A Change in the Zone

Tuesday, March 20, 2007  by Anna Bryce
Category: Announcements, Transparency

For those of who've posted previously to Ada-tudes, and other blogs in the Opportunity Zone, you'll notice that we've added a new feature today. We're requiring an email address to be submitted with all comments. Please know that we will not be publishing email addresses. We just like to have them so that we may communicate directly with those who are leaving comments in case we have questions or need to address comments policy issues.

While you're leaving your email address, please consider also leaving your full, real name. Those of us behind the Opportunity Zone can certainly appreciate the reasons some may have for wishing to remain anonymous, however, the simple fact is that comments posted under a pseudonym do not have the same weight and credibility as those signed with real names.

And while we're talking comments ... please be sure to stay on topic and civil, and take care to not  make the same point multiple times. All opinions and ideas are welcome on this blog, but not when they are articulated in a disrespectful manner, repeat the same ideas already stated or monopolize the conversation to the detriment of participation from new voices.

The Opportunity Zone is a fascinating venture for Quixtar and we're excited and encouraged by the participation so far. We hope the involvement grows and we look forward to rolling out more blogs in the Zone in the coming months. And we look forward to a discussion that is intelligent, respectful and inclusive of all opinions.

3/22/07 Update:

Just to clarify – we will continue to publish comments submitted under a pseudonym and anonymous comments.

Also, as a response to the concerns expressed by some of our readers, we will post a privacy policy that will spell out how we're going to use – and not use – the email addresses you submit with your comments.

Finally, some readers were worried about the potential retribution from Quixtar against IBOs criticizing the business or the corporation itself. We understand the anxiety that can sometimes come with putting your opinion on the line for all the world to see – every blogger on the Quixtar side of the Opportunity Zone feels this from time to time too!

But Quixtar is not and never has been interested in "retribution" against IBOs for any reason. Are we interested in enforcing the Quixtar Business Rules of Conduct? Of course, and any Rules violations that come to our attention via any medium will always be appropriately investigated. But criticizing and questioning any aspect of the business should never be cause for worry about any kind of action from Quixtar.

Comments

Tex said:
March 20, 2007 5:20 PM | #

I think you are shutting down open communications with this move. It would work much better if you added a Private Messaging function on this site.

Regarding real names having more "weight and credibility", most people don't know who we are, and using our real names mostly has downside potential, with very limited upside benefit. Plus, most of us are known by our "handle" names in the blogging world. The facts should speak for themselves anyway. We are discussing issues on this blog, not personal politics.

Regarding multiple comments, they wouldn't have to be made if responses and updates were provided by Q. Otherwise, the nature of blogging requires them in order for the ideas to be reasonably visible.

Jeffrey said:
March 20, 2007 8:06 PM | #

Many, including myself, will no longer post if we are required to give our whole name because our upline and/or downline might see it.

rara said:
March 21, 2007 1:10 AM | #

Why is it so important to post one's first and last names?  (By the way, you can find mine if you search hard enough.)  I think people should be able to post their opinions in anonymity, which will probably make them feel freer to honestly express their thoughts.  

Also, some IBOs may also want to post anonymously (with no email addresses) so there is no danger of being reprimanded by Q.  Indeed insider/IBOfightback gave that as a reason why he wanted to remain anonymous (on another forum), even though he is an ardent defender of Quixtar and his LOA.  Quixtar has a lot of rules, which may make a well-intentioned IBO vulnerable to being reprimanded by Q.

Not to mention the fact that people don't necessarily want their names up on the web for all to see.  Remember that Kia and Beth Dornan were blogging anonymously for quite a while, so it may not be fair to ask commenters to leave their real names.  I don't see how that would contribute to transparency or openness.  As long as people are honestly expressing themselves, I don't see how leaving real names will make things better.

I understand that leaving one's first and last names is purely optional, but I just wanted to explain why some people may not be willing to do so.  I also understand why you want email address now, probably because of a certain poster (I won't name names) here, so that's okay. :-)  Please don't edit that last statement. :-)

The above is my (anonymous) opinion.  I applaud the corporation for opening up this forum to converse with IBOs and the general public.  It is definitely a step in the right direction.

Anna Bryce said:
March 21, 2007 9:41 AM | #

Thanks for all your feedback.

Please note that while we're recommending full, real names, we're not requiring them. We understand the reasons why many would want to post anonymously. It is not our desire to discourage anyone from participating in Ada-tudes, we're merely trying to create the most open, honest and transparent environment possible.

Yes, Beth and Robin did blog anonymously for a while but this was actually a source of criticism from many in the blogosphere. Now that they blog under their real names -- as does everyone in the Opportunity Zone -- isn't it nice to know exactly who you're talking to and what their role is at Quixtar?

As for emails, again, we're not publishing them. They are simply helpful to have should we need to communicate directly with a poster regarding comments policy issues.

Regarding updates from Quixtar -- please know that we are providing answers and information as soon as possible. Sometimes there is simply still work to be done and decisions to be reached before we even have anything to communicate.

Thanks,

Anna Bryce

Managing Editor -- Opportunity Zone

Tex said:
March 21, 2007 10:32 AM | #

Anna,

You were silent on the issue of potential retribution Q may take against an IBO honestly expressing themselves. Please comment on this specific issue.

Doesn't the fact that we are all concerned about our identity, and we have 2 of the 3 main groups posting here (Q and IBO's, not the higher pins)  say a lot about the environment we operate under?

I feel pretty comfortable rara was talking about me, above, and do not appreciate the implied meaning.

If she wants to debate an issue, I don't mind, that is what this forum is for, and I don't expect to agree with everyone on everything. But if she wants to make a personal attack, implicit or explicit, I expect you to edit the comment appropriately.  

Tex,

I think Quixtar, by creating the Opportunity Zone and allowing the conversation -- strong criticisms and all -- to flow freely, has made it clear that we want IBOs, critics, prospects and all interested parties to express themselves honestly and freely.

I understand the anxiety that can sometimes come with putting your opinion on the line for all the world to see -- every blogger on the Quixtar side of the Opportunity Zone feels this from time to time too! But Quixtar is not and never has been interested in "retribution" against IBOs for any reason. Are we interested in enforcing the Quixtar Business Rules of Conduct? Of course, and any Rules violations that come to our attention via any medium will always be appropriately investigated. But criticizing and questioning any aspect of the business should never be cause for worry about any kind of action from Quixtar.

And please remember, we are not requiring names. We're merely asking nicely that people please provide them. :)

As for Rara's comment, it wasn't directed at anyone personally and didn't seem uncivil to me. Obviously, this can be subjective. I'll do my best to edit comments appropriately moving forward.

Thanks,

Anna Bryce
Managing Editor -- Opportunity Zone

Janet said:
March 21, 2007 4:40 PM | #

I agree that the constant "encouragement" to use your first and last names can seem like strongarming participants. It feels intimidating, whether it is meant to be or not, and will discourage a percentage of people from posting. Perfectly within your rights, but you should be aware about the image it presents. I have never visited a blog where commenters are encouraged so frequently to give "first and last names." It is not internet norm and, as an exception, stands out.

What I am more concerned about, however, is the use of the email address. I see no privacy statement assuring me that you will not sell or otherwise use my email address. I understand why you say you will use it, now convince me that you won't do anything unsavory with it and you will get something more than my never-checked SPAM address.

A website or a blog is like a bricks-and-mortar building. The decorations, attitudes, practices and architecture work together to build an atmosphere. So far, the atmosphere of the opportunity zone family of blogs is something akin to the visiting room of a state prison. I have faith that you will learn from your mistakes and improve the functionality and image of the sites, however! Maybe you should spend more time just browsing the blogosphere to see what is normal and what gets users' ire?

 Janet,

Thank you for your feedback. Your concerns are valid and I can only assure you that we are not attempting to "strongarm" anyone, we are merely trying to encourage as much authenticity and transparency as possible. Again, we are not requiring names and we are not publishing email addresses.

You raise a good point regarding an explicity privacy policy and we will be posting one in the Opportunity Zone as soon as possible.

Also, please note that it is not entirely out of the ordinary for corporate blogs to request email addresses. Check out http://fastlane.gmblogs.com as an example.

Your input -- and that of all Opportunity Zone participants -- is important to us at Quixtar and we will do our best to be as responsive as possible. I hope the modifications to our blogs will not discourage you from participating and sharing your insight.

Thanks,

Anna Bryce
Managing Editor -- Oppportunity Zone

Janet said:
March 21, 2007 6:18 PM | #

Tex;

At least your messages are being posted! My last several here at at Robin's blog have been nulliprocessed. No reason has been given, even though I've supplied an email address.

Transparency indeed.

-Janet

 Janet,

I apologize if it felt like your comments were being singled out by not being published immediately. We do note in our comments policy that comments are reviewed and that it does take time to publish. With your recent input, I was simply trying to get clarification on the privacy policy matter so that I could post your comment and an informed response at the same time. If anyone doesn't see a comment of theirs going up relatively soon, that is most likely all that's behind the delay.

Thanks,

Anna Bryce

Tex said:
March 21, 2007 6:22 PM | #

Anna,

Thanks for the clarification, it's always better to see these things in writing.

rara's comment is more of an "inside" story. We go way back in the blogging world, and I suggest when you see anyone ask you not to delete a sentence, that is a clear sign to do just that, especially if it has the "smiley faces" [:-)].

She doesn't capitalize the first letter, by the way. I think it is in reference to rara, such as a cheer.  

Tex said:
March 21, 2007 10:41 PM | #

Janet,

I don't see the optional real names as strongarm tactics. I considered it, made a decision, and moved on. I hope everyone else does the same and keeps posting.

A written policy regarding not using our e-mail for other purposes does not concern me as much as feeling comfortable making honest comments, whether they are compliments or criticisms. Besides, who is Quixtar going to forward our e-mails to, Shaklee or Walmart?

Some of my comments have also taken some time to get posted, but have always ended up getting posted, so hang in there, I think Anna is being straight up with us.

Ty Tribble said:
March 21, 2007 10:57 PM | #

This is not a big deal, heck I require an email address for people to comment on MLM Blog.

I understand the potential backlash for an IBO that posts here, but anonymity is one of the biggest problems on the Internet.

For some reason, people get behind a keyboard and a screen and they lose all concept of civility.

Simply allowing this type of dialogue is a huge step for Quixtar and they should b e commended.

Dave Robison said:
March 21, 2007 11:30 PM | #

Everyone pretty much knows my full name; but for the record, my middle name is Wayne and my entire name was chosen out of a hat at a baby shower.

The idea of promoting transparency was an idea I greatly admired at the outset of the Opportunity Zone.  

Yes, the revelation of Bobble and Kia's real names were a welcome change even before the institution of the Opportunity Zone.

The slippery slope that I see forming may be the result of an overwhelming response by commenters here at the Zone, with a fair amount of negative comments once not addressed by the company.

The PR nightmare is that a pandora's box has been opened and cannot be shut now; without detriment to the idea of transparency.

But, the problem is not with the transparency of the commenters; it still lies on The Corporation.

You have began this road...and now I believe you see trouble ahead and want to steer clear.

Suggesting the use of full names or email addresses is nonconducive to "the discussion".

If you truly want feedback then you must accept the anonymous nature of some commenters.  Without assurance of their privacy, you will stifle the feedback that the corporation MUST have to make changes.

It's STILL about YOUR transparency, not the detractors.

As an IBO who praises this company, as an ex-PR professional, and as a fellow blogger, please reconsider this policy.

David (Wayne) Robison

davidrbsn@aol.com  AND dave@ontheroadwithdave.com

Dave Robison said:
March 22, 2007 4:34 PM | #

Your update should serve to prove that Quixtar and its PR staff are "good folk", really trying to do something different.

Applause!

Janet said:
March 23, 2007 3:17 PM | #

Besides, who is Quixtar going to forward our e-mails to, Shaklee or Walmart?

It is very common for corporations to add collected email addresses to a customer service database that they then use to bombard you with "special offers!" or sell to other companies email lists so they can share their "special offers!" with you as well.

These lists can be quite valuable. A company I work with was recently offered some highly desirable advertising space through a national media outlet for our relatively small (but select) one.

I get enough spam and am irritated if I'm not assured that by giving my email address I am not, now or in the future, signing up for a wonderful newsletter, email blasts of coupons or other nonsense.

It's nice to be told how your email will be used, and how it won't be.

Anna --

The blog you linked to seems to require email addresses not to collect them for the corporation but to authenticate users as part of the blog software (typekey). In other words, it's typekey that requires and uses the email address, not the corporation using that service to host their blog.

Typekey also has a very detailed privacy policy. It's not really a great counterexample.

I do applaud the efforts toward transparency and the new direction Quixtar seems to be pushing toward. I don't mean to sound overly critical, but with some tweaks I think you can have a nice family of blogs through opportunityzone. There are just some glaring irritants.

Also, if you want to respond directly to posts, how about a threaded system rather than editing posts? This may make it easier for you to publish posts as you review them, instead of feeling like you have to wait until you can continue the conversation.

Again, just a thought.

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