It's up to US - the RBC Community - to bring back the discussions here

This is not another rant. Rather - I'm really hoping to have a discussion about the trend we're all seeing here AND what WE can do about it.

I've retired my "Nice Ad" pic for a while, though it seems more and more appropriate of late. I'd rather see if the non-self promoters, the non-syndicate posters, the veteran community here BLAST THIS junk off the front page with a few great discussions. I really can't stand it any more. Can you?

In review of the Blogs column here - day after day the vast majority have ZERO comments. Why? Well - we all know why. They aren't really meant for discussion. The are self advertising snipets linking to other sites. No one comments - because no one cares.

Please bring a discussion to the table. Please consider posting a topic about RECRUITING. Anything. Everything.

Let's bring back the conversation, shall we?

Comment by Amber on September 27, 2012 at 11:51am: And also having posts "closed for comments" or being moderated is aggravating - hate when the authors do that!

There have been a few genuine posts that were relevant, but it is hard to muster up the energy to go thru all those that aren't to get to them. Or get "tricked" into reading one that is, as you said, advertising/traffic directing, etc., and also to think about spending time to write a comment that then says needs approval - yuk!

Comment by Jerry Albright on September 27, 2012 at 11:54am: I'm going to put in the effort to add "a day in the life" type of blogs. I've had a few things happen just this week that are quite interesting. Unfortunately (or fortunately I should say) I'm busy "doing the work" and can't make much time. I will though!

Comment by Bill Schultz on September 27, 2012 at 11:58am: I think some of it has to do with the web based functionality. Latest activity is how I usually navigate and once you look at a comment, you have to go back to the top and scroll to read the next one. It's a commitment of time to get through all the new comments.

The mobile model has a better interface.

Comment by Ryan Leary on September 27, 2012 at 1:05pm: I can't say that I don't agree.

What are you suggestions for design?

Bill - You said that you prefer to navigate through "Latest Activity". I am curious what do most people feel about this. Is the traditional blog format a better option or should the design be based on activity?

Comment by Bill Schultz on September 27, 2012 at 3:00pm: Why not both? By preference. As Jerry says, I'm not interested in the blogs that are just copied here from other sites. In latest activity, I can get a snapshot of the blog and see what are the hot topics.

Comment by Tim Spagnola on September 28, 2012 at 8:15am: Bill - thanks for the feedback on the mobile front. The view/functionality really has come a long way.

Jerry- your title hits the nail on the head. The RBC is undeniably a large stage. One that some savvy members have been very successful in using to help in all areas of brand awareness. While we have always respected and invited content publishers to include a link back to their own blog (or own site), there have been indeed select few that have really taken advantage of this. This is nothing new. Look in the archives (pick any random date) and you will find a mixture of great discussion and marketing fluff. To your point- there have been long stretches where the discussion easily drowned out the fluff. While behind the scenes we constantly monitor and remove blatant advertising materials, there are some posts that walk the fine line. We value being an open forum, but certainly understand where you (and other long time RBC members) are coming from. We are working on a solution that might address this, but keep in mind that many members have contacted us to express the fact that they like the wealth of content covering all topics (Yes...even the fluff). In the end - it does come back to a degree on the community to really fuel the discussion and keep things on point. I'm sorry to hear you retired the 'Nice Ad' pic. I must admit I have always enjoyed it, but at the same time cringe when I see it needs to be used. As always I appreciate your input and openness in starting this thread and look forward to others weighing in. We are always open to suggestions and like I mentioned earlier are working on a few things that I feel will address this situation in the near future.

Amber- 'closed for comments'...I just don't get it myself. While it is an option for any and all content publishers, I just don't get the point of sharing a perspective and not being open to allow a discussion to take place. So yes- I find that one rather annoying myself.

Comment by Cindy Cremona, CPC on September 28, 2012 at 11:09am: This site mirrors the job market in some ways. When activity picks up, lots of sharks, er, recruiters jump in the pool. Everyone wants a piece of the action and the internet/blog sites/Linked In, etc. are all great ways to self promote.Of course, there's a difference in differentiating oneself and shameless self promotion, but we long-timers know that when it gets a little tough, the carnivores turn cannibal.