“Greetings! You have been selected….” Isn’t that how the Selective Service Board used to start their notices after you registered for the draft? 🙂 This may be your chance to ‘register’ for something better: a (free) Sharpologist account, so you can get more cool shaving-related stuff. Here’s the skinny.
Background
Back when Sharpologist first started there was a way to register users on the site. It didn’t really do anything though–it was just one of those “blogging things” web sites were supposed to do. But spam registrations started to become a problem and, after the site changed hosting platforms a few years ago, registrations were abandoned and emails were used to distribute information (Sharpologist’s email list has almost 10,000 subscribers now).
As the hosting platform has matured, more features have been implemented. Some of the features can be used in a completely open fashion: portfolios (that Sharpologist uses for the “Shave Of The Day”) and podcasts come to mind.
However, other features require a “membership model” where someone needs to be logged in so the site can associate the status of a member with a feature they are using. This is for things like a “Learning Management System” (LMS, i.e. online courses), a Q&A area, and content upgrades based on user preferences.
Up until now I have been reluctant to open registrations back up: some features take time to manage and others were just not quite “ready for prime time.” Besides…who wants to keep track of one more username and password if it’s not necessary?
But Now?
But now I think a case can be made for member registrations. The LMS has matured and supports multi-media so video demonstrations become a lot easier. A basic Q&A area (not a “forum”) could be useful for a lot of people. It is possible to tailor additional content based on preferences or special interests that a member specifies on registration.
A concern is the possibility of those already subscribed to Sharpologist’s mailing list getting duplicate content. I believe I can get around that though, as long as the user registers with the same email address as they subscribed to the mailing list.
Would online shaving classes (like for my long-awaited straight razor shaving course!) and other upgraded content be worth remembering another password to you? I understand this may not be a “slam-dunk” decision: fully one-third of Sharpologist readers are not on social media (Facebook, Twitter, G+, etc.) at all and many of the rest are not particularly active, so having yet another web-based application may not be terribly exciting. But I think there may be value to a membership area.
I understand that you have investing in the software platform that is designed to market and sell memberships to a website and downloadable content. So, now you are interested in moving in that direction. I think that is fine if a site has content that is worth paying for.
Unfortunately for you, Sharpologist content is second rate, at best. Much of it is derivative, e.g., wikipedia cut-and-paste, manufacturer specs, etc. In the rare event that original content is published, it is poorly written and not all that informative, i.e., “Product X is really good, I like it a lot”. Honestly, your content needs much work before anyone literate would purchase it.
Perhaps rather than finding ways to make a buck, why not focus on making outstanding content? I know this is a hard truth for you to hear, but you asked for opinions so I’m sharing mine. A lot would have to change with the Sharpologist website (perhaps a complete design overhaul and a new editor and writing staff) before I’d register. Just my two cents.
Hans, just to clarify, the ‘blog’ part of Sharpologist would always be open and free. Registration would only be for those features that need it and would be totally new content.
I think registration is over the top, at least for me. I come to this site once in a while as a leisure thing, like glancing over a magazine at the barbers, or doctors waiting room. Having to log on first, remember password etc, gives it a different feel. I think there is really nice in-depth content here, but “classes” and that kind of beginners’-stuff, there is plenty of that our there already. My 5 cents’ worth — Keep it simple.
I would definitely register.
I was a registered user at the old site and even for just content and preference tracking, it would be worth it.
I like your Sharpoligist site that you send when you have any up dates. For me once you have your razor and stuff to shave i mainly then look at accessories.
So if you can do stuff on the extra add on’s that can make your shave a more pleasure that would be great. Also any history or antique shaving equipment used and how they did it and places (if any) that sell shaving antiques othere than razors & cut throats blades ?
Also for international people like me can you give addresses of shaving suppliers that will send stuff at a good deal freight wise as you guys have stuff we never see or hear of and would like to purchase it.
Apart from that its a geart site from were it started from.
Cheers Alex Melbourne Australia
Nice idea. Having a login ID is OK, and more content would be good. There is a lot of info on You Tube, but if you put your content in one organized place, that would be terrific.
Training videos would add value and could range from selecting products (Razors, blades, creams, soaps, bowls, brushes, etc with your respected reviews), how-to videos including caring for products (brushes, Razors, blades, cleaning brushes [what not to do], storing products like brushes and creams/soaps to maintain longevity and freshness, etc. And then the basics up to advanced such as starting out with DE shaving like proper preparation, using soaps/creams and creating lather, how and why it is important to let the razor do the work (soft touch), straight razor introduction from selection and care all the way to how-to use them properly. I am sure there are many other beginner and advanced subjects that you can cover for newbies and shave veterans. There are also a lot of basic DE shaving techniques that could be covered for all to enjoy as refresher courses or helpful for first timers.
As I write this I think of “Badger and Blade” which is a great site and has so much content, but it can be difficult to find info and can be a little overwhelming. A nice niche site from Mantic59 would be wonderful.
Thanks for all you do.
Enjoy web site. Education would be useful.
One password more or less is not a big issue when using a password manager. Social logins are not that secure either.
I would register for sure as DE shaving is a brand new hobby of mine.
Learned a lot by this side and others.
Vincent
Thankyou for avoiding the whole forum mess. More people are banned over egos and politics than refugees crossing into Canada.
Keep a weather eye out for rapid changes with the threat to Net Neutrality. DIGITAL VILLAGE on KPFK is an excellent resource and you can download recent broadcasts from the archives. I have deleted all social media because of privacy concerns and do not mind another password.
Thanks for your comments, Christopher. I will check out Digital Village!
I agree with the others who have said “not another password/login”. If you *do* proceed, consider using Google authentication and/or Facebook. Avoid insecure ID management systems. For example, there was a big leak this week in which sites using Cloudflare exposed login details. Talk to an IT Security pro first before you do anything. More: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/cloudfare-data-leak-potentially-exposed-trove-passwords-personal-information-months/
The hosting platform does have a login with Facebook feature; I’ll read up on that before I do anything.
I’ll subscribe if you go that route.
I am 53 and have been wetshaving fo 40 years. Started with a TTO Schick and then went Atras but when the cartridges went 3 blades plus and the cost zoomed I was lost. Mantic 59 Videos helped me gain my sanity and back to DE and SE shaving.
I have not had time to go the old B&B sites much that also helped me. But I will subscribe to anything Mantic.
I`m not sure about a password, either way sounds fine to me. I was just wondering why there are all kinds of lists and date codes for razors/blades, but how about something that designates how aggressive or mild before you buy. I`m in my eighties and I could not begin to tell you how many razors I`ve bought and discarded because they were too mild or too aggressive. My first shave was in 1953, an SE. It was a blood bath, so I moved to a TTO, a little on the mild side, and the story continued until I found some that were just right, or is there a place that I`ve missed?
Bill
Not another password! I fully understand the reasoning for registration, but will
need more information before I jump in. I’m in my 70th year and have been blade
shaving since I was 14 and agree with the suggestion re more articles for the older
more “mature” shaver. I am interested but….. show me the details.
Chris, yeah, I hear ya. 🙂 I am envisioning the registration only for specific features. Most of the site would still be completely open.
I second comments made already: there is plenty instructional info for beginners out there. What to my mind makes this site stand out is the in depth articles, e. g. on history of aspects of shaving. I would strengthen that more, and leave “instructions for beginners” to others.
I think login / user name would be a disaster. This is a laid back leisurely pursuit, and you are competing with many others for attention. Given the time I have for this, I’d travel somewhere else if I had to log in first
I’m not a hobbyist, but I have grown to enjoy a BBS shave. I do this five times a week using a Harry’s cartridge shaver and creams I have bought based on things I have read here. I may at some time get into DE shaving and I find the information presented here useful in helping me make that decision. Registration would not be an impediment to me.
While I’ve been wetshaver for nearly 10 years, thanks to your vids, registration would be a good thing for the comments section; at least for now.
As already mentioned, indepth articles on the nuts and bolts of wet shaving and products couldn’t hurt. Quality content is king!
So much info out there for new shavers. How about more info for those of us who aren’t novices anymore. Like in depth articles on how shaving products are made and interviews with different players in business.
My .02 cents.
Excellent suggestion.
I’m relatively new to old-school wet shaving and Sharpologist has been a vital resource. My concern about having to register is that it might discourage people who are just beginning to explore wet shaving from digging deeper. I really enjoyed just being able to poke around on the site and explore various topics/techniques.
Maybe some sort of two-tier structure would work, providing a greater level of depth for those folks who want it.
Joshua, yes, if I did go the registration route there would always be good content available without registering. There would be some features that would only be available to members though.
Enjoy your mails. Like the product reviews. Yes…I could use instruction on using a straight razor. I’m too chicken to try the disposable straight razor I have without good instructions! LOL
So…yes to registration…to get more from your site.
thanks!
Mike
Scents. Hypnotic odours.
I’d be happy to register if it means a better site. I’m also looking forward to the straight razor lessons. It’s something I want to do but my timidity gets the better of me.
Whatever – this site is a valuable resource for wet shaving information. I’d be happy to register.
Remembering another password, imo, would be small payment for Q & A’s, and online shaving courses.
I wouldn’t mind the annoyance of another UserID and password. I would like to see more user input as on some shaving bulletin boards I’ve seen. I would like to see real consumers without a hint of bias reflecting real world circumstances.
I’d like to express some unconventional thoughts such as the idea of using a straight edge razor is barbaric and the use of multi-blade cartridges is greater than sliced bread. Also, I prefer creams over hard soaps because its so much easier and faster and, may I venture, better. I am not a snob I just want what works. If motor oil worked better than Truffitt & Hill I say give me 40 weight oil, unless the 30 weight works better. Just my humble opinion and I’d like to see other humble opinions as well.
Password Apps were created to keep track of multiple passwords, so remembering another password is no longer a problem. Go for it!!
Interesting, hadn’t thought about how pervasive password managers have become. Thanks!
I am struggling between the sense I get of Sharpologist turning into sponsorship and infomercials and compare that to the way that things used to be when we would share tips and tricks. On YouTube we get people who spend $1000’s of on every new razor and publish a “here are my 1000 favorite scents” kinds of articles 3 times a day. I’m tired of that watching somebody shave their face. There are still a few people out there who make sure they pass along tips and guidance (Michael Freedberg being the one that comes to mind quickly) . So, If Sharpologist was to become a site that has a section on tips and tricks, un-biased reviews, a coupon from time to time like Massdrop, I’d be willing to subscribe and actually pay money to avoid the Fan-Boys.
Ohhhhh…I hadn’t thought of a Massdrop interface. Great idea!
Leonard, a goal of mine for 2017 is to do more “advocacy” to bring in new shavers, and build more of a community on Sharpologist. But some of that functionality needs what’s been called “the logged in experience” that I’m struggling with. Thanks for the useful comment!
I fully agree,honest reviews,ect. Count me in
I think it’s a terrible idea. Unless you plan on charging money for tutorials, another username and password would be really annoying.
Thanks for your comment!
I’d have no problem with another membership for a site (like Sharpologist) that has interesting and useful inormation. Keep up the outstanding work!
Thanks for your comment Steve!