Don't post here much but my .02c.
1) Not willing to point out the nefarious dealings of other supposed watchdogs, and their 'behind the back' stiffing of bettors, takes away a large portion of your 'watchdog' business model.
2) You have taken an uneven approach thus far in your treatment of bwld vs. Rx, which undoubtedly comes from your personal relationships. As the upstart, that was fine, but now in a position to replace the market leader, your actions need to be more measured. Can you take the step up? In additon, you rarely, or ever, discuss sites other than those 2.
3) As a 'watchdog', which is what brianhood started out as, you are required to point out the much more serious shams which occur through other sites support for player stiffing advertisors, than mediating the occasional player dispute. It is quite a gravy train to say you will no longer engage the other sites who shill the bettors, not that you have spent much time doing that up to now other than grinding your ax vs. bwld.
Quite easy to sit back and avoid conflict along with the sites who've sold out. Cash those fat advertising checks and join the club.
In the meantime you will have compomised the same values that turned brihood into advertisingworld.
Harsh words I know, but you have never been one to pull a punch have you? Neither am I. So bottom line, you've done a lot to avoid bad books, and that is why I'm taking the time to respond here. However, the bigger problem is the sites who promote those books, and utilize other troublesome practices. When you take them on you will truly be doing the bettors a service, solidify yourself as the site of significance, and benefit financially through the # of visitors to your site, and their use of your recommended books.
4) Where are you in 5 years? The flash forum who filled a void, or the premier content site on the gaming net. Thus far its been the flash forum, and your step down this latest path insures it will remain that way. Will you reap this cash cow and be forgotten in net realtime, or invest in the longterm principles and content which will keep players and books coming here far into the distant future?
5) Instead of the backhanded sniping and forum chestbeating we've seen up to this point, a better strategy is to bring it right out in the open the way covers.com did vs. the rx. Run the articles, the exposes', make the investment in doing it responsibly.
Sure you'll get sued, and it will triple readership. People will pay for the truth, sell some.
WATCHDOG, you'd best rethink what it means to you and your business in the longterm.
[This message has been edited by BigMo (edited 11-06-2001).]  |