Once again, Yahoo has made changes with seemingly little or no consultation with the folks who actually use the service. They've rolled out the new NEO format for their Yahoo Groups, changing it without warning or permission. I honestly have to wonder if they got people who actually use Yahoo Groups to test the system. Given the result, I would think not.
The new Yahoo Group format is not the least bit user friendly. There are things I used to do with ease that I know longer know how to do. I always read from and posted directly on the groups. Now my formatting is all screwed up and even simply replying to an email has become a complicated process. It's unnecessarily complicated and hasn't improved the Groups one single bit. If anything it's taken away from them.
Yahoo and other tech companies need to understand that most of the people availing of their products and services are not technical gurus, nor do they wish to learn. We already have enough in our lives to keep us busy, thank you very much. Most folks want things kept simple and friendly, not so complicated it makes you want to pull out your hair in frustration.
I fear I will be using Yahoo Groups less and less, which is a shame, because it's a venue I've used since the beginning of my writing career to connect with readers. Yahoo might have been hoping to improve, but all they've done is pushed people like me more toward Facebook and Twitter.
Unless they return to the previous format I fear this could be the death knell for the Yahoo Group.
What do you think of the new Yahoo Groups?
5 comments:
I dislike the new format myself. But have 4 groups I must continue with.
I think they're done. I don't know what the alternative will be for those 'groups' of people who need to share info such as publishers groups, but Yahoo has teched themselves out of usefulness.
I'll continue on with the groups, just not as often. It's sad really.
I agree totally, Anny. That's exactly it. They've "teched" themselves out of usefulness.
Couldn't agree more, N.J. I'm checking into another way to deliver my newsletter. Not looking forward to it, though, because I have to dig around in Yahoo to find stuff first. Ugh.
I know I should check around for another way for my Newsletter, Titania, but I keep hoping they'll get smart and change it back. Honestly, when I think of the work involved I just want to put it off.
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