It may now be time to alert Search & Rescue - don kerr - Canada

don kerr

6 years ago · 2 min. reading time · ~10 ·

Blogging

don blog

It may now be time to alert Search & Rescue

In November of 2016, I produced a bit of honey here that garnered some attention. https://www.bebee.com/producer/@don-kerr/are-the-bebee-waters-getting-choppy-time-to-launch-a-rescue-vessel

In the article, I posited that beBee was experiencing some evident growing pains but that all indications showed potential for real growth and North American penetration. (I'll let Robert Cormack.

On this first day of 2018, I am, regretfully, thinking that the North American obituary for beBee may soon be published. It is a very real shame and I do hope I am very wrong and I do wish I knew what magic elixir might be applied to resurrect this (maybe that's better near Easter!).

If you can provide evidence that I am wrong, I would be most pleased and welcome your commentary.

Regardless, a noble experiment perhaps has gone wrong.

don@donkerrwrites.com

https://donkerrwrites.com

https://ridingshotgun.squarespace.com

#November #Search #Robert Cormack #Don Kerr #Rescue

Comments

Javier Cámara-Rica 🐝🇪🇸

2 years ago #70

Milos Djukic

6 years ago #69

Social media is not just blogging, for successful individual-group interactions and successful communication both forms are required: long-form posts and short-form posts. Also, professional groups with a complete set of moderation capabilities. I'm talking about business now.

don kerr

6 years ago #68

#75
Patrick Scullin My hope as well!

Patrick Scullin

6 years ago #67

Thanks for the shoutout. Let's hope your feeling about BeBee folding isn't true and that producers will keep on producing!

don kerr

6 years ago #66

#68
Randall Burns You are clearly neither naive nor missing the boat. I'm still a supporter and so enjoy that I meet people such as you. Perhaps almost any recipe can be improved...with the exception of my smoked St. Louis Ribs which are off limits!

don kerr

6 years ago #65

#65
Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher I am sure many share your perspective and it is a good one.

don kerr

6 years ago #64

#71
Don't be sorry. Everyone has a right to their p.o.v.

Don Hornsby

6 years ago #63

#46
Still poor judgement. Sorry.

Randall Burns

6 years ago #62

#69
HaHa! LMAO!!! Phil Friedman Touche buddy. Yes, you can't make an omelette without breaking any eggs.

Phil Friedman

6 years ago #61

#68
Randall, to my mind, when you're cooking a stew, it's useful to stir the pot. :-) Cheers!

Randall Burns

6 years ago #60

#60
Continued... I appreciate Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr at the helm, (I figure you of anyone would appreciate that analogy Phil, hehe). Now maybe I'm missing the boat completely and am blind to some glaring issues, possibly I'm naive but that's my 2 cents worth. Great Job! Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr

Randall Burns

6 years ago #59

#60
continued... I appreciate Don 🐝 Kerr's perspective and sentiments for writing this, it's a question being "put on the table" for discussion, and the discussion has been excellent. Bottom line is I have faith in Javier 🐝 beBee at the helm, (I figure you of anyone would appreciate that analogy Phil, hehe). Now maybe I'm missing the boat completely and am blind to some glaring issues, possibly I'm naive but that's my 2 cents worth. Great Job! Don 🐝 Kerr

Randall Burns

6 years ago #58

#60
That's a very interesting quote and concept Phil Friedman), and which I've stated before I'm not trying to sell anything, not trying to solicit anything, and the bottom line is I'm not paying to be here, (really wish I had italics here in the comment section to highlight some of this stuff), but I'm here because I enjoy it, g a hell of a lot, I laugh a lot. We, collectively, have a great "product" here, and we, collectively ALL contribute to that. As derogatory and as cynically as that comment wade about "ueel that in the least, we are ALL "users", LMAO!!! to be cont...

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #57

For me, beBee has been a safe place to write and I have met so many wonderful people. People will come and go and on many platforms; others will find one that works for them and stick with it. I am not selling a product or service on beBee so, I don't feel stress when it comes to interacting or when I write an article. I use FB to vent a bit and just unwind. I use beBee to read and write. The past 3 months or so I've slowed down for reasons that have nothing to do with any social networking site. Sending good vibes for a prosperous 2018 for beBee! The only thing I'd like to see one day as things progress: Hives where we can share our photography like we used to, because it's an art within itself.

Phil Friedman

6 years ago #56

#61
For the record, Don, a "wee peon" is the recipient of Trump-style "trickle-down economics". The already-wealthy get most of the newly-generated wealth, then piss on the rest of us. Cheers!

Phil Friedman

6 years ago #55

#61
For the record, Don, a "wee peon" is the recipient of Trump-style "trickle-down economics". The wealthy get most of the wealth, then piss on the rest of us. Cheers!

Lisa Vanderburg

6 years ago #54

#61
HAHA...I rather like being a wee peon Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr - no unfulfilled expectations! As I'm A yank abroad, I can fully appreciate the potential bemusement of the Stateside crowd: WTF followed by WFT??? But I have faith they will find their grounding :)

don kerr

6 years ago #53

#58
Lisa Vanderburg That's one of the great things about beBee and contrary to what some may surmise, I remain a supporter. My expression of concern was in the vein of addressing what appears to be a halt to growth in America and why that might be. BTW: One of the other reasons I remain a supporter is because no one here is a 'wee peon'!

Phil Friedman

6 years ago #52

#53
I just read a great quote of a statement made at a meeting of social media ownership and designer types: "After all, if you're not paying [to use the platform], you're the product." This was delivered cynically in the context of deriding social media "users". It is reflective, moreover, of a pervasive attitude that accepts the gaming and manipulation of SM users in the service of profit-generation. It's long past time to get real about what is actually going on in the SM sector. Cheers!

Lisa Vanderburg

6 years ago #51

What's the BBF or the use before date??

Lisa Vanderburg

6 years ago #50

Ya know, I have read this VIP buzz several times Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr. I have not responded as yet because I get the sense this is an 'ambassador-ship' meeting. Yet you made it fully public. That's utterly fascinating in itself! EVERY comment is...revealing, and equally challenging to a wee peon like me. I came because I wanted to be free from what I usually do, and it has caused me a great deal of wondrous trouble - love it! :) It may be a sort of freedom for me, but it also is serious business for others, so truly, I don't have a say. Jim Murray's summation: 'After all, we are all investors in beBee, if only for the content we provide' is the key to the ambassadors concern I guess. So my question probably is: When does the censorship start? Kidding...I think Bebee's got legs (and wings), but that has to be measured against the biz-end; I have nothing to lose. Good for you, dudes and dudesses!

don kerr

6 years ago #49

#53
Jim Murray Exactly.

don kerr

6 years ago #48

#51
Joel Anderson "Discussion is a pathway to understanding, discovery and forward movement " Could not agree more.

Dominique 🐝 Petersen

6 years ago #47

#26
Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr The change is the fact that you have to write blogs to post into the hives. This means that I can't post music videos in either of my music hives—Music of the '40s, '50s and '60s and Dr. Hook. (see my post: https://www.bebee.com/producer/@dominique-petersen/quick-buzz-becoming-producer-post-voices-from-the-past)

Jim Murray

6 years ago #46

I don't think anybody is predicting the demise of beBee. But you can't put a bunch of smart experienced marketing people in any environment without questions of this nature popping up. After all, we are all investors in beBee, if only for the content we provide.

Joel Anderson

6 years ago #45

As for me, I am just an old fart that has figured out over the course of my life that things sometimes happen fast, sometimes slow, other times somewhere in between, and yes at times in the other direction. Thanks again for a post that keeps everyone honest and focused on what really matters. For me, in the purest sense, I am not currently trying to build a business; make a billion $$ (have a couple hair brained ideas on that front though); or turn my brand into something viral that takes over the world in a fleeting moment of notoriety. I am committed to a journey of life long learning, and through that my own personal growth, and maybe as a result of the affinities (good, bad, indifferent) that I share with others, by engaging and interacting with each--supporting things that I think are important or that I have a passion about, whatever that may be. And yes, thank you Javier 🐝 beBee Juan Imaz and the rest of you: keep making a difference: one person, one step at a time. As Edward Everett Hale is attributed as saying: "I am only one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." Wising all of you Peace, Positivity, Kindness, Goodwill and yes even growth during a great 2018.

Joel Anderson

6 years ago #44

#45
Thanks Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr Fully understood. Discussion is a pathway to understanding, discovery and forward movement. Whether peculiar in an idiosyncratic way or focused on instantiating ones brand (personal or otherwise), sustaining growth, monetization or simply engaged from an affinity based business development perspective, it is never a one size fits allIspectsto a point of whatever floats ones boat. You either make the boat, get on the boat, fall off or just watch it pass by. The choices are there for all to make. With respect to your post I do I think dialogue is a key and critical element in moving forward and not allowing one to stagnate. Heck, just look at what happened to KODAK in their moment!

Jim Murray

6 years ago #43

#42
I have trusted you so far Javier \ud83d\udc1d beBee. Hopefully good things will happen as we all move forward.

Wayne Yoshida

6 years ago #42

#47
Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr - Thank you - sigh of relief. Keep posting, and this is turning out to be a good wake up call.

don kerr

6 years ago #41

#41
Javier \ud83d\udc1d beBee One might also need ambassadors who, because of their hope for the platform, might see the need to point out if the Emperor is scantily clad.

don kerr

6 years ago #40

#35
Wayne Yoshida Doubling up on responses here 'cause your commentary, as always, is more erudite than mine and reflects my perspective as well.

don kerr

6 years ago #39

#34
Don Hornsby Guess we better never use any images of the Viet Nam war either or any other calamity.

don kerr

6 years ago #38

#33
Joel Anderson See, you've just demonstrated why I think beBee is a cool place to hang out - several interesting folks sharing their perspectives. Again, I reiterate that it is not my intention to sound the death knell. Just as I need a kick in the drawers for perspective sometimes, maybe so too does beBee.

don kerr

6 years ago #37

#27
Paul \ I posted this more out of concern for a platform I enjoy rather than to take shots at a pimply adolescent - which beBee may be at this stage in its growth. Surely the platform is sufficiently robust to absorb a few light taps and I think too you have some interesting thoughts on where it could go. Also have noted the Canadian content!

Randall Burns

6 years ago #36

#28
#29 Agreed Joel Anderson

Javier Cámara-Rica 🐝🇪🇸

6 years ago #35

#32
Jim Murray no worries. beBee is making 2 MM euros and will never die. WE NEVER GIVE UP. This is a marathon and most of runners never can finish a marathon 😎😎😎😎😎... ENJOY THE NEXT MONTHS TO COME ;). Nobody expects what we are cooking :) happy new year to everybody !!! 🐝🐝🐝🐝

Javier Cámara-Rica 🐝🇪🇸

6 years ago #34

#5
thanks Ren\u00e9e \ud83d\udc1d Cormier for your support. We need ambassadors who believe in the project ;) great news are coming during the next months ;)

Wayne Yoshida

6 years ago #33

#37
#38 yup.

Jim Murray

6 years ago #32

#37
That kinda says it all.

Phil Friedman

6 years ago #31

#9
What I read here are, speaking perhaps too candidly, mostly the idiosyncratic expressions of individual about why they are on beBee. And as much as I love a few of you and enjoy interacting with many of you, I have to point out the following: 1) The platform was sold initially on a promise of "affinity networking" which was supposed to be effected by means of membership in various Hives of personal choice. In practice, Hives have not reached their potential because, in general, the material shared in hives is not topic filtered, but rather a hodgepodge that defies the creation of meaningful "affinity". 2) The platform was also sold initially on the supposed business-related value of personal-to-business transitions, that is, the purported fact that people first form personal relationships and only then move into business transactions. However, that has not seemed to demonstrate itself, at least not here on beBee. And indeed, I suspect that not only is it not true on beBee, it is not true anywhere at any time. My personal experience is that people prefer to do business with those of their business acquaintances with whom they form personal bonds -- but the business relationship, at least the glimmer of a business relationship, has to precede the personal one if a business transaction is ever to result. 3) The platform needs to be monetized. But without "buyers" -- whether in B2C or B2B sectors or both -- the basis for monetization via premium memberships or advertising or whatever simply does not exist. Witness the emphasis on either an IPO or finding a VC angel. In other words, beBee is a great place for a relatively tiny group to blog and engage, but it has not proven itself to be a gateway to the world of business relationships or business news or business people in general.

Wayne Yoshida

6 years ago #30

PS -- Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr - I hope your post does not mean you are leaving us. I enjoy your stuff.

Wayne Yoshida

6 years ago #29

Thanks for the thought piece Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr. Interestingly, I thought about this for a long time - How is this platform going to survive? beBee must generate some form of "income" in whatever form. But in the meantime, I am very grateful for the many great people I have met via this platform. I am certain I would have never met most of these folks in any other way. And, as others have observed, the number of views is far greater than what is posted / produced on LinkedIn - and other places, like my Wordpress site and others. But, comparisons of views is never accurate, since parameters are unknown definitely not the same. I have always and will continue to say we should (must?) cross-connect all of our activities across all platforms we participate in -- beBee is another venue for this. I write and post mostly for me, and maybe some of my posts can be helpful for others. I am not selling any products or services. But I do desire a "hidden" aspect of my posts: The desire to be recognized for my skills, talents and thoughts for topics I write about, which is one of the missions of beBee in the first place: We are all more than just our job titles. I am looking forward to seeing the changes in this new year, and hopeful that we will continue -- but most of all - I am looking forward to seeing all the wonderful, interesting and thought-provoking content from the beBee producers.

Don Hornsby

6 years ago #28

I am not commenting on the content of the article. However, the use of the photo of the Challenger explosion is not a wise one. It may be offensive to some who understand that a number of people died in that disaster. Poor choice.

Joel Anderson

6 years ago #27

Despite my comment on statistics. I would like to share a simple assessment on one of my articles. beBee: 2.5K views, 23 relevants. 23 comments and a couple shares. other SM platform #1: 306 views, 1 like. other SM platform #2: 57 impressions, 2 likes. And as I said in another buzz: Let me be clear up front--I write for me. I write because something has moved me to at least voice an opinion on a topic. I write to express a view on something that I am passionate about. I am a digital immigrant. I am a person that just wants to make a difference. I am not an emotional intelligence guru. I am not a big data aficionado. I am not an insight or knowledge management "C"-suite person. I am not a Pulitzer Prize kind of author. I am not a Nobel Peace Prize kind of transformer. I am, as Lynyrd Skynyrd might say, a simple kind of man. I am me. I believe in me; and I believe in you! That is why I write. And for that, I am thankful to each one of you who have taken the time to read, like, find relevant and comment on any of my musings as they have been posted.

Jim Murray

6 years ago #26

#27
A lot of what you suggested in your comment has been suggested before. I'm happy with what beBee is becoming, but like a few people I know I'm having trouble with where the revenue, ergo continued existence will come from. Most social media sites generate their revenue from advertising. Some overkill it like Facebook. Hopefully a lot of what you are talking about is 'in the works'.

Joel Anderson

6 years ago #25

Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr Lord almighty. I continue to type with my thumbs. I meant to say "a post to think about the current and future."

Joel Anderson

6 years ago #24

Whether I selectively engage with 425 fellow bees, 15, 589 connections, or 1,191 followers to me is not the important thing. It is the interaction and benefit I derive from shared engagement. I am not a big one on statistics, but I will just say this. My engagement on this platform is directly centered on quality, not quantity and as sporadic as I have been lately in participating, my return on investment is rich beyond measure. I was not drawn to this platform because of numbers or growth statistics. Rather I was drawn to it because it was a platform where I have connected and interacted with folks in an exceptionally positive manner. I continue to do so. Regardless of the level and flow of the affinity stream, it is because folks like you who have provided and continue to provide me content that I found/find personally informative and important. I may be out in left field, but for me i do not think beBee is stagnant or stale. To me. whether its growth, development and advancement has slowed is not the important thing, rather it is the benefit I get out of engaging with and learning from folks like you. To me, the affinity stream bed has not become dry or turned into a stagnant pool of disuse. For me, as long as there remains input and output within the SM cycle and I learn something along the way, I am grateful for and richer because of it all. All the best for a great 2018.

Joel Anderson

6 years ago #23

Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr Thanks for providing a p one think about the current and future. I think it is a phenomena of social media in general. In part I think it gets to an issue of cycles, the ebb and flow of SM in general, novelty, habit, stagnation, relevance and persistence. With all those buzz words., it may also get to a needed discussion on cause, effect and definitions. Are the affinity waters of beBee truly stagnant or despite a perception or reality of slowing down in North America, is it still in some form of an ebb and flow. We have experienced the flood waters of growth and what may or may not be a manifestation of reaching a current steady state of operations or a statistical slow down in growth? For me, (and I wont speak for others) when I look at my participation on other social media platforms; some of which I have significantly more connections I find that I am just a number (significant or insignificant as numbers may be). My involvement or lack thereof becomes a matter of time and the return on investment or break even for engaging within any one or multiple SM platforms. If I get some kind of return for the engagement, then I continue. If I don't, I just periodically monitor whats going on or completely check off the net.

don kerr

6 years ago #22

#25
Dominique \ud83d\udc1d Petersen That's interesting. What is the 'change' to which you refer? Curious.

Dominique 🐝 Petersen

6 years ago #21

I was very active here until the "change" came about. Now I basically just post once a week. beBee has become a blogging only site and I believe a lot of people have quit because they just aren't bloggers.

don kerr

6 years ago #20

#7
Mark Morris One can only hope that there is a way to sustain and grow the platform. BTW: Welcome!

don kerr

6 years ago #19

#6
Phil Friedman We're in the same boat on the hope front.

don kerr

6 years ago #18

#5
Ren\u00e9e \ud83d\udc1d Cormier Hope you're right my friend and neighbour!

don kerr

6 years ago #17

#8
Randall Burns No doubt, for me, the major benefit of this platform is being introduced to people such as you and I remain hopeful that the opportunity for such growth will continue. Happy New Year!

don kerr

6 years ago #16

#9
Charlene Norman Agreed.

don kerr

6 years ago #15

#10
Ian Weinberg (although I will admit to a degree of envy!) but the inability of the platform to deliver promised developments for one full year is concerning, is it not?

don kerr

6 years ago #14

#11
Jim Murray It is my hope that an obit is a long way off.

don kerr

6 years ago #13

#12
Pascal Derrien I guess I need to adopt more of your glass-half-full approach!

don kerr

6 years ago #12

#13
Robert Cormack You make an excellent point and your advice re: presenting in person in public is great advice. Thanks for your penetrating perspective.

don kerr

6 years ago #11

#14
Franci\ud83d\udc1dEugenia Hoffman, beBee Brand Ambassador No doubt you are correct with regard to the transitory nature of SM relationships. Guess my point is that the growth of this platform in America has stagnated and that does not bode well from my perspective and that is a shame.

Robert Cormack

6 years ago #10

Good piece, Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr, and I share your concerns. To be honest, I think your comments could be attached to social media in general. We've all enjoyed a forum, indulging our interest in writing. One morning, though, we wake up and realize this is no different than vanity publishing. Sure, it's great to put a book out, but it's no guarantee anyone will read it. Too many people come here (and many other sites) saying, "I'm a writer." A few were even aghast when they learned I spend about 10 hours on each post "Ten fucking hours!" they write. "Why don't you just let your thoughts flow?" The answer is simple: Look at what you write and ask yourself: "Could I stand at a podium and read this to a really big audience?" To me, if you can say, yes, then you're a writer. If you think I'm crazy, you're not a writer. If you're worried about sites like beBee surviving, that's the question you have to ask. Oh, consider this "penetration."

Pascal Derrien

6 years ago #9

We lost some we gained some I would add Donna, Irene etc...., strategy has to be refined when scaling up is not working I suppose, life goes on and so is our engagement..... to the plus side of things in 2018 whatever it will be :-)

Jim Murray

6 years ago #8

Yeah...I'm not willing to write an obit until i see a corpse. All BEezer antics aside. I hope you are wrong. But hope is not a strategy.

Ian Weinberg

6 years ago #7

Indeed Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr it has been a pleasure meeting and engaging with people such as yourself here on this platform. For me personally, beBee provided a user-friendly opportunity to 'produce'. Seeking business was never a priority. But I do agree with you, there has been a noticeable drop off of meaningful posts and engagement of late. Not clear whether this reflects nuances in the SM environment generally or if unique to beBee. I guess at this point, direction and initiative rests squarely with management.

Randall Burns

6 years ago #6

Interesting read Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr being relatively new here myself I can't really form an opinion yet but I must say that I've enjoyed my time here so far. I have 5X the connections on LinkedIn and yet have 5X the engagement here which is very noticeable for me. I've been on LinkedIn for over 3 years and I've noticed a severe drop in engagement/user friendly platform/overall lack of performance there. I will pay closer attention and bring up any pertinent points as I see them. Thanks for your perceptions.

Mark Morris

6 years ago #5

As a more recent visitor, my perception is that there are a very small number of active English speakers (posters and comment givers) here. Because they are quite active, and tend to cluster together to converse, it makes things appear a lot busier. I also understand that the promised new platform is something like a year late. That's a huge red flag for the entire platform. It suggests a lack of resources to get the job done. The future is not looking promising.

Phil Friedman

6 years ago #4

Thank you, Don \ud83d\udc1d Kerr, for the mention. I assure you that I am equally pleased to have made your acquaintance via beBee. Which is why I share your consternation. The growth numbers are the numbers. I said this before (see below link), so it should not be any big thing to repeat it here. In all my time on beBee, and all the effort "producing" for the platform, I have not received a single inquiry from a business prospect. That is in distinct contrast to my experience on LinkedIn, where I've pulled down a number of solid writing and marine industry consulting gigs over the years. Of course, I have my own ideas about why this is the case, but it's not my place to recite them here. I can only say that I wish beBee a better year in 2018; and I join you in hoping to hear something positive from management and ownership about the future. Cheers! https://www.bebee.com/producer/@friedman-phil/the-sound-of-one-hand-clapping

don kerr

6 years ago #3

Paul \ oh, and so are y'alls.

don kerr

6 years ago #2

Robert Cormack y'all are also mentioned here

don kerr

6 years ago #1

Kevin Pashuk y'all are mentioned here

Articles from don kerr

View blog

6 years ago · 2 min. reading time

Related professionals

Mark Morris

I'm an information technologist dealing with both hardware and software development, and interested in writing online as a hobby and side hustle

Upper Management / Consulting

Barrie - Ontario

Randall Burns

Chef and World Traveler

Tourism / Travel / Hospitality

Fort Saskatchewan - Alberta

Pascal Derrien

CEO Migraine Ireland

Non-profit / Volunteering

Dublin - Leinster

You may be interested in these jobs

Telecommunications Compliance Officer

Found in: beBee Professionals CA - 4 days ago

Direct apply

beBee Professionals Calgary, Canada Compliance Specialists Freelance

Job Title: Telecommunications Compliance Officer · Location: Calgary, Alberta · Company: beBee Professionals · Job Description: · We are looking for a Telecommunications Compliance Officer to join our team in Calgary, Alberta. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensu ...
DevOps Engineer- AWS

Found in: Talent CA C2 - 1 week ago

BMO Toronto, Canada Full time

Application Deadline: · 04/11/2024Address: · 4100 Gordon Baker RoadJob Family Group: · TechnologyWe are seeking a highly skilled DevOps Candidate who is ready for the Fastlane on one of our Premium IT Teams. As a member of our DevOps team, you will be responsible for designing, i ...
retail store supervisor

Found in: Talent CA 2 C2 - 6 days ago

TJ's Convenience Store Hamiota, Canada

Education: · Expérience: · Education · Secondary (high) school graduation certificate · Work setting · Retail business · Tasks · Assign sales workers to duties · Order merchandise · Authorize return of merchandise · Establish work schedules · Sell merchandise · Prepare reports ...