Popular Post downzy Posted February 20, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted February 20, 2015 Hey Forum,I wanted to post a little update to provide a little idea as to what's been happening and to clear up any misconceptions people may have. With respect to the donation system, I cannot stress this enough: donations have kept this place alive. Without them, this place would have closed many years ago. The monthly server costs are $330.00 a month. For most of 2014, with the forum's adsense account suspended, Subs (along with help from Forsaken) paid the lion share of the monthly server costs. Whatever donations failed to cover was paid by Subs and Forsaken. Even when Adsense was working, as it was before as it is now, it comes no where close to covering monthly server costs. There might have been a couple months here and there where revenues (Adsense plus donations) exceeded operating costs, but they were definitely outliers and happened as often as GNR releases an album of new material. This forum almost exclusively cost Subs money on a monthly basis. So please do not interpret the suspension of the donation system as proof that they were never really needed. They absolutely were. I don't consider myself the smartest guy in the world, but I would not have purchased this forum without doing some due diligence with respect to the forum and its finances. I reviewed years of balance sheets before making any decision with respect to buying the forum. So you're probably asking yourself, "well, it sounds like kind of a dumb move to buy a forum that loses money on a monthly basis." And to a certain extent, it's a fair point. I did not invest my own hard money into this place with any expectation to make a return. That said, myself and the team are working hard at the moment to lower the monthly operating costs by looking at different hosting options. We're also going to be drastically changing the supporter section and I did not feel it appropriate to continue to accept donations without people knowing what was in store. No doubt the decision to suspend donations is costing me money, but I don't want anyone to feel suckered should they make a donation now and then not be happy with changes being made (though, having said that, I feel fairly confident that everyone is going to love the changes we'll be making). With respect to why I decided to buy the forum from Subs, I have my reasons. More than anything, as someone who has been part of the online fan community since 1995 when I signed up to the Dust N' Bones mailing list, I feel like it's now my time to give back to the community. Guys like Jeff Boerio, Jarmo, Subs, JB and others have stepped up all in their own way and I felt it was my time to give back. Subs had his own reason for selling, mostly as a result of what he was dealing with in his own personal life. I know he's a devoted fan and supporter of the band and the community and it was extremely difficult for him to let go of the reigns of this place. I also felt that there is a tremendous amount of opportunity at this forum. To tap this opportunity, I felt it more appropriate to become the owner rather than implement any changes as an admin. When I was made a mod in early September, I had no plan whatsoever of taking things over. But the more involved I got, the more I saw the potential of this place and felt that to make the changes needed that I would have step up and give Subs an offer. Again, I don't want to speak too much for Subs, but I think he realized that what was best for him personally and what was best for the forum was for a new owner to implement the kind of changes this place needs. I'm very grateful to Subs for providing me with that opportunity. We're very close to locking into place with respect to the plan, which we hope to implement over the next three to four weeks. The plan itself will likely be announced over the coming days (there might even be a new podcast on it ). Don't worry, you're not going to come online tomorrow and see any drastic changes or be directed to a website that promotes my own personal businesses. The mission statement of this forum will be simple: to create a fun environment where fans of Guns N' Roses can discuss, share, and debate their opinions in a respectful environment. We believe that all opinions, whether positive or critical of the band, have a place so long as they remain respectful of others. Finally, this forum will strive to be the fan club/community fans of the band have long deserved, but up to now, have never gotten. We plan on being very transparent with respect to how this forum is managed and the why certain decision are made. I'd also like to stress that we're all just fans. The fact that I'm the owner or others are admins/mods does not make any of us any more of a fan than a visitor, member, or supporter. Though some of us might have various of connections to the band of various degrees, I want to play down the notion that anyone here is an "insider" who knows all about Guns N' Roses and its business. Again, thanks for your continued support and patience while we make efforts to improve the fan experience at this forum. It is our hope that participation and enjoyment of this forum is less dependent on band activity and instead rests on what we do ourselves to help celebrate the band we all love and hold dear. Thanks! 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazey Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Bravo dear boy! Huzzah and all that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUNNER PT Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 (edited) The monthly server costs are $330.00 a month.That's something that I (and some other users) never understood ... why does it cost so much? It must exist a cheaper way to run this place ...That said, myself and the team are working hard at the moment to lower the monthly operating costs by looking at different hosting options. Totally agree. The solution has to be more in the side of the decrease of the costs than in the side of the recipes.I remember I tried to give some hints somewhere but I got no replies ... to be honest, I never felt comfortable enough to talk about this and dig a little more into this matter ...Guys like Jeff Boerio, Jarmo, Subs. You forgot that GUNNER PT guy We plan on being very transparent with respect to how this forum is managed and the why certain decision are made.^^^ Thumbs up.Downzy if someday the shit hit the fan, don't forget that many of us are still available to help with our donations or whatever. So feel free to ask whatever you need to keep the reign of doom rolling. Edited February 20, 2015 by GUNNER PT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferrari Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 (edited) Frankly, I'm very sceptical about the necessity of a nugnr community. But, hey, go ahead if you feel it's the right thing to do. Edited February 20, 2015 by Ferrari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUNNER PT Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Frankly, I'm very sceptical about the necessity of a nugnr community. But, hey, go ahead if you feel it's the right thing to do.This is no nugnr community. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downzy Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 Thanks Gunner for your input (sorry I left you out, how could I be so dumb! )Again, not going to speak too much for Subs, but the forum paid for itself (mostly) when the band was busier and there was more activity. More activity means more dollars from advertisers. I think Subs was just happy to break even, which is why he kept the current hosting services in place. But we live in a different time right now and the costs have to be scaled down so I'm not forgoing lunch money to keep this place afloat. Right now Adsense brings in $120-$150 a month, not nearly enough to cover expenses. And while donations help, they still leave this place firmly in the red. So you're right, things need to change on the cost side of the balance leisure. There's a lot to moving a forum of this size and many options available. It's going to take a little bit of time to find the right fit. I will not be sacrificing day-to-day performance just to save a buck. The donation system as it operated before won't be coming back. We'll be announcing what is replacing it, but rest assured, my goal is to provide maximum value for any and all contributions. We hope to provide something more to those who "buy-in" to this forum than just the good feeling of helping to keep the lights on. Frankly, I'm very sceptical about the necessity of a nugnr community. But, hey, go ahead if you feel it's the right thing to do.The community will not be changed whatsoever. Think of the changes as "additions" versus anything else. The look and feel of this forum will remain the same; as will the mantra of inclusiveness to a wide range of opinions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoSoRose Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Now we believe even moreThanks Downzy, Subsy, and the mod squad over the yearsLol, Eric didn't get a mention in your post 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Facekicker Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Everyone knows Jason is the true master of this domain. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magisme Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Most transparent administration ever? Where have I heard that before? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post GivenToFly Posted February 20, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted February 20, 2015 With respect to the donation system, I cannot stress this enough: donations have kept this place alive. Without them, this place would have closed many years ago. The monthly server costs are $330.00 a month. For most of 2014, with the forum's adsense account suspended, Subs (along with help from Forsaken) paid the lion share of the monthly server costs. Whatever donations failed to cover was paid by Subs and Forsaken. Even when Adsense was working, as it was before as it is now, it comes no where close to covering monthly server costs. There might have been a couple months here and there where revenues (Adsense plus donations) exceeded operating costs, but they were definitely outliers and happened as often as GNR releases an album of new material. This forum almost exclusively cost Subs money on a monthly basis. So please do not interpret the suspension of the donation system as proof that they were never really needed. They absolutely were. I don't consider myself the smartest guy in the world, but I would not have purchased this forum without doing some due diligence with respect to the forum and its finances. I reviewed years of balance sheets before making any decision with respect to buying the forum. Translation: We bankrupted Subs. He had to sell his house. He's moving in with his aunt Loretta who has 14 cats. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maynard Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Some people will wet themselves about that transparency thing.I always felt some people (under the influence of others) demanded some transparency that simply doesn't exist in any forum on the internet. But they feel MyGNR owns them a lot of background stuff that no one really cares besides some lunatics. You guys are doing a great job. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downzy Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 Most transparent administration ever? Where have I heard that before?Where did I say "most transparent administration ever"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apollo Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Even though he has some pretty shady political views, Downzy and Intercourse are the two people I would have picked to become the new owners of the site.Downzy will be awesome and I have no doubt he'll do great things with the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazey Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Most transparent administration ever? Where have I heard that before? Where did I say "most transparent administration ever"? You didn't have to, we could see right through you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Facekicker Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Even though he has some pretty shady political views, Downzy and Intercourse are the two people I would have picked to become the new owners of the site.Downzy will be awesome and I have no doubt he'll do great things with the forum.Who the bejesus is Intercourse 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK SUBS Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 (edited) Meh, he puts a few bullet points up and all of a sudden Downzy is some god like figure? Wtf!? URGH, you guys!! It's all a scam he's following the $$$$#shortmemories Edited February 20, 2015 by UK SUBS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apollo Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Even though he has some pretty shady political views, Downzy and Intercourse are the two people I would have picked to become the new owners of the site.Downzy will be awesome and I have no doubt he'll do great things with the forum.Who the bejesus is Intercourse A really intelligent poster.One of the few that doesn't sway to the right or the left depending on their own personal Axl/Slash bias.They don't overpraise or find excuses for the things Axl does.They give proper credit where it is due, and criticize where it is warranted.Probably the person who makes the most accurate posts concerning GnR.In spite of their screen name, he/she is probably the most logical person on the forum (in regards to GnR). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Padme Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 We want a new album and more rasp. And all we can get is transparency starts now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apollo Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Meh, he puts a few bullet points up and all of a sudden Downzy is some god like figure? Wtf!? URGH, you guys!! It's all a scam he's following the $$$$#shortmemoriesHe is a radical democrat who hates America, republicans and successful people.......so before the end of his reign, those of us who are successful in life will no doubt end up footing the bill for the entire forum and lining his pockets with our hard-earned money. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK SUBS Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Meh, he puts a few bullet points up and all of a sudden Downzy is some god like figure? Wtf!? URGH, you guys!! It's all a scam he's following the $$$$#shortmemoriesHe is a radical democrat who hates America, republicans and successful people.......so before the end of his reign, those of us who are successful in life will no doubt end up footing the bill for the entire forum and lining his pockets with our hard-earned money.Good observation Bro! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magisme Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 He could start by being transparent about his relationship with the band. That's serious stuff. Like, are we still independent of them? Do they hold any editorial sway? Am I Axl's favorite poster? And, most importantly, what personal experience has downzy had with the band? A detailed account of any interactions will suffice, from before he took over the forum and since. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GivenToFly Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 He could start by being transparent about his relationship with the band. That's serious stuff. Like, are we still independent of them? Do they hold any editorial sway? Am I Axl's favorite poster? And, most importantly, what personal experience has downzy had with the band? A detailed account of any interactions will suffice, from before he took over the forum and since.He posted about it. He partied with them once, got drunk and made out with Pitman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downzy Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 He could start by being transparent about his relationship with the band. That's serious stuff. Like, are we still independent of them? Do they hold any editorial sway? Am I Axl's favorite poster? And, most importantly, what personal experience has downzy had with the band? A detailed account of any interactions will suffice, from before he took over the forum and since. 1) I have no relationship with the band, other than getting an email from management last week addressing the change in ownership.2) This forum will always be independently owned and operated (at least while I'm the owner). We won't curtail people's opinion so long as they're not over the line, maliciously cruel, inapplicable to the topic/discussion.3) GNR and its management hold absolutely no editorial sway whatsoever. 4) You are absolutely Axl's favourite poster. Beta said so herself. Expect an all-expense paid invite to hear the next album.5) I partied with them for one night over five years ago. That's it (other than GivenToFly's shocking revelation about me making out with Pitman). 6) There is no truth to one of the previous five points (hint: it's number 4, and the second part to point 5). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUNNER PT Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 And, most importantly, what personal experience has downzy had with the band? Give up man ... now we never gonna know the details of what happened that night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magisme Posted February 21, 2015 Share Posted February 21, 2015 He could start by being transparent about his relationship with the band. That's serious stuff. Like, are we still independent of them? Do they hold any editorial sway? Am I Axl's favorite poster? And, most importantly, what personal experience has downzy had with the band? A detailed account of any interactions will suffice, from before he took over the forum and since. 1) I have no relationship with the band, other than getting an email from management last week addressing the change in ownership.2) This forum will always be independently owned and operated (at least while I'm the owner). We won't curtail people's opinion so long as they're not over the line, maliciously cruel, inapplicable to the topic/discussion.3) GNR and its management hold absolutely no editorial sway whatsoever. 4) You are absolutely Axl's favourite poster. Beta said so herself. Expect an all-expense paid invite to hear the next album.5) I partied with them for one night over five years ago. That's it (other than GivenToFly's shocking revelation about me making out with Pitman). 6) There is no truth to one of the previous five points (hint: it's number 4, and the second part to point 5). I SAID:A detailed account I'm never donating again. Wait.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.