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

[wyntir-rose.livejournal.com]

I'm still not getting it. I don't even understand why they made an announcement about this on the Russian language news - I would think that informing the users would be a non-issue here. It's something that a new user would find out when they tried to create a new account and wouldn't be something that would affect those of us who already had accounts. I do agree that Management was being rather limited in their thinking that existing users would only have one account.

As for taking offense, I'm afraid that I'm not seeing it. Management stated that they made the account creation process easier. That doesn't in any way imply or infer that they think we're too stupid to choose between three options. I don't see where people are getting the "LJ thinks we're stupid" from the statements issued by management.

Mind you, I *can* see getting a little peeved at them for not just coming out and stating the obvious: "Basic accounds don't get us any money so they've been removed as an option for new users."

[lilyoftheval5.livejournal.com]

A Friend of mine made a comment that really puts one reason to grumble in the perspective - "They need to quickly stop acting like this is a democracy when it's really...not. Advisory councils and the like. Run it like a business or run it via the will of the people. SUP is not going to be able to get away with simply trying to placate the masses by allowing them phony input (or none at all) after saying their opinions count."

I wasn't really disturbed about a), but when I read the b) (statement) I felt that such a phony explanation was insulting. If you do something, wrong or right, stand up to it.

On other issues I'll not waste any words or time, but I will say that I'm ready to support the strike. I understand why people are upset, and while I'm not really as outraged as they, I'll be here (or not, to be precise).
In addition, I do not give a damn about 'it will not do a thing' attitude. We are all responsible for our actions and its consequences - what will be 'their' reaction to my action does not matter in the least when it comes to making this kind of decision.

If your feelings are not 'hurt' by the whole thing, just forget about it...*shrugs*

[wyntir-rose.livejournal.com]

Okay, I can see that as a reason to be a little miffed - outraged no, miffed yes. And I have to agree that Management should stop acting like this is a democracy instead of a business and stop talking to the users like they're shareholders ...

[kali-kali.livejournal.com]

I'm confused... you don't think they should've informed existing users?

The first statement made by a member of the LJ team on the issue (to my knowledge) is here (http://news.livejournal.com/106731.html?thread=68484587#t68484587). It sounds somewhat condescending to me. (also note that the first perosn to respond to him, rahaeli is a former LJ staff member, who tries to give him advice throughout the thread, but he doesn't seem to take it).

People object to the spin. They should have just stated the obvious. But they didn't, they tried to spin it to a "for your own good" type approach.

[wyntir-rose.livejournal.com]

No, it's not that. It just seems to me that Management is of the (faulty) impression that each of us only has one account and would only want one account. That being the case why would they even consider informing us of the decision to change the account possibilities, especially when they seem to have no intention of doing away with the existing Basic accounts. It's a decision that doesn't effect people who already have an account.

I do agree that, given the previous attitudes that the Users have shown, Management should have just come out and listed all the changes instead of pointing people toward the FAQ (with no link). I can see getting miffed at the spin, but to tell the truth, I'm not reading anything condescending or insulting in jasonhellen's tone and I'm not seeing why people are screaming bloody murder over it.