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The Giant Squids: A club for the best writers on Squidoo

Megan Casey by Megan Casey on Thu, Jun 23rd, 2011

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I want to describe some changes we’re making to the Giant Squids Club and the application process.

Here’s how we describe the Club.

The Giant Squids is a club of dedicated writers on Squidoo. They show up on a regular basis and perfect their craft. They are self-motivated, creative, they care about publishing original writing, and they work hard to build out their portfolios of good lenses. As a result they are often our most successful lensmasters. Along the way, we at Squidoo support our Giants with extra perks, tools, assistance and hugs.

It’s not just an achievement. A trophy is an achievement. A purple star is an achievement. The Giant Squids is a club. You have to earn your way in, and you have to work to stay in it. Kind of like a good college, or an important friendship. You gotta keep wanting it.

As a Club, the Giant Squids is about more than the sum of the perks they get. It’s about access, reputation, and acknowledgment that you are part of a group of the best writers on Squidoo. (Okay, there are some pretty cool perks too). Together, the Giant Squids club becomes a movement. A movement of writers who believe that they can set a new standard for storytelling, opinion and recommendation online.

Here are some of the changes happening.

1. We’re asking all our applicants to fill out this new application form. This helps us do a better job of running the club and paying attention to your good work. Anyone who doesn’t apply here won’t be considered for the Giant Squid Club.

2. You only have to have 25 lenses, not 50, in order to apply! But hold the boat. That doesn’t mean it’s easier to get in. In fact, we have even higher standards of quality for those 25 lenses. They also need to be published, featured (not Work in Progress), and so good you want to show them to the world. Lenses you can vouch for. If we think they’re not so good, all 25 of them, you won’t get in and you’ll have to wait 30 days before you can reapply. This is so you can have time to work on your lenses more, and as a disincentive for rushing (and wasting our time with submitting mediocre content).

Let’s say you have 54 published & featured lenses, but maybe you rushed a bit to get them done by a Giant Squid deadline. Maybe they’re not all quite as good as you’d like. If you have at least 25 that are insanely great, then you’re ready to apply.

3. No more deadlines and marathons: No more quarterly admissions processes. You have your lens portfolio in great shape and are ready to apply? Go for it. You’ll know within a week whether you got in or not. Fast.

4. Already a Giant? Keep earning your keep. We’ll send you existing Giants an email very shortly (in fact, go check your inboxes) to let you know how you can renew your membership in the Club. (Hint: It’s easy). That’s where you can also choose which level of Gianthood you belong to, because…

5. There are now 5 levels of Gianthood within the Club designed to match the number of ‘Giant Squid quality’ lenses you have published and featured. There are some new benefits as you grow within the Club. You can read all the details about this on the official Giant Squids info lens. Each time you reach a new milestone (100 great lenses? 250? 500?), you can apply for the next level of Gianthood.

Want to join the movement?

If you’re busily building your portfolio of excellent lenses and want to join the Giant Squids club, or upgrade to a higher level within the Giants, you can apply here. It’s a fun application designed to help us get to know you — and cheer for you — a little better.

About Megan Casey

Cofounder of Squidoo.

Comments:

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/DarknessFalls DarknessFalls

The “official Giant Squids info lens” doesn’t look like it’s been updated with this new information. For example: “1. Yes, we let new Giants into the program quarterly.”

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

You beat us there. :) It’s updated.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/bdkz bdkz

Are you perhaps seeing a cached version of this: http://www.squidoo.com/giantsquids Try doing a shift + refresh.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/ShamanicShift ShamanicShift

I shall consider it, but I’m now leading towards declining.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/darciefrench darciefrench

Awesome – I am happy to see these changes
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/darciefrench darciefrench

Can we apply for Giant with more than one lensmaster account?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

yes you can.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/DaveStone13 DaveStone13

Although, how many of us are energized enough to do what Darcie does. Beginning at the same time she did, I thought I was doing great until I got a look at the volume of her high quality output. Made me feel ordinary, but I am glad to see that Squidoo can recognize the extraordinary (Darcie French) as well as the merely committed, like me.

http://www.squidoo.com Megan Casey, Cofounder

‘Merely committed’ is no small thing.

And as a matter of fact, we see lensmasters thrive most when they have all their lenses in the same account. You build up a reputation with your account, and it’s hard to earn that all over again with a pseudonym.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KonaGirl KonaGirl

I am already a Giant Squid 50 and have been working my way to 100. Should I just wait until I reach the 100 mark or should I re-apply as soon as I get the email?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

You’ll need to reapply to keep your spot as a Giant Squid with 50 lenses.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KathyMcGraw KathyMcGraw

Wow, that’s a big change. So the people that are applying now, if they have 25 or more, they can apply without having 50. That will make many of them very happy.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

Yes. Anyone with 25, 50, 100, 250, or 500 super duper lenses can, and should, apply.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KathyMcGraw KathyMcGraw

Question- What does, and how does someone quantify “no axes to grind” ? A lensmaster that got in a tiff with someone else….is that an ax to grind?

How about one that has been caught cheating….you don’t say anything about people that were suspended for cheating, even if they were allowed back. Or the ones that have been cheating, people reported them, but the reported lenses were never locked? Would reporting lenses of plagurized materials be an ax to grind if theother lensmaster was already a Giant, and well liked?

I saw this on the app and wasn’t sure what it meant……

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

Social drama is not an ax. Axes are wielded by people who are
out to ruin everything all the time. Who have a particular agenda and
that agenda = tears down Squidoo.

Let us decided what cheating means. You can report it, but we get to decide it.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/vallain vallain

Noooo, don’t change the rules as we go along. I can do this, but it makes me feel insecure. I understand that if you feel some Giants are neglecting their lenses, you need to light a fire under us… SIGH….

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

No need to feel insecure. :) The application is designed to help us get to know each lensmaster a little better.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/GonnaFly GonnaFly

Fantastic! Just a couple of questions:

1) Do you still get a lensrank boost at each level?
2) At which level does the 9 outbound links limit to one URL get removed?

Thanks
Jeanette

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

1. There will be Quests designed for Giants that will give you an opportunity to receive various LR boosts.

2. At Giant 25. That’s the greenlighting part.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/GroovyFinds GroovyFinds

Oh no more pressure… *breathes into paper bag* I about had a stroke last time I applied. The thought of rejection is too much, I may have to turn to cake to cope.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

:) cupcakes are better.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KonaGirl KonaGirl

I don’t know. I am rather fond of a really moist double dark chocolate 4 layer cake recipe that I am fond of making and eating!

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KarenTBTEN KarenTBTEN

I am wondering how soon after a person re-applies as a 50 they can apply as a 100. (I will probably reach 100 within a week as lens #99 and lens #100 have already seen many hours of preparation.)

I am glad to see the scheduling change. I didn’t want to apply for 100 until I had 104 and carefully went through the list… I see I won’t be turning into a pumpkin at midnight on June 30 after all.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

You can apply for the next level any time your lenses are ready.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/CCGAL CCGAL

Writing the LOTD blurb on my own lens has got to be the hardest thing I’ve ever attempted on Squidoo. I’m not sure I can actually do this part of the application. This reapplication process may take me a bit longer than I anticipated.

http://www.squidoo.com Megan Casey, Cofounder

Take your time. And just have fun with it!

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_EW2JV4SG6JABFF4DDA62A3LPLQ Cesca

So there is no longer any 3 months deadline? Applications are processed every month now? That is nice to know as I wasnt sure I would reach 100 lenses by the end of June, and didnt really want to have to wait another 3 months. Thanks.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

correct and you’re welcome. :)

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/flowergardener flowergardener

Ha ha ha, that’s funny CCGal, mine was easy…I’ve got a pretty controversal lens LOL.

I think I’m going to like these changes, as long as I’m not tagged as someone with ‘axes to grind’. :/
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/heavenlysoapsWA heavenlysoapsWA

PLEASE advise how do I add a sign up to my newsletter link to my squidoo?
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/miaponzo miaponzo

I applied and my intention was to apply for both 25 and 50 at the same time.. but I just read above that each application should be done separately.. what should I do?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

we’ll take a look.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/miaponzo miaponzo

Thank you very much.. I will check back to see what I should do :)

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/poddys poddys

I like the idea of the changes, but without looking into more detail as to what the benefits are at each level, I’m not sure what has really changed, other than the ability to apply at any time, which probably makes the verification process a full time job for someone.

I know that getting to Giant Squid (the current Giant level with 50 lenses) made a huge difference. I am not sure that this necessarily ought to be given out easily to those with only 25 lenses, however, if those 25 have to be really good lenses, then that is fair enough.

I would rather see someone with 25 excellent lenses rewarded than someone who had built 100 mediocre lenses, which took far less effort.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

“I would rather see someone with 25 excellent lenses rewarded than
someone who had built 100 mediocre lenses, which took far less effort”

Exactly.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/LisaAuch LisaAuch

I think the changes are awesome, this is so motivating for newer lensmasters and older alike, And I can see how this will also assist HQ with much tighter quality control, this is so positive! You have all be so busy!
When we signed up and were accepted as Giants we were bound by what was accepted by HQ and what was not. If all our work is within accepted then there will be no issues.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/LisaAuch LisaAuch

I wanted to come back and say, reading the updates, fantastic…I have applied!!! I got to 100 and kind of thought…huh what now! this is just what I need. I so want that t-shirt, and already have planned my 250 lens, it involves the squidoo t-shirt! and a tour of scotland thanks for the motivation,

http://www.squidoo.com Megan Casey, Cofounder

Thanks Lisa!

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/kiwinana71 kiwinana71

Nice, got a way to go yet, doing no 17. Looking forward to doing 25 good lens, a little over two months ago I was struggling with my 1st one. Thanks to all lens masters for your comments etc, that have kept my moving forward.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/prosperity66 prosperity66

Quoting Megan “…we at Squidoo support our Giants with extra perks, tools, assistance and hugs.”

Right now, reading this and having read the mail, I just feel SMACKED DOWN :(

It seems that us, long timers, Giants, loyal and faithful lensmasters are badly treated.

The way things are going these last months, all the changes, lenses I reported not locked and still in high tiers, permissions to some to… and no-ways for others, ideas that are stolen by others, new forum rules and lack of HQ’s presence, all of these facts are just pushing me away from Squidoo-ing. Making lenses has become hard and I’m less enthusiastic.

And now, another bomb: after I worked so hard to build 50 and then 100 lenses (an counting), I have to reapply to keep my Giant status, I feel under suspicion, did I do everything so wrong since I became Giant 100 Clubber? Am I so bad lensmaster that I have to reapply for a status I was given one and two years ago?

And then, the form to fill – that doesn’t match my culture and my personality:

* Why do you want to be a Giant Squid? Because I am a Giant and don’t see a valid reason to lose my status.

* The single best lens you’ve ever made: I’m not a self-licking lollipop and love all my lenses but not in my culture to shout it at the world.

* If that lens were to get LOTD, what would the writeup say? Nothing, I do NOT nominate my own lenses for LOTD or purple star and certainly do NOT bless them either.

* What’s the next lens you’re going to write? I don’t know, I’m less and less motivated with all those changes – changes aren’t part of my culture, I need time to adapt.

What are the “goodies” you promise? What are the perks that go with those new Giant statuses? As time goes by we see the existing “perks” losing attractiveness, maybe knowing more about them would encourage me a little bit?

In the past YOU considered my work was worth the Giant status. I just can’t sell myself: am I at he risk of losing my hard earned status just for that? What am I going to lose if I don’t fill the entire form?

Do I sound negative? I’m really sorry for this but I’m not a boot-licker and can’t say hurray just to please HQ and be popular.

I’ve never think that one day, Squidoo would try to get me leave and I’m definitely upset.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/bdkz Bonnie Diczhazy

I’m sorry to hear that prosperity66. We feel strongly that the new changes will benefit the entire community. As for the renewal process. You’re not actually reapplying to be a Giant Squid (we know our Giants are amazing) just renewing. It’s been almost 4 years since we started the Giant Squid Program and a lot of people have either gone below 50 lenses (in which case they can apply for Level 25) or they haven’t logged in for years. By renewing a Giant is showing us that they are an active Giant who logs into Squidoo and keeps things updated and fresh.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/giltotherescue giltotherescue

The Department of Motor Vehicles makes me do the same thing…

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/jeffryv jeffryv

True, but on the flip side when was the last time you renewed your citizenship :) :)
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KonaGirl KonaGirl

I don’t have to fill out a form or reapply to renew my license at the DMV. I just send my check in every 8 years

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/prosperity66 prosperity66

I’m sorry Bonnie but still I don’t see the point of changing the Giant programme since it is going to keep its main effects (positive and negative).

If only the greenlight would be removed from Giant accounts in the process, this would have a meaning for me, but the fact being that the greenlight seem to still be a Giant perk, it won’t change things.

Plagiarists, stealers, cheaters, etc. won’t be stopped and isn’t it what we all expect here? Putting an end to TOS violations? How do that without removing the greenlight?

And now I have to have 250 lenses to be able to nominate a purple star? What’s the point? Am I a bad lensmaster with bad taste because I don’t have those 250 lenses? Am I unable to recognize great work when I see it because I haven’t built 250 lenses?

If I’m stuck with 160+ lenses only it’s mostly because I just don’t want to build junk lenses and want to keep my account clean.

Oh well…

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

I just wanted to jump in here to say that the purple star quest is still active and you will be able to nominate purple star lenses as you receive them. 250 club members just don’t have to wait for the quest.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

The Level 250 Purple Star perk has been updated.
http://www.squidoo.com/GiantSquids#module151024299
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/prosperity66 prosperity66

Thanks for the mention, Robin, it’s appreciated, I would have been more upset than I already am (if possible), if I couldn’t nominate a purple star in exchange of one I’d receive.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/dagsmith dagsmith

I agree with many of the points made pro and con. I think one thing that could have made a difference would have been to have the Squidoo Team look at the current Giants who are actively logging in and who are actively creating lenses and reviewed them PROACTIVELY.

“Hey giant you have not logged in recently or barely logged in recently so we are asking you to use this renewal form”

“Hey giant we see you are logging and actively creating lenses we placed you as a Giant 100 as art of this renewal. If you would like to apply for a higher status – please touch up some of your lenses and use this renewal form.”

I think the key is that some long time Squidoo supporters and Giants are feeling like they did not get special attention that has been customarily given to Giants.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

Under the new guidelines our Giants should actually receive even more of the special attention they so well deserve.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/DaveStone13 DaveStone13

Nice, new integrated approach. As Squidoo grows, it seemed clear that two levels weren’t enough to reflect the vast variety of contributors.

Already reapplied at my Giant 100 level. Thanks for keep this platform so dynamic and endlessly in the right direction.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

“two levels weren’t enough to reflect the vast variety of contributors.”

exactly. :)

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/luvmyludwig luvmyludwig

One question about current giants….if we don’t make the cut at the 100 club (since standards have been raised) then would we be denied or just given 50 status?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/luvmyludwig luvmyludwig

also, I really like the change. Thank you!
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

Each level needs to be applied for separately so if you are a 50 and apply for 100, but for some reason don’t get in, you’ll remain a 50 giant.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

edit to add: If you are already a giant and are renewing, you will be applying for the first time as either a 50, or a 100. You don’t need to start at level 25.

http://winging-it.me Carma

So if I’m already a Giant 100, I go straight to renewing my 100 status? No need to renew at 50, and then at 100 - hope I’m understanding correctly?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

That is correct.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/OhMe OhMe

Is there a deadline to re-apply?
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

No deadlines at all. You can apply, or reapply to be a giant whenever you’re ready.

If for some reason a lensmaster is rejected, we do ask that they take 30 days to tweak and upgrade their lenses before applying again but if you’re just renewing your already Giant Squid club membership, no deadline. :)
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/OhMe OhMe

Thanks. I was asking for another lensmaster who is out of town
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Sylvestermouse Sylvestermouse

I filled mine out last night and as I recall, there was a note that said to place a check by the levels already reached. I am certain that is misquoted, but that is basically what it told us to do.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

Thanks, fixed now. No need to send another one.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Geekgurl Geekgurl

At first when I read this I was really disappointed. I wasn’t sure why i have to reprove myself every time that I should be a giant squid. However, looking at it again I think it’s a good idea. I know when I first started making lenses I thought 50 was really high. I think it’s good to offer giant squids a different levels (you can tell someone generation y’ed this).

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

We hope you’ll think of it more as a renewal than as having to reprove yourself. :)

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Mickie_G Mickie_G

Am going to my inbox now! I cherish my Giant 50 and 100 Club membership!
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/TapIn2U TapIn2U

Wow – it would be an honor to belong to this club! Congratulations to the members! Sundae ;-)
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/fanfreluche fanfreluche

I just reapply to giant 50. I suspect this new system is also a disguised way to get ride of some bad apples. Personally I have no problem with it and hopefully I am right about the bad apple stuff.

There really is some ugly accounts (un-moderated guestbook..when you have close to 2000 lenses that makes a hell lot of blue pills and p*rn links…..yes I am pointing an account but I won’t name). So maybe having someone screen each and every application will help. because reporting seems to be taking too long.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KathyMcGraw KathyMcGraw

Crossing my fingers that the profile you mention, and tons of others we know of are actually looked at. However, when they are looked at….banning these people would be “in the best interests of the group/community” not just denying them Giant status.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/prosperity66 prosperity66

How many people are going to check all these accounts?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KathyMcGraw KathyMcGraw

That’s my point. Let’s say 100 people apply with 100 lenses for the 100 club one week, and for simplicity let’s say 50 of the same, and 25 for the other levels. God help them for the ones with 500 lenses.
So, who has time to go check for copyright violations and plagurism. Even just checking the link lists takes time. So, doesn’t that pretty much leave us where we are now….except for the additon of the 25, 250, and 500 plus the “axes to grind”?

http://www.squidoo.com Megan Casey, Cofounder

No disguise. The new application (and renewal) process is a clear way to make sure the Club represents quality above all else. That goes for new and existing Giants alike.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Jewelsofawe Jewelsofawe

I like the sound of this.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Ruthi Ruthi

Giant Squid is a goal of mine. I have 25 lenses, however, I feel, I know, a few need some reconstructing for they were created when I was really a Newbie. Still a newbie, but am learning a lot every day. Thanks for yet another reminder of work to be done and a goal to be won!

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

We’ll be here when you’re ready!

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Comfortdoc Comfortdoc

I tried reading through the comments and didn’t see an answer to this question.

When do we need to re-submit for giant status, before our current giant status is revoked?

I am still working on answers to all of the questions e.g. favorite lens etc. so it may take a while to get things done.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

We haven’t set any deadlines as of yet. Take your time.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Comfortdoc Comfortdoc

Whew! Heavy sigh of relief.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/seegreen seegreen

When I made Giant last year at 50 lenses I was given the ability to nominate people for purple stars. One month later it was revoked and I needed 100 to nominated purple stars. A few months later I reached that goal and now the perk is being revoked again and I need 250. What guarantees do we have that this wont happen again? That it wont happen to other perks such as access to templates or nominating LOTD lenses? How can I trust that Squidoo will keep its promises when it hasn’t in the past? Please give me a reason to jump through hoops to re-apply when Squidoo may just take my perks away… again… on a whim. Right now I see no reason to do this, and I would really love to have my faith restored.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/jeffryv jeffryv

Will we have to renew again, and if so will it be monthly, quarterly, biannually, yearly, every 5 years or is this it for life?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

As you move up the levels, you’ll need to reapply for each one.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/jeffryv jeffryv

I understand that, what I mean is. will there come a time in the future that will be asked to renew again? If so when and how often?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

At this time we have no plans to ask you to renew again but we do like to keep our Giant list updated with active members so I can’t promise anything beyond that.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/thrivingmom thrivingmom

This was my question. So glad Robin answered.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/thrivingmom thrivingmom

I reapplied as a Giant 100. Since I now have over 200 lenses, here’s crossing my fingers 100 of those meet the new standards.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/JJNW JJNW

I am trying so hard to see the positives here…but quite honestly, I am feeling truly sick over this. I think we could all easily make a list of at least 100 lensmasters we know who should simply be grandfathered in to this.

I am with Prosperity66 in feeling really smacked down.

I am all ready running as fast as I can… I feel like someone is threatening to take away an award I felt was so very, very special. I have previously been awarded the Giant 100 Clubber award — why is that not enough?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

The positives are that once we get through the renewal process, we’ll have a club full of great writers.who are active, inspired, and inspiring within the community.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KathyMcGraw KathyMcGraw

Robin- isn’t that what the Giants were supposed to be before? You had to have great writing, and be an active member in the community, “be a good community member” and give back. That is what we are teaching the new squids every day….and especially for any in the group that apply for Giant.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

Yes Kathy, nothing has changed in that respect.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/JJNW JJNW

What Kathy said is exactly what I mean. We were supposed to have all ready passed the test. That is what feels like a smack.

I suppose some previous Giants may have gone downhill…but are there really so many that it could not have been handled by emailing those individuals?

You know I love you guys, btw, right? I mean no disrespect — ever.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

No smack intended at all. Your applications will help us get to know the community better and with all the new levels it will help us serve each group’s needs better.
Yes, a small group of lensmasters might have their levels rearranged, up or down, but for most there will be no change.
ps… we love you too. :)
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/JJNW JJNW

Now that is very nice kinda * smack * (aka * smooch *). Ok. It’s starting to sink in. (breathing, breathing)… ((SquidHUGS))
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/AvidPoet AvidPoet

aww, that’s sweet, appreciative smooch too

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/grannysage grannysage

Giggling with joy. Hopefully I can finally be recognized for quality, not quantity. Got to go, have some dusting to do!

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KonaGirl KonaGirl

You go girl! You do have some awesome lenses!

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KonaGirl KonaGirl

After returning and reading all of the post, I have a question. I was visiting a Giant lensmasters and Squid angel, looking for a lens to bless only to discover that out of the 6 lenses I looked at, all of the content on all 6 had been copied and pasted from websites that did not belong to this particular Giant, nor had any credit been given to where the credit was due. I gave up at this point and did not visit any more of the lensmaster’s lenses. Instead I sent an email explaining why I could not bless any of the lens I had visited, but if this lensmaster could at least add a link from the articles in question to the original website, I would be happy to revisit. I never received a response.

It seems that this sort of thing may be what HQ would like to weed out. In the future, would it be appropriate to report the individual? If it is appropriate, would one just ding the lens as an Squid Angel or do we report it a different way and to whom?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

The best approach is to report abuse and let us decide.

The Giant renewal process should not be confused with anything else. We are simply asking all Giants who wish to remain active club members to let us know by way of the application.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/KathyMcGraw KathyMcGraw

Robin- this is the second time in this thread you told us just to report and let you decide. I am a bit confused at what is there to decide? If someone is plagurizing, or simply copy and pasting large chunks of text with or without attribution, that is illegal. So, what is there to decide?

I understand full well that people on other platforms and websites have plaguized many Squidoo lensmasters (as well as vice versa) but this isn’t what most of the plagurizers here are doing. And since we are talking about Giants….my suggestion is that to go through those reports when someone reapplies and see if they have any reports for violating any of the TOS.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/poddys poddys

The one nice thing is that my wife can now apply, as she doesn’t have 50 lenses, but does have (IMHO) at least 25 really good ones.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/calendarsblog calendarsblog

Well, this is a shocker. I do think this is a good development.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/WhiteOak50 WhiteOak50

I am not really sure how I feel about all of this. Too many changes too fast for me to keep up with. Just so I am understanding all of this, if we are booted out of the 50-100 club, will we get an email telling us? Does lens rankings have anything to do with our qualifications because my rankings have dropped off like no tomorrow. I did fill out the form to reapply, I did read through these comments, I do understand about weeding out-so I guess we just sit back and wait, huh?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

By renewing, you are telling us that you want to be an active club member. People who don’t have enough lenses because they’ve maybe sold them or had them drop into WIP might be moved to a new level but we have no plans to boot anyone who is creating original content lenses and playing by all the rules.

Lensrank has never been an issue when choosing Giants and it continues to not be an issue now unless, as I said, the rank goes so low as to put too many of your lenses into WIP bringing your total published lens count below 25.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/WhiteOak50 WhiteOak50

Thanks Robin :0)

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

you’re welcome. :)

http://www.allconsidering.com/ Katinka Hesselink

In the email there was a requirement about logging in several times a week. Does that mean we lose our badge if we take a two week holiday? Or get sick for a month?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

No. Everyone is allowed some time off. :)
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/bdkz Bonnie Diczhazy

You can absolutely take some time off. This applies to people who haven’t logged in for a year or two. The spirit of the Giant Squid Club is that lensmasters are active, monitor their lenses and keep their accounts up to date. There is a definite difference between lensmasters who take time off and people who abandon their accounts.

PS – We hope that Giants would WANT to log in a few times per week!

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/nDee nDee

Change is inevitable . . . and can be uncomfortable for some, and threatening to others.

Like many of you, I worked extremely hard to make “Giant” and subsequently “Giant 100.” I have enjoyed the benefits as well as the privilege of being identified with a group of quality lensmasters.

There’s a lot of mixed emotion expressed here and I’m not here to judge, but I do believe that these changes can turn out to be a very good thing . . . both for those who are starting out and for those of us (Giants) who seek to be a part of making Squidoo a better “destination.”

All I can say is that it’s apparent that the “intentions” behind these recent changes are to make the Giant Club program much better and much more manageable.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

“All I can say is that it’s apparent that the “intentions” behind these
recent changes are to make the Giant Club program much better and much
more manageable.”
Exactly! :)

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/vikksimmons vikksimmons

Wow, I just made giant and was about to apply for the 100. So do we still apply for the 100 at the end of the month? (I’ve been out of town the last week or so, so I’m playing catch up this morning.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

There are no more deadlines so you can apply whenever you’re ready, even today. :)

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Joan4 Joan4

I have to admit I am still confused. The new Giant Squid Club replaces all former Giant Squid Statuses, right? (stated above -Anyone who doesn’t apply here won’t be considered for the Giant Squid Club.) So anyone who is now a Giant Squid will lose that status with the forming of the new club — if they do not apply. right? I understand they can apply at any point, but until that point, they are no longer Giants? So all of those people will lose their trophy/badge? And at what point does that happen? Or is all this going to be clear later and I just need to be patient until the understanding is clearer?

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

We’re thinking by the end of the year but we haven’t set an exact date yet. We want to give everyone plenty of time to renew. We will of course update everyone and keep you all posted as the date approaches.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Joan4 Joan4

Thanks, Robin! That helps! I want to be sure I am telling folks the right thing!

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/AvidPoet AvidPoet

as a nice rock star group of wonderful writers do Giant Squids get free guitars as bonuses!

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/rms rms

Guitars not included. :)

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/AvidPoet AvidPoet

aww, shucks

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/JJNW JJNW

I am noticing a much more prominent emphasis on Giants being the best “writers,” rather than “lensmasters.” That phrase (best writers) is also in the URL.
Just trying to keep up (Read: Who Moved My Cheese).
http://twitter.com/Greekgeek Greekgeek

I’m assuming the old lensrank bonus to a lens of one’s choice for the Giant 100 club, and the old very-small lensrank bonus for the Giant 50 club, have been retired?
This might go a small way to explain the huuuuuuge drop I’ve had across the board lately (although I hope not, because if that was the only reason I used to have well-ranked lenses, then it bally well needed to be retired).
http://www.barbsbooks.com/ Barbara Radisavljevic

I think this is a good idea if it will keep quality lenses on top of the mediocre lenses that seem to rise about quality lenses in rank. I don’t see how it will keep those inferior lenses not written by giants out, though. Many of us get discouraged when lenses barely meeting publication qualifications get stuffed with keywords and copied content and pass some much better lenses. I never mind when an excellent lens outranks me. I hate it when a mediocre one does.
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/love4rocks love4rocks

Just getting into making lenses. Hope one day I will be a Giant Squid :-)