what about them? my thoughts on the hubchallenge
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When the HubChallenge was put into place, the HubPages back alley came to life once again. Or at least the back alley where I roam with other cats familiar to me. After the hot Indian chicks brouhaha and the censorship ruckus, my inbox is in overdrive again, springtime has come for a third serving.
Truth be told, I do not like the HubChallenge at all. In fact, my initial thought was, out goes my readership and in comes crap. A lot of crap. I hated it. But after that initial reaction subsided and hate simmered down to dislike, I seriously thought of joining. If C C Riter, Teresa McGurk and Shalini Kagal joined, there must be something to like about it after all. But logic killed the seed even before it was sown. First, I realized that I cannot possibly thrive on pressure as I know it works like an antidote to my writing. And fun though it may sound, I think I'm pretty much aware of my limitations as a writer - no need to challenge myself. And secondly, many have at once expressed dissent and why should I go against the rising tide? I decided to be a maverick some other time.
I still dislike the challenge though and I'm waiting for the feeling to simmer down to plain apathy. But while apathy does not inspire much thought and instrospection, dislike does. It's not as grand as hate is, but still, a pebble in your shoe. Hence, this hub.
I'm sure you have read much of the arguments against the HubChallenge. Hubs and Forum threads have been posted on the issue and every possible sentiment and course of action have been made known. And in the same vein, I am certain too that you have also been made aware of the opinions of those who support it. That said, this hub is not about championing either cause further. I have nothing new to contribute. I'm content in hearing the case of both sides and choose the truths that work for me. After all, the real reasons we write are only known to us. And why the next hubber does is his business entirely.
But what this hub is about are the hubbers who are caught in the crossfire. Those who joined the HubChallenge for the simple reason that they found something in it that we either didn't see or decided was not good enough reason. This hub is about respect for them as writers. And respect for the fact that we are not cut from the same tree. Sure we say we do not mean to criticise everybody who joined, but the fact is all of them are part of the machine we're raging against. And then we say, but they know we are not talking about all of them. Unfortunately, the machine won't run without each tiny screw and bolt that keep it together. If you sing praises to those who did not join or quit, how should those who joined and are still in the challenge feel?
If unconditional love means not questioning and peace means not carrying a gun, then I am willing to compromise. Sometimes compromising is not about silencing your principles, sometimes its about not hurting your friend. And as one hubber stated, this community is what we make it. Besides, what's 30 days for untainted friendship?
This hub was not written to take sides or marginalize anybody but I am aware that voicing one's opinions always faces those risks. There are two sides to everything anyway. But sometimes those risks are worth taking.
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Comments
Cris
I have always admired your subtle style - which is apparent in this hub too!
I choose to remain uninvolved, I simply don't have the time, or the energy. I know my own limits, and test my own limits in other ways. Thank you for reminding everyone of the fact that whether they choose to participate, join and quit, or choose not to participate, that we are still what we were before...a community.
Very well put, Cris! You da man!
There seem to be many reasons for, and against. I for one hope that those that joined, don't get burned out or feel bad for dropping if they so choose. I hope that those that did not want to join, wait it out and not feel too much animosity. The tide will turn, and a sense of community will return. Those that wish to stay in it, go for the gold. I am a fan of many hubbers in all three catigories. If I am a fan, it is because I like and respect their work. Their desisions are theirs, and I will suport them.
This hub was much needed - and I'm not in the least surpirised that it is you who has written it and made it very balanced.
I started the challenge and dropped out after 5 days. Mainly because I was not enjoying the effect on the HP community.
Many people are enjoying the challenge and I send them best wishes for the next two weeks.
For those us who are feeling the less postive effects of the challenge - I imagine that things will settle down quite quickly after the 11th June.
Like Anna Marie I also choose to not get involved in taking sides, but I admit I was a little concerned my inbox was going to get too full, but its been okay, as the writers who have taken up the Hub challenge are pretty good writers, so I find myself reading the extra hubs when I have time.
Like your approach. ;)
me delete button broke from overheating... There came a few good hubs despite the challenge, or the maority were good, but darn, it is overwhelming
Mr Level Headed, I love it. I haven't cared much one way or the other, especially since I turned notifications off, so I wouldn't even know what the hubba was about if it weren't for the forums or other hubs speaking of it. All will return to normal... or not. Either way, I don't care too much, because I still find the content that attracts me, and the one that doesn't I don't give a iota for, with or without challenge. BESOS, you gentelman, you!
Good stuff, Cris
It seems to be settling down a little, and the forums are more lively. Like PaperMoon, I don't like the posts where people are upset about not managing to keep up - it is not that important!
Hi as I joined hub pages just as it was starting, it seems to be all I have read about Maybe when the 30 days are over, I will get to see hub pages as it really is......
Is there personal benefit to the hubber...... I presume there must be.... Is this repeated each year?
It has been a bit overwhelming to get an exta 100 or so emails a day!
I haven't really noticed any great increase in traffic. I suppose this is because my few "fans" are as disinterested in this "challenge" as I am.
Cheers, TOF.
Bravo! Well said! I agree and you've said it all, so there's nothing left for me to say, but great job! :)
I think I wanted to see if I could produce more writing, and on a regular basis, when I joined (I'm notoriously lazy). But I quickly felt that such "disciplined" writing was not for me. A felicity with words comes on its own schedule (not that I'm claiming any such happiness).
Chris, I totally agree with you. I was shocked initially that HubPages would issue a challenge like this. I was like many of the Hubbers here thinking that I would not have the time to read every hub from my favorite authors and this challenge has left me guilt ridden. I so love reading what the individuals I 'fanned' hubs. I felt so much pressure to read my inbox and every alert that I was overwhelmed thinking, 'oh my, I do not have time to read all these!' So I decided to just wait the 'Hub Challenge' out, and read each Hub from my faves one at a time. So far, I still have 187 Hubs left to read o.O* .
Dedication to my favorite Hubbers, and like you, respect their choice to participate in the challenge. I hope HubPages do not get any bright ideas like this again.
And Chris, thank you for giving some clarity to the chaos. <3
FP
I was only aiming for civility - I guess I overcooked it. Mature? why thanks for the compliment. I guess it's human nature to prejudge - but I'm not sure.
nazish
Thanks - subtlety is my middle name. Most of the time anyway! LOL
AMB
Yes I've chosen that path, too. But some friends are feeling the heat already.
cindy
Thanks cindy! And you da bomb!
Paper Moon
I agree with you. Live and let live apparently is not as easy as it sounds.
Iphi
Yes two weeks is all that's left. I just hope bridges have not been burned.
Violetsun
I agree, I think there's wisdom in keeping your silence in issues that divide your friend hubbers.
M.A.D.
LOL I guess it's okay as you dont' get to be overwhelmed everyday.
Elena.
Yes freedom still rules when it comes to our reading habits. That can not be stifled by any challenge.
Sufi
I agree with you. Shall we toast to that? Do you happen to have a bottle of....? :D
Brenda
I myself has been on HP for only 7 months so no, I'm not sure if this challenge is an annual affair.
earnest
You can choose to turn off that feature. 100 emails is indeed taxing
TOF
Sometimes disinterest is bliss. or should I say most of the time? Cheers!
Pam
I'm glad to have written this hub if only for the fact that you came out of your shell to comment.
Teresa
There's nothing you can possibly do to make me think less of you or differently. I Hope I didn't scare you! LOL
Sandy
Yeah, too much has been said already. Another thread or another hub would be adding insult to injury. HP is a big enough place for everybody.
I'm glad that we are in agreement. Come to think of it, we have yet to lock horns on anything. Want a fight? Just to add spice to our utopian relationship? LOL Thanks :D
ya know, I didn't even know there WAS a controversy. thumbs up
CrisA - I love that when I am out of the loop of the community for a while I can always quickly catch up by reading your writing and get a non-judgemental view of whats taking place...with eloquence to boot! That's why you are one of my favorites!
john z
and i envy you. i just hope you don't regret running into this hub! LOL
Ardie
And what I like about my favourite redhead is that she never fails to drop by on my hubs. I always try to be careful with my words, specially when fireworks are not necessary. Words said cannot be unsaid. Thanks for dropping by. I hope a hub from you is in the works :D
I noticed the picture of the V formation of the flying geese. I use the story of the geese in my workshops on Team work...everyone needing to work together and to honk encouragingly at the ones in the front to keep them going. I think right now it must be pretty tough on the ones who are trying to keep up with the challenge...so honk, honk.
Thumbs up Cris....
Is that a cigarette???
CrisA - You are so right. Dont say what you arent ready to defend and dont write what you dont want anyone to have proof of...I learned that bit with a hub I had to delete once ;) I do believe that incident was the start of my decline of hubtivity. I feel shadowed and contained, which hinders my writing. Maybe its time to make a new name and not tell anyone I know in real life! Nah... I do indeed have a hub started, just slow getting it in Hub form :)
diana
yes that was what i was aiming for with the geese. It's a honk honk to everybody - we are still a community despite.
(Fearfull) Yes it is. Should I expect a dressing down? But I'm trying to moderate my smoking. Promise! :D
Ardie
Yeah I do remember that incident. It happens to the best of us and we have to take it all in stride. But I hope it didn't burn you enough to stop writing altogether. But knowing you, I'm sure you've taken the good out of that incident and use it to better your craft.
I'm really glad to see you back that I can's say it enough! :D
There isn't a person here that lacks the ability to write. I have respect for everyone interacted with through the articles that they have written and through discussions in the forums.
I completed 30 hubs and that's all I wanted to do in a hurry. I am now back to my normal pace. I do my best to keep up with reading the hubs created but the challenge has made that tougher. Since I haven't been nominated Supreme Being I feel no need or desire to pass judgement on others. I'm not a fan of the whole thing and I'll be happy when it is over.
Pete
I hear ya loud and clear. And congratulations for completing the challenge.
Alright, I hereby nominate you! LOL Thanks for sharing your thoughts :D
Very eloquently put , dear Cris.
I'm glad to know it came out like that LOL Thanks for dropping a line, I appreciate it :D
XD! What would we fight about? Hmm, lets see...I got it...um, no wait...oh, yeah, remember when, no, that was Pest...can't think of anything...good, because I don't want to. Even if you were angry at anyone, I am sure the words would read like pure poetry coming from you -sigh-
I got it!
:D
muwahahaha!
Sandy
I think you lost me there! Anyway, that's not important as I see you're having fun - a nice refreshing change if you ask me! :D
The talent of one that I truly respect has once again brightened my day with your understanding and respect. Writing is like life=The tides come in and they go out.
And I agree with you Ginn, there's a time for everything. Glad you can come by, it's always a delight to see you :D
excellent :) I really liked this hub a lot. I think everyone is just holding their breath for the you-know-what to be over. Once it is, things will all get back to normal, and we all have learned a valuable lesson--to never ever do a 100 hubs challenge again :D lol
if there's one thing I learned about the challenge it is that while we mostly share the same passion, the next hubber's approach to it could be the exact opposite of mine.
glad you appreciate this. thanks for dropping by :D
Thanks for bringing the essence of HubPages to the forefront. The community is what I found when I joined; and the community is what keeps me here. Before I came to HubPages, I never dreamed I could find such a collection of supportive and wonderful people. I feel truly blessed to have discovered this haven and it's amazing occupants.
And I echo everything you said. And thanks for saying it :D
I don't like the spirit of competitiveness that this kind of a challenge brings. So I agree with your thoughts. All we can do is be authentic and write what we want to write, without the pressure or concern for what others might think. One is at one's best when s/he is not attached to the outcome when writing.
Rina
I'm so glad you treated this with such objectivity! (Oh and thanks for the mention - I'm tickled pink!) I'm doing the 30-in-30 days only because I can't ever resist a challenge - that's me :(
I do see people's point about so may messages clogging up their inboxes - it bugs me sometimes too. But now that I've picked up the gauntlet, I've just got to go past that finishing line. And yes, much as I enjoyed it, I'm waiting for the comfort and warmth of 'normalcy' again :)
Bravo Cris! I didn't do it for the same reason you did not. There are a few that have risen to the 'challenge' and done a good job, and my hat is off to them!! So now is your inbox full of comments?
You know these can be read when the challenge is over? They don't go away. May seem more interesting then? Plus the people who take this challenge will have time to go re-read them and get rid of what they don't like...
I see no real problem, as i have said before...my grandaughter won the last contest and got 5,000.00..:O) Hugs Oh nice Job you Mature guy you..Lurve as always Ummmm?
Rina
Yeah I know and I agree with you but the thing is, some people thrive on competition and challenges. But to each his own, right? Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts. :D
Shalini
I can never be subjective when friends are on both sides. I have made known my position on the challenge and that's enough.
I'm glad you're enjoying the competition and are looking to complete it! Way to go! I'm behind you all the way. What are friends for anyway? :D
Candie
Yes many and have and kudos to them. Not as full when email notification is on. LOL Thanks for dropping by. :D
G-Ma
Perhaps G-ma. We can all look back and reflect about the whole thing once it's over. And maybe share a laugh or two?
That's cool. See, some good things come out of chalenges. Thanks for dropping by and my biggest Lurve goes to you! :D
I didn't even know it existed! :-P But I'm glad to know why I have so many darn "new hub" emails lately...
droj
I would say ignorance is bliss if not for the emails you've been getting! :D
I like your writing style - you just earned yourself another fan. :)
I have abstained from the challenge because I want to write on my own terms and have other concerns. I saw nothing evil on the face of it. The crap will always come, but it seems to fade into the background noise pretty quickly. I think that the work produced for this challenge, even that work not produced by superlative writers like Teresa and Co. has been surprisingly good.
MotherHubber
Thanks (blushing)
Tom
I agree, we are the owners of our art! And yes, Teresa and Co - well what can I say...they are some of the bestest eva eva on HP! :D
Well written Chris. I did not participate in the Challenge mainly because it started just before Finals at school, and I needed to concentrate on that. One of the pieces that I wrote for those finals is Killin' by the Million which was originally written as a book review for Richard Matheson's "I am Legend" vs the Movie of the same name. Since joining hub pages a month ago, I have been spammed just by all the writers that I have become a fan of, and I have trouble keeping up. That being said, I am glad I did not throw my hat in the ring as it were. I am still learning and forcing my writing into a punch press to start stamping out hubs would make my marginal stuff that much more....well....Less.
Well I see you haven't changed my son.
Hey Cris, I enjoyed reading your rational thoughts about the 30 day challenge. It seems to be the popular issue this month. I am hoping for everyone who is actively involved in this challenge that they will see the fruits of their labor come to pass. For those of us who are not actively making the 30 to 100 hubs in 30 days, looks like the test of true friendship has come upon us to be supportive, encouraging, and patient. I think the 30 day challenge has shown us and everyone outside HP just how strong this community really is! :-)
P.S I Lurve the new avatar :-)
trooper
Yes we all have reasons for joining or not liking the challenge at all. But as I've said, there's no need to be negative either way. Anyway, I hope you'll be able to settle down to your writing pace soon and own it. Good luck and thanks for dropping by :D
C.
Ha! I knew you couldn't stay away for good! But I'm really glad to see you back. :D
Whikat
Yes indeed, it does seem that a test of friendship has come upon us. And like I've said, I just hope no bridges were burned. Thanks for dropping by my friend :D
Hi Cris: I can only speak for myself, but to my mind one group of hubbers isn't/wasn't angry with the other (we'll say pro-challenge and anti-challenge hubbers, for lack of better terms.) Any person here has their own reason for being here and writing and they have the right to choose how they want to go about it. There was some irritation at the HubPage powers, because they are truly the ones who will benefit, and they dangled the carrot of "money" in front of the writers which is something of a false promise. It is also true that more junk than normal is being produced, but so is a lot of very good work. While I am aligned with the anti-challenge contingent, I have not been very outspoken about it (I don't think.)
As I said, everyone has the right to do what they want to do in order to fulfill their needs. For the anti-challengers, many are here not for money but for the community, camaraderie, and the feedback/comments. The pro-challengers had a choice. The anti-challengers did not. Our needs were denied us without us having a say. Suddenly, no more community, no more camaraderie, no more comments...relatively. (Of course some continue to receive these things but I won't mention any names...ahem.)
So I'm not publishing (anything good) during the challenge, not because I'm angry or as some sort of lame protest. Quite simply, I don't want something I have worked hard on to die in obscurity before anyone has read it.
Anyway, that's my take on it. As usual, you have done a superb job in summing up and nailing it down in with grace and wisdom. Thanks!
When's this challenge gonna come to end?
Challenge, Schmallenge. I didn't even consider joining. All it would do is increase my stress level, and ultimately drive my productivity even lower than it has been lately. Nicely written hub, however. Honestly I could care less about the challenge. It has not changed the amount of time I read hubs, or the type of hubs that attract my eye. I guess it's a good way for one to challenge themselves, however.
Hey Chris!
First off, thanks for the hub, er, comment! LOL
Yes I agree, anger wasn't directed at anybody. In fact it has no place in the whole dynamics. It's just that a little sensitivity to either "side" from both "sides" should have prevented feelings from being hurt - it was not anymore about who needs what or whose needs were denied.
Grace and wisdom? Hmmm I was going for class and style but I guess those hallmarks have already been taken by somebody else. :D
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I very much appreciate them :D
nazish
In less than two weeks? LOL
Amy
My point exactly. If you want to do it, do it. If not, then don't. If you have opinions about either side, say it. But I think once or twice is enough - why make a drama out of the whole thing and prolong it when feelings are involved.
Cris you could not have said it better. I love your attitude, you have spunk..oops I have been told that word means something else, but you know what I mean...I was not going to publish through this time but my fingers are itching, getting worse, escalating to great heights, I just have to do it. I see CR published one too, he was going to wait too, I knew he would not be able to resist.
BP
Go right ahead with what you think you should do. As for me, I don't let anything come between me and my writing. Anybody who wants to know what I'm up to can always check my hubtivity. I do that when I want to be updated on my favorites. :D
when i received an invite, i got excited but the excitement died down after a while because the creative juices will definitely run out after a few days. this is not the only place i share my thoughts with.
and it's true, risks are sometimes worth taking.
Bingskee
Yes, I think I could imagine that the same thing happened to some of those who participated. I guess more than anything else, the challenge has allowed all of us to have a better perspective of what we are capable of as writers and what our persuasions are in writing.
Thanks for dropping by :D
Hi Cris, What a great perspective on the Hub Challenge.
I agree with CR, I think most of the displeasure of the community is directed towards HP admin. It is true that there will always be crap, but that does not mean HP admin should be in the business of encouraging its production.
[attach proper Disclaimer, blah, blah, blah] :)
Hey Aya
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoghts. The challenge will be over in two weeks so I guess all this will be water under the bridge. :D
Hi Cris, I said yes to the 30 day hubchallenge because I wanted to try and write more. It was a needed push for me. But if the hubchallenge was something like a hubmob or hublove (?) wherein one has to write on a certain topic, I wouldn't join. Because that meant having to do a lot of research esp. if the topic is unfamiliar. And I don't have the luxury of time to do that. :(
I have made 12 hubs so far of which I am very happy to announce (hehe...you are all invited to read it by the way hehe) and I am also 8 hubs behind which didn't make me "hate" myself either. There were a couple of hubs that had me thinking and reflecting (which delayed the one hub per day goal I had originally planned)! LOL Well, I continue with writing as inspiration is flowing...
And I take this chance to say "Thank You Cris." You are one of those wonderful friend-fan who have read my hubs esp. with the challenge and all. It encouraged me more than you know. So here is a big warm hug for a wonderful person like you. (((hugs)))
Now I'm off to read the Hubnuggets. Anyone want to ride on my hubmobile and support our newbies with the Hubnuggets? Have a great day hubbing everyone. :-)
Michelle
Honestly, this hub was written with you and some other hubbers in the challenge in mind. I know the reasons why you and the others joined that's why I held back from participating in Forums and commenting on hubs that deal with "criticising" the challenge.
I know you write not for the material gains and I congratulate you for giving the challenge a go. Completing it is now beside the point :D
Cris, you are such a nice person. I hug you dearly. Although I don't write for material gain ONLY, I do appreciate the extra income from google adsense. It helps me fund my healing work since we don't charge anything. So, I noticed though that the more I've been writing, there is some movement in my adsense. I don't know if that is part of it all (I'm totally lost in this area I confess) but I am grateful I am writing more (trying out other topics) and learning to really appreciate and be grateful for those who have taken the time to comment. It is a wonderful way to encourage a writer :) Blessings and peace...
I took the 30 day challenge and it has been a good thing for me. I've published 28 hubs so far with a about a week and a half to go. I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I've written some of my best hubs during this challenge. I've certainly seen an increase in fans, and pageviews. My pageviews have doubled. I obviously would like for it to translate into some adsense dollars some day. Even if it doesn't, I think I'm a better writer because of it. (Even if it's in my own mind....LOL)
Michelle
I'm glad to note that you do indeed earn from adsense - however minimal. The point is, at least you get that bonus. Writing and sharing is primary besides. And we all should get something from adsense, otherwise we should opt for not displaying ads at all - it is an option, right? Again, my support to you and all your endeavors. :D
KCC
I did not participate and guess what, I am also noticing increases in all fronts. That said, I'm happy for you. You seem to have gained nothing but positives from this undertaking. Congratulations! :D
You nailed it, my lurve! I said yes to the challenge but I had so many in my hands since I have deadlines for my other paid writing which I will publish very soon here in HP. And there were other paper stuff that I need to finish.
I slowly realized that quality need not suffer for quantity. It's plain rubbish. So I will have to delete everything from my end. :)
I don't understand... you said you will be posting and yet you said goodbye in the forums?! I'm confused! LOL anyway, I hope u won't go away :D
Ahh...I just want to know if I am lurve. LOL
Trust me, you are lurved :D
I read Christoph's views and he does make some valid points. As for me I am here to have fun and in the bargain if I ever do end up making any money ever then that would certainly be a bonus. HP does have a community feeling which I like a lot. Even a non serious writer like me has some folks read my stuff and it is really a honor to just be among wonderful writers like you and others. Thumbs up for a timely hub.
CW
Glad to see you, it's been a long time. Anyway, I think by now everything that has to be said about the challenge has been said but it's still nice to hear what you have to say. Thanks for sharing your thoughts :D
I know I have been a bit more busy in the forums these days. Yeah, I did arrive at the party late but anyway better later then never. :D
But it's always nice to hear what you have to say CW. Really. Anyway, I hope to see more of you :D
You bet I will or make that I will try. :P
Okay i'll remember that and hold you to it! LOL Thanks again for dropping by CW :D
Ok my escape clause was TRY..LOL
Hey, great hub. I saw the notice for the hub challenge and right away thought 'how?' The pressure to come up with decent, quality writing would be too much for me. When authors are FORCED to write, sometimes the writing suffers, and makes the author look less talented than he actually is. And I personally wouldn't have the time! Who can come up with interesting stuff day in and day out for a month straight? If I could just put everything else in my life on hold maybe...but then what would I have to write about?
CW
okay, you escape this time! LOL
mamahops
I share your sentiments but apparently there are those who can. In restrospect it really is a challenge not for every writer - good or bad. Thanks for sharing your thoughts - it's much appreciated. :D
Hi Cris, there have been some wonderful hubs and it's a shame they didn't get the recognition and time they deserved. I was amazed at Pam Grundy's content - one hub The Myth of the Volunteer Whore deserves much more discussion. This is just one example and I hope we get to revise some. It's just too overwhelming at the moment to give justice to some decent writing among the not so decent.
I'm entirely selfish and just want this to be a place for readers and writers again... but, you have a great point. Also, the line, "If unconditional love means not questioning and peace means not carrying a gun, then I am willing to compromise," just bought you a fan.
Jewels
And that, too. One reason I do not like the challenge. But like I said there are those who do and are quite up to the challenge. It's part of being a community I guess - not putting shackles to anybody who wishes to write. And we can always seek the hubbers we want to read. It may be quite a task but then again, the rewards of having a good read far outweighs the added effort :D
shadesbreath
I agree with you. We all feel a little selfish with our art - it is our art to begin with. But since we chose to be part of this community - we have to live with the other hubber's way of expressing his. Thanks for sharing your thoughts :D
Cris, Thanks for verbalizing what I believe many of us have been feeling. You are such a diplomat! Maybe you can write a poem about the Hub Challenge:-)?
Actually, my feelings were summed up exactly by Mr. Reilly. I feel a bit off kilter during this challenge. Looking forward to it being over and HP returning to "normal" (whatever that means). Things feel a bit scattered and tattered right now. So many hubs... so little time!
MM
Well I dared! LOL
Yeah there's only a week to go. But in hindsight, what is normal in HP? Hmm... Thanks for sharing your thoughts :D
I enjoyed your perspective on this topic. I am one of the many who did not take up the challenge, having convinced myself that I have enough difficulty writing without pressure, never mind with.
However, a good friend and fellow Hubber did take up the gauntlet, and I support her decision and tenacity for sticking to it, whatever the outcome.
You managed to support both factions with this hub, and added a personal contribution of vindication for both sides. Kudos.
Enelle Lamb
Yeah, there must be a common ground for all. I, too, have friends who are in the challenge and I can only support them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject :D
I think you voiced your thoughts on the HubChallenge very diplomatically, Cris. I can't see how you've risked any ire by it at all.
Hope things are back to the way you want them to be soon.
HD
I just hope the others saw this hub the way you did! LOL
Yeah, it will be over soon. Thanks for dropping by :D
The hubpage challenge was originally hatched by Court at the Keyword Academy, a site about how to make money online. If you thought that the Hub Challenge was about putting a gidde-up in your writing then you are all mistaken. The Hub Challenge was about creating Hubs quickly and making money with them.
There is nothing wrong with making money online but I always felt that Hubpages offered more genuine writing flavor than any of the other Web 2.0 properties.
I am an online marketer myself and I like to make money online but the fact is the management of Hubpages whored itself out to the challenge and like a rookie in a poker game it will not end well. Google is aware of it and the challenge has probably devalued trust levels for hubs. I have several hubs that are sandboxed which is proof to me that Google has made an adjustment.
I just want everyone to know what the challenge was about (the money)
What is "sandboxed?"
I was away from hubpages for a while because I was offline. I came back and found all this controversy about the 30 Day Challenge. Looks like a challenge for those who have the time, but not for those of us who can only write in stolen moments. Good insight here. Thank you.
rak
I think that's one of the popular notions about the challenge - that it's all about making money. But there are those who did not take to the challenge for that very reason.
Indeed there is nothing wrong about getting fruit from your labor. And if money does not excite us in any level, there is an option not to display ads in our hubs. But that said, I've seen some hubs which does not carry any sort of advertisement.
I'm not an online marketer so I would not argue about the wisdom or lack thereof behind HP's actions re the challenge.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
shades
I think he just meant stifled or limited. I think :D
Cailin
It's a challenge for those who found reasons why the challenge is a good proposition for them. Thanks for dropping by :D
@shades
sandboxed is when Google filters your page because it doesn't trust it. In other words it will not show up in the search results until it has aged a bit. It's unusual for a hub page and might be because of the challenge.
rakoo
So it's actually a term used in online marketing, cool. thanks for sharing the info. I hope shades gets to see your post :D
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT HUB. VERY INFORMATIVE AND NICELY WRITTEN.
You're not screaming, are you? LOL Thanks :D
Whoa - a 99 hubscore on this? Great going Cris :)
Dang I missed it! It's down to 98 but but BUT it's number 1 on the Hot HUbs! Ha! It might mean I wrote something good or at least something people find worth reading LOL Thanks :D
Chris that was all very well said. And it is helping me to come out of my cave that I retreated to when the challenge began. I did not take part in the challenge for many reason, maybe because I just don't type fast enough or brain starts to sizzle if overloaded. I have tried to read as many of the hubs written during the challenge but as others have stated just became overwhelmed by the numbers. Along with my production company, photography and other business endeavors I simply had to retreat from Hub Pages. But I knew it would not be forever. I think the community here is a great bunch of talented writers and good people. But I totally disagreed with the entire idea of the challenge, weather it be for money, or just to see if you could do it. As for money I would be interested to know if anyone has seen a great increase in their earnings, not how much but just a significant increase. As for seeing if you could do it, why bother, I suppose anyone could knock out 200 words a day, but isn't writing about more than that.
Any way my friend your Hub was well done and as I said it has helped along with the other comments here to bring me back out of my cave, and was so much more class than my rage in my most recent poem," Swirling Thoughts" but that was my way of venting, taking a deep breath. picking myself up and getting ready to start all over again, It was also just me being who I am.
Dan
yeah, after everything has been said about the challenge, I hope we all get out of it as writers with better understanding of our craft and better appreciation of our colleagues.' Or at the very least, it made us think. The challenge may not have been for everybody, but it doesn't mean it did not serve its purpose for most or some of those who joined it - and like I said, it's not our business anymore.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. And I'm glad that you are back or at least less reticent than you were of late :D
its good if youneed motivation i suppose,otherthan that not sure about it
hey scotty
Oh well, I guess like in everything else, it's to each his own when it comes to writing. Thanks for dropping a line :D
A reakl hucat.. Well, it's almost catological.
May the cat bless and catat you and give you many tails to tell
especially long tails, cat tails . Yours is a gift and I'm glad you aren't working from 5 to 9 .
(bows) may you keep mine and all other superior kittys safe and forever out of the clutches of sane society.
micha
solarcaptain
Thanks for the words that inspire and I really appreciate the umm unifying theme (or root word) in your comment :D
Well said Chris enough said on this topic.
I have read this hub, which is wonderful as always Cris A, and I have read some of the comments. I really have no idea why this has caused such a ruckous. I did the 30 hubs in 30 days. Yes, I am a little burnt out, but it is because I write for more than one site and have a full time job not to mention my family. Anywho, I do not see where there is a problem. So, some joined the challenge, so some did not. I guess I am either too busy in my own busyness or I just do not get it. Please someone explain to me why it is an issue? I certainly did not or have not made more money, actually my hub scores are lower, but I did it. Its done and now I can go back to my usual schedule. <shrugging shoulders.
I still continue to read other hubbers hubs trying to comment where I can, I do love reading everyones. I still go on. Am I not seeing something here? What is the real issue here? I feel like I am way out of the loop...
sixty
I agree with you, let's all move on, shall we?
wittywriter
Yeah apparently you've been too busy to notice! LOL Anyway, in a nutshell, there has been alot of talk against the challenge in the forums and in the comments made on hubs. Some hubbers resist the idea of the money-making nature of the challenge and its stifling effect on their writing. You may want to check them out if you have the time - ie forums and hubs. Otherwise, let's just look ahead.
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts.
Nice hub naked
uhh...thanks? :D
Dear oh dear, people reading hubs naked? Sounds like some sort of fetish. Haha! Bless williamblake, but no, seriously Cris A, this hub was a worthwhile read, and though I joined much too recently for said challenge, I hate writing under pressure, which is why I didn't persevere with my old hankering after working as a journalist. Good for you, writing because of what impels you, rather that what "compels" you. Blaze on!
christian
LOL depends on where you hub most of the time!
Thanks again for reading and true that, ie about our approach to writing. And blaze on I will! :D
Feline Prophet says:
6 months ago
What a mature point of view Chris. Oops, I don't mean you're immature at other times! :P
I think too much has been said for and against the challenge - it's a matter of choice whether people want to participate in it or not. Why do we get so het up and judgemental?