My only problem with Bannerzilla is this...
I don't see why it is needed.
Take this article...it wasn't written very long ago mind you. Just six months ago.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/ne ... 1000521419
Here's some snippits I found interesting:
Quote:
Neopets chairman and CEO Doug Dohring said he is considering a movie next. "Our view is that if we do a Pixar-quality film with Neopets -- and we're in no rush to do that because we're already highly profitable -- we believe that will provide the right positioning and umbrella as to who we really are and what our content is like," he said.
Already HIGHLY profitable? Why ruin a good thing? When the engine works good, do you throw a wrench in the fan belt to see what happens?
Quote:
Dohring said the idea is to keep the site free in a creative way, without pop-ups or banners. Each activity is created especially for the sponsor, he said. "We try to create a context for what the product is," Dohring said. "It's all self-selecting -- we never compel anyone to do anything, so it has to be high quality."
*reads the first sentence again* "without pop-ups or banners".
*stares at the Bannerzilla on every page*
Must I really comment on that?
Quote:
The privately held Neopets was officially incorporated in April 2000 and was profitable within three months, according to Dohring.
Again, back to the wrench comment....
I guess my fear is this: Instead of investing in the long-term popularity of the site, I somehow get the vibe that the business plan has shifted.
In other words, instead of keeping the site a constant money earner based on profibility the way things used to be handled, its now a situation of intense marketing based on popularity and member numbers. Advertise intensely for the short-term, make huge profit...as long as its more than the initial investment of the domain purchase, you are a winner. Take large sum of cash from intense ad campaign, sell off the final dregs of the site or run it into the .dot com graveyard, and then use said profits on next business venture. The old "Pump and Dump short term investment" approach, large money fast, instead of moderate money stretching a longer time period.
Feel free to attack me now.
That's just the vibe I'm feeling as of the last 3 months....