Please have a good look at what you are saying here. Whilst I agree that many of the information can be found else where. I doubt that they would be as presentable or even detailed as those found on the GB network. Sites like IGN whilst containing a bundle of information have full page advertisements and flash ads that scroll across the pages that you are reading. I always visited GB first when it came to finding information, and unlike many other sites. Buck actually offers the option of putting in your own suggestions or even placing in your own tips and walk throughs without taking away the credit.
And the boards in their selves cost money too, IIRC this one cost a fair amount. Another thing I hate about other sites, nice flashy networks but terrible boards.
Originally posted by Skeelo Have to say that I am quite disappointed in GB's move to paid access for the game help sections. There is just far too many more sites that offer the same information for free....I really don't see why anyone would want to pay money when they can just find it somewhere else. It's just a classic example of competition, and I'll tell you people something...there is such thing as a free on lunch on the internet. It's a world of free information and I'm not about to go about paying for it!
Yes, there are sites out there that have similar information, no doubt about it. However, there are a few reasons why I feel a Flashlink subscription is well worth it:
- Some information cannot be found other places, or would take a considerable amount of time to compile from free sites. For example, you'd be hard pressed to find another site that details every single piece of equipment from *all* Infinity Engine games (and NWN, Vampire, etc) complete with a screenshot of its description and a list of every single location it can be found. Also, GameBanshee offers the largest, most extensive equipment database for Dark Age of Camelot... all MySQL driven. It currently covers over 5000 items and is *very* fast to search. The only other sites that I know of that have equipment databases for DAoC (and they aren't as big) are Allakhazam and DAoC Spoilers. Allakhazam has a subscription service as well, and DAoC Spoilers is part of Flashlink. This type of information is very tough to find on free sites because it takes an enormous amount of time and effort.
- Buying a Flashlink subscription doesn't just give you access to GameBanshee. Members get access to many other gaming sites, including the best EverQuest sites on the internet (and Camelot sites, like DAoC Spoilers I mentioned above). Additionally, with the advertising market being absolutely terrible, there will no doubt be many other sites that join Flashlink in the near future.
- You enable GameBanshee to become even better. Already, we've put a ton of information about a plethora of different RPGs accessible from one spot. If we get enough subscribers, there will be revenue to actually pay an additional editor or two to make the information people want more advanced and in-depth.
Originally posted by Skeelo Buck if you are having troubles affording this server you should really just look for a better solution. You can find colos out there with plenty of bandwidth for less than $100/mo.
If you know of a great hosting provider that will give us the server speed and bandwidth that we require for $100, then please let me know. Still, however, there are a lot of reasons I wouldn't want to switch from Verio. They are the largest hosting provider in the world, and for good reason. Their service is excellent, they monitor every IP they host, promise 99.99% uptime, and more. How often has GameBanshee ever been inaccessible? Since upgrading the server some time ago, how often has speed ever been an issue? I surf many gaming sites myself, and many of them are not nearly as quick and reliable as ours.
Buck--just want to say thanks again for running GB. Yes, it's true you can find some of the info on other sites, but you have to put up with a lot. Buck has given us so much for free for so long, that I will gladly pay for using a walkthrough or whatever.
When I was going through Morrowind for the first time, there were not enough posts on GB to help me out with problems and I had to go to Morrowinds official forum for help instead. This made me truly appreciate GB and how well and fast it runs. I must have written 10 emails to the Morrowind folks, telling them how their forums were wayyyy too slow (pages would take 5-10 minutes to load on broadband connection)--and their servers were frequently down (and this from a large company with a big budget for a forum!). I often used GB as an example to them of how to run a forum--I wrote so many emails to them that I am now on a first-name basis with their support guy, lol.
Another example is microsoft's zone--I play the occasional card game and have been constantly amazed at the lack of mod's there, and the constant insults and vulgarity being hurled at other players, many of whom are children. The Zone has made me appreciate all the effort of the mod's at GB to keep GB a fun and civil place. There really aren't too many places on the web where the administrator and mod's are so responsive to the users.
Anyway, Buck, I have been amazed at your dedication and the way you have kept this site going. My own business has a website, and they are much more expensive to put up and maintain and market than people realize (I think we've put $10k into it by now, just in it's first 6 months)--a professional website is not the same as putting up a homepage on Angelfire! As far as server costs go--Buck's costs sound about the same as the one we use (which my brother's company owns)--so while there may be servers advertising low rates, I am skeptical that those rates are for real.
Don't let 'em get ya down, Buck.
“I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity.” - Edgar Allen Poe
I know this may sound like a bit of a stupid question, but why bother??? honestly if it's causing so much of a hole in your pocket why bother? I know you may think "i'm a good guy, delivering a public service to the good people out there"
But to be quite honest....your not, your just another lapdog for a big money greedy corporation.. they don't care what you do they just want money money money money! that's all they're interested in, and they just dragged you in with it.
You will probably reply to this post by saying like "no they don't I want to continue my good job for the people", "What do you know?"
I'll tell you what I know.... not to get dragged into anything involving $$$$ 4 numbers, because once you do you'll find yourself in a heap of trouble.
I've been using GB for information on games for a long time and I can tell you his item databases are without equal. The site is solid and fast, and the information accurate, detailed, and updated often. I challange anyone to give me a site with better item/spell information than GB (that includes the Prima guides). There isn't one, I've looked. The real question is: Is the information worth the money? Well, that is up to the individual.
Buck,
Thanks for all the great work and effort. Had I known internet advertising was so terrible and site maintenance so expensive, I would have donated. I'll be signing up as soon as i pry the credit card from my wife! (hehe)
@Arimus - finally a new member with something nice to say! Welcome to Gamebanshee - I am sure you will enjoy your stay
Frankly I do not understand all the angst and bad attitude in this thread. Why should Buck have to justify himself personally to people who have never contributed to the site?? This site - which Buck referred to as "ours" in his post - is more than an outstanding reference library, it is a community, and one of the finest, well moderated and mature that I have come across. Who do these people think they are? It is £12 he is asking for, for a wealth of accurate information - information that is also contributed to by the Gamebanshee community. Those that choose to register to complain are selfish IMO, if you don't like it why did you bother signing up to say so? Was it really worth your effort? I have seen nothing more negative than a general disappointment that it has come to subscription from existing and more long term members, though the vast majority have been supportive and in fact surprised at the small amount that has been requested...did you ranters know that Buck had tried to avoid this? There was a donations route, but not enough took it seriously until there is no choice.
The forums are still free, this will help those that can't afford to subscribe and this in itself was a generous move IMO.
Parachute for sale, like new! Never opened!
Guinness, black goes with everything.
I am relativly new here, actually EXTREMLY new. I already found this site overwhelming with info, and a community that cant be touched ANYWHERE else I look. I sign onto the internet and hit penny arcade and gamebanshee.... nothing else matters. Buck doesnt just labor, he SLAVES over his website... it is his webpage, his baby his project. He knows what he puts into it, and if he wanted to charge from the begining he would have. The man WATCHED himself go into debt over a webpage about gaming. I mean crap when I loose a couple bucks over playing poker with my friends I get pissed off... this guy went big bucks under just to provide a service.
I bow to Bucks strength as a person, his ability to handle all the crap of life and still rip out decent news everyday, update the site etc etc etc. I recently have moved so I cant contribute to the news till I get online at home, all i have is these short moments at work but it is enough.
Selling out? The man is in debt, he isnt selling anything... he is digging his way out... selling out is when you do something to profit off of it. He doesnt even know if flashlink will get him what he needs yet... ye who points the finger and curses Buck for charging is a man/woman who can not understand the feeling of true labor. The feeling of working for ever on something you love, watching it slowly fall (his increasing debt).
Imagine Buck over at his side... watching himself go into debt, it is OBVIUOS he LOVES Gamebanshee... I doubt he would be anything but destroyed if he had to cancell it. So shut your little traps and understand that this webpage is more than just some info place... and Buck is more than some website dude...
Anyhow Im almost off work... you got me all wired up... Not only should you subscribe if you want the info. You should DONATE out of respect. Realize bucks running the show. Just BUCK. One man. Sure others help but Buck runs the show, bucks the captain... bucks the man... ok im ranting... back to work...
thug
Jackie Treehorn: People forget the brain is the biggest sex organ.
The Dude: On you maybe.
Buck has been lauded many times over, and though it may sound repetitive, I have to thank him for the effort he's made to keep the site alive, and available to whomever needs it. Though I cannot subscribe (due to my parents monitering the money I earn), I do think that keeping the forums free was a noble act, and though I can't use the wonderful tomes of knowledge here, I can interact with RPG'ers from around the globe in a peaceful, helpful, and commune place. Plus, flashlink is cheaper than a gaming magazine subscription.
"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's if you get back up."
I will say this much. I have been around to tons of gaming sights on the net. I have been there when some closed down. But this is the only sight I have been on that keeps me hanging around. Like has already been stated, there is a strong community thing going on here. Not only that, the fact is that in my opinion, for my own personal choice, I think this sight has more info and has it set in a way that is more accesible than any I have been to. I think it is worth it.
As far as selling out, selling who out? I have heard this term applied to everything from music to gaming to political figures. I don't see the validity of the term. For one thing, Buck runs the sight. Buck does most of the work, and has been paying out of his own pocket for quite some time so that the sight could stay free. And to be absolutly honest, if Buck started making a ton off this sight, who really cares? It is not immoral or unethical to turm a profit. While I doubt that this was his motivating factor, the 0nly other alternative would seem to be to shut the sight down. For what? That would only take away access for those willing to pay for the use. And the only reason I have seen presented for that is so he doesn't "sell out" or become a "slave to corporation". Both arguments are trivial. If anyone visits this sight, then they are in possesion of a computer( which they likely bought from a money grubbing corporation) and are paying yet ANOTHER corporation for their connection to the internet. That is the way things are. You purchase survices or merchandise.
I am frankly amazed that the sight has stayed free for so long. How many of those complaining would be willing to pay out of their own pockets to keep this place free? And it's not like Buck is making dictorial decisions. No one says that anyone has to pay anything. No one is forced into a contract. If you don't want to pay, fine. there are many that will not. I understand that, and can honestly see their reasoning. But to attack someone for no other reason than to make accusations of selling out is absurd. There is no point to it, and it won't change things. And in all honesty, that is simply the way things work. You don't get something for nothing. And everyone who buys anything, be it music, games, computers, anything, is contributing to the profits of one of those big corporations that they say no one should contribute to.
After all, Buck has asked for help with this sight. Even now, the forums remain free. That in itself is a great indication to Buck's way of thinking.He didn't have to do it that way, but he understood that many who post often here were not able to pay for it. So, he let that slide. If he were the money grubber some have portrayed him as, he would not have cared.
So, I'm just glad that the sight will stay up. I have friends here, and I like the interaction between the members. So if you don't want to pay, ok. If you never return, that is perfectly understandable and your choice. But have the class to just eave and not sling insults. It only makes people take you less seriously.
Lord of Lurkers
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
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.
Proud SLURRite Gunner of the Rolling Thunder (TM) - Visitors WELCOME!
([size=0]Feel free to join us for a drink, play some pool or even relax in a hottub - want to learn more?[/size]
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.
With each kill, I grow wiser, and with added wisdom, I grow stronger.
AE
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.
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.
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.
~Rahvin, Lord of Darkness~
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rpg-realm.com/forum
*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.
~Rahvin, Lord of Darkness~
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rpg-realm.com/forum
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!!!
If worms had uzi's, birds wouldn't mess with them!
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!
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 ).
