Input for Kiva staff on the "Popularity algorithm"

[Guest]

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[Brennan]

Thank you both for replying so quickly.  I couldn't find it in the help topics at Kiva.   

Julie

Since a lot of loans have expired lately, this is the #1 question that I keep coming across. Kiva needs to be informing their lenders on how this works as it's important and most have no clue what happens. IMHO, I believe that Kiva should create a short introduction video/site that takes lenders through everything that happens so they aren't left feeling confused. The two answers provided were fantastic so I won't add my own

[AccountAbility]

Peter S posted on Dec 1, 2009,
"I'd really like to know the exact weightings used in Kiva's popularity algorithm. There's no issue of it being a valuable "secret sauce", as one can't imagine anyone in their right mind wanting to steal it, since it's so obviously flawed.
. . .
But what justification can there really be for being less than transparent about the popularity algorithm?  Why is transparency a virtue in everything else, but not in this?  Come on Kiva, spill the beans..."

Excellent questions, and a firm, reasonable request.  I'm adding this to the list I'll ask Gerard to address at the next KF Liaison call (coming up on Friday).

--Diane.

With another batch of loans expiring -- at least in some significant part due to the "popularity sort"-- did any further enlightenment come forth?

After all, if it weren't for loans expiring, this wouldn't be much of an issue.

Dan

[KFLiaison]

From the write-up after that call:

Gerard made it very clear that they are aware KF members are not satisfied with the way it works, and after our input they did remove the video component of the algorithm and have sent around our input to various staff members.  However, early in 2010 the Kiva staff is scheduled to have a series of planning meetings to determine priorities for the year. One of the top items to discuss is how to change the lending process to present the "best" loans up front, understanding that the concept of "best" differs over various constituencies.  They are struggling with concepts such as whether to do away with the concept of the Lend page or the Home page, whether to feature a field partner rather than a loan, whether to present a grid of loans using several characteristics (such as in the mock-up David2051 provided)... and Gerard say our input will be used in that process.  They want to look at the problem through that lens, rather than trying to tweak or perfect a mechanism that they might be abandoning soon (a.k.a. the Popularity Algorithm).  For the rest of 2009, the staff/engineering focus is on making the website more transparent (in response to the controversies generated in the past month or so, especially with respect to pre-disbursal of loans), and being sure the GC process works right for the holiday surge.

So, short answer: not really, and we shouldn't hold our collective breath waiting.

--Diane.

[AccountAbility]

From the write-up after that call:

So, short answer: not really, and we shouldn't hold our collective breath waiting.

--Diane.

Peter didn't ask for action.  He asked for information.  Kiva is saying, "Why should we tell you because maybe we will change it in the future?" 

Dan

[KFLiaison]

No details of the algorithm were provided.

--Diane.

[Kestrel]

Hi all,

Is it just my imagination...or has something changed?

There is currently almost no overlap between the first page of loans sorted by "Popularity" and the first page of loans sorted by "Most Recent". Up to now, new loans showed up on the Popularity sort very quickly.

Just wondering...

Laurie