upsidedownspirit asks: On the topic of Shorty Nominations, I think it'd be a brilliant idea to encourage people to vote for Missing e in the Apps category. Not only because it's an extremely useful browser plugin, but also because of the aggressive scare tactics Tumblr has taken against Missing e users. If Missing e ends up as a finalist, or better yet wins the category, I think it'd be a really crushing blow to Tumblr's staff.
» SFB says: While not necessarily looking to get “a really crushing blow to Tumblr’s staff” (we disagree on this issue but still greatly love the product), we fully support this idea, and Jeremy has a real shot of winning — he’s currently in first place in the Apps category, ahead of such biggies as Instagram and Twitter. Give him a vote and make sure he wins it all! (And hey, we’re looking for votes, too!) — Ernie @ SFB
Third-party extensions and hacks are a part of the web, perhaps Tumblr should focus on building new features or its own official “app store” instead of whining about support and server issues.Drew Olanoff of The Next Web has Jeremy Cutler’s back on Missing e.
When I asked Karp about this and told him that I find ‘missing-e’ to be a useful product that enhances my experience with Tumblr, he told me that people using the extension assume that the issues that creep up are not from the extension but are caused by Tumblr, adding unnecessary burden to their support staff. According to Karp, the ‘missing-e’ is one of many extensions, and not even the most popular one, that Tumblr is forced to support.From Anthony De Rosa’s piece on/interview with David Karp and Tumblr. Question to Karp and Tumblr: If it’s a support issue first, why not just have Jeremy Cutler emphasize that the burden’s on him to support Missing e? Why chop off the entire arm when it appears a scratch is the problem? A disappointing take. (The piece covers other things as well, BTW.)
“I had been working a little bit on the code when the mood struck, but when they began releasing features similar to those in Missing e, I have to admit that I got my back up. I am glad that they are trying to improve, whether or not they’ve taken their cues from me. Still, I think the way they’ve implemented these new features leaves a little to be desired. The new release will fix the tag wrapping problem and allow users to make automatic tag reblogging optional.”
Still, no official comment from Tumblr. Disappointing, guys.
Well, I might as well break it to you.
It is unlikely that Missing e will come back. If it does, it won’t be the same.
Please note that what follows is my interpretation of communications and feedback I have received from Tumblr staff. It does not necessarily represent their full and complete…
Jesus Christ. So it was as bad as it looked from the outset. The features they want to take away are the very ones that make the product great :( Why are you not hiring this person, Tumblr, or at least taking some of his ideas and building upon them? He made your product better!
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We e-mailed Tumblr staff asking for official comment on the Missing e situation. Within five minutes, this is what we got back.
It’s a bit generic, but it’s a response. (If you need to catch up to the story, click the link above.) What do you guys think?