Keeping An Open Mind

One thing that I've learned in life is that change is constant. We've raised our opinions about the coming changes to EntreCard. What's nice about it is that they have listened. They have posted a list of what ads that will not be run in our widgets. Penalties for rejecting ads have also been taken out. We are free to reject an ad that we think would not jive with our blogs. For these considerations, I'm appreciative of EC.

Graham also said that EC will remain free. He will never allow it to be a paid membership network. But there are still those who dismiss these changes. We must all understand that operating a network like EC entails a lot of work. and expenses At least these ads will only appear in widgets instead of pop-ups or moving banners. It's but proper that we try and help EC out instead of thinking about ourselves. Servers alone cost so much to maintain. IT personnel also need to be paid. Nothing in life is free. There will always be a trade off somewhere.

EC is willing to listen to us, why can't we do the same for them? At the end of the day, an open mind leads not only to a harmonious relationship but to a better service. Let us not be dismissive, vigilance I think would be a better reaction.

EC Listens

After asking Graham about the ads, he quickly replied. Here is his answer, "@Joel: I totally understand your concerns, and would like to assure you that we are going to vet advertising thoroughly. I imagine we wouldn’t be in business too long if we honored ads on behalf of dishonest advertisers and scammy products. Furthermore, no one wants ads for sex toys on their blogs (unless its a sex themed blog) and we just wouldn’t allow it.

Look for a follow up post soon as to exactly what types of ads we’ll be allowing and how you can give us input as to the types of ads you don’t want us to approve. We will be listening very carefully, I assure you."

I'm glad that's been cleared. That was after all my concern. No problem with me about placing ad widgets in my blog if only to help EC sustain its operations. Like what I expressed before about me helping out bloggers increase their traffic to help them with advertisers, I can do the same for EntreCard. After all, EC has been my gateway in discovering great sites. With Graham's assurance, I'll definitely stick around.

So my friends here who need sponsors for their contests, especially the lesser known ones, just drop me a note and I'm more than willing to share my hard earned credits to make your membership with EntreCard more fun. I'll be seeing you guys around.

EC's Going For The Jugular, Its Own Jugular

I'm sure all of you have received the new changes EntreCard will be introducing. Last I heard, Graham will be relaxing the "above-the-fold-rule" for your widgets. We all know EC needs income to sustain its operations, well I'm not arguing with that. It's acceptable and very reasonable. My beef is with the penalty I have to pay if ever I decide to reject an ad. Graham says we'll being earning from it as well. Who wouldn't want a little something in return? But the thing is the imposition, to put it bluntly, it's like having a gun to your head.

What if the ad is inappropriate? I'm a wholesome guy and I wouldn't want my blog to have anything offensive or even fraudulent. I've done some paid posts but I make sure it sticks to its claim, otherwise I reject it. I don't want to be a tool in defrauding people. I think EC should assure all of us that they will be very strict in screening the ads they'll be ramming down our throats.

What really got my goat is the arrogance Graham displayed in replying to some of EC's members. EC did not make itself, it is the members who made EC. Without us, EC is nothing. So to say that if you don't like the changes, leave EC is the height of arrogance. I've also read posts complaining about standards and content. You see, there can never be blogging standards considering most are personal in nature. You are not forced to read blogs , we all have a choice not to read or drop. It's total stupidity to impose one's standards on another. I've always hated judging people.

I love EC because it has given me so many friends. I found blogs that really tickle my intellect and improve my social being. But if it would suddenly turn and pounce on all of us, I might as well leave. There are so many networks out there that I can join. I don't need to be some one's doormat. I'll hang around for awhile and see where all these ludicrous rules lead to. I'm sure many will opt to leave. I could see myself doing just that. The good thing is that I have bookmarked all my favorite blogs.

EntreCard is not about making money. It's about the friends you make along the way. Dropping is just a bonus. So for now I'll still be here visiting and dropping on my favorite sites. For how long only more stupidity can tell. Oh if Greg Matthews is reading this, go ahead and make a network of your own, I'll certainly be one of the first to sign up.

Wordless Wednesday #7 Wild Flower