Honesty continued: Organic versus Forced growth.

[Gypsy]

I think that there are ways to market and to increase revenue potential of any business. One of these is more 'organic'... rely on word of mouth, good referrals, and keeping customer service standards high while focusing on repeat business and relationships It's the 'trickle up' model if you will. Then there is "forced growth' where aggressive marketing strategies are used to increase profits and it's more 'trickle down.'

What does this have to do with anything. I think in the "old PS" the stress was on organic growth and it worked. The site succeeded because it was a great place and a large percentage of those who came here were soon hooked, and went from consumer to advocate to 'fixture'. The focus was on building relationships and repeat business and for members, of building relationships with vendors on the boards to help newbies find the 'right' purchase option for them.

I think that we've seen a very different marketing strategy recently. And I don't think it's working for PS. I think the feeling of community, of building relationships to garner sales beyond the one time engagement ring puchase is gone. I think it's gone from finding the 'right' vendor to a competition to see which vendors are more popular or pay more for advertising. I REALLY hate the autolink generation to paying PS vendors, I want to be able to type a vendor's name without feeling like I'm a shill. The feature makes me feel like a shill and I think it makes PS look like a shill site. It's really sad.

Andrey doesn't have the same sense of connection to us as Irina did (but then again, he's also not moody and arbitrary, whereas Irina certainly was), and Gary who does post tries but just doesn't have the right connection either. And members are less and less interested in relationship building with newer members and are sticking to thier 'generation' of posters instead of interacting with everyone. And the new vendors are interested in the 'big sales' not the repeat sales that might be 500 one year... but leave a good feeling that garners them the next sale, and the next sale... even if that sale is only 1000.

Just wanted to get other's thoughts. Since we are disecting why PS is floundering. I think this is part of the reason, personally.

This post treads close to discussing moderator actions, but the intent is not that at all. The intent is to get honest opinons on the differences we're seeing to help PS 2.0 succeed. And since we are on the 'front lines'... I think we're the best resource PS has. And I think maybe PS has started to listen to us LESS and to vendors MORE. And I think that's what I am saying. We're being under utilized and we want to see this place succeed.

Andrey if this post offends, please delete. But I really hope you don't because I think you need to hear what we are thinking and saying. We are a veyr smart group of accomplished people. If you would view us as free advisors, I think you'd be happy with the results. And yes, I realize there is a board for 'improvement' suggestions. But this isn't that... it's a reflection of change over time and the effect we are seeing.

And hangout gets traffic. And I think PS needs all honest input it needs to help suceed right now, and burying this thread where no one goes... doesn't help anyone.

 

[Indylady]

I sincerely dislike the automatically generated links that come up once you post a paying PS vendors name. I didn't realize the feature existed until I started the Whiteflash ad thread a few days ago. I understand that ads support the forum, and that PS is a business. However, I do NOT like it when I am being used as an advertisement, and my words are"big-brothered" into a hyper-link without my choice or knowlege--it is only after the post has been submitted that it becomes apparent that "Whiteflash" becomes a hyper-link once typed.

 

[susimoo]

I am more of a lurker than a contributer here. To be honest, its mostly due to my virtual thin skin. I am (was) way too scared to get flamed. I love this place, so going to start sticking my neck out a bit more.

I totally agree with the last two statements. It is starting to feel like a walking talking advertisment, which at its worst, if you don't agree with the majority voice in choice of vendor, you are squashed.

Not nice to watch, therefore I haven't taken part in it.

I hate the hyperlink and don't think it sits well with it being a consumer site. If you are that interested in a company go click the resources button or whatever.

 

[Cehrabehra]

There were certain things about old admin I just couldn't stand and every one of those things I am 100% more happy now than I was before. And it wasn't until recently that I started to notice the negative. When you argue with someone it can feel bad and be negative, but when you make up your bonds can be stronger and you can feel even better. THAT is oh so ironically what I miss. I hated feeling like I was on eggshells with admin, but when things were good I felt really bonded. Now I feel like a nobody, a number, I feel totally unknown. I am not frustrated the way I was, but I do feel more lonely if that makes sense. Hitting 10k the way I did reinforced that.

I think you are generous to want to do everything you can to make PS a better place. Many people have just thrown in the towel and walked away. I don't agree about Garry though, for whatever reason I have always really liked him and felt like we got on. He makes me laugh... but I can see how he may not connect with everyone. (and frankly I have no idea if its mutual). I saw a post of his over here and thought woah, what's he doing over here... maybe he could be a more universal presence.

One thing Irina did that I don't see current admin do (and when I say admin I don't mean andrey - I mean anyone involved) is that she had opinions, she was up in our stuff, she was photoshopping for us and telling us no I don't like that how about this... We don't have that now... in that way she was like a big sister or a mother hen fluffing her zone.

I have not gotten the sense that vendors are only after the big ticket items, but maybe I'm missing something? I'd like to hear more about what makes you feel that way, maybe I'll see it too.

 

[Circe]

I sincerely dislike the automatically generated links that come up once you post a paying PS vendors name. I didn't realize the feature existed until I started the Whiteflash ad thread a few days ago. I understand that ads support the forum, and that PS is a business. However, I do NOT like it when I am being used as an advertisement, and my words are"big-brothered" into a hyper-link without my choice or knowlege--it is only after the post has been submitted that it becomes apparent that "Whiteflash" becomes a hyper-link once typed.

Ditto this. I will admit my childish side wants to just start using l33t and spelling the names so as to dodge the sensors. G00d 0ld G0ld, Whit3flash, etc. Juvenile? Sure. On the other hand, the constant hyperlinking makes it look like the entire site is one big piece of unprofessional spam, so ....

 

[Cehrabehra]

I sincerely dislike the automatically generated links that come up once you post a paying PS vendors name. I didn't realize the feature existed until I started the Whiteflash ad thread a few days ago. I understand that ads support the forum, and that PS is a business. However, I do NOT like it when I am being used as an advertisement, and my words are"big-brothered" into a hyper-link without my choice or knowlege--it is only after the post has been submitted that it becomes apparent that "Whiteflash" becomes a hyper-link once typed.

BIG DITTO - I undestand that maybe they're trying to be helpful, but if even the most casual of lurkers can figure out how to find the big vendors.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

I sincerely dislike the automatically generated links that come up once you post a paying PS vendors name. I didn't realize the feature existed until I started the Whiteflash ad thread a few days ago. I understand that ads support the forum, and that PS is a business. However, I do NOT like it when I am being used as an advertisement, and my words are"big-brothered" into a hyper-link without my choice or knowlege--it is only after the post has been submitted that it becomes apparent that "Whiteflash" becomes a hyper-link once typed.

Ditto this. I will admit my childish side wants to just start using l33t and spelling the names so as to dodge the sensors. G00d 0ld G0ld, Whit3flash, etc. Juvenile? Sure. On the other hand, the constant hyperlinking makes it look like the entire site is one big piece of unprofessional spam, so ....

Juvenile maybe, but i am going to start doing this too because i don't like the hyperlinks either!

 

[psadmin]

Hi Gypsy,

Your post does not offend us or do we feel it is about our moderation. On the contrary, we are always happy to here good thoughts and suggestions.

When we first thought of the linking of Pricescope sponsor idea it was as another way to thank them for there support to for keeping this site running and a part to make it easy for lurker to get to them. We have seen this happening on many other forums in different ways. Some forums used mouse over and pop up advertisements which I didn't like at all. So I thought maybe this was just a nice way to do it. Unfortunately I didn't realize how it would affect the reading and others points.

I still want to try to make it work if possible. I am thinking of making it link only for lurkers and not the member who are logged in. In addition to either link the acronym or the full names but not both. Hopefully this takes care of all the issues.

I apologize for being perceived as listening more to the vendors. That is actually far from it. This community is very important. I get a lot of suggestions from vendors and have even had some good suggestions from members that would be great to monetize Pricescope, but the community comes first. I am all about organic growth.

I want to grow Pricescope community and usefulness and I appreciate everyone honestly and suggestions, but please understand it takes time to work out all the details and even then we make mistakes.

 

[Gypsy]

First, Andrey thank you for taking the time to respond so thoughtfully. I think having it seen by lurkers is even more 'shilly' honestly. Not liking that idea. Maybe just black font, for their formal names only (not nicknames) and an underline if you have to do it? The neon blue and the nickname thing is really bad. I'd rather the whole thing go away, but if you want to make it stay and see the value ad, just make it look more legit, cause right now it is looking shill, and I am sure that is the last thing you want.

Got another idea for you... about Member Milestone accomplishments (since 10K is GONE). I think an alternate type of acknowledgement for Milestones (maybe 15k since 10K is pretty easy to reach these days) would be lovely. It could be something as simple as a special AV given to members to use for a month. Like a crown or something silly, and fun and eye catching. Like Mardi Gras-- King or Queen for a month. This is a business after all but it doesn't have to cost much to make someone feel special. Maybe we can all think outside the box of things requiring monetary value. After all the goal isn't financial incentive to post, it's recognition that someone is a member here and as such unique and appreciated. And that can be done in many ways.

I also think that (and this is for the members more than the Administration) people need to realize that the PS 1K gift certificate appears to be for going above and beyond as defined by the owners of the site. Most members contribute-- most are unique and bring lots of different strengths and information to the table. Most members care about one another and try to help. That's what we DO-- that's what being part of PS means. It's like earning a bonus at work. It is a BONUS for doing more than your job-- you get your salary for your job. I think those who have been recently awarded the 1K gift certificate (and one was at 7K posts the other at 14K posts BTW) really epitomize the spirit of going above and beyond. Dreamer has been amazing on RT and FHH and Stonecold stepped in to a vacuum left by Storm, Ellen, Lorelei and MANY others and took it upon himself to become a great resource to all the newbies. I've seen him click on every "I need a round brilliant do I really need to get a good cut" thread and I gotta say kuddos, cause I certaintly don't do that. Just because Dreamer and Stonecold do this doesn't mean that I'm not special or unique or whatever... it doesn't say anything about me at all. It's not a competition folks.

Plus, the cool thing about the award of the 1K gift certificate is that you can get it at anytime. Say you've been just an 'average' member on here for two years (and or average members are still pretty special) and suddenly (regardless of your post count) you really feel the urge to start doing something on here that is truly special and deserves a huge kuddos. It's a merit based reward now. I think that's great. It's an incentive to improve PS, to make PS a better community, rather than a reward for typing "ditto" 2,000 times. I like that.


As for argueing and thin skin. (I will admit I need to work on this too, because I haven't been doing it) we all need to remember that disagreeing is GOOD. It's healthy. We are not in Stepford. But that when we disagree we have to be respectful. And when we are disagreed WITH, we have to realize that the person is offering a different perspective and that they deserve respect to. We can all "just get along" we've been doing it for years. But getting along and becoming a cult where all the members think alike are very different. I get along with many people on here that I don't agree with. I still like them and still consider them my friends. That brings me to thin skin. Toughen up, and realize that this is a salad bowl and not a melting pot. We've got all kinds of people here and that means you need to moderate yourself and not assume everyone is out to get you, or that they are talking about you, or whatever. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY if they ARE talking about you, out to get you, or whatever... that you can just say, "please stop". You can stand up for yourself without whining, and you can defend yourself without being rude.

Off my soap box. For the night. Or longer. LOL.

 

[yssie]

Gypsy Andrey has now removed the hyperlinking for everyone he updated the thread in suggestions earlier tonight.

 

[Gypsy]

See what happens when I clean my house?

This is why I NEED a maid. So I can PS and not miss this stuff.

Andrey. My sincerest thanks.

 

[Gypsy]

I have not gotten the sense that vendors are only after the big ticket items, but maybe I'm missing something? I'd like to hear more about what makes you feel that way, maybe I'll see it too.

Just my observation, but vendors used to post informative and interesting information on posts of all types and dollar amounts. Recently the majority of times I see a vendor posting is when someone has a huge budget.

Here are some recent examples: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/need-help-choosing-the-perfect-oval-budget-is-75k.151828/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/need-help-choosing-the-perfect-oval-budget-is-75k.151828/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engagement-ring-question-30k-budget-in-2-5-to-3-0ct-range.148617/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engagement-ring-question-30k-budget-in-2-5-to-3-0ct-range.148617/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/searching-for-2-5-3-ct-cushion.151736/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/searching-for-2-5-3-ct-cushion.151736/[/URL]

Trade people come out of the woodwork for a certain spend level. Most of the time, otherwise, most are just... GONE. When someone posts a 4K budget, I'm not seeing "Trade Person" in any of the responses. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's what I am seeing.