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shermaramaYou've probably heard something by now about basic, non-ad level LJ accounts no longer being available to new users. Here's a comment about it:
"Hi, I'm Jason Shellen, VP of Product Development for LiveJournal. I just wanted to clarify LiveJournal's stance before there is any further misunderstanding about what we are trying to do. An FAQ about the account levels was updated prior to our news post. It states:
"Basic Account is an option available to accounts which were created before March 12, 2008. No account created after this date can be turned into a Basic Account."
Existing users of Basic remain as is.
From a product perspective it was more about creating a new registration process that was easier for new users to understand. I'm sure it's been ages since many of you signed up for an account, but it was quite confusing and included a table of options that was not very inviting to new users.
For new users to the site, the options of either having an ad-supported journal or the option to pay $20 annually for more (2GB) photo storage, more userpics, and ad-controls seems like a much simpler and easy to understand work-flow. We are working hard to add even more features and are currently revisiting our ad-supported strategy to find ways to deliver more user value in a way that isn't crass.
I sincerely hope you will continue to give us a chance to respond to concerns and that we do hear what you have to say about LiveJournal."
This and the various replies to it are fucking funny, frankly. They have Dropped The Ball. It doesn't matter about adverts, really - how many of us use facebook without worrying about them? But they may as well have posted something saying "Hello, we are the new management of LJ and we are The Man." This action and this way of disclosing it gives them a stereotypical spin-drenched corporate face - again it doesn't matter in itself whether they are like that or not, they've just presented themselves as a character that many LJ users are instinctively primed to kick against. Still, never mind, I shall be interested to watch the process of a new system emerging. This is the day LJ tuns middle-aged, folks, it's all decline from here on in. It won't die overnight, but this isn't going to be where the new people go any more.
"Hi, I'm Jason Shellen, VP of Product Development for LiveJournal. I just wanted to clarify LiveJournal's stance before there is any further misunderstanding about what we are trying to do. An FAQ about the account levels was updated prior to our news post. It states:
"Basic Account is an option available to accounts which were created before March 12, 2008. No account created after this date can be turned into a Basic Account."
Existing users of Basic remain as is.
From a product perspective it was more about creating a new registration process that was easier for new users to understand. I'm sure it's been ages since many of you signed up for an account, but it was quite confusing and included a table of options that was not very inviting to new users.
For new users to the site, the options of either having an ad-supported journal or the option to pay $20 annually for more (2GB) photo storage, more userpics, and ad-controls seems like a much simpler and easy to understand work-flow. We are working hard to add even more features and are currently revisiting our ad-supported strategy to find ways to deliver more user value in a way that isn't crass.
I sincerely hope you will continue to give us a chance to respond to concerns and that we do hear what you have to say about LiveJournal."
This and the various replies to it are fucking funny, frankly. They have Dropped The Ball. It doesn't matter about adverts, really - how many of us use facebook without worrying about them? But they may as well have posted something saying "Hello, we are the new management of LJ and we are The Man." This action and this way of disclosing it gives them a stereotypical spin-drenched corporate face - again it doesn't matter in itself whether they are like that or not, they've just presented themselves as a character that many LJ users are instinctively primed to kick against. Still, never mind, I shall be interested to watch the process of a new system emerging. This is the day LJ tuns middle-aged, folks, it's all decline from here on in. It won't die overnight, but this isn't going to be where the new people go any more.
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no subject
Date: 2008-03-13 05:59 pm (UTC)it all seems rather unbelievably stupid. i guess i'm looking around too, though since i just renewed my paid account, i'm in no rush. i only joined to be able to read friends' friends-only posts, so i'm not at all inclined to host my own personal blog, on a website somewhere, despite my new-found internet skillz.
no subject
Date: 2008-03-13 06:22 pm (UTC)Most people don't want to blog, I reckon.
no subject
Date: 2008-03-13 10:30 pm (UTC)Of course, I'm doubtful of the comment being read, especially in that shit-storm that that attempt at PR spin called down. but you never know.
Oh - and I thought your take at http://news.livejournal.com/106731.html?thread=68869867 was bloody well said!
no subject
Date: 2008-03-14 11:29 am (UTC)The changes will require not only an investment in time, energy and money from us but also engagement, understanding and ideas from all of you.
Also, money from you.