Forums > MobyGames > Uh... What's up with the Gamefly Media logo?
GAMEBOY COLOR! (1989) on 12/6/2010 9:03 PM · Permalink · Report
I was just about to say something about that. (I noticed it when I was submitting some screenshots.) This isn't like when Moby was IGN related is it?
Lain Crowley (6594) on 12/7/2010 2:58 AM · Permalink · Report
For all the circle jerking that the news feature gets used for this really sounds like something that ought to be a news item.
MZ per X (3010) on 12/7/2010 9:07 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Lain Crowley wrote--]For all the circle jerking that the news feature gets used for this really sounds like something that ought to be a news item. [/Q --end Lain Crowley wrote--] Haha - I will save an extra long and thick news item for you reaching 10,000 points. :o)
Indra was here (20636) on 12/7/2010 3:11 AM · Permalink · Report
Does this mean we actually get paid now or do we still get screwed over?
Indra was here (20636) on 12/7/2010 3:26 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Klaster_1 wrote--]I'll quit university immediately, if it would be possible to work at MG. [/Q --end Klaster_1 wrote--] Bad idea. Organizational management and future planning isn't exactly MG's forte.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/7/2010 4:00 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Klaster_1 wrote--]Neither mine. Just got bored with uni and looking for quiting excuse. [/Q --end Klaster_1 wrote--] Hang on to it. People tend to regret it later.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/7/2010 3:57 AM · Permalink · Report
Submit hentai games and get paid for it? The job of my dreams! :)
Indra was here (20636) on 12/7/2010 4:01 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]Submit hentai games and get paid for it? The job of my dreams! :) [/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]I could hook you up with a few high class brothels who may be interested in Jazz players. :)
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/7/2010 4:33 AM · Permalink · Report
I could hook you up with a few high class brothels who may be interested in Jazz players. :)
Been there, done that, bro. I once had a gig in a restaurant with topless waitresses. When one of them asked me what I wanted to drink, I needed all my willpower not to answer "milk".
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/7/2010 5:45 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]Does this mean we actually get paid now or do we still get screwed over? [/Q --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]
Why would anyone ever pay anyone to fill out information in an online database? Hasn't Wikipedia and its endless clones proven people are simply delighted with the opportunity to do all that work for free?
Name one site like this that pays for contributions, or even has a paid staff doing the writeups. Closest I can think of is allgameguide, but barely.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/7/2010 6:03 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start BurningStickMan wrote--]Why would anyone ever pay anyone to fill out information in an online database? Hasn't Wikipedia and its endless clones proven people are simply delighted with the opportunity to do all that work for free?
[/Q --end BurningStickMan wrote--]
They can focus on improving their database and get it done fast so the users don't whine as often.
We don't.
They're a dot org.
We aren't...and apparently we've developed into something even more commercial.
They're a full community based webite.
We haven't made up our mind yet. :p
Pseudo_Intellectual (65289) on 12/7/2010 6:24 AM · Permalink · Report
It just seems to me that of the problems this site experiences, I don't see a little cash infusion helping much -- not that I really have any understanding of how it might help or where it (how much?) might go. And I am concerned at some significant redundancy between us and the other sites on this alleged network 8)
Indra was here (20636) on 12/7/2010 6:39 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Pseudo_Intellectual wrote--]It just seems to me that of the problems this site experiences, I don't see a little cash infusion helping much -- not that I really have any understanding of how it might help or where it (how much?) might go. And I am concerned at some significant redundancy between us and the other sites on this alleged network 8)
[/Q --end Pseudo_Intellectual wrote--]
Probably just end up in the same routine: we whine, they promise updates, minor updates occurs, then nothing and eventually get ignored and screwed over again.
Repeat process indefinitely.
After nine years of the same old routine. You'd think we'd get smarter by now. :p
Then this comes along...
Fed up.
Pseudo_Intellectual (65289) on 12/7/2010 6:42 AM · Permalink · Report
Perhaps the ultimate business plan is actually for Mobygames to become an actual online store a la GOG. Even offering downloads of shareware games and demos hosted elsewhere after watching this ad from our sponsors wouldn't be too scurrilous, would it? (It's the cost for being too lazy to Google.)
PS Indra, where is the flame war you promised me?
Indra was here (20636) on 12/7/2010 6:57 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Pseudo_Intellectual wrote--]Perhaps the ultimate business plan is actually for Mobygames to become an actual online store a la GOG. Even offering downloads of shareware games and demos hosted elsewhere after watching this ad from our sponsors wouldn't be too scurrilous, would it? (it's the cost for being too lazy to Google.)
PS Indra, where is the flame war you promised me? [/Q --end Pseudo_Intellectual wrote--] Business plan? What business plan?
The only major business plan I detected was forcing the related-links section to be click-able even though there's nothing in it except "buy this game at..." stuff...and that was decades ago. The MG store doesn't seem to be going very well since that link has long since been removed. The Advertise with Us link still uses the really old and annoying mailto: feature which pops up 30 IE windows. Most importantly, there isn't a single direct "Donate to MG" link on that left frame (friend of Moby isn't really eye-catching). What business plan? :p
MG still has yet to figure out whether it wants to be a commercial site or a database repository. Can't be the former since MG doesn't really offer anything commercial-like. Can't really be the later, since the search engine sucks since genesis.
I'd say we're about a notch away from being the next GB. The only thing MG has going for is the number of our tireless inhuman veteran contributors...who constantly get screwed over. New contributors enter the same nightmare due to a unfriendly user contribution interface that doesn't keep up with the times.
...and all this whining is still the same old stuff we usually whine about.
<hr />PS. If this isn't the precursor of a flamewar, I don't know what is. :p
Disgruntled User [Mode:On]
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/7/2010 7:59 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] I'd say we're about a notch away from being the next GB. The only thing MG has going for is the number of our tireless inhuman veteran contributors...who constantly get screwed over. New contributors enter the same nightmare due to a unfriendly user contribution interface that doesn't keep up with the times. [/Q --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]
Ok, I'll bite... What's wrong with GB? Other than its wiki taking a back seat to rambling, hour-long, "quick look" videos... and a podcast of similar unedited blathering?
And its users being little image-thieving bastards, but I haven't heard about that being an issue for a while.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/7/2010 8:31 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start BurningStickMan wrote--]Ok, I'll bite... What's wrong with GB? Other than its wiki taking a back seat to rambling, hour-long, "quick look" videos... and a podcast of similar unedited blathering?
And its users being little image-thieving bastards, but I haven't heard about that being an issue for a while. [/Q --end BurningStickMan wrote--] GB wants our European nano-bots that contribute a sheeid load of stuff...and every other veteran contributor who actually research their stuff (well, usually) to gain repute. Fortunately thus far, our nano-bots prefer better quality oil for their batteries. :p MG wants their braindead teenaged-minded users who open their wallets first and think later, but lacks the bling-bling features domesticated cows usually go for. If we didn't have user forums, our site would be incredibly boring.
The thing is, we shouldn't even be in the same par with GB. Would be like comparing a pebble with Jupiter. However, we lack many user-friendly features that the average internet user is used to and may consider to be entertaining. Some features that GB and practically every other gaming site has to some scale, but we don't. Not to mention that we still have to compete with wikipedia which although has some serious content quality issues, will eventually outgrow us via new games. Our spearhead pride for classic games, isn't exactly marketable to the newborns...and they out number us oldies a million to one.
We don't actually offer much at all to the average gamer, except those on a nostalgic vibe. But that scene is pretty much covered by platform specific and abandonware sites. We can't compete on hints and cheats, since GameFaqs and every other wikia does a better job. Well, reviews are still a good thing, thanks to our resident wacked Israeli among others, but we're not exactly famed for that either.
I'm still seeing no change in our policy to what I once mentioned last year:
If to use Pirates! as a comparison, in addition to the accomplishments we've reached, we'd be a pirate Treasure Galleon which has a letter of marque from all nations, a sleeping captain who apparently is on another boat :p, few shipmates commandeering a multitude of sailors. Our hull is leaking slowly, we're surrounded by pirate sloops, and we're sailing the wrong way.
Er. I could use some back-up whining here. Though I must admit it's a bit repetitive since we keep doing it every year. :p
MZ per X (3010) on 12/7/2010 9:13 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Foxhack wrote--]I'm seeing that at the bottom of ALL pages now. [/Q --end Foxhack wrote--] Yeah, saw it, too. After this promising wind of change in the mid of 2010 with the founders talking to us, updating the site and processing corrections, we're sadly back to all the uncertainty.
And this GameFly logo makes things just worse.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/7/2010 10:21 AM · Permalink · Report
The decision has been made, regardless. The only question left is:
Where does this leave us?
GAMEBOY COLOR! (1989) on 12/7/2010 12:55 PM · Permalink · Report
This is a pretty depressing developement. I wonder what benefit could even come from this. Moby is in desperate need of a overhaul from top to bottom. That needs to happen for it to survive in the future, or it'll just be the current crop of users.
formercontrib (157685) on 12/7/2010 1:12 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
Not really surprised that something like this had happen. When surprised then only because of the fact that it happened soon after GB data-mirrored the whole Moby database, the whole non-reaction to this fom Moby founders site, confirms me only, that this was not piracy by GB, instead done for bucks.
Once again it shows only one thing: Brian and Rob were never, and will never be interested in MobyGames and all of it's supporters. What they're interested in: Hard bucks - no less, no more.
And now they get them 2 times: 1st from GB, now from blow-fly media. Great double-deal overall! Congratz.
Once again only 1 question isn't answered. What an impressive acting by Brian + Rob - How characterless can those guys be to take the piss out of a whole community, the community that made Moby's reputation. Because this has absolutely nothing to do with their own "work" over the years.
Paid approvers: Hohoho, next one please. The bucks always moved directly into the pockets of those Moby-"Heroes", from now on into blow-fly media's pocket.
Remains only the little hope, that the community says: No, thx - not any longer Moby.
GAMEBOY COLOR! (1989) on 12/7/2010 1:32 PM · Permalink · Report
I disagree with that. People steal our stuff all the time, and I'm sure they don't need to pay to get acess to it.
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/7/2010 6:29 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start joyvalley wrote--]Not really surprised that something like this had happen. When surprised then only because of the fact that it happened soon after GB data-mirrored the whole Moby database, the whole non-reaction to this fom Moby founders site, confirms me only, that this was not piracy by GB, instead done for bucks. [/Q --end joyvalley wrote--]
Eh? That wasn't GB. That was that Chinese site. Seven something or other.
Jeanne (75304) on 12/8/2010 11:00 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start joyvalley wrote--] Once again it shows only one thing: Brian and Rob were never, and will never be interested in MobyGames and all of it's supporters. What they're interested in: Hard bucks - no less, no more. [/Q --end joyvalley wrote--]That's harsh, Thomas! I totally disagree with the above statement.
Brian and Rob put their hearts and souls into this project and it has grown into a huge undertaking. MobyGames is now 11 years old, so it has stood the test of time. The founders were "hands-on" administrators for many of those years until they finally accepted help and could step away for a breather.
I don't think you have a clue what it takes to keep MobyGames running. The MobyGames servers (and there's a room full of them), upgrading, maintenance, etc. takes money, and in these economic times everyone can use a little help when it's offered.
Before we jump to all sorts of unfounded conclusions, let's see what they have to say about it.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/8/2010 11:51 AM · Permalink · Report
Before we jump to all sorts of unfounded conclusions, let's see what they have to say about it.
You are right, Jeanne! We are all paranoiac here. Myself included...
Jeanne (75304) on 12/8/2010 1:51 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]Before we jump to all sorts of unfounded conclusions, let's see what they have to say about it.
You are right, Jeanne! We are all paranoiac here. Myself included... [/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--] Personally, I'm going to do a few backups .. my reviews mostly that I didn't keep copies of initially . JIC
MZ per X (3010) on 12/7/2010 12:57 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]The decision has been made, regardless.[/Q --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] What decision? MobyGames sold to Gamefly/IGN/whatever?
[Q --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] The only question left is:
Where does this leave us? [/Q --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] The answer doesn't matter, cause there's nowhere we can go.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/7/2010 1:07 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MZ per X wrote--]The answer doesn't matter, cause there's nowhere we can go. [/Q --end MZ per X wrote--] Nowhere, I'm afraid, is the place we will be.
Foxhack (31930) on 12/7/2010 6:12 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MZ per X wrote--]The answer doesn't matter, cause there's nowhere we can go. [/Q --end MZ per X wrote--]I do have a place to go... My own website. I started contributing here because I didn't see the point of writing about old games there. Now that THIS has happened, I have no other choice.
Oh yeah, I plan to add a "You may not use these screenshots / descriptions / videos anywhere else without proper written consent" clause to everything in the site because I don't want GB nooblets to start stealing my stuff, like they did here, and CONTINUE to do so.
I'm very disappointed by this turn of events. Then again, I figured it would happen one day.
MZ per X (3010) on 12/7/2010 9:03 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Foxhack wrote--] [Q2 --start MZ per X wrote--]The answer doesn't matter, cause there's nowhere we can go. [/Q2 --end MZ per X wrote--]I do have a place to go... My own website.[/Q --end Foxhack wrote--] I cancelled my own site just days ago. (o: I have a backup, but fumbling on my own I find impossible after seeing the light of collaborative video game documentation.
[Q --start Foxhack wrote--] I'm very disappointed by this turn of events. Then again, I figured it would happen one day. [/Q --end Foxhack wrote--] Can somebody please make a statement of what EXACTLY has happened? Do the approvers know more already?
Pseudo_Intellectual (65289) on 12/7/2010 9:05 PM · Permalink · Report
Not really.
formercontrib (157685) on 12/7/2010 10:37 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MZ per X wrote--] Can somebody please make a statement of what EXACTLY has happened? Do the approvers know more already? [/Q --end MZ per X wrote--]
Subject : MobyGames & GameFly Media
Date : Yesterday, 09:15 PM
Author : Brian Hirt (10082) - formerly known as co-founder and "leader" of MobyGames
"Many of you have probably noticed the new logo on the bottom of the site. As approvers and active members of the community, I want to let you know that MobyGames has become part of GameFly Media. Rob and I continue to run the site on a day to day basis. We actually feel this change will allow us to spend more time working on the site, allowing us to make it better and to continue doing great things. "
GAMEBOY COLOR! (1989) on 12/7/2010 11:25 PM · Permalink · Report
If the message was from yesterday, how come you didn't say anything until now?
GAMEBOY COLOR! (1989) on 12/7/2010 11:36 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
Havoc Crow (formerly JudgeDeadd) (28423) on 12/8/2010 5:32 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
The coolest part will be when that GameFly suddenly wants to cut costs and decides that that "MobyGames" thingy is really just a superfluous source of expense. DELETE
Well, we're indeed doomed.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/8/2010 6:14 AM · Permalink · Report
Well, they need to make it clear that there isn't one in a million chance that MobyGames can be deleted, that everything we've been doing here for years is not going to disappear.
Otherwise, what's the point?
What gives me a really bad feeling is not this GameFly business, but the fact that Brian and Rob haven't explained anything. No reassurances beside that vague polite disclaimer.
Will MobyGames exist forever?
That's question number 1. If there is any chance - even the smallest chance - that the future of the site doesn't depend on us, but on some Big Brothers we don't even know - then we can only close the site and give up now, before wasting any more of our valuable time.
vedder (68268) on 12/8/2010 9:08 AM · Permalink · Report
Rob, posted in the Approver forums that he and Brian would answer all questions we have soon. So any questions you have post them here and they will be looked at and answered shortly.
They don't have time to continuously check the forums and reply to each post individually so they will address questions soon in a big post.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/8/2010 9:32 AM · Permalink · Report
Well... here are my questions, then:
Crawly (1409) on 12/8/2010 8:15 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]What gives me a really bad feeling is not this GameFly business, but the fact that Brian and Rob haven't explained anything. No reassurances beside that vague polite disclaimer.[/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--] I agree, for a website that relies on its members' contributions, MobyGames really lacks administrative feedback.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/8/2010 8:57 AM · Permalink · Report
I agree, for a website that relies on its members' contributions, MobyGames really lacks administrative feedback.
That's putting it mildly.
Basically, everything that happens to MobyGames is decided by two people only: Brian and Rob. That's it. We can, of course, voice suggestions, hoping that they will be heard; however, none of us has any rights whatsoever. Including admins like Sciere and Kabushi; they can edit the site, but they can't cast a vote for any decision concerning its future.
So if tomorrow Brian and/or Rob decide that's it, they don't have time to sustain the site - nothing can prevent them from shutting it down. Or selling it. Or doing anything else. Nothing.
Of course we can hope that those two guys are decent enough to acknowledge the fact that this site owes everything to the community. But the existence of this site has no other guarantee but the presumed decency of those two guys.
Foxhack (31930) on 12/8/2010 12:41 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Crawly wrote--] [Q2 --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]What gives me a really bad feeling is not this GameFly business, but the fact that Brian and Rob haven't explained anything. No reassurances beside that vague polite disclaimer. [/Q2 --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--] I agree, for a website that relies on its members' contributions, MobyGames really lacks administrative feedback. [/Q --end Crawly wrote--]You're new here, aren't you? That's how things have been for oh, what, six years or more?
Crawly (1409) on 12/8/2010 2:16 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Foxhack wrote--] [Q2 --start Crawly wrote--] [Q3 --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]What gives me a really bad feeling is not this GameFly business, but the fact that Brian and Rob haven't explained anything. No reassurances beside that vague polite disclaimer. [/Q3 --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--] I agree, for a website that relies on its members' contributions, MobyGames really lacks administrative feedback. [/Q2 --end Crawly wrote--]You're new here, aren't you? That's how things have been for oh, what, six years or more? [/Q --end Foxhack wrote--] I'm not that new, and I'm fully aware of that. :)
Indra was here (20636) on 12/8/2010 1:51 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Crawly wrote--]MobyGames really lacks administrative feedback. [/Q --end Crawly wrote--] Bingo.
That summed it up quite nicely. A problem that has not been solved since Genesis. More disturbingly, never considered a problem by the administration. Which is why this turn of events is worrisome. If continued communication were established beforehand, we wouldn't be worried even if hell were knocking.
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/11/2010 12:52 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
.... Rob and Brian.... can no longer answer questions....... about their own site?
...............
Uh, waiter? CHECK PLEASE!
GAMEBOY COLOR! (1989) on 12/11/2010 1:06 AM · Permalink · Report
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/11/2010 1:57 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Foxhack wrote--]Again.
Where have you been all these years? Because THAT'S HOW IT'S ALWAYS BEEN. [/Q --end Foxhack wrote--]
There's a difference between can't and won't. Can't is new.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/11/2010 1:51 AM · Permalink · Report
.... Rob and Brian.... can no longer answer questions....... about their own site?
Now this is really scary.
When Rob says "it's above me", it means he is no longer able to decide how the site will develop...
Which means that our site can, from now on, theoretically take any shape. It can be turned into yet another crappy site dedicated to new games only. It can become a shop. It can be deleted. It can turn into an online dating site for senior citizens looking for brides in Greenland.
It just can become... anything. Our bosses are now invisible. Like the Big Brother. Even worse: we don't even know if they have mustaches or not. We know absolutely nothing.
Who the hell are those new bosses, anyway? Don't you guys think we have the right to know??
Indra was here (20636) on 12/11/2010 1:54 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]It can be deleted. It can turn into an online dating site for senior citizens looking for brides in Greenland. [/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--] Now there's an idea. Do I still keep my MG points?
Marry Greenland!!!
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/11/2010 2:00 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Who knows what those new guys will do. Maybe they will ban all Indonesian contributors with provocative avatars and unhealthy interest in tentacles.
Or maybe they are a bunch of wealthy Arab oil magnates, and will ban me.
Or maybe they are communists, so they will take Sciere's points, divide it among users with 10 points or less, and ban Sciere as a class.
We are joking, but actually it's not funny. I'm seriously concerned. Do Rob and Brian still have any rights for this site?.. They weren't perfect, but at least you knew what to expect from them... more or less.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/11/2010 4:01 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--] We are joking, but actually it's not funny. I'm seriously concerned. [/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--] It hasn't been funny for the past five years, mate. This is just a wake up call a little too late. A good many of MG veterans here no longer care what happens to this place...and not for a lack of trying.
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/11/2010 2:03 AM · Permalink · Report
Well, see, they're not really "your" bosses. And this isn't really "our" site.
Remember that ol' "everything you submit to MobyGames is the sole property of MobyGames" bit? Well, your years of hard work have contributed to a moderate payday for the founders.
....aaaaand that's about it.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/11/2010 2:12 AM · Permalink · Report
Remember that ol' "everything you submit to MobyGames is the sole property of MobyGames" bit? Well, your years of hard work have contributed to a moderate payday for the founders.
Don't care about that. I'm not interested in "owning" my reviews, screenshots, etc. Currently, I'm only interested in one thing: that, at least, the site stays the way it is. That nobody will remove/delete/transform stuff without a reason.
I would be glad if Brian and Rob receive money. Maybe they will be more active on the site itself if someone pays them. This whole issue has nothing to do with money for me. It's just that I'm concerned, because I have no idea who the new owners are and what they want.
And what worries me most is that for a week now (!) Rob is still unable to answer our very simple questions, and simply passes them to the new higher-ups.
So Rob can't just re-assure us immediately and say something like: "Guys, don't worry, nobody is closing down MobyGames"? He can't say that - does it mean the site might get deleted?
This is what bothers me much more than any potential rights changes and financial deals Brian and Rob might have made.
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/11/2010 2:29 AM · Permalink · Report
Sure, and I think anyone expecting money out of this was a damned fool. But that's not the point. It's their information to do with as they please, and they don't have to make any assurances to you or anyone about it.
The fact that the founders have to go get permission from corporate means that any GameFly plans aren't ready to go public. Meaning, we're part of the public. Meaning we shouldn't expect any special treatment as contributors, users, loyal visitors of MobyGames since 200x...
That should give some clue as to where we stand in this whole process.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/11/2010 4:06 AM · Permalink · Report
Iggy beat you to it. :p
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/11/2010 5:42 AM · Permalink · Report
Reassuring Corn Popper quote from the Approvers Board:
"so the site isn't going anywhere, hoping to grow it and live up to our name"
Err... one big AMEN!!!??
j.raido 【雷堂嬢太朗】 (80301) on 12/11/2010 6:12 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]Reassuring Corn Popper quote from the Approvers Board:
"so the site isn't going anywhere, hoping to grow it and live up to our name"
Err... one big AMEN!!!?? [/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--] In this case, we can't have an Amen with an an Ahab.
...Indra?
Indra was here (20636) on 12/11/2010 8:16 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
I'm not worried about MG being deleted anytime soon...it's not like anyone of us could do anything about it if it came to that, so that's out of my political agenda. Considering that Michael Moritz is behind the money, not particularly worried about that either.
My only concern is will we still be whining about the same old stuff next year or to put it into more diplomatic words: I want MG to be the biggest, baddest, dangsest gaming website on the internet this side of the galaxy.
So why is it so fucking hard to achieve that?
Why does it feel like MG is like a burden to the owners and all our efforts und ideas to improve this site feel like a buzz kill?
Chances of the MG code being a bit more open sourced, less draconian, and let the community develop it as it will and expand...resulting in an expansion of features and information to the database that we could only dream of?
Ziltch.
Sometimes I wonder why I even bother screaming at a brick wall...and with this current development, my greatest fear is that the wall just got thicker.
and why can't I still see my avatar?
formercontrib (157685) on 12/11/2010 9:27 AM · Permalink · Report
Still see your tits - still looking nice, everything else of your avatar isn't of interest...
formercontrib (157685) on 12/11/2010 1:31 PM · Permalink · Report
I stopped approvals completly yesterday.
And it's sure like the Amen in the church that i won't restart with it, as unpaid volunteer for a money printing company.
I spended thousands of hours meanwhile for it, for the contributors, newbies, members, the whole community of the site. Not for the founders or "leaders", even that i always knew that they make hard bucks with the work of the whole community.
For sure, i won't do an volunteer job, i spend so much time in, for a money-printing company like blowfly, that's an absolutely no-go. Especially in combination that they stilll haven't answered or replied in any kind about the actual and the future situation. A good indicator how interested they are in this site.
As contributor i go on for a while. But probably it makes sense - seeing several mothers out there with nice daughters too, to bundle my power in own, private projects or in other websites project with concrete plans for the future.
Sciere (877402) on 12/11/2010 1:54 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
I'm not comfortable defending a decision I know nothing about, but I consider the resources that may come available to the site's development and promotion vital to finally bump it to the standards of the 21st century. It's obvious we were never going to get a large aesthetic overhaul if Brian has to do everything by himself and because of the old-fashioned approach MG is not considered authoritative or influential at all. Mainly because MG is the worst example I've ever seen of misguided communication and a total failure in PR ever since flipkin left. Despite our gigantic amount of content and researched documentation where not a single other site can live up to. In the same way new management may find it vital to make the site much more accessible for new contributors and we may get a redesign there as well. If almost all of the site is contributed and approved by the same small group of people this is going to turn into a circlejerk fest eventually, the current site focus also does not reflect the gameographic popularity at all, where many important console hits are completely missing from our documentation.
So Brian and Rob cashed in their project. That's fine with me; they build it and they own it. No one forced us to participate, we chose to do it and objectively they don't own anything to us. I contribute and approve here because I'm interested in the history of games and this site has a documentation reach spanning different platforms and disregarding notability, which no other site has. I've already told Rob however I have no intention of working voluntary for GameFly. They will either have to reward or motivate the existing team, or find a new group of volunteers willing to learn the intricacies of the approval and management process, or users who don't mind doing this kind of work freely for a commercial company, rather than a hobby project by two people. Or maybe we can be swayed by the large effort that may be put into the redesign, making it much more enjoyable working on the site. Rob and Brian are very well aware that if this core group of 20 people leaves, the site comes to a complete halt, so you can be sure there will be new incentives. GameFly would be a fool for risking to only attract a new group of users and dismiss us, unless MG is to become as accurate as GameFAQs or GiantBomb. It's quite a risk buying a site without its workforce and I'm sure they are not overlooking that.
Overall however, I look forward how the site will evolve. Forget about starting a new project, it's impossible to amass this amount of information again, not to mention years of development on a new framework without financial backing. Once all the cards are on the table we can make a good decision of what to do next. It's all speculation for now and I don't think there is even a need to pressure management not to forget us, they know all too well what would happen.
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/11/2010 2:26 PM · Permalink · Report
Well said, Sciere. I'm waiting and seeing.
I'm still curious as to what GameFly would even want with a site like this, and hopefully we'll get an idea of their plans for it sometime soon.
Not sure about these incentives either, and not holding my breath. Don't misunderstand me, getting paid to research and contribute to MG would be a dream job - it just seems so far-fetched that I've blocked the idea completely. How would you ever get your money back as the company? How do you monetize a site like this? (Besides ads, or a "paid subscription" which I doubt enough people would be interested in paying for anyway). No doubt this is all cool information, but how much real "value" does it actually have?
Maybe GameFly thinks it has more than we suspect?
That's what it is... a new retro rental service, pulling its page information from the database. Amiga floppies direct to your door!
Klaster_1 (57599) on 12/11/2010 2:43 PM · Permalink · Report
[quote]what GameFly would even want with a site like this[/quote] Well, they might want extensive information about games they have for rent. That might help to choose titles, with all screenshots and reviews we have. Though, since the lack of modern games (or screens for current-gen consoles), such reason seems questionable.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/11/2010 2:47 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Klaster_1 wrote--][quote]what GameFly would even want with a site like this[/quote] Well, they might want extensive information about games they have for rent...and reviews we have. [/Q --end Klaster_1 wrote--] I have this odd feeling in the near future that an unidentified PM will order me to stop submitting trashing reviews. :p
formercontrib (157685) on 12/11/2010 2:59 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] [Q2 --start Klaster_1 wrote--][quote]what GameFly would even want with a site like this[/quote] Well, they might want extensive information about games they have for rent...and reviews we have. [/Q2 --end Klaster_1 wrote--] I have this odd feeling in the near future that an unidentified PM will order me to stop submitting trashing reviews. :p [/Q --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]
This should not be the problem, i can send you an easy identifiable one for this! ;)==
Foxhack (31930) on 12/11/2010 6:46 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Klaster_1 wrote--][quote]what GameFly would even want with a site like this[/quote] Well, they might want extensive information about games they have for rent. That might help to choose titles, with all screenshots and reviews we have. Though, since the lack of modern games (or screens for current-gen consoles), such reason seems questionable. [/Q --end Klaster_1 wrote--]This was the FIRST thing I thought of when I saw the GameFly logo. They could potentially sell out our information in a similar way that Muze does with some sites. That just doesn't sit well with me.
Foxhack (31930) on 12/11/2010 7:25 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Klaster_1 wrote--]Why would they sell information, which is already free? And who might want to buy it? [/Q --end Klaster_1 wrote--]It's free for non-commercial use. Who would buy it?
Amazon. eBay. Gamestop. Game. Other retail stores. Just plunk in an UPC for your item and BAM, instant database with cover art, pictures, developers, etc.
vedder (68268) on 12/11/2010 3:39 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start BurningStickMan wrote--]Not sure about these incentives either, and not holding my breath. Don't misunderstand me, getting paid to research and contribute to MG would be a dream job - it just seems so far-fetched that I've blocked the idea completely.[/Q --end BurningStickMan wrote--]
Well I don't see how that could ever happen either. But I'm fine with contributing (and approving) for free on the condition that all this information also remains freely accessible for everyone as it is now. If people will have to pay to access this information than of course I don't see me contributing here anymore. But I doubt that's in anyone's interest. Because seriously, 99% of the people who look up information here are just as content looking it op on Wikipedia or Gamefaqs or whatever. Nobody's going to pay to have access to historical game information.
Personally, I'm still a bit anxious because we're still pretty much in the dark. But I do believe that this could be a very good thing for a site that has pretty much stopped going with the times many years ago. People looking at it with a fresh look and a larger budget (both money and time) might just be the best thing that ever happened to this site! So I'll hold my breath and see what they have to say.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/11/2010 3:37 PM · Permalink · Report
Well said, Sciere! I couldn't have said it better myself.
MZ per X (3010) on 12/11/2010 7:39 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Sciere wrote--]I've already told Rob however I have no intention of working voluntary for GameFly. They will either have to reward or motivate the existing team, or find a new group of volunteers willing to learn the intricacies of the approval and management process, or users who don't mind doing this kind of work freely for a commercial company, rather than a hobby project by two people.[/Q --end Sciere wrote--]Exactly. There's no way I will do volunteer work for increasing the assets of a commercial company. I am in tax consulting, I've seen the ways of commercial companies for far too long, the next merger or acquisition (thus the next logo at the bottom) is just one crisis away. There's no good end to all this.
[Q --start Sciere wrote--] Forget about starting a new project, it's impossible to amass this amount of information again, not to mention years of development on a new framework without financial backing. [/Q --end Sciere wrote--] That's the part I refuse to believe and to give up hope. It's a popular saying that the world doesn't need another game database. Okay, but the world needs the ULTIMATE game database. But the primary precondition for this would be a non-profit foundation to own it, a legal embodiment of the gamer community. This is the only way to get rid of all these commercial or semi-commercial interests that keep driving people away.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/11/2010 9:56 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MZ per X wrote--]I am in tax consulting, I've seen the ways of commercial companies for far too long, the next merger or acquisition (thus the next logo at the bottom) is just one crisis away. [/Q --end MZ per X wrote--] Dum de dum dum. Didn't want to bring that up since our fanbois are such optimistic fellows. :p
My condolences on your occupation. :)
MZ per X (3010) on 12/11/2010 11:57 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]
[Q2 --start MZ per X wrote--]I am in tax consulting, I've seen the ways of commercial companies for far too long, the next merger or acquisition (thus the next logo at the bottom) is just one crisis away.
[/Q2 --end MZ per X wrote--]
Dum de dum dum. Didn't want to bring that up since our fanbois are such optimistic fellows. :p[/Q --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]
Ladadee-ladada
The first step to ultimate doom is just one click away in the Internetz. :o)
[Q --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] My condolences on your occupation. :) [/Q --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] Really, this is very much appreciated from a lawyer. A change of occupation is pending for years, but the kids wanna eat three times every f****g day, these little beloved suckers. =)
Indra was here (20636) on 12/12/2010 12:10 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MZ per X wrote--]Really, this is very much appreciated from a lawyer. A change of occupation is pending for years, but the kids wanna eat three times every f****g day, these little beloved suckers. =) [/Q --end MZ per X wrote--] I think I slept through the entire semester of tax law. Not even sure how I passed that course. Those heavy books are just asking to be used in involuntary manslaughter. :p
Just move to Indoland so you can become part of the tax evasion mafia, with an expat paycheck working in a third world-expense country. A place where being scum is culturally encouraged! :p
Indra was here (20636) on 12/11/2010 10:17 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Sciere wrote--]GameFly would be a fool for risking to only attract a new group of users and dismiss us, unless MG is to become as accurate as GameFAQs or GiantBomb. It's quite a risk buying a site without its workforce and I'm sure they are not overlooking that.
[/Q --end Sciere wrote--]
It would depend on their corporate agenda...which no one really knows.
I suspect quantity over quality due to the commercial nature.
wonders why the MG logo isn't on any of their sites
Indra was here (20636) on 12/11/2010 10:54 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Sciere wrote--]I don't see the commercial value in a site that isn't able to keep up with new releases. [/Q --end Sciere wrote--] wonders if in the future, some new entries can get through without going through the approval queue
Ƒreddƴ (5817) on 12/12/2010 5:23 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start joyvalley wrote--]I stopped approvals completly yesterday.[/Q --end joyvalley wrote--]
ahh. that explains alot. so are all you guys stopping? else I really dont see the point of submitting anything. also all my WIP stuff disappeared...
Foxhack (31930) on 12/12/2010 5:41 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Epsi wrote--] [Q2 --start joyvalley wrote--]I stopped approvals completly yesterday. [/Q2 --end joyvalley wrote--]
ahh. that explains alot. so are all you guys stopping? else I really dont see the point of submitting anything. also all my WIP stuff disappeared... [/Q --end Epsi wrote--]Okay, the WIP stuff shouldn't disappear. That's a weird bug.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/12/2010 6:10 PM · Permalink · Report
so are all you guys stopping?
I can't speak for all, but I'm not stopping.
I strongly disagree with the attitude of those who stopped approving. I think it's the worst possible reaction to the news.
But it's their right. I mean, it's not that they have to approve. They are volunteers. If they want to stop, let them stop. It damages the site, sure, but there is nothing we can do. I hope there are still some approvers who continue, that's all.
Those who would like to help the site and approve, please don't hesitate. The approval situation is visibly worse than before. The PC queue in particular is flooded. With both Indra and Cantillon "on strike", it's going to be a complete disaster.
formercontrib (157685) on 12/12/2010 6:24 PM · Permalink · Report
It's the result of silence, still silence after a way too long time, combined with the info from the former masters, which shows only one thing: That they have nothing more to say meanwhile (not that they said a lot, or a lot of sensefull things in the past).
It's not hard to believe, that many people, and we're talking here, as you know, all of them volunteers, and many of them who spended not a little bit time in the past, and many nerves too, feel this is inacceptable.
Also, where is the use, to go on like always, when there is still absolutely nothing to hear, how plans look for the future of MobyGames, for the case that there are plans for the future, which isn't confrmed by anyone so far.
So a normal reaction. To blame others, calling out their names, is for sure the last thing that will help to re-activate them, especially not when approver guys be an also-ran do this.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/13/2010 2:52 AM · Permalink · Report
It's not hard to believe, that many people, and we're talking here, as you know, all of them volunteers, and many of them who spended not a little bit time in the past, and many nerves too, feel this is inacceptable.
I, too, feel this is inacceptable. But I don't want to abandon a site to which I gave so much of my time and energy at a time like this. This is my site, too. Just like it is yours. I feel more motivated to contribute and approve now, because who knows, maybe these are the last days.
Following the logic I've encountered here, we shouldn't bother do anything in our lives, because, well, we'll all die eventually.
This is actually a lot like death now. Maybe there will be nothing, but maybe there will be afterlife. Or rebirth.
In any case, I'm sticking with MobyGames to the end.
Evil Ryu (65907) on 12/13/2010 3:26 AM · Permalink · Report
It's not hard to believe, that many people, and we're talking here, as you know, all of them volunteers, and many of them who spended not a little bit time in the past, and many nerves too, feel this is inacceptable.
I, too, feel this is inacceptable.[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]But I don't want to abandon a site to which I gave so much of my time and energy at a time like this. This is my site, too. Just like it is yours. I feel more motivated to contribute and approve now, because who knows, maybe these are the last days.
Following the logic I've encountered here, we shouldn't bother do anything in our lives, because, well, we'll all die eventually.
This is actually a lot like death now. Maybe there will be nothing, but maybe there will be afterlife. Or rebirth.
In any case, I'm sticking with MobyGames to the end. [/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]You said it all, Oleg: I fully agree.
And about many of my fighting games screenshots: have I used thousands of save states... for NOTHING?
Indra was here (20636) on 12/13/2010 3:41 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
There's a difference between trying to save a sinking ship and telling yourself the ship isn't sinking. We have not yet received any news to indicate that the ship is not sinking. I refuse to accept the logic that just because we spent so much time here, we will accept it regardless.
Right or wrong my country is as lame as any misguided nationalism. So if the country want us to die (read=waste time doing non-skirt-chasing activities), then I tell JFK: what can my country do for me? Love is conditional, thank you very much.
It's standard practice actually. Under new management...there will be policy changes. Until we know the new whole story, relying on the previous old story is simply unprofessional.
Ƒreddƴ (5817) on 12/12/2010 8:11 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--] Those who would like to help the site and approve, please don't hesitate. The approval situation is visibly worse than before. The PC queue in particular is flooded. With both Indra and Cantillon "on strike", it's going to be a complete disaster. [/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]
Can't happen dude. Just tried and got this.
There was a database error while submitting the form. An error report has been submitted and will be looked into shortly.
then, tried again a bit later. and got
An error occured while updating the database.
So I assume they dont want any help?
Patrick Bregger (290094) on 12/12/2010 8:23 PM · Permalink · Report
Don't bother with that broken thing. If you really want to become an approver, PM Sciere directly.
vedder (68268) on 12/13/2010 8:29 AM · Permalink · Report
I'm not on strike. I agree that that would only make things worse.
I am a bit short on time at the moment though. So don't expect too much work from me. Just some odd bits and ends during work when I need some mental break from prototyping for a couple minutes.
formercontrib (157685) on 12/12/2010 6:16 PM · Permalink · Report
Shouldn't be a bug, sounds like the normal standard. If you don't re-submit, it will abandoned automatically by the system - like it alltimes was. Depends on the kind of submission, long ago it was 3 days for everything. Today it should be 14 days, and you should get warned before by mail (not if it's an afterwards wip by an admin of an already approved contribution). But as said, it seems to depend, i have for example a developer correction - that still stands within my wiped queue for many weeks...
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/11/2010 1:41 PM · Permalink · Report
Please, the last thing that we need is an "approver strike". This will destroy the site. Is that what you guys want?
Foxhack (31930) on 12/11/2010 6:44 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]Please, the last thing that we need is an "approver strike". This will destroy the site. Is that what you guys want? [/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]Well, I stopped approving because I saw no change for way too long, because my requests for new and / or expanded tech specs kept being ignored TIME AND TIME AGAIN for no discernible reason whatsoever.
And then I quit and decided to start pestering people here. And still no changes.
And so far? Not a peep from the admins. Not even a "Please hang on for a few days, we'll have an official announcement explaining things" comment. All we get is Sciere, who even if he's an admin, is probably as clueless about what's going on as the rest of us.
There's been a lot of discontent from the approvers for way too long. I'm sorry for the timing, but really, it was WAY OVERDUE.
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/11/2010 4:58 PM · Permalink · Report
Someone in GameFly corporate is reading this entire thread and smiling. Probably at our naivety
Indra was here (20636) on 12/11/2010 10:03 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start BurningStickMan wrote--]Someone in GameFly corporate is reading this entire thread and smiling. [/Q --end BurningStickMan wrote--] Nope. Corporate management wouldn't care less. If it isn't represented in statistical data, it isn't data.
Patrick Bregger (290094) on 12/11/2010 8:53 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
I way always had a very optimistic view on the site's future but I don't know what to think. One one side this could be it what brings the site forward: if the responsible persons can work full-time for the site we finally have a chance to get all the necessary changes on the technical side.
On the other hand my main motivation always was that I believed in this project and its ideals. I wanted to help to make this database as good as possible so everyone can find all the game information he desires on MobyGames. But now I don't know the goals of this site anymore - I really don't want to do volunteer work just to finance the dinner schnitzel of the boss from some company I never heard from before.
To be more precise, I probably wouldn't even care that much about who earns money with MobyGames. But I fear that all work will be going to waste in the long run - if in two years some corporate guy takes a bad shit in the morning the site could be gone for good.
Havoc Crow (formerly JudgeDeadd) (28423) on 12/11/2010 11:22 PM · Permalink · Report
I'm afraid that even if GameFly wants nothing but good for the site, there's nothing stopping them from selling it to some other company who has no such qualms.
I've seen this happen to a Polish videogame magazine. They got bought by a British company back in 2000, and proceeded to boast how much it will give them, and when a reader complained "what if they don't need you anymore?" they chastised him "oh you stupid reader, do you really expect them to butcher a hen that lays golden eggs?? (us)" ...One financial trouble in Britain later, the magazine was the first thing sold to the lowest bidder (and since the lowest bidder was a publisher specializing in magazines for teenage girls with attitude & an obsession with pop and sex, you can guess how the videogame magazine changed).
Foxhack (31930) on 12/12/2010 12:19 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start JudgeDeadd wrote--]I'm afraid that even if GameFly wants nothing but good for the site, there's nothing stopping them from selling it to some other company who has no such qualms.
I've seen this happen to a Polish videogame magazine. They got bought by a British company back in 2000, and proceeded to boast how much it will give them, and when a reader complained "what if they don't need you anymore?" they chastised him "oh you stupid reader, do you really expect them to butcher a hen that lays golden eggs?? (us)" ...One financial trouble in Britain later, the magazine was the first thing sold to the lowest bidder (and since the lowest bidder was a publisher specializing in magazines for teenage girls with attitude & an obsession with pop and sex, you can guess how the videogame magazine changed). [/Q --end JudgeDeadd wrote--]... They became Maxim?
Pseudo_Intellectual (65289) on 12/12/2010 12:39 AM · Permalink · Report
Really if we're going to be accepting a stipend from anyone to continue our important work here it should be the ESA.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/14/2010 12:29 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Was trying to research Wiki leaks, but stumbled across MG instead.
Domain info. So, if I'm reading this right...new management actually happened in September.
formercontrib (157685) on 12/14/2010 12:43 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]Was trying to research Wiki leaks, but stumbled across MG instead.
Domain info. So, if I'm reading this right...new management actually happened in September. [/Q --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]
Formidable - only 3 months for a "info" - without content. In comparison that the heads haven't seen for years before, it looks like they get a thrill of speed :) Probably a result owed by the new leadership, let's say it the Condor-way: We love flies!
Crawly (1409) on 12/14/2010 12:57 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start joyvalley wrote--] [Q2 --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]Was trying to research Wiki leaks, but stumbled across MG instead.
Domain info. So, if I'm reading this right...new management actually happened in September. [/Q2 --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]
Formidable - only 3 months for a "info" - without content. In comparison that the heads haven't seen for years before, it looks like they get a thrill of speed :) Probably a result owed by the new leadership, let's say it the Condor-way: We love flies! [/Q --end joyvalley wrote--] I guess this might explain the pop-up ads MobyGames had a few months ago.
Foxhack (31930) on 12/14/2010 12:59 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]Was trying to research Wiki leaks, but stumbled across MG instead.
Domain info. So, if I'm reading this right...new management actually happened in September. [/Q --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--]Wow.
I didn't think reading something here could make me feel physically ill.
Zerobrain (3038) on 12/14/2010 10:33 AM · Permalink · Report
Well I actually did not want to take part in this fruitless discussion, but I've got some thoughts to get rid of.
I'm not so much concerned about the takeover by gamefly. That not necessarily a bad thing. Though it nags me that the deal obviously wasn't worth to be communicated to us or worse wasn't meant to be. That's no way to treat the faithful volunteers who keep this site up to date.
That's why I stalled further contributions. Won't take it up again before there's a reliable statement, what implications those management changes impose on MG.
R H (3) on 12/14/2010 10:39 AM · Permalink · Report
Hello, i am more or less just a visitor or reader of MG, but the situation discussed here got my interest as well.
Trough this and the other Threads about new things on MB i get the vision that no Admin ever is in contact with you all /the contributors and approvers and that some of you feel more or less cheated?
is that right?
greets, gbk
vedder (68268) on 12/14/2010 11:49 AM · Permalink · Report
Admins aren't the problem, there's good contact with those, but the site founders have for a while taken a backseat when it comes to the community and while development on the site has seen periods of activity, the financial picture has AFAIK never been discussed, at least not with approvers.
R H (3) on 12/14/2010 8:33 PM · Permalink · Report
k, i dont know the infrastructure of MB so good and thought admins = founders
when i saw all the links to amazon..ebay..sometimes steam or good old games and those typical browsergames and whatnot ads (i evne got ads here for freelancers insurrances!) + donations than i dont believe the site gets just so much together that its enough for hosting.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/14/2010 11:09 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Zerobrain wrote--]That's no way to treat the faithful volunteers who keep this site up to date. [/Q --end Zerobrain wrote--] Yep.
Seeing how many approvers and contributers have already expressed their admirable dedication to continue fighting for this website regardless.
I'll probably continue approval duties after New Years, hoping some sort of enlightening response before then...though after a week to no avail, I'm not crossing my fingers anymore. If by then a complete story is not yet disclosed and clarity of what the future holds, I will take the silence as an offensive gesture that, we will, to the end of time be continuously snubbed despite our sincere intentions.
If unfulfilled, meine allegiance to mentioned website by then will be officially terminated including any and all 'beyond-the-call-of-duty' activities I have dedicated to make the MG community feel bonded and activities that are only known in the back channels of individuals I have in the past had the honor to socialize with here in the name of the betterment of this site, for what it's worth.
Until then, I will continue this fasting period, as it takes mighty deal of effort not to approve or contribute stuff when it's become a habit for years...even more so when it's already part of your obsessive compulsion psychology.
MZ per X (3010) on 12/14/2010 2:32 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] Domain info. So, if I'm reading this right...new management actually happened in September. [/Q --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] Good catch, Indra.
So the whole "wind of change" back in July and August 2010, the reply to Sciere's letter, the weekly update schedule, all just a bluff in our face?
Depressed. :-(
chirinea (47013) on 12/14/2010 2:53 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MZ per X wrote--] [Q2 --start Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] Domain info. So, if I'm reading this right...new management actually happened in September. [/Q2 --end Bhatara Dewa Indra I wrote--] Good catch, Indra.
So the whole "wind of change" back in July and August 2010, the reply to Sciere's letter, the weekly update schedule, all just a bluff in our face?
Depressed. :-( [/Q --end MZ per X wrote--]You know, I'm keeping my faith. The way I see it, it could just mean that the founders have heard our complains and decided to make this move to see if they could make things better.
Even though Rob has always been here every day or so, Brian couldn't keep up with the amount of changes the site demanded. We complained and complained and he said he would be more present, but with a life to attend, it may be difficult. So having cash from another source to maintain the website could mean that the founders will finally be as present as we always wanted, as they would be getting paid to keep the site. And that's exactly what Brian said.
When that "#1 database" thing appeared, Rob said they were "trying some stuff" or something like that, meaning that this was already taking place. They probably didn't tell us anything because they may have some contract issues and stuff. So I'm here hoping that this is meant to do good for the site.
One thing that has always bothered me, though, is that we really can't communicate well with the founders. Maybe they're aware of it and they're taking the Tom Lehrer approach: "I feel that if a person can't communicate, the very least he can do is to shut up." =D Let's wait and see where it will go, and what they'll tell us in the end.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/14/2010 4:06 PM · Permalink · Report
You know, I'm keeping my faith
I'm with you, bro.
I presume innocent until proven guilty. So far, no proof of any such "guilt" has been presented. Therefore, I think we should give Rob and Brian the benefit of the doubt.
Though, naturally, I don't like their silence.
vedder (68268) on 12/14/2010 3:39 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
Uhm, if the domain was already transfered in September, then most likely the founders knew about this when that letter was sent in August. So this was probably the wind of change that was being referred to. Although likely because the deal was still being negotiated, they couldn't directly mention it.
Foxhack (31930) on 12/14/2010 10:49 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start DJP Mom wrote--]I think we're working out way through the classic Kübler-Ross Grief Cycle: Shock, Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Testing, and finally Acceptance. ;-) [/Q --end DJP Mom wrote--]Maybe these folks are.
I'm still waiting for an answer that we'll probably never get.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/15/2010 2:30 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start DJP Mom wrote--]I think we're working out way through the classic Kübler-Ross Grief Cycle: Shock, Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Testing, and finally Acceptance. ;-) [/Q --end DJP Mom wrote--] Oh, I'm doing the cycle from right to left. :p
Caelestis (4896) on 12/18/2010 2:35 AM · Permalink · Report
It's not much but this is what I got from GameFly's Customer Service:
Your email regarding MobyGames was sent to me from our customer service department. Your email asked about the relationship between GameFly and MobyGames.
To answer your question, GameFly acquired Moby Games at the end of this past summer for its quality content and strong community. We have no plans to fundamentally change the site, and only hope to make it better. Both former employees of MobyGames are now full-time GameFly employees.
Thanks for being a loyal GameFly subscriber and MobyGames user.
Happy holidays, Edward Derse
VP/GM GameFly Media
Indra was here (20636) on 12/18/2010 3:01 AM · Permalink · Report
Strong community? Yep. We're strong alright. Fear our tentacles!
Well, at least we now know who's at the top of the food chain. Thanks for the email.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/18/2010 4:57 AM · Permalink · Report
Some people are born to lead. Others are born to follow. The heart has no difficulty in telling which is which. The followers should not obstruct those destined to lead the stars.
Just watched Kungfu Panda. Still can't get rid of the "listen to me...grasshopper" vibe. :p
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/18/2010 6:35 AM · Permalink · Report
WHY IS IT SO FUCKING HARD FOR THE ADMINS TO SAY THIS RIGHT HERE?!
That's just what I thought. Without the "fucking" part, maybe. But still.
Frankly, I don't quite understand Brian's and Rob's attitude. I find it insulting.
Foxhack (31930) on 12/18/2010 4:21 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]WHY IS IT SO FUCKING HARD FOR THE ADMINS TO SAY THIS RIGHT HERE?!
That's just what I thought. Without the "fucking" part, maybe. But still.
Frankly, I don't quite understand Brian's and Rob's attitude. I find it insulting. [/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]I don't blame you.
Then again, nothing's really changed in the past five years or longer.
When the Giant Bomb admins are more involved in the community than MobyGames, THEN WE HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM.
Indra was here (20636) on 12/18/2010 6:08 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
Might as well give it a rest, Kit. Apparently, no one has the kahuna's anymore. Might as well bend over like everyone else.
Myself excluded, thank you very much.
Starbuck the Third (22654) on 12/18/2010 4:05 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Foxhack wrote--] Jesus EFFING CHRIST. [/Q --end Foxhack wrote--]
Ahh, reminds me of the tanning salon scene in Lock, Stock & 2 Smocking Barrels.
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/18/2010 4:15 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Foxhack wrote--]WHY IS IT SO FUCKING HARD FOR THE ADMINS TO SAY THIS RIGHT HERE?!
WHY DID IT TAKE A RANDOM USER TO EMAIL THEIR BOSSES DIRECTLY TO GET SOME ANSWERS?!
Jesus EFFING CHRIST. [/Q --end Foxhack wrote--]
Nothing we didn't already know though, right?
Apparently this is all GameFly's ready to let out yet.
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/18/2010 11:53 AM · Permalink · Report
If I got $ for my contribution points, then I'd be a millionaire and would go on cruises in private yachts around the world instead of contributing to MobyGames.
Er... actually, I would have a Game Room built on that yacht, with computers, internet access, high-resolution TV, put all my consoles and PCs and game collection on beautiful shelves... and then I'd still contribute to MobyGames...
Now that would be nice...
Unicorn: Waiter!!... Where is my 150-year-old wine and the black caviar? Eh? Where?!
Waiter: Pardon monsieur, I voz juste sinking: Jean told me zet yu feurgeut tu eupleud coveur art...
Unicorn: Oh, I see...
Butler John: With permission, sir. The "Playstation The Best" release is not yet documented... sir.
Unicorn: Ah! What folly! I shall conceive a description in my turbulent mind...
Indra was here (20636) on 12/18/2010 1:55 PM · Permalink · Report
I am so moving to your place. :p
Indra was here (20636) on 12/18/2010 7:11 PM · Permalink · Report
I've resigned my duties as an approver. I can no longer be part of a project that I can in good conscious, no longer respect.
Gotta go.
See you in another life time.
Logging off.
jean-louis (70810) on 12/19/2010 12:51 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
Sometimes I think I do not understand English well but let me explain in my words what I understood : all the MobyGames content contributed/approved on a free basis SOLD to GameFly without ANY notice. I still can not believe it !
Well, with people on strike or leaving, and with lots of corrections still waiting for months, I will have only once choice : leaving in disgust, There are other projects on the web worth of interest. Bye
formercontrib (157685) on 12/19/2010 1:04 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start jean-louis wrote--]Sometimes I think I do not understand English well but let me explain in my words what I understood : all the MobyGames content contributed/approved on a free basis SOLD to GameFly without ANY notice. I still can not believe it !
Well, with people on strike or leaving, and with lots of corrections still waiting for months, I will have only once choice : leaving in disgust, There are other projects on the web worth of interest. Bye
[/Q --end jean-louis wrote--]
Sounds short and painful. More hot-tempered than Joyvalley will. Hope that won't become the thing. Don't wanna say it with the words of an former owner: "...those who leave now, will have a harder time should they return some day (they shall rot in hell)..."
Always bad imo :( ... but reasonable, when more members leave from now on :(.
Especially as there is still not more as the wishy-washy of the old owners told us so far. The change log also doesn't show much activity after the change so far.
But, don't forget one thing: All the info was history for the contributor after he submitted it. In the past it become intellectual property of BERK & HIRT CONSULTING INC --- now it's intellectual property of Gamefly, Inc.- the last years of Berk & Hirt aren't really impressive imo, could the next ones be worser ??
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/19/2010 4:26 PM · Permalink · Report
All the info was history for the contributor after he submitted it. In the past it become intellectual property of BERK & HIRT CONSULTING INC
True. We all knew that. So I don't think it's such a terrible thing that they changed owners. Berk & Hirt, GameFly, McDonalds, FBI, the Communist Party of Laos - what does it matter?
I think we should make it clear to Brian and Rob about what is hurting us: not the sale, but their attitude. At least, that's what is hurting me, I can't really speak for everyone...
GAMEBOY COLOR! (1989) on 12/19/2010 4:52 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
I'm going to stay with the site. I wish Brian would at least say something though. This lack of communication drove Indra away! It's going to be hard to imagine this place without him. 8(
Unicorn Lynx (180491) on 12/19/2010 5:02 PM · Permalink · Report
This lack of communication drove Indra away! It's going to be hard to imagine this place without him
He'll come back when I submit more hentai games :)
Indra was here (20636) on 12/19/2010 5:17 PM · Permalink · Report
Oh, I do find it annoying when someone knows you all too well. :)
Off to vacation land.
R H (3) on 12/19/2010 5:42 PM · Permalink · Report
Sounds like an excellent plan
Building up a website /database/community for videogames. It gets filled by users for free which accept that all their contributions are now copyrighted? by the website and its founders and after years when the site went really big they sell it to someone who can use the site and its community
I wonder what the price was. Over a million? Millions? Or only some thousands dollars?
I will work on a website now similar to mobygames but with all the features the people here are demanding since..as i read sometimes years. It would make some bucks with ebay and amazon to get at least the hosting costs together. So, who wants to join? ;)
Foxhack (31930) on 12/19/2010 6:16 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]I think we should make it clear to Brian and Rob about what is hurting us: not the sale, but their attitude. At least, that's what is hurting me, I can't really speak for everyone... [/Q --end חד-קרן·山猫 wrote--]Maybe once they realize they're making us leave instead of stay by keeping quiet they'll say something.
...
Nah, they're probably swimming in dollars right now. If Corn Popper can take the time to work on corrections, but not take FIVE MINUTES to reply to us, well, we know where his priorities lie.
Lain Crowley (6594) on 12/20/2010 3:24 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Foxhack wrote--]]Maybe once they realize they're making us leave instead of stay by keeping quiet they'll say something. [/Q --end Foxhack wrote--]
I doubt it. This thread has shown that the community of Moby Games is extremely volatile and that it's in Brian and Rob's best interests, now that Moby is owned by a proper company, to wipe the slate clean and bring in a new group of approvers who are loyal to them/gamefly. It's what I would do.
Also for the record I'll be waiting on submitting anything to Moby until I can get a confirmation that not a single byte of data I submit can be put behind a paywall. That's the only thing I'm concerned about.
BurningStickMan (17916) on 12/20/2010 3:29 AM · Permalink · Report