StumbleUpon Ditches Yes/No

February 1, 2008

One of the features that had been rumored to give users more Stumble power was the yes/no link on the reviews pages.  It had been said that the more people that clicked yes on your reviews, the more it benefited your SU muscles.

I just noticed that it’s now gone and replaced with this:

Personally, I don’t like this.  It gives too many options and opens users up to potentially being labeled just because another user doesn’t like em.  There are many SU users that hate the influx of SEO/SMM that have joined StumbleUpon so this would be a perfect opportunity for them to take out some aggression.

Here’s an example of a Stumbler whose quick to use his thumbs down on things he sees.

Imagine what this guy would do if you reviewed him? Yikes!

So if you are one of the SU people that leave random reviews just to grow your SU network or just because your friends ask you to, um…be careful.  Your kind words and effort could label you in a way that may not be friendly. Make sure you leave a specific comment directly connected to the site you are reviewing. 

Here’s a few tips at how to leave a review for a user that will hopefully get you labeled as helpful or friendly.:)

• Remember that when you write a review for another SU user it will appear on your Stumble blog so write something that your fans will be compelled to read and click through to the user you are reviewing.
• Take 10 seconds and actually go a page or so deep unto their blog and find something they have stumbled that attracts your attention. Stumble it and explain why you like it.
• If there is a clear theme to the types of things that the user stumbles, indicate that so that others  with the same interest will check them out.
• Tell them you’ll definitely be stopping back again to see their future stumbles and then do it! When you review a Stumbler, why not add them as a friend? Tell em you added them and they may be more inclined to add you if you used some of the above in your review process.
• If the Stumbler has an interesting avatar of has taken time to add special things to their blog, let them know you noticed that.  

Posted in Social Marketing