So Talkbass Has A Store Now...

[paul]

Thank you all so much for the support! TalkBass has always been a community where bass players can come for unbiased information. TalkBass has always had a strict C.U.P. (Commercial User Policy) that I have always adhered to, I can only post general information without directing the poster directly to my website or my services. I understand while posting to the community the information can be used to then look on the internet for products, and the user may or may not find the information on my website. TalkBass has chosen to start their own online store selling products that directly compete. This not only is in competition with my company but also no longer makes it an unbiased community platform. Therefore I will no longer be participating in conversations or posting public information on this forum. The VIP program discussed in this thread remains active as TalkBass Membership is NOT required for anyone to become a VIP. The VIP program is a FREE program that is spread by word of mouth. The instructions to become a VIP are in various "BassStringsOnline" threads posted by users.

Generally message boards make money off Google display ads. This one also asks for users to pay be supporting members (many when you do this remove display ads). Some also have links to "Amazon" items where commission is made in purchases. This is the first instance I have seen one openly start a store.

I have always tried not to do business inside of private messages as the forum admins can see that information. Hopefully this forum is not using information from those messages like Amazon did where they started purchasing and selling products directly resulting in a huge antitrust lawsuit against them.

BassStringsOnline remains to support the bass community.

Hey Jason, hope you don't mind if I reply here instead of our conversation. I know you feel differently but I can assure you that the TalkBass Forums are going to remain the same as they've always been. If we start censoring competition on the forums don't you think that would be the demise of TalkBass? The TB moderators have no stake in the store and couldn't care less about it. The TalkBass community forums are worth a whole lot more to me than any side-store operation. Will we include a blurb in our newsletter for the store? Probably. Might even run some banner ads on the site. I'm not even sure what you're referring to regarding PM's. You mean me read user's PM's and spam them with store links? You're kidding, right?

The store is a great opportunity for my wife and kids to get involved in TalkBass, and a great opportunity for TB members to support this site. But this forum community will always be my first priority and I'm not going to do anything stupid to jeopardize it.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I don't use popular strings, apparently, and not into effects. Waiting for the 12oz ceramic TB mug and 24oz glass glass.

Does anyone have any experiences with the Krog tuner; good, bad, indifferent?

tuner works very well. Picks up low B most of the time. Mutes. Has a power daisy outlet so it doesn't take an extra spot. Bright lights work in daylight.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Hey Jason, hope you don't mind if I reply here instead of our conversation. I know you feel differently but I can assure you that the TalkBass Forums are going to remain the same as they've always been. If we start censoring competition on the forums don't you think that would be the demise of TalkBass? The TB moderators have no stake in the store and couldn't care less about it. The TalkBass community forums are worth a whole lot more to me than any side-store operation. Will we include a blurb in our newsletter for the store? Probably. Might even run some banner ads on the site. I'm not even sure what you're referring to regarding PM's. You mean me read user's PM's and spam them with store links? You're kidding, right?

The store is a great opportunity for my wife and kids to get involved in TalkBass, and a great opportunity for TB members to support this site. But this forum community will always be my first priority and I'm not going to do anything stupid to jeopardize it.

You did not understand what I was referring to... Amazon used sales information from transactions through their store, setup with those brands and purchased and resold the products directly. There is no knowing if you went through my or other sellers PMs to see what brands you should start carrying in your store.

It is your website I can't tell you what to do with it. I can stop giving advertising dollars and supplying content and information that will be used to benefit your stores customers.

I hope for the talkbass community you will adhere to the same rules I had to. I never suggested a product just to sell it. I've advised on things I didn't carry even if I don't sell it. Your CUP restricted me from posting about specific products or directing people to my website to make a purchase . I do not expect you to adhere to your rules. When someone asks what strings are best for them you can easily say "buy from the talkbass store" when I can only supply info and not "direct" sales to me.

Why should I continue to supply info on your stores discussion forum?

We are now in direct competition.

 

[pacojas]

congrats to @paul, what took ya so long, lol.

 

[paul]

There is no knowing if you went through my or other sellers PMs to see what brands you should start carrying in your store.

Or maybe I know a bit about bass strings? I have been playing the instrument for 29 years... Oh my... Sorry you feel this way.

 

[Selta]

You did not understand what I was referring to... Amazon used sales information from transactions through their store, setup with those brands and purchased and resold the products directly. There is no knowing if you went through my or other sellers PMs to see what brands you should start carrying in your store.

It is your website I can't tell you what to do with it. I can stop giving advertising dollars and supplying content and information that will be used to benefit your stores customers.

I hope for the talkbass community you will adhere to the same rules I had to. I never suggested a product just to sell it. I've advised on things I didn't carry even if I don't sell it. Your CUP restricted me from posting about specific products or directing people to my website to make a purchase . I do not expect you to adhere to your rules. When someone asks what strings are best for them you can easily say "buy from the talkbass store" when I can only supply info and not "direct" sales to me.

Why should I continue to supply info on your stores discussion forum?

We are now in direct competition.

Not to mention the (very prominent) link and so on.
It is Paul's site and he'll do what he wants, as you mention. If I were also a vendor, I'd probably feel pretty similar to @SLaPiNFuNK - even more so if I were a vendor with one of the "Sponsored Forums". TB has basically positioned themselves to use the community as a vehicle to drive people to their store - the link is right there at the top and I presume prices will fall in line, as well the product offerings expanded. In a business sense, smart.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Or maybe I know a bit about bass strings? I have been playing the instrument for 29 years... Oh my... Sorry you feel this way.

I'm sorry to. I am not the only advertiser on this board.

I do not doubt your knowledge of bass.

By the way .. I do have a wholesale program

 

[Tanner5382]

I don't think it took any secret snooping to know that bass players like to buy GHS Boomers, Rotosounds, Dunlops, etc....

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I don't think it took any secret snooping to know that bass players like to buy GHS Boomers, Rotosounds, Dunlops, etc....

Agreed.. but according to their terms any info I post in public or private can be read by admins... so I can not talk about sales with a customer in a PM when they can potentially see that info. If a customer is shopping between my price and theirs, they may not offer a lower price than mine, or may under cut the price. It leaves potential for price fixing which is ultimately not fair for you the consumer.

 

[Tanner5382]

Agreed.. but according to their terms any info I post in public or private can be read by admins... so I can not talk about sales with a customer in a PM when they can potentially see that info. If a customer is shopping between my price and theirs, they may not offer a lower price than mine, or may under cut the price. It leaves potential for price fixing which is ultimately not fair for you the consumer.

I understand where you are coming from. I just don't think there needs to be any hard feelings between y'all. I mean, surely a large portion of your customers must have found out about your business from this website, right?

Besides, with as specialized as your store is, I honestly don't think you have much need for worry, not to mention your legion of loyal/die-hard customers. I just think it might be a mistake to throw away this relationship.

Edit: left out a "just"

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I understand where you are coming from. I just don't think there needs to be any hard feelings between y'all. I mean, surely a large portion of your customers must have found out about your business from this website, right?

Besides, with as specialized as your store is, I honestly don't think you have much need for worry, not to mention your legion of loyal/die-hard customers. I just think it might be a mistake to throw away this relationship.

Edit: left out a "just"

My participation will be limited. PMs regarding pricing etc will be instructed to send me an email or text.

I'm here and my company is here for all bass players... even if my customer or not.

 

[Tanner5382]

My participation will be limited. PMs regarding pricing etc will be instructed to send me an email or text.

I'm here and my company is here for all bass players... even if my customer or not.

I understand. Thank you for letting me get my thoughts out. Whatever happens, I wish you continued success with your company.

 

[FunkHead]

There's one with somebody saying how they get great service from BSO and that they will stay a loyal customer. Why bother even saying that?

I can definitely see why someone would say that. Because I feel the same way. I have had such great experiences from BSO so I see any competition as a very bad thing. When I got the alert (Spam??) about the store, I immediately thought about BSO and the possible loss of sales for Jason. It's only natural to want to defend your favorite On-line store.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I understand. Thank you for letting me get my thoughts out. Whatever happens, I wish you continued success with your company.

Thank you! I appreciate the continued support! I always welcome any and all feedback so I can improve.

I'm sorry this turned into a public discussion as it does take away from what the community is meant for.

I only want the best for all members of the community and for all of their dreams and desires to become reality.

 

[lowplaces]

Who's got the best price on TalkBass t-shirts ?

 

[Dale D Dilly]

Include a lower quality $12 t-shirt and I'll buy one.

 

[DerekW]

I can't blame BSO for being ticked. They are a paying customer here.

I'm assuming that the owner of the site contacted his paying commercial customers and forewarned them of the new store?

If not, that's kinda crappy.

Having said that, it's his site, his money, and he's free to do what he wants.

I'm in a similar position where I'm looking into expanding my business into a couple different product categories, but by doing so, I may piss off some other local businesses that I have worked closely with in the past, and current. And these are companies that we currently refer work back and forth with.
But ultimately, what's my concern? Their prosperity, or mine?

Being in business is tough. I wish both sides success.

 

[fhm555]

...Does anyone have any experiences with the Krog tuner; good, bad, indifferent?

I've got one and also have one by TC Electronics. I keep one in my gear bag and one on the work bench. I prefer the TC for stage because it's brighter and easier to see when I'm standing up in crappy light, but that's a personal thing. Either one will get the job done.

 

[Jeff K]

I must be getting lysdexic.

I USED to be dyslexic. But now I'm K.O...

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I can't blame BSO for being ticked. They are a paying customer here.

I'm assuming that the owner of the site contacted his paying commercial customers and forewarned them of the new store?

If not, that's kinda crappy.

Having said that, it's his site, his money, and he's free to do what he wants.

I'm in a similar position where I'm looking into expanding my business into a couple different product categories, but by doing so, I may piss off some other local businesses that I have worked closely with in the past, and current. And these are companies that we currently refer work back and forth with.
But ultimately, what's my concern? Their prosperity, or mine?

Being in business is tough. I wish both sides success.

I received a pop up notification about the store, but from what it looked like it was only for "Talk Bass" labeled merch. It wasn't until after this thread started was I directly messaged and was notified about it being brand name products.