Looking at Localism Beta and Localism Brainstorming, I can't help but wonder if I'm looking at the bleak future of all of ActiveRain.
Localism Beta was founded on 01/13/07 by John Occhi. John's description of the group's purpose is very clear.
This is the place to channel information and opinions about LOCALISM as it evolves through the BETA process. All are welcome to express themselves with tips to use the new service to the best of your advantage as well as ideas we can debate and suggest with management. If you have any interest in this new service, please join this group. THIS IS NOT THE PLACE TO POST ARTICLES OF LOCAL INTEREST - THEY WILL BE REMOVED.
Nevertheless, Localism Beta is drowning in what could charitably be described as "articles of local interest" which have buried "information and opinions about LOCALISM as it evolves" and sent John Occhi running for cover from the storm.
Localism Brainstorming was founded on 03/04/07 by Sarah Cooper. Here is Sarah's description of the group's purpose.
This Group is for anyone interested in an exchange of ideas for posts to Localism.com. Posts could include your local content, fresh ways of using Localism to generate business or whatever else you might feel might be of interest the group. Be creative and share with others!
Like Localism Beta, Localism Brainstorming is drowning in off-topic local content. The most recent featured post, from 5/18/2007, is called "Cleaning up a bit..." In that post, Rich Schiffer announced that Sarah had become overwhelmed (200,000 points is a herculean task) and added some assistants who would help to remove off topic posts. The date of that post and the condition of the group speak for themselves.
I'm not posting this to point fingers at John, Sarah, and Rich. I can only imagine their frustration at having their clear instructions ignored day after day. They probably also got sick of complaints from posters whose off topic posts were pulled. Moderating groups often isn't worth the effort, though moderators should have the decency to notify AR if they no longer plan to perform that function so that the group can be put up for assignment, combined with another similar group to reduce the number of redundant groups, or simply disbanded.
The problem of off-topic posts isn't limited to Localism related groups. I'm seeing advertisements and local market updates pop up in all sorts of groups. Is it just a matter of time before those moderators give up, too?
Frank Jewett
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