Pests, Rewards and Hypocritical Marketers
In early 2002, we launched BzzAgent with the concept that we were going to turn the traditional loyalty model on its head, while organizing and measuring the most powerful medium on the planet: word of mouth. For years, marketers have “rewarded” consumers for a variety of spending habits. You could receive Starwood Points for staying in a Sheraton, Westin or W hotel, redeemable for upgrades to club floors or free additional stays. For using your American Express Card, you are rewarded with access to airport lounges – get enough points and you can even get a ride on a subsonic flight or cruise the Nile. Baseball fan? Get a Sports Loyalty Program membership and receive access to your favorite Dodger player – or throw out the first pitch. New Kid on the way? Get a Upromise account and start spending to save for education. We get rewarded for buying groceries [in exchange for providing the supermarket chain data, which is inherently more valuable when they sell it to product manufacturers!], for buying a car on memorial day weekend, sticking with one airline, getting your office supplies at Staples, filling your prescriptions at CVS, shopping at Banana Republic [extra socks with your shirts] or pumping gas [discounted car wash, anyone?]. We are rewarded so frequently that companies failing to reward customers are often at a serious disadvantage.
So, why not word of mouth? Why should rewards only be applied to your spending habits? Why can’t the reporting of the natural opinions you share with others – arguably more valuable than any individual spend – be rewarded as well?
The concept made quite a bit of sense [To me, at least. Not to many others in the early days.], and so we rolled out our model with the intent to make rewards a cornerstone of our process. In true affinity model fashion, the goal was to build an approach that could also drive significant revenue – not only would we design and implement word-of-mouth campaigns, but we’d sell product slots for exposure in our rewards system. For full campaigns, customers would be able to place their own brand-associated products to add value – publishers could add other Titles or beverage manufacturers could provide samples of next year’s flavors. Then, alongside client-supplied rewards, other brands could pay small incremental fees to have their products included in our rewards database, shown and then experienced by our BzzAgents. There’s the affinity: driving revenue from both sides of the model, and the consumer receives value, as well. We actually sold a few of these programs in the early days – my favorite being DVDs of Lesbian Victorian Romances [PG rated] for our program for the Lesbian Victorian romance novel, Fingersmith.
But, as with many new ideas, things don’t always turn out as planned. We succeeded wholly at developing an organized and measurable approach to word of mouth, but the rewards part of our process [at least as currently structured] has – in essence – failed. For starters, the majority of BzzAgents don’t want the rewards we offer. Almost 87% with enough points to redeem a reward never redeem a single point [an inverted model, for those who are in loyalty marketing], up from 70% just one year ago. No matter how much prodding or pushing we do, fewer BzzAgents are seeking rewards for their points. A very small subset – those in our program for freebies – continue to pursue the rewards, but the significant majority do not. We began offering rewards as donations to non-profits, and many seemed to like that, but the redemption rates didn’t change dramatically. In essence, somehow the “stuff” of our reward system doesn’t work like the “stuff” from a typical reward program.
So, what “stuff” is working? The value of our system to BzzAgents appears to be two-fold. Access to products and services and brands is a clear driver – who wouldn’t want to join the Philips campaign and receive a Sonicare Toothbrush to experience. But additionally, getting invited into a campaign – being acknowledged as having a valuable opinion – and then being able to communicate with others about involvement, being able to share knowledge, being about to submit reports to have a dialogue with the brand – that becomes the glue that holds this fascinating marketing technique together. In short, the social currency of involvement with brands that allow the consumer to be center stage is the true driver of a word-of-mouth ecosystem.
On top of this, we’re facing the next wave of wrath from those who are – for whatever reason – seeking flaws in our model. This is something of a “pedestal” problem: since we are the most recognized, most outspoken [sometimes to a fault] company in the space, we engender the bulk of the criticism. The latest critique is about rewards. Some people see claim foul because rewards may be synonymous with compensation! “Oh no,” cry hypocritical card-carrying, reward-obtaining consumers. Somehow sharing an honest opinion – with disclosure about involvement as a volunteer – is worse than spending our time figuring out how to get the Charbroil 3-burner 40,000 BTU outdoor barbecue grill from LinensnThings for $160, and telling everyone else about it.
For example, PR celeb Larry Weber took some shots at the “snorklers,” BuzzMetrics [couldn’t have anything to do with Larry joining BM competitor Communispace’s Board? No way!] and us, claiming our rewarding people for reporting word-of-mouth activities isn’t appropriate. Jackie Huba and Ben McConnell claim that, “Points programs are inauthentic and focus action on rewards,” but love Bike Friday which, among other things, gives people cold-hard cash for selling a bike to their friends. Whether Larry, Jackie or Ben really know what they’re talking about or not is irrelevant. What’s clear is there are those that believe our rewards infrastructure actually deteriorates the value of the approach we set out to harness. Somehow, the concept of rewards has evolved from something all consumers expect for their purchases, to something that is abhorrent when it comes to sharing your opinion. A fine line that is just becoming defined.
BzzAgent prides itself on continuous innovation of its model. No one has ever before built a fully-scalable word-of-mouth media platform, so there’s no roadmap. In order for us to get there, we’re going to have to be willing to continue to evolve in real-time. We evolved our disclosure policy from the early days of anonymity into the full enforcement of disclosure – effectively setting the highest bar for everyone else in the industry. Now it’s time to evolve the reward system. It isn’t working anyway, it attracts more pests to the system, and drives resentment from hypocritical Starwood-carrying, Amex-spending, free-rental-car-upgrade-loving, extra i-Tunes downloading, bonus-shot-of-coffee marketers.
So, changes are afoot. Keep an eye out.
June 19th, 2006 at 10:17 am
It sounds like the mere act of redeeming points is enough to be considered a pest.
Is this correct? Seems harsh to me if so. I’d be interested in some clarification of this point if possible.
June 19th, 2006 at 10:20 am
Confused,
Valid question, but I assure you, many honest BzzAgents redeem rewards. Pests are those that falsify information (like by setting up several different accounts or creating various profiles) to try to get as much free stuff as possible. That’s not the spirit of the system. Honest agents, those who share their real opinions, disclose their participation to others, and convert points for rewards are the lifeblood of our system.
Joe
June 19th, 2006 at 10:42 am
I wonder why this still causes confusion. Let me give you an example. I am a user of Netflix and an avid movie watcher. As such, I used to rent up to 16 movies a month (on a 2 movies at a time membership). With that type of behavior, Netflix’ model no longer works so I was flagged as an ‘abuser’ of sorts (though I wasn’t doing anything really bad) and had a lower priority to new releases for a while (they don’t disclose that kind of thing).
BzzAgent’s pests are completely different. You don’t get flagged as a pest because both you and your husband have an account (on the same address). You don’t get flagged if you redeem rewards, no matter how many. You won’t get flagged because you participate in many campaigns.
You get flagged if you do _bad_ things, you get flagged if we _know_ you’re abusing the system. Evan spends hours everyday investigating such behaviors and he knows that with great powers comes great responsibilities. You wouldn’t believe the kind of behavior we see and those evil doers are the people we flag. If you’re a good bzzagent (or bzzagent household), bzz, report honestly, use your points to get rewards, abide by our code of conduct, you won’t be flagged as a pest. Honest.
June 19th, 2006 at 10:47 am
Dave — We think Bike Friday’s exceptionally strong focus on focusing on customer testimonials and building community-building programs is what makes the company notable. We feel the same way about their cash program as we do about points programs.
There are flaws in every company, no?
June 19th, 2006 at 10:54 am
Yikes. I forgot to turn off my automatic word repeater for that comment I just posted. Forgive the dreadful grammar.
June 19th, 2006 at 11:06 am
I have only recently joined the BzzAgent organization, but was disappointed to read the posting this morning regarding the rewards program. Although, it is not specifically spelled out, it sure sounds as if the program is history. I have not been offered a campaign yet, so I have not had the ability to even see what rewards are available for writing reports. I joined BzzAgent to be part of the word of mouth marketing world, but it does seem fair to be compensated for taking the time to write a report.
As to the issue of people not redeeming thier points, I can only go by what I have read in the initial rewards description. There is a statement saying that the popular rewards go fast. I would take that to mean that if I didn’t see something that appealed to me, I should hold onto my points. Then, maybe I’d get lucky next time and be in time for the ‘good’ stuff.
I’m not sure what the answer is to the problem of ‘pests’ in the organization, but I’m sure that they will still be there with or without the rewards. After all, where else are they going to get a free box of candy bars? (re: Take5 BzzBlast) It seems as if you are trying to get rid of the flies at a Bar-b-que by covering up the hot dogs, but leaving the steaks out on the picnic table.
This new policy will not stop me from doing campaigns, but I can say that the points are an incentive to write better and more well thought out reports. I could be wrong, but I doubt I’m the only one that feels this way.
Disappointed
June 19th, 2006 at 11:19 am
I too recently joined BzzAgent, thinking it would be fun, not knowing about the rewards. Once I saw the rewards I was looking forward to redeeming points for them when I had enough. Now the rewards are apparently being taken away and I haven’t even had my first bzz reports reviewed yet! *sigh*
I am quite disappointed but hoping whatever is put in place will be equally exciting as the rewards were (are).
June 19th, 2006 at 11:32 am
I like the points system. i didn’t know about it when i joined up but found it to be a great bonus and a real motivator for me to get over my shyness and talk to people about the products. i don’t force conversations and i’m honest with my bzz’s. I like the rewards but i will admit a lot of them i don’t care about (like the bzzagent specfic ones). BUT there are a few that are awesome but they are in the 1000s of points and since i’ve yet to break a 1000 i’ve got a lot of work to get that coveted PSP. From what i’m hearing this reward won’t go away but it might not be based on points or maybe the points we earn will be better scored. This is one complaint i have. i can bzz 1 person and get say 30 points, or i can bzz 6 people at the same time / report and still only get 30 – 40 points. If i was dishonest i’m sure i could craft my reports in such a way that i got 30 points for each person i bzzed. If i knew those things which could earn me more points i know i would be doing them.
All in all i like the rewards system and i would hate to see it go. To me the rewards system is like a concession bzzagent saying “Hey we might not always send you stuff that you end up liking 100% so here’s a way to get something nice out of it”, or “Thanks for spreading the word, doing the leg work, talking to people etc. Here’s some points, go get yourself something nice”. It’s a warm fuzzy feeling, but hey i’m material like that i guess
June 19th, 2006 at 11:37 am
I just joined and when I did I had not even been aware of rewards. I was just excited to be able to try new things and spread the work if I thought they were good. Good news for me, I cant miss something I never had
June 19th, 2006 at 11:40 am
I just joined as well and was very excited about the rewards. I have enough points to cash in for a Magic Eraser -does that mean that I am being included in the majority of people that qualify for a reward, but are not claiming one? Because, I was really planning to save for something bigger. I’m not sure how taking away rewards will get rid of “pests”, wouldn’t you also need to take away the free products?
I don’t think this will have any effect on the actual marketing, people will talk about products regardless of whether or not they are rewarded, but how will you know what is happening? What is the incentive for people to log in and write a report of their activities? Are you just planning to move to a more punative approach? Kick people out for not reporting enough? Hopefully this program will be replaced with something else that shows you value the work that is being done for you.
All I know is that last week I was gushing about this program, next week, well we’ll have to wait and see….
June 19th, 2006 at 11:49 am
I just joined as well. I didn’t know about the reward system either, but was excited to see it!
Now it sounds like its going away before I get a chance to even use it.
Bummers.
June 19th, 2006 at 11:52 am
As far as I know, the points value has always correlated to the value of the information in the report, and not necessarily how good of a Bzz it was. A casual Bzz to a disinterested target may yeild important information, while a vague report about Bzzing 10 people may be of little value to us.
June 19th, 2006 at 11:59 am
Here are some quick replies/points of clarification:
1. “Are you just planning to move to a more punative approach? Kick people out for not reporting enough?”
- Absolutely not.
2. “I have enough points to cash in for a Magic Eraser -does that mean that I am being included in the majority of people that qualify for a reward, but are not claiming one? Because, I was really planning to save for something bigger.”
- You are very insightful. There are many reasons for the low redemption rate, and “saving up” is likely a significant contributor. But 13% is remarkably low. That rate, plus feedback we got in a recent poll (BzzPoints was the second lowest ranking reason about what’s great about being a BzzAgent).
3. “It seems as if you are trying to get rid of the flies at a Bar-b-que by covering up the hot dogs, but leaving the steaks out on the picnic table.”
- WONDERFUL sentence! We know that rewards aren’t the sole reason why pests join, but they contribute greatly. We are going to look at a way to revamp the rewards to appeal less to this “freebie-dominated” mindeset.
4. “(Rewards give) a warm fuzzy feeling, but hey i’m material like that i guess.”
- You aren’t a materialist to appreciate the value of a “thank you.” We are looking at new ways to show how much we (and our clients) appreciate the time you take for reporting. We are studying this issue very closely. Part of the way we are trying to plan a new system that appeals to the interests of our honest BzzAgents is to open up the discussion on this blog. Your input is all very well appreciated.
Summary:
We are still studying the rewards system and pests. We have not made a final decision as to what the rewards program will evolve into. But know that there are some very creative ideas being tossed about internally. We will keep you posted as we progress. The rewards program is NOT chaning overnight!
June 19th, 2006 at 12:01 pm
Oops, I failed to complete my thought above:
2. “I have enough points to cash in for a Magic Eraser -does that mean that I am being included in the majority of people that qualify for a reward, but are not claiming one? Because, I was really planning to save for something bigger.”
- You are very insightful. There are many reasons for the low redemption rate, and “saving up” is likely a significant contributor. But 13% is remarkably low. That rate, plus feedback we got in a recent poll (BzzPoints was the second lowest ranking reason about what’s great about being a BzzAgent). These two insights combine to suggest there’s a better way to say “thank you” to those who report their WOM to us.
June 19th, 2006 at 12:19 pm
I cash in my points to buy gifts for friends. Since I buzz most of my friends, I enjoy being able to give them a gift of thanks. I have only kept one reward for myself and that was the erasers. I would like to be in more campains, but mostly they are full when I check.
June 19th, 2006 at 12:20 pm
I was really worried when I read the report because I am one-of-a-pair of household users. We usually join things within minutes of each other (because one of us tells the other to join), discuss the blasts/campaigns together, and surf the site around the same time (probably on the same IP). However, reading this I’m a little more at ease, but it seems to me a lot more households could come up at suspicious!
June 19th, 2006 at 12:25 pm
I’ve been an agent for over 1-1/2 years now, and I have not redeemed any rewards as yet, probably making me a model of the behavior of which you speak.
It’s not that there hasn’t been anything that I wanted, I actually feel the rewards point variety and selection are actually quite nice. I love that I’m able to give to charity if I want to, and I like that most of the rewards, in some way, correspond to the current campaign. Plain and simple, It’s that I’m hoarding. I considered getting the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, I really did… but there’s one reward that I want… BAD. I won’t name it here in case the pests have bugged the place, but suffice to say, I’m pretty sure it has the highest point value. Ever since I saw that particular reward, I’ve resisted temptation, and kept my points. I’ll be dissapointed if the rewards go away… but that wouldn’t stop me from being an Agent.
June 19th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
I’m disappointed to lose the points and rewards. That was a great incentive to go out and get some more bzzing going. It’s nice to have a reward to look forward to at the end of a nice campaign. I know I’m saving my points to get something a little better than the smallest rewards. Or at least I was
June 19th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
I read this article then I had to use to use the restroom. While sitting on the can, I thought to myself…What is wrong with BzzAgents? There is a problem and I think it is that you are sending out products for people to review, but you are not getting enough legitimate reporting and “bzzing” that the manufacturer would like. So people are just getting stuff and don’t feel like trying to earn rewards. The masses are not motivated to take that extra step. There are a couple of solutions in order to improve this.
Like this beelog, bzzagents want to see their own reports compiled. They want others to be able to comment on their experience and interact with other bzzagents. Sometimes it feels like “Lost”. We submit a report because we feel like we are obligated to, we stuff it down some tube and there it goes. Gone forever it seems. Only to later down the road to find a mountain of these tubes collected. No one has read them, why do we even bother.
All bzz reports should be viewable to the public. Good and bad ones, they allow people to see how to improve and express themselves. BzzAgents should be able to edit them, they still need to be submitted and reviewed for appropriateness as well as allow points for reporting.
The fact is, users have to go on other forums to express their true opinions about bzzagents, the products offered, and the rewards. There needs to be a better open communication between it’s users and everyone else. Just like this beelog, but on a grandeur scale.
It’s easy to rid of these pests that only sign up for campaigns for free stuff. Cancel accounts that do not legitimately report after 2-3 campaigns. SHould anyone sign for a campaign, it should be expected that they will make the time to review the product and services. Then make an attempt to report. If users knew this was a requirement, more would make an effort in order to keep their account. Thus, there will be more involvement and perhaps more bzzing.
June 19th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
I’ve been a BzzAgent for several months. I’ve participated in several campaigns and reports Bzz regularly. However, I’ve only traded in points for one reward (a travel mug with the BzzAgent bee on it) and have since been saving up for another item that caught my interest. This item was snatched up quickly at a time when I didn’t have enough points. So naturally I’ve just been banking my points hoping for that item to turn up in another campaign. And I would bet that ALOT of other agents have been doing the exact same thing. I love spreading bzz and I really like writing the reports as well. But I finally have enough points for the item I’ve been waiting for and to now learn there will be changes leaves me feeling veeeeeery disappointed. So, I hope that you will really get all of the information before tampering with the rewards system. That being said, I think eliminating these “pests” that abuse the system by signing up under multiple accounts is a wonderful plan.
June 19th, 2006 at 12:52 pm
I agree with BzzAgent Tripletmomma. I find myself in the exact same situation she is in. Let’s just say that the reward I am hoarding my points for is red and would Aid me greatly in the Kitchen. I would be very disappointed as well if the rewards were to disappear. I have a hard time bzzing new people about products and knowing that the rewards are there is a great incentive for me to overcome my shyness.
June 19th, 2006 at 1:26 pm
Add me to the list of hoarders. I have my eye on something I can afford, but it’s the classic case of saving up in hopes that something better (maybe someday I will have enough for the iPod).
Maybe each campaign should have a message board, so Agents can discuss Bzz they’ve done (if it works for one person, wouldn’t it be okay for others to copy? Good buzz is good buzz, and should be buzzed around the country), discuss issues they’ve had, encourage each other, etc.
I’d like some discussion about the Rhoto Ice campaign, talk to other agents about buzz they’ve done once they gave away the products they had, etc. I think that would be very helpful.
June 19th, 2006 at 1:30 pm
I have recently signed up for bzzagent… not for the rewards.. but for the opportunity to be a part of WOM campaigns. I have always believed word of mouth is the best advertising… if someone tells me personally about Item X, I’m more likely to purchase/use Item X than if a commercial tells me I must have Item X.
That said, I think the rewards are a nice bonus… but just that, a bonus. I will still bzz even without rewards (heck, isn’t getting the item to bzz a reward in itself?), but if I have the points, and there is something I want to use them for, I will do that… if they are still available.
oh.. and I thought maybe I was deemed a pest too… because my hubby signed up with bzz as well… I don’t think this is the case after reading here… sure hope not anyway.. we’re so different we probably will never be picked for the same campaigns!
June 19th, 2006 at 1:35 pm
Well I do enjoy bzzing, and I’m one of – from what is being said – the few who like cashing in for low level rewards. The keyring spinner (my first reward) actually gets a lot of conversations started…especially at airport security points!
Am I into being a BzzAgent for the rewards? I would hope not to be perceived that way, but they’re there, and I’m more than happy to redeem for things to try or to share with friends.
I like Tomas’ point about being able to share and see each other’s reports – without going offsite to another spot. That would be nice. I hope that something like that could happen at some point. The campaign updates are nice, but don’t quite provide a wider view.
I am curious as to the new system and look forward to seeing it. Then again, I like the chance to see new things and try them out…one of the reasons I’m a BzzAgent!
June 19th, 2006 at 1:36 pm
I joined BzzAgent a little while ago because it sounded like (1) a really cool marketing idea (2) a great chance to try out the new stuff before all my friends (yeah, I’m competitive like that!) and (3) a chance to let a little feedback get to the companies that make products, as sometimes they seem so out of touch. Now I have no idea how much, if any, of my bzzreports gets back to the companies, but I do feel like I can make a difference in helping get the word out at a grassroots level for products that I genuinely like. Why wouldn’t I share stuff I like with my friends?
The rewards system is the only way I can think of to get people to report back on how they’ve spread the buzz. People are going to talk about it regardless, but what is the incentive to come back and let *you* know without the points system? I know for myself I keep a close eye on how many points I have and return frequently to browse the rewards – it’s deciding that is hard, and the idea that if I just save up a few more, I can get that next level of reward!
I would suggest that the number of ‘pests’ you’re seeing would be decreased not by getting rid of the rewards system (after all, it’s a bit of work to get those points, and I would think (hope) only valid bzzagents can get enough to redeem by actively promoting and reporting back) – but rather by limiting campaigns to new members to lower-value products. I think the prospect of getting $60 worth of tooth whitening stuff as a ‘freebie’ would be much more attractive to that type of personality than say a downloadable music track or something. The new system of having people ‘train’ with reports is a good one.
I can’t stand it when a few greedy people take advantage and ruin it for the honest ones. I hope you find a solution to the problem (phone verification, maybe?) – I think this is a brilliant idea for marketing and I’m excited to be a part of it! Glad you came to Canada!
June 19th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
FYI all of your bzz reports are available for you to view on your homepage (at least that is where I view mine that i’ve submitted!)
I LOVE BZZagent! I started more than a year ago and have to say that I use the rewards ALL the time! BUT i still save for “big items” (they go so quick!)
You guys have fabulous stuff! Philosophy products, DuWop, THE ROSE BALM! I know that these rewards have turned me onto new products after cashing in some points for some rewards! (btw, i can no longer live w/out my rosebalm!)
Did you guys (at Bzz) ever think that perhaps when people are filling out those surveys people aren’t honest? I say this because look at this outpoor of comments about the rewards! Of course there is NO WAY to know how “honest” people are being (i don’t fully understand why they would except to not look like they’re doing this for the rewards only) Just makes me go HMMMMMMM….
I love the way bzzreports are reviewed! I get my individual feeback! It’s appreciated (i don’t understand the you send your report and never see it again!) SURE YOU DO! When they respond to your bzz a copy of your report is always there and as i said on your homepage too!
All in all I LOVE Bzz, LOVE the rewards (i’m curious have any of the companies that you regularly give rewards from every tell you guys they’ve seen an incline in sales???)
Just a few things on my mind!
June 19th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
forgot to add (SORRY!) that i’m glad the “pests” will be kicked out!
I used to be always get into campaigns and lately they fill up before i have a chance to blink!
=)
June 19th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
I recently signed up for bzzagent as well, and not for the rewards but to be a part of something new and exciting and WOM campaigns! I do feel that the rewards are an incentive however to do even more buzzing and an incentive to write the bzz reports. I for one know for sure that alot of times the bzzing I do never even makes it to the reports….I feel that the rewards give me a little extra incentive to make sure that I sit down and write about them! As for people cashing in their rewards, I’m sure that there are a lot of people like me that are saving for soemthing that requires a lot of points, or are waiting until something really good comes along. If we we were being pests there is a lot of was that we could be much more creative with our reports to get many more points. For example one of the recent campaigns that I am bzzing gives you 30 points for each coupon that you give out….now I submitted a report in which I bzzzed the product plus gave out 2 coupons but only received 30 ppoints for that report. If I was really being a ‘pest’ I could have submitted 3 seperate reports (and this still would have been on the up and up) one for the bzzz and one for each coupon I gave out and got 90 points instead of 30! Maybe things like this need to be considered!
June 19th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
Maybe part of the problem is that it is too easy to BECOME a BzzAgent and it seems too easy to BE a BzzAgent.
Whenever I go to one of those home demo parties (like Pampered Chef-PC), the salesperson gives her scripted spiel about how easy it is to become a consultant and make money. Well yeah, it is easy to become a PC Rep…but it is darned hard to BE one and make money. Selling and Bzzing are not for every personality and both require dedication and work. But when BzzAgent is mentioned on message boards, what you read is “Sign up and get free products to test. Tell them if you like it and get rewards.” Umm, no. That’s not BzzAgent at all, and that description is like a big pot of honey drawing in the pests. I can’t even tell you how many posts I have seen that said basically “I got the Take 5 Bzz Blast…ate all of the candy…it was soooo good!” (How about passing out some of those candy bars and getting some feedback?) The Pests have definitely been doing their best to recruit more pests, and I applaud all efforts to stop them.
When I see people on message boards whining about never getting any campaigns, I ask them if they have even been through Boot Camp. Most of what I see posted makes it very clear that many people have no idea what they signed up for, how BzzAgent works or what WOM is, and they have no intention of making the effort to find out.
I think that a rewards program is only fair, because a good BzzAgent (which I sincerely try to be) takes time to write a report that is accurate, honest and useful. I was THRILLED to see one of my reports featured on the “example of a good Bzz report” card that comes in BzzKits (just got another copy of it in my Folgers kit), and that honor keeps me on my toes trying to ensure that all of my reports are good ones. My time is valuable and my efforts should be rewarded in some way, and I have no doubt that the very creative folks at the Hive will come up with something that has meaning.
June 19th, 2006 at 2:09 pm
hey dancemom,
Bzz actually ENCOURAGES you to submit seperate reports! They want too see more reports! SEVERAL times I’ve been told this by them!
AND from my own personal experience they’re very considerate and they really read through every report.
I also agree that the rewards are an incentive, such as, when you’re halfway through the campaign and sloughing off on your bzz (reporting it) you think OH but i’ve gotten this, this, this, this and they want to hear ALL bzz not just the good!
June 19th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
I pulled up this post in my favorite RSS feed program (Go Bloglines), and I honestly got worried. Then I signed in and saw the message from Jono about the program being changed but not necessarily going away and I was a bit relieved.
). You never know how much of a commitment something really is until you’ve had a little experience with it.
While I may not bzz as hard as a person that does it once a day or every other day, I bzz to people who I honestly think are going to listen and think about what I have to say. I want them to think of this program positively–not think of things like “Oh, that annoying girl in the elevator started talking to me and I didn’t know her and now I definitely won’t read that book she was talking about.” I try to listen to my conversation and see which product fits into the conversation or which item might be more helpful to someone at that time.
I think most people can agree that there are abuses, I think people are more worried about losing the points they’ve accrued through good, honest bzzing.
I’ve turned in points for one thing–and that was for a gift for my little brother (let’s just call it mlunes liftmard). I have not honestly seen anything at this point that I was interested in and could afford–not that there aren’t good prizes–I just didn’t have the points at the time for some of the things. I have an Ipod, so that’s not something I would want, neither is a PSP because I played around with one for a while but I like my laptop better.
I really like the idea about a few trial campaigns so you can better measure a person’s committment to bzzagent. And I am LOVING the offshoot of the bzzagent site that I am affiliated with (we just need more sample chapters for more books, people!
I have noticed, especially lately, that there are fewer real campaigns that I’ve been affiliated with and I didn’t know whether to attribute it to me not being eligible for some campaigns or just there not being a lot of campaigns.
I love the community–the people I have dealt with are great. When I spoke with someone about spare samples of nutella, I was sent one to try. I think her name was MochaMom, but am not sure because I cannot find the post. She didn’t have to send me any, but she did and I think that speaks as a whole for the good core group of bzzagents on the site–A lot of us are willing to help out each other, or even people we don’t know. To be a good bzzagent, I think you have to have that altruism–and that’s what sets bzzagent apart from a lot of copycat sites.
Anyway, I’ve think I’ve said enough. At least, until I hit post and decide to delete or add something, right?
Thanks to the team at BzzAgent.
June 19th, 2006 at 2:27 pm
My Bzz name is jroma and I’m a hoarder too. I absolutely love being a BzzAgent. I really enjoy trying new products and feeling like I’m “in the loop” when it comes to innovative ideas. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the last few months and I love telling my Mom’s Group, friends and family about the great new products BzzAgent has introduced me to. A couple of months ago a big reward (think something a musician would love) caught my eye, but was gone before I had enough points for it. I was hoping to see it reappear so I could get it for my husband for the holidays and hopefully have enough points leftover to give to a great charity. I forget about my points until there is a new campaign available and then I check to see if that reward I missed, or something similar is available. The fact that the BzzAgent clients provide wonderful samples to us agents is enough to get me bzzing, but I will say that the Bzz Rewards are a wonderful additional incentive.
June 19th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
I am curious about something. Back in March, I was accepted for the Arby’s campaign (I believe this was the one I got into at the time). Now.. other members- several in fact – had done reports BEFORE even receiving their packets. I typically only do one report per campaign. It never even occured to me I could do more than one, and I was submitting several stories (if you’d call them that) per report. Make sense? Others who do multiple reports, are of course going to be redeeming for multiple rewards- rewards which IMO should be available for much longer periods of time than they are (itunes gc’s for example). I have missed out on several prizes I wanted to redeem for, IMO because of that. People IMO abusing this program. I wrote an email to Juno to give my opinion about this, and to find out if it is in fact ok to send in multiple reports (I haven’t done so yet, but wanted to know definitively, none the less).. and gave my opinion that people can use this ability to scam the program, if you will. I was basically told it’s *my* problem if I don’t know how BzzAgent works, and to go read the frickin’ terms. Yeah thanks. I have. But it seems to me that because of this lousy attitude, BzzAgent is now paying for it. And now the members who enjoy this program, are going to pay for it.
June 19th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
Wow, count me as an appreciative “hoarder” as well. I’ve redeemed a few smaller rewards, but admit to saving up for a more valuable reward (many of which I’ve been interested in but either didn’t have sufficient points to redeem, or were snapped up by those who did in a heartbeat and unavailable.
I think the responses to the poll about rewards may have been skewed by the wording of same. I remember thinking at the time that it might be used to separate the wheat from the chaff, i.e., are you in it for the rewards (which although I’m not, I don’t believe that that motivation equates with someone who is necessarily a “bad” agent), and if so – you are out of here, or at least to gauge whether the majority of agents were altruistic or also interested in being compensated a bit for the time it takes, and I think the poll results may reflect poorly upon the wording of the poll as opposed to accurately reflecting the views of the agents.
June 19th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Hey All,
Thought I would chime in for a second.
We did not announce that we are going to do away with BzzRewards, only that we are going to reevaluate the program. And more importantly we have NOT yet decided what the new program will look like. One-step at a time my friends!
Long story short there’s still a lot of research to do on our end.
In the meantime thanks for all the great feedback! It’s really helpful to us.
Jono
June 19th, 2006 at 3:34 pm
I am new to Bzz Family and am looking forward to proving myself as a valuable member. However everything seems to be changing just as Im getting started. Im wondering if this is the reason I have not been invited to participate in any campaigns. Are you putting a hold on new members?? I dont know really, but my excitement is starting to turn to frustration!! Especially when the person who I heard about this great opportunity is already taking part in 2 different campaigns and she joined 3 days before I did. I have completed all of my training. Bootcamp etc. And found it very helpful.
June 19th, 2006 at 3:37 pm
I am very glad that “pests” will be removed from BzzAgent; that move is long over due. I also think that a more exhaustive process for approving new members along with a “trial ” period for agents might bear looking into.
The question of points and rewards is a much harder nut to crack. Just because outsiders may be critical of this program doesn’t mean the criticisms are valid. Many of these critics will never be satisfied, (Read Evan’s very interesting post concerning his evolution/ education) no matter how BzzAgent’s model is constructed. In fact many will only be satisfied with changes that are detrimental to WOM, since they consider it (incorrectly) as the mast insidious form of marketing, which they also consider evil.
June 19th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
I too seem to be hoarding my points. Like many other posts before mine, when I see a reward I like, it is often gone before I get a bzzreport reviewed. Actually, it is no big deal since I did not join for the rewards. But on another note, if I was in it for the rewards, then I would make sure to report all my bzz. I sadly admit that I don’t always get all my bzz reported, which kind of makes me feel like a high school kid that didn’t turn in their homework, lol. Anyway, I am glad you are still working on the pest issue and I thank you for all the work everyone does at BzzAgent to make my experience enjoyable.
June 19th, 2006 at 4:38 pm
Well, as somewhat of a newbie to the program (Bzz Agent has only been active here in Canada for a short while), I was very excited to learn about the Bzz Rewards program upon joining. I thought it was a wonderful concept to reward people for their time in doing the Bzz reports, unlike other online venues (mostly survey sites) that give you a chance to win something, and you almost never do. I’ve been to several focus groups in the past years and at each and every one of them we were somehow compensated, besides getting to try the product itself. The Bzz Rewards program was a form of compensation. You work hard, you get rewarded and the harder you work, the better the reward. Because most of us lead busy lives, our time is a valuable (and often limited) resource and the Bzz Rewards program seemed to be a token on appreciation for our time. Product testing alone is a nice reward and good for Bzz, but to really push the envelope, I felt that the Bzz Rewards program encouraged me to Bzz more and Bzz better. I also don’t understand how it gets rid of the pests (or maybe that is a separate issue?). To me, it seems to be punishing the loyal Bzz’ers only, which probably is not the objective, is it?
June 19th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Sorry, was interrupted, but continuing my thoughts:
In my my mind the reward function insures more complete feedback for client companies of what is happening in the real world. It is somewhat amusing that one of the critics is a board member of Communispace’s, which develops consumer panels to provide feedback to companies in a more artificial environment. (Nothing against Communispace, they are a great company, but it should be noted that they also compensate members of their communities for their feedback!)
IMHO, the question of points/rewards boils down to a couple of important questions:
1) Is the feed back function an important feature of the WOM experience that BzzAgent provides clients?
2) If the answer to the first question is that the clients value this mechanism, what is the effect of changing the points/rewards system on the quality and quantity of feedback?
June 19th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
I just have to say I have been a member for over a year. I have done some great campaigns and I have only redeemed for 3 awards. A lot of the items offered as awards I may already have or I really dont need it so I dont request it and take that away from a BuzzAgent who may need or want that item. Rewards dont really matter to me as much as being able to tell these companies my thoughts and the thoughts of those I talk with. That is in fact how we can actually get companies to listen to us consumers who buy their products too. I love to be on top of new things coming out and tell my friends about them.
I also want to say I have been a memeber of Harris Polls for over 4 years and I have never redeemed for an award yet even though I have enough for a very nice big prize. If I find something that catches my eye….then fine I will redeem for it. If not its no big deal and I still fill out every poll they send me. I have done polls for them that have taken over and hour and they give me huge points. I also belong to Mypoints for over 4 years which I have over 19,000 points for shopping through their links, and I have never redeemed anything with them either. Hmm maybe there is something wrong with me…..lol…..No I just like to be up on new things and we all love to talk so BuzzAgent is still for me. REWARDS OR NO REWARDS I AM WITH YOU BUZZAGENT:) Lets swat those pests right on outta here!!
June 19th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
I too was sad to see the message, but I understand that there are people that will abuse the system. I signed up as a Bzzagent and really wasn’t sure what to do. I also didn’t have any available campaigns for a long time (and I was a pain about emailing you guys and asking why
). I recently have done several campaigns and really feel like I am getting the hang of things…and now it is changing. I really like the rewards and I just redeemed points for a cool convection/toaster oven that I really like. I think the rewards are a great incentive to bzz more and write detailed reports. I don’t know if this makes me materialistic, but I love getting surprises in the mail and I was tickled to get that oven…it pumped me up about being an agent. I know you said you are going to revamp, I just hope you can keep some form of reward program as it is truly appreciated. I am also glad that you are going to weed out the pests. Good luck!
June 19th, 2006 at 6:15 pm
I love being a bzzagent! The rewards are not why I signed on to be an agent. I love being able to try new products before they hit the stores. I have also been introduced to new books that I have enjoyed but probably would have passed in the bookstore. Being involved in campaigns is reward enough. The rewards program is just an added bonus to me.
June 19th, 2006 at 6:22 pm
I’m a bit confused as well…..what exactly is wrong with compensation for my time? I could try out products and buzz till I’m blue in the face then just never report because there is no reward for reporting if they are eliminated. This is MY TIME…..yes, it’s voluntary….and YES, my time IS valuable. I completely understand not being able to call it compensation — that would be an employee relationship.
I do not see the inducement to spending X hours per week buzzing a product for which your company is being paid to get people to buzz about without the rewards.
Quite simply, I *am* happy to try out new products. Products that I may well never have bought without first trying them through BzzAgent. As a reward to my family, I can say, look what we got for that time I spent typing away reports when I could have been doing something with you guys — my family. With no reward, other than trying out a new product….. well, what is there?
Surely there is a different way to go about this. Have you considered that many people (in Canada especially) have accumulated tonnes of points and been unable to exchange them because they haven’t yet been offered a campaign? What about those who have their eye on a reward that requires considerably more points than they’ve accumulated, yet who are keeping it honest and not faking reports in order to obtain the necessary points.
There are many alternatives….you could entirely privatize the rewards. Anyone whose reports are continuously flagged as fabrications can be dropped from the system. It’s not so hard.
Honestly….bzzagents ARE doing work for your company….how do you figure they do not wish to be compensated?
June 19th, 2006 at 6:44 pm
I have points that I have yet to redeem – however I’ve only been on one campaign and the reward that I wanted was gone before my reports were reviewed, so I didn’t have enough points to get it until it was long gone.
I hear about so many campaigns and yet I never have an email sent to me or a link on my homepage. I love the idea of WOM marketing and I would love to be on more campaigns (or even a BuzzBlast – anything!).
At this point it doesn’t matter if the rewards program is gone because it seems I’m not going to be involved in any more campaigns! The idea is nice, but if I’m only able to redeem points when I’m on a campaign they are sort of useless to me.
June 19th, 2006 at 6:58 pm
I’m trying to follow, but guess I don’t understand the core of potential rewards change. Do you mean: BzzAgent isn’t necessarily going to stop rewarding agents for their quality time, but you’re looking at ways to offer desirable incentives for good bzzing – incentives that are not so Ebayable by the skanky pests? I would imagine that the combination of dishonest Ebay types plus a glut of unclaimed rewards would piss off the companies that offer your rewards. It kind of cheapens their brands and keeps a number people from paying retail for their products. The rewards were supposed to be advertising. I respectfully suggest fewer low-point rewards and more high-point rewards, like gift cards, since it seems that people are saving up for them? Just a thought. Good luck with this. XO
June 19th, 2006 at 7:15 pm
Well, I have to say that I’m happy that the pests are going to be removed. I’ve been an agent for a couple of years now, and I’ve noticed that for a while now, probably the past 6 or 8 months or so, I haven’t been able to participate in many campaigns at all. I’ve been a little upset about it, being that I used to be in 2 or 3 campaigns at a time, and now I don’t have any. Back then, Bzzagent was much smaller, and now we’re nearing 200,000 agents. I know that its hard to accomodate everyone, and I’ve been patient. I have faith in Bzzagent and it’s more than capable employees.
As for the rewards, I’ve redeemed for some really great stuff, but I still have over 2,000 points saved up. I guess I’m one of those people that are waiting for just the right reward. I’ve passed up the ipod nanos in the past because I didn’t have a computer new enough to use one..but now I do, so I’m hoping I see one again. Reading the above posts, I see that some campaigns (which ones I don’t know), had PSPs as rewards. That would be awesome! I trust that bzzagent will revamp the rewards system in a way that is as fair as possible to their agents. I’m not worried about that.
I started this post with the intention of saying that I’m confident in the capabilities of Dave, Jono, Evan the pestbuster, and all who work at Bzzagent. I have NEVER been disappointed. I have been loyal to them, and I know that they will be loyal to me and all of us agents. I feel like I’ve seen this company grow, and that the work I’ve done has helped to shape the company. I mean, I even have a couple of quotes in Grapevine!!! (I was so excited to see myself in there, I showed everyone I know!) In short: Have faith. These people know there stuff.
I can’t wait to see what changes are made, and to continue to Bzz!!!!
Thank you,
Amanda
June 19th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
Oops, I meant THEIR stuff.
I hate poor grammar. Maybe thats why I loved Eats, Shoots and Leaves so much
June 19th, 2006 at 7:36 pm
I have been a bzz agent for a year now and I have loved every minute of it. Just the fact that i get to try new products and tell others is really cool to me. Ive done it before with other companys like Y-Access who are no longer around and Tremor, but bzz agent has been the best one. Now as far as rewards like others have said i havent redeemed anything because I like to save for something that I will actually use rather than something I wont. Bzz agent has been a really great experience for me and hope that it stays that way. I have loved it soo much that I got my fiance to sign up.
thank you
fran
June 19th, 2006 at 8:20 pm
I confess- I first heard about BzzAgent on a coupon website and I have always been someone who loves to get a good deal, but the reason I actually do this, is because I love to try new things, and I love to tell people about new products! Yes, to a fault! I love to be the first of my friends to try something and to be able to tell them to try it too. I am the proud owner of a Dyson vaccum, and thanks to me, 4 of my friends, my mom, and my sister all own their own Dyson. This happened before BzzAgent, but it was so fun to see them be “converted” and try it. I think this is the reason most of us bzz. The rewards are nice- I’ve only done 1 campaign and didn’t earn many points so I haven’t even had the opportunity for a reward yet, but I would still be a bzz agent without the rewards. And they don’t really entice me to bzz more, or report more. One thing that might motivate more, is if we could see the actual results in our market. So thank you for getting rid of the people abusing the system- that is neccessary! I wish I had a better suggestion about what to do with the rewards… Maybe you just send rewards certificates (points) to bzz agents you feel are working hard for you- reporting frequently and accurately? Not based on “you write something down, you get 30 points” etc… It might not be fair, but then you wouldn’t have to waste your resources on the cheaters… and they make it so it’s not fair now anyways.
June 19th, 2006 at 8:23 pm
I read through what everyone had to say first before jumping in here.
I think that hoarding is just a natural response we all have on this site. I know I’ve done it a few times, once when I was shooting for a 7″ portable DVD player and another time when I was shooting for a digital camera. But I joined this site because I like finding new products and sharing them. Rewards? Yeah, they’re nice, but honestly, most of the smaller ones are little trinkets that eventually we toss out.
I’ve liked most campaign specific rewards. Like on the AB channel, how everything is specific to the corporation. And especially the Penguin Channel. Oh boy, I love getting the books in the mail, reading it for the campaign, and talking about it for weeks to come, and then trading in the points for the reports for more books to enjoy. And you know what? When I get those packages in the mail, it’s great to know that I’ve helped out another author and gotten the word out on their book…
And when it comes to the reports, I have to agree with the allegied statement of “if you don’t understand how BzzAgent works, read the ToC” by Jono to the former BzzAgent. If you read everything on this site, check it at least once a day, and regularly answer polls and know what BzzAgent is about and how to get the most out of it at the same time as giving the most without straining yourself, then we honestly have nothing at all to worry about the system. Hoarding the points? Maybe for some of the “hoarders” they just haven’t liked the trinkets. It doesn’t matter. If you’re working for the system, the system will work for you. It’s a full circle.
Thank you to the Hive for keeping up with this site. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, and I’ll keep on enjoying it, no matter whatever changes you enact.
June 19th, 2006 at 8:45 pm
I have not redeemed my points I thought waiting till I found something I wanted was a good thing. I would still participate in campaigns even if the points were taken away. I just like trying new things and its fun to find a good product to share with my friends or family.
June 19th, 2006 at 8:50 pm
I have a comment on an issue I’ve not seen addressed. I’m concerned about legitimate Agents being labeled a “pest” and then ousted. For example, my sister babysits for me — and is just generally over visiting — about 5 days a week. And she always uses my computer while she’s here. I’m pretty sure she logs into BzzAgent almost every time she’s here; she may have even first created her Bzz account from here. Also, my other sister babysits for me 1-2x/week, and I know she also checks her BzzAgent account. So, in your eyes, are we going to be considered “pests” because we all log on from the same IP address??
June 19th, 2006 at 8:53 pm
and I also have to ditto what the others say about the rewards being an incentive to file Bzz Reports. I didn’t join BzzAgent for the rewards, but they sure help me submit reports. As it is now, I don’t get around to reporting all my Bzzz, but the reports I do file are definitely due to the fact that I know I’ll get points for it.
June 19th, 2006 at 9:48 pm
I have been reading this thread all day and I want to add my two cents. I’ve posted this same thing on the beelog before and I will post it again now. The free product, coupons, samples etc… get me bzzing. I definitely bzz every chance I get. I pass out the free candy bars, I brew pots of coffee when friends come over, I do everything I can to spread the word. To me the “incentives” are not for bzzing but for filing the bzz reports. Those reports do take time and I don’t file a report everytime I bzz, even though I know I should, I just don’t have time to, at least not if I want them to be written well enough to my liking. I take pride in the reports that I do submit.
IMO, if the bzzrewards were taken away, and I know you are saying that they’re not going to be, but if they were it would definitely reduce the number of reports submitted. I keep reading that 87% of bzzagents don’t redeem thier points. Well I think it is clear from reading this thread that the reason is most of us are saving them for something we really want. I don’t have very many points right now. I have been trying to save them for something really good. I don’t know what that is yet, but I’ll know it when I see it
I have redeemed 90 points for the magic eraser, but that was truly because it was on my shopping list for that week and then I saw it posted as a reward so I decided to use 90 points to get it since I was going to pay cash money to buy it anyway. That is all I have redeemed so far.
This post is coming from someone who’s account and my husband’s were recently flagged for suspicious behavior, but then reinstated after an investigation that proved no wrong doing on our end, (I appreciate the fact that you took the time to actually check things out and in fact have been defending you and your companay all day on another forum because of the wonderful way I was treated during this “suspension”. I have been defending your company to the point that I am getting private messages there asking me if I work for bzzagent…LOL))
Truthfully though, I am beginning to feel like this is a witch hunt. I want the pests gone as much as anyone else, but it feels like our heads are being held under water…. if we don’t drown then we’re a witch/pest, if we do drown then we’re not a witch/pest, but at that point it’s too late for redemption. So who’s the winner?
June 19th, 2006 at 10:03 pm
I did not mean for that post to be anonymous. I’m not afraid to say who I am. I feel I am a good bzzagent and I think I have the right to share my opinion without fear of being penalized. So I just wanted to add my name to the above post.
June 19th, 2006 at 10:35 pm
Hoarder right here
sorry lol, i have been saving forever for a special reward, but i figured i would work hard and be a bzz agent long enough to afford to do that. I love being a bzz agent ! Usually when i join a piont system sight and i dont enjoy it i cash in for the small trinkets and i never go back,,, but i absolutly love bzz agent with no plans on going anywere, i check my home page everyday sometime 2 times a day and hope to get into a campain that intrests me. Regardless of how things go i plan on remaining a good bzzagent , just wanted to state my opinion on why folks hoard, its because some of us like it here and felt we had all the time in the world to redeem our points 
thanks
June 19th, 2006 at 11:05 pm
I’m new to this whole thing. I must confess that I learned about BzzAgent on a message board, from a woman who said she got free candy bars and ate them all as soon as she got them. But then after I joined BzzAgent and read all the material, I was hooked! So far, I’ve only been allowed to participate in the Take 5 Blast, and no I didn’t eat them all! But after trying one, I can understand that poor woman’s weakness!!! I also signed up for Eons, and am awaiting my personal number. I didn’t even know there were rewards for any of this. After finding out that there are/were, I do find it encouraging, even if I don’t know what the available rewards are.
I guess I am too new to understand what “pests” are. I hope this all works out to everyone’s satisfaction. I kind of like the idea of having input about new products.
June 19th, 2006 at 11:07 pm
amj1903…. I think you hit the nail right on the head there
I have also been a member of rewards programs that I hated and let my rewards go without a second thought. I do trust bzzagent though and thought my rewards were safe. Actually, this is the first rewards program that I have been a part of that I trusted my points were safe and assumed I could save them long enough to get something I really wanted and not worry that they were going to disappear off the face of the earth or rip me off for my earned points.
Bzzagent, maybe you should consider the fact that agents aren’t cashing in thier rewards right away as a good sign, we trust you.
June 20th, 2006 at 10:58 am
Ooooh, oooh! Pick me, pick me! I want to say something!! So I’ve been an agent for almost 3 years. My first campaign was the Lee One True Fit jeans. Gee, how time flies! I have cashed in points for things over the years but then again I’ve been involved in a LOT of campaigns. Of course there have been many times when I haven’t cashed in either.
I don’t always report my bzz since it is a bit time consuming and I don’t always have the time to do it. I do like the idea of a message board for a campaign and maybe IM’ing or something of the like to send in reports. I’ve also had quite a few agents sign up because of all the cool stuff I was able to try out first.
Now on to the IP thing. We also have a wireless network in the house so all comps (3 desktops, 1 laptop) have the same addy. I’ve had friends and family over for various reasons and they will use our computer to check bzz especially if I mention I was able to get into a campaign. Also because I’m a bzz nazi and tell them if they don’t check often they won’t get to be involved with anything heehee.
I love, love, LOVE being a BzzAgent! It’s great trying new things or things I may not have considered trying before. I try to send in reports as much as I can but it seems the older I get the more responsibilities I get as well. I am a natural talker and will talk to anyone, anywhere at anytime and I love talking about new products. Probably because I trust a stranger talking about products and services over a commercial any given day of the week. I was HORRIFIED when I found out that people were selling their items online or taking them back to stores for a refund. Why in the hell would anyone do that?? The worst I’ve done was given something away! It was a book, I had finished reading it and sent it along the reading trail. Are these people really that hard up for money that they would sell these items??
As for the point system/reward system revamp, I wish I had some words of wisdom or some thoughtful insight as to what should be done. I HAVE noticed that the basic points for reports have gone down some and they’re all the same. Before anybody asks, I mean when you sign up for said campaign and check out bzzactivities they’re pretty much all 30 points. I know you can get more if you are more detailed and whatnot. A year or so ago, the points varied by activity. Maybe you could hide the higher ticket rewards and would only be able to see them when you gained enough points. I know I would be curious as to what the higher point items were and would want to report more just to see what was behind locked folder #3!
I think this may have been only my 3rd or 4th time posting in the beelog and I post a novella! I do want to say thanks for being the company you are and keep up the good work!
June 20th, 2006 at 11:46 am
I was just wondering how long it takes to actually get involved in a campaign. I have been a member since March and haven’t gotten asked. I really want to be more involved and was just wondering what was going on…I really do like being a BzzAgent.
June 20th, 2006 at 1:05 pm
I am also a point hoarder. All of the stuff I want is always gone by the time I get enough points, so obviously someone is redeeming them! I also wouldn’t necessarily trust the survey results. I think people (myself included) are afraid of being labeled as “pests” if they say they value the rewards. I do like bzzing, but the rewards are definitely a motivator to report. I want my reports to be good, so they do take some time to write. I would definitely still bzz, but don’t know that I would report back, “just for the fun of it.”
June 20th, 2006 at 1:10 pm
I got kind of worried when I read the letter too. Not because of the rewards, I would still love bzzagent even without those! What I’m worried about is that my sister and mother moved in with me and both joined bzzagent because I kept talking about it. Now I have 3 female accounts in one household. Am I going to be considered a “pest” and thought to have made the accounts up myself? How could I verify that I only have one account and they each have one? I don’t want to lose my membership, but I also would hate to tell them they have to drop out of bzzagent.
June 20th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
Just a quick Comment , I too am worried about the whole IP address tracking. I often am at my mother in laws house and will use her computer(It’s much faster than mine) to do many different things including checking my bzz account. She started 3 days before me and is involved in 2 campaigns already. So I was hoping for some luck:) Anyways I have been going off the wall telling people about this new site I have been exploring and my boyfriend wants to join too. I have been holding him off because I want to know if that is going to decrease my odds of being valued as a loyal bzzer. I think all this is pretty exciting and dont want to be flagged as a pest.
June 20th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
“Somehow, the concept of rewards has evolved from something all consumers expect for their purchases…”
Go ahead and supply the evidence for this when you get a chance, Dave.
June 20th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
Hi Everyone,
I just want to take some time to clarify a few things here…
1. Like Jono said (comment #35 I believe) we’re not announcing rewards disappearing, you’re not going to wake up tomorrow to find your points gone. We’re reevaluating and after much research and thought, revamping the system to make it better.
we most definitely hear them out.
2. We allow more than one BzzAgent per household. Rest assured, just because you have your husband, wife, etc. signed up with you does not mean we think you’re a “pest.” We look at a lot of different factors. It’s true that on occasion, an agent is flagged by mistake. But, as kbelloise will vouch for
We don’t want to lose our good agents, we want to make the BzzAgent experience better for them.
June 20th, 2006 at 2:23 pm
Yeah, determining pests is not as rudimentary as IP tracking, or simply having two people in the same household in the same capaign. Naturally, I can’t say what methods we use to determine whether an account is a pest or not, but i will say this: it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll be dropped from the site if you’re using it legitimately.
June 20th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
I’m new at being a bzzagent, just being a few days old at it. Thus, my comment about the rewards system comes from that viewpoint – that of a newbie’s who is still finding new things to read on this website.
When I first heard of BzzAgent, I too wasn’t aware of any rewards. But being a parent who uses positive reinforcement for my children a lot, I was pleased to see the link for BzzRewards. Woohoo, I thought, I can try out new products, tell my network of moms about them, AND get rewards too! I was in 7th heaven!
Until I clicked the link.
“We’re sorry
You cannot claim a BzzReward unless you have enough points and have enrolled in a BzzCampaign and the Central Hive has received and reviewed your first report for that campaign.”
Not even a hint or a tiny peek at what I might be eligible for! (Insert heavy dramatic sigh here….)
Nevertheless, I decided that I’m going to stick it through and when I do get my first campaign and take a peek, who knows, I might be pleasantly surprised! In the meantime, I continue to do my own bzzing with the other moms, and get rewarded in finding great deals and/or products.
June 20th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
Well, I’m a bit red in the face as I type this! As soon as I submitted my comment, I went to check my home page once more for the possibility of a campaign. And wouldn’t you know it? Yep, there was a brand new one waiting there for me to click it!
I looked at the product and felt it was one I could more than likely Bzz a lot about and accepted the assignment. And then….
I got to peek at the rewards!
I’m not too worried about any upcoming changes, for some reason, this company just seems to fit right with me.
June 20th, 2006 at 4:20 pm
I joined bzz agent a couple of months ago and was referred by the hershey’s website (to join the Take 5 blast) I had no idea what it was about, but when I started reading I was hooked. I have a degree in a marketing related field and thought the whole idea of bzz agent is genius. I signed up, read through everything, and checked every day for campaigns. I have only done the Take 5 blast, the making change for katrina blast, and recently joined the Penguin Channel which I think will be fantastic because I love reading!! After knowing what I was getting into, I enticed my husband into joining also. He was actually invited to join a couple of blasts as well as the Castrol campaign. After 3 weeks of him not receiving anything I called bzz agent for him since he is the one who works a full time job and then a part time job and doesn’t have time to be sitting around on the phone. This caused our account to be flagged for fraud. Luckily everything seems to be sorted out! Believe me, it was a pain in the butt and he wasn’t happy with me about it. He (And I for that matter) did not like being accused of doing something wrong and not having anyone communicate with us about what was going on. He wanted to quit bzz agent because of the hassle but I asked him not to. In his mind, he’s not going to bzz about anything if he’s not rewarded for it. He doesn’t really like talking to people except those he knows well or works with. Me, on the other hand, I’m interested in the whole concept. I love trying new things and I’m so talkative I love sharing my opinion with others. It feels good to be involved with something tat could change the way marketing works in the future. Sadly there are those who abuse the system, and there always will be. I have had friends ask why I bother to pay for my internet service with the cable company when I can get it free from aol by calling and threatening to cancel every 3 months. I have worked in call centers and seen people get freebies worth hundreds just because it’s cheaper to give them a freebie than to try to find another customer. It mystifies me that companies feel that way is the “best way.” I wish bzz agent all the luck in sorting out all of the bad apples! I can only assume what a hard task it will be!
June 20th, 2006 at 4:53 pm
I just looked back and realized I’ve been doing this for two and a half years. And I love it. I enjoy trying the new products, and I have learned so much about marketing. As a result of BzzAgent, I have read all of Seth Godin’s books, dozens of others….and have applied all I have learned about marketing and WOM to several nonprofit organizations I work with.
I also got to participate in a panel discussion at the Hive in Boston, which was a blast (and I got to meet everybody!!!)
I have a bunch of points saved up…enough to get something moderately big. I have redeemed points a few times. One sits on my desk and has changed my organizational life– it’s that Staples Apprentice, and I love it. Another was the Moleskine notebook, which lives in my bag so I can take notes about bzzing I have done.
Sometimes I under-report bzz because I haven’t gotten around to it in a bit and I have a couple of weeks worth in my notebook. I worry that they’ll think I’m just trying to get points, so I’ll only do one or two.
I have learned so much that I would certainly continue bzzing without the rewards, but I really do enjoy the rewards. I hope you’ll come up with a way of doing them that will be as much fun.
June 20th, 2006 at 5:01 pm
PulseDigitare,
“I have had friends ask why I bother to pay for my internet service with the cable company when I can get it free from aol by calling and threatening to cancel every 3 months.”
Are you kidding me?!!! I cannot believe how tacky some people are. No offense to you, of course. But your friends’ behavior is just insanely greedy and gross. This thread is driving me bananas.
June 20th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
I joined Bzzagent to learn more about WOM and have some “real world” examples to use for my marketing class!
Also, the incentives/rewards are nice, but also to learn about new products.
One of the ways to maybe eliminate “pests” would be to charge a “user fee” to sign up for a campaign and then have that fee refunded once the person submits a few reports once the campaign is completed.
Not sure if this would entirely help, as some people would still find ways to play this system to t heir advantage, as there seems to be people who like to hoard all the freebies for themselves (freebie hogs maybe??).
Maybe Bzzagent also needs to hire someone to keep an eye out on where the information they post is being put on the internet?
Alot of companies regularily monitor websites and message boards to see where web traffic is coming from (sometimes it is from one or 2 freebie site…which will remain unnamed…).
Overall, I do like the Bzz concept and have found it to be interesting so far…
June 20th, 2006 at 5:41 pm
Bzzing the Bzz….
I just have a general comment to make.
How come there is no subject heading “Bzzing the Bzz” where you go to file your report that is not associated with a product?
-Some people like to just tell their friends to join Bzz agent, but do not know if they will qualify for the same campaigns.
Ex. I told my friend Tom about Bzzagent, but he did not qualify for a book campaign, I still wrote a Bzz report as I had Bzzed about a product I received.
But it would have been nice to just promote the Bzz agent website or to be able to do that after a campaign is over….
June 20th, 2006 at 7:14 pm
Wow, just about everything has been said, and I agree with most of it. As a chatterbox who discusses products and services with anyone who will listen or strike up a conversation, Becoming a BZZZ agent a month or so ago has been fun and quite natural, and the rewards are a nice perk! So far, so good, and good luck with this problem!
I actually just came aboard to add a note about Hershey’s Take 5 candy bar blast. At McDonald’s today, their new featured McFlurry includes Take 5 candy bar bits. Has anyone else seen this? If I’d seen it before I ordered lunch, I may have had a McFlurry instead;). Now I’ll simply have to plan another trip-Mmmnn!
June 20th, 2006 at 7:19 pm
Something doesn’t seem right about this paragraph, and a snippet from the next paragraph, too:
{SNIP} “the rewards part of our process [at least as currently structured] has – in essence – failed. For starters, the majority of BzzAgents don’t want the rewards we offer. Almost 87% with enough points to redeem a reward never redeem a single point, up from 70% just one year ago. No matter how much prodding or pushing we do, fewer BzzAgents are seeking rewards for their points.” {/SNIP}
{SNIP} “In short, the social currency of involvement with brands that allow the consumer to be center stage is the true driver of a word-of-mouth ecosystem.”{/SNIP}
———————————————–
People are stating what the problem is. There are a large quality of small point items that people don’t clamour for. But NOT ENOUGH quanity of high point items that people DO WANT.
It takes Agents a long time to save up for high point items, and those items go TOO QUICKLY. Agents then wait for something else of high point value to come along, but the new, nice items go too quickly, and the CYCLE continues.
Before NOW, I have never heard anyone in BZZagent communities or in person, state anything like, “I could care less about rewards, I ONLY want products to BZZ about.” Especially when people have to spend a large amount of time and work checking the site daily for surveys and campaigns in the first place, before they can even do volunteer bzz…IF they even qualify.
Sure, NOW that people think you may take rewards away, SOME say they will still BZZ, but that’s NOT the same thing.
It’s NOT just NOW that agents are saying they are hoarding their points but having little luck with getting items that go quickly, they’ve said that BEFORE NOW.
————————————
{SNIP} “Somehow sharing an honest opinion – with disclosure about involvement as a volunteer – is worse than spending our time figuring out how to get the Charbroil 3-burner 40,000 BTU outdoor barbecue grill from LinensnThings for $160, and telling everyone else about it.” {/SNIP}
I hope you’re not thinking of fatwallet.com people as the majority BZZagent personality. Fatwallet people have “interesting” priorities, to say the least. They spend an inooridinate amount of time trying to get things for nothing, or cheaply.
In fact, they have a post in their contest area showing just how proud they are of sitting on their tushes, hour after hour, month after month filling out contest submissions, and getting LITTLE IN RETURN. That post lists the small amounts of CHEAP crap they get in return.
Scroll through that post, and you’ll see it’s rare for members to say they won a trip to the Bahamas. Almost every time, you’ll see another member say something like, “Did you really?!?!?! Wow, I try and try, and it doesn’t happen for me.
” Well, Duh!!
———————————————
As for pests, make this a rule: ONLY ONE Bzzagent acount per household address. Not doing so, makes it too easy for a person to pretend they are multiple people living at one address. Other places have that rule, and you can, too.
Maybe you can grandfather accounts that are already multiple family accounts.
When you announce it, don’t ruminate here about it publicly, giving pests the ability to sign up more ficticious pest accounts that day. Do it, and then simply state “As of yesterday, there are no more multple home address accounts aloud. ”
P.S. I’m afraid to give my email address here in your comment submission form. There are “spambots” that patrol blogs, looking for email addresses to add to their spam lists. Otherwise, I would.
June 20th, 2006 at 7:24 pm
Sorry! I mentioned I was afraid to give my address in that last, long post from me (because of spam bots that search blogs for emails to spam), and forgot to put my name in the name box.
June 20th, 2006 at 11:18 pm
I too, am one of the many BZZagents who when I first joined did not know about the rewards program. During my first campaign, I discovered the rewards program but at that time, the only things avaialble (very few items) cost a LOT of points and since I had just started I knew I would never have enough points to redeem for anything (except maybe a donation to a charity). I remember back then I wrote to BZZ agent asking why the rewards offered cost so much points, to me it seemed ridiculous that anyone could ever save up that many points, and I also suggested having gift certificates and other options available to us for which we could redeem our points. I remember I told BZZ that I donate to charities that I believe in, and I was not interested in donating my points to the 2 charities that were listed in my rewards folder. So anyway, I kept Bzzing and then I was picked for the Take 5 Blast which allowed me to earn some more points but I did not redeem any points the first few months, because not only did I not have enough to redeem for anything good, I actually thought maybe the rewards program was intentionally made that way, so the agents never have enough to redeem for a good prize (SORRY BZZ AGENT…I know that is not true now, but back then I was still learning). Then I qualified for another campaign which was much easier for me to BZZ about, since this one was about food, I found it very easy to bring it up in many conversations. I was also very happy to see that in this campaign there was a larger variety of rewards, some more affordable than others. At first I too, set my sights on the PSP, I wanted to save my points until eventually I had enough so I could get it for my son (I figured it would probably take a year or so, but it would be worth it). That is when I realized that in a year or so, who knows what prizes (if any) will even be available and maybe I should use the points I have while I can (and now it seems I was right).
So, during that campaign I redeemed some points but I also carried a few hundred over, hoping that eventually new items would be added and one day through all my good bzzing I would earn something really great. I just recently signed up for a new campaign and was so happy to see a prize which really, really made me happy. I’m not going to say what it is, but for you guys at BZZ agent reading this, I will say this…when I first joined you asked me to tell you the last time I spread WOM about a product I loved (I guess it was during bootcamp) and I told you how I absolutely loved this new lip balm I had discovered from this company, etc. etc. and so anyway this prize I recently exchanged points for is made by that same company and I am thrilled that you are offering it as a reward ( I can’t wait to receive it). Anyway, as you can see I talk a lot and I can go on forever but i just wanted to add my two cents here. I have been raving about BZz agent to so many people lately, not only do I promote WOM for the products I am BZZIng but I am constantly creating WOM for BZZ agent in general to al my friends, co-workers, acquaintances. I tell them how I am so happy I am a part of this wonderful panel because not only do I get to try out products but I get rewarded for talking about them which is something I always do ANYWAY…..ask anyone who knows me….I love to talk and I always have an opinion on everything…in high school I was voted most likely to be a lawyer because I would make a “case” out of everything. So I just wanted BZZ to know, I love being a bZZ agent and spreading WOM regardless of the prizes, however the incentive of being able to earn points for coming back to your website and spending time typing BZZ reports detailing each time I BZZ someone, makes me want to create even more BZZ and makes me a more productive BZZ agent because it makes me feel like you value and appreciate the time I take to type these reports for you and you show me that by offering me rewards based upon how good my BZZIng is.
It sounds to me like you are not happy with people who are claiming rewards, and I don’t understand that. I am sure, from what I read here, that the majority of agents who do not claim points for prizes are doing so because they are saving for a big reward, and if you change the program now, it is not fair to them. You see that is the very reason I started using my points for smaller rewards because I had the little “gut feeling” that if I save up all those points and something goes wrong with this survey panel or something changes, all of that extra time and effort I put forth will have been for nothing. I once belonged to a survey panel that offered points redeemable for prizes but I never seemed to have enough points for anything good, although I made a good effort to take every survey they sent to me. Guess what happened. ALL the points I earned went KAPUT when they said they were “expired” due to inactivity on my account, when I had always been an active member, they just had not sent me a survey invite in several months, needless to say I was very mad and I can see that happening here with these people who have been saving for months or years and now if you change the program on them, what happens to all of those points they earned? I like the panel the way it is. If someone is posting on a message board (like the example you had about scamming you and sellling things on EBAY) then they deserve to get kicked out but I believe you can tell who the BZZ agents are who submit real BZZ reports and are really happy to feel “valued” as a BZZ agent. I know I personally recommended so many people to your panel and out of all of the people I recommended I know 2 people from NY who joined based on my referral, my brother in law recently joined and he loves it, he’s always telling me about what’s going on with his BZZ, and my sister is planning to join soon. I sent out a lot of email referrals to people who keep telling me they have not received them so I don’t know what’s going on with that, but I have been BZZING about BZZ agent because I love it, the way it is, so please don’t punish the rest of us because there are a few pests out there. I’m sure there will always be some pests no matter where you go. It’s just not fair for the rest of us to suffer because of a few bad ones. Ok, I think I ranted enough now (can you see how I like to talk…..lol)
June 21st, 2006 at 3:16 am
Wonderful suggestions and very enlightening posts.
I am what you may consider to be a “newbie.” I am on my very first campaign and loving
every minute of it. I love the concept, love the anticipation of receiving a product, using it,
bzzzing about it – everything.
I didn’t realize when I joined that there were rewards. To me, that is a bonus. I suppose it does give one incentive to a degree.
The suggestion of a Bulletin Board where Bzz Agents could banter back and forth about ‘you name it’ sounds like a very interesting idea.
June 21st, 2006 at 9:51 am
I too am very curious about the new rewards program…but let me say too…that its about time that the trolls were dealt with. lol Those who are dishonest-you know who you are-the: ‘BzzCampaign-Kit-free-product-selling-on-eBayers’ the: ‘I’m gonna return MY item to the store for a store credit’ abusers, the: ‘I -make-up-reports-to-get-more-points-dishonest-bzzers’, the: ‘Hey,-just-make-more-accounts-with-made-up-stuff-to-get-more-free-stuff-BzzCheaters!’
Yup, these and more are the things seen at message boards by those dishonest and thieving BzzAgents out there. Its THEY who give BzzAgent(s) a bad rep!! Its THEY who clog up the system with multiple ‘FALSE’ accounts for the same person! Its THEY who grab up all the campaigns so the honest BzzAgents can’t get in on any! Its THEY who have now caused this change that’s coming.
I would think those that complain the loudest about never getting in on any campaigns, would be the happiest for this change-because its THEY, who will now benefit from this change by being ABLE to get in on more campaigns!
Yeah, I too, love the rewards I have earned over the years…mostly because they help me out at Christmas time-I use 98% of my rewards as gifts to others because I can’t work due to health probs. So, if they stop the rewards as they are now, I will surely miss them…but you know what? I’d rather have a different rewards program if it means that the integrity of BzzAgent AND us agents and WOM is upheld!
Because at the rate things are going, thanks to the liars and cheaters, WOM will only be looked at as sneaky and could mean the downfall of programs such as BzzAgent!
So THIS BzzAgent says, KUDOS to you, Dave and all at BzzAgent who are striving to make this a BETTER PLACE for those of us who love being a BzzAgent and take part with our integrity intact!!
June 21st, 2006 at 11:29 am
My two cents. I like getting new products and buzzing around about them. However, I am more comfortable letting a buzz become natural. I feel pressured by reports, I wonder what the expectation guidelines are? I seem to be doing only 2 or 3 reports within a campaign, and I have heard of people doing 20 to 30, I could not Imagine.
Everyone has that freaky religous guy, or that crazy shaklee guy, that everyone avoids at all costs because they are always pitching a sale. Please give us an idea of what you expect.
Generally speaking we are becoming walking talking advertisements or salesmen. With that in mind I believe there should be some sort of feed back or community board or an oppurtunity to discuss negatives. For instance I read another board, where another agent got melted candy bars, How are you supposed to share them?(A place is needed for honest feedback)
Yes, I believe agents should be compensated for their time! I know advertisers want to see the immediate bang for the buck, but I feel the timeline is somewhat constraining. I am buzzing still after campaigns are done!
Quite frankly though I do it for the fun of product trials, at 2 or 3 honest reports a campaign, I think it will take several years to get that roomba. I guess I can have fun trying
June 21st, 2006 at 11:51 am
Well, I have been around here since probably the beginning. I’m personally happy that it is being re-vamped, b/c I have frequented boards of people talking about selling their items they get from the campaigns, as well as tons of people logging in with different accounts to get more. I didn’t even realize the part that people submit 20 or more reports…I’m one of the people who suggested to have it easier to report, just not give any points on the reports b/c I don’t always report all my bzz just b/c of the time involved in reporting, and I feel that since I am getting points, I should not report unless it is very thorough and complete….
Oh well, Good luck BzzAgent, I know it will be difficult!
June 21st, 2006 at 3:51 pm
I have been a member for close to a year. I must say that since joining, I have talked to alot of people and bzzed a lot of products. Of course it is great getting useful things in the mail (especially for free). Since I was a kid I alway’s got excited when I received something in the mail, it was like getting a present before Christmas. However, I also like being able to give my opinion about products/services, that will help companies understand the good as well as the bad. It makes me feel as though there is a greater purpose than just being a consumer.
Since joining I have yet to receive a bzzreward. There are definetly things I like, but I am waiting for something I love. Plus, I have to earn more points to even be able to get the reward that I am interested in. Still I do like knowing that eventually I will be able to receive a reward of my choosing. I guess if the reward was the only thing that mattered to me, I would just start making up reports to write, but it’s not. Being able to be part of Bzz Agent is much more important to me. Since joining I have spoken to so many people about how cool this company is. I think the integrity behind this business is something to be proud of. Not only do they trust us (atleast some of us), but they have allowed us the privelage of being involved, and to share in such an exciting opportunity. I was shocked when I started hearing about what was going on. I’m glad that you guys are so on the ball, and hope that all the scamming bzzers will be found. So that the rest of us can continue truthfully bzzing and reporting.
I will however be disappointed with the rewards gone. I liked knowing that I could their was a gift out there I could receive when I chose to. But it will not change the excitement I have just being a part of all this and trying out new things.
Good luck Bzzagent, and may this all be corrected soon.
June 21st, 2006 at 9:41 pm
I keep reading people in a state of “panic” regarding the rewards being taken away. I have not read anywhere that the rewards will be taken away. Only that the reward system will be re-vamped. And good for BzzAgent for doing so.
I love being a BzzAgent. Sure, the rewards are nice. I have only redeemed my points for one reward. I’m not hoarding them because nothing has caught my eye that I want. I am not going to turn in the points I do have in a panic reaction because of the RUMOR that they are going to take away the reward system altogether.
I am glad they will re-vamp the system and get rid of pests. Thanks to these pests, they have to re-vamp things. THANKS ALOT scammers! You are ruining it for the honest Bzzers out there.
June 21st, 2006 at 11:27 pm
I just joined recently myself. I thought “what a great idea” and while looking around I found out about the rewards program and thought “how cool!” To me, its just a nice addition or “thank you” for doing something I am happy to do, TALK!
I haven’t been here long enough to see the “big” gifts, but I cant blame someone for wanting to save up for something they could really use. Here’s hoping the rewards program isn’t completely canned. 
June 22nd, 2006 at 11:09 am
I can’t believe there are people so pathetic as to make multiple accounts just to get stuff. It takes such time to write bzz reports and to make up multiple ones for multiple accounts doesn’t even seem worth it. Are there really people reselling this stuff on Ebay??? HOw pathetic.
June 22nd, 2006 at 11:59 am
I posted in the other pest thread that I have decided I would indeed pay to be a Bzzagent. Typically, someone posted right away that they were a ‘diva’ and essentially too good to pay a very small amount of money to get a higher level of membership.
I suggsted several things. In summary:
1. BzzAgent could demand a $1 registration fee charged to a valid credit card and insist that that billing address be the one and only ship addy for that account unless the card changes. Amazon no longer allows people without a valid creditcard to post reviews for much the same reason – pests with too much time on their hands wrecking their word of mouth system and posting fake reviews.
2. BzzAgent could go to a two tiered system:
Free membership
Premium Membership – where you pay $10 to $20 a year and are guaranteed at least double that in product (or e refund)plus your reports get reviewed first and you get first dibs on all new campaigns. The leftovers go to the free members plus a cewrtain set-aise percentage for the luck of the draw fort free members like say 30 % of a campiagn with 70% being first offered to premium members.
self-described divas who can’t be bothered to pay a $1 registration free or a small one-time payment they will get back in product can still get in on the free membership but just can’t expect to be able gobble up the lionshshare of campaigns anymore. I believe that having a two-tiered system might actually INCREASE the amount of campaigns available for people who refuse to be paying members because it will scare away the pests.
I would also like to see a limit on the number of bzzreports a person can file in a 24 hour period to discourage copy & paste and BSing. I have filed a few at a time, but nobody needs to file more than 12 a day. Auto-lock people out who try to flood the system.
People who make bzzagent their life have lost sight of the whole point of bzz which is to experience new things in life. If the sum total of your existance has become filing dozens of reports a day, I suggest you are not actually a good spokesperson for a product because you cannot possibly be really out there among real people – you are just sittting in front of a monitor . Good Bzzagents are too busy living to do that consisitantly. I know disabled people who wouldn’t have the time some of the poeple posting here seem to have on their hands.
June 22nd, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Typically, someone posted right away that they were a ‘diva’ and essentially too good to pay a very small amount of money to get a higher level of membership.
Now who’s a diva, sister?!
June 22nd, 2006 at 4:07 pm
The people who are doing the loudest complaining and protesting over this coming ‘change’ here or at various sites, are most likely the one’s returning, selling, lying, cheating, etc!
Ever hear…”Thou dost protest too much?” lol
Basically, they are trying to ‘protect their intrests!!’ lmao
June 22nd, 2006 at 4:21 pm
Hey!!! jus2cusmile
where on earth have you been? We missed you! Welcome back! (big hug)
June 22nd, 2006 at 6:14 pm
Hiya Hun! Thanks-nice to know I was missed lol I’ve been around but I had heart surgery April 18′th and have been having yet more health probs from my Lupus and Fibro etc…so its been one appointment after another, one test after another. lol Even my bzzing-or at least the reporting of it has slackened because of all my health woes. I even lost my spot in the top 10…for now!!! lol
But, ya can’t keep a good bee down. lol
*hugs*
Cathy
June 22nd, 2006 at 6:59 pm
Wow, that really puts all this bzzagent stuff into perspective. Hope your’re feeling better soon! -Kris
“I’ve been around but I had heart surgery April 18′th and have been having yet more health probs from my Lupus and Fibro etc…so its been one appointment after another, one test after another.”
June 22nd, 2006 at 7:05 pm
jus2cusmile -
Glad you’re back, and hope you feel better and better! You’ll be back in the top 10 before you know it. Sorry to bore everyone else, but if you’re new here, jus2cusmile ROCKS the BzzAgent thang!
June 22nd, 2006 at 8:13 pm
Well, thank you so very much, to both of you Kris’ lol
I simply LOVE being a BzzAgent and when I love doing something, I give it my all.
*HUGS*
to you both!
Cathy
June 22nd, 2006 at 8:23 pm
I am also one of those people who is saving her points for something great. My mother is on the Folgers Campaign (the coffee is great btw) and she is already looking toward the bigs Krupps coffee maker which is high up on the point scale. I have seen many things I am interested in but I am saving for the big stuff as well. Maybe as many as 80% of others are as well? Has there been a poll asking why no one is using their points? I could use 5 more points for answering another poll.
June 22nd, 2006 at 9:41 pm
I wait for the big stuff, too.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:00 am
I would love to redeem some of my 695 points but in order to do so, one MUST be in a campaign. I have only been offered a couple of campaigns in the 2+ years I’ve been a bzzagent and they have all been book campaigns. (I have been getting grief from my partner about the number of books I already have, so I would prefer to save my points for something else.)
So I wait. I log in several times a day and had my hopes up when bzzagent was actively recruiting Canadians. But apparently I am the “wrong” type of Canadian as I don’t live in Ontario. I would have loved to have taken part in the Knorr, Hellmann’s and Whitestrips campaigns but they were not offered to me. I was very disappointed.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:56 pm
BzzAgent to Pests: BzzOff!
In two related moves to make its agent network more attractive to advertisers, BzzAgent announced that it would expel up to 10,000 pests from its network (roughly 5%) and re-engineer its rewards system to attract and retain valuable agents. For
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:00 pm
BzzAgent to Pests: BzzOff!
In two related moves to make its agent network more attractive to advertisers, BzzAgent announced that it would expel up to 10,000 pests from its network (roughly 5%) and re-engineer its rewards system to attract and retain valuable agents. For most co…
June 23rd, 2006 at 4:28 pm
I have been an bzzagent for almost a year now. This is something I have enjoyed doing, and I will admit I am one that hasn’t cashed their points in as often as it sounds like the higher ups would like. Yes I have been saving up so I could get something nicer.
June 24th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Finally going to say my thoughts. If cashing in my points makes me a “pest,” so be it. I also expect my boss to pay me when I perform as expected. I see nothing improper with using points you’ve awarded me. And the last two small rewards I’ve requested are not for me, not that I should have to justify accepting what’s been given to me. They’re going to some soldiers in Iraq I’ve adopted via anysoldier.com. Much of this seems very judgmental on bzzagent’s part. I live in a a capitalistic, materialistic society … and am spending my time helping your clients promote their products but requsting my rewards makes me a pest. And for those who haven’t requested rewards *yet* … let’s hope this discussion stays within the bzz community. I’d hate for my boss to think that because I haven’t used all my vacation days yet … I don’t want them, haven’t earned them and will have them reduced next year.
June 24th, 2006 at 5:22 pm
im_red: your “anysoldier.com” idea is GREAT! I’m going to check it out right now!
I don’t get the impression that BzzAgent considers point redemption to be pesty. They just want to revamp so it’s more pest resistant. The thing I REALLY don’t get is why so many agents polled that they don’t do it for the rewards. Maybe some ‘people fibbed out of guilt, or to please the Hive with the “right answer” ? That happens all the time. Maybe another poll is in order?
June 25th, 2006 at 9:15 am
The Sunday Times has a hil-AR-ious piece about “free stuff” – a pod coffee maker is discussed!
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/25/magazine/25funny_humor.html?ex=1308888000&en=fec3a83919dbb119&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
June 25th, 2006 at 6:18 pm
Reading all of these posts has been very interesting–I think it’s funny that there seems to be a contingency of folks who think bzzagent is a non-profit. How dare people expect something in return for their time, effort and energy. Bad bzzagents! C’mon guys, do you think that bzzagent is working for these companies for free? In exchange for nationwide publicity on specific products for very little expense (coupons, product and maybe some inexpensive rewards)–how is bzzagent compensating their “employees (bzzagents)”? By doling out prizes piecemeal (you can’t win here–either you claim too many and you’re trying to cheat the system or you don’t claim enough and you’re a bad bzzagent for hoarding) at their leisure. I understand there are/were those who were trying to cheat the system, but c’mon couldn’t you have handled this in a more professional, better thought out manner?!?
June 26th, 2006 at 12:02 pm
In all honesty, I didn’t read each and every response here. I skimmed through them. I just wanted to put in my 2 cents worth of an opinion. I heard about being a BzzAgent from a “freebie” site that I found from a “mom club”. They had “free Take 5 Candy Bars” on there. I read the BzzAgent information they presented about the company, who they are and what they do. I decided to join because I believe in word of mouth and I hope to help make a difference. As a BzzAgent I agree to try out the products at hand, tell my friends, family and strangers and write up a report about it. Personally, I feel receiving the products to test and getting coupons for future purchases are reward enough. I don’t need to be given any other gifts, points or whatever. I consider it an honor in a way that my opinion counts in making a difference to these companies in hopes of improving their products. I take being a BzzAgent seriously. If I didn’t want to give my opinion and the opinion of others in return for free product samples, I wouldn’t have signed up.
June 26th, 2006 at 4:13 pm
I still say making a two-tired membership would solve everything. People who pay get preferantial access to what they want and people unwilling to pay still get to be members and have all the benefits they enjoy too – just maybe not quite as many and quite as fast although I doubt that would happen. if you set up two tiers, it will scare away the actual pests and maybe some folks who feel they are above the tier system and all that will be left will be the people who WANT to BZZ, anjoying BZzing and aren’t gonna try and stick it to the system.
Still, I bet once those 10K pests go hasta la bye bye things will get better.
I must admit that this entire siuation would not inspire confidence in me if I were considering throwing business Bzz Agents way. Perhaps you all might want to look at the way Pinecone does business and how quickly they ferret out panel members who are posting “tips and tricks” for beating the system on freebie boards. We Pinecone panel members are the ones blowing the whistle on those pests and we are rewarded with access to good campiagns and exciting products. Just think about that as well. It could work very well here.
best of luck to you all with the changes. I’m gonna get back to bzzing – nothing more can be accomplished by continuing to comment. it’s all been said.
June 26th, 2006 at 4:19 pm
Oops – one last thing – If that BzzAgent “Being Peter Kim” is my old pal Peter from my G/Litarati days in NYC – Dude, you need to call me! My number ain’t changed since I got married ( I don’t think) and neither has my addy (for sure). Me and my better half would love to see you and catch up. It would be SO like you to run into me here. Been to Pitcairn lately? Dave went to the Cook Islands – close but no cigar.
June 26th, 2006 at 5:05 pm
Here’s my problem with both the campagns I have been getting and the rewards. First off, I am currently in the Nivea Campaign and the Folgers Smooth Campaign and of the two, the Nivea has been the one I buzzed about the most. Most of the people in my office including myself drink lots of coffee and drink regular coffee. I can’t personally think of a reason why folgers came out with this product. I also will only drink the lousy coffee at work (and the Simply Smooth is not the freatest stuff in the world)…when I drink outside work, I drink BETTER coffee….local micro roaster. Anyway, the biggest problem I have seen has been the surveys are abysmal. One of the recent ones I took had me ask if I had a child between age blah and blah and I had to click click click click….it was PONDEROUS! All of these coudl have been grouped in one set of check boxes but no we had at least 6 pages to click through. HORRIBLE DESIGN!
Second, I have not gotten selected for campaigns that I have been honestly excited about. The HomeCafe was my first one and I still buzz it. When I joine, I had wish I had gotten in on the XM radio or some other more technically oriented campaigns. Techy things I still buzz even though they have never been offered here:
My iPod
iTunes Music Store
PDA’s (all kinds)
Laptops…
UMPC’s
Now I realize Apple has to come and offer you music cards and a campaign tp do this but I would be willing to:
Try software
Try other music players
Get a good discount on a computer
Just reviewing things….for example either a free or a laptop that needs to be returned and instead of buzzing it like crazy, writing a review and recording when I reccomend it to some people(bzzing…).
I myself loved getting new products mroe then the rewards. Ihave been cashing points, but not because it was free…cuz I felt I deserved them.
June 26th, 2006 at 5:23 pm
I have been a memeber of several different WOM organizations, and this is the one that I was actually satisfied with, the only one I have stuck with. I have no idea how long I’ve been a bzzagent, but I love it. I can introduce things to people who had no more idea about them before than I did, and then share my knowledge with them, and they can spread it on.
I agree that it would be great to be able to see some of the reports from other agents during a bzz campaign. To keep them honest (meaning to keep people from cheating and just reading others’ reports then compiling a fake of their own), maybe open them up only to those agents that have already reported bzz on the campaign, and/or after the campaign has been going a certain length of time?
I definitely wouldn’t like having to pay to participate for preferential treatment, I would probably quit just on the premise of the idea. Sure, the free samples make up for whatever you’d have to pay, but chances are I wouldn’t buy the things they’re giving me to sample and bzz because I wouldn’t know about them. Nor would I bzz the products as much, because I wouldn’t have the knowledge and people wouldn’t listen as much (some of my bzztargets like the fact that what they say about it will get heard by someone who cares, where as sending a message directly to the company may or may not do any good). I don’t have have a lot of extra money to spend, and if I would be excluded from many campaigns or fromteh best campaigns for not paying, then what would be my incentive to stay?
The points system is a good one, despite the pests. Personally, I would like to participate in more campaigns, but very few have been offered me. How does that work? So maybe I wouldn’t be the IDEAL bzzagent for a campaign based on however you figure these things out, but maybe it’s something that I would LIKE to create good bzz about, something that I would ENJOY bzzing. Zenbunny (above) said that all their campaigns have been book campaigns; I would love a book campaign, because I read 4-5 books per month, sometimes more, but have never been offered a book campaign that I can remember. Some of the watcher campaigns have been things that I would have loved to participate in as well, but either they filled up or I wasn’t even aware of them until they were featured or I wandered onto the watcher campaign page. Can I change the profile you have of me to reflect myself better?
June 27th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
I too am confused by the hoarding issue. I wanted a reward (and a very low point reward at that) that seemingly vanished as they were approving my reports (I suspected foul play because the reports took so much longer to confirm than promised). I actually called the headquarters to complain and was told by a nice young woman that I should save my points so that I have enough when something good is posted (as opposed to filing reports and waiting for confirmation). (I am now hoping my phone call combined with my “hoarding” does not label me as a pest)
I also agree that as long as BzzAgent is a commercial venture- then there is reasonable expectation that bzzagents should be compensated. You don’t do it for free- why should we?
June 28th, 2006 at 7:43 am
I just hope the whole thing is straightened out soon and the pests are removed. One time I was talking with a friend/fellow Bzzagent about a reward that she wanted, but she said it was no longer offered. I told her I had just been checking out the rewards and the reward was still there (we were doing the same campaign). She insisted it wasn’t and told me to log on to her account and check. I logged into her account and under her Rewards section, she had hardly anything but Charity donations and a couple of very small, crappy rewards. I then logged out and back in as me and sure enough, I had the full gamut of great rewards to choose from. At the time we just thought it was some kind of system glitch, but now I know better — she must be/have been a suspected pest?? When will the witch hunt be over and honest Agents given a chance to prove they are legit??
June 29th, 2006 at 12:00 pm
Yes–when will the witch hunt be over? Bzzagent has done a TERRIBLE job at communicating and has not given “suspects” (and I use that term loosely since no official notification was issued) a chance to respond/prove their case. They sure are generating a LOT of negative publicity around their own company–if they think any publicity is good publicity they are as stupid as they seem to be.
June 29th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
The only people who think that hunting down pests is bad publicity are pests. BzzAgent does not owe pests a thing.
June 29th, 2006 at 1:13 pm
This has all gotten SO petty and childish!
Name calling? Really how is that necessary?
It’s dissapointing to think that all of you are adults and still behave this way.
Bottom line is this, if you’re not one of the “pests” then you have nothing to worry about, sit back, relax and just keep checking the site for new campaigns or surveys!
HAPPY 4th OF JULY EVERYONE!!
June 29th, 2006 at 1:30 pm
I dig it when people have strong opinions and share them. And thanks to BzzAgent for giving clients a forum.
June 29th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
Strong opinions are fine, immaturity and name calling just are not!
June 29th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
I am pretty new to BzzAgent having only been a member for about 3-4 months. I’m currently participating in the Folger’s Simply Smooth Campaign and several BzzBlasts. I’m a big fan of coffee and love the Simply Smooth product. I also participate in the Penguin Book Bzz Blasts as I simply cannot ever read enough. I enjoy the BzzAgent process as it is fun to hear about new products before my friends do. Inevitably when I get together with my friends we do make product reccomendations to each other so WOM seems very natural to me. I’ve been buying stuff at friends/relatives reccomendations for years.
What concerns me is the paranoia of being classified as a pest. I’m with most people in that I am saving my points in the hopes of getting some big ticket item rather than small items. Its more fun that way. Sort of like saving your money in a piggy bank when you were a kid. So what classifies one as a pest? You hoard your points? You file tons and tons of reports? You are not eloquent enough in describing the bzz that has occurred so you are thought to be lying? As I haven’t seen the answers to my questions, I’ve just decided to continue what I’m doing bzzing about books and coffee (two of my great faves in the world) and see what happens.
June 29th, 2006 at 8:12 pm
The problem I’ve noticed with Bzzagent.com and this “pest” situation:
Lack of communication—
1) who is a pest? hoarders? multiple people in one household? people who log in using the same computer?
2) how do we know if we’re a pest? do they just not get offered any campaigns anymore?
3) what about the polls and surveys? there are admitted pests who still have polls and surveys on their page regularly. is bzzagent using their answers as part of the stats they give clients? if so, you should quit giving them polls and surveys. it’s an “either or” situation. either you include them as part of bzzagent.com and give them bzzblasts at least or you don’t use their information.
4)is there an appeals process? are they just going to mass delete every pest without even allowing them to appeal?
June 29th, 2006 at 9:48 pm
I have to agree with the above poster re: lack of communication. For instance, they post this information here regarding pest activites, and then there are many, many legit Bzz Agents who come out and admit that, unbeknownst to them, they are guilty of some of these pesty actions, i.e., actually cashing in points for rewards, calling the offices, sending emails, having multiple Agents in the home, etc. But NOWHERE is it stated that any of these things are AGAINST THE RULES!!! So now we’re just left to wonder if we are on the dreaded PEST LIST? And nobody comes back to answer any of our questions!
June 30th, 2006 at 9:25 am
I have stopped answering BzzAgent poles. BzzAgent says if you answer poles you get points but then when I go to see what I can get for my points it says I cant get anything because I havent done any campaign, but BzzAgent has not provided me with any campaign (they offered me one campaign only which I could not do because it required testing the merchandise with equipment I do not have so rather than lie and claim I tested the product when I did not I declined that one campaign, however they say they have lots ofcampaigns but they dont seem to really have them. Also after this a bzzblast I have mysteriously disappeared from my home page, the bzzblast was worthless it was enter a sweepstakes and get nothing). It seems bzzAgent just wants me to answer poles for them for free and take up my time with no compensation. This is not honest of BzzAgent who gets people to participate by promising merchandise and points.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:31 am
Woah woah woah, lots of paranoid speculation and misinformation floating around here. Let me set some stuff straight: a “pest” is someone who is trying to take advantage of the BzzAgent system, period. If you’re not doing that, you won’t be put in that category, and you won’t be removed from BzzAgent. No one is put in to this category for hoarding their points, redeeming rewards, writing complaints, logging in to the same computer, living in the same household as another agent, or other things that are totally innocent and not against our rules.
However, it is possible for innocent agents to get flagged for investigation; it’s unfortunate, we don’t want to alienate good agents, but it’s a necessary evil. As the previous sentence implies, these agents are investigated and if the pest-like behaviour that initiated the flag turns out to be innocent, they are taken off of investigation and are not put into the “pest” group.
I’m sorry that we often have to be vague about this whole process. I’d love to lay it all out for you guys, so I could quell all the paranoia. If I explain the intricacies of the system though, it would give every “pest” the information necessary to fly under our radar, and that would be bad for all of us.
I ask that you please take all of these “witch-hunt” allegations with a grain of salt. I’ve observed, on this blog and other places on the internet, some of the most blatant and vile “pests” claiming to be victims of BzzAgent. What does BzzAgent have to gain from accusing and therefor alienating the same agents that make this company such a great success?
If you’re flying straight, you’re cool with us, don’t stress. If you’re one of the “pests”, your days are numbered!
July 1st, 2006 at 3:56 am
Oh, my, lots to think about in this blog.
One solution to the issue of whether filing multiple reports in one day might make on a potential “pest:” state outright that you are filing 5 reports today because it’s your night off and you have the time.
This being the start of a holiday weekend, I am taking a rare break from dissertation writing and have spent a good couple of hours on the BzzAgent website — filing reports, reading the blogs, and I even signed up for a new campaign!
Re. the prizes: sure I want the Roomba, and I’m super motivated to try for it (another 62+ reports to go…). Ya know what, though? If it disappears before my 62 reports are filed — which could take at least three or four more campaigns, after all — I’d be happy to get the tea collection, too (and it’s only 100 points!). After all, the issue is a reward for a job well done, right? To me that means finding people who may be interested in the product and talking to them honestly about it.
Then again, I’m lucky: being a Canadian member (I assume there aren’t terribly many of us at present), there are a good number of campaigns available to me. So far, no worries about being left in the lurch due to no campaigns to participate in!
I love the statement made by one individual in this blog: BzzAgent is an opportunity to try new things. If one is too immersed in points-focused (or other-purpose-focused) Bzzing to be in the real world, then both the BzzTargets and the BzzAgent are being harmed in the Bzz process. As I tell my psychology students: BALANCE!
July 1st, 2006 at 7:34 am
If filing multiple reports at one time is a form of pest-ism, then once again I am guilty. I normally keep notes about my Bzzz — date, time, to whom, etc. etc. and then once a week or whatever, I log on and submit all those Bzz reports in one shot. I wait until I have a big block of time to do it. So I don’t think submitting multiple reports is a good pest-indicator.
July 1st, 2006 at 12:22 pm
This is saddning.. I usually bank my reward points because I rather get something I really want then something useless to me.. I think no matter what there are always gonna be pests.am I right?.. I havent even had a campaign for about 8 months now… I think taking this away is depressing … I really enjoyed evry aspect of word of mouth but now what will we get in return for our thoughts? I am signed up for a few companys that reward you with your opinions with points and its always nice.. But its more fun for me because I get to speak my opinion and now a days thats hard I buzz everyday about things as im sure most of you do too.. so whats gonna happen?? bzzangents arent exactley making things very clear ! do you think so?? I havent seen a campaign up for run in over a few weeks or more for new ones?only thing I have been in is bzzblasts and they are fun.. like the 20 q one.. im on that thing everyday playing. lol.. I do believe tho they should equally be putting out campaigns so people all have a shot.. mabey taking a survey first then deciding to qualify them from that? I dont know.. But my heart is broken ) :
July 2nd, 2006 at 12:14 am
(quote)
laurie Says:
July 1st, 2006 at 7:34 am
If filing multiple reports at one time is a form of pest-ism, then once again I am guilty. I normally keep notes about my Bzzz — date, time, to whom, etc. etc. and then once a week or whatever, I log on and submit all those Bzz reports in one shot. I wait until I have a big block of time to do it. So I don’t think submitting multiple reports is a good pest-indicator.
(/end quote)
I usually do my bzz reports one at a time. When I feel I have something good to report I do it, usually within a day or two. I don’t report all the little bzzs, of which I have many and I know they want us to report all of them, but I just always feel that unless I have truly good story to tell then I don’t want to waste my time or bzzagent’s. ex: I was with a lady at the bus stop one day. She was looking kind of uncomfortable. She noticed me looking at her oddly and said, “I have heartburn from too much coffee.” I told her about Folgers new coffee. She said, “That’s nice.” I gave her a coupon. She said “Thanks.” end of story. Yeah, that’s bzz and yeah I have actually done that…LOL… but I just don’t feel it’s report worthy even though it would get me points. I don’t want them unless I feel I earned them. Some people might feel that even that kind of bzz deserves points if you report it, but this is just my own personal opinion.
Anyway, today I had a really good bzzreport to submit. I had a truly great bzz day for the Duraflame charcoal. It was awesome. My best bzz to date on any campaign. I was so excited by it that even thought I was exhausted by the time I got home I wanted to report my bzz while I was still excited from it. So I logged in and began my bzzreport.
I kept having to edit it because I had so much to say that it kept telling me it was too long and I had to edit it to make it shorter, so I edited it and the re-edited it and so on and so on until finally I shortened it enough that it met the guidelines and still, I thought, conveyed my excitement and what great bzz it was. So I hit “submit”.
Well, it took me about a half hour to write that report. I guess that was too long, because I had timed out!! After I hit submit what I got was the login screen. I was so disappointed. My report was gone and now I have to start from scratch. I have lost my excitement so my report will not be the same now and I really don’t want to use the energy to do it all again, though I will do it again, it just won’t be the same.
Anyhow, my point is… Tonight was so frustrating for me that, first of all I sent an email to jono to vent and I have decided that from now on I will use Word to type my reports and save them as I go. I will work on them when I have the opportunity without fear of getting timed out and losing the whole thing. If I am going to do reports this way, however….
I may build up a few reports, saved on my PC, and then decide to submit them all at the same time. One after the other. When I made this decision I remembered reading a post on this blog with someone talking about how people submitting multiple reports in the same day may be pests and I just wanted to add my two cents.
I will probably be submitting multiple reports in one day from now on. I just wanted to make a point to the other poster (not you Laurie, even though I quoted your post ) that submitting multiple reports in one day does not make you a pest. There are lots of reasons why people might be doing that and I just found out one of them for myself tonight. I won’t take the chance of spending a half hour writing and editing a report only to lose it and have to do it again. My hubby does his reports in 2 minutes LOL. He doesn’t have to worry about this happening to him. Me I like to tell a story. I will be doing my reports in Word from now on.
BTW… I’m not worried that I might be percieved as a pest, so that is not the reason for this post. I know I’m not a pest and so does bzzagent. (Thankyou bzzagent
I just wanted to explain to the other poster that there may be reasons why people submit more than one report in a day, as I just found out myself. Oh, and yeah, I wanted to vent a little about the being timed out thing!!!! That really upset me. But I’m over it now. I will just do my reports in Word first.
July 2nd, 2006 at 2:50 am
Well said, kbelloise! Sorry you lost your great write-up.
BTW, I’d be *so* shy about giving a stranger a coupon, and I think many others would be, too, so to me that DEFINITELY counts as you earning your buzz points.
July 3rd, 2006 at 1:35 pm
I agree, there are days that I don’t have time to report bzz, so I “save it” and report when I DO have time. This sometimes equals 2 reports in one day, 3 a week, etc. I also pass out coupons to strangers, and have reported it, but most often it is not reported. I hope bzz agent straightens this all out soon and everything goes back to “normal”.
July 5th, 2006 at 1:29 pm
Just wanted to add to my post above. Yesterday I submitted 3 reports. (I had a busy weekend with duraflame…LOL) I did the first one in word and then went to the bzzagent website and copied and pasted it into the little window and hit submit. I left the bzzagent website open, not even thinking, and went back to word to do my second report. I worked on that for a while, and then did my last one. Then I went back to the bzzagent site and I was still logged on. I only had to cut and paste both reports in and I was done.
How come I didn’t get timed out this time? Maybe that other report took alot longer than I thought. I don’t know. I just thought it was kind of strange. I expected to have to log in again, but I didn’t.
Oh well, I’m still gonna do my reports in word first anyway. I’m not gonna take that chance again.
July 16th, 2006 at 7:53 pm
Do you know the exact same thing happened to me when I was a “new Bzz agent”? It might have been my first report, all I know is that I spent a long time detailing every aspect of the BZZing I had done and I was very excited and wanted to be sure to include all the details. When I hit submit, I was told my report was too long, I kept trying to shorten it and edit it without having the report lose the relvant information and after trying a few times to submit and I kept being told it was still too long, I somehow lost it and had a blank page.
So I had to retype my BZZ report, only this time I did make it much shorter because I too had lost the initial excitement I had, I also told BZZ agent about this, I told them that if they want accurate details in our BZZ report, we should not be limited to how many words we can type, I also told them how my initial report was the “accurate version” and how this second report I now had to type was the brief version since I was very annoyed that my first report somehow disappeared off the screen after trying to edit it (since it was too long).
Anyway, I just wanted to add that I totally understand where you are coming from and I told BZZ agent about this. Since then I have not had that problem, I try to keep my reports shorter since I know I am limited to how many words I can type but I really don’t think there should be a limit if BZZ wants accurate, detailed good BZZ reports. At least maybe there should be a word counter as we are typing so we know if we are typing “too long” of a report and we do not spend our time in vain.
July 23rd, 2006 at 6:18 pm
I have been a BzzAgent for about hmmmm……. over a year. Soon there were 2 campaigns I could join. One didn’t interest me so I passed, the other I joined and still use the product to this day! I was disapointed to find out when the campaign ended so did my opportunity to get rewards from it. I have almost 300 points from last year still sitting there because until reacently I was never offered another campaign. So hopefully I can finally turn my points in for a reward once I get my BzzReports for my current campaigns accepted. I want the rewards, I just couldn’t get them!
August 14th, 2006 at 12:02 pm
I have been a BzzAgent for about 2 years or so. I am an outgoing person (to put it mildly) and very vocal (major understatement) so “Bzzing” is something I have always done – joining BzzAgent just makes my WOM more official. I am a full-time student at Washburn University in KS and am gunning for law school. At 41, with children at home ranging from 21 down to 16 months-old, my life is total chaos but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being mom-student-wife-whateverelseanyoneneeds gives plenty of opportunities to talk up (or down) anything that I might be Bzzing ATM. I still Bzz products from past campaigns – I mean if it is good, why should an expired campaign prevent me from sharing information/opinions? I Bzz so often but don’t always take the time to write up a Bzzreport (my bad, I am working on being more efficient – hang with me). In other words, I do not do this just for the rewards or for the product samples; I like trying new things and talking about them (good or bad) and I really appreciate getting to try something out I might hesitate to purchase without having experienced it first. But this thread is about REWARDS, so I am getting back to it (deal with me here, I always beat around the bush before going in)…I have never commented in the BeeLogs before, just another perpetual “lurker” but this thread has kinda bothered me. I will still be a happy BzzAgent if no rewards were given, but I like earning the rewards. I have noticed some of the bigger offerings (like the Roomba – I want one, but I dunno) but I never really intend to save my Bzzpoints for something big, I just let them accumulate and if something catches my eye that I have enough points for, I’ll redeem it. The rewards have been little bright spots in my life and the lives of my children. We must live frugally (school for me is VERY expensive) and we don’t often have a whole lot of extra money for treats and goodies. In the past two years I have redeemed points for a hand-held fishing game that became a Christmas present for my oldest son – he LOVES this silly game and to this very day, it sits near his chair and at almost anytime he can be found watching tv and “fishing”. I redeemed some points for a bracelet (some designer name, I can’t remember) for my eldest daughter loved; she doesn’t wear it anymore but it has found a permanent home on the wrist of Pinky, her stuffed rabbit she has had since she was 2. More recently, I received one of the Harry Potter DVDs which is now my 2 year-olds absolute favorite and it must be watched several times per week. About 2 weeks ago, I had enough points to redeem for a really nice 5 book set of Harry Potter (I just got it 2 days ago), and this is what has prompted my comment – this set of books is WONDERFUL! I wanted it to add to a small library of books I share with my children, a collection of stories that I loved as a child and some that I found as an adult and only wished I had read as a child. I guess what I am trying to say is for some folks it might just be a set of paperbacks, but for me it is an addition to a legacy. This set of books is sitting still unwrapped on top of our entertainment center and has become an object of wonder and adoration. I know it sounds silly, but my entire family is really appreciative of this “gift”. Gift is how I think of the things I get to choose and receive as rewards from BzzAgent. Each and every one of them became a little piece of sunshine to whomever in my family it was bestowed. I think the books were only something like 280 points but as nice as this set is I would have expected it to be much more, and we noticed that it cost almost 10$ just to ship it here. When we noticed that, I felt a little bit guilty, I mean were my little reports really worthy of such an awesome reward? I guess they must have been, because here the books sit. So……THANK YOU BZZAGENT!!! For giving me “legitimate” reason to run my mouth and blab with perfect strangers, for letting me try products I might not otherwise get to, for letting me be a small part of something that has enriched my life in ways I could never really explain (suffice it to say my experience as a BzzAgent has really helped me out in school), and for the really great rewards I get to pick out. I really like the rewards. I hope that BzzAgent finds a way to keep the reward program. But if not, I still have license to chatter freely, afterall I am a bonafide BzzAgent!!!
Valkurja
July 27th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
I’m a Bzz Agent because of the enjoyment of talking to people and seeing their faces when you give them a coupon. I’m not saving up my points, sure I have plenty of points but I also order quite a few Bzz Rewards if they are still there when I’m ready to order that certain Bzz Reward but unfortunately they go too fast. I’ve missed out on plenty of Bzz Rewards that I would have loved and I was quite upset when I missed out on one I really wanted for my husband. I put in my Bzz Report the very first day the Campaign was offered and I joined, when my Bzz Report was reviewed the very next day the Bzz Reward was gone. As I said I’m a Bzz Agent mainly because it is a lot of fun but when and if I really want a reward and it’s already out of stock hours after it is offered that is a bit of a disappointment, especially if the Bzz Reward was for someone else and not for me. I also give to things like Habit for Humanity and things like that, if I think it is a good one to give to. Actually we don’t have enough Bzz Rewards out there to be picked from at all so don’t think we are doing anything wrong by having a lot of points, I have around 8000 points but I have also ordered and received about 10 out of the 15 Bzz Rewards I ordered within the last month or so. My husband loved the Harry Potter books I only wish that they were they hard cover books, the kind we like to buy and add to our library. I think paper back books look cheap when you have a special library type room in your house and I refuse to buy paper back books! I only ordered the Harry Potter one’s for my husband but the next time the hard cover set is on sale I’m still going to purchase it! He just purchased the latest Harry Potter book in hard cover a few days ago and read the 700 or so pages in a day and a half!!!!!
July 30th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
I joined bzzagent because I have always been the type of person to tell everyone around me about the great products I find. Whether it is a good book, a great skin cleaner, a fantastic vacuum… I have an odd compulsion to telling everyone that I know about it.
Because of this, I would be the first to say that getting a free product to try out should be enough. Unfortunately, SOME (not all) of the “samples” given during the campaigns have gone downhill, and with no good reward for reporting, I question sometimes whether I should bother on those campaigns.
For example, I was very excited to get onto the Listerine Whitening campaign. I actually bzzed the product and sent in reports several times before I even received the kit. Upon opening it I learned that I only received 2 days worth of the product for myself and a handful more to pass out to people I talk to. I will continue to tell everyone about the strips. They are a fantastic product. However, I won’t have any incentive to report back on the bzz I’ve created (Typing up articulate reports can take up a lot of valuable time for a full-time grad student/ full-time employee) unless I am receiving some form of compensation for it. Maybe that’s wrong, but my time is valuable.
On a positive note, I do like the new system. I am glad to see that there is an effort being made to get rid of people abusing the system. I also like the idea of the Participation and Quality scores because it gives me some positive feedback for sharing information in a way that supports the continuation of BzzAgent.com. Keep going with the changes… they are great.
But please try to bring the rewards system back in SOME way. It is frustrating to turn in hundreds of legitimate reports and stockpile thousands of points with nothing to spend them on (I am currently a Tier 3 agent with 2214 points). I’m holding out for more than a pot of lipgloss (which I can buy myself) or a donation to a charity (I already donate to the not-for-profit I work for)… and unfortunately, I don’t play poker. We all have our reasons for being hoarders.
Sincerely,
BzzAgent ArtsyAndi
August 13th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article Pests, Rewards and Hypocritical Marketers, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
September 27th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
I also honestly share my bzz products with my friends and coworkers. I report and I have a lot of points. I am not “hoarding” points. I am waiting for an item that I want to redeem my points on. I worked for them in the way of writing a report or reports. Recently there hasn’t even BEEN any rewards unless you count charity, which as another person wrote is something I do anyway. It’s as if one day my employer decided “guess what, this week you don’t get a paycheck, you get to give money to charity” I think bzzagent management is turning the tables, playing cop out because they don’t have rewards to offer.
October 29th, 2007 at 10:54 am
I am disappointed by the whole points issue. To offer a reward for doing something, and then get called a “pest” for asking for the reward is wrong.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I’m completely fine with the way bzzagent is right now! I love it. I always get excited when I am offered campaigns. I think I have done three so far and I joined in August 06. I too save up my points just because, I don’t really need a reward for doing this I feel like its a reward enough to get to test out products for free before I spend my hard earned money to try something out and hate it. I have redeemed for one prize though a skillet from the capital one campaign I think it was, but only because I am collecting some stuff that I need for when I move this summer to go to College. I have also recruited my sister into joining bzzagent. Overall I think this is a great place keep up the great work guys!
September 27th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
My best bzz to date on any campaign.
There are flaws in every company, no?
November 13th, 2008 at 9:54 am
very nice shoes:)
thank you:)
http://www.emoturk.org/