Comments on: Is Blognation in a meltdown? http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/ Tom Raftery, social media consultant, speaker, blogger and podcaster Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:00:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: lingerie http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-116380 lingerie Fri, 02 May 2008 14:17:02 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-116380 Blognation was a great idea spolied by bad execution. Blognation was a great idea spolied by bad execution.

]]> By: belek property http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-115396 belek property Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:12:00 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-115396 Total and utter rip off, right from the start he knew it ! Total and utter rip off, right from the start he knew it !

]]> By: Andrew M. http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113827 Andrew M. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:58:40 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113827 Exactly what i have expected, deleting improper arguments - let his authors in the dark and unpaid. And if this guy didn´t post his article on his blog, it would be a ripo-off to this day. Exactly what i have expected, deleting improper arguments - let his authors in the dark and unpaid. And if this guy didn´t post his article on his blog, it would be a ripo-off to this day.

]]> By: Matthew http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113261 Matthew Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:05:21 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113261 At first, I have to apologize for my bad English! I personally believe, that blognation is a great idea. Blogger can write what they want and get money for it. But in my opinion there are problems with the driver. At first, I have to apologize for my bad English!
I personally believe, that blognation is a great idea. Blogger can write what they want and get money for it. But in my opinion there are problems with the driver.

]]> By: Alan http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113201 Alan Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:43:23 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113201 What Sam fails to take responsibility for are his lies. He conned bloggers into writing for him on the basis that he had funding. He told anyone who would listen in London that he had raised VC money. He even wrote it on the Blognation about page which is cached in Google. The about page, before he took it down, said - ‘What is the business model behind blognation? blognation is backed by undisclosed venture capital funding, by vendor advertising and through affiliate advertising.’ Now that he has been forced to say that he hasn't, EVERYONE (a lot of people already had work it out) now sees him for the liar he is. Conor I'd stop chasing your loses. Alternatively ask Sam to provide you with character references from senior people in the London sector. I doubt that there are many people left who'd be prepared to provide one. Sam lies. Ask anyone. Robert I very much doubt that the payment issue will pass. It seems highly unlikely, given Sam's reputation in London, that he will raise VC funding. The only chance I see is for him to raise angel level funding from someone outside the sector. What Sam fails to take responsibility for are his lies. He conned bloggers into writing for him on the basis that he had funding. He told anyone who would listen in London that he had raised VC money. He even wrote it on the Blognation about page which is cached in Google. The about page, before he took it down, said -

‘What is the business model behind blognation?
blognation is backed by undisclosed venture capital funding, by vendor advertising and through affiliate advertising.’

Now that he has been forced to say that he hasn’t, EVERYONE (a lot of people already had work it out) now sees him for the liar he is.

Conor I’d stop chasing your loses. Alternatively ask Sam to provide you with character references from senior people in the London sector. I doubt that there are many people left who’d be prepared to provide one. Sam lies. Ask anyone.

Robert I very much doubt that the payment issue will pass. It seems highly unlikely, given Sam’s reputation in London, that he will raise VC funding. The only chance I see is for him to raise angel level funding from someone outside the sector.

]]> By: Robert Synnott http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113176 Robert Synnott Sat, 08 Dec 2007 03:36:42 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113176 I like how "oh, but we're a Web 2.0 company, funding is HARD" is an excuse for not paying employees with contracts, these days. I seem to remember the same sort of thing happening at the end of Web 1.0, in fact... If he had even been honest with employees about his cashflow issues, it wouldn't have been so bad. I like how “oh, but we’re a Web 2.0 company, funding is HARD” is an excuse for not paying employees with contracts, these days. I seem to remember the same sort of thing happening at the end of Web 1.0, in fact…

If he had even been honest with employees about his cashflow issues, it wouldn’t have been so bad.

]]> By: blognation Updates » Blog Archive » The Funding Took Longer Than I Thought, Sorry Team http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113171 blognation Updates » Blog Archive » The Funding Took Longer Than I Thought, Sorry Team Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:14:40 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113171 [...] editors have responded publically in various places to reports about blognation with their own personal [...] [...] editors have responded publically in various places to reports about blognation with their own personal [...]

]]> By: Robert Sanzalone http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113144 Robert Sanzalone Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:10:17 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113144 Was in the centre of battle yesterday during all this. Sorry I wasn't in your roledex Tom as one of the editors you chose to contact (I posted in the Techcrunch article inviting anyone to contact us regarding questions or comments). I'd like to echo what Tris said above regarding startups and add it should be CAREFULLY noted who comments on behalf of blognation. Those editors who have actively created communities and the brand within their country are enthusiastic and excited by the brand and VERY supportive of the team and Sam himself. Those who have not had a smooth start (for professional or personal reasons) have not been so complimentary. I particularly enjoyed Debi's Canterbury Tales - Prelude "Feast around the table" illustration and thought very appropriate. Keep your original perception of it being a great idea turning into reality. When the payment issue passes (which it will be), people will simply shrug this off and go on with their lives. Robert Sanzalone editor, blognation Japan http://jp.blognation.com Was in the centre of battle yesterday during all this. Sorry I wasn’t in your roledex Tom as one of the editors you chose to contact (I posted in the Techcrunch article inviting anyone to contact us regarding questions or comments).

I’d like to echo what Tris said above regarding startups and add it should be CAREFULLY noted who comments on behalf of blognation. Those editors who have actively created communities and the brand within their country are enthusiastic and excited by the brand and VERY supportive of the team and Sam himself. Those who have not had a smooth start (for professional or personal reasons) have not been so complimentary. I particularly enjoyed Debi’s Canterbury Tales - Prelude “Feast around the table” illustration and thought very appropriate.

Keep your original perception of it being a great idea turning into reality. When the payment issue passes (which it will be), people will simply shrug this off and go on with their lives.

Robert Sanzalone
editor, blognation Japan
http://jp.blognation.com

]]> By: Triona Carey http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113130 Triona Carey Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:21:01 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113130 I can confirm non-payment and gross abuse of trust and reputation. Blognation - great idea, bad driver. I can confirm non-payment and gross abuse of trust and reputation. Blognation - great idea, bad driver.

]]> By: James http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113128 James Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:43:42 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113128 No matter "how hard it is to raise Angle/VC funding", you do not hire anyone, especially under a contract, unless you have the money to pay them from day one. No matter “how hard it is to raise Angle/VC funding”, you do not hire anyone, especially under a contract, unless you have the money to pay them from day one.

]]> By: Robin Blandford http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113120 Robin Blandford Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:46:09 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113120 Interesting how there were more BN posts today than any other day this week - is this a silent backing by BN authors? I have not seen any other author bow out and both JP, CN & IE have published that they're still involved. Very Odd. Interesting how there were more BN posts today than any other day this week - is this a silent backing by BN authors? I have not seen any other author bow out and both JP, CN & IE have published that they’re still involved.

Very Odd.

]]> By: Blognation | early retirement? at Poetbloggs’ Blog http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113116 Blognation | early retirement? at Poetbloggs’ Blog Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:33:38 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113116 [...] I’m off - have a read over on Tom’s blog. He has a quick run down of what is happening on blognation and I’m sure he will be following [...] [...] I’m off - have a read over on Tom’s blog. He has a quick run down of what is happening on blognation and I’m sure he will be following [...]

]]> By: Sethi: Is Hate Mail 2.0 the best response? - - mathewingram.com/work http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113112 Sethi: Is Hate Mail 2.0 the best response? - - mathewingram.com/work Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:10:28 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113112 [...] For those who are interested, Sethi has responded that Starr left Blognation months ago, and therefore he’s not up to date with what’s going on — the imminent arrival of said VC funds being just around the corner — and there’s an implication that some money was paid out to staff, but Starr just didn’t happen to be one of them. Tom Raftery has more. [...] [...] For those who are interested, Sethi has responded that Starr left Blognation months ago, and therefore he’s not up to date with what’s going on — the imminent arrival of said VC funds being just around the corner — and there’s an implication that some money was paid out to staff, but Starr just didn’t happen to be one of them. Tom Raftery has more. [...]

]]> By: Conor O'Neill http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113108 Conor O'Neill Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:19:40 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113108 Tom, I was in deep West Cork all afternoon with no access to mail or mobile so I'm only catching up on this now. There have been a lot of mistakes in blognation as this ambitious project got off the ground. However I continue to believe in the vision and will happily continue to edit blognation Ireland. Tom, I was in deep West Cork all afternoon with no access to mail or mobile so I’m only catching up on this now.

There have been a lot of mistakes in blognation as this ambitious project got off the ground. However I continue to believe in the vision and will happily continue to edit blognation Ireland.

]]> By: Tom Raftery http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113107 Tom Raftery Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:51:13 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113107 Sam, I tried the mobile number I had for you several times but didn't get through. I know exactly how difficult it is to raise funds having been involved in several startups myself down the years. Having said that I never took anyone on until I had the resources in place to pay them. No employee of mine ever went unpaid for any work. Ever. Sam, I tried the mobile number I had for you several times but didn’t get through. I know exactly how difficult it is to raise funds having been involved in several startups myself down the years. Having said that I never took anyone on until I had the resources in place to pay them.

No employee of mine ever went unpaid for any work. Ever.

]]> By: Dennis Howlett http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113106 Dennis Howlett Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:45:12 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113106 @Sam - the only thing that needs to happen is for Blognation to pay up and provide money backed assurances for the future. That will shut everyone up. Everything else - fact or otherwise - is irrelevant detail. @Sam - the only thing that needs to happen is for Blognation to pay up and provide money backed assurances for the future. That will shut everyone up. Everything else - fact or otherwise - is irrelevant detail.

]]> By: Tris Hussey http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113104 Tris Hussey Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:38:33 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113104 Tom, what can I say about this? Every new company, especially startups have issues. I've been a part of four now and nothing is different. I'm still blogging at bn Canada and even covering Web Community Forum there. I am still working for bn. That should sum it up pretty well. Tom, what can I say about this? Every new company, especially startups have issues. I’ve been a part of four now and nothing is different. I’m still blogging at bn Canada and even covering Web Community Forum there.

I am still working for bn. That should sum it up pretty well.

]]> By: Sam Sethi http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113103 Sam Sethi Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:35:08 +0000 http://www.tomrafteryit.net/is-blognation-in-a-meltdown/#comment-113103 Tom not sure why you cannot call me directly my mobile is working and as you say we twittered so you could have asked me. I will send you my direct dial. Saddened by the way some people have reacted without all the facts but have come to expect that. I will respond in full but not in the heat of the moment. Ask anyone in Europe how hard it is to raise Angle/VC funding and then ask if they managed to do it in less than a few months? Tom not sure why you cannot call me directly my mobile is working and as you say we twittered so you could have asked me. I will send you my direct dial.

Saddened by the way some people have reacted without all the facts but have come to expect that. I will respond in full but not in the heat of the moment.

Ask anyone in Europe how hard it is to raise Angle/VC funding and then ask if they managed to do it in less than a few months?

]]>