Elite Shouldn't Mean DElete
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This hub was made because I had found out from a friend of mine that HubPages "Elite" members were being purposely unsubscribed to and hated by other HubPages members. Many think just because they have the letter "E" in the bottom left corner of their picture that they all think they're better than everyone else. HubPages members are treating these "Elite" members like they're witches that need to be burnt at the stake. However, they're no different from any other member here on HubPages except that they're a little bit more helpful than others. I felt like this Hub was needed to add a little clarity to the issue because it occurs to me that some of you can't play in the sand box without throwing the sand in someone's eyes.
Just who are those "Elite" guys and gals anyway?
HubPages "Elite" members are the members of HubPages that make up two great teams here on HubPages. These teams are the HubNugget Team and the HubGreeters Team. The HubNugget Team is responsible for organizing and voting on Hubs that will be in the weekly update email; the HubGreeters Team are responsible for greeting new members and making them feel welcome. What do these specific members get for offering a little extra help to the community? Nothing but a little "E" in the bottom left corner of their picture and harassment from people who are needlessly upset by the letter "E" for some reason. It's not even a capitol "E" either, which is the coolest one. Basically, you have all been hating the people who are offering their time to help improve our little community.
Okay, fine, they help the community. They still must think they're superior for being chosen to help by HubPages!
They wouldn't feel like that because they weren't chosen by HubPages to help the community. These members volunteer their time, as I have mentioned earlier. It's not some all powerful honor that grants them access to some secret underground ruin filled with treasure! In fact, anyone can be a HubPages "Elite" member.. Sure, there's a certain level of cool they have because they're helping the community out but no one should feel like they're less of a HubPage member just because they don't have an "E" in the bottom left corner of their picture.
Wrapping up.
Sure, the name "Elite" may seem like they're being singled out as better members but they are not. They're the same as any other member on this site and are treated just the same as anyone else on HubPages. "Elite" members are not moderators in anyway and have no say nor power in anything that goes on at HubPages.com. Bottom line, we're all the same member base all on the same level, everyone here has the same opportunity to be given the title of "Elite". The site is going to change sometimes and we are writers, readers and appreciators above all and that's what matters. Let's go out there and spread some smiles around instead of arguments!
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Thank you Jon for this hub! I have a little "e" and I didn't realize all this ruckus was going on until 2 days ago. I had no idea. I'm a greeter because when I first started almost a year ago someone greeted me and I'm paying it forward. There is no status quo...Hubbers Unite! I vouch for Ardie, she's kinda cool!:) Voted UP!!
This battle over the "elite" status has been on-going and it's not going to change. There are just some people that think that "elite" provides other people with a level of superiority, yet the truth is that those who complain about it are nothing more than self-esteem cases that cannot get over themselves more than anything else. It just goes to show their level of ignorance and not knowing of HubPages in general. I'm guessing that this hub was a creation because of the most recently junk in the forums. Not a surprise if I am guessing correctly. The "elite" status is for anyone who abides by the guidelines and meets the criteria. If one doesn't want to be an "elite" then so be, but don't complain about it(and not this is not directed at the author of this hub, but YOU who are reading it as members). It's ridiculous how people make a big deal out of nothing at all. Nice hub!
Aaw thanks Sunshine :) cool knows cool.
I agree with Cagsil. Too bad he couldn't chime in for us! But alas, I'm afraid I feel the winds of change blowing in. I don't care either way. I just want to be able to greet AND gain followers like anyone else. The fact that some might avoid me because of the e is just...high schoolish.
You're quite welcome, Ardie, and you are nice and cool.
You're welcome, Sunshine, and thanks for the vote up. I just think the whole squabble is pointless really.
Exactly, Cags. The argument is invalid because anyone who wants to be can become an "elite" member. Made me a little sad to find so much rippling in our calm little pond here.
Awesome Hub! Said something that needed to be stated. I truly believe that the Elites do the entire community a great service, and whether or not you choose to wear the badge and still help, is fine too. It's about helping each other, not titles.
Where have I been-- I had no idea this silly stuff was going on. Some people clearly have way too much time on their hands. Great hub explaining what seems like high school stuff to me. I think the Hubpages elite deserve recognition for doing a great job. Voted up and useful
I agree, the debate is silly. It's just semantics. The thread on the forum got a little out of hand. I agree that if it bothers you what title someone else has then you do have self esteem issues :)
Yes, I have self esteem issues! LOL! High school stuff? What else do you guys expect here? We already have Hall Monitors and tattletales, why not other high schoolish actions? It's not like this is a grown-up place anymore!
And you say the elite do not have any special privileges? Well, try reporting an "e" for calling you neurotic and worrisome and see what happens.
Nothing at all it appears. But an ordinary member would be banned for it or for nothing at all in some cases. But I'll sure be glad to listen while you guys explain why this is so! :)
I didn't know about the "e" or the "E". How funny. Obviously I didn't know about the squabble either. I appreciate those that help us make our way through Hubpages. If you are Elite, good for you:)
I'm with Sunshine - no 'e' on my profile, but after having a warm welcome from Ardie and several others, I make it a point to seek out new Hubbers and greet them. I felt very welcomed when experienced members stopped by, read my hubs and commented. It's too bad the semantics of the 'elite' title contradict the real purpose of the program. These volunteers spend many hours helping the site and helping new members. My thanks to all of you who are 'e' rated! Voted up and useful.
Jon,
I'm very impressed with your writing. You explained the issue in a clear, concise, easy-to-understand manner.
There are a great many helpful people in the HubPages community. I personally look at people, not at titles.
The *elite* go the extra mile to assist others, and I thank them for that.
I have read the forum post, and my understanding is that the posters were not unhappy with the people or the work that they do as volunteers. They simply felt that the title was not a good description of the job. You said it yourself, "Sure, the name "Elite" may seem like they're being singled out as better members but they are not."
It is getting out of control though, if they are being unfollowed or treated badly in anyway, since they did not choose the title. It is also silly when people use the title as an excuse not to volunteer.
You are absolutely correct and I for one appreciate your rant. E is simply a letter, P is the person who gives of her/his time as a volunteer to be there to help other hubbers in so many ways.
Without volunteers in any organization there is chaos. I have much respect for the E's elite so they be called, to me we are all the same. I don't need a letter beside my name to be a decent person. So to all the volunteers at the Hubs, keep up the great work, I admire your tenacity and hard work.
Without you and the Hub Team the deck of cards would fold. Cheers
I just have to say that Ardie was my first follower, my first greeter and my first supporter. For that, I'll go to the ends of online-ity to defend her "e" honor! Now...if I could just find that sword...uh...shoot, where did I put that thing?
Hehe, great hub, thanks for explaining this. And really, I mean, there are people jealous of an "e"? Puh-lease, if anyone's making a big deal out of that, well, they're not the sharpest tools in the shed....
I guess I have been out of the loop for the last few days and did not realize this was getting so heated. That is really a shame. As has been stated, the people who are so generously giving their time to help the new hubbers feel welcome are not the ones who chose the title or the letter or chose even to have the designation beside their picture for that matter. What they did chose however, was to make a difference and for that I applaud them. Thank you. I know I certainly appreciated it when JS Matthew greeted me and answered the questions that I had. It really did help me make the transition into HubPages feel less scary. So, thank you, all of you. No matter what they call you, you will always be elite in my book.
Voted up, Jon. Nicely written. Maybe a touch of jealousy in this squabble? I wasn't even aware of it. It really is a bit silly. I think it is fantastic if some folks are willing to give of themselves and their time to help new members.
I was wondering about this designation -- thanks for clearing it up. Voting this Up and Interesting.
There is a difference between having the title thrust upon one and volunteering for it. As far a being jealous is concerned, why would one be envious of a presumptuous title which may be obtained easily enough by merely VOLUNTEERING FOR IT? Duh! LOL!
JSMatthews advice was and still is very valuable.When he was a hubgreeter he helped countless new hubbers.
If people want to help each other how can that be a bad thing? I don't get it?
Then again trolls are everywhere. So karmically it all balances out I guess lol.
Wow.. When I first started I was dazed and confused. Sunshine625 "greeted" me and helped show me around. I would have kept stumbling around if it hadn't been for her help. I have never encountered any "elite" member who was nothing less than really helpful. This "debate" has certainly shown me that when I get to this level, I surely don't want the label. It is pretty sad to hear this.
There will always be differences of opinions in all things on-line and off-line, jealousy and misinterpretation. Your hub explains so well that the elite Hubbers do such a great job for love, not money. This goes along with my philosophy that to gain success for yourself, you must first help others to become sucessful.
I have tried on 2 occasions to get in to the Hub Greeters club to no avail.
First time I had only been here for 5 months and had had a hub violation for a link I put up not realising what it linked to from a picture....oops!
The second time I re-applied after being here for 6 months hoping that it would now be ok. Turns out the hub violation was still being used against me. I was told to leave it for a few months before re-applying a third time. Since then I have completed the 30/30 Hub Challenge.
Let's hope it will be 3rd time lucky. Not sure there will be a 4th time. It will be their loss if they don't accept me.
Thanks for writing this important article on the subject.
Wow, I never even realized this was happening on HubPages. People get upset over the silliest things, don't they? Interesting hub and voted up!
Ardie Level 8 Commenter 3 months ago
Thank you! I have to say that this is the nicest way I've seen both sides of the argument stated. I have the little e (which isn't nearly as cool as his big brother E) but I don't feel like I'm any different than anyone else writing here. If anything, I feel inferior because of my introverted, shy nature. The realization that I'm being judged on the e alone bothers me. I tend to think I'm pretty nice :P