The "Elite" -Is this a good title for HP volunteers?
- Arlene V. Pomaposted 13 years ago
0 I guess telling someone to go eat a saltine wouldn't have near the impact.
It may have been because of the old southern saying--"She was so ugly she looked like death eatin' a soda cracker"!
It does bring a descriptive image to mind!
Wow, I read some actual honesty in a forum... where is my camera? Heh. In the House of Lords they have titles ... in Hub Pages.... um...um... okay I better go now. LOL.
I need to study this more before I comment further...
Whether tagged with E for elite, or H for HP or V for volunteer or W for writer, everyone here donates and volunteers their time writing, reviewing, commenting and flagging hubs. With that said, I am NOT downplaying the contributions that the "E" hubbers have and do provide to the site.
My point of contention is the word itself and its connotations.
From thefreedictionary.com, the definition of "elite" is:
[color=blue]elite, élite [ɪˈliːt eɪ-]
n
1. (sometimes functioning as plural) the most powerful, rich, gifted, or educated members of a group, community, etc.
2. (Communication Arts / Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) Also called twelve pitch a typewriter typesize having 12 characters to the inch[/blue]
This is also the definition from several other on-line/off-line dictionaries.
The word "elite" has a negative connotation to it -- elitism is a perception that a certain group of people should receive special treatment due to their superior intellect or social status. Whether new to the site or a seasoned veteran, this perception does not sit well.
Naturally, this is assuming that we are not referring to the second definition.
For myself, I prefer if the "e" disappeared and was replaced by another letter representing something that is true to what they do.
"P" for promoter. "C" for customer service. "IM" for inquiring minds. "HH" for helping hands. Whatever.... just remove the "Elite".How about G.I.V.A.R?????................
- I like it!
It stands for....are you ready???...Give It A Rest......, the V is just for effect..................Sorry couldn't help it......
HA! I would've thought you'd reply "What an elitist thing to say"!
Come on Izzy!....done just in jest.......I respect everyone here new or established, but sometimes we have to look at the lighter side of things. But if it offended anyone, then I apologize........
The title itself is offensive to many of us, Luis and not the person it's attached to.
But this thread will be great to point newbies to when they ask what the "e" represents. It should tell them everything they want to know and even better than the FAQS could. In that I agree, newcomers will probably have a much deeper understanding of the title and the functions of Elite as well as getting a pretty thorough understanding on forum participation and its politics.....Also at first this forum post bothered me, but I have realized that it has opened an good healthy discussion, brought up many points of view as well as suggestions and overall regardless of the outcome, a good venue for the community to share its thoughts.......
There really is no outcome other than making our feelings on the subject known, Luis. It seems one either dislikes the title or doesn't think the meaning of words is important on a site for writers. And besides, it's not as if we "ordinary" members--as one of your fellow elite has described us-- have any say-so in the matter.
WHAT?????
You don't Like Wal-Mart Greeters?
Even with their new February Pitch...
"Hi There Welcome to Wal-Mart.. I'm here to help you out! But First... could you tell me which way you came in?"
There's nothing wrong with the 'E' people here lobo... No One is suggesting that there is.. many are highly respected by us, just because they are good people!
This issue has been stated by all of us in one way or another - Elite is the Wrong Word for a Bona Fide Writing Site to use for volunteers... And In Reality those who felt it was appropriate, certainly gave little thought to what, from a writing industry perspective, denotes an Elite Writer! - And on that point.. it is laughable and really does lower the Credibility of the site, from an Industry Perspective!
I give up... Too many posts to read
I think this should be moved to religion or politics - I've only seen them collect so many replies this fast
- Arlene V. Pomaposted 13 years ago0
You're quite right, Karanda. You are an excellent writer with very interesting hubs. While I agree that the word, 'elite' is a misnomer, and I was a year at hub pages before I realized it was a volunteer helper, I think that those who wear the badge come in all shapes and sizes - just like the rest of us!
- Website Examinerposted 13 years ago0
Seriously? The word ' Elite' offends others? We are just like the next person. We do not get paid by HP to volunteer our services.
We guide newcomers when we receive e-mails from them. We guide them through the forums, when they are eaten alive by seasoned hubbers.
We flag just like others do, without the word 'elite'. We are equal to everyone else on HP. In fact I believe that most of the flagging is completed by those who are not hosts of the site. Its an undercover job to make everyone believe that we are the bad men and women of HP. lololo!
Anyway, who cares if a person has an ' E' and they cannot write as well as others. It isn't about quality to be a greeter, it's about paying it forward and giving a hand to a new person on HP.
Who honestly cares about the word? Seriously? I don't. Who gets confused? If you clarify to a new person your position, the issue is resolved. If you mislead them, then you are responsible for the issue at hand.
Isn't this site supposed to be over 18? I thought all of us were professional adults?I will argue that point with you anytime....the over 18 part................
LOL , i like the way you say it... Much ado about nothin' is what I thought .
Soon the wicked witch of the west will arrive and my house is going to crunch her and then I will take the ruby red slippers!
Well, I care. And apparently others care about the word elite being used for essentially greeters. This what some of you guys said you mainly do. So that makes those of us who disagree with you "amateur adults"?
I believe people are reading into it to deeply. A person can be good at greeting and hubber retention. It depends on the category and the perception of the word.
All of us are the same and if a newbie reads the HubPages FAQ they will find out what 'E' stands for.And the amazing thing is, you don't even have to be a newbie to read it and learn what the 'e' stands for.
I'm sorry. I don't trust myself to reply to this.
Lolo!
I believe what you are trying to say is, there are those who are abusing the 'E' status. And there are those who do not. So to bring those to reality who wrongfully use the 'E' it is best to pick another word. No again, AE. I don't how someone can abuse something they are not. I'm not really a snake, you know. Really!
Then why is there really an issue? It is only a word? I don't believe any of us who have that symbol are concerned about the word. If you use "Volunteer" it sounds like you are working in a hospital or organization. What about "Hub Greeters?" initials would be HG? I am sure there would be complaints about that too. I don't honestly care what the word is, I would still take on the task. Reading into it to deeply, can cause more stress then good. Have you considered becoming a greeter? :)It is actually so much fun. You are able to read new work, guide them and introduce them.
Once again, I'm sorry. You really don't get it, do you? At this point I don't really care anymore. But this thread speaks volumes about exactly why some of us detest the word Elite, and exactly why you guys are trying so hard to keep it. We don't dislike those afflicted with the title, merely the title itself. So wear it with the pride it deserves. Good Nite all!
ETA : I already do those things without the moniker!And ya do it so well my friend
Hey ya wanna 'EE' Extra Elite lol
Oh gawd that sounds like a condom
My goodness is that the time.Magnum, I think they're called!
FYI: I have understood this thread from the beginning. The truth is the word is honestly and completely irrelevant. It's a word that creates a debate. I can appreciate the debate.
When you click reply that nice little box seems to pop-up. Clearly noted it reads, " Please check the HubPages FAQ before asking HubPages related questions in the forum." It also provides forum rules.
There is also a 'help' button that sits comfortably in the upper-right hand corner of our pages. To me 'Help' means, " I need answers."
Feathers ruffled, skins shed, pedestals toppled, words butchered, egos bruised, feet inserted into mouths.....what real life drama!
As some have pointed out Karanda, your description of the duties of the elite in no way fits the definition of the word itself. This is a writer's site, for snake's sake! If we start changing the meaning of words here to something completely different, then where do we draw the line?
If for some reason in the future there was a need to designate some of the better writers, then what title could be chosen which would not be beneath the greeters? God Authors? Super Scribblers? Whatawriters? HubHackers? You make the call!
In a much appreciated voluntary action from an 'E' I would like to Thank RedElf or whoever it was that convinced me how nice some of our community members are as 'people'
How nice to receive my HubNugget accolade as a result of the personal time spent by her, to ensure those who previous earned this 'elite' writing award have received it and can be seen by Newbies and 10 month old hubbers that the recipients of such awards are perhaps worthy of them.
Thank you very much for your effort on this RE... I hope that I may do something positive for you also at some stage!Cheers Laura.. yeah, I appreciated that very much!
Phew... I had pretty tough competition from your sister too at the time
Actually, I thought of the same thing, MM. But I didn't think some would like the title. Extra Effort is indeed more apt for the things you guys do here.
Hola Julianna and Randy..
May I Suggest:
That you two continue your heated conversation at Randy's Christmas Party! There will a BonFire there.. and Good FireWood will be requiredLololo!
A Bonfire? I will bring marshmallows to roast! By the time the party is over, we will be singing Christmas Carols. Oh I hope you are right J...
btw.. It's an EOTW Christmas Party!
- Arlene V. Pomaposted 13 years ago0
Phew.... That's alright then!
My suggestion - "Rangers" or "Hub Rangers". Take that as hubpages version of power rangers
How about "Godlike" instead of Elite? That should end the controversy!
and they could hang out at the G-Spot?
- Website Examinerposted 13 years ago0
lol, yes it does. Has to with it being Super Bowl Sunday!
I absolutely cannot believe that Randy was banned for this thread--unbelievable.
I've read the whole thread, and nowhere in here did I see him say anything that would have been considered a banning offense. In fact, I thought that he handled all of the posts with considerable calmness and tact, even when some were getting a little hot under the collar.
As Michael Willis said, and Randy himself, numerous times, this thread was to discuss the feelings about the WORD Elite, not the people who wore the title, but some took exception to it anyway.
And now Randy is banned? COME ON HP--what are you thinking? I am getting so tired of the pettiness around here, even from the staff, it seems. Are we not allowed to have an adult discussion anymore? You permit all types of insults and arguments to continue on the religious and political forums. Oh...wait though--they aren't arguing about HP policies, are they? Good grief.
As I said before...unbelievable.
Randy--If you can still read this, I just wanted to let you know that I agree with you on the subject. I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to post on it before you were banned...In my Elite Opinion, there is Absolutely NOTHING in this thread beyond Constructive Critique...
The issues within this thread were called by the OP to be approached Realistically and Objectively!
Why then would the OP be Banned for a month for some poorly undeclared emotive reason which defies the very logic that he called for in the first place?
Amazing! Good People Management requires more than a Ban Button, an Autocratic set of double standards and a Holier Than Thou Attitude!
NO Emotive reason or justification changes the factual worldwide meaning and understanding of the word 'Elite'
Irrespective of any attempt to defend the mistaken interpretation of the word by the party who applied it to site volunteers.. it is a Misrepresentation!
If Randy was banned for passionately pointing that Fact out... then WHAT Does that say about the party that would endorse a penalty against someone who Is Factually Correct in pointing out the misrepresentation!
If you Genuinely want a Professional site... accept what is logically and professionally required to be that... don't stomp on those suitably qualified to educate less qualified personnel who perhaps don't see or recognize the relevance of professional misrepresentation!
Be objective and realistic... Remove the Misrepresentation and you the raise your professionalism... If you advocate to shoot the messenger, then you endorse and demonstrate the very lack of sincerity, professionalism and shallowness that is being pointed out! - That's Crazy... It seems someone making relevant decisions clearly doesn't fully understand or possess, basic business management acumen!I just came to the objective and realistic realization that neither of us are being paid for providing such objective, realistic and professional advice...
I don't usually disagree with you WE.. But sorry, on that evaluation I'm afraid I do.
Ethically - Misrepresentation is misrepresentation from Any perspective. On this site there have been many illustrations of misrepresentation that may or may not have been loaded as deceptive deliberately, or as a result of ignorance of the commercial/legal requirements to 'Not' knowingly make such misrepresentations to the public!
Stretch your memory back to the millions of misrepresented pageviews that HP happily promoted on falsely 'presented' hubs called: Yahoo dot com... Hertz dot com etc.. etc.. All carrying Google ad impressions - all fine examples of deceptive misrepresentation. I believe Google actually reacted negatively towards ALL of US and the Site on that one!
And contrary to any WORDS defending those shonky actions... all were published by original members here who 'Felt Entitled To' profit, as did the site, in many respects from the deception!
It's NOT a matter of what is fair to a select number of people... It is a matter of NOT Being Deceptive and misleading people for gain or otherwise!
The USAGE of the WORD is Deceptively Wrong... end of story!
If all the parties actually VALUE the relationship here then surely being professional and not deceptive I think would be paramount!
Interestingly, HP DO KNOW what is meant by deceptive... lots of hubs are flagged and unpublished for being deceptive! Where's the double standard.. given my previous reference?
Most of us here really like this site and give our time in many respects to helping where we can on many issues! Most of us do so to help 'improve' the site... However.. The words Deception and Misleading intimate Dishonesty!
But Hey...
To any realistic writing site.. What's in a Word huh?
I believe that point alone is what Randy opened this thread on WE!
Go Patriots!Well then if you have professional values (as people like Randy do)... then you'll deeply appreciate the merits of having your name and net reputation on the same page (albeit within a sub-domain) as an Ethical and Non Deceptive Professional site.
Why is that point so subjective and subjected to banning I wonder!
You have clearly explained your thoughts about that matter. It does make complete sense. We as humans do zoom in on specific words and do not read all of the detail and we do not always clearly define the intent. I do have to say I respect your words, because it was explained. It is a simple task, that all of us do not always grasp. Thanks for replying.
I do not know why this has degraded into what appear to be personal attacks. We can still discuss the topic without resorting to name calling or insinuation. Although I do not agree with most of the reasons for not liking the title, I however sympathize with those who have discerning views. Please keep in mind that there are many other things that Elite do besides just welcoming new hubbers but not all Elite do the same things.
So Paul you may be right in your assertions, thanks for posting it......
Wow, this got terribly ugly while I was gone. Let me wade through those who were actively involved in the discussion BEFORE Randy got banned and then see who's not here anymore discussing AFTER the ban. Hmmm...I guess I've pretty much narrowed it down. And shame on them. And by the way, the word is "tattletale" here in the South!
- Website Examinerposted 13 years ago0
This thread has:
AE
There was a time on HP that a thread such as this was constructive and fun. Nobody was attacking each other. There used to be a time when words would not effect someone, including myself the way they have recently. Sometimes we have to just step away and breathe before entering into the thread again.
As many have written ,no one sees any personal attacks? so that leaves only your perception?
I think you are a wonderful person ,but its not about you per se,its about the word 'elite'
I know one post you said ,You really didnt care,but maybe you do after all.I honestly don't. I was just reading into things to deeply and having a bad day. lololo! I believe when we began, we were called Greeters and I didn't mind that either. Sometimes I do not like always being so nice, because when I get upset people go into shock!
There were attacks and it wasn't my perception, I read all about them on FB. There were a few that were quite upset. So my perception, "No." I guess all of us should just learn to breathe a little and read more thoroughly, before jumping into the frying pan.Oh ok ,see I assumed you meant the attacks were on this thread (hence Randy being banned on this site) didnt relise you meant FB.
At the end of the day,I think people got to air their views,opinions,2 cents worth etc,at least I did and that's what big people should be able to do,in a democracy
I will say this AE, at least you responded,a couple of other 'e' people did too,but many others did not.
So,good for you
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