LJ Ageism?

[kelliem]

(copied wholesale from cathexys because I think this is a good idea...)

If you are--like me--somewhat annoyed at LJ for catering to a very young crowd and trying their best to mimic MySpace (with all the things we may not like about that site!), there's one thing you can actually do: let yourself be counted in the age demographic.

As long as LJ sees HERE that the largest number of users is in the 17-20 crowd, they'll try to cater to that audience. One problem from my perspective is that the 18 year olds are less likely to pay, and I'd like to see the statistic modified for paid users! But as long as they're looking at the hard numbers only, we might as well throw ours into the mix.

So, if you're like me, and never wanted your birthday out there, you can you to EDIT PROFILE and add your DOB to be counted in internal LJ statistics but not displayed.

I just did that for all my accounts (I'd forgotten how many I created over the years and I forgot my Holocaust teaching one, so that's next :-). Given the age of many fannish folks and our tendency to not always have our birth year displayed, here's a chance to hopefully tilt those statistics a bit!!!

Pass it on and let's see whether we can make a difference and maybe let LJ folks know that some of their most active (and paying) users are not 18 year olds!!!

Comments

[brynwulf]

I have very minimal exposure to MySpace. What is it about it that caters to younguns that LJ is doing?

[cathexys.livejournal.com]

The most recent frustration is with the newly revamped user info psge which looks more like a MySpace page and features social network aspect more prominently as well as things that may be important to high school students but not us (i.e., the schools are at the center but your bio is pushed into a corner).

There are lots of things that could be improved on LJ, but instead it seems they're trying to make themselves more appealing to a demographic that's finding a place elsewhere...unlike us who are here b/c we don't like the alternatives...

[brynwulf]

Ah, I see. Thanks.

[highnez.livejournal.com]

I had my birth month and day listed, but not the year. I've just added the year, but I may change it back so that my friends can remember me on my birthday... or not.

Of course the amusing thing about the statistics is that they neglected to include all the data. When you view the raw data, you will notice that the number of 5 and 6 year olds using LJ far outstrips the 17-20 year olds. :) Do you think they will revamp the user interface to show Sesame street, or Dora the Explorer, or whomever is popular with that age group? :)

[kelliem.livejournal.com]

You never know. I never put anything past marketing guys.

[theodosia.livejournal.com]

I changed my birthyear to 1900... maybe I'll counteract a couple of 17yos that way.

[kelliem.livejournal.com]

LoL! Good plan. :)

[caseylane.livejournal.com]

I'm curious, where do you find the age stats?

[kelliem.livejournal.com]

Go back up to my original post and click the "HERE" link. It goes to a page that lists all kinds of LJ stats, including age distribution.

[caseylane.livejournal.com]

Oh, thanks.

[kelliem.livejournal.com]

No prob! I don't always click all the links either. :)

I love that icon. So true!!! :D

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

I don't understand why users would not indicate their birth year; what's the matter? I am used to present my national identity card everywhere, in all circumstances, each time I am asked for; it has become a reflex; in a way, I find a little odd not to use my real name. (though I prefer my pseudo, but not for reason of anonymity).