Corporate Event Thoughts: When Social Networks Go Bad
When Social Networks Go Bad
I am a member of LinkedIn, who isn't.....awesome tool it is indeed.
I belong to many groups in my industry and comment to posts that interest me or where I feel my expertise may lend some help to someone. I do this when I have time, I do not spend much time doing this lately, we are swamped, which is a good thing.
A piece of news (real news) crossed my desk the other day, posted by Serenity to PlannerWire. It was one of the most important things to make waves in the meetings and events biz in a long time and it made me stop and think of the ramifications of "its" mention.
The news is: IMEX is coming to America, (read the full release here) and this has wide reaching effects on our industry given the support that they are getting from major industry players like MPI.
Good or bad, they are going to make a go of it.
I like IMEX, love it in fact. I went earlier this year to Frankfurt and it was one of the best shows I have ever attended. But their entry into North America will have repercussions such as: "can the U.S. support two similar shows" (the motivation show in Chicago) and "what does it mean for the city that loses" or "will exhibitors at one bolt for the other" and the very important "will the two shows dilute each other, bringing down two industry icons"...... All valid questions, but I stray from my topic.
I posted this news to various groups in LinkedIn that I belong to and where appropriate (I did not post it to the marketing groups I belong to because it is not a fit, I did however, post it to other groups like I&MI, MPI, and to "Event Planning & Management - the 1st Group for Event Planners". My shock when I received this note in my inbox:
Just a reminder
Anne Thornley-Brown
November 4, 2009
Keith Johnston
You and Anne Thornley-Brown share a network or group.
Nopromotion of any kind is permitted in Event Planning and Mangement.Also names of companies and events are not to be used in the titlefields anywhere in our group. Normally, posting as you did wouldrequire a 3 week suspension. I am going to let it go this time butplease review our posting guidelines and follow them on a going forwardbasis.
I have deleted your post.
Now, I have made some social networking blunders in my time, but this is certainly not one of them....is it? I didn't think so, so I checked and here is this "groups" policy on what constitutes news:
- NEWS - for NON-PROMOTIONAL news that is relevant to our industry andthe event planning profession, NON-PROMOTIONAL articles, & blogswith articles, tips, tools, free resources, and other NON-PROMOTIONALcontent.
--nowhere does it say anything about the name being in the subject line crosses some invisible fence.
If you took a second to click through to the press release (which I hope you did), I think that you will see that I violated no aspect of the groups stated rules. I have nothing to do with IMEX, it is certainly newsworthy and is relevant to the industry. If this isn't news, I don't know what is.
My question is this, did Anne take the time to look and see who posted the article and ascertain if I indeed had or have anything to do with IMEX, did she look at the release and judge it for newsworthiness or did she simply delete it because the name of the event was in the title (the latter is my thought and is not in the stated rules).
This is where social networks and groups go bad. They become so busy policing the thing that they created that they loose sight of why they started the group in the first place and what is actually important to the group and its members.
It is a shame, I really like(d) this group (although I did like the motherly "I am going to let it go this time" in her note, very Brady).
Just a thought,
Keith
UPDATE - (ADVANCE THE CLOCK ABOUT 2 HOURS)
So, I wrote back to Anne and asked why this post would not be appropriate, here is what I wrote:
I am not sure what you think I am promoting. I have nothing to do with IMEX or their show. The fact that they are arriving on American soil is big NEWS for the industry so I thought that their press release was viable news (and since news cannot go in the news section, where exactly does it go).
Here are the guidelines as posted by you: NEWS - for NON-PROMOTIONAL news that is relevant to our industry and the event planning profession, NON-PROMOTIONAL articles, & blogs with articles, tips, tools, free resources, and other NON-PROMOTIONAL content
It falls under number 1, News for non-promotional news that is relevant to our industry. I think that the fact that IMEX is taking a gamble on coming here in 2011 is BIG NEWS. It may actually be the end of other shows (Motivation Show etc) because they have the weight of MPI behind.
I AM NOT promoting their event, what would you like the subject line to be: "new thing happening in some place that may interest someone if it is relevant"?
The article should actually promote interaction and thought within the group to really look at our industry events and why IMEX coming here could be a good or a bad thing depending on your point of view.
I think that this group has gotten to the point where anything posted is viewed as bad, that does not make sense to me.
I understand that you do not want someone promoting their own agenda, but I am sorry, this is NEWS and does fall under the criteria as set forth.
Keith
Harsh? maybe, I don't know, not my place to decide. I must say, I am still laughing about the whole thing, I needed a good chuckle. I never thought of myself as a rabble-rouser. Rather than viewing this as an opportunity to have a difference of opinion and sharing her thoughts with me about why posting the IMEX press release was wrong, I got this:
Keith, I am not sure where this comment is coming from and I am really not going to get into a long debate with you.
>I think that this group has gotten to the point where anything posted is viewed as >bad, that does not make sense to me.
Our policy is no promotion...period. The only exception we make is very low cost networking events so that members can get together in their areas. We have made our guideline really clear and posted numerous reminders. In view of your way over the top response that was basically a reminder of 2 of our key guidelines:
- no promotion of any kind - no names of events in titles - no event promotion
I am going to go ahead and temporarily suspend your posting privileges so that I have time to discuss with the rest of the management team whether or not they feel I was right to waive the 3 week suspension.
You will likely get the standard e-mail that is sent out by the Linkedin system when we block access temporarily or permanently. It is a template sent by auto-responder so please just ignore it.
As soon as we have had a chance to discuss this as a team, I will get back to you.
Maybe I am just not getting what I did wrong............wouldn't be the first time!
UPDATE - JUMP TO THE NEXT MORNING
A lot is coming from this post, it has spurred some interesting discussion here and on various other groups. Good. That is what social networks are for.
I think that I may have made a fatal flaw in the seeming direction of my post (not the actual content or idea). I say "When Social Networks Go Bad" and Julius has a point, this makes it sound as if I mean "the group" and that was not the intention. What I meant to imply is not the actual "group" as a whole (there are really cool people in this group, many of them work with me on a daily basis, others are colleagues and friends). It is more an indictment of the process maybe, what happens when groups get so large that the process of posting, deleting, approving become more of a factory production line than an actual place to share information.
I got the intention of my subject line, but obviously others did not, which frankly is "my bad".
UPDATE AGAIN - JUMP FORWARD ANOTHER COUPLE OF HOURS
I have given much thought to my subject line and decided that it stands. It is about the "entity". "When Social Networks go Bad" is a thought on the "network", its masters and the structure. Not the people contained within. There are many people who say "North Korea is a bad country", that does not mean that all of the residents of North Korea are bad, it refers to the "Entity that is".
The words themselves were used to fire back at me, as if I had wounded the members of the group. I now realize that I AM the group and that what I have to say matters.
Event Coup said it best about the difference between web 1.0 and web 2.0.....
This group fell into the trap of Web 1.0 (controlling and top down)....funny, I wonder who wrote it?
I guess a major difference between all the groups you mentioned and our Linkedin group is voluntary work.
What we do with our group is based on 2 hours a day dedication to the cause by people like Anne, who are constantly overwhelmed with spam which make most groups on Linkedin irrelevant.
I am sorry to see the strong titling of your post which obviously does not take in consideration the above. I guess when social networks go bad is really when you are clogged with self promotional posts and irrelevant content.
Said that, in our constant effort to clean up trash we do mistakes and it appears like we've done one.
But hey no drama, no need to label as as a rotten social network. Charging your member for something which you can get for free is rotten and you made great examples of that in other networks you mentioned.
Said that I hope you can keep sending through your valuable contributions and reconsider your opinion about us.
I too can say when when I may have been over the top and will agree with you...the title was a bit harsh. It actually did keep my up a little last night as I was bouncing around new ones "IMEX Made me do it" etc.
I understand the spam issue, we have it as well. However, If it is someones job to decide good from bad and they are so overwhelmed that they are letting good posts get discarded like trash, this should be a red flag. This will have an impact. People will not only stop posting, they will stop reading and sharing. So begins the slow decline of what people work hard to build. Not overnight, slow. How many non-vocal people have come before me, posted good things, got dissed and quietly went into the night.
I think that you personally are one of the most talented people in in the industry, I say that without hesitation. We can still have differences of opinion, that is what should make a group stronger.
11/6/2009 4:22 AM
Dorothy wrote:
This is extraordinary, here's what was sent to group members and directed us to this article.
I'm with you, btw.
LinkedIn Groups Group: Event Planning & Management - the 1st Group for Event Planners Subject: What do you think? Hi all,
on of our members recently showed his opinion about this group in a post called "When Social Networks go bad".
The whole story is well reported in his blog post. I invite you to read it. What I did not like about the post was that what could be a mistake we take full responsibility of, was turned into labelling us as a rotten social network.
We implemented strict guidelines, yeah very tight we know. In fact we are working on something much more flexible and easy for you to use. All of this to prevent the constant spamming.
We feel we have your trust now and are ready to engage with you with a different approach. Although that won't change our approach to spammers as we value the results we gained so far.
The purpose of this message is to show support. So if you felt that this group helped you or contributed event a little to your business practice, please do let our valuable member know so we can together work on making this environment better, instead of driving destructive criticism to an environment where we are all volunteering and dedicating time to. Reply to this
11/6/2009 4:48 AM
Brandi wrote:
Keith, The same thing happened when I posted a link to my blog. My blog does NOT promote my business, it is an informative wedding/event blog that gives tips/advice and we do a question/answer session with vendors. There are occasions when I post something about my company being marketed, I guess that part is unacceptable to the group. I never post to the groups expecting to offend anyone with what I post, what I hope is some feedback/thoughts on anything good or bad from other event industry professionals. My post was removed and I was warned that I would also be removed from the group if my post continued. While I understand the issue/concern I think it is going a bit far to be deleting post from members. However, I took a different approach to the issue. I just decided to stop sending anything to the group. That way I won't be breaking any of the numerous rules that this group uses to filter the postings that are sent out. Sure, it is slightly annoying to have to skip over a group with a large audience but I am definitely not in any position to spend time/energy arguing my point. It is what it is, fortunately I belong to about 50 other groups and get a huge response to any postings that I send out. Good luck. Reply to this
11/6/2009 5:10 AMLorenzo Turco wrote:
Having just read the blog I also fully agree with you Keith. The feedback provided was farcical! Great piece of news that should definitely be allowed to be shared and discussed. I didn't think there was any promotion of the show...but rather raising a concern/issue with the newly upcoming show. I was thinking about posting back that also REED EXHIBITIONS will be starting a show called AIBTM in the US in 21-23 June 2011 (http://www.aibtm.com). SO THERE WILL BE 3! Now this is what we should be debating about. But I am now fearful of suspension..would I also be seen as promoting AIBTM although I represent the Congress Centre in the Principality of Monaco? Please please please...don't ban me...I couldn't manage with a 3 week suspension! : ) Reply to this
11/6/2009 5:45 AM
Lorraine wrote:
Actually I voted no Opinion, but I obviously do - what I meant to say was "really don't care to get involved in back and forth, however I do offer a Solution
Keith - create your own network that lets everyone promote their events on your promotion page.
Anne - if that's what you want on your network stick to it, it's yours and thank you for taking the time to reword my discussion question - saved me time and energy and got the question out there.
Oh and Keith - well done Mate - you are without a doubt receiving additional contacts as a result of this - please don't forget to thank Anne for that.
Good night and bless you both for promoting the hell out of each other ! Excellent social media networkers. Reply to this
11/6/2009 6:40 AMLauren Verge wrote:
I think she is totally in the wrong and extremely rude. LinkedIn is really no longer a decent place to network. They spend all their time screaming about spam, and most of the info on it is useless. Shame Reply to this
11/6/2009 7:14 AMJohn Gibb wrote:
Keith, In the context of transparency I, like you, blog in the events space (I delve into the marketing arena) and have run afowl of the rules of the Event Planning and Management group a couple of times. That being said, you were not wrong (and a discussion thread posted on the group site supports that). My issue with the group (which you experienced as well) is the inflexibility in considering your viewpoint. After a one go-around with the Group I realized, second time around, discussion is futile (ironic for a social media environment)! I'm at the point where I wonder, each time I post to the group, "I wonder if I'm going to get a "YOUR POST HAS BEEN DELETED" message. Yanking your privledges is pretty draconian as well. For what it's worth you were pretty well exonerated in the discussion string the group posted regarding your post and the ensuing action.
Take care, Alison Hall Web Features Editor The MeetingsNet Magazines Corporate Meetings & Incentives Financial & Insurance Conference Planner Medical Meetings Association Meetings Religious Conference Manager Beyond Borders Reply to this
11/6/2009 7:29 AM
Liz wrote:
I think if you had posted your thoughts on how this might affect the industry alongside the news that this show is coming to the US - you might have avoided this. Perhaps you did - but really seems like the whole issue has been overblown. Reply to this
11/6/2009 7:56 AM
Keith Johnston wrote:
I see your point and I actually thought about it...If I had posted my commentary with the news piece, it would no longer have been news (although press releases are not "true news" they are better than an opinion piece").
I will say you are 100% correct, this is getting a little overblown...
11/6/2009 7:52 AM
Julius wrote:
Hi Keith - I hate when they got my name wrong so huge apologies.
Respect is mutual and I am a big fan of the blog that is why I am here. btw we opened a thread on the group to discuss this which I closed in order to make it functional but if you want to share your point I will reopen it for you.
I guess you got my point that it is too harsh on people that are providing a service and dedicating time on a voluntary basis to a group to be labelled as gone bad.
Said that help us making it better and step up as moderator, we are open to change and we need help cause we do this on top of our busy day job.
I love the constructive feedback you shared and looking forward for more.
Thanks for the words and I will say it again...You are a brilliant mind in the industry.
.........nothing like a good difference of opinion to get the fur flying from all corners. I DO understand that people volunteer, I do myself (and would be happy to do so for this group as well, never got a note that they were needed).
I think that the frustration is with the process. Is the cure worse than the disease??
Spam is insidious
and everywhere, but are we not starting to treat legitimate posts as spam and thereby off-putting members who try and share information? I think that the frustration from some was very evident. I did not expect the reaction. It is the members that make the group, the group does not make the member.
If so many members feel the way that I do, perhaps it is time to look at a new solution (and add more volunteers). I think that each post should be looked at on its merits, not by what a subject line says. Rules about posting are never read, never. I know that you understand that. It is like the EULAs on software...(only when you are banned or suspended for posting or the dude from Microsoft shows up at your door).
I would be happy to be a moderator in the group (although, I am still banned).........I think that I know a few other, well meaning people who are industry experts that would be happy to help as well.
A group as large as yours is a task, a job in itself. This should be a feather in your cap and a testiment to how many people value and respect your opinion......
Isn't the type of interaction that occured the exact reason that social networks exist? To get a bunch of people with differing points of view to interact? Anne swiped me off the face of the group for doing exactly what the group think is supposed to do...because she did not like what I had posted (although, it really was news)... my argument in reply was also shoved off to the side like a bug. I don't think a spammer would have the guts to argue his or her point.
That goes against your own rules for web 2.0 - by the group and from the bottom up....
Bygones.... you are the best and someday, I would love to go to happy hour with you!
11/6/2009 8:19 AM
Helen wrote:
Hi Keith, I found it interesting that Julius posted a letter through LinkedIn asking for our opinion with a link to your blog. However, the discussion has been closed on LinkedIn. Don't ask for an opinion if you are not prepared to hear it. Thanks for raising awareness on this. Reply to this
11/6/2009 8:29 AM
Keith Johnston wrote:
I didn't ask for it to be open or closed and in fact, did not even know it was there until Julius mentioned it in his comment to me.
I would be fine if it were open all day.
I more than happy to listen to those who agree with me and those that don't.....I have been known to change my opinion on issues....
In fact, I think that Julius mentioned that he closed it and would be willing to reopen it if I wished to post a comment.
11/6/2009 9:50 AM
Helen wrote:
Keith, Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you had opened this issue for discussion. I was referring to Julius' letter. I love that we can discuss this and hopefully make a better group with better guidelines for the members. Thank you for your transparency. Reply to this
11/6/2009 8:33 AMDasha Djukic wrote:
Hi Steve, thanks for the post. I had a similar experience with the same person (Anne Thornley-Brown) about a month ago when I posted an announcement about an event at work. I received the same reply and I wrote back to Anne APOLOGIZING for the post and asking her to tell me if and what kind of posts they allow their members to post. She in fact got back to me telling me to 'spare her my sarcasm' and I was shocked because I really didn't know you couldn't post anything on their page. I simply asked a question and that's what I got in return. How professional, no? I belong to many different groups and often have no time to read guidelines on each one of them... Anyhow, what I'm trying to say is that this group needs to find a more professional way of letting people know what kind of posts are permissible and what are not..
I haven't posted anything on there since and I don't think I will because I really don't understand their policy and there seems to be no-one to explain it well...
I have my own LinkedIn group (International Business Club-Chicago), and everyone's invited to post entries as long as they make sense and promote global business events or services.
Let's hope the Event Planning and Management group will learn from these posts and rethink their communication manners because there are many of us out there who support and need groups such as this one.
11/6/2009 8:52 AM
Fiona wrote:
Thank you for the confirmation Keith that this group is not the one for me, I had a similar ealry encounter with Anne where my credentiasl (25 years in the biz, my own events biz that is) were questioned. I have never had a website for my business or blog and have survivied in three continents quite nicely. Just goes to show you don't have to jump on every new innovation if it doesn't fit. Cheers! Reply to this
11/6/2009 9:11 AMBill Denmark wrote:
I'm on your side of this conversation Keith. They slapped me around for posting information on using Twitter to market events. I put in a description and a link to my blog - I was threatened with banishment - http://touristtracker.blogspot.com/ - I do not work for Twitter, I don't own stock in Twitter - I don't do events anymore. I don't even do business with event promoters! My clients are only Destination Marketing Organizations. I want every event they do to be great. The attitude seemed crazy to me but it is not my group. It is good to be king!!! Keith start a group and I'm in... Reply to this
Hello, this can go on and on. I, for one, agree with you. I do read the posts and learn, though I have not left many comments. I am actually out on full time disability due to a long fight with cancer.
But, I do see your point. And, for me, the lack of imagination on how the post was to be used actually scares me. If we all produce shows to such rigid and unbending rules, imposed by a stern, never altering hand, well, we would get pipe and drape and maybe a stage.
Stick with it, your blog is great, good material.
All the best,
Stephen Carey steve@blinkcommunications.biz Reply to this
11/6/2009 9:47 AM
Helen wrote:
Hi Keith, I found it interesting that Julius posted a letter through LinkedIn asking for our opinion with a link to your blog. However, the discussion has been closed on LinkedIn. Don't ask for an opinion if you are not prepared to hear it. Thanks for raising awareness on this. Reply to this
This past summer, I posted some information about a great upcoming continuing education and networking opportunity for special events industry professionals on the same LinkedIn discussion group referenced above. Now, my post may in fact have violated their very strict policies but of course, I thought I was just offering some valuable information. I never intend to be a "spammer". But I don't spend a ton of time following every online discussion and studying every group's policies. I don't have that kind of time. But that's not my point here. My concern and the reason I have not returned to that discussion group at all since that time was the horribly RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL message I received from Anne Thornley-Brown. (To be respctful, I won't quote her message here.) I work with non-profit associations and therefore volunteers every day. At no time is being a volunteer a valid excuse for being rude and unprofessional.
Unlike Keith, I chose not to engage in any further discussion with Anne. Her one message was enough to make it clear to me that I was not interested in participating in a group managed by someone who would be so rude to a colleague. She "banned" me from the group for a week and told me that I could request reinstatement after that time. After that experience, I was not interested in reinstatement so I never contacted her again.
Frankly, I had forgotten about the whole thing and moved on until I received an email message this morning pointing out this blog about someone else's bad experience with the same group.
I'm somewhat relieved to learn that my experience was not unique but here's hoping the group's leadership will be able to learn from our various experiences and improve their interactions with members and therefore their group. Reply to this
11/7/2009 5:34 PM
Jonnita wrote:
Hi Keith, I am enjoying your blog. As event professionals, it is important for us to get information that will educate us. The LinkedIN group as well as the information you provided is priceless. Don't beat up on Julius he's just a messenger. Anne's role is on a volunteer basis. She is not being paid to patrol the LinkedIn site. While the information you presented is valuable it would be unfair for her to allow your information but not allow my post or other members. I agree with a previous post that a group should be started just for advertisements. We have to be realistic, if the group allowed unlimited promotional ads from all members we would complain about that. Thanks for the information. Please add me to your distribution list. Continued Success.... Reply to this
11/7/2009 7:31 PM
Keith Johnston wrote:
Hi and thanks for the great comment, you had me thinking for a good hour!
First, I am not beating up on Julius, he is a great thinker and writer....that was not my intention---at all.
But what I have been thinking about is the second part of your comment and I think that If you posted news to the news section, it should certainly be permitted. It is news. Say you found a great article on CNN, should it not be posted to the news section???
What I posted was also news, I have nothing to do with IMEX. I agree, promotional material should not be permitted. Again.....I have nothing to do with IMEX, I was simply sharing a news item that I thought you and other members would find interesting like I did. It is an important story.
If I worked for IMEX, were promoting IMEX, Exhibiting at IMEX or anything IMEX, this would not be a conversation...and Anne might have been right.
I truly understand that Anne is a volunteer, it does not give her the right to be rude, callous and condesending to not only me, but others as well. She may be a volunteer, but members make the group. Members are kinda like customers, you should be nice to them.....volunteers at my local library are nice to the kids. Volunteers who work at my towns school are nice to the parents........this is no different. Being a volunteer is not an excuse, it is a responsibility.
11/7/2009 11:50 PM
Anne wrote:
Enough already. I have respected Julius' wishes for me to be silent and let him handle this. Julius has solicited feedback from the group members about what they want on a going forward basis. There will be changes. However, I will not sit silently by and continue to watch my character continue to be assassinated in this manner. Others have had their say. Keith I respectfully hope that you will approve this post to your blog. After that, I have nothing further to say about this matter and I will not be drawn into a back and forth debate.
Keith Johnston has vilified me in a manner that I feel is inappropriate Very serious charges have been levied against me. He has posted in public the contents of private messages. This is inexcusable. I do hope that you will hear me out with an open-mind as there are at least 2 sides to every story. I have nothing to hide.
I will share the line of thinking that went into the call that was made about Keith's post. Before I do that, I first want to provide some background.
The Event Planning and Management group has always been very strong, however, about a year ago, members started expressing a lot of frustration about the spam. There were lengthy discussions about member concerns. The group had grown to a size that one person could no longer handle it. For this reason, when LinkedIn made provision for Group Managers, Julius invited me to help address these concerns.
Based on feedback and input from members, a set of guidelines was developed for our group. Julius sent an announcement of the full set of guidelines to every member and fastened them prominently in Discussions. Every member who responded said, "fabulous, it's about time". No one raised any concerns or indicated that they felt the guidelines were unfair.
A summary was provided in our Group Profile for potential members to see. As soon as the functionality was available (June) every new member received a welcome letter with a summary.
Here are the highlights as they now stand in our group profile:.
"Our group is designed to help event planners keep abreast of industry trends. We encourage discussion, sharing of ideas & networking.
Don't post URLs, company or personal names, phone numbers, or e-mail addresses in the Topic or Question field in "Discussions" or Title field in "News" postings. This is considered to be a serious infraction and may result in immediate banning.
"News" is for articles from newspapers, magazines, TV & radio website. Content rich articles & news from blogs are welcome.
"News" is not for PR releases, links to sites promoting events, news stories about you, your company, or any other promotional content."
I know of NO other LinkedIn group that goes to such lengths to create a spam free environment and ensure that every member is clear about expectations. If some members are too busy to read this information or choose not to read it, should this let them off the hook?
Of course you can have your say, I will post your comments as they came in with little comment:
One thing though:
You ask me to be fair and open minded and that there are two sides to every story. Funny, I was never given the chance to tell my side of the story. You banned me.
11/8/2009 12:05 AM
Anne wrote:
The reason we have asked for no names, event names, URLs, etc. in titles is due to a LinkedIn glitch that can turn any group into a spammer's paradise. In June, we had a spam binge from a network of fake profiles, we went to an approval process for new members to stop the deluge. Prior to that, it was open membership.
Let me now turn to the issue at hand. Was I out of line? Did I really make the wrong call? If I did, I am open to be corrected, however, I don't believe that I made the wrong call. I feel that there has been a SERIOUS disconnect here.
In the past, I have personally provided Keith with gentle reminders and asked him not to post PR releases, promotional material and names in titles. Any other member WOULD have been suspended for 3 weeks the first time they did it (i.e. post a promotional PR releases in News with event names in the title. He apologized and I left it at that. He has now done the same thing more than once. I will not stoop to his level and post the contents of his private message to me
Let's look at Keith's recent post. No one has thrown into the mix the fact that IMEX is a huge tradeshow that charges mega-bucks for people to exhibit and for those people to attend who are not hosted buyers. They provide a valuable service. I have heard that their shows are excellent.
Keith Johnston posted a PR release about IMEX and put in a link to the IMEX site. When you click on that link, there is promotion to exhibit, attend and apply to be a hosted participant. Maybe I am missing something but how can this not be considered promotion?
My question is what is promotion and what is news? Who makes that call? In an ideal situation, LinkedIn would have the same functionality in groups that it has in Q & A. Members could flag posts that they feel are inappropriate. After a certain number of flags, the Group Managers would receive notification and decide whether to approve or delete the post. Unfortunately, this functionality is not available in Groups at this time.
In the absence of such technology in Groups, are we to have a 2 tiered system in which big organizations with big budgets are allowed to have PR releases and links to their promotional material posted on their behalf but small firms without the bucks get suspended and banned from the group? Other members have been suspended or banned for links to sites that promote events, registration pages, ticket sale pages, etc. How was Keith's post any different?
Is it news when it’s about the big guys like IMEX but promotion when small companies do it? If the guideline is no promotion and no PR releases, then that should apply to everyone. It's fine for the big guys but not for the smaller companies does not seem to me to be a fair and equitable way of running things. If promo. and PR releases are fine for the big companies and associations, then the no promotion rule should be scrapped for everyone. PERIOD and people should stop complaining about spam. Reply to this
11/8/2009 12:45 AM
Anne wrote:
We have some members, like Keith, who earn their living through writing and distributing PR releases. This is where we seem to be running into repeated problems. How is a Group Manager to know whether or not IMEX or any other organization for that matter has hired PlannerWire to help with PR? How is any Group Manager to determine when ANY member has a financial interest in a company on whose behalf they post a PR release? It's just too tough to call. That's why, we've said no press releases, no promotion PERIOD. This applies to me, Keith, Julius, everyone.
Where I am at fault is that the only reason I didn't suspend Keith immediately was due to my fear of exactly what has happened. I was concerned that as a member of a media related service he would use his position to bash the group and me. For that I apologize. Clearly, I was wrong to let fear have an impact on my decision-making. I should have applied the same guidelines that were developed for all members and let the chips fall where they may.
Time was needed to get the perspective of the other group managers. Suspecting that things were going to get ugly, based on Keith's reaction, I revoked his posting privileges temporarily to give the team a chance to confer. I let him know what I was doing and why. How is that condescending or rude? Keith couldn't wait for that process to take place. Instead he used his blog to intimidate and bully the group into submission and tarnish my reputation.
So on a going forward basis, what are managers and owners of Linkedin Groups to do? Are we to throw up our hands and say no moderation just let members post anything? If any member of Linkedin wanted an unmoderated group for event planners, our group was never the only game in town. PlannerWire has it's own LinkedIn group with 156 members at the time of writing. Keith Johnston is free to post what he wants there and run that group any way he and Serenity see fit. I wish them well. Our community is large enough to have many groups with different objectives. There is always Event Peeps which is largely unmoderated. Event Planning and Management members had said they wanted something different.
Up until now, we have received feedback that the group's spam free, moderated approach was a breath of fresh air. Have members changed their minds? If so, we've tried one approach and the time has come to try something different.
The constructive feedback many have provide has been extremely helpful. For the record, some who posted in this blog have lied to make me look bad. They know who they are. I have shared their e-mails and mine with the other managers to prove it.
Any LinkedIn member who is unhappy with how a group is managed is welcome to volunteer a few hours every day to shape that group's direction and manage it. Some don't volunteer because they are busy. Others don't because, it's always much easier to sit on the sidelines and sling mud at those who do.
11/10/2009 9:48 AM
Keith Johnston wrote:
Anne, I appreciate your sharing your perspective on this incident. I feel this entire discussion is indicative of the value of social media in terms of airing issues and opening debate. I am sorry to see that some comments have made you feel slighted, and I sincerely hope this discussion can result in the use of constructive feedback and serve to engage those who harbor negative feelings in a positive conversation about the changes the moderators have in store for your group.
I need to weigh in here, though, to correct a serious misconception:
PlannerWire is not, has never been, and will never be a press release writing service. PlannerWire is what its tagline suggests: a News, Information, and Community resource for meeting and event professionals.
PlannerWire is an industry news provider that posts and distributes articles, columns, and press releases on topics and announcements of interest to the industry. We also produce original articles and other original content on topics that are relevant to the industry. We are not owned by our advertisers, and our advertisers do not decide our content. I am more than happy to praise an advertiser as well as call them out on wrongs that they have done.
All content submitted to PlannerWire is judged on a case-by-case basis in terms of interest and relevance to the meetings and events industry. PlannerWire is a division unto itself that operates independently of its parent company, OnSite Events, Inc. We distribute the news; we do not make the news. In short: PlannerWire is not for hire.
I handle PlannerWire's day-to-day operations and I do not make editorial decisions. I leave that to Serenity Knutson, who does the job brilliantly.
I am available to anyone who has any questions or concerns about PlannerWire's role in the industry and always welcome feedback, even the critical kind.
11/9/2009 4:04 AMPaul Bridle wrote:
Don't worry Keith, she cut one of my posts claiming it was "self-gratification"!!!!! I have never been accused of that in my life and totally opposite to everything I am. I think it is a great shame really and I am sure she does not mean to be so paranoid.
Good people with good information get tarred with the same brush as the one in a million that abuses the system.
Great article and your insights are of concern to the industry especially since IMEX is not the only one entering the US market next year!
Hi Steve,
thanks for bringing the issue to the table.
I guess a major difference between all the groups you mentioned and our Linkedin group is voluntary work.
What we do with our group is based on 2 hours a day dedication to the cause by people like Anne, who are constantly overwhelmed with spam which make most groups on Linkedin irrelevant.
I am sorry to see the strong titling of your post which obviously does not take in consideration the above. I guess when social networks go bad is really when you are clogged with self promotional posts and irrelevant content.
Said that, in our constant effort to clean up trash we do mistakes and it appears like we've done one.
But hey no drama, no need to label as as a rotten social network. Charging your member for something which you can get for free is rotten and you made great examples of that in other networks you mentioned.
Said that I hope you can keep sending through your valuable contributions and reconsider your opinion about us.
Best
Julius
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Julius,
My name is Keith..but oh well.
I too can say when when I may have been over the top and will agree with you...the title was a bit harsh. It actually did keep my up a little last night as I was bouncing around new ones "IMEX Made me do it" etc.
I understand the spam issue, we have it as well. However, If it is someones job to decide good from bad and they are so overwhelmed that they are letting good posts get discarded like trash, this should be a red flag. This will have an impact. People will not only stop posting, they will stop reading and sharing. So begins the slow decline of what people work hard to build. Not overnight, slow. How many non-vocal people have come before me, posted good things, got dissed and quietly went into the night.
I think that you personally are one of the most talented people in in the industry, I say that without hesitation. We can still have differences of opinion, that is what should make a group stronger.
K
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This is extraordinary, here's what was sent to group members and directed us to this article.
I'm with you, btw.
LinkedIn Groups
Group: Event Planning & Management - the 1st Group for Event Planners
Subject: What do you think?
Hi all,
on of our members recently showed his opinion about this group in a post called "When Social Networks go bad".
The whole story is well reported in his blog post. I invite you to read it. What I did not like about the post was that what could be a mistake we take full responsibility of, was turned into labelling us as a rotten social network.
We implemented strict guidelines, yeah very tight we know. In fact we are working on something much more flexible and easy for you to use. All of this to prevent the constant spamming.
We feel we have your trust now and are ready to engage with you with a different approach. Although that won't change our approach to spammers as we value the results we gained so far.
The purpose of this message is to show support. So if you felt that this group helped you or contributed event a little to your business practice, please do let our valuable member know so we can together work on making this environment better, instead of driving destructive criticism to an environment where we are all volunteering and dedicating time to.
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Keith,
The same thing happened when I posted a link to my blog. My blog does NOT promote my business, it is an informative wedding/event blog that gives tips/advice and we do a question/answer session with vendors. There are occasions when I post something about my company being marketed, I guess that part is unacceptable to the group. I never post to the groups expecting to offend anyone with what I post, what I hope is some feedback/thoughts on anything good or bad from other event industry professionals.
My post was removed and I was warned that I would also be removed from the group if my post continued. While I understand the issue/concern I think it is going a bit far to be deleting post from members.
However, I took a different approach to the issue. I just decided to stop sending anything to the group. That way I won't be breaking any of the numerous rules that this group uses to filter the postings that are sent out.
Sure, it is slightly annoying to have to skip over a group with a large audience but I am definitely not in any position to spend time/energy arguing my point. It is what it is, fortunately I belong to about 50 other groups and get a huge response to any postings that I send out.
Good luck.
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Having just read the blog I also fully agree with you Keith. The feedback provided was farcical! Great piece of news that should definitely be allowed to be shared and discussed. I didn't think there was any promotion of the show...but rather raising a concern/issue with the newly upcoming show. I was thinking about posting back that also REED EXHIBITIONS will be starting a show called AIBTM in the US in 21-23 June 2011 (http://www.aibtm.com). SO THERE WILL BE 3! Now this is what we should be debating about. But I am now fearful of suspension..would I also be seen as promoting AIBTM although I represent the Congress Centre in the Principality of Monaco? Please please please...don't ban me...I couldn't manage with a 3 week suspension! : )
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Actually I voted no Opinion, but I obviously do - what I meant to say was "really don't care to get involved in back and forth, however I do offer a Solution
Keith - create your own network that lets everyone promote their events on your promotion page.
Anne - if that's what you want on your network stick to it, it's yours and thank you for taking the time to reword my discussion question - saved me time and energy and got the question out there.
Oh and Keith - well done Mate - you are without a doubt receiving additional contacts as a result of this - please don't forget to thank Anne for that.
Good night and bless you both for promoting the hell out of each other ! Excellent social media networkers.
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I think she is totally in the wrong and extremely rude. LinkedIn is really no longer a decent place to network. They spend all their time screaming about spam, and most of the info on it is useless. Shame
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Keith,
In the context of transparency I, like you, blog in the events space (I delve into the marketing arena) and have run afowl of the rules of the Event Planning and Management group a couple of times.
That being said, you were not wrong (and a discussion thread posted on the group site supports that). My issue with the group (which you experienced as well) is the inflexibility in considering your viewpoint. After a one go-around with the Group I realized, second time around, discussion is futile (ironic for a social media environment)! I'm at the point where I wonder, each time I post to the group, "I wonder if I'm going to get a "YOUR POST HAS BEEN DELETED" message.
Yanking your privledges is pretty draconian as well.
For what it's worth you were pretty well exonerated in the discussion string the group posted regarding your post and the ensuing action.
Best,
John
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Hi Keith
I'm so glad to see your original post. Some of us at MeetingsNet were wondering why there had been no talk about IMEX America on some of the social networks. It's such big news. You can find my article about it (which also mentions AIBTM, yet another competing show, set for June 2011 in Baltimore - not sure if you knew about that one). You can find my piece here: http://meetingsnet.com/corporatemeetingsincentives/news/IMEX-America-Launches-2011-MPI-Partner-1029/
Take care,
Alison Hall
Web Features Editor
The MeetingsNet Magazines
Corporate Meetings & Incentives
Financial & Insurance Conference Planner
Medical Meetings
Association Meetings
Religious Conference Manager
Beyond Borders
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I think if you had posted your thoughts on how this might affect the industry alongside the news that this show is coming to the US - you might have avoided this. Perhaps you did - but really seems like the whole issue has been overblown.
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I see your point and I actually thought about it...If I had posted my commentary with the news piece, it would no longer have been news (although press releases are not "true news" they are better than an opinion piece").
I will say you are 100% correct, this is getting a little overblown...
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Hi Keith - I hate when they got my name wrong so huge apologies.
Respect is mutual and I am a big fan of the blog that is why I am here. btw we opened a thread on the group to discuss this which I closed in order to make it functional but if you want to share your point I will reopen it for you.
I guess you got my point that it is too harsh on people that are providing a service and dedicating time on a voluntary basis to a group to be labelled as gone bad.
Said that help us making it better and step up as moderator, we are open to change and we need help cause we do this on top of our busy day job.
I love the constructive feedback you shared and looking forward for more.
Julius
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Hi Julius,
Thanks for the words and I will say it again...You are a brilliant mind in the industry.
.........nothing like a good difference of opinion to get the fur flying from all corners. I DO understand that people volunteer, I do myself (and would be happy to do so for this group as well, never got a note that they were needed).
I think that the frustration is with the process. Is the cure worse than the disease??
Spam is insidious and everywhere, but are we not starting to treat legitimate posts as spam and thereby off-putting members who try and share information? I think that the frustration from some was very evident. I did not expect the reaction. It is the members that make the group, the group does not make the member.
If so many members feel the way that I do, perhaps it is time to look at a new solution (and add more volunteers). I think that each post should be looked at on its merits, not by what a subject line says. Rules about posting are never read, never. I know that you understand that. It is like the EULAs on software...(only when you are banned or suspended for posting or the dude from Microsoft shows up at your door).
I would be happy to be a moderator in the group (although, I am still banned).........I think that I know a few other, well meaning people who are industry experts that would be happy to help as well.
A group as large as yours is a task, a job in itself. This should be a feather in your cap and a testiment to how many people value and respect your opinion......
Isn't the type of interaction that occured the exact reason that social networks exist? To get a bunch of people with differing points of view to interact? Anne swiped me off the face of the group for doing exactly what the group think is supposed to do...because she did not like what I had posted (although, it really was news)... my argument in reply was also shoved off to the side like a bug. I don't think a spammer would have the guts to argue his or her point.
That goes against your own rules for web 2.0 - by the group and from the bottom up....
Bygones.... you are the best and someday, I would love to go to happy hour with you!
Keith
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Hi Keith,
I found it interesting that Julius posted a letter through LinkedIn asking for our opinion with a link to your blog. However, the discussion has been closed on LinkedIn.
Don't ask for an opinion if you are not prepared to hear it.
Thanks for raising awareness on this.
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I didn't ask for it to be open or closed and in fact, did not even know it was there until Julius mentioned it in his comment to me.
I would be fine if it were open all day.
I more than happy to listen to those who agree with me and those that don't.....I have been known to change my opinion on issues....
In fact, I think that Julius mentioned that he closed it and would be willing to reopen it if I wished to post a comment.
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Keith,
Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you had opened this issue for discussion. I was referring to Julius' letter.
I love that we can discuss this and hopefully make a better group with better guidelines for the members. Thank you for your transparency.
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Hi Steve, thanks for the post. I had a similar experience with the same person (Anne Thornley-Brown) about a month ago when I posted an announcement about an event at work. I received the same reply and I wrote back to Anne APOLOGIZING for the post and asking her to tell me if and what kind of posts they allow their members to post. She in fact got back to me telling me to 'spare her my sarcasm' and I was shocked because I really didn't know you couldn't post anything on their page. I simply asked a question and that's what I got in return. How professional, no? I belong to many different groups and often have no time to read guidelines on each one of them... Anyhow, what I'm trying to say is that this group needs to find a more professional way of letting people know what kind of posts are permissible and what are not..
I haven't posted anything on there since and I don't think I will because I really don't understand their policy and there seems to be no-one to explain it well...
I have my own LinkedIn group (International Business Club-Chicago), and everyone's invited to post entries as long as they make sense and promote global business events or services.
Let's hope the Event Planning and Management group will learn from these posts and rethink their communication manners because there are many of us out there who support and need groups such as this one.
Best regards,
Dasha
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Thank you for the confirmation Keith that this group is not the one for me, I had a similar ealry encounter with Anne where my credentiasl (25 years in the biz, my own events biz that is) were questioned. I have never had a website for my business or blog and have survivied in three continents quite nicely. Just goes to show you don't have to jump on every new innovation if it doesn't fit.
Cheers!
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I'm on your side of this conversation Keith.
They slapped me around for posting information on using Twitter to market events. I put in a description and a link to my blog - I was threatened with banishment - http://touristtracker.blogspot.com/ - I do not work for Twitter, I don't own stock in Twitter - I don't do events anymore. I don't even do business with event promoters! My clients are only Destination Marketing Organizations. I want every event they do to be great.
The attitude seemed crazy to me but it is not my group. It is good to be king!!!
Keith start a group and I'm in...
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Hi Bill,
We actually do have a group (or two)
On linked in it is the PlannerWire group and also www.plannermix.com (which by the way, we don't promote).
See you there..............
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Keith,
Hello, this can go on and on. I, for one, agree with you. I do read the posts and learn, though I have not left many comments. I am actually out on full time disability due to a long fight with cancer.
But, I do see your point. And, for me, the lack of imagination on how the post was to be used actually scares me. If we all produce shows to such rigid and unbending rules, imposed by a stern, never altering hand, well, we would get pipe and drape and maybe a stage.
Stick with it, your blog is great, good material.
All the best,
Stephen Carey
steve@blinkcommunications.biz
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Hi Keith,
I found it interesting that Julius posted a letter through LinkedIn asking for our opinion with a link to your blog. However, the discussion has been closed on LinkedIn.
Don't ask for an opinion if you are not prepared to hear it.
Thanks for raising awareness on this.
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Interesting discussion.
This past summer, I posted some information about a great upcoming continuing education and networking opportunity for special events industry professionals on the same LinkedIn discussion group referenced above. Now, my post may in fact have violated their very strict policies but of course, I thought I was just offering some valuable information. I never intend to be a "spammer". But I don't spend a ton of time following every online discussion and studying every group's policies. I don't have that kind of time. But that's not my point here. My concern and the reason I have not returned to that discussion group at all since that time was the horribly RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL message I received from Anne Thornley-Brown. (To be respctful, I won't quote her message here.) I work with non-profit associations and therefore volunteers every day. At no time is being a volunteer a valid excuse for being rude and unprofessional.
Unlike Keith, I chose not to engage in any further discussion with Anne. Her one message was enough to make it clear to me that I was not interested in participating in a group managed by someone who would be so rude to a colleague. She "banned" me from the group for a week and told me that I could request reinstatement after that time. After that experience, I was not interested in reinstatement so I never contacted her again.
Frankly, I had forgotten about the whole thing and moved on until I received an email message this morning pointing out this blog about someone else's bad experience with the same group.
I'm somewhat relieved to learn that my experience was not unique but here's hoping the group's leadership will be able to learn from our various experiences and improve their interactions with members and therefore their group.
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Hi Keith,
I am enjoying your blog. As event professionals, it is important for us to get information that will educate us. The LinkedIN group as well as the information you provided is priceless. Don't beat up on Julius he's just a messenger. Anne's role is on a volunteer basis. She is not being paid to patrol the LinkedIn site. While the information you presented is valuable it would be unfair for her to allow your information but not allow my post or other members. I agree with a previous post that a group should be started just for advertisements. We have to be realistic, if the group allowed unlimited promotional ads from all members we would complain about that. Thanks for the information. Please add me to your distribution list. Continued Success....
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Hi and thanks for the great comment, you had me thinking for a good hour!
First, I am not beating up on Julius, he is a great thinker and writer....that was not my intention---at all.
But what I have been thinking about is the second part of your comment and I think that If you posted news to the news section, it should certainly be permitted. It is news. Say you found a great article on CNN, should it not be posted to the news section???
What I posted was also news, I have nothing to do with IMEX. I agree, promotional material should not be permitted. Again.....I have nothing to do with IMEX, I was simply sharing a news item that I thought you and other members would find interesting like I did. It is an important story.
If I worked for IMEX, were promoting IMEX, Exhibiting at IMEX or anything IMEX, this would not be a conversation...and Anne might have been right.
I truly understand that Anne is a volunteer, it does not give her the right to be rude, callous and condesending to not only me, but others as well. She may be a volunteer, but members make the group. Members are kinda like customers, you should be nice to them.....volunteers at my local library are nice to the kids. Volunteers who work at my towns school are nice to the parents........this is no different. Being a volunteer is not an excuse, it is a responsibility.
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Enough already. I have respected Julius' wishes for me to be silent and let him handle this. Julius has solicited feedback from the group members about what they want on a going forward basis. There will be changes. However, I will not sit silently by and continue to watch my character continue to be assassinated in this manner. Others have had their say. Keith I respectfully hope that you will approve this post to your blog. After that, I have nothing further to say about this matter and I will not be drawn into a back and forth debate.
Keith Johnston has vilified me in a manner that I feel is inappropriate Very serious charges have been levied against me. He has posted in public the contents of private messages. This is inexcusable. I do hope that you will hear me out with an open-mind as there are at least 2 sides to every story. I have nothing to hide.
I will share the line of thinking that went into the call that was made about Keith's post. Before I do that, I first want to provide some background.
The Event Planning and Management group has always been very strong, however, about a year ago, members started expressing a lot of frustration about the spam. There were lengthy discussions about member concerns. The group had grown to a size that one person could no longer handle it. For this reason, when LinkedIn made provision for Group Managers, Julius invited me to help address these concerns.
Based on feedback and input from members, a set of guidelines was developed for our group. Julius sent an announcement of the full set of guidelines to every member and fastened them prominently in Discussions. Every member who responded said, "fabulous, it's about time". No one raised any concerns or indicated that they felt the guidelines were unfair.
A summary was provided in our Group Profile for potential members to see. As soon as the functionality was available (June) every new member received a welcome letter with a summary.
Here are the highlights as they now stand in our group profile:.
"Our group is designed to help event planners keep abreast of industry trends. We encourage discussion, sharing of ideas & networking.
Don't post URLs, company or personal names, phone numbers, or e-mail addresses in the Topic or Question field in "Discussions" or Title field in "News" postings. This is considered to be a serious infraction and may result in immediate banning.
"News" is for articles from newspapers, magazines, TV & radio website. Content rich articles & news from blogs are welcome.
"News" is not for PR releases, links to sites promoting events, news stories about you, your company, or any other promotional content."
I know of NO other LinkedIn group that goes to such lengths to create a spam free environment and ensure that every member is clear about expectations. If some members are too busy to read this information or choose not to read it, should this let them off the hook?
To be continued.
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Anne -
Of course you can have your say, I will post your comments as they came in with little comment:
One thing though:
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The reason we have asked for no names, event names, URLs, etc. in titles is due to a LinkedIn glitch that can turn any group into a spammer's paradise. In June, we had a spam binge from a network of fake profiles, we went to an approval process for new members to stop the deluge. Prior to that, it was open membership.
Let me now turn to the issue at hand. Was I out of line? Did I really make the wrong call? If I did, I am open to be corrected, however, I don't believe that I made the wrong call. I feel that there has been a SERIOUS disconnect here.
In the past, I have personally provided Keith with gentle reminders and asked him not to post PR releases, promotional material and names in titles. Any other member WOULD have been suspended for 3 weeks the first time they did it (i.e. post a promotional PR releases in News with event names in the title. He apologized and I left it at that. He has now done the same thing more than once. I will not stoop to his level and post the contents of his private message to me
Let's look at Keith's recent post. No one has thrown into the mix the fact that IMEX is a huge tradeshow that charges mega-bucks for people to exhibit and for those people to attend who are not hosted buyers. They provide a valuable service. I have heard that their shows are excellent.
Keith Johnston posted a PR release about IMEX and put in a link to the IMEX site. When you click on that link, there is promotion to exhibit, attend and apply to be a hosted participant. Maybe I am missing something but how can this not be considered promotion?
My question is what is promotion and what is news? Who makes that call? In an ideal situation, LinkedIn would have the same functionality in groups that it has in Q & A. Members could flag posts that they feel are inappropriate. After a certain number of flags, the Group Managers would receive notification and decide whether to approve or delete the post. Unfortunately, this functionality is not available in Groups at this time.
In the absence of such technology in Groups, are we to have a 2 tiered system in which big organizations with big budgets are allowed to have PR releases and links to their promotional material posted on their behalf but small firms without the bucks get suspended and banned from the group? Other members have been suspended or banned for links to sites that promote events, registration pages, ticket sale pages, etc. How was Keith's post any different?
Is it news when it’s about the big guys like IMEX but promotion when small companies do it? If the guideline is no promotion and no PR releases, then that should apply to everyone. It's fine for the big guys but not for the smaller companies does not seem to me to be a fair and equitable way of running things. If promo. and PR releases are fine for the big companies and associations, then the no promotion rule should be scrapped for everyone. PERIOD and people should stop complaining about spam.
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We have some members, like Keith, who earn their living through writing and distributing PR releases. This is where we seem to be running into repeated problems. How is a Group Manager to know whether or not IMEX or any other organization for that matter has hired PlannerWire to help with PR? How is any Group Manager to determine when ANY member has a financial interest in a company on whose behalf they post a PR release? It's just too tough to call. That's why, we've said no press releases, no promotion PERIOD. This applies to me, Keith, Julius, everyone.
Where I am at fault is that the only reason I didn't suspend Keith immediately was due to my fear of exactly what has happened. I was concerned that as a member of a media related service he would use his position to bash the group and me. For that I apologize. Clearly, I was wrong to let fear have an impact on my decision-making. I should have applied the same guidelines that were developed for all members and let the chips fall where they may.
Time was needed to get the perspective of the other group managers. Suspecting that things were going to get ugly, based on Keith's reaction, I revoked his posting privileges temporarily to give the team a chance to confer. I let him know what I was doing and why. How is that condescending or rude? Keith couldn't wait for that process to take place. Instead he used his blog to intimidate and bully the group into submission and tarnish my reputation.
So on a going forward basis, what are managers and owners of Linkedin Groups to do? Are we to throw up our hands and say no moderation just let members post anything? If any member of Linkedin wanted an unmoderated group for event planners, our group was never the only game in town. PlannerWire has it's own LinkedIn group with 156 members at the time of writing. Keith Johnston is free to post what he wants there and run that group any way he and Serenity see fit. I wish them well. Our community is large enough to have many groups with different objectives. There is always Event Peeps which is largely unmoderated. Event Planning and Management members had said they wanted something different.
Up until now, we have received feedback that the group's spam free, moderated approach was a breath of fresh air. Have members changed their minds? If so, we've tried one approach and the time has come to try something different.
The constructive feedback many have provide has been extremely helpful. For the record, some who posted in this blog have lied to make me look bad. They know who they are. I have shared their e-mails and mine with the other managers to prove it.
Any LinkedIn member who is unhappy with how a group is managed is welcome to volunteer a few hours every day to shape that group's direction and manage it. Some don't volunteer because they are busy. Others don't because, it's always much easier to sit on the sidelines and sling mud at those who do.
Thank you for listening.
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Anne, I appreciate your sharing your perspective on this incident. I feel this entire discussion is indicative of the value of social media in terms of airing issues and opening debate. I am sorry to see that some comments have made you feel slighted, and I sincerely hope this discussion can result in the use of constructive feedback and serve to engage those who harbor negative feelings in a positive conversation about the changes the moderators have in store for your group.
I need to weigh in here, though, to correct a serious misconception:
PlannerWire is not, has never been, and will never be a press release writing service. PlannerWire is what its tagline suggests: a News, Information, and Community resource for meeting and event professionals.
PlannerWire is an industry news provider that posts and distributes articles, columns, and press releases on topics and announcements of interest to the industry. We also produce original articles and other original content on topics that are relevant to the industry. We are not owned by our advertisers, and our advertisers do not decide our content. I am more than happy to praise an advertiser as well as call them out on wrongs that they have done.
All content submitted to PlannerWire is judged on a case-by-case basis in terms of interest and relevance to the meetings and events industry. PlannerWire is a division unto itself that operates independently of its parent company, OnSite Events, Inc. We distribute the news; we do not make the news. In short: PlannerWire is not for hire.
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Don't worry Keith, she cut one of my posts claiming it was "self-gratification"!!!!! I have never been accused of that in my life and totally opposite to everything I am.
I think it is a great shame really and I am sure she does not mean to be so paranoid.
Good people with good information get tarred with the same brush as the one in a million that abuses the system.
Great article and your insights are of concern to the industry especially since IMEX is not the only one entering the US market next year!
Keep up the good work
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