LJ Content strike and the new LJ policy

[wyntir_knight]

For those who didn't see it over on news, a new policy has been instituted regarding Basic accounts here (March 12th), here (March 13), and here (FAQ #38). And, as usual, many members are freaking out over it (I have the feeling that if LJ suddenly started giving away free puppies and sunshine to all users, people would freak out). Anyway, as I said, some folks are grievously offended by the fact that LJ will no longer allow Basic accounts to be created.

One of the reactions seems to be to have a general strike on March 21st (here and here. They would like people to stop posting - no locked, no private, no posts period from midnight GMT to midnight GMT. It's a good idea in theory, but unfortunately, LJ's revenue isn't based on posts. Now I know that the idea behind this strike is to show LJ just how pissed off some people are about this decision and not to hurt the company, but here's the thing: LJ isn't going to notice and LJ isn't going to care.

Personally, I find it rather interesting that people are getting so freaked over this. LJ is a business, just like any other and I can't fault them for wanting to make money. Basic accounts don't make money. It really is that simple. And not posting for one whole day is not going to make any difference to them simply because it won't effect them at all. They won't see it, won't feel it, and won't even know it happened. LJs revenue isn't based on how many times you post or even if you see the ads on the Plus accounts.

The only way that LJ is going to even notice is if the people with paid accounts drop them and go elsewhere, an even then, they've got the money brought in by advertisers on the Plus accounts.

Honestly, I don't see what the big deal is over preventing any new Basic accounts. You all have your accounts already, and really, there's nowhere else to go (and LJ knows it). Now, if they decided to convert all the Basic accounts to Plus accounts, then there would be a serious problem. But as it is, I honestly think that people are flailing in the dark.

Now, I will admit that I am often naive about such things and often am missing the picture behind the picture. So I would really appreciate it if someone could explain to me what the big deal is. I would love to listen and revise my opinion. Because right now, I just don't get it.


(And if this comes across as hostile or bitchy, I do apologize. My cold is preventing me from breathing so I'm a little oxygen deprived right now)


Edit: Edited to fix some faulty wording on my part. I called the accounts Free and Subscribed. It's been pointed out that both the Basic and the Plus accounts are free to the user, and that LJ is not getting rid of all Free accounts, just the Basic ones that generate no revenue.

Comments

[dunmurderin.livejournal.com]

This is nitpicky, but LJ didn't get rid of free accounts, they got rid of basic accounts. Plus accounts are still free, they just require that you have advertising of some sort on your page.

[wyntir-rose.livejournal.com]

Nitpicky, yes, but on the mark nonetheless ... I guess I used the word "free" because the Basic accounts aren't being paid for at all. LJ makes money on the Plus accounts, it's just not coming from the users. ... also my mind is fogged from lack of sleep and Dayquil use so words are failing me.

I'll go make an edit on the post.

[horsetechie.livejournal.com]

This makes better sense too. All my LJ accounts are basic, persay... which the except of the few that are Plus. But it does make sense that LJ would do away with those plain-jane offers with just 3 icons.