Blogging on WinCustomize
Wednesday, July 21, 2004 by mrbiotech | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
I'm really amazed at the positive response to the Blogging poll. I stand adamantly in the "No, this sort of thing should be in the message boards, not the home page" and feel like my comments in FrogBoy's blogs may have precipitated the formation of the poll.
Here's my justification: WC is a community-based site, not the personal opinion site of any one person. While it's true that the message boards and commenting systems permit the average community member or theme user to post their opinions, the same is not true of the front page of WinCustomize, reserved for news items reflecting the community (new software, contests, updates, etc). The liberties taken by Brad for his "articles," however informative, defy precedent established by the majority of theme community websites (DeviantArt, customize.org, litestep.net, skinz.org), and are akin to Steve Jobs making commentaries on Apple's downloads page, or Bill Gates editorials on the front of microsoft.com.
I'm not saying that his blogging is bad: the articles are enjoyable and some of the information valuable. The place is incorrect, however, as the remainder of the community is not permitted this luxury, relagating OUR subjective comments to the forums or on specific submitted works. Brad, I'm just politely asking that the venue of the blogs be changed, in fairness to this great community you've helped found, and out of respect for a site that has always maintained a family-type atmosphere. Elitism isn't a pleasant hallmark, but a good example speaks volumes.
Here's my justification: WC is a community-based site, not the personal opinion site of any one person. While it's true that the message boards and commenting systems permit the average community member or theme user to post their opinions, the same is not true of the front page of WinCustomize, reserved for news items reflecting the community (new software, contests, updates, etc). The liberties taken by Brad for his "articles," however informative, defy precedent established by the majority of theme community websites (DeviantArt, customize.org, litestep.net, skinz.org), and are akin to Steve Jobs making commentaries on Apple's downloads page, or Bill Gates editorials on the front of microsoft.com.
I'm not saying that his blogging is bad: the articles are enjoyable and some of the information valuable. The place is incorrect, however, as the remainder of the community is not permitted this luxury, relagating OUR subjective comments to the forums or on specific submitted works. Brad, I'm just politely asking that the venue of the blogs be changed, in fairness to this great community you've helped found, and out of respect for a site that has always maintained a family-type atmosphere. Elitism isn't a pleasant hallmark, but a good example speaks volumes.
 |
|
Page 4 of 4 | |
|
|---|
paxx
Reply #62 Friday, July 23, 2004 10:21 PM
Reply #62 Friday, July 23, 2004 10:21 PM
I too never saw them as Blogs, although Brad himself calls them such. To me, a Blog is more "This morning I ate 2 toasts and a bowl of cereals" and is ultimately very boring, unlike Brad's articles. I do consider them editorials too, and enjoy reading them on the front page. Many newspapers have a editorail column on the front page. Nobody has ne read them if they don't want to. There are editorialists I like to read, and there are some that I totally despise and prefer not to read any more. You can do the same with Brad. You don't have to read it, just scroll down to the net news item or click on the msgboard link at the top.
BTW: users opinions do count. That's why there was a poll about it. If the poll would have clearly indicated that these articles were'nt appreciated, you can be sure that Brad's current "blog" (I hate that word) would be the last one.
BTW: users opinions do count. That's why there was a poll about it. If the poll would have clearly indicated that these articles were'nt appreciated, you can be sure that Brad's current "blog" (I hate that word) would be the last one.
mrbiotech
Reply #63 Friday, July 23, 2004 10:43 PM
Reply #63 Friday, July 23, 2004 10:43 PM
Jafo- known you long enough to know you're neither Bradite, nor Parrot, but nobody can argue that you're bona-fide pro-wincustomize. 
MindlessPuppet- Point taken. It's amazing how many really cut-throat threads there have been over the last 2-3 years here, ones not engendering a tenth of the sentiments expressed in this one. Honestly, I don't have a clue why these type of things happen so prevalently at WC, the most tightly regulated of theming sites (regulation being a good thing, here). Makes you wonder the terror that would exist without moderators!
MindlessPuppet- Point taken.
It's amazing how many really cut-throat threads there have been over the last 2-3 years here, ones not engendering a tenth of the sentiments expressed in this one. Honestly, I don't have a clue why these type of things happen so prevalently at WC, the most tightly regulated of theming sites (regulation being a good thing, here). Makes you wonder the terror that would exist without moderators!
mrbiotech
Reply #64 Friday, July 23, 2004 10:45 PM
Just realized that I've fallen into the jaded category 
Oh well, if anything, it'll help develop a thicker skin.
Reply #64 Friday, July 23, 2004 10:45 PM
Just realized that I've fallen into the jaded category 
Oh well, if anything, it'll help develop a thicker skin.
4D
Reply #65 Saturday, July 24, 2004 1:45 AM
Reply #65 Saturday, July 24, 2004 1:45 AM
I think the thing to remember here is that, as Paxx said, the poll was taken because at heart Brad respects the WC community and his efforts and contributions are all in the effort of furthering that community. While WC is a Stardock website, it IS a community, and Stardock are a company who are known for listening to customers and users, in software support and in changes for the satisfaction of the end-user. If the poll had reflected that Brads editorials were not appreciated they would have stopped.
I understand what you are saying Mr Biotech in regards to the appropriateness of the placement, but as a somewhat casual user of Wincustomize, I enjoy reading Brads editorials, and if they were elsewhere they would be missed. While the statistics for this website show millions viewing it over monthly periods, a large percentage of those are probably not ACTIVE community participants, they will view the main page and explore some articles, maybe comment, and download a skin.
While Brads editorials are opinionated and very much perspective pieces, he neither claims he is right, and furthermore usually links to appropriate external news sites so that a person can get the 'full perspective' if they feel that Brad's vibe is taking over there thinking.
One has to remember that we all want the same thing, a prosperous community that is productive and fulfilling. That will mean different things to different people, but in the end if the majority speaks then some people have to suck in a deep breath and continue on with things. brad is obviously at the center of progress along with his staff at Stardock. One has to remember that his time and energy are spent looking 'forward' and right now that incorporates 'WC2K5'. I'm sure I am not the only one that wants to bring my own dreams into glorious fruition as soon as possible, and I think these editorials are a part of that future possibility.. we are getting a glimpse, and I think it is a good one.
I am not 'Pro Brad' or mindlessly consuming everything he says. But I do enjoy the chance of hearing the perspective. Admittedly as someone said in this thread earlier, Brad could make use of the 'Full Story' link to sum up what is shown on the main page, but that is just semantics.
I like them, I think they should stay where they are. I look forward to the possibilities in WC2K5 and I hope more people post news with a bit of flavour as well... with use of the 'full story' link if possible *hint*
I understand what you are saying Mr Biotech in regards to the appropriateness of the placement, but as a somewhat casual user of Wincustomize, I enjoy reading Brads editorials, and if they were elsewhere they would be missed. While the statistics for this website show millions viewing it over monthly periods, a large percentage of those are probably not ACTIVE community participants, they will view the main page and explore some articles, maybe comment, and download a skin.
While Brads editorials are opinionated and very much perspective pieces, he neither claims he is right, and furthermore usually links to appropriate external news sites so that a person can get the 'full perspective' if they feel that Brad's vibe is taking over there thinking.
One has to remember that we all want the same thing, a prosperous community that is productive and fulfilling. That will mean different things to different people, but in the end if the majority speaks then some people have to suck in a deep breath and continue on with things. brad is obviously at the center of progress along with his staff at Stardock. One has to remember that his time and energy are spent looking 'forward' and right now that incorporates 'WC2K5'. I'm sure I am not the only one that wants to bring my own dreams into glorious fruition as soon as possible, and I think these editorials are a part of that future possibility.. we are getting a glimpse, and I think it is a good one.
I am not 'Pro Brad' or mindlessly consuming everything he says. But I do enjoy the chance of hearing the perspective. Admittedly as someone said in this thread earlier, Brad could make use of the 'Full Story' link to sum up what is shown on the main page, but that is just semantics.
I like them, I think they should stay where they are. I look forward to the possibilities in WC2K5 and I hope more people post news with a bit of flavour as well... with use of the 'full story' link if possible
*hint*
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
|
|
Page 4 of 4 | |
|
|---|
Reply #61 Friday, July 23, 2004 9:10 PM