just wanted to explain as I know how it is to come into the middle of a conversation. This discourse actually took place on two blogs.
I appreciate your candidness and comments truly. I actually appreciated Ian’s comment on my earlier blog post about networks, but then things got weird when Mihaela wrote and even more in depth post. I think it is all explained now, but prominent site owners should take a positive view of feedback.
Always,
Phil
Cool.