Is Klout On The Way Out?

Posted by Jure KLEPIC on October 26, 2011 in Blog, Influence, Klout, Social Media, Tools · 82 Comments

This morning, Klout launched a new algorithm, which has affected the scoring of Social Media users “Online Success Scores.” This change has caused a dramatic decrease in the Klout scores of most users and all platforms on Social Media are ablaze with discordance, confusion and anger in regard to Klout.

Klout scores have dropped on average, ten points

Joe Fernandez, the CEO of Klout has been talking about the induction of this new algorithm for some time and in recent interviews mentioned that some users “may” see a drop of their score and some will observe little or no changes upon the adaptation.

In fact, the changes are significant and scores have dropped dramatically for most users

In reviewing the impact that the introduction this new algorithm has had on the scores of many users, it can be clearly observed that the major impact caused by this new algorithm can be seen in a users Amplification score and Network Influence. In addition, significant drops / increase have occurred in the majority of users True Reach scores as well.

Klout, we have questions and we want answers

My question to Klout is, “What specifically is causing such a dramatic change in scores and what is this new algorithm really measuring?”

Let me compare my old Klout Score with the new ones received today:

True Reach use: 5K now 19K

Network influence: 81 now 29
Amplification Score: 68 now 22
Klout Score Total: 79.36 now 63.91

Beyond the many concerns and questions in regard to “why” my score and the scores of so many have decreased significantly, what I find most disturbing is the change in the “who I influence” measurement. According to Klout for example, I am now defined as an influencer of a person with whom I only communicate via Facebook messages on the Facebook network. How is this possible and when will it be explained?

Are we back to square one with privacy issue Klout?

Tell Us…

Where is the promised transparency?

Klout states that the new algorithm was introduced in order to provide users with transparency. In fact, Joe Fernandez has said transparency is important and has assured users that Klout is now providing transparency to all users. It is surprising however, that Klout is not answering most comments and certainly not giving users many details. I see absolutely no transparency in how Klout is operating as of yet. None at all.

Joe Fernandez, how can we be comfortable with Klout?

In an interview with TNW, Joe Fernandez stated, “Being ‘the standard’ means people need to feel comfortable and have enough insight.” He states further, “Score Insight has been in development for five months. Google doesn’t tell you how its algorithm works.”

Klout’s absurd answer to why they do not share the algorithm or methodology for how they gather users scores sounds like the defensive “If they can do it, I can to, even though it’s wrong” game played by young children.

Regardless of the spin Klout adds to interviews and evasive answers layered with excuses, note this: If we compare Google to Klout in regard to not going public with algorithms and methodology, it should also be stated that that Google does NOT say they are “The Standard for Ranking”, where Klout clearly states they are “The Standard For Influence.”

Without transparency and documentation of how Klout obtains their data to define users scores, the “standard” cannot be seen as a “standard” at all.

To use the word “Standard” to define anything, such positioning must be supported with studies and documentation to support and give creedence. Clearly Klout has not provided such and in calling themselves a “Standard” without provided documentation is simply not appropriate. We as users, must question how we have been manipulated to believe this company is doing anything right, ethical or legitimate at all.

The Science Team at Klout does not appear to be Scientific

In my opinion and the opinion of many, Klout is a game of online manipulation and popularity. There is no indication that Klout measures influence. However, it is clearly seen that the once respected Klout score is now measuring popularity, supports spam and gathering information to enhance their Klout Perks program.

Many of us would like to know how spam accounts are receiving high Klout scores. Take for example the following capture of an account that is known in Social Media circles to have a mission of spamming with little content or engagement.

It appears that such behavior is considered influential and is rewarded by the new algorithm for doing so. The message heard by this is spamming, if done well, will earn you an increased Klout score. In fact, the self proclaimed (with NO credible data to support the claim) “Standard for Influence” company called Klout may even name you as the “Thought Leader” of the pack.

It appears that Klout scores are affected not by a mere change in the algorithm alone, but by manipulation in direct relation to their marketing program and/or large scale errors in their statistical programs.

Oddly, Megan Berry of Klout tells us that her 11 point drop “Feels Right”.

Sorry Klout, this new change and lack of transparency does not feel right at all. It feels unprofessional, unethical and completely manipulative. We are not your puppets and we are not your fans. We, the users of Social Media are professionals whom you are assigning inaccurate scores to without our permission or consent and with little or no regard to how doing so affects our businesses and brands.

It is time for you to up your accountability and responsibility. Stop manipulating us with popularity K votes, naming us as influential topic leaders, free Subway and Axe gel. Give us something to believe in. Show us some professional behavior and methodology that involves accurate statistical measurements.

Until then, there is no way that this will ever “Feel Right.”

Jure KLEPIC

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Tags: algorithm, engagement, ethics, followers, induction, influence, klout, klout concern, klout score, manipulation, network influence, online influence, social media

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Keri

Hello Jure, Thank you for inviting me to "Dynamic Tribe" this post. I was happy and proud to do so! You are quite versed on the well-rounded array of social media. Your observations are credible, and you're tool-rific in ways I can only dream to be. For me, Klout was originally something I paid little attention to. I knew it was out there, but I had other things to think about. When I got more into blogging and working toward moving the needle, someone came to me to convey that they were happy to connect with someone of a good influence. They mentioned Klout. So, I looked again, and if what I was doing increased my score, I was happy. If it stayed the same, no sweat. Soon, I focused more on this number, and watched what led to a better score. I did put the Klout badge on my website, and chose to implement it as another set of wings in my collection of kudos in presenting myself to prospective clients and employers. Toward the end of my observations, I wondered if my Twitter tweet frequency was too high, and if I appeared spammy. Because I certainly was watching enough people game the system, and I know they don't even look at their Twitter account (or facebook or linkedin) -- They're simply automating stuff out. Their scores were higher than mine. You know I attend Tweetchats to stay current with social media-related topics. And as a performer, I'm naturally driven toward constant improvement. When I've been in chats where Klout personnel were present, I've found their approach to be quite sophomoric. When my score recently dropped 11 points and the other benchmarks changed drastically, I was quite frustrated. I did observe a few minutes of the #toolschat mentioned by you and mqtodd above. But I was in a meeting and could only observe those very few moments. Regarding Klout topics - I once wrote an article called, "Holy hashtags, Batman!" Actually about Twitter & tweeting. From there, I was influencial in Batman. That, and two other topics I've had to remove from my list. Topics I tweet about frequently seem to hardly make a dent. Today, I logged into Klout just before responding, and it shows that I am influential to someone that logs into Facebook about once per week and would be lucky to know that there are other social networks. They, of course, have not registered for Klout. At this point, I see little credence in Klout, and merely use it as a way to network with those that like exchanging +Ks. I've taken my badge from my site, and am working toward deleting any words of it there. While I'll remember Klout is there, I'll look toward Kred, and others now popping up, to see what comes. I appreciate your post, and your passion toward quality, Jure. ~Keri

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