(no subject)

[jademermaid]

I don't usually read the news bulletins here. You probably don't either. Like me you probably missed the announcement that LiveJournal is switching off the ability for users to make new, basic accounts. While current, basic accounts will stay, in future, new users cannot create a basic account, only a Plus (full of ads) or Paid.

I'm a paid member, as it happens - it doesn't cost that much to join and there are some clear benefits.

This action hurts all users - even paid members - because it prevents you from growing your audience; your "friends". The marketing value of being able to say "come over to LiveJournal and friend me" has been totally negated in one move - because without the basic, free account with limited bells and whistles and no ads, I don't think they will hang around to pay for an account anyway.


But the thing that really has folks in an uproar is that they did it without saying anything first. This has really set folks off, and they are taking it personally.

Comments

[isobael.livejournal.com]

It was suspected for a long time that SixApart would try to force people into paying, either by buying a paid account or forcing the ads on your site.

People have spoken...they said they don't want the ads being forced on their page, but since when does SixApart actually listen or CARE what people want?

I can't afford to fork money out for the bells and whistles I rarely use, but I like the basic, no ads.

I bet they kept is hush hush to keep people from hurrying to make a hundred new accounts to keep it basic/no ads. Then, they could just give their friends the account if a friend wanted it without ads.

[icbhod.livejournal.com]

Its possible that this is the reason but its unlikely. They will surely have a sundown for inactive accounts set up and, if they don't already, they can easily enough.

Blank accounts don't take any bandwidth and next to no server space....

As for the ads on the page, well, you are good and that may be a bell....or is it a whistle? that people might be willing to shell out for...

[myrrhdusa.livejournal.com]

LJ isn't a Six Apart Company anymore, they belong to a Russian comapany called SUP, that happened in December.

[isobael.livejournal.com]

Heh...

Did not know that.

Thanks for the heads up. =)

[myrrhdusa.livejournal.com]

I'm actually sort of embarrassed that I know that. Don't ask me what I did last week though, I won't remember!