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HCSupport · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 5:18 pm Post subject: The future of Spots

UPDATE:

OK -- the new Spots policy is set for now. You can read about it here:

http://hyenacart.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=69709

or on the HC Blog:

http://hyenacart.com/Blog/

I'm going to go ahead and lock this thread, but feel free to continue the discussion on that other thread if you like. Thanks!

OK -- I confess, I had no idea that Spots usage would be such a heated topic. It was obviously never my intention to start a lot of negativity regarding Spots with the recent change. It seemed like a good way to keep Spots from being overrun with spam.

As background for those who aren't up-to-speed: a few days ago, I added this restriction to Spotting items: you could only Spot an item if you had no commercial interest in promoting the item (i.e., the listing was not yours or any of your congomates'). Many people were unhappy with this change and I am re-considering it. At the same time, some congos have been using their own members to gain Spots for their listings and push them into the Most Spots list.

I see a couple of options moving forward:

1) Remove the Most Spots this Week list (probably replacing it with a random sampling of spots) and have no restrictions on who can spot what

2) Have the restriction against spotting your own or your congomates' listings; and keep the Most Spots list

Please vote your preference. And if posting your opinion below, please keep it civil.

Becky · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 6:29 pm Post subject:

Just

to make sure that everybody sees.
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syndibee · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 6:40 pm Post subject:

thank you for this poll
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CrochetFuntime · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:18 pm Post subject:

A

for the poll
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Fairyanna · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:29 pm Post subject:

Thank you for the poll and giving us all the chance to give our opinion

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pamelamama · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:27 pm Post subject:

I don't have a preference either way, but I think that policing your policy is going to be very challenging and set up a lot of tension between sellers. Just like "spam" is not allowed on many forums and people find creative ways to get spamming done, this will probably lead to more sneakiness rather than more clarity.

Good luck!
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knitterkim · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:31 pm Post subject:

I was thinking about this and I think one way to remedy the situation would be to make it public who is spotting what. On Ravelry and Etsy, if you make someone or something your favorite, anyone can click and see who did it.
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blessedmama · Cub with 4 spots Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 188 HC$ 4.99

just wondering, what about if it's a friend's item, not a congo-mate? i don't see how policing it will help anyone? why change it if it's been working fine?
not to be a pain, just really curious.
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Becky · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:50 pm Post subject:

Stellaria · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:22 pm Post subject:

I can't believe that people are protesting not being able to use the Spots system for spam. Seriously. Are your things *that* un-noteworthy that you have to flout the intentions of the system just so people might notice yours?

What *I* notice in the Random Spots, and often in the Top Spots, is when items are without a doubt put there by those selling, and not because the item has noteworthy merit. Because that tends to happen more often than a really well-done item getting into the top spots on it's OWN merit.

I'm just flabbergasted that this is even an arguable issue. STOP THE BLATANT SPAMMING OF RUN-OF-THE-MILL STUFF, AND WE WON'T HAVE A PROBLEM ANYMORE!!!
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kgreeng · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:45 pm Post subject:

I'd like to see random spots with pics on the calendar page. If people abuse the spots list, then get rid of it. It was never intended to be free advertising.
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artistry · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:48 pm Post subject:

Thanks for taking another look at this issue! Smile

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wholesomemama · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:10 pm Post subject:

I don't really have an issue with anything Karen and you all decide, although I like the idea that spots shouldn't be used for spaming, and more for highling popular items with shoppers. The only thing, though, is that I can't spot a friend of mine's item, or even a hypothetical congomate's, no matter what, b/c my friends make some really awe inspiring stuff... I'd rather it be the policy, and that it is requested as a PSA, that we not do it just to promote and item for a friend or congo mate. I guess I really like to think that we can all be honest about it....
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cuppa java · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:25 pm Post subject:

My understanding is that you can spot a friend's item, if you feel that it is really awesome and deserves spots. As long as you have no monetary benefit in spotting it, it's okay.

The issue is when congos, for example, have all 19 people spot one item so that they can keep a listing on their congo in the top spots list. That's sort of tacky, no?

Advertising is free here. You just have to chat it up a bit to earn enough points to run your banners. I get a lot of clicks on my banners, so it does work. It works very well, actually.

I think the spots should be kept, because I really enjoy browsing it and checking out the top spots, when they aren't just plain ole items from some congo that had everybody spot them.

Teri
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smschrader · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 1:04 am Post subject:

I ended up voting for removing the Most Spots section as I really like to be able to spot my congomates stuff if it's awesome (which it usually is). I can understand how this system could be abused, but I don't want to lose my freedom to spot all the stuff I like so this seems like the best solution for me.
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