Comments on: The BlogCatalog Retrospective

By: legbamel

legbamel — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:50:10 +0000

The admin has made a terrific contribution to the community, not by being “hands off” with the silliness but by participating from time to time or at least acknowledging the running gags. The idea that you guys are actually interested in us, rather than just the bottom line, makes you a one-of-a-kind crew. You get the inside jokes, you respond to concerns, and you not only ask for input but act on it. That’s exceedingly rare in a successful site.

The boards have been a fantastic place to watch evolve over the past year. Keeping the shameless promotion and money-making strategies to their own sections has allowed people who want to talk about blogging and their lives more room to find each other. And look what they’ve done with it!

Your post was lovely to read. It bears out the impression that I get from your involvement in the community, that you guys are having fun and learning right along with the rest of us. Members really respect you all for what you have created but you certainly aren’t on any pedestals!

By: Monkey Tale

Monkey Tale — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:10:59 +0000

I always look forward to popping in here. This blogging community is by far the best that I’ve run across. You guys are “good people”.

By: Mark Stoneman

Mark Stoneman — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:44:40 +0000

I’m glad you took the time to write down your reflections.

By the way, maybe you ought to add a few more links to your sidebar here. I’m thinking of that rogue tiger’s tumblelog, and Tony’s too.

By: Paul Squires

Paul Squires — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:21:42 +0000

Now if you could only figure out a way to weed out the rampant spammers and loudmouthed bigots and racists, I might spend more time there.

By: Earth & Economy

Earth & Economy — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:58:44 +0000

Nine, your post was very insightful and a genuine portrayal of a one-of-a-kind community. We are very grateful for everything your team has provided. Where else in the universe can you debate a hot topic like "trolls" or banter pointlessly, while being chased by ninjas and snapping turtles with beers on their back? We appreciate all that you have done and look forward to many more musings. Here is a dedication to BlogCatalog— The Wondurful People [who] Make the World Go Round.

By: meghnak

meghnak — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:35:11 +0000

AWESOME.

But I disagree with only one point. It is not true that the Admins got lucky! It is the dedication, determination & hard work of the staff/admin that converted to a large number of followers actively participating in all activities of Blogcatalog. True, the discussion forum is its life.

By: Tony Berkman

Tony Berkman — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:18:26 +0000

Oscar , thanks for writing this post and sharing your heart with us. It brought tears to my eyes

By: Jillian

Jillian — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:09:34 +0000

This is an excellent post.

I have definitely started to spend more time on the BC threads, you know ENGAGING with the community. Even if I don’t agree with whatever is expressed, it’s almost never dull and keeps me coming back.

And I find I get the most enjoyment out of blogs where I feel like I’m getting to know the person behind it little by little.

Anyways, I enjoy BC and the work you guys do.

By: NINE

NINE — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:09:56 +0000

We had a discussion early on if we (the admins) should have special badges so you knew who was staff but at the end of the day we decided that would much rather be seen as part of the community not above anyone or on a pedestal… We made a decision early on to let the community dictate the direction of the site and our opinions would always equal that to those of our members.

By: Anok

Anok — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:58:06 +0000

BlogCatalog really is an awesome place for bloggers to connect. But you already knew that I thought that. It does help too, that the admin is active in the forums, and you guys and gals actively engage your website members. That makes a HUGE difference.