There's no reason that they should. This is just more corroboration for the red flags.

I'm still confused by a few things regarding these ethical quandries.

I don't want "spamdexing" to become the norm, where you write meaningless drivel like demand media, but there's a few things I am wondering about.

1) If voting on a Digg site--which is not the same as "Google Bombing" or anything I'd consider "Black hat"--is bad, then why are we encouraged to vote every 12 hours on a site that's supposed to rank the top MUD sites. To be honest, I always wondered about that--it's kind of meaningless if people vote all the time. (Personally, this is probably why Top MUD sites is a bit useless, as I haven't seen any major changes in that site since I began, and I think the audience for that site is steadfastly dwindling.). Why is TopMUD sites better, in terms of ethics? (It's a serious question).

2) From what I understand, the rewards are for writing the articles, AFAIK the clicking for credits is only a one-time incentive, at least according to the Facebook post. If that's the case, then is this wrong? (They are certainly not offering the same amounts of credits as they do for Artisinals and Bardics--maybe they should consider putting those on easier to search areas of the site).

3) Writing articles praising the IRE games seems like a worthwhile activity. My only objections is some of the SEO stuff that should be a little more clear--don't put it on your site as "news", call it "testimonials". But that's more an objection to the general web design right now on a few IRE sites--I don't see the general use of social media like having people Like Lusternia on Facebook a bad thing. (In fact, it's probably going to be more necessary as time goes on).

Every 12 hours always seemed like too often to me. But the idea was, the ranking was an indication of how many people play the MUD and like it enough to go vote. That's all it indicates -- but that in itself is something. It's like how the Top Forty they play on those radio stations doesn't tell you which songs are artistically wonderful, but it does tell you something.

Having no real knowledge of what goes on regarding these sort of changes (that's between Jeremy and the Producers, imho), my general impression is that Top Mud Sites isn't bringing in the new players like it used to (and possibly hasn't for some time). While I love you all so very much (except maybe Malicia, she's terribly mean to me ), I recognize that Lusternia will survive not only on retaining players (you guys!), but also on drawing in new players (hopeful these guys!).

I'll be the first to admit, I'd never heard of 'Diggit' prior to this promo, and it's not a site I, personally, would frequent. However, I also recognize the world of advertising is rapidly and drastically changing - what used to work doesn't anymore. I'm a fairly well known 'traditionalist' (I dislike change simply for change's sake, or even for ease/accessibility if it doesn't seem like it will actually do much), so I purse my lips at anything 'new' and eye it with a fair bit of skepticism.

But like I said - I realize advertising is changing (technology in general is!), and as far as I can tell, Iron Realms is trying their hardest to get our collective names out there. At the end of the day I tell myself 'There's no such thing as an unwanted newbie,' and I'm certain that no matter the sort of player we attract, they can adapt to what I'm convinced is a pretty solid environment (ie Lusternia).

End of the day, I realize it's just not that of a big deal to me, though. (And the new website has kind of grown on me. Though maybe I just like the blog/commenting ability!)

Unless you want two credits, then you need to read and think of a response comment.

On a more general note, reading back into this, I see the ethical issue now. But I rather have something like this, than the black hat stuff being used on the website. Only thing worse would be utilizing content farms (though luckily Google recently dealt with most of that). And I don't think it is wrong to reward people for doing some effort. So yeah, some of us might not care and click for the credit. But for others it is just extra reward, I do read the articles and comment frequently. And heh, you are free to click and send credits to me if you feel dirty about it

We haven't been pushing voting on TMS for some time so let's see how far we can get. I noticed the Facebook group has already given us a great push! Thanks, guys!

So, let's all VOTE!

It's that time again! VOTE!

Hello everyone! As many of you know, Godmeet is this month where many of your wonderful admin will be traveling to DC and meeting up with the other IRE admin. I think it would be absolutely wonderful if, when we go, we don't have to hang our heads in shame due to our position on TMS. MKO is beating us right now by a tiny margin. Let's gain some ground!

Please vote so that Eventru doesn't have to ever so gently stroke my hair as I sob softly into his tan, muscular arms at the meet!

Click here to vote in favour of Eventru ever so gently stroking Zvoltz's hair as He sobs softly into Eventru's tan, muscular arms at the meet, and that they post pictures of it in the God Blog.

May as well link it here, too. Everybody needs to use this. Seriously.

Goodies.

Vote every day! vote vote vote. Just posting here so I can start topics :P