FanLib The Object Lesson

[stewardess.livejournal.com]

A recent editorial on the Helix/Sanders disaster brings up FanLib's founders as an example of how to totally screw things up when dealing with online fandom: Do Not Tease Nor Feed The Fans at FireFox News.

Quote: If you behave like an ass fandom will notice that you are braying.

This is at least the fourth time I've seen FanLib appear as a disaster anecdote. It seems their reputation as blunderers will be their most lasting legacy.

Comments

[whatifisaidno.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link!

[inamac.livejournal.com]

That's a brilliant article - and not just for the Fanlib stuff - thanks for the link. Lessons for all of us I think.

[angiepen.livejournal.com]

Hey, everyone needs a legacy, right? :D

Angie

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

Good article. Fanlib listening? LJ listening? I doubt it, but they should.

[ithiliana.livejournal.com]

*hee* I saw this link on a friend's post right before I saw it here and posted it in my journal--and damn straight, this will be FanLib's legacy.

I *think* that some at LJ have learned a teeny bit from their disasters!

Although this reminds me: any more recent news on the potential buyout of Fanlib by Disney?

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

I don't know. Disney may be buying a disaster if they do buy it out.

[stewardess.livejournal.com]

The original rumor contained two bits of news: that FanLib would be bought, and that DigiSynd would be bought. Recent news articles have confirmed the purchase of DigiSynd by Disney, which I take as evidence that something happened, or is happening, between FanLib and Disney, but what it is/was, I do not know.

Disney is quietly buying up small web ventures right and left. It is not at all far-fetched that they would take a look at FanLib.

When FanLib unofficially commented on the rumor in a messageboard (they did not issue a formal denial), they brown-nosed Disney thoroughly. I'm sure they would sell themselves in a second; after all, they took venture capital, and those investors will demand a return on their money.

[shalom]

It tickles me to think about those guys flinching when they are continually held up as a classic example of poor fan management relationships. Hee!