New recommendation symbol

14 May 2013

Quote by DirtyMartini

Oh Yeah Baby!...We could really use something like this over on the blue site...

Any chance of you making up something similar with a blue background?

Only kidding...yeah, right...let me know later, will ya? Thanks...

Done , wink wink

14 May 2013

I agree with CD about the importance of graphic communication (which is her expertise) and branding and in no way meant to make small of that. Input from members is always welcome to my knowledge. My point was that the symbol itself had taken over the discussion rather than positive remarks about what it represents. This is a way for those who have not reached the level of recognition that some writers here have to become better known. That is a really good thing.

14 May 2013

Given that this was brought up in a public forum and, as with every other thread on this site or indeed the internet, people have their own opinions and like to share them.

I hadn't heard anyone complain about the original, black icon that appeared. Everyone seemed to like it well enough and those fortunate enough to have one against one of their stories were (as far as I have seen and heard) very pleased indeed to have that honour bestowed.

I personally don't like the check mark in blue and I said so - I also, like others who've posted here, made suggestions for alternatives - that doesn't mean that I didn't appreciate any work which had gone into it.

The new icon seems unpopular and, given that it's something which appears on pages of contributors to the site, I'd have thought that feedback would not only be welcomed, but necessary. We can choose our avatars, backgrounds etc, why should it be a surprise that we'd want to have a say on this.

Whether we volunteer our time as part of the moderating team, contribute to the forums and chat rooms, support the site by purchasing gold memberships or spend many hours writing stories for everyone else to read, we are ALL valuable members of the site. But we are all also putting ourselves out there to be judged by our Lush peers - whether your forum post gets slated or praised, your story gets comments or votes (or not), it is a public place and as such, we can expect that, sometimes, the 'masses' will not like what we say or do.

That's life, that's the internet and instead of getting upset about this, perhaps we should remember that none of this is a personal slight, develop thicker skins and be thankful that people care enough about Lush to offer their opinions, suggestions, creations and ideas to make it the place that we love so much.

There is a Lush improvement thread, perhaps this is where we should be discussing this?

Nothing to see here...

14 May 2013

Quote by principessa
I agree with CD about the importance of graphic communication (which is her expertise) and branding and in no way meant to make small of that. Input from members is always welcome to my knowledge. My point was that the symbol itself had taken over the discussion rather than positive remarks about what it represents. This is a way for those who have not reached the level of recognition that some writers here have to become better known. That is a really good thing.

I hear you and agree to a certain degree. I think there is a difference between what is the intention of the new symbol, I think we all know and appreciate that, and what it actually represents to others, personal and for the site. I mean the association the symbol brings out to others in its current form colour and shape (again seperate from what is intended or the filosophy lush wants it to represent).

In my opinion everybody is proud of the site and happy with these recognitions be it an EP or Recommendation. That pride and joy causes all to want the nicest picture not for the personal profiles but for the site, front page, as well! A site that welcomes, attracts and stimulates writers to give their best. Afterall that was what has drawn me here three yrs ago and join!

14 May 2013

Quote by Mazza
Given that this was brought up in a public forum and, as with every other thread on this site or indeed the internet, people have their own opinions and like to share them.

I hadn't heard anyone complain about the original, black icon that appeared. Everyone seemed to like it well enough and those fortunate enough to have one against one of their stories were (as far as I have seen and heard) very pleased indeed to have that honour bestowed.

I personally don't like the check mark in blue and I said so - I also, like others who've posted here, made suggestions for alternatives - that doesn't mean that I didn't appreciate any work which had gone into it.

The new icon seems unpopular and, given that it's something which appears on pages of contributors to the site, I'd have thought that feedback would not only be welcomed, but necessary. We can choose our avatars, backgrounds etc, why should it be a surprise that we'd want to have a say on this.

Whether we volunteer our time as part of the moderating team, contribute to the forums and chat rooms, support the site by purchasing gold memberships or spend many hours writing stories for everyone else to read, we are ALL valuable members of the site. But we are all also putting ourselves out there to be judged by our Lush peers - whether your forum post gets slated or praised, your story gets comments or votes (or not), it is a public place and as such, we can expect that, sometimes, the 'masses' will not like what we say or do.

That's life, that's the internet and instead of getting upset about this, perhaps we should remember that none of this is a personal slight, develop thicker skins and be thankful that people care enough about Lush to offer their opinions, suggestions, creations and ideas to make it the place that we love so much.

There is a Lush improvement thread, perhaps this is where we should be discussing this?

The check mark is not as unpopular as this thread makes it look, there are many people who are quite happy with it.

I'm sure the people in charge are quite happy to listen to suggestions, but I'm sure there's a better way to do it than by people stating that they "hate" what's been put up, that's not supporting the site, that's unnecessarily harsh.

As Sprite said before, nothing's set in stone, so people are free to offer suggestions, but there's no need to pick the current symbol apart.

People are aware that this is a public forum, that doesn't mean a little consideration isn't necessary when others have put in their time and effort to promote our authors. Just how I see it dontknow

14 May 2013

Quote by principessa
I agree with CD about the importance of graphic communication (which is her expertise) and branding and in no way meant to make small of that. Input from members is always welcome to my knowledge. My point was that the symbol itself had taken over the discussion rather than positive remarks about what it represents. This is a way for those who have not reached the level of recognition that some writers here have to become better known. That is a really good thing.

I appreciate the clarity But I think that the whole point of this particular thread was to talk about the symbol itself. NOT necessarily what it represents but its aesthetics in general.

14 May 2013

Just so people know, the check mark wasn't chosen arbitrarily. It was selected after a discussion much longer than this current one and involving a hell of a lot more suggestions.

(And I think it looks great, for what it's worth). smile

14 May 2013

Quote by one_winged_angel

The check mark is not as unpopular as this thread makes it look, there are many people who are quite happy with it.

I'm sure the people in charge are quite happy to listen to suggestions, but I'm sure there's a better way to do it than by people stating that they "hate" what's been put up, that's not supporting the site, that's unnecessarily harsh.

As Sprite said before, nothing's set in stone, so people are free to offer suggestions, but there's no need to pick the current symbol apart.

People are aware that this is a public forum, that doesn't mean a little consideration isn't necessary when others have put in their time and effort to promote our authors. Just how I see it

Alright, I'm wading back in for a moment to clarify. Sorry for expressing how I felt about the new emblem. I did state how proud I was for the honour. They are two very separate issues.

I spent quite a bit of time myself trying out a few graphics for this when I was a mod, as you know, and as I recall, not everybody liked them. They weren't used. Whatever, they didn't like them. Passionate words are used a lot on Lush. It doesn't always mean it's personally an insult.

I know well what work goes on behind the scenes. I was one of the first to get a mod's back under personal attack. In expressing views about the way a symbol looked, I did not mean it as personal. If I was going to be personal about some issue, trust me, it would be clear. As far as I am aware, this is not about people. It's about a thing that repesents part of the site and its authors.

Mazza made some very good points in her last post. I refer you back there.

Ut incepit fidelis, sic permanet.

***

********************************CLICK THE BANNERS TO BUY THESE WILLY-STIFFENING BOOKS!********************************

14 May 2013

Quote by Mazza
Given that this was brought up in a public forum and, as with every other thread on this site or indeed the internet, people have their own opinions and like to share them.

I hadn't heard anyone complain about the original, black icon that appeared. Everyone seemed to like it well enough and those fortunate enough to have one against one of their stories were (as far as I have seen and heard) very pleased indeed to have that honour bestowed.

I personally don't like the check mark in blue and I said so - I also, like others who've posted here, made suggestions for alternatives - that doesn't mean that I didn't appreciate any work which had gone into it.

The new icon seems unpopular and, given that it's something which appears on pages of contributors to the site, I'd have thought that feedback would not only be welcomed, but necessary. We can choose our avatars, backgrounds etc, why should it be a surprise that we'd want to have a say on this.

Whether we volunteer our time as part of the moderating team, contribute to the forums and chat rooms, support the site by purchasing gold memberships or spend many hours writing stories for everyone else to read, we are ALL valuable members of the site. But we are all also putting ourselves out there to be judged by our Lush peers - whether your forum post gets slated or praised, your story gets comments or votes (or not), it is a public place and as such, we can expect that, sometimes, the 'masses' will not like what we say or do.

That's life, that's the internet and instead of getting upset about this, perhaps we should remember that none of this is a personal slight, develop thicker skins and be thankful that people care enough about Lush to offer their opinions, suggestions, creations and ideas to make it the place that we love so much.

There is a Lush improvement thread, perhaps this is where we should be discussing this?

i don't disagree with at single word of this, Mazza. right now, though, i'm being incredibly sensitive on the issue. think it's time to remove myself from this thread. for the record, tho, i think that 6 or 7 people not liking it is hardly a majority. ok. that was my final word on the matter.

You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.

14 May 2013

Quote by one_winged_angel

People are aware that this is a public forum, that doesn't mean a little consideration isn't necessary when others have put in their time and effort to promote our authors.

We all put in time and effort, as I said before.

Already a few others have actually gone to the bother of designing alternatives here.

You can see by the amount of posts that people do feel rather strongly about this and are taking the time an effort to respond.

The original recommended read badge was great. The new one is okay. Some of the others suggested are actually very good, dare I say even better and more in keeping with how people view and feel about their Lush experience?

That's just my opinion and if you are a creative type who designs/writes/creates whatever, your work will not always be accepted, you won't always receive huge praise for what you do, you won't always get a pat on the back.

That is just the way it is.

I am also well aware of the work that goes on behind the scenes here.

There doesn't seem to be any question that people like the fact that stories can have a recommended read icon.

This is not a personal slight on whoever designed the icon, just that it could be more in keeping with Lush...

Nothing to see here...

14 May 2013

Quote by sprite

i don't disagree with at single word of this, Mazza. right now, though, i'm being incredibly sensitive on the issue. think it's time to remove myself from this thread. for the record, tho, i think that 6 or 7 people not liking it is hardly a majority. ok. that was my final word on the matter.

We have to not take these things personally - I don't think that they are....

Nothing to see here...

14 May 2013

The fact that everyone contributes to the site doesn't really give anyone the right to be a bit harsh about someone else's contributions. (E.g: If someone writes a story and someone else comments, "I hated this." That would be much, much less preferable to them saying , "maybe you could add or remove this or adjust that." I know it's not the same as a story, but it's comparable )

I'm quite sure that no matter what symbol is ultimately chosen, there will be people who have an issue with it. There were complaints about the old one, there are complaints about this one and there will be complaints if a new one is chosen.

Anyway, the decision is ultimately up to Nicola.

14 May 2013

Quote by one_winged_angel
I'm sure the people in charge are quite happy to listen to suggestions, but I'm sure there's a better way to do it than by people stating that they "hate" what's been put up, that's not supporting the site, that's unnecessarily harsh.

I've edited my comment to acknowledge that "hate" is, indeed, too strong a term. I never meant to hurt the poor little check mark's feelings so badly! crybaby

Maggie R

14 May 2013

Quote by Mazza
Given that this was brought up in a public forum and, as with every other thread on this site or indeed the internet, people have their own opinions and like to share them.

I hadn't heard anyone complain about the original, black icon that appeared. Everyone seemed to like it well enough and those fortunate enough to have one against one of their stories were (as far as I have seen and heard) very pleased indeed to have that honour bestowed.

I personally don't like the check mark in blue and I said so - I also, like others who've posted here, made suggestions for alternatives - that doesn't mean that I didn't appreciate any work which had gone into it.

The new icon seems unpopular and, given that it's something which appears on pages of contributors to the site, I'd have thought that feedback would not only be welcomed, but necessary. We can choose our avatars, backgrounds etc, why should it be a surprise that we'd want to have a say on this.

Whether we volunteer our time as part of the moderating team, contribute to the forums and chat rooms, support the site by purchasing gold memberships or spend many hours writing stories for everyone else to read, we are ALL valuable members of the site. But we are all also putting ourselves out there to be judged by our Lush peers - whether your forum post gets slated or praised, your story gets comments or votes (or not), it is a public place and as such, we can expect that, sometimes, the 'masses' will not like what we say or do.

That's life, that's the internet and instead of getting upset about this, perhaps we should remember that none of this is a personal slight, develop thicker skins and be thankful that people care enough about Lush to offer their opinions, suggestions, creations and ideas to make it the place that we love so much.

There is a Lush improvement thread, perhaps this is where we should be discussing this?

Actually, and we all should learn the difference between if we are asked about oppinion or we just decide to share it in forum about someone elses busines. Lets say for instance, and start new thread to discuss your page and what colors are not going together and what we dont like about it..or about my page....What would you say? Stay the fuck away from my page it is my busines what will i do with it, right? The same goes with Nicola (although I don't believe she would use fuck word) and her site. Sometimes I think she is too democratic.

I didn't like previous recommended star, however, neither Nicola nor Gav, asked us about what we think so I didn't push my opinion. There is a team behind Lush, i think pretty great one who is capable of doing their job, we cannot all be part of Nicola's decisions, thats why she has team around herself, good one as well, the one she choose. No need for every Mazza, She or Kiki to fill her head with our opinions when we are not asked for My 2 cents

14 May 2013

Quote by She

Actually, and we all should learn the difference between if we are asked about oppinion or we just decide to share it in forum about someone elses busines. Lets say for istance, and start new thread to discuss your page and what colors are not going together and what we dont like about it..or about my page....What would you say? Stay the fuck away from my page it is my busines what will i do with it, right? The same goes with Nicola (although I don't believe she would use fuck word) and her site. Sometimes I think she is too democratic.

I didn't like previous recommended star, however, neither Nicola nor Gav, asked us about what we think so I didn't push my opinion. There is a team behind Lush, i think pretty great one who is capable of doing their job, we cannot all be part of Nicola's decisions, thats why she has team around herself, good one as well, the one she choose. No need for every Mazza, She or Kiki to fill her head with our opinions when we are not asked for

So then she doesn't have to take it. If she wants she can leave the icon, although it doesn't seem like even she wants that. What's going on here, in my opinion, is venting. If Nicola, or anyone else with power, wants to listen to the venting, then thats great for the venters. However, if she chooses to ignore it or even lock the thread, so be it. I don't think any one here is demanding a change or even holding an official vote for change. That is the nature of forums, anyone with a keyboard can spout their opinion publicly whether or not their opinion matters to those with power. I think that the creators of this lovely site are tough enough to take some criticism and hell, if they're not, they can shut us all down!

14 May 2013

Reading your post She just makes me realize what a privilege it is to be born and to live in a democratic country with freedom of speech. A privilege that unfortunately doesn't go for all in this world. I like this site and I respect the form and freedom it offers to its members! I think I have said it all in my last posts so not going to repeat... Plus agree with what Maz, CD & others pointed out. I will wisely give my eyes the necessary rest they need to recover! Ciao Je Vous Salue! happy8

14 May 2013

Quote by BablingBrooke

So then she doesn't have to take it.

giggling, of course she doesn't, giggles, was my post really read as Nicolas defence? she is more than capable on her own.

Quote by BablingBrooke
If she wants she can leave the icon, although it doesn't seem like even she wants that. What's going on here, in my opinion, is venting. If Nicola, or anyone else with power, wants to listen to the venting, then thats great for the venters. However, if she chooses to ignore it or even lock the thread, so be it. I don't think any one here is demanding a change or even holding an official vote for change. That is the nature of forums, anyone with a keyboard can spout their opinion publicly whether or not their opinion matters to those with power. I think that the creators of this lovely site are tough enough to take some criticism and hell, if they're not, they can shut us all down!

Exactly as you said, classy venters. I don't believe people cannot take negativism, I was not talking about that, my problem with this thred is that it is not our bussines to talk about it. I am sure they chuckle reading all this.

So, dont worry brooke, no one is shuting us down, they love us! evil4

14 May 2013

Quote by Kiki
Reading your post She just makes me realize what a privilege it is to be born and to live in a democratic country with freedom of speech. A privilege that unfortunately doesn't go for all in this world. I like this site and I respect the form and freedom it offers to its members! I think I have said it all in my last posts so not going to repeat... Plus agree with what Maz, CD & others pointed out. I will wisely give my eyes the necessary rest they need to recover! Ciao Je Vous Salue!

It has nothing to do with democratic world, it all has to do with manners.

14 May 2013

Quote by She

It has nothing to do with democratic world, it all has to do with manners.

And that too my dear She is a matter of opinion. G'night x

14 May 2013

Quote by She
So, dont worry brooke, no one is shuting us down, they love us!

I hope they do! I don't want to offend anyone, especially the higher ups! I may have misread your post though because it did seem a little defensive of the creators! but that was just my take, thanks for the clarity.

14 May 2013

Quote by Kiki

And that too my dear She is a matter of opinion. G'night x

sorry Kiki couldn't resist. Good night.

14 May 2013

Quote by She
It has nothing to do with democratic world, it all has to do with manners.

I think most people, myself included, may forget about manners when posting from behind a screen. Its relatively understandable but is something we should all (the entire internet world) probably try harder to change!

15 May 2013

wow .... there were some interesting comments since the first few posts.

I think all who receive an honour - Editor's Choice, Winner/Runner up of a Contest, Recommended Reading are thrilled! It's nice and encouraging to know someone thinks your effort(s) were worthy.

This thread was about the symbol .... and I like this ... much more complimentary to the site. Great job CrazyDiamond.

Quote by crazydiamond
here another idea and at current check mark size (40x40 px)

15 May 2013

I like the idea of a Recommended Read idea, of course by its very nature it's going to be subjective, maybe it could include the mod's comment as a "roll-over" to say why it's recommended - in the same way you'd see critics' praises on the back of a book.

Recognition features like this have a direct effect on retaining authors on the site: two-thirds of authors who have been awarded Editor's Choice have been active on Lush in the last month - twice the retention figure of authors in general.

Could I suggest a story icon for those publishing to Lush for the first time, irrespective of how good it is.

Warning: The opinions above are those of an anonymous individual on the internet. They are opinions, unless they're facts. They may be ill-informed, out of touch with reality or just plain stupid. They may contain traces of irony. If reading these opinions causes you to be become outraged or you start displaying the symptoms of outrage, stop reading them immediately. If symptoms persist, consult a psychiatrist.

Why not read some stories instead

NEW! Want a quick read for your coffee break? Why not try this... Flash Erotica: Scrubber

15 May 2013

Must be some cultural difference here. I wouldn't associate stars unless they were red with communism but not quite sure why communism is such a red flag to everybody anyway. smile

I would associate stars with infant or junior school where they gave stars out to reward performance but I agree with Jack Black's character on that one as well. I feel that to hell with kinky logos just some words would be fine or maybe one word say 'recommended'.

15 May 2013

Well I actually like the check...(Working as a quality professional, the check sign is universally known as something of good quality). I appreciate that it is not everybody's cup of tea, but I think that it probably took Gav quite a bit of time and effort to get it right and I think that we should all just sit back and appreciate another new feature that has been served up to us.

I do a lot of beta testing for various bits of google software. I would never think that it is my right to question their logos, buttons or reasons behind the software....I do it, because it is an honour to be asked and I appreciate the fact that they are trying to make peoples online experiences a little better.

So on behalf of me.....I appreciate all of the new features and know just how much coding it must have taken!!

15 May 2013

Funny I am a quality manager myself, and again to me it is just a tick on a check or action list or a check if a product is according to standard! Although I am just across the pond the meaning is not as Universal as you might think Alpha ;-)!

15 May 2013

Sorry, I am probably only speaking from my perspective over here......We tend to use the tick throughout our national agencies etc, to demonstrate excellence. In fact UKAS (UK accreditation service) uses the tick as their main symbol.

I guess what I am trying to say is the tick in this case, is a new way to provide recognition of something well done. I think on a personal level, that any encouragement that a person can get is a good thing.

Again, my other point is that the management of the site did not open the designing of the new award to offers..... They just decided that they were going to implement what they saw as a step forward as part of the continual improvement of the site. Who are we to argue the point?......It certainly did not cost us anything!

16 May 2013

(notes to self all those who are rather vocal about not liking new award. If I am going to recommend something, I'd like it to go to someone who is proud of it, and one who will be as excited to receive it as I am to give it.)