Blotanical is becoming too competitive!
Surprisingly, I've had this comment more than once. In fact I'm starting to lose count of the number of times I've heard it. Yet I haven't heard anyone say that Blotanical isn't competitive enough!
Therefore, I guess we need to extrapolate that 'Competition' is a bad thing! Or, at least, it's perceived by some to be a bad thing.
The argument, in terms of Blotanical, usually rests with the Points system. Why should we be ranking members who obtain high scores? Why should some blogs get more focus than others just because more people have 'faved' them?
Let's go back a step to the idea of 'competition'. For those who have a distaste for the notion I question your ability to live your life without it. For instance, I'm assuming that you only ever go to the 'big box' outlets for all your gardening needs. Regardless of the inflated prices and the sub-standard service you are more willing to support these businesses over some independent trying to carve a niche in the gardening world. And why shouldn't you? We don't need more competition!
I know when I step out on a basketball court I'm hoping that at the end of the game the scores will be drawn, everyone will have played to exactly the same ability and I can look forward to more of the same next week. Not!
Competition is the idea that forces us forward, helps us change and hopefully improve on the areas we're failing. It's not a BAD thing. Sure, it can have its ugly side and at Blotanical I'm committed to making sure that facet is always kept under control.
Fortunately Blotanical is big enough for those who LIKE competition and those who DON"T - so long as we stop picking on those who don't see it the same way as us. So here's some tips on how to use Blotanical for the Pacifists and the Activists - for the record, I reside in the Activist's list.
Blotanical for Pacifists
- What are Points for? - accumulating points helps you to move through the levels and increase some of your Blotanical rewards. The more points you have the more blogs and blotanists you can fave. It will also give you special privileges once the forums are unveiled.
- What are Picks for? - picking a post is one way to honour the blogger for their effort. You may be more discretionary in your pick choosing because you aren't in need of amassing heaps of points. You are truly the voter with a voice because you don't pick at random but rather choose sparingly.
- What are Popular pages for? - these are places where blogs and blotanists can be found and discovered. Rather than seeking out the popular members, try delving into the middle of the pack or the very bottom to find some hidden gems.
- What are Messages for? - this is the place to stroke other blotanists egos by telling them how much you appreciate them. You can build friendships through these conversations that will hopefully forge deep relationships.
- What are the Blotanical Awards for? - recognising those who are doing a wonderful job with their blog. No denying that it's a competitive function but that doesn't mean Pacifists can't get involved from a supportive role. Just make sure your blog doesn't get nominated.
Before I start on the Activist's list, let's understand that members join Blotanical for many different reasons. Some do it for fun, while others enjoy the community aspect. There are also a plethora of other reasons such as; promoting your blog, networking for business, promoting your business or perhaps it's just the sheer thrill of competition. Whatever it is, they are all legitimate reasons for joining and being a part of Blotanical.
Blotanical for Activists
- What are Points for? - keeping score! Not completely true, as the reasons above are also valid but points do enable us Activists to see how we're going in the scheme of Blotanical. Plus, the higher the points the more recognition an Activist may receive. It's much better to be on the first page than languishing somewhere in the middle.
- What are Picks for? - picking a post is one way to honour the blogger for their effort. Plus they are the biggest way to increase your score. The more picks, the higher your points.
- What are Popular pages for? - standing out and promoting yourself. Hopefully you will be able to achieve some good rankings which will in turn attract more attention to what you're doing.
- What are Messages for? - building friendships and hopefully promoting what you're doing to those who are interested in you. They're not a random way to spruik your goods or promote your blog. Lines like "Visit my Blog" will be regarded as abuse.
- What are the Blotanical Awards for? - standing out. Hopefully you will be nominated for one or more and justified by your peers that your blog has something worthwhile to add to their lives.
I guess the point is that Blotanical is not just about YOU. It's about the collective WE and each blotanist has a different reason for engaging with the site. You choose which way to operate and ignore those who choose to berate your activities - providing they're ethical, moral and just.
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Comments
I agree with Anna. I am very new to blogging (less than 40 posts) and I had no idea how to get visitors to my site. Until I joined blotanical I had 2 visitors a day... and one was my Mom! I joined because I wanted to get "connected" with other gardeners. I love voting for a post and then seeing that really great post get within the top ten of "most popular". I've been in the top ten a couple times and have been astonished each time! But it helps me understand what people like about my blog and what keeps them coming back. I wouldn't have any of that info without blotanical. Heck, I wouldn't have any visitors.
For me it's not about the points but I certainly don't mind earning them. I think that watching them is fun~ not just mine but watching how many other bloggers are earning. Not because I'm in competition with them but more because I'm interested in how other Blotanists are enjoying Blotanical.
In my opinion, the site is wonderful. They're are some minor glitches here and there but it is so reminiscent of being in the garden that even the glitches are fun. And Stuart's doing all the heavy weeding so all we have to do is enjoy the blooms!
Posted by: CJ | March 5, 2008 11:31 AM
We do thank you, Stuart, for allowing us to experience the community offered by Blotanical, the way to find other like minded folks to interact with, not to mention the increased traffic to our blogs. It is good that there is something here for the competitive and non competitive alike, inclusiveness is a good thing. We do appreciate that you are striving to make positive changes and especially to fix things as they develop. If anyone ever has a question or needs help with a problem, Stuart is right there with a fix or answer. Thanks, Stuart.
Frances at Faire Garden
Posted by: Frances | March 5, 2008 7:09 PM
I love Blotanical! I've been having the most wonderful time here--I can't thank you enough, Stuart, for having such a brilliant idea and then pulling it all together. I especially love reading down the list of the latest posts and seeing all the great topics people are writing about. If I didn't have to actually work, garden, feed the chickens, and etc., I could spend all day playing at Blotanical!
Posted by: Our friend Ben | March 5, 2008 7:25 PM
It's funny, but I don't consider myself to be a competitive person. I have gotten bit competitive here though, just because it's been fun to rack up those points. I've also discovered many new blogs in the process and have found new "friends". It has been great fun and a wonderful way to pass the winter.
The one things that does tend to deflate my enthusiasm is those who try to get an unfair advantage with the date by keeping their blog at the top. Not cool, it's cheating.
Stuart, I think you've done a great job with Blotanical. Not only has it been fun but it has definitely increased my blog traffic. Thank you!
Posted by: Robin | March 5, 2008 8:29 PM
Great explanation, I know a few members were getting a bit stressed out about gathering those points.
Do you have ideas for after guru level as an incentive to keep collecting points? Or shall we just relax and enjoy the site and all the blogs?
Posted by: Crafty Gardener | March 6, 2008 2:54 AM
I always appreciate an inclusive approach that values diversity.
I've only been on blotanical for a few days and am still figuring things out. Thanks Stuart for putting this awesome site together and moderating issues such as this one. I think you're doing a great job.
Posted by: Linda | March 6, 2008 3:07 AM
I looooove the Big Box store analogy! Great post and description of what it's all about. I really like the new member fave function as well.
Posted by: Becca | March 6, 2008 5:35 AM
I'm having a great time here and whether or not there is a competition I try not to notice too much ? LOL
BUT ... I know I will disappear off the radar when I am in the garden come Spring, Summer and most of Autumn .. so you guys are going to leave me in the dust .. try not to forget me please ! LOL
Joy
Posted by: Joy | March 6, 2008 5:35 AM
I had to laugh at this. It does appear competitive, but mostly with just five or six people. I think the rest of us have it under control. And I have learned not to trust the "picks" since almost anything someone writes will get picked by someone!
Frankly, I find it all amusing. Would I like more people to visit Bumblebee and comment? Sure. But the real reason I'm blogging isn't about the traffic or the points. It's my own journal and a way of exercising my writing skills on something other than research reports.
Let the others gain their points or whatever...I really don't give a fig.
Robin at Bumblebee
Posted by: Robin at Bumblebee | March 6, 2008 6:19 AM
While I'd prefer to sit on the sidelines & watch the competition, I would like to earn enough points so I could favorite more blogs! So many great blogs, so little fav space...
Posted by: Mr. McGregor's Daughter | March 7, 2008 3:19 AM
Robin, you crack me up. I wish I could write like you!
Who cares if some people want to be competitive and some don't? Why can't the folks who like it be left alone by the folks who don't? Waaa-waaaa
I think healthy competition is a good thing. Blotanical has not been one of the areas I want to compete in but I have really enjoyed the site nonetheless.
It makes me chuckle at the 'pick' system because I do think mostly every post is getting picked by folks in order to rack up points. No real thought going into that part.
Blotanical has been a really great way for newbies and all of us really to find more blogs in the community of gardeners throughout the world. Who would've thought there were so many? I love it!
Posted by: Meems | March 7, 2008 7:13 AM
I guess it could be called competitive or involved. The more involved you are in Blotanical and other blogs the more your score goes up.
Posted by: Curtis | March 8, 2008 1:28 AM