Losing many users

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Here's Bucks original announcement. It doesn't sound to me as though he particularly wanted to make the site subscription only. In fact he comes across as being quite sad that it has had to come to this. He seems to have searched for the best possible option for GB users, and comes across as having researched heavily before making his decision. He has kept the forums free, which as has been said is a generous move and IMO shows he has acted with the users of GB as his first priority. Also bear in mind that if he is in no way obligated to discuss or justify his choice, and yet he has still done so and has done his best to respond to any concerns and queries that we may have. Consider also that when asked if he still wanted donations he turned down the offers, and instead said that people would be better off getting the subscription and getting benefit for their money.
He does not come across as being out to make a profit, merely to stop racking up losses out of his own pocket.

[Jodmos]

IMO Flashlink stinks.
Id rather pay cash to gamebanshee directly then to some annonymous gamingsite I never visit.
If I payed GB I know they use the money to keep their site alive and running wich is in my best interest because I like it.
But now I have to pay to a company that does nothing for me, besides giving away bandwith.

[Aegis]

Originally posted by Jodmos
IMO Flashlink stinks.
Id rather pay cash to gamebanshee directly then to some annonymous gamingsite I never visit.
If I payed GB I know they use the money to keep their site alive and running wich is in my best interest because I like it.
But now I have to pay to a company that does nothing for me, besides giving away bandwith.

We'll he had tried that at one time, with donations via paypal, but it didn't cut it, sadly. While, I agree with you, and Buck probably does as well, it is sadly vital to the upkeep of this site. So, I hope everyone decides to join, and help keep GB alive.

[Phantom Lord]

Originally posted by Buck Satan
My only choices at this point were either to take the site offline or become a member of the Flashlink network, so I hope you'll agree that this was the better solution.

Yes, if this were the choices then it was the better solution to keep this great site alive.

I personally will miss the access to the now restricted areas (since I won't join Flashlink) but I'll keep visiting the forums and read the news. I'll still enjoy the free contents and I want to thank Buck for creating and maintaining such a great site - he probably put more personal effort into it than most of us are even able to figure out. "Selling out" is certainly the wrong name for what he does or had to do.

[Rahvin]

you might as well have shut it down, cuz I'm 14 and I have no way to pay to get this info. I need to find another site with all this info again because I can't see it here.

[Phantom Lord]

There's tons of info in the forums ... and they're still free. And if the info you need is not there yet, why not ask a question.

[Rahvin]

*sigh* never thought of that, I dont feel like searching 200 pages to find info about a sword, ya know? oh well...thanks buck, it was great, and i hope you have fun with it.

[Bri Guy]

Do you think we are all stupid? DNS registration costs $35 for a two year submittal (@Netsolve). A robust server like a Compaq Proliant Series runs $3,900, depreciated as a capital asset over 36 months like any good businees is a net cost of just over $100 a month.

I'm extremely new to Game Banshee, and PC gaming, and I have to tell you, it's much better than some of the crap that's out there. I don't mind paying $25 a year for something that's going to give me HOURS+ of game play, and maybe even make a few friends along the way.

Even if someone makes some money off this site, so what! Someone has to put time into keeping this site together, why not be rewarded for their efforts? Especially since all the information I've seen is extremely accurate, and can be crossed checked and reference by numerous users and other resources.

I can tell whoever is reading this from first hand experience that when you post a message, or have a question... you'll get many responses. You'll never feel you're out on your own.

Buck.... Keep up the good work, I'll be joining the flashlink either today or tomorrow, and do my part (whatever it may be) to spread the word.

Oh, the humanit!!!

[Andy Strawn]

Buck sir, you scared the hell out of me -- at first I thought a company ran this site. When I went to Morrowind section and found out there was payment involved, I got annoyed: "So, they're trying to make more money!" Well, it's amazing that you created and maintained this all by yourself. I'm very impressed.

I'm probably don't know what I'm talking about, but I think there surely would be alternate solutions than subscriptions. As someone mentioned before, your site would not be as attractive if some other sites offered the same information for free. Moreover, people don't need every single detail; they don't peruse all the guides first and then play. They play the game and when stuck, want extra help. This is where your nice forums come in, to exchange bits of information so people can move on. There isn't much need to the detailed walkthroughs at all. Most things you can figure out, as the developers intended you to.

The most important thing for you, though, is keeping stuff to minimum -- e.g., getting rid of the almost useless, yet overloaded "Speak Your Mind" section where people usually talk gibberish. Frankly, I don't understand what practical fun they have, pretending to be in taverns and factions and ordering drinks and so on and so forth. At first I was totally lost, and soon enough figured out that those guys had no lives at all.

I'll be more honest, and will say I detest and look down on a lot of members here. They seem to live another life -- and obviously having a lot of fun. They should be living the real life, not obsessed with gaming sites and imagining things. I understand there is a myriad of similar sites throughout the Web, and that those that spend significant amount of time babbling take disturbing pleasure in doing so, but I think most people would agree that it is very unhealthy, both mentally and physically. Of course, not everyone falls into this category. But people who spend hours and hours on this are simply weirdos, socially depraved, or however you want to describe them.

With all due respect, Buck sir, the point is that your site is serving as a playground for mindless adults with children's mental capacities. "Let's imagine I want some beer!" "Here you go!" Go to parties, play sports, watch movies, read books, go shopping, get into study groups, volunteer, or whatever, but don't sit there and wait for someone to fetch you a virtual mug of beer! Three words: get a life.

There, I've wanted to say that for a long time. I just realized lurking around forums and talking nonsense isn't my stuff -- also making a lot of people hate me, no doubt. But I firmly believe what I've said, and no matter what some of you may think, this addiction some of you are experiencing isn't beneficial at all, to yourself, your wife, your children, your grandchildren, and so forth. I regret coming to this site stuffed with maniacs, and so I won't ever return again. I want to get into med school and become a doctor, not a psychopath.

I've erred from the topic. Anyway, Buck Satan, your efforts are truly laudable and I offer my most sincere respects. Best luck with everything. Adieu everyone!

--Andy

[Xandax]

Originally posted by Andy Strawn
<snip>
Three words: get a life.
<snip>

Actually - to be offended and writing such a long post putting down everyone that is part of a community here (and support GB) - I would imagine that you would be the one that needed to "get a life".

In case you ever read anything of what happened in SYM, you would know that most people have lives but also visits here because it is *fun* - something you seem to have overlooked.

As for having a childs mentality, actually I take that as a compliment - I would hate to live in this world and not have imagination (wich incidently is what roleplaying games is all about ).

[Bri Guy]

the point is that your site is serving as a playground for mindless adults with adults with
children's mental capacities

Actually, I have a home, a wife, and am a senior executive with a major Japanese electronics firm. I spoke with my wife about this quote.. she say's more like adolescent. Perhaps if you tried to have a little fun in your life, you wouln't need to walk around with that broomstick up your ass.

I detest and look down on a lot of members here

Don't worry, a-hole, our members will probably look down on you, too.

I've wanted to say that for a long time

So, you've obviously been on the message board before. What happened, find someone with a "child's mental capacity" who told you things you felt you already knew, but didn't know it at all?

I want to get into med school and become a doctor, not a psychopath.

Good, then you can have a sense of fun installed in that little pea brain of yours, and can have the broomstick taken out of your ass at the same time. Oh, and by the way, a normal person would have just let well enough alone, but no, you (the PSYCHOPATH that you truly are has shown. Only a moron would leave a post like this and hope someone would listen to them. You're the kind of idiot that drives and listens to the radio, decides that he doesn't like what's on the radio, and still keeps the station on. Then complains to the whole world about how bad the radio station is. Why don't you do something more exciting with your life then, like bowling, or golf.. then you can have all the fun in the world and leave us "childlike mentatlity" people alone.

I regret coming to this site stuffed with maniacs, and so I won't ever return.

Good riddance!****heads like you should have your mouths stapled shut, and your fingers plucked from your hands.

Oh, and by the way on your way out, don't let the door hit you, where the good lord split you.

Regards, and may 1000 fleas infest your shoes, and a dog in heat cherish your leg.

-Bri Guy
AKA Rayburn

[Tamerlane]

Ouch! What an impression you have of SYM.

No lifers, well thats quite an arrogant remark to make. There is a good chance in that I've done more in life then you'll ever achieve. Have you experienced the thrill of a 1400m free fall, have you awed in amazement at the wonders of life as you stare at sharks and whales swimming around you, have you felt a sense of accomplishment from scaling a small mountain to its summit. I'm still 18 but I've done a hell of a lot so far, many more then I can remember and I still find time to pitch in a few posts on the side.

Plus a large majority of these people post from work, these aren't your usual forums too. We have formed a close knit community, I have met a member from SYM, and am looking forward to meet another one when she comes over for a holiday. A majority of these people actually have met and know each other personally.
Its not just a forum, its so much more...

EDIT- What I'm saying is that we aren't weirdo's, strange maybe But thats it, I'd rate it more as a hobby, I like my sports, games, reading, music and SYM.

[BuckGB]

I'm not going to address the last few posts directly, but I am going to remind everyone that there are a set of forum rules. The first rule:

#1 - Flaming, humiliating, ridiculing, or belittling other members will not be tolerated. If you have an issue with another member, take it to private messages or email.

Continuing to insult one another (or the entire SYM community) will only get you banned.

[Aegis]

Originally posted by Buck Satan
Continuing to insult one another (or the entire SYM community) will only get you banned.

I'd be more afraid of what we (SYM Community) would do to him

Buck is right though, this is getting far out of hand, and straying quite a bit from topic. Leave the man to his ramblings, because he obvisouly does not have the same sense of community as we at GB. If he wished to move elsewhere, it is his decision, and he will miss out on a great online experiance.

Back on topic. While many of the concerns posted here are valid, there is not really much to fear. The site will not really lose many users, as the majority use the forums. It only means that the premium content of the site is now a little more difficult to access, but as has been said, it is definatly worth it.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Sounds like someone needs to chill out a little. I hope you get to become a doctor as you wish, @Andy, but in the meantime I hope you learn a bit of understanding towards other people.

To my mind, the SYM community is what keeps me here at GB, the fact that people have formed a community and are so supportive here speaks volumes IMO. I stopped playing Baldur's Gate a while back, but I'm still here because I like the people here. I have met a good friend I'd never have made had I not come to SYM already (which justifies the time I spend here entirely already IMO), and I've little doubt I'll make another when the member coming here arrives, not to mention the fact that having 2 people she knows will, when she gets here, probably make her holiday begin that much more easily. There is also at least one couple who both post here as far as I know.

As Tamerlane says, it's a hobby, a harmless past-time no better or worse than playing video games.