Yes, today Klout changed their algorithm for calculating your Klout score — their attempt to measure your online influence via Twitter, Facebook and several other social networks. And the Twitterverse exploded with complaints about falling scores.
[blackbirdpie url=”http://twitter.com/#!/BrandFlair/status/129244646516854785″]
[blackbirdpie url=”http://twitter.com/#!/staceysoleil/status/129071763064750080″]
And even the well-known Klout gamers like Mark Davidson are up in arms (or is that just a game?).
[blackbirdpie url=”http://twitter.com/#!/markdavidson/status/129243994424225792″]
But really, does anybody really care about your Klout score? We’ve already seen how easy it is to game the Klout system. Is your Klout score really helping you get more work, a better job, or a hotter date? And even if it has, if Klout adjusts the algorithm in a way that improves the scoring (even if the net result is most people see a dip in the number), won’t you still essentially stack up the same in a comparison?
The whole hoopla reminded me of a song by Chicago, that if written today, might go something like this:
Does Anybody Really Know What My Klout Is?
As I was walking down the street one day, a man came up to me
and asked me what the Klout was that was on my Mac, yeah, and I said-
Does anybody really know what my Klout is? Does anybody really care?
If so, I can’t imagine why we’ve all got time enough to cry.And I was walking down the street one day. A pretty lady looked at me
and said her diamond Klout score had dropped cold dead and I said,
Does anybody really know what your Klout is? Does anybody really care?
If so, I can’t imagine why we’ve all got time enough to cry.And I was walking down the street one day (people running everywhere).
Being pushed and shoved (don’t know where to go)
by people trying to beat the Klout (don’t know where I am)
oh, no I just don’t know (can’t see past the next step),
I don’t know (don’t have the Klout to influence the last Tweeter),
I don’t know, (have no K+ in my topic areas),
And I said, yes I said (just run around, run around and think why)-
Does anybody really know what their Klout is? Does anybody really care?
If so, I can’t imagine why we’ve all got Klout enough to die. Everybody’s running.
What’s your take on the Klout changes? Personally, my Klout score dropped from 59 to 49. And personally, I don’t care.
Susan Critelli says
October 26, 2011 at 12:02 pmI didn’t take too much of a hit this time – 62 to 55, but there have been other times my score sank like a stone. It’s a little like standardized tests. If you teach to the tests, what are the kids really learning? But it’s all about the score.
Dennis Carpenter says
October 26, 2011 at 12:09 pmWell played my man! You are a rock star.
Jeff Hester says
October 26, 2011 at 12:11 pmThanks, Dennis. Somebody with some musical talent really needs to put this to music!
HART (1-800-HART) says
October 26, 2011 at 12:42 pmCheers! I’m with you on this one 😀
If you have to game the system, it’s not really a good system.
Mitch Devine says
October 26, 2011 at 2:18 pmThanks for the explanation, Jeff. I was certainly surprised when I noticed my score took a hit (from 60 to 48), but now that you mention it, it really doesn’t mean much, other than a contrived “popularity” contest. I suppose the other Chicago song that could apply to falling Klout scores is “25 or 6 to 4”.
Max M. says
October 26, 2011 at 2:32 pmGood stuff. I’m not a big Klout user myself. This song describes it perfectly.
Ricardo Bueno says
October 26, 2011 at 3:16 pmRe: “And personally, I don’t care.”
My thoughts exactly.
Karla Campos says
October 26, 2011 at 4:00 pmYou know what is funny? People judge people based on these numbers, this reminds me of when I started blogging and PR. I didn’t take much of a hit, 64 to 60. Klout claims that the new algorithm is more accurate so until proven otherwise and a better social media measurement comes along, I think people will still judge people based on their Klout.
twitter_cindyronzoni says
October 26, 2011 at 6:13 pmJeff,
I do like using Klout….I find it useful when measuring one’s online presence. I think helps sift out those who talk a good game and those who are in the social media space. I don’t think it’s the be-all-end-all. But it is something that can give an assessment of one’s social media participation vs. nothing. And we are all are on the same playing field with it. Although, I do understand it is easy to game. Great post.
twitter_sallykwitt says
October 26, 2011 at 9:08 pmI am just a child of the 70’s from a Catholic School, and I only want to get an A!! LOL
sbeasla says
October 26, 2011 at 10:45 pmI took a big hit. Went from 70 to 61. 🙁 It sucks but I guess that’s what it is. Can’t change it so why try? 🙂
twitter_VibeRevStudios says
October 27, 2011 at 6:29 pmWell said!!!
TrailingHusband says
October 27, 2011 at 6:55 pmMy Klout went from 46 to 47. Do I get a prize?
Jeff Hester says
October 28, 2011 at 10:11 amIf Klout did their job well, it means you’re engaging effectively. Well done!
Mark Davidson says
October 28, 2011 at 1:07 amWell-known for gaming Klout among who? I gamed Klout because I can write and people respond to my posts? Give me a break.
Jeff Hester says
October 28, 2011 at 10:10 amYes, from where I sit you are gaming the system. Your “ghost writer” stunt is a perfect example of this, and now the “why can’t I opt out of Klout” call is similar. Both are designed to stir things up. You may call it good writing or entertainment. I see it differently.
Alison says
October 28, 2011 at 5:06 pmIt doesn’t matter. It is what it is. In fact I equate Klout to my weight scale at home. I use it but it’s never correct and it fluctuates too much…in the wrong direction.
Steve Hughes says
October 28, 2011 at 9:36 pmGreat job on the song Jeff…That would have taken me 2-3 hours to compile at least…I think the majority care less as of 2 days ago…they just got another $30 Million so they aren’t going anywhere…