There has been 'unrest' lately on Skype about fansites, what they get, how they are chosen, and KI in general, with the new mega-card being sent to only fansites. Controversy isn't a happy thing, and usually I don't like to get too caught up in it. But I'm angry at what people are saying.
I have said before that no one should blog for fame, money, etc. Stop blogging if you don't enjoy it. That is what I have done, as it has gotten less interesting to me. But sometimes I feel it is necessary to publish a post. This is one of those times.
Firstly, I have been criticized of doing the opposite of what I said. I, apparently, am blogging for fame and free gift cards. Sure, freebies are nice. It's a bit of a reward for all the time I have spent blogging. Sure, I have not been posting very often, but I spent some time thinking of this post. I am spending time writing this post. I am ignoring my IRL friend, who is currently rapid-firing me emails through another email address.
In fact, I believe that I do not deserve these freebies. I would be content if, perhaps, just a few select bloggers get these things. The ones that actually post.
Regarding the unrest, (YAY! Time to stop talking about myself.) I believe that other fansites should be included on the 'official' list. But still, several official bloggers/fansites have spent an excessive amount of time on doing what they love, years. These websites deserve the title of 'official', just as some of the 'nonofficial' ones do. If you have only been blogging for several months, please wait. There is time. Let your site and your popularity in the blogosphere grow. There is no point in rushing into the 'official-fansite-obsessed' phase. In fact, there is no point of being in the 'fansite-obsessed' phase at all.
Argue that you deserve it, argue that you have worked hard for it. Sure, Kingsisle may be being unfair, not letting your fansite into this select club. It takes time. Don't nag them. You are doing this for your enjoyment, and constantly ranting about how Kingsisle is unfair, how you deserve to be a fansite, is not enjoyable. People will soon dislike you for your pessimism. Leave it be, and enjoy the game and enjoy blogging.
The Sultan's Palace is only a fad. It will soon be outdated and everyone will have it, just like the other mega-card. But the relationships you have strained with your friends and fellow bloggers, those will never be the same.
Oh yeah, and fansites, keep off the gloating, please. Yes, I am a hypocrite. I enjoyed it when I got my Massive Fantasy whatever it's called. It sure is fun, and it makes you feel great, but think about the feelings of others. Thanks.
Take care!
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4 comments:
Thank you for this post, Jessica -- I really like and appreciate that you visited both sides of the prism, rather than speaking from just one. It shows a level of maturity that is seldom seen; I applaud you for that.
I want to point out here, rather than a global broadcast/soapbox, that KingsIsle is selective based on what they've researched and witnessed throughout time. For example, the Petnome Project became official for a few months before the release of the Massive Fantasy Palace. Not one code was to any of us, even though our work was ongoing for more than half a year. So, it's not just the "official" status that guarantees anything.
But, despite not getting anything, which was fine, it's -not- about the goodies. It takes genuine, passionate effort and dedication, for the love of the *work*, not the benefits, to earn KI's gratuity. Again, as an example, the Petnome Team narrows their vision and goals to relay information about First Generation pets as accurately as possible, while recognizing community members for their contributions and aid. I stress to the team, very heavily, to treat their work on Petnome as a *hobby*, and not another work shift in our lives. We end up having fun working on it, despite the stress that follows a wiki-based project.
KingsIsle does their homework and watches the featured sites closely. Thus, my advice to others is to keep one's eyes off the rewards. Instead, focus on a personal mission to fuel a great and informative community. New players could hardly care about who gets what for dedication; instead, they are in search of help, guidance, and ways to increase their own enjoyment of the game. When experienced players unwaveringly share their passion of the game, no matter what obstacles or "injustice" or "roller coaster rides" (as our father blogger put it) they've run into, the community becomes aware of that impact, and then KI picks up on the reception.
In other words, do what you love to do, and expect to get nothing out of it. I felt that the Petnome Team, being a team, would not ever be considered for the gifts such as the Bundle Packs, and that's what made me proud in the members and our work (happy to know they did it to help others in pet breeding decisions). It was totally unexpected that we ended up getting recognized this time around; it shocked me when codes showed up at all. But, here's the kicker: the comments by the community over the past year that were left on our Petnome Form, about how "helpful" or "useful" the site was, amounted to more joy than these Bundle Packs could ever bring us.
The Sultan's Palace can't do anything to advance our mission or work, but the feedback we receive from community members does much, much more. That's how we should think...not about who "deserves" what.
Hi there Jessica, I am very sorry that everyone is being rude to official bloggers. I am also a blogger that really wanted in to the official blogs, but I know its not right that everyone is being rude to the official bloggers. They actually gave you those because they are supporting you! Just like the rest of us should be doing. I hope that everyone does understand that soon. Plus, If you really want to become an official blogger you can't be saying for example- Well I want to become an official blogger because they get codes, cards, ect. I hope that everyone does stop saying things about official bloggers. I support you guys!
I think your blog post is excellent except for one thing. I don't think that KI has been unfair in turning down blogs that don't meet their rules and standards. They have the right to set rules and standards, and to review them and tighten them as they see fit (especially with so many people blatantly trying to get elevated status merely to get free stuff for themselves).
KingsIsle has a product to market to a highly competitive audience of gamers during one of the most difficult economic times in our nation. If KingsIsle has no requirement for high quality sites from dedicated individuals, they will have nothing but a hodgepodge. KI didn't grow Wizard101 to the size it has been by making weak marketing decisions.
Thanks for letting me put my two cents in; I really think you have published an excellent entry on this controversy and I always look forward to your blog entries.
Hey jessica i love the blogs keep it up and as soon as i get the chance i am changing my colors to black and silver if i already havent look for me in the wizard world
your fellow pyromancer,
Logan Legendpyre
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