How Many Have Felt Lately

Why aren't your frustrations with this platform misplaced, like the timing of their upgrade? That's one of the most frustrating things about upgrades: they do more damage to our favorite world. For those who have been on this platform for a while, with all of its shortcomings, to see things get even more frustrating and know that it could have been avoided is enough to have people freaking out!

And yes, they could have chosen to hold this last round of updates until a point when it wouldn't have made things worse. But that's not an easy time to figure out either. As someone who's been around a while, let's consider why it's such a pain right now.

We're at that traditional time of year where it feels like nobody is reading much. Seeing days on end of zero reads was frustrating and disheartening. It makes a person feel left out of the process, like a castaway on Writer Island. Most of us probably feel that way at some point: our titles or images, or a combination of both, not getting people to click and open the stories we write.

Then, let's consider that it was this time of year, and the staff at Vocal realized this might be the least frustrating time for most people. People are spending more time at neighborhood barbecues, outside enjoying the weather, working in their yards, visiting neighbors, and it's like that every year. Vocal picked the best time of the year for a majority of their users. Sorry if that's not you, but remember:

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."

--Leonard Nimoy, Mr. Spock

And there are still some people struggling to get back to full usability. Yes, that's a problem. The glitches created by the most recent round of updates, which have so far been a notable improvement that we can all use, are a huge issue if you're still struggling.

That's where we have to hope that the platform managers take into account the effects the glitches have on people. The longer people are robbed of what they're paying for, the more the right thing to do is to compensate them in some small way. But that takes time, because to fairly tabulate what should be done, if a company like Vocal did offer something, they'd have to wait until the end of all or 99% of the problems were solved before they look at what they can afford to do, and what's fair for everyone.

Of course, people who are still struggling have to do what's right for them. I've taken breaks away from Vocal. I've literally walked away, promised I was done, only to come back and try using the site again. That's the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result. How many of you have done that?

Either it's a case of stubbornness, having something to prove, or insanity. I can't decide which. Perhaps it's a crisis of faith, but that's faith in ourselves when we get to this place.

Yes, I "bitched" about the effect. I was busy for a few days and didn't know what was going on. Hopped on to do some poetry, because...., sometimes I gotta do poetry. And I was locked out. I had that serious what the heck moment.

A few days later, I was back in the saddle, hospital gown and comfy bunny slippers, heading into the asylum again. Unfortunately, my gown doesn't close in the back, and everyone could see my Superman Underwear. But that's a different story.

As things start to iron out and people can get back in the swing of things, remember: it's July. People are spending less time indoors, less time in front of computers, and more time letting their minds debug. So, if you're still struggling, take a break. Step outside more. Watch a Fast and Furious marathon with some buddies and a case of Corona. Go somewhere and visit people you haven't seen in a while.

It'll all get better eventually.