Self-promoters on WA - when to Unfollow?
Generally they publish blogs that are of interest, and sometimes the content is useful, but there is TOO MUCH of IT. 2, 3 or 4 posts a day or more, with little interaction on their blogs or others - they are all about showing what they know to those who can buy it.
I have to wonder what to do about it. These are professionals, and they usually pass the spam test, so I don't generally flag it as spam. But if you try to reach out to them (without offering to book their services for a fee) they are VERY Quiet. So annoying to see these folks misuse the platform, yet there is enough value in what they share that I'm not sure I should un-follow them.
What do you think?
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I don't see very much of this Stephen. There is only one person I can think of who fills the bill. She posts three times a day every day (which is the maximum allowed here). Whenever I see her name I just ignore her and look at the next email.
That seems like a great system, Marion.
Might well be the same one... In any case thanks for leading the way as you so often do. Yet, I've never stepped in a hole following your lead.
Have a great weekend,
Steve
Hi Steve, between Ambassadors and other members......actually there is NO difference, it's just a title when you reach 25+.
We are all equal, or should be anyway.
I have unfollowed many members for different reasons, I don't need to be annoyed so it's no big deal to unfollow someone.
I don't need a community when there is drama involved, I've seen enough already.
Do as you like, as long as you are happy :)
Mine were warranted to be unfollowed. You would be surprised if you knew my experiences. I'm glad you are happy :)
everyone here has their own business. of course, they don't mind helping someone here, but why should they give away all their secrets for free
if you consider your time in $$$$ and cents and figure out the amount of time spent on this sites learning then the cost is higher than $49.00/month---that $49.00 is just for the privilege of using this platform and learning the skills needed to build a business + having a place to dock multiple websites
Seen them, just keep my distance as I`m not interested in their promotions because as you say, some of them will be so silent if you send them a PM asking for any kind of help you`ll think your PM never got to them.
Seems like a waste of your time.
Yes there are members who specialize in a specific area, I am one of them. I don't mind offering surface advice but for the "meat and vege" of my knowledge, user pays.
However, when engaging with people here, my agenda is not to get them as a client (I would say only 1% of WA could possibly be my target market, perhaps even less).
Mind you I don't post here all the time and my inbox is FULL of requests to help. If you were to ask anyone here who I have helped via PM they will tell you my answers are long and very detailed.
Sounds to me like you are using the platform exactly as intended, and if you pick up clients here that's a clear win-win. I'm not talking about you, and I'm now following you, Beau.
It's a matter of personal preference. There should be interaction in any post. Part of the purpose of posting is interactive feedback!
I agree. In fact, if people are here to promote their services to the WA community, I suspect they would make stronger client connections if they interacted.
The ones that irk me are the ones that only want to blog or question in order to showcase expertise, then show no interest in the sites, problems or questions from others unless they are paying clients. Interest in WA as a group of target market prospects is fine, if you respect the spirit of the community and the platform IMHO.
Not sure if I have seen much blatant self-promotion here...I would be interested in specifics if you are willing to share...
There are those that have competencies in one area or the other of online marketing, so they may answer questions or create posts having subjects about their expertise...
The profile page is one area where it is allowed to add your links to various sites whether they are websites or social accounts. Is this what you are meaning? That is allowed...
On answering questions, etc. I really do not track any individual but see some helping more than others, and I only see a tiny piece of things here, I do not have that much time, pretty busy with business...
I have seen the overposting thing, and the asking of many questions just to maintain or gain WA rank, but I thought that was lessened with all the 'hooplah' and changes to the ranking algorithms...
Anyway, I guess it could be I am missing something...For the most part, it seems to be a self-correcting thing. If someone abuses the privileges we have, there is someone to call them out.
Unfollowing is also an option if needed. I think I have done this twice in 2 years 3 months...So pretty infrequent...
I also do a mass delete on my email inbox for WA mails, because there are just too many...It can clog up your inbox hehe...If something catches my eye, I will click on it...Mostly, not...
Cheers!
Dave : )
Not anything either strictly allowed or verboten, Dave, just elaborate posting many times per day, coupled with minimal interest in actually engaging with other WA members. Yes, I expect to see links to sale sites on the profile page, and in any interactions where the site link is relevant, and not an obvious advert. I'm not talking about that.
The main example I've seen is clearly not about trying for rank - mine is higher in less time with less blogging.
I'm talking about folks who clearly are spending hours each day crafting multiple WA posts in their area of expertise, then not engaging with other WA members in any meaningful way, other than to take them on as clients. I've not seen a LOT of this, but one example loads my inbox regularly, but when I've tried to reach out to her it's tough to get a 4 word reply. I haven't tried reaching out in a way that suggests I'm a potential client...
Cheers,
Steve
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Hello, Stephen.
I am an Online Mentor and have yet to solicit anyone ever at WA because I do not have to, my work speaks for itself. I have been approached by several here at WA that have needed help and (as BeauAndNick has also), I have helped them (Some Extensively) without charge.
Others have approached me about one on one mentoring to revamp entire Websites and for retaxonomy and Personal Mentoring on a one on one basis for hours at a time. I do not mind, that's how I feed my children. Online Mentoring is my Niche like another WAer's may be anti-wrinkle Eye Cream.
However, I have always told them that Solicitation was not permitted here and if they wanted to discuss it forward they could connect with my website found at the bottom right corner of my profile or they could email me off the WA platform.
No one I have ever mentored has complained to date and many have written blogs about me.
Don't get me wrong, I have seen what you are talking about but not enough of it happening to even mention. Like others who have commented below I agree that simple helping out of courtesy is a big plus to the community as many here will testify that I do consistently. It takes hours sometimes to prepare training and I have given blood sweat and tears to do so. Many express gratitude and I always reciprocate.
The way I see it is like this; If you are my neighbor and you know I am a mechanic and you stop by and ask me to help you change a spark plug and I do and you say how much, I'll reply, "a hug and a cup of coffee."
However....This IS MY JOB!! If you want me to tear out your entire motor and rebuild it and take two weeks rebuilding the tranny along with it....you bet your damn boots I'm gonna GET PAID.
Unlike most I tell my clients that I am in fact in it for the money. I'm sure you are too. When the money stops coming so does the Teddy Bear.
Please don't misunderstand me as I know you are not talking about me because to the best of my knowledge you have never PMed me.
I get probably around 10 - 15 a day and I'M NOT an AMBASSADOR and I answer them all.
I am NOT an AMBASSADOR anymore because I do not have time to post three times a day about mushrooms and compete for a title that does not even pay your monthly dues. Those who could not find their online butts with both hands can have it.
I do feel that those who are in the know....if they were adequately awarded and had the title then people (especially Newbies) would know who to come to for help.
With Respect, sir, there is more than one side of your post
PS. The Bear is Pink for those who wonder out of deep love and respect for all the women and some men who have both fought and won or fought and died the Ravages of Breast Cancer.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Well said, I am proud to be a working member of Web Mastery 101!!
T
Your reputation is legend, Sir, so the explanation is appreciated, but hardly needed.
Most of us are well aware of those who give in excess, ambassadors or not.
Thank you, Stephen