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Should Mahalo employees self-identify on their profiles that they work for the website, if they post as users?
I've noticed a lot of activity on Manhalo Answers by people who seem to be, or have stated at times, that they are Mahalo employees. Since their user profiles make reference to other careers, but not the fact they are employed by this web site, it often creates the impression these are unaffiliated users, when in fact they are not. Some might suggest that this is somewhat deceptive. While I see no reason why employees should not enjoy the site, and take part as other users, it seems odd they do not state on their profiles they work directly for the website.
Should employees of the Mahalo be more direct about their association with the company, when posting as users on Mahalo Answers?
Should employees of the Mahalo be more direct about their association with the company, when posting as users on Mahalo Answers?
answers (21)
Everyone discloses on their profile, so we already do.
However, for the ~30 f/t folks we have in the Santa Monica HQ we will probably put some sort of indication on their user icon.
We have a bunch of freelancers and "remote Guides" who work on Mahalo proper (i.e. the search engine), but they don't get paid to work in Mahalo Answers--they're here just like you. Since they're not employees of Mahalo, but rather freelancers/contractors, well probably keep them noted as regular users since they are.
Mahalo staff don't have any advantage over the general population in Mahalo Answers other than we started in the system a week or so early. That's why we're all Yellow and Green belts. I'm sure you will all go flying past us in belt level soon enough!
Very good point about us being selected best answer by certain folks because we're staff, however we are not going to be able to answer anything more than 1% of questions in the system if it keeps growing like this!
We're answering questions right now mostly to set the tone (helpful), and to test the system (which as you can see from our issue today has been up and down!).
best jason
(CEO of Mahalo)
However, for the ~30 f/t folks we have in the Santa Monica HQ we will probably put some sort of indication on their user icon.
We have a bunch of freelancers and "remote Guides" who work on Mahalo proper (i.e. the search engine), but they don't get paid to work in Mahalo Answers--they're here just like you. Since they're not employees of Mahalo, but rather freelancers/contractors, well probably keep them noted as regular users since they are.
Mahalo staff don't have any advantage over the general population in Mahalo Answers other than we started in the system a week or so early. That's why we're all Yellow and Green belts. I'm sure you will all go flying past us in belt level soon enough!
Very good point about us being selected best answer by certain folks because we're staff, however we are not going to be able to answer anything more than 1% of questions in the system if it keeps growing like this!
We're answering questions right now mostly to set the tone (helpful), and to test the system (which as you can see from our issue today has been up and down!).
best jason
(CEO of Mahalo)
| Asker's rating: |
Thanks for such a comprehensive answer, Jason.
I have every confidence that things are in good hands, overall, and any details that need to be, will get worked out in time.
I chose your answer because you are the CEO. j/k ;)
There were a lot of very insightful responses. This one was quite notable.
I have every confidence that things are in good hands, overall, and any details that need to be, will get worked out in time.
I chose your answer because you are the CEO. j/k ;)
There were a lot of very insightful responses. This one was quite notable.
Yes, as it better enhances the Mahalo brand if they do implement that feature
I believe so, because regular user like will know them better
It would be good if it did. On or off work hours should be identified. I personally like having some sort of icon under the name.
Indeed. But take into account that this is the beta testing. I think they should interfere a lot less and identify themselves when Mahalo Answers is up and running. I like it when they give away money, though.
No, so they can catch those people spamming this site. For that reason mahalo will always be a good place to hangout and to get an honest answer to your question.
They could also have a separate team for that portion of quality control.
Yes, I think its important in any online community like this that the owners/makers/directors/employees distinguish themselves from the general user base. I believe it helps to promote an open and disclosed environment.
I don't know about you, but in other online communities, if you've been dealing with someone and have a good experience then later find out that they were an employee, it sort of takes away from that experience. You start to think "...did they only do that or say that because they have to..."
I don't know about you, but in other online communities, if you've been dealing with someone and have a good experience then later find out that they were an employee, it sort of takes away from that experience. You start to think "...did they only do that or say that because they have to..."
source(s):
...my 2 cents...
...my 2 cents...
as long as they aren't using "inside knowledge" of the website, or the ranking system or what have you for personal gain, or the possible detriment of us non employed users than I don't see why they should. Just cause they help create the service doesn't mean they can't use it in exactly the same way we can, which means not having any stigma attached to their user name or their status as an employee
Aha! You are one of them!
Disclosure: I'm a Mahalo remote guide.
I also do Answers on my own time, because I enjoy it.
You have an interesting point, but I'm not sure that it's necessary to identify Mahalo employees in another way. As was pointed out, all Mahalo employees or former employees have clearly stated it in their profiles, so it is freely available information. I think that re-stating it is redundant.
I'll grant that, as a Mahalo guide, I do have a vested interest in seeing Answers take off. So how does that change my behavior, compared to if I was not affiliated? It doesn't, really. Either way I would be interested in answering questions to the best of my ability.
Perhaps as a Mahalo guide I might even be more thorough in my research and answers just because I want to do an especially good job to set a good example for the rest of the users.
But my interests align pretty much exactly with any other user of Answers.
I also do Answers on my own time, because I enjoy it.
You have an interesting point, but I'm not sure that it's necessary to identify Mahalo employees in another way. As was pointed out, all Mahalo employees or former employees have clearly stated it in their profiles, so it is freely available information. I think that re-stating it is redundant.
I'll grant that, as a Mahalo guide, I do have a vested interest in seeing Answers take off. So how does that change my behavior, compared to if I was not affiliated? It doesn't, really. Either way I would be interested in answering questions to the best of my ability.
Perhaps as a Mahalo guide I might even be more thorough in my research and answers just because I want to do an especially good job to set a good example for the rest of the users.
But my interests align pretty much exactly with any other user of Answers.
Would the ability for people to more easily identify you as a Mahalo employee really change or take away from your contributions?
I imagine not. I would vote for some kind of easy identification of an employee answer then having to look into someones profile. I just think its nice to know without having to browse deeper.
I imagine not. I would vote for some kind of easy identification of an employee answer then having to look into someones profile. I just think its nice to know without having to browse deeper.
I would agree that -- after the Beta period ends -- they should be identified when answering questions.
The only problem with highlighting Mahalo employees, as I see it, is that users may become more likely to choose one of their (employee) answers as the best, simply because they think a Mahalo employee would always have the best answer, which they may not.
On the other hand, getting an answer from an employee may give the asker more confidence in the quality of the answers being submitted. So....it could go either way.
On the other hand, getting an answer from an employee may give the asker more confidence in the quality of the answers being submitted. So....it could go either way.
I don't think it matters either way. I don't really care if someone asking or answering a question is employed by Mahalo. It doesn't change the question or the answer.
I am also considered PT Guide at Mahalo, but I have only submitted 3 pages into Mahalo.
I am not sure why the disclosure is neccesary. Will that make you more or less likely to choose their answer?
Would you be more more likely to order a sandwich at a restaurant because you recognize one of its waiters sitting down enjoying one? Or will you order the pasta because that's what sounds best to you?
Just a thought. :)
I am not sure why the disclosure is neccesary. Will that make you more or less likely to choose their answer?
Would you be more more likely to order a sandwich at a restaurant because you recognize one of its waiters sitting down enjoying one? Or will you order the pasta because that's what sounds best to you?
Just a thought. :)
I think it would be a great idea for all Mahalo employees to include that information on their profile, even when posting in a non-official capacity. Although we get no special treatment or advantages, transparency is always a good thing. ( I am a RG for Mahalo, in the interest of full disclosure)
For most employees, I would say no. Like many before mentioned, there could be a certain stigma attached to being an employee(even if it is sometimes a good one). However, if there are people specificially employed as moderators, it would probably be a good idea for some marker to identify them since it grants a measure of authority which is needed in that case. BUT, it should only be limited to their work account...not their personal.
As long as they remain polite, professional, and courteous, I see no problem.
I believe it should be like the moderator status where everyone knows who is running the boards. If there's payments for answers, shouldn't there be a disclaimer about the content from these people?
It seems a little dishonest not to inform others of their employment, but I think that the determination of who gives the best answers does not depend on whether they work for Mahalo or not. I think it should be up to the individual whether they want to let people know or not.
Yes. I have been going back in forth on this at my own company, and after a lot of thought and debate the simple answer is 'yes'. Everyone here knows of some marketing stunt gone bad that resulted from deceptive internet practices. So why not start out on the right foot and be transparent.
I think it's fine as it is. Leaving them anonymous is good for the site's business by...well, creating the appearance of more users, haha. So far it seems to me that Mahalo still has a limited userbase, so employees trying to liven things up is good for the site. Plus the employee questions are generally tipped, so it jump-starts the Mahalo economy which is good for existing users! :)
It's also a good safety feature for the company to let employees post of their own regard - that way, they don't have to stamp, "The views expressed by our employees do not necessarily reflect the views of Mahalo" all over the site.
It's also a good safety feature for the company to let employees post of their own regard - that way, they don't have to stamp, "The views expressed by our employees do not necessarily reflect the views of Mahalo" all over the site.
Yes, they should. They have a vested interest in the website, and that should be known. When you watch the NBC Nightly News, for example, they always mention that NBC is owned by General Electric if there is a story about GE that they are reporting on, because some people think that connection could introduce a bias. It's better to be open and "above-board" than to hide it.
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I'm happy to see that someone that has a real stake in the question step forward and answer the question and to clarify that the fact that the employees not being identified directly and quickly (unless a person views the content on their profile and they have identified themselves) is not a subversive attempt to inflate trust but is indeed to promote the integrity and feeling of the site... that we're here to help eachother.
Take care and great work on the site.
We are deleting off-topic comments/questions, unhelpful comments/questions and anything hostile as this is not the place for sure behavior. Of course we can't get to everything so we need you guys to report off-topic or bad behavior.
Also, we don't want to have to police the system... we want a tone set by the community that makes people NOT want to behave badly.
Mark Jeffrey our CTO said walking into Answer is like walking into a library filled with intelligent people--you don't want to act like an idiot or you'll look like one.
I love that! Let's all work to set the right tone.
Note: some joking in the comments is OK, especially on fun type questions. We're not going to police that. However, if someone is asking a good question and you say "google it you fool!" or something like that we will delete it, and possibly delete the persons account.
Mahalo Answers is NOT a forum or chat room, it's a Knowledge Exchange. We have to make that clear to all the new users coming in.