First, Inrun and TDG ... You Rock
and thanks to you for your patience with us.
Was just reading through this and you know, out of left field while I was taking a shower earlier the thought occurred to me that this could actually be a way to get the "older" members off the site. I don't know whether to be happy or sad that some of you had the same thought. I don't think so for the same reasons -- that somehow having been on the site longer gives a huge advantage. I talk to people who've been around almost forever and they don't have painted pets, loads of np (so they say, who knows!), they just like to hang out.
My theory is more along the lines of the people who've been around for a few years and who are older are more likely to be critical, to call TNT on some of the stuff that's gone on (like 4/4/04, sdb, TP, bank glitches, CGers, etc.) and send in the reports. We
are the pink poogle toy description:P We whine, whinge, complain and generally can be a royal pain -- but we get our point across even if nothing's done about a situation. I'm guessing they (new management) is going with the thought that newer people won't know directly about alot of the things we've dealt with, won't think (or care?) to send in reports, try to demand attention to problems ... if something comes up that they really don't like they'll just leave.
I hope I'm wrong, I really do. It's not a great way to run a business of any kind. The adults, for the most part, are the ones with the money/credit cards/paypal to pay for premium, the magazine, plushies, and any other merchandising they may come up with.
Many younger people (NO offense to anyone young here - you all are so mature it's hard for me to remember some of you are young) are very fickle. They may join the site if it's advertised or by word of mouth i.e. the video or customization thing, but they're also quick to leave when the next fad comes along.
Us old-timers, regardless of our chronological age, are the ones who've stuck around through all the glitches, DFM, general lag and changes. In other words, we're their loyal fan base. They do us and themselves a disservice by making us angry and feeling like we just don't matter.
P.S. Just looked at that Alexa graph out of curiosity? It looks to me that there's been even less activity on the site than last night. So where are all those people the Editorial says like all the changes?