Losing Touch with the Blogosphere
When you come face to face, interacting with a company, there’s always one person that is part of that company that will stand out in the crowd.
The guy that sold us our furniture, for example, was so bad that I spoke to the manager about him. He had terrible customer service standards and was difficult to get answers from.
These type of impressions from people, good or bad, about a company will stick with you. They are impressions that will last throughout your course of business with that company.
Wouldn’t you agree?
After attending Blog Word Expo, PostieCon and the fabulous Las Vegas style celebration at Tao courtesy of Izea, I couldn’t tell you enough good things about Ted Murphy. I was impressed, to say the least. My attendance at Blog World Expo was courtesy of Britt from Izea and that again, made an impression on me.
When I spoke to Ted, for the first time, at Blog World Expo I was surprised to find how down to Earth he was for being CEO of a genius Internet marketing company. He didn’t have a big head, his title did not cloud his ego, and he was just as fun loving as the rest of the Izea crew.
Last month, when I completed the 10 Questions survey with Blogs We Luv, I mentioned Ted Murphy:
Question:
If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to write a guest post for your blog, who would it be and why?
My Answer:
Oh, hands down, Ted Murphy, CEO of Izea. Wow, his accomplishments are amazing and he is absolutely increasing in popularity even if you simply love to hate him (or his companies). He’s got ideas that are absolutely inspiring and he can put a great spin on every aspect of the Internet to revive something that is long dead or build up something brand new. Beyond being a spectacular sales man, he’s insightful. After meeting him at BlogWorldExpo/PostieCon, I also know that he’s real. There are no “big head, I’m better than you†presence with him and I greatly admire that!
Again, you can see by this answer that I hold a certain kind of fondness for Ted Murphy and Izea.
So, imagine my surprise, when I visited Blogs We Luv to see if there had been comments made about my 10 Questions.
Ted Murphy actually commented on the post stating:
Wow Katy, that was very nice of you. I will be happy to do a guest post on your blog.
Quickly, I e-mailed Ted. I told him I had never had a guest poster but that I would be very interested in him writing a guest post for my blog. I also mentioned that I’d just open up the floor for him to say whatever he wanted.
He responded, faster than I expected, and let me know that he wasn’t sure what to write. How about an interview?
I thought about it for a bit and decided that I didn’t want an interview. Too many people had gotten an interview with Ted Murphy and because I saw this as a unique opportunity, I wanted something unique.
My reply to him was to ask one question. I felt that I had come up with the right question and that the entire question would result in somewhat of a guest post on I’m Blogging That from Ted Murphy.
My Question for Ted:
Why do you believe it’s important for small time bloggers to maximize their use of social media sites right now?
If you’re not of the opinion that social media is a must-use for all bloggers right now, where do you believe the future of social media is going that bloggers will still be able to use social media websites to maximize their blog’s earning potential?
I didn’t get an answer. A couple of weeks ago he e-mailed me to let me know that he had written out the answer, had a computer crash and lost it but hadn’t forgotten me. When I moved I’m Blogging That to being hosted with A Small Orange, my e-mail went down for a day. I e-mailed Ted to ensure that I didn’t miss the answer due to my e-mail being down. I haven’t gotten a reply.
It’s been a month since I sent off this question to Ted and still, have not received an answer.
While I’m greatly interested in hearing his answer to this question and would still love to receive an answer, this delay has changed my opinion.
You see it is bloggers on my scale that Izea reaches out to with its services. Their flagship company, PayPerPost, seeks bloggers who could be interested in earning an income from sponsored posts. And even though I do not offer sponsored posts through PayPerPost, I still remained a loyal supporter of the company.
It’s my impression that to maintain good business within Ted’s company, he needs the support of a community of bloggers, at my level of blogging. Yet, he quickly left a bad taste in my mouth by not delivering when taken up on an offer he presented.
This post has been something I have debated over for the last week or so. Ultimately, I was encouraged to write the post when a Terms of Service change happened at PayPerPost.
Instead of seeking a way to help the “posties†of PayPerPost to regain what they have lost after Google reduced PageRank, PayPerPost is just seeking new bloggers. The Terms of Service change at PayPerPost now allows bloggers with a younger blog and fewer number of posts to become a PayPerPost “postie.â€
This crushes their current, loyal posties. They’ve lost their income and the promise to deliver on SocialSpark which would change this mess for their posties hasn’t happened. And instead of keeping the PayPerPost bloggers at a higher standard, they’ve just made it nearly acceptable for anyone to start blogging for the sake of spamming, using the PayPerPost system.
Ted Murphy has the opportunity to change the Internet and blogosphere but it will never happen if he continues to let down my level of bloggers. It is these bloggers who will become the next generation in A-List bloggers. Can he afford a new generation of A-Listers who will not support his company?
He’s shown me that he’s just another young CEO looking to make a buck without continually supporting his audience and because of that, there will be one less person attending PostieCon this year.
Technorati Tags: Ted Murphy, Izea, PayPerPost, Sponsored Posts, Interview, Blogs We Luv, Posties, Terms of Service, Income, Bloggers, Blogs
February 15th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I liked you comment about how things can stand out. Fortunately, even if someone is upset by your behavior, it can still work in your favor. We are all human beings, and unless one is totally out-of-whack, then, chances, are that person can be forgiven. We all have a bad day, and that is understandable. Regards, Keith Johnson, Author “365 Great Affirmations”
February 15th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Keith » I think we may be missing each other’s point with this post. It isn’t about a bad day for Ted or myself. It’s about holding yourself to a different standard when dealing with your direct market.
Failure to understand the people that you’re looking at to keep your business going isn’t going to do anything good for you. Ted had the opportunity to create more visibility for his company on my blog. He didn’t do that, and instead supporting an avid supporter, he’s lost some respect from that supporter.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Katy,
This post and your point is spot on as the Australians and British would say.
Part of being a visionary, as Ted clearly seems to be, is to also explore both sides of the future. It appears that the counsel he’s keeping within his company is that of his CFO as opposed to those who support his company with their blogs.
No matter how large your company is, you must never forget that if you help enough other people get what they want, you’ll always have what you want.
Brilliant post Katy. You’ve clearly articulated your position from the perspective of those most affected by Ted’s decision or in this case lack thereof.
DR Rawson
February 15th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Very well put, Katy.
When I read about the terms change, that’s what spurred me to remove the PPP posts that I had on my blog. I can’t write for them since I changed my URL (doesn’t allow forwarding, and I can’t edit without dealing with CS, and they aren’t very helpful, and take days to respond). That and most of their adverts are, lately, for companies that I don’t trust, nor believe in, or just don’t fit the theme of who I am and my experiences.
Anyways, I do believe that they’re losing touch with the blogosphere, and what the majority want. I would like my pagerank back, because I have seen a decline in the months since I lost it.
Hopefully IZEA and PPP will listen to it’s loyal and oldie folks, and remember them, and stop worrying about the all-mighty buck.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Great post, Katy! I got started with PPP back in July 2006. Your post is yet another example in a long history of similar actions by PPP. Last year’s behaviors by PPP helped me realize that, while they act as though their posties are the greatest thing since the invention of the wheel, PPP is in the business to make money. This means that their advertisers come first and their army of posties are simply a means to an end — and posties are easily replaced. They have prove time and time again. I hope this recent slap-in-the-face doesn’t jade you too much.
February 15th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
As I read this post I was thinking I might link to it. It was discussing conventions and seminars I have no time or resources to attend but that I and my readers would very mch be interested in.
Then the bitterness weaved in.
I’m sorry, I’m a new reader here and love your blog but this post is sour grapes if I ever saw them.
If Ted Murphy wanted to blog on my blog for an interview I’d give him an interview. You wanted more and he moved on. That is, if what you wrote is the exact situation.
IZEA is a much better company than Google in my eyes. Google punished people for writing for hire. IZEA pays them. I am a proud postie until someone presents an argument based on logic that will sway me away.
Sorry if I sound disrespectful, I wouldn’t comment if i didn’t respect your blog.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Interesting post.. before I commented here I had to go to the PPP blog post you linked to.
“And the quality of PPP blogs continue to go down..”
I was surprised to see no one had commented. Maybe no one reads that blog anymore. Or they just put over several posts to “cover” it up… sad either way.
Inspiring a post :)… Ill let ya know lol
February 15th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Sarah » Thank you. I agree with what you’ve said that most of the advertisers you wouldn’t write for. While I no longer blog for PayPerPost, I do still look at what is available so that I have something to add to the conversation when visiting the PPP forums.
Have you requested reconsideration for your PageRank? It’s not too late. Give me a holler if you want my tips and tricks on that from when I requested reconsideration.
Anon » Thank you. I’m happy that you saw my post as being yet another example. What I have discovered about PPP is that they have uncovered a lot of really great people who blog and they’re great to network with. It’s the treatment and the bottom line of those bloggers that I’m unhappy with.
I agree that posties are simply a means to an end and they’re Terms of Service change, in my opinion, acknowledges that they’re disposable and easily replaced. A hard realization for me when I believed we were talking about a CEO that treated his posties like part of the crew. Apparently, it’s just a select few that get the treatment and respect from Izea.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Damien » I strongly believe that you have misinterpreted both my feelings regarding this situation and this post. I am absolutely not bitter, in any way. My post is an example, from my perspective, of how I believe Ted Murphy is missing in the game he started. Remember, this post is called “losing touch.” There’s a reason for that.
It’s nice for you that you’d be happy with an interview. If you read through the lines of this post, you’ll see that I went along with that by asking one question. How much longer do you suppose I would wait for a interview that would consist of more than one question? Go to your search engine of preference and look for “Ted Murphy Interview,” you’ll come up with no shortage of results. When I said I’d like to have him as a guest poster and he in turn offered that, that in no way says to me an interview. Honestly, if I was seeking an interview with Ted, I would have e-mailed Ted and asked him for a interview. Guest posting and an interview are vastly different, one should not be compared to the other.
Your opinion of Izea vs. Google is fine, whatever works for you. In my opinion, comparison of one being better than the other is completely irrelevant.
However, I would like to point out that it is you that is clearly bitter about what Google has done. Never mind that they own their ranking system, that they have made clear it is for use by Google. The use of that system by Izea is what lead to your lack of PageRank, not Google but Izea’s mis-use of Google’s system.
“That is, if what you wrote is the exact situation.”
Damien, I sure hope that you’re not commenting on my blog for the first time questioning my integrity.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Matthew » Looking forward to your inspired post, please let me know when you’ve got it up! :o)
February 15th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Katy: since Google shrunk my pagerank to zero I have few opportunities with PPP which sucks because I enjoy writing them. I admit I am bitter towards Google for that.
I have no allegiances to Murphy. I just tried to give another way to look at it. Sorry if you took offense. I can’t even remember how I ran across your blog but I like it. Keep up the good work and keep writing your take on things.
February 16th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I’m going through the process of getting it back. We’ll see if they approve me ;)
February 16th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Damien » Being torn between what Google has done and working for Izea is difficult. I’m active enough in the PPP forums to see how a lot of people are upset by the situation. I can’t blame them but I also understand Google’s position.
You haven’t offended me. But because of the nature of this topic, I believe that showing my correct opinion is key. Bitter is not how I’d like to be labeled when it comes to this situation with Ted. Thus, my strong feedback to you. I do however, very much appreciate your comments.
Sarah » Good luck! Let me know what happens. :o)
February 16th, 2008 at 11:36 am
No worries Katy. I’m from Southern California by the beach. We tend to use the word “bitter” loosely: ie;
“Dude, you are bitter we have better boards than you, chill out.”
As I go back and reread my forst comment, I think I might have meant it as less intense as you took it.
For the record, i think you are handling the topic well. Like Richard Carlson said before his untimely passing: “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.”
best
February 16th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
[...] from I’m Blogging That wrote an interesting post about Ted Murphy of PPP/Izea. The covered several aspects of PPP and Ted [...]
February 16th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Heres my post, made sure to give you a nice mention.
Thanks
February 16th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Damien » Bitter goes back to California huh? Being born and raised in California, I’ve gotten stuck with DUDE! which mostly happens when I’m overly excited about something and typically when talking to one of my brothers. LOL
You probably did mean it in a less intense manner. However, I will absolutely be the first person to say that I take things very personally, because, especially when it comes to my writing, the subject doesn’t matter to me… it is personal. But we’re good, I’m not offended and I feel that regardless of my initial personal reaction, you have a very valid points. This is certainly a topic where there are two sides of the coin.
Thank you for the compliment to handling this topic and love the quote, it’s always a good one to hear in any situation.
Matthew » LOVE the post! I’m sure you could tell by my very long winded, very detailed comment. Thanks again for the link love.
February 16th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
thanks for the comments! Glad to have a reader of yours stop by.
I didnt even realize this was going on until reading this post.I have really stopped bothering with PPP at all.
Its almost like their blogpost went unnoticed
February 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
PPP really turned me off when I would be surfing and see the same mention of a certain product on the same day on different blogs, and the companies were sleazy payroll advance loan companies and the like. I’m really glad I didn’t apply to become a member now!
February 16th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Matthew » The blog post went noticed on the forum instead. That happens a lot when the “posties” feel the need to really discuss what was said on the post.
Happy one of mine followed over to you. Perhaps more as will as well. :o)
Deb » Sounds like something their competitor, PayU2Blog does as well. They’re incredibly spammy links that can be centered around anything you want. Bad, just bad.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Katy,
I have looked a few of the paid to post sites and my biggest question after looking at them is does this diminish the integrity of your site? Do you have recommendations for which one to use if you are going to participate in paid to post?
Thanks!
February 17th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Beeker » I strongly believe that doing paid posts, through those companies will diminish a blogs reputation and integrity.
I have no issues when they’re done privately (I offer them) because they seem to be much more on target for the blog’s niche. But, it’s generally slim pickings with the paid companies like PayPerPost, PayU2Blog, Sponsored Reviews, etc.
If you do sign up with a company, make sure that you can pick and choose what you blog about. At least that way, you can stay on topic. PayU2Blog for example, randomly assigns links to place in your post. You have no control and if you don’t complete the assignment, you’re removed from the program (or they just stop giving you anything).
February 17th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Excellent post (and wonderful handling of your comments, too). I came here through the network of links to posts about the same topic (added my own above). It’ll be interesting to see how this all comes out in the wash. :)
February 17th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
[...] Izea Losing Touch with the Blogosphere Katy blogs about her recent interactions with Ted Murphy. She makes a good point but I am not sure that I agree with her or not … yet. If the PayPerPost slash Google fiasco has touched you, this would be a post worth reading and commenting on. [...]
February 18th, 2008 at 5:15 am
I think when PPP was first started most people stayed close to the area of expertise for their particular blog. Over time more bloggers were competing for the better posting jobs, and those that needed the money were more willing to get farther away from what they usually blog about. All the PPP blogs I have seen lately have been really bad, the more quality blogs have moved on and found other ways to make money from their blogs.
February 18th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Linda » Thank you. I had a brief second yesterday to scan through your post. I’ll be coming back soon to really read it. :D
Tracy » It seems to me that the best blogs in the PPP network simply started doing sponsored posts privately and have made much more doing so.
Not all blogs on their network are bad, but they new ones coming in aren’t improving the standard either. :\
February 19th, 2008 at 5:11 am
Every new great idea always brings with it a dozen new possibilities for yet more great ideas. When we look back 40 years from now, well, we’ll remember these good old days when ANYONE with some talent and loads of drive could change their stars.
February 19th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Popular Wealth » Interesting comment, thanks!
February 25th, 2008 at 10:47 am
[...] writing my post, Losing Touch with the Blogosphere, I received an e-mail from Ted Murphy. You’re not surprised, are [...]
March 15th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
That’s too bad that someone you respected and admired, let you down. He should have held up his end of the agreement.
March 17th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Jason » I suppose dealing with a let down is a reality of life. Maybe he should have held up his end but I can move on anyway. :o)
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