There are No Fake Ambassadors
Recently I’ve read posts here where there has been a lot of talk and speculation about this “pie in the sky” notion that we have fake ambassadors at Wealthy Affiliate, and that some here have “gamed” the system.
To me this is absolute fiction. There are no fake ambassadors at Wealthy Affiliate. Everyone one has earned their place.
Let me first remind you of the latest official definition of “Ambassador” according to Google:
“An accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.
Example: "The French ambassador to Portugal"
A person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.
Example: "He is a good ambassador for the industry"
Here are some Google synonyms for “Ambassador”:
Synonyms:
envoy, plenipotentiary, emissary, (papal) nuncio, representative, high commissioner, consul, consul general, diplomat; archaiclegate
Other Synonyms:
Campaigner, representative, promoter, champion, supporter, backer, booster
Example: “A great Ambassador for the sport.”
Here is Merriam-Webster’s latest official definition of “Ambassador:”
“An official envoy; especially : a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment
Example: She's the American ambassador to Italy.
So you see folks, according to ALL of these definitions, there are no fake ambassadors at Wealthy Affiliate. Not one.
And I can prove it.
Ambassadors Come in Different Styles and Flavors
Now does that mean you necessarily agree with each Ambassador’s “style”?
Absolutely not.
Does that mean every Ambassador is equal to other ambassador's and even other non-ambassador’s skill sets?
No.
All 25 Ambassadors here at Wealthy Affiliate are unique and bring their own distinctive skill set to the table here at Wealthy Affiliate.
Here are some examples of unique skill sets:
- Some have great computer skills and online expertise, such as Word Press, website design, Google analytics, plug-ins, etc. they share
- Some are GREAT writers, who share provocative and entertaining stories that teach lessons and enlighten their readers
- Some ask better questions that provoke the right answers
- Some are great social media experimenters who show us results
- Some provide great online training
- Some write intriguing quotes that make you ponder
- Some provide lessons in life through memes and gif’s
- Some are great internet marketers
- Some have a great knowledge of SEO
- Some have gained great affiliate marketing prowess
- Some are social media experts who can teach you how to better engage and increase your audience
- Some have great organizational skills compiling comprehensive lists
- Some have facilitated group discussion toward finding answers through contemplation and introspection
Look at the entire Top 25 list and ask yourself what is the unique skill set of each ambassador. Can you identify it? I know I can.
However there is ONE common thread that ALL of us Ambassadors share, and it conforms with all the definitions laid out above, and most significantly with Kyle and Carson’s genius “pay-it-forward” organizational culture here at Wealthy Affiliate:
We all have a penchant to HELP OTHERS in the community, and we actually do it better than everybody else.
If you are an Ambassador, you have rightfully EARNED that place. No tricks, No gimmicks. No gaming.
You have MASTERED the art of being a servant, which can be encapsulated in a simple quote I made 2 days ago when another awesome Wealthy Affiliate member asked me to define greatness.
Here is what I said:
“To be great, you need to set out what you need to do, and help others by doing it.”
This is the essence of being an Ambassador. So much so that another inspired member here was so compelled by this quote, that she created an image about it and posted it. This was the topic of my previous post. But I digress.
Now when I say “25 Ambassadors”, I am also including other former ambassadors who were part of the Top 25, and who temporarily slid off for various reasons.
It’s any set of 25 Ambassadors current for that day. If you were there, you definitely have earned it. The fact that they made it to “Ambassador” deservedly places them in this same elite category.
Some seasoned veterans here have even made to Ambassador 8 or more times like Robert Allen. Now that is a TRUE accomplishment.
Once an Ambassador, always an Ambassador
There is also this fictional notion brought up recently by someone here that when a certain two ambassadors reached their rank of ambassadorship, their activity dropped off and waned, and you didn’t hear from them anymore.
In others words, there was an implication by this person that whoever these 2 “ambassador chasers” were, they only stayed active and worked hard enough in order to reach their own personal accolade, that ambassadorship ranking for their own bragging rights.
Once they attained it, they lost interest because they truly didn’t care about the community. Nonsense.
First of all, I didn’t see that happen here recently for any sustained period of time for any ambassador.
However, occasionally this does happen, and this can be for many reasons,:
- They may be working more on their online businesses, including their websites, social media, and re-training.
- They may be coming more active in mentorship, and their other non-WA businesses.
- They may be more focused on making money. Oh, what a novel concept!
- They may be more focused on their day jobs.
- They may have become ill recently
- They may just be involved in their own LIFE, a personal setback that has taken them away temporarily, or worse yet had a recent tragedy in their lives.
- Perhaps they stopped following YOU. Then you wouldn’t see their activity, and wouldn’t know how active they were on the platform anyway.
There was one former Ambassador (Ne-Bro) that recently left Wealthy Affiliate, and deleted all of his posts. He is the exception rather than the rule. Still, when he was an ambassador he was very active and I understand he was a great contributor to the community.
Life happens. We all have personal lives outside of WA, and we all have the right to make our own decisions as to whether we want to stay or not.
Overall though, over a sustained period of time I just don’t see that frequently happening here. At most perhaps you may have a few Ambassadors inactive for one week or so, but then they are jumping back and helping others in this great community and being the awesome ambassadors they are.
My Personal Journey
Personally, I have become even more active since reaching Ambassadorship because I feel an even greater responsibility to uphold the expectations others hold upon me in helping them.
I have always been blessed with the gift of being an excellent writer who would write about interesting and informative topics in many mediums. A writer who always cared about his audience.
The writer with the mind of a detective and the eloquence of a poet.
Did you know I have written over 130+ original songs?
No one could ever accuse me of writing content for the sake of ONLY writing content to achieve rankings.
No one could ever accuse me of writing many short 3 to 4 word answers to comments to achieve rankings. My answers for comments and to questions are personal, comprehensive, and often voluminous.
The fact is I have written LESS content than anyone of similar ranking, and certainly in the Top 25.
I dare anyone to challenge me on this.
The reason I have ranked high so quickly is not only that I have written LESS content than all others of similar rank, but for the most part have written consistently GREAT quality content.
This is something I am most proud of, and based on the feedback from all of the endearing comments I have received in all of my posts and in PM’s, I believe I continue to hit the mark.
In the 9 days since I have become an ambassador, I have actually written 3+ times MORE content than I had in the previous 15 days leading up to becoming ambassador.
The facts are I have written 6 blog posts (actually 7 including this one) in the last 9 days, versus 2 blog posts during the prior 15 days leading to my ambassadorship.
Look it up.
I am also proud of the GREAT response I continue to get from the questions I post. Make no mistake, I have only ever posted questions on topics I needed answers for, and questions I assumed others wanted answers for, NOT to post any question only for the sake of increasing ranking.
Once awesome member here even remarked about my ambassadorship on a post.
”Well deserved, if only for the great questions you ask and the discussions you foster as a result.”
That was truly an awesome compliment. Thank you Brendan.
As I said, with greater rank comes a greater responsibility.
THANK YOU MY FRIENDS from the bottom of my heart and to all my loyal supporters who continue to show me LOVE every day.
YOU are the motivation that elevates me to greater heights and inspires me EVERY DAY to write greater articles, ask better questions, and to give back to the community even more.
The Bottom Line:
Let’s all start placing a greater emphasis on what this GREAT platform was designed for: to learn how to make money online and to help others achieve success.
We don’t need all the unnecessary drama and speculations, for the sake of gossip and our own entertainment.
Just focus on what we need to do in order to succeed. And help others.
Thank you for reading, and as always all your comments are welcome.
Cheers,
Kaju
Recent Comments
170
Oh, Kaju...it seems our paths have crossed at just the right time!!!
Well, you've read some of my posts and comments, so you already know I'm not short on words, so here it goes...
First, I've read different perspectives, definitions, opinions and beliefs of what it means to be an Ambassador on this platform. I have to say, Kaju, you seem to truly embody the heart of an Ambassador...by any definition!
It has been such a pleasure and a delight getting to know you. Your comments, posts, and questions are thoughtful, provoking, and have the ability to draw the masses together. You truly have a gift.
Second, I believe that we have every right to express whatever may be lingering on our hearts, as long as it is not outright disrespect to anyone else. I know of the post you make reference to; at the end of the day, we can only know the motives of our own actions. It would be naive to say that no one on this platform has ever tried to "game" the system. At the same time, since we can't know the "why" behind people's actions, all we can do is speculate.
I have absolutely no problem with reading posts such as that, or rather, comments made that may question other people's actions. There's a saying, "You can hate the message, not the messenger." I think when we read something that stirs an emotion, it's a good thing...correction, it's a great thing! It means that we can feel, think and reason, that we have an opinion. Also, it sparks conversations and gets us to take action, in one form or another.
I have never been, nor do I ever expect to be, a fan of any sort of drama. Personally, I don't see someone expressing an opinion that may drastically be different from mine is not drama. Even if it's speculation or insinuating, I take it for what it is....simply, someone expressing themselves.
I have already said a mouthful, so I think I'll end with this, Kaju: Thank You! I didn't expect this, but I'm actually feeling a bit emotional as I write this...I'm encouraged, inspired and uplifted by others who refuse to dim, diffuse or hide their light. I believe we all have this great light from within, but not all of use allow it to shine. So thank you, Kaju, for sharing your light with others. For by doing so, you encourage others to do the same.
Veronica
Veronica, very well said. I agree with your sentiment, especially your comment "I think when we read something that stirs an emotion, it's a good thing...correction, it's a great thing!"
I would add that if what I am reading makes me think, it doesn't matter if I do or don't agree with it. Like you said, when it a piece stirs the emotions and engages our brains, that is a great thing.
Thank you so much Veronica, you are one of the "bright lights" here at WA. It has been an absolute pleasure to get to know you, joke with you (luv it!), and share insightful thoughts with you.
And to think, we got such a late start!
One thing I have always said and will always believe, As long as the comment is respectful,. I LOVE AND WELCOME ALL COMMENTS whether the person disagrees with me or agrees, it simply doesn't matter.
At the end of the day, we can all keep an open mind, and at worse agree to disagree and still be friends.
Im glad you addresswd this. I had seem posts implying the untruth of the people here who have truly been here for us all. Ambassadors on this program which is understated. I agree they have earned the place to be titled such.
Your post here was very well conceived and executed. It covered it all. I hope the ones who questioned this have the opportunity to read, and rethink. Better yet, wake up.
Thank you Kaju
Mark, you are a great soul. I appreciate all you do here and for making consistent thoughtful comments.
Every one has a right to their opinion, and I welcome diverse opinions. But at the end of the day, its all about focusing on what's most important - helping others achieve success and helping people feel good about themselves.
Thank you for your thoughtful and true words.
Whenever I read a post around the Ambassador / ranking system here at WA it brings out some very strong views. Particularly around the motivation of members for why they are active within the community.
For me personally I don't care about what the underlying motivation is for each person. I am interested in what value they add to the community.
It doesn't matter if they are ranked 18 (with the ambassador tag), 114 or 5050. If they are providing an active contribution to the community they are an ambassador in my mind.
When I was reading your post Kaju, it brought to mind a wonderful lady who joined a couple of weeks after I did. I remember talking to her about her niche. While she is not very active commenting on posts or answering questions, she does write a post regular about her progress with her site, asking the occasional question when needed and generating discussions.
To me she is as much an Ambassador for Wealthy Affiliates as anyone else. At the end of the day, regardless of whether you are helping other members, providing moral support or just telling your story, we are all ambassadors for WA whether we have the tag or not.
You're right, Brendan, this topic seems to be very sensitive. I love what you shared, and I believe the member you referred to lets us all know that the action needs to come before the title, not vice versa.
I couldn't agree with you more, Brendan. It's all about the value you bring to the community, that's all that matters. Although it sounds nice, the ambassador title is so overrated.
The best feeling I get is when I see great responses by awesome members here to provocative questions that help those in the community find their needed answers. Just like all the wonderful responses on this post.
That's when I know I did something good.
You are truly right on the mark as always, buddy.
I get what you are saying, but do you honestly think that all 25 ambassadors would keep up their exact behaviours on this platform as they currently are if tomorrow it stopped helping them keep their rank? I have very substantial doubts that they would. If blogging didn't contribute to their rank would they blog as much?
I'm not too concerned with trying to figure out if an ambassador is doing it just to be an ambassador or doing it to help other people out. I have too much to do and too little time to do it to be concerned with it.
I do know that when I start getting a lot of posts that aren't relevant to what I want to read on WA, I promptly unfollow them and for the most part ignore all other content that they post on WA.
I always give people the benefit of the doubt, but that benefit of the doubt gets stretched awfully large on whether something is related to their "personal online journey." Especially when they are posting other things that go against WA's posting guidelines.
The pay it forward system was devised by Kyle and Carson to provide an incentive to help others. No doubt that this is true, Thomas.
Performance based incentives have been around for a long time, in sales, marketing. etc.. and there is nothing wrong with organizations providing incentives to their members to achieve high goals.
The true Ambassadors aren't concerned with rank, they are most concerned with success. Ranking is merely an "artificial" metric of success, but it is NOT success.
From what I see, I believe the ambassadors here are more concerned with "true" success, not "artificial" success.
Writing great content is not limited only to writing content about internet marketing, you can write about anything. This doesn't violate WA's posting guidelines. As you know, the better you write about anything, the more authority you gain, and the better your material ranks in Google.
Not the WA ranking, the search engine ranking.
Personal success is gaining knowledge and applying that knowledge to your business. But to truly be GREAT as I said before one should go about doing what you set out to do, and help others by doing it.
I would rather be great than merely being successful. Cause that means I'm helping others. The reward is the "feel good" part, not the WA ranking.
Thanks for commenting Thomas, whether yo agree with me or not, I appreciate it.
I never said I dislike the WA ranking, although there are other people who would tell you otherwise. I think the ranking system is a great way to make the WA community active and vibrant which leads to people getting the help they need.
However; there is a byproduct of the ranking system which is people postkng not so helpful answers such as "I don't know the answer." This almost makes it harder for people to get help because other people might ignore the question or post because it's already been answered.
You are not allowed to post just anything. If you look at the bottom of the post editor there is a link that gives you an abbreviated list of what's acceptable and not acceptable. At the end of that short list there is a link to a page where they outline what is acceptable and not acceptable: Spam is a NO NO! Rule 8 is what I alluded to in my first rdsponse:
Do not post content that is irrelevant to the online business world or your respective journey through the online world. Anything that is "niche" specific should be posted on your external website.
Now this is incredibly broad and vague and I think this is done intentionally to not hamper engagement within the community. I don't care too much if people aren't talking about IM/online business all of the time I understand the need to rant, vent and discuss other things.
However, I think people lose sight of the fact that this is an online business platform where people are coming to learn how to build an online business and start treating it like another social media platform.
Thomas, I agree with you; I don't advocate fluff like "I don't know the answer." Better not to write anything at all.
People rant occasionally, not a big fan of that but it's okay as long as its only occasional. I know what you are saying. When I first arrived here, I felt the the same as you when I'd see other people's posts about non-related topics to IM/Online business. After all, true this is a platform to learn to build an online business.
However, I began thinking out of the box and realized the diversity of posts members were writing about - regardless of the topic - so many were written with great care, with careful choice of well-researched keywords, were highly educational, and written with the intent of gaining authority and driving traffic to their websites.
In other words, many were great content.
That's when I started to appreciate the diverse blog posts written here on i.e. pop culture, proverbs, travel, fashion,cooking, music, worm farming,etc.. or anything else that on the surface seemed to have little relevance to internet marketing....since I then realized it has EVERYTHIING to do with internet marketing.
And great content makes us all better.
I applaud your candidness Kaju. Another trait of a true ambassador is to be able to speak your mind diplomatically without fear of reprisal. You my friend have done that beautifully. Some will agree with you and others won't, but either way, rise above the noise and stay true to yourself.
You are a wise sage, Rose. "Be true to yourself", no truer words could be ever spoken.
You not only are a wonderful inspiration for my writing, you inspire me to "rise above the noise. I certainly always try to be true to myself, and you honor me with that acknowledgement.
I always welcome those who don't agree with me, and long as it is respectful. You have greatness in you.
Thank you Kaju. I'll give you one thing though.....you sure know how to whip up a crowd, and you don't even have to sing to do it lol.
That really is a great description of people who help, try to help and, occasionally have a few more minutes available than others.
They do deserve to be where they are and I agree that if you are just working to be considered the top tier, you probably are not doing things that need to be done for your website. This means your ranking is all you are getting.
So, everyone, think carefully when you are within striking distance of ambassadorship, whether you are doing what needs to be dome to deserve it.
Mickey, the WA ranking is a byproduct of the work you do to help others. The more you help others, the more you help yourself.
For instance, when I help others by asking the right questions, in the process, I am helping myself because I am also getting the answers I NEED. Otherwise, I wouldn't have asked the question.
It works both ways.
But when I say "help yourself" I don't mean anyone who only works for their WA ranking - that's foolish.
In the end, if you manage your time wisely, you can both work on your business effectively AND participate in the community - both work hand-in-hand.
Wow! What a great blog! I honestly can't believe anyone would say an ambassador gamed his way to the top. That's absurd! That's like saying Kyle & Carson had this community created and sit on the top but do nothing. There are many different factors that are looked at as you rise through the ranks and you can't do that by doing nothing, and to me, that is the implication behind it. Shame on those people for thinking that! Again I'd like to say great article and I hope it gets through to others. Best Wishes...and being a songwriter is awesome!
I am sorry, but there are people who respond to everything without any real reason to. When questions are asked and they answer "I don't know," that is a bit silly. Why respond then?
I have seen other people give 1-2 word answers to almost every question/ post/ training I see and at times it just doesn't make sense.
I won't name names, but someone (not an ambassador, but rising quickly) answers everything with "Thanks" or "good info!" and at times it is not appropriate. I unfortunately can't remember the exact details, but someone had posted something that had happened to her and the response totally did not match.
I am exaggerating for effect, but it was along the lines of "I am so sad. My dog died today." and the answer was-- you guessed it-- "Great info!"
Really?
They are not breaking the rules or anything, but I don't think that writing "Good info!" 50 times a day should carry the same weight as thoughtful responses...
I am no expert. I would say that I probably don't deserve to be an ambassador. And if I can say that about myself, when I honestly try to help, I think I can say it about others who post for the sake of posting.
I personally have seen that too and honestly wasn't connecting the dots. I guess for me I'd rather believe people do things from the heart without personal gain getting in the way but unfortunately it doesn't always work that way. I haven't been here that long so I hope that is the minority and not the majority. Me personally, I like the fact that we have ambassadors to help along the way. I know for me once things take off really well I probably won't be around as much because I'll be helping hubby build a site and enjoying life. Right now I'm putting my all into my business and I'll relax when I get to where I want to be--but again that's just me. Thank you so much for the explanation, I really appreciate it. Best Wishes!!
I don't discount the possibility that in some circumstances I am being too cynical, though I try not to be... But definitely in some cases there is something going on.
Oh Craig, but you DO deserve to be an Ambassador. For the very reason I stated above on the last bullet point, first section (read above). In fact, when I wrote this I was thinking of you.
And you have yourself have even publicly stated this.
And I agree with you on the 1-2 word comments to almost every question and post especially if those answers are irrelevant are totally inappropriate.
But if they are ONLY doing that, I don't think they are going to get there. They are fooling themselves. Kyle and Carson's created a ranking algorithm that's very difficult to "game" the system; it is mutually dependent on BOTH the member AND their audience.
As Veronica so wisely said, you don't have to like or comment on their posts if you think they are annoying. You cannot make it to Ambassador all by yourself. It truly takes "a village,"
Hi Deborah, thanks for your most encouraging post. And I appreciate your many kind words.
The truth is it's really hard to game the system that Kyle and Carson created. Is it possible? Sure, its possible.
But it takes BOTH the member's actions AND their audiences likes, comments, and reads...and MANY, MANY of them...to do that.
Chances are, if someone is getting that many reads, comments, and "likes" they are writing quality content - and are definitely helping the community and deserve to be there.
Stay positive Deborah. Sure it's possible, NO system is infallible but most are not doing this, and IMHO no one in the current Top 25.
As Loes wisely stated here, "...you can't keep the rank by just putting in likes and follows for your own gain, you need to contribute to the community to keep the rank."
Kyle and Carson, have created a system that's hard to game. It takes your audience to like, comment. and read your posts consistently, not only your "likes" and "comments' to raise your ranking.
I've said in the past that I hope my constant asking of questions can be useful, and by-and-large I think it might be, but I don't know if that it is something that should gain me rank...
I would like to think that I am making a contribution, but by my own definition of an ambassador, I am not so sure I qualify, especially compared to so many other people on the list.
So... you're saying that all the complete garbage that I've been getting in my email from all the rank spankers is valid, acceptable and qualifies some of these folks to be Ambassadors???
If you want to be an Ambassador, take a look at Nathaniell and his posts and mimic him... once you do that, I'll vote for ya' every time!
Well said, we've just got to call it as it is. Too much liking of every damn thing going on just for popularity, and posting of crazy stuff too at times especially by those whose rank is higher. Well pointed out that there are real quality people in here who earn it and we should all look to them...and even try to remember who they are
*note: I'm clearly not chasing the popular vote LOL!
Yup, I'm with ya'! Reckon I just shot my own wings off if I ever want to run for Ambassador...
Oh well, nothing left to do now except just work on my websites!!!
That's a great point, Mary. To say that what you stated doesn't exist would be either a lie or said out of ignorance.
Interestingly enough, the topic of ranking was brought up weeks ago, and I made a comment that it would be a nice change to vote for Ambassadors. Now, with 500,000+ members, it's unlikely that could ever be done effectively, but it would definitely be interesting.
I'm no mind reading, but I can't help but wonder the motives behind people who post several times in a day of what I call "fluff" posts. Everyone has a right to express themselves, but come on! So, what I do now, is when I see their names in my email notifications for "new post", I just skip over them.
It seems this topic will never die...
Yes my friend, this is indeed a topic that is going to hang around for a while. I just think that some solid definition from Kyle or Carson would really help us add some clarity to this debate.
Each of us have in our own minds what an Ambassador is supposed to act like but it truly is subjective. Some of us use a dictionary to define 'Ambassador' and some of us just take a look at guys like Jay or Nathaniell and draw our conclusion from some great examples who have personally touched our lives.
I can also go through my inbox and easily tell ya' what an Ambassador is not in terms of contributing to the building of a website or affiliate marketing.
Again... so much is subjective! I gotta get back to sortin' out my inbox... LOL!!!
Blessings my friend!
Hey bottom line, I appreciate your comment Double Tap, but if you don't approve of someone's posts and actions, as Veronica said you don't have to like, comment or even read their posts.
BTW, I agree with you...I DON"T APPROVE of any garbage that you may be receiving in your email, but I don't believe a true "ambassador" would send such garbage. That's a rookie move.
Also, any "garbage" they write to you in a PM is not contributing to their ranking, and if they think they can persuade you to "like" their posts in a PM, they are idiots. Don't insult our intelligence, WA'ers are smarter than that.
Ranking is not only dependent on the member, it is dependent on their audience. The audience is free to choose.
Exactly partner... " but I don't believe a true "ambassador" would send such garbage. That's a rookie move."
Like I mentioned to Veronica, I can go back through the emails sent by some of the current 'Ambassadors' and show you exactly what an 'Ambassador' isn't!
No worries my friend, no one spams me with PM's... yet... LOL!
Bottom line here is that anything that comes from some one moving up through the ranks with the intent of becoming an Ambassador should only be providing information or training on how to build our sites and/or our businesses. This isn't a social club!
Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and a whole ton of other social medias are the places to talk about your vacations, sightseeing and political views... NOT here at WA!
Posting motivational STUFF is tempting but do it in PMs so that the folks that are trying to get help from the community with different problems in there sites or businesses don't have to wade through tons of stuff that is needless and time consuming in their moments of woe!
Ambassadors should be thoughtful and considerate, always thoughtful and considerate... of Everyone!
Thanks for listening bud, hope your weekend is rockin'!!!
Randy, I do agree if you are receiving spam via email from ANYONE you need to report it immediately, if you haven't done so already.
There are so many different people here at WA with diverse interests and skills, and there are volumes of training on such a wide variety business topics such as SEO, internet marketing, building websites, etc to help your internet business, one can simply choose what they want to read and what they don't want to read.
Diversity is the beauty of this community. Where we disagree is that Kyle and Carson also created Wealthy Affiliate not only as an internet marketing "university", but as a "testing ground" blog writing practice platform, where members are encouraged to develop and hone their writing/ authorship skills by writing blog posts about ANY topic.
Granting us the freedom to write about any topic that may be relevant to your businesses, is not only educational and highly interesting for the reader, it develops us into GREAT content writers.
In the process, not only do we learn how to write great content by applying the knowledge taught in the lessons and DOING it, we master the skill of how to raise our post rankings by learning to choose the best low competition keywords getting searches for optimum SEO, how to check analytics, how to use many different Google tools, etc..through the instrument of our WA blog post.
We can simultaneously apply all of this same knowledge to our websites to increase its rankings.
And in this context, everything we do is all certainly highly related to internet marketing, affiliate marketing, and building our businesses .
"And in this context, everything we do is all certainly highly related to internet marketing, affiliate marketing, and building our businesses ."
Too doggone funny Kaju...LOL! I see where you're headin' with this. You can spin 'er anyway you want to partner, we're just gonna have to agree to disagree, alrighty?
Hope your Sunday is awesome!
Hi, Kaju. That post took my breath away just looking at it :)
Personally, I don't really mind who is an Ambassador, and I'm more than sure that who has this title has deserved it.
I was under the impression that people here were supposed to be learning how to be affiliates, and work at a (hopefully) profitable business, and not backstab each other as to who's been made ambassador :)
James
The reality is, James, any group or organization is made up of imperfect people that will do unpleasant things to harm others. But I do believe te good outweighs the bad, every time.
James, you are a wise man well beyond your time at WA. Thank you my friend. You have a great attitude.
You are right, the prevailing goal here is for people to work on their businesses, learn to make money online, and be successful. All the rest is only window dressing.
One more thing I will say: have FUN here while you are doing it! .
Thankssssssss.... you're too kind :)
Of course, being here is to learn this new business and find ways to make money online. That is the scope of many, but there is always a bad apple in the basket :)
It is fun...it's also daunting and hair-raising at times, but still an experience lol
James
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Hi Kaju, this is a terrific post, however, I do not totally agree with you. There have been for sure ambassadors who gamed the system. I am a lot longer around here. And I can remember a few who found some fake ways to the ambassador rank. Rarely, but it happens. One of them was even dismissed by Kyle and he slowly disappeared from the ambassador's list.
That said, I do agree on the differences in contributions that ambassadors make. And not only their own actions but also the actions others take will push them up the ladder. Because, not only their own likes, comments, and active blog and training writing counts, also the likes and comments they receive from the community has a huge impact.
I know one thing for sure, everyone who is just doing his/her activities here just to get the ambassador rank, can not keep it up for long, the love for it has to run through your veins.
Ahh...Lovely Loes said it best!
You brought up a great point about: it's not just about one person writing a bunch of posts and liking everything they can get their hands on, other people have to "like" and comment of whatever post that person writes as well. No one person can make their way up to Ambassador...it takes a village.
Th solution is simple: if someone is irritating you in some way, or you feel they are trying to "game" the system, we all have the option to not to read their posts or click "like".
Loes, I believe you. You have been around here a long time. I am sure this has happened in the past.
What I am implying in this post, is that I genuinely don't believe any member in the CURRENT Top 25 rank is "gaming" the system. I disagree what has been said (on other posts) that 2 people here have been climbing the ranks only for the sake of being an ambassador.
As for your comment "...everyone who is just doing his/her activities here just to get the ambassador rank, can not keep it up for long, the love for it has to run through your veins.."
I couldn't agree with you more, Loes. They will never last, and if they are they are only fooling themselves.
Veronica, your last paragraph says it all: if someone is irritating you simply don't read their posts, like their posts. or comment on their posts. It's really that simple.
And on the flip side, if you ARE getting many comments, "likes", and participation on your posts, then you are TRULY HELPING OTHERS and thus DESERVE to gain ranking.
I'm not saying its impossible, but that's why Kyle and Carson's genius created a ranking algorithm that's very difficult to "game" the system; it is mutually dependent on BOTH the member AND their audience.
You cannot make it to Ambassador all by yourself. It truly takes "a village,"
then why don't you just follow your own advice and not read those posts instead of posting about it and hyping it all up even more...
Quite right said Veronica:)
That's right Kaju, you can't keep the rank by just putting in likes and follows for your own gain, you need to contribute to the community to keep the rank
Loes KNOWS.
Spot on point. As always.
Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge, and your many experiences, Ambassador of Ambassadors.
We all are better for YOU.
Your "village" rules Veronica!
And "V" rules the village, Mike!
I like that...but I am not the most humble of people...I probably would get dethroned after a week...or 3 days...depends on the season. I'm friendlier in the Fall, then Spring and Winter...it takes a lot for me to me to be pleasant during a New York Summer.
Only if you can sing to us, Kaju!
I'll stay away until September, V. Thanks!
OH, but I SO want to play my guitar too, V!
/jetrbby80316
Oh my - I'm not sure how I got to this page but I have learned something today - disappointment - always a result of unrealistic expectations - and I've done it again.
I believe an Ambassadorship is a prestigious position that was indeed earned. But right here among your grand clarification of what an Ambassador represents at WA, there are those at this rank who do not believe it, and I find that very disrespectful of you and of WA's intent and purpose for what the Ambassador program stands for.
Is this not gaming? "...we all have the option to not read their posts or click 'like.'"
THIS is an example of what Ambassadorship should not represent. (And I don't know any of you).
I now will return to my initial plan but after having to write this response, it is most likely I will be one of those who will have to live with my posts not being read or "liked."
Seriously. It's just wrong.
Cibrooks - I just wanted to clarify about Veronica's comment:
That sentence you quoted by Veronica "...we all have the option to not read their posts or click 'like." was her response to Loes earlier comment on how difficult it is to game the system, which was the following:
"....I do agree on the differences in contributions that ambassadors make. And not only their own actions but also the actions others take will push them up the ladder. Because, not only their own likes, comments, and active blog and training writing counts, also the likes and comments they receive from the community has a huge impact."
There's been too much fictional hoopla spread around by a few people recently about how certain Ambassadors might be "gaming " the system to achieve their ranking,
But the fact is (as Loes wisely assessed) is that Kyle and Carson ingeniously set up a ranking algorithm where it's very difficult to "game" the system. Ranking is dependent on both the member and their audience. Therefore, it is very likely all the current Ambassadors who are there have legitimately earned their rank.
Veronica's comment is that there is a simple solution of how to prevent anyone from "gaming" the system. Quite simply, everyone has the right to not read their posts and click "like."
To a great extent it is in everyone's control as to who reaches ambassador, and who does not.
I agree with Loes. I've seen ambassadors who know nothing, give bad advice, game the system by spamming comments on posts and trainings with benign, useless comments. I've also seen an ambassador here who posts PLR videos and makes them out to be his own videos.
He has over 150 of those PLR videos uploaded here. And he's getting paid for them.
Wow! I believe you. But I believe this is more the exception than the norm.
Yes, exactly, I understand - but my position is: for an Ambassador, an elite member of this community who has obvious leadership qualities, it is a point of view that should not be taken. That would mean there are more than potential "gamers" playing a game. I agree with Loes as well. I just don't think anyone with the title of Ambassador and the authority it represents should decide who they like and who they don't like. That can only be a personal opinion to remain personal. It shouldn't matter who the "gamer" is believed to be, what they are doing or how they do it. If the "gamer" is producing quality on any level it will be recognized as such by the system and algorithms that are in place. The system sets the boundaries.
I am not defending the "gamer." I believe in karma - I believe "you reap what you sow." But you don't get to the top 25 on "likes" alone. The only two qualified to take the position of avenger are Kyle and Carson, and from what I read this has occurred in the past when rules were broken.
No one person can be in control by refusing to read or "like" another persons product, and while they are entitled to that opinion on a personal level, the line would be drawn at the point of recruiting others to do the same. The "system" cannot function properly if the most elite members turn such matters into their own responsibility.
I say let the naysayers speak of cheating and abuse. Do not engage as that will only reduce your own capacity. When all is said and done everyone will ultimately receive the rewards that were earned.
Thanks for your clarification.
Well said Loes. As the #5 ambassador as far as the number of days as an ambassador, currently 1,239, I fully agree with you in your comment.
I too have seen many members who became ambassadors, who gamed the system. And though I would not name names, I feel that there is at least one, maybe two, ambassadors that have/are gaming the system.
(: Yes, you'll always be ahead of me 1239-913 :)
And from the sideline, I do see some gaming activities too
You will be breaking into the 1,000+ days threshold in another 3 months. I am happy to see you still in the top 5 spots, an area I do not miss being in. ;)
I fluctuate a bit, between 3 and 11. I just do not change my doings. I only blog when I have something to tell. Ask questions when I want to know something and place comments where needed. When the answer is there already, I like the answer, but I don't lower myself to add comments as: "I see you found the answer, I am too late."
Me too.
And I always shake my head when I see people post comments like that. When I see that I say, Rank Spanker. LOL
That's intense....it would be hard to dispute anyone who has held the position of Ambassador, for as long as you and Loes have.
In the end, what goes around comes around. If integrity is absent in anything you do, it's bound to rear it's ugly head in one form or another.
This is true. All that is hidden will be revealed.
Very well said.
Comments like what?
Comments like, "I see you found your answer." Or, "Sorry, I don't know the answer to that."
LOL. Guilty. It is better to not answer.