WOW! I can’t believe it is November already. This has been one heck of a year for IZEA. We have seen tremendous growth of our network, two new product launches (Sponsored Tweets and Sponzai) and countless updates to our existing platforms.
In late 2008 we made a decision to realign our business. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone in social media we would focus on our core mission – Being the World Leader in Sponsored Conversations. Throughout 2009 we have discontinued several services that did not align with the core mission. These services were diverting valuable resources from our team and weren’t being properly maintained.
We have two remaining services that will be discontinued before the end of the year. The first is URLBrief, a URL redirection service. This platform is being handed over to the good folks at 301 Works. The links will continue to work but you will no longer be able to create new links. The second is CloudShout, a widget platform and communication service. CloudShout was never opened to the general public and remained in private Alpha. In the end it proved too resource intensive with an unclear monetization model.
While I am sad to see these initiatives discontinued I am happy about our ongoing commitment to innovation. We will continue to roll out new solutions and feature enhancements, we will just do so with our mission in mind at all times.
A few other changes will occur in the coming weeks. SocialSpark and PayPerPost v4 will be enhanced with additional disclosure education and requirements. IZEA University will launch with a full set of courses for our customers that cover everything from the FTC guidelines to how to build traffic. The original PayPerPost will get a new name and be transformed into a text link advertising platform.
All in all 2009 has been good to us and I am really looking forward to 2010. I want our customers for your conintued support, feedback and inspiration. You all are the reason I love my job.
BenSpark said on 11.9.09 at 1:47 pm
Looking forward to IZEA University. And SocialSpark specific stuff like my SocialSpark Saturdays Series?
Brett Bumeter said on 11.9.09 at 2:35 pm
Your ability to adapt to a constantly changing landscape has always been one of your strengths. :)
Dragon Blogger said on 11.9.09 at 5:24 pm
I am looking forward to all the changes, you guys are doing a great job with the services IZEA has to offer. Truly innovative.
ted murphy said on 11.9.09 at 7:45 pm
Thanks guys! Look for some exciting news about sponsored tweets later this week. : )
RealityTVFan said on 11.9.09 at 10:02 pm
"The original PayPerPost will get a new name and be transformed into a text link advertising platform."
Gulp, that one makes me nervous. Looking forward to hearing more about the changes though.
enjayneer of JAYtography said on 11.10.09 at 9:49 am
And I'm going with you guys along with all the changes.. ;) I'm solid IZEAer.. Throw your hands for IZEAer Ayer... :D
lorenzo said on 11.13.09 at 5:04 pm
People have always fear from change for many years. Although, it seldomly brings about some failures such as losing money and being unsuccessful, generally, change can create new oppurtunities. It’s known that change can enable people to have more successful and happier lives.
God bless!!!
Jennifer said on 11.13.09 at 8:49 pm
does this mean we will stil get lot of opportunities like this or will tht also get reduced? this will really be a concern
mazarif said on 11.13.09 at 9:43 pm
“The original PayPerPost will get a new name and be transformed into a text link advertising platform.”
I really worried about this, hope the new PayPerPost will as good as the old one
Jafaar said on 11.13.09 at 9:53 pm
What I am curious about it the rate of the links. Will they be .50 cents a link or $5 per link like another popular linking company?
Nairobian Perspective said on 11.14.09 at 2:20 am
hope this is positive change so far ,ive found payperpost ver 3 quite un-user friendly !Posts i have done in payperpost 2 have received firstpage google rankings but to date i have not even come accross a single opportunity from PPP ver 3...something is just not right about it!
Alli said on 11.15.09 at 10:00 am
See, this is why I stick with ya'll. You see when change needs to be made, do it, and still keep people happy. I'm very excited about this!
DishtankDJ said on 11.16.09 at 9:47 am
Oh man, I just started making money with PayPerPost in August and was hoping to improve my earnings, but I'm scared this might not be a good change for me. Then again, this has been the only company I've actually made money with online, so I will try to stay optimistic and have some faith in Izea since they are doing so well. I just hope I can still improve my earnings and not start making less because of the change.
Kelly said on 11.16.09 at 11:17 am
Soooo, pardon me for being dense, but what is "text link advertising platform"? I thought we were already posting links in our blogs?
PurpleGirl said on 11.16.09 at 4:32 pm
@Kelly: That was my question too, I don't quite understand what the difference is!
Ashley K. Edwards said on 11.16.09 at 4:56 pm
@Kelly: You'll see soon!
@PurpleGirl: It'll make sense very shortly.
PurpleGirl said on 11.17.09 at 2:20 am
@Ashley K. Edwards: Well that was charmingly vague. ;) j/k Can't wait to see the changes!
Ashley K. Edwards said on 11.17.09 at 9:28 am
@PurpleGirl: Ha ha ha! That's me: charming and vague! :)
soni said on 11.28.09 at 6:54 pm
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