RyoHazuki

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showpost.ph...&postcount=102

illennium

I think you mean Geoff

With respect to DVDBeaver, I think a lot of people here are saying the same thing: Gary needs to find a new business model. I don't see it as "compromising one's principles" so much as "learning how to run a business." In the alternative, he can reduce his output and run the site as a hobby.

Personally, I'd like to see Gary re-focus on what he does best: perform comprehensive comparisons of different DVD versions. These comparisons are invaluable and unique; I almost always use them once I've decided that I want a certain film and need to choose among available DVD versions.

The film reviews I, and I'm sure others, can do without.

GeoffK

He's already there. He carries promos/ads for Yesasia and works with Amazon. Add Google Ads to that mix and he should be able to make sure the site covers basic costs.

The real issue might be burn out. The home entertainment biz SUCKS. It greats on you like you wouldn't believe. I've managed to keep it fun and keep energized, but its of no shock to me to hear another site throwing in the towel, it's simply a REALLY tough thing running a DVD site.

zombiezilla

Ahhh, screw it.

jiggawhat

I occasionally use dvdbeaver to do searches but I echo some of the sentiments by the other posters here that is financial model is somewhat messed up if he can't break even.




On a side note, we don't need any thread nazis. Many of us would have not known about this unless it was posted.

This is a friendly board so keep it that way. The moderators will know whether a thread needs to be closed. There is no need to say it. This is not a topic that constantly comes up like the Deep Discount sales.

Don't post in here if you can't contribute.

ctyankee

I read the film reviews and enjoy them. I also enjoy the section on book on films/directors.

The film comparisons are well done, although I'll admit to yawning over yet another Region 2 comparison to Region 1 release.

FilmFanSea

I knew I shoulda confirmed that first name before I posted. Damn!

matome

Sounds about right, unfortunately.

speedyray

Personally - I use DVDBeaver rarely - mostly for comparison across releases a few times each year. This thread as pointed out happens a bout this time every year. Maybe, he should just have a donation drive every spring to get him through to the holiday season. He has a very loyal base and I think he could say he needed money and they would step up. The site is expansive - so it may be burnout as others have said. Whatever the case - I will say that a new thread seemed correct - I mean this is an entirely seperate announcement than the old threads - Its not like we pull up the old DDD 20% off thread everytime the sale comes back around - why should this be different.

Cygnet74

beyond the comparisons, i rely on that site and its members to expose me to the best that the world's cinema has to offer. posts by various members of the dvd beaver listserv have been suggesting a monthly subscription fee. that is something, i would gladly support. that, or maybe gary could take a cue from Geoff/Glenn and start inviting porn stars to post spam on the "beaver" listserv. either one.
too funny.

redio

...err..this reads kinda harsh, no? I'm sure this wasn't how it was intended, right?

Full disclosure: I use the site monthly, have made direct contributions, & use the Amazon links whenever possible.

Gary's efforts (along with others) has produced a valuable resource. I hope something can be worked out, regardless of the "model."

MisterHowie

A lot of not-for-profit organizations have to make appeals for funds on an annual basis, including public radio, art museums/galleries, police and fire departments, PTSAs, etc. Running a hobby horse like DVD Beaver is expensive and time-consuming. I don't begrudge him the right to ask for donations.

zombiezilla

....help...me....

John Sinnott

I don't think anyone is begrudging him the right to ask for donations, it's the way that he does it that is suspect. It seems that every year he says that if you don't pony up the bills, I'll close. The first time I could understand it, but every year seems a bit much. Last year he even took the site down for a while, if I remember correctly.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great site and I refer to it myself. I just think he should decide to have donation drives twice a year, like public radiio etc. Just come out and say for two weeks a year I'll replace the front page and ask for donations. Nothing wrong with that. The "I'm not making it like it is...I'll close if I don't get more money" seems a little like blackmail.

(BTW I don't know of any police dept that asks the public at large for money, but that's besides the point.)

Seashellz

Come on, people enough of us can send him $5 a month or every so often (thats $5.75 CAD roughly) WE CANNOT LET BEAVER DIE!

as for a repeat thread
I think in THIS DIRE CASE we can make an exception, eh Scott?

jiggawhat

People should just use a program and download his entire site. At least we'll have the archive if it does in fact go down.

Cygnet74

he says its currently 1.4gb.

tofferman

Gary has posted this update.

Thanks very kindly for all the support! I'm very touched by your emails...Your suggestions are all helpful and appreciated. I do strongly believe in the precepts of the Internet - freedom of information and sharing of data. I also hate blatant advertising (flash banners, pop-ups etc.) with a passion. Going either of those routes (making Beaver a subscription site or post extensive advertising) would be contrary to my personal beliefs. If it makes me a poor business man then so be it. And if I am going to stick with my philosophy then I really have no right in complaining about monetary problems. If the site can't cut the mustard then maybe it shouldn't survive. We had some donations after my posting and I'm sure we can continue to exist for a while longer (thanks kindly!). The best suggestions I received in email were to request to those who do not use Amazon (and our links) to possibly do so every 3rd or 4th purchase (this would help greatly!) AND/OR if you spend a lot on DVDs, subscribe to Amazon Prime. Randall said:
'Consider a link to inform your clients WHY they should join amazon.com’s PRIME service. It only costs $79.00 per year and everything you order gets shipped UPS Two-day for free. I have been a PRIME member since they first initiated it a little over a year ago and my $79.00 investment has MORE than paid for itself as I purchase 10-20 DVDs per month. Yes, you CAN get cheaper prices from cut-rate e-tailers but you also have to pay shipping where they gouge the price back up and some charge sales tax too.'

I have decided that I am going to continue DVDBeaver at a more conservative pace limiting reviews to only certain titles and not try to cover off too much. I feel like DVDBeaver has become an entity on its own and although I can't stop the freight train - maybe I can slow it down a shade. My wife has a great job (quite fortunately) and she is right that my time working on Beaver (often valued at minus 0.90/hour) shouldn't intrude as much on our family time. I have two young sons that I intend to take to the park on a daily basis this summer. Even with all the email support I must come to the conclusion that DVDBeaver is just another website and hence may not be around forever.
Thank you kindly for all your support,
Gary

Josh Z

I'd lean towards this scenario. I would suggest that he reconfigure DVD Beaver into a column that he can write for some other web site (like, say, :cough: :cough:, this one) rather than burden himself with trying to keep his own site afloat.

funkydjmcescher

How BORG of you.

Josh Z

heh...

Well, the alternative being that he continues to struggle like this until finally going under, and then his useful comparison reviews just disappear. Wouldn't you rather see him continue his work at a different location, less stressful to himself?

wendersfan

I doubt Gary would ever lower himself to that.

Cygnet74

i'd rather see it die with dignity.

illennium

Speaking of lowering himself, why is it that, if a film contains female nudity, he will almost always include those scenes in the screenshot comparisons? It's always struck me as creepily lecherous.

Spiral Staircase

I don't think he would want to write for another website because he, more often than not, provides only visual reviews and comparisons. He leaves the substantive portions of the reviews dealing with the actual film to outside reviewers and provides a links for further reading.