Has the fun gone out of HubPages?

1. 74

   pagesvoiceposted 8 years ago

   Has the fun gone out of HubPages?
   
   The new scoring system with HubPages has dropped me like a bad habit. No matter what I do now my score doesn't go up. Quite frankly, after being here for over 5 years I am disgusted. Please don't tell me scores don't matter because they do. It is as though I have been kicked to the curb because I don't write green articles. I'm very frustrated with HubPages and wonder if you are too.

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2. 94

   peeplesposted 8 years ago

   Well I know you said don't say it BUT scores don't matter. EXCEPT the big issue of me now being "nofollow" now that my score is below 85. I was in the low 90's when the new thing kicked in. I have updated all of my articles. I have 52 hubs, over 1000 comments, I get pay out almost every month, yet here I sit with a profile score of 83!
   The criteria that they claim is used to come up with hubber score makes no sense. I have followed it yet my score has not changed. My conclusion, as long as I continue to get paid I will stay. The online friendships I have built here are important to me, and the writing space gives me an outlet for my brain. So while I do not plan on chasing that 85 or over hubber score, I also don't plan on going anywhere.

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   1. 74

      pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I was always in the high 90s and would get concerned when I dipped into the low 90s. Then this whole thing happened and quite frankly, I'm really turned off.

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   2. 83

      Sharp Pointsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I stayed in the low nineties as well until recently, where I have been fighting to try and stay above 85. I am sorry that you are experiencing these difficulties and that the staff gets the Hubber Score thing as on point as possible.

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3. 85

   Austinstarposted 8 years ago

   Apparently, the trick is to follow the wizard help prompts when updating and writing hubs. It's in the upper right hand corner of any hub that you are writing and editing. You can click on any question mark for more information.
   Also, read the help file - http://hubpages.com/learningcenter/Elem … tellar-Hub on how to make all of your hubs "stellar".
   And be sure to research your key words for each hub, but don't "pack" the hub with key words, make sure they are relevant.
   You can go into your account and make sure all of your hubs are "featured" and if not, update them.
   All of these tips should help get your scores up and help you make more money (if that is your goal).
   Just hang in there!

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   1. 74

      pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Been there and done that. My last hub hasn't done well either. I've noticed other Hubbers who have been here as long as I have and all of a sudden no one is commenting on their posts either. It's different now and not in a good way.

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   2. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Over the last five years here, I have seen many changes to HP. Most are for the better. You just have to ride the waves!

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   3. 0

      TheBizWhizposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the link!

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   4. 74

      pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      The problem for many is the fact we simply don't have time to "ride the waves." Even though I'm retired, I still cook, clean, pay bills, clean the house, garden, paint, woodwork, and a variety of other activities. I can't spend 10 hours a day on HP.

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   5. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Dennis, I am just like you, retired and busy. I spend about 2 hours a day on HP, but not all at once. Maybe an hour in the morning and one in the evening. It will pay off if you take the time like in a marathon.

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4. 92

   MarleneBposted 8 years ago

   Well, the "fun" hasn't gone out of HubPages. I still enjoy writing here. But, the fun has gone out of appreciating a high score. To me, scores DO matter. When I send a potential client to my profile page and they see a low score they (not knowing HubPages criteria) are going to think I'm a bad writer. Let's be real... If you had a choice to select a writer with a score of 100 and a writer with a score of 79, which one would you choose? Yes, of course, the writer with the higher score. Who wouldn't.
   
   You, Dennis, are an excellent writer. I would give you a 100 any day. Your HubPages score just doesn't make sense to me.
   
   My score fluctuates a lot. One day I have 100, then the next day I'm at 98 or 96 or lower. Oh well, I don't make the rules, I just follow them and hope my score is favorable on the day someone visits my profile page.

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   1. 81

      dashingscorpioposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I don't think I would refer perspective clients to view my work on a site that arbitrarily post numbers up and down like the stock market. I'm here for fun and the community but I use Examiner.com as a columnist.

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   2. 74

      pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for the vote of confidence. HubScores do mean something not only to those viewing it, but also to the Hubbers who write here.

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   3. 81

      dashingscorpioposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Dennis, There thave been many instances where my "top hub score" is one that hasn't been viewed all week while another hub has multiple views with an icon indicating it's dropping! Since I don't write on HP for $'s I'm less invested in scores.

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5. 79

   chuckandus6posted 8 years ago

   Every one of my hubs are featured and getting good traffic but my score doesn't seem to go past 78 ,but I am still having fun writing anyway.

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   1. 74

      pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I am glad you feel that way about being here. I, on the other hand, am getting  very disappointed. I feel as a long standing contributor with HubPages my relationship with them has turned into a one sided one. I'm the giver and they're the taker.

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6. 81

   dashingscorpioposted 8 years ago

   Scores don't matter to (me). I'm just here for the fun of it.
   One interesting thing I have observed though is if you stay off HP for a couple of days your score tends to rise.
   I'm not sure why that is but it seems to happen consistently. I've gone away for weekends or on vacations and observed this.
   You can even login but not write any answers, comments, or hubs for a couple of days and mysteriously your score rises.
   Very odd indeed!

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   1. 94

      peeplesposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      That happens for me too! I thought that was just their way of keeping me away!

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   2. 81

      dashingscorpioposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I guess less is more to them!
      Absence makes the heart grow fonder! A higher score is their way of saying: "We missed you peeples!" xoxo

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   3. 74

      pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Perhaps I'll give that a try. Something here on HubPages isn't passing the smell test.

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   4. 92

      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It is interesting. I went away to help someone recover from surgery. I was gone for six weeks - never checked in. I came back and saw a score of 100. As soon as I started interacting, my score dropped dramatically.

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   5. 83

      Sharp Pointsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I noticed this as well, and it makes absolutely no sense to me. Not to mention it is hard to stay away for too long!

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   6. 70

      Lady Guinevereposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Sounds interesting.  I think that I will try this too.

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7. 87

   TIMETRAVELER2posted 8 years ago

   Scores do not matter when it comes to getting traffic.  I have heard people say, again and again, that some of their lowest scoring hubs bring in the most traffic!
   
   Scores basically are a way for the team to categorize hubs, nothing more.  Of course, it always feels better if you have a higher score.
   
   Don't get down about this.  In the bigger picture, it doesn't mean butkus!

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   1. 74

      pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It is a psychological mind game they are playing with those who have been loyal contributors. The "warm fuzzy feeling" is waning. I really don't want to write about crocheting a dog sweater. LOL

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8. 60

   The Examiner-1posted 8 years ago

   My Hubber Score goes goes up and down mainly within 3-4 digit range. I just keep writing new Hubs and updating my old Hubs as well as the recent ones. I believe what matters are the accolades, the Hubs and the traffic. Besides answering/asking questions, writing and being on forums, commenting on Hubs. Oh, and we cannot forget about Hub Hopper.

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   1. 74

      pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      After 5 years I still have never been to the forums. I remember years ago that the forums could get nasty and that is why I avoided them. Perhaps I'll give it a try.

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   2. 92

      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I totally forgot about the Hub Hopper! I don't think I've been there in over a year. Thanks for the reminder.

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   3. 60

      The Examiner-1posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      They are both important in helping to 'up' the score.
      
      Dennis - Look at the forum and see if it is of interest, if they get nasty then just drop it.
      
      Marlene - You are welcome. It is important to keep our scores up.

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9. 70

   Lady Guinevereposted 8 years ago

   I don't know how we missed each other either since you have been here as long as I have.  Funny though there are lots of hubbers that are perculating up from years ago.
   
   I don't really look at hubscores or hubber scores anymore.  The added thigns that HP has put on us to make a good hub has IMHO not helped me get anymore views thatn I used to have.
   
   What I think is making Hubpages not fun anymore...are the ones that want to argue scripture all the time and those that tend to harrass others and some will follow their choice in victims to other sites and then they are the ones that report the ones that they are harrassing.  That has taken the fun out of me writing here.  Years ago people weren't afraid of being reported, but today I, at least, am afraid of losing my account because I speak my mind and some do not like it and go on a reporting binge.  NOT FUN at all!

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   1. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I AM making a sworn promise to myself to never speak or communicate with those types of HP members anymore! Seriously! They are not worth the frustration.

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   2. 70

      Lady Guinevereposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      AS, yes I know about that, but the difficult part, for me, is that my name is mud and those ppl are telling everyone to not trust or believe in my work.  I can only "share" with so many.  I don't want to be a spammer. That kills me in more than 1 way

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   3. 85

      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Well, just write some quality hubs, stop asking questions about religion, and let them fight amongst themselves. Eventually, they will forget about both of us.

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   4. 74

      pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      There are many who simply can't spend countless hours interacting with others on a daily basis. Those who read and comment on my posts have dropped considerably, as well. The landscape has certainly changed.

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10. 58

    feenixposted 8 years ago

    Personally, I am mystified by how the scoring system works. And the reason why is, I just started posting on HubPages several days ago -- after being off the air ever since late 2012 -- yet I have a fairly-high score of 87.

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    1. 74

       pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Mystified is a great way to describe what is going on now.

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11. 83

    Sharp Pointsposted 8 years ago

    What really scares me is the apparent 'no follow' when a Hubber Score drops below 85, when combined with a sudden five to ten point drop in the score sounds like it can hurt ones traffic flow pretty badly.

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    1. 74

       pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I'm not aware of the "no Follow" rule with a score below 85. I don't like complaining, but it is beginning to feel like nothing is working for me here anymore. I'm very discouraged.

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12. 94

    kalinin1158posted 8 years ago

    I share your frustration. I've been on HP for 5 years too, and I've got nothing to go on but my natural stubbornness, and a thought that these articles might be useful sometime somewhere down the line. And once in a while I'll have a meaningful interaction with someone. That's it. That's what HP boils down to. I don't even remember the fun, to be honest. I feel like a musician playing to an empty room every night.

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    1. 74

       pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       You've made an excellent analogy. My bullheadedness is keeping me going here too. However, lately I'm extremely turned off.

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13. 83

    peachpurpleposted 8 years ago

    yes, I am too affected with the fun. With my profile score dropping from 96 to 76, that is a huge gap for me. No matter how i try to edit and comment, it just stays there.

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    1. 74

       pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Your drop in score and the frustration you feel is something I can relate to. Apparently some of us have a target on our backs and are being scrutinized closely. I just don't get it.

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14. 84

    tsmogposted 8 years ago

    Not sure of the fun part as I still enjoy it here at HP. Also, unsure of the 'system' determining scores. My best guess is it has to do entropy and chaos. With the basics of understanding one may wish to view each hub written as a closed system with its own entropy that interacts. Each hubber is a closed system with its own entropy that interacts. And then, continue further with each category is a closed system with its own entropy that interacts. And, on and on.
    
    A snapshot view is think of HP as being one hubber in actuality with a score of 100 (Hopefully . . . ?!?) residing as a member of google that resides as member of the internet. Wham-O . . . HP is now not only 66,966 active users with 'x' hubs it is also 'who knows' inactive writers with 'y' hubs. The total is 'z' hubs belonging to the many hubbers. All the scores for the many 'hubbers' always will equal that 100 (Hopefully . . . ?!?). Maybe HP is 73. Ponder how that would affect your hubber score :-) Remember energy cannot be created or destroyed.
    
    IMHO, we just don't see the decimal point. Of course some say I am a little odd too . . . just adding 2¢.

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    1. 74

       pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I was never good in math and I started getting cramps reading your response. I'm kidding, but, quite frankly, I did get lost. Seriously, I guess it is nothing more than a numbers game and I've always been a bad gambler.

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    2. 84

       tsmogposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Me too, yet I still get a Powerball ticket now and then :-) I feel for me it is like running switchbacks on a cross country race. That is when running up a very steep hill you go from left to right and so forth until reaching the top. Then downhill.

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15. 0

    TheBizWhizposted 8 years ago

    I haven't been here that long, but I have to assume that HP is attracting people that just like to instigate arguments instead of actually exchanging ideas. The fact that there are so many "semi-aspiring" writers (lol) instead of actual writers is what seems to be the problem. I wish they would get off their arses and get inspired to actually write hubs instead of going around acting like snipers and picking arguments with people who don't think exactly like them.

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    1. 74

       pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I understand your comment about instigators here, but conversely, there are many who pour out their heart and souls in well thought out Hubs and still, they have failing scores and few comments. Five years later and it has become very discouraging.

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       TheBizWhizposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Gotcha, but the problem is that the people who don't write hubs, usually don't read hubs and click ads. They just troll the forums and questions.

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       tsmogposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Empathetic of what you shared. I do ask does one 'get inspired' or does one become inspired. I ponder while wondering as inspiration seems lacking for me since writing a recent book, which also is the first. It's like the stream ran dry.

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    4. 0

       TheBizWhizposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Just keep at it tsmog, so when the inspiration comes, you will be prepared!

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16. 0

    Larry Wallposted 8 years ago

    I have gone from a high of 100 to my present 87. I spend less time than I use to and did take a few months off for a number of reasons. I think the overall quality of hubs has decreased as some of the new hubbers have not gained the experience and some of us old timers are running out of ideas--and I spend a lot of my time on two content mill sites--I never made more than $50 in a year from the Hub. I have cleared almost $600 this year through the two sites I write for--have to set priorities.

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       pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       You make a valid point about the new versus the old. After all, how many Hubs can we read about putting strawberries  on a cake or the proper way to file your toenails?

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17. 60

    Peter Grujicposted 8 years ago

    Yes, the fun has definitely left HP. There is absolutely no personal insight by these so-called 'editors' other than standard mumbo-jumbo. I was very frustrated than realized the silliness of hub pages, especially the people who run it.

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    1. 74

       pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I agree. If we aren't promoting Hubpages agenda for income, then we, as the authors, end up being punished with low HubScores. This simply isn't my cup of tea anymore.

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18. 60

    helenstuartposted 8 years ago

    Check out the top hubs every day, oh, I mean the "HOT" hubs. If there is one there that grabs your attention because it generally looks interesting, it is probably 4 years old. Ok, maybe they've gotten a little more human and relatable but they've also narrowed them down to like 4 hot hubs. And one of those is going to be something like how to get your rhododendrons to eat more fiber, and another one is going to be about the complex social meanderings of Peruvian Sherpas in 20,000 words by somebody who has never left his home town in Illinois. That I find unbearable. I don't know what all this talk is about killing a panda, but I think hubpages sacrifices small cute animals on the alter of fake erudity (I made that word up just now) and keeping the reader at way more than arm's length away. Maybe a fifteen foot pole's length away. No, do NOT write about anything too "controversial". Back to the houseplants. No, this is not a forum to write about YOU. So there goes writing about what I know. You know we aren't babies, we can insert ourselves columnist style into our writings and come up with something much more alive and compelling and vital and accidently gasp humorous without writing our life's stories. At least a lot of us can. What is a good travel story? If someone gets out of hand and starts journaling their hair appointments and how they separate the recyclables I still think it would be better than what you are asking for now, whatever that is. I think you have a bunch of confused writers who are more worried about getting bad scores and getting rejected and following the little mazes of your "text goes here, photo goes here, ad goes here." Let writers write. Don't shuffle them into kiddie coral. I never but never am out on the town with my friends and hear someone say, "I read a very informative article in hubpages today."  Or "i read the most INTERESTING thing in hubpages." You are by no means a household name. And the thing is, you need to get with google adsense because they suffer from the same disease. I got my adsense account MONTHS ago and haven't made a penny, why? Because to figure the whole mess out enough to make money you have to have the mad skills of a code breaker in WWII.  No, I don't worry a bit about my score of sixty or seventy whatever, I know full well I'm a good writer, and good writers will not tolerate stupid restraints. They won't go unrewarded, for long, either in word or financially. Screw the #s. Those are the artificial

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    1. 74

       pagesvoiceposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       You have articulated exactly how I've felt here for a long time. HP used to be a fun and enjoyable place to write and interact. Sadly, it is no longer the case. It's reflected in the negative feelings and lack of participation by many.

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