Sage advice from the web idiots

So, it seems the Columbus Dispatch had some California consultants in to help them make their website more effective. The advice that came down: Web reports need only to be first, not accurate.

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/insight/stories/2009/10/11/Ben1011.ART_ART_10-11-09_G1_PLFAC0N.html?sid=101

I hope the Dispatch stiffed the assholes when the bill came due.

 

Unfortunately, it's a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't scenario with the general public. If you're not first, they bitch because they want any info you have. If you are first, and you're wrong, John Q. Public says, "Why don't you get the facts straight before publishing something."

 

So be right the first time.

Work smarter!

 

But if you're not first, it doesn't matter.

 

Sigh.

So be right the first time.

Work smarter!

 

If you're not first, you're last.

 

Work faster, not smarter.

 

Do people really keep a tally of who is "first" anymore?

I mean, I understand if ESPN.com has something on Monday, and you don't have it until Thursday. That sucks.

But if ESPN.com posts something at 11:14 a.m., and you post your version at 11:16, who gives a shit? All that tells me is that someone at ESPN.com is a faster typist.

 

I have to wonder how you can hire a consultant and have this sort of thing come as any kind of surprise. Micro-problems that are specific to your market and the consultant's recommendations for addressing them, those should come as a surprise. General philosophy, you should be able to discern that during your due diligence before you make a decision to retain the consultant. If the consultant does not understand your company's fundamental values, then you either have hired a bad consultant or you have done an exceedingly shitty job of explaining the rules of engagement in that market before the consultant began his work for you. If you do not have an understanding of the consultant's general thinking on previous projects and you do not explain beforehand which lines cannot be crossed, you have no one to blame but yourself.

 

Well stated...unless your lagging way behind I don't think speed is the do-all, end-all. Getting it correct is paramount...most web-surfers will check through their faves on a daily basis (if not more often)...if you're a credible source, you will make the list and people will trust what they see.

I think most people remember if a site/publication is continually putting out misinformation.

 

I really don't think anyone cares who has something first. as long as you have it.

 

I'll be damned...










who knew Ohioans could read?