So Talkbass Has A Store Now...

[sissy kathy]

I don't have a dog in this fight, but I can see where SLaPiNfuNK is coming from. It isn't the competition per se, it is the lack of a level playing field. TB now has a store in site, or at least the link to a store, on every page, on every forum, automatically, for every member (even GOLD.) No other business has that feature. The only links to BSO are in his posts. He has made ~7K posts, so there you have 7,000 links, but many of his posts are on the same page, so he probably has closer to 6,000 pages with links on them. Now consider how many different pages are on this web site, IDK but probably about a million. With a link to the store on every page. That isn't a level playing field by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[paul]

I don't claim to speak for Paul or the other Admins, but I believe the difference is this.

Every time a commercial user posts, they get promotion for their business.

Paul did a one time alert for supporting members. I don't believe there will be numerous threads about the store. I highly doubt mods or admins will be asked to put anything about the store in our signatures.

I'm definitely getting some TalkBass brand popcorn in the store. Carrot flavor.

 

[sissy kathy]

I'm definitely getting some TalkBass brand popcorn in the store. Carrot flavor.
View attachment 889024

I'll per-order a case.

 

[flojob]

right. and for the past couple of years i almost pulled the trigger on a lifetime membership instead of the supporting membership. however, next time around, i will consider not buying a membership at all.

And use the site for free?

 

[yodedude2]

And use the site for free?

yes, i am considering it. of course, i could only post my two cents, so the price would be right...and although it would be monetarily free for me, i would be sold to advertisers so the forum owner would still make a modicum from my membership, as it ought to be.

 

[blue4]

And use the site for free?

What's wrong with that? The reason there are ad banners is because I'm here everyday.

 

[flojob]

Werd. Just asking

 

[S-Bigbottom]

I love having a TalkBass merchandise store.
I have often said, "How can I cash in my "Like" point for a TalkBass coffee mug?"
I would like to drink my morning coffee out of one while doing my morning TalkBass read.
Do not care about strings, they are strings. Many sources to get them, I get mine locally. Nothing special "TalkBass" about them.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If I want to sell something on the classified, I get a supporting membership. Other thañ that, no. If it weren't a business, I'd feel otherwise.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I don't have a dog in this fight, but I can see where SLaPiNfuNK is coming from. It isn't the competition per se, it is the lack of a level playing field. TB now has a store in site, or at least the link to a store, on every page, on every forum, automatically, for every member (even GOLD.) No other business has that feature. The only links to BSO are in his posts. He has made ~7K posts, so there you have 7,000 links, but many of his posts are on the same page, so he probably has closer to 6,000 pages with links on them. Now consider how many different pages are on this web site, IDK but probably about a million. With a link to the store on every page. That isn't a level playing field by any stretch of the imagination.

According to the CUP of the site I'm not allowed to post links. I never have. Maybe a couple of posts (literally a couple) where I was asked to link something directly for someone.

My sig no longer has a link in it. Just a link to my profile by clicking my username.

I love having a TalkBass merchandise store.
I have often said, "How can I cash in my "Like" point for a TalkBass coffee mug?"
I would like to drink my morning coffee out of one while doing my morning TalkBass read.
Do not care about strings, they are strings. Many sources to get them, I get mine locally. Nothing special "TalkBass" about them.

Excellent! Glad you have strings you are happy with and can source them locally! I've never said in posts for users to buy from me. I've only provided information.

 

[Road Hat]

I don't claim to speak for Paul or the other Admins, but I believe the difference is this.

Every time a commercial user posts, they get promotion for their business.

Paul did a one time alert for supporting members. I don't believe there will be numerous threads about the store. I highly doubt mods or admins will be asked to put anything about the store in our signatures.

You make a valid point about comm'l postings. That makes sense. The Alert didn't bother me, other than my ego was bruised because I thought it might have been someone who Liked or Quoted one of my postings. <jk>

 

[sissy kathy]

According to the CUP of the site I'm not allowed to post links. I never have. Maybe a couple of posts (literally a couple) where I was asked to link something directly for someone.

My sig no longer has a link in it. Just a link to my profile by clicking my username.



Excellent! Glad you have strings you are happy with and can source them locally! I've never said in posts for users to buy from me. I've only provided information.

That just tilts the field even more.

 

[pickles]

IMO the question is "what is talkbass.com"?

Originally, it is what many of us turned to as a follow on to the email list "the bottom line". That was the really the first place bassists could find useful information that wasn't dictated by advertiser pressure. Bass Player magazine did OK under jim roberts but has since felt at times to be less-than-free with information and lost credibility. If you wanted to figure out how to put together a decent rig for 5 string bass, it was TBL then it was talkbass.

Many of us have contributed dollars and more importantly our knowledge and experince to support this site as a knowledge base. The store, while a minor thing, undermines the essence of what this is, at least what it is to me. I post here to help people learn and succeed as musicians. I dont do it to add gravity to what could become a merchant site. IMHO the TB branded gear is fine but commercial products available elsewhere are off key. If your family wants to get in on retail, they could start another site and play by the same rules of engagement that jason does.

My $.02 as an old timer.

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

I don't have a dog in this fight, but I can see where SLaPiNfuNK is coming from. It isn't the competition per se, it is the lack of a level playing field. TB now has a store in site, or at least the link to a store, on every page, on every forum, automatically, for every member (even GOLD.) No other business has that feature. The only links to BSO are in his posts. He has made ~7K posts, so there you have 7,000 links, but many of his posts are on the same page, so he probably has closer to 6,000 pages with links on them. Now consider how many different pages are on this web site, IDK but probably about a million. With a link to the store on every page. That isn't a level playing field by any stretch of the imagination.

Where are you getting the idea that it should be a level playing field? This is Paul's site that he has invested countless hours and thousands upon thousands of dollars into. You guys have no idea how much work goes into keeping this place organized and orderly, and Paul does even more than we mods and admins do. And he lets commercial users post here and gain a huge amount of visibility and customers. Make no mistake that it is free advertising to post here, and can bring in a lot of money. And with all that investment, something that could bankrupt his family if something went wrong, people are freaking out that he put up a little side business that literally sells a few items that doesn't interfere with the forum at all? How much free advertising should he allow the commercial users to level the playing field? Should he write them a check each month too?

People are looking at this incredibly selfishly. This is Paul's business and is a massive investment. Saying he shouldn't use the site he worked so hard for to make a little side business that doesn't affect anything because it doesn't fit your ideals is disregarding that completely. Nothing is being changed in the forums. Nothing is being censored or promoted. You can have threads explaining why every one of the few items he sells are garbage and the threads will stay up. The site is as unbiased as it ever was.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Excellent! Glad you have strings you are happy with and can source them locally!

Sorry if you misread what I said.
I like having a "TalkBass Merchandise" store. Items with TB and TB related slogans on them, hats, coffee mugs (I will get one eventually), and such.
Not selling amps, strings, guitars, or cabinets. They have company's that sell those items that advertise, and help members when they have a question or a problem.
There is nothing TalkBass special about a pack of DR strings. TalkBass Merchandise only. In My Opinion.

 

[neckdive]

As a pro web developer and online marketer, I can say with confidence (and analytics) that the value of a simple link to the store from the header is overrated. Online buyers are frankly much more savvy than that and won't simply buy products because there happens to be a link in the header.

Jason/BSO specializes in strings and as such TB'ers are buying his expertise, bundling, and pricing, things difficult if not impossible to find elsewhere on GC, Amazon, etc. Paul could put a direct link to GC on each every page and BSO would still continue to sell strings to TB'ers as long as he continues to offer his advice in the forums.

Selling fungible products at a TB store makes little sense in my opinion since the TB store will never be able to compete on pricing, service, shipping, etc with Amazon, eBay, GC, and even BSO. Rather, the TB store should focus on the unique and licensed (which means higher profit margin) items that make TB what it is. Many of those potential products have actually been mentioned in this thread.

Moreover, if Jason is claiming that his posts are done for informational purposes to help the community make smart decisions, his decision to stop posting proves his lack of altruism to the community. Make no mistake that his helpful posts are advertising else he wouldn't be threatening to stop posting.

This stand-off between Paul and Jason will be a lose-lose situation IMO. In a year's time, Paul will have discovered that the store is underperforming by not focusing 100% on TB swag and Jason's business will have taken a huge hit in sales due to his emotional decision to stop 'infotising'.

Memories are short and the majority of BSO's customers from TB will have moved on to other sources.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

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.

You have no equal. You have a dedicated loyal customer. On or off this forum.
You answer the phone when I call.

 

[flojob]

But I don't understand why the addition of a store or string sales makes the essence of talkbass.com any different. It's still a wonderful knowledge source and place of communion for people around the world.
Does that really change for you because they want to sell strings? Why would that have any effect on knowledge that you choose to share?
This forum isn't like a failed bass player magazine.
And it has never been unbiased. It's full of biased opinions about all kinds of things.
But that content is user produced, not the work of an editor or staff.
If things change, it's because the people who participate change.
It's his website. If the dude wants to sell strings, it's his right.
Take your measly 4 bucks and start your own website. Or use this one for free, since yall are folks of strict principle hahaha

 

[flojob]

As a pro web developer and online marketer, I can say with confidence (and analytics) that the value of a simple link to the store from the header is overrated. Online buyers are frankly much more savvy than that and won't simply buy products because there happens to be a link in the header.

Jason/BSO specializes in strings and as such TB'ers are buying his expertise, bundling, and pricing, things difficult if not impossible to find elsewhere on GC, Amazon, etc. Paul could put a direct link to GC on each every page and BSO would still continue to sell strings to TB'ers as long as he continues to offer his advice in the forums.

Selling fungible products at a TB store makes little sense in my opinion since the TB store will never be able to compete on pricing, service, shipping, etc with Amazon, eBay, GC, and even BSO. Rather, the TB store should focus on the unique and licensed (which means higher profit margin) items that make TB what it is. Many of those potential products have actually been mentioned in this thread.

Moreover, if Jason is claiming that his posts are done for informational purposes to help the community make smart decisions, his decision to stop posting proves his lack of altruism to the community. Make no mistake that his helpful posts are advertising else he wouldn't be threatening to stop posting.

This stand-off between Paul and Jason will be a lose-lose situation IMO. In a year's time, Paul will have discovered that the store is underperforming by not focusing 100% on TB swag and Jason's business will have taken a huge hit in sales due to his emotional decision to stop 'infotising'.

Memories are short and the majority of BSO's customers from TB will have moved on to other sources.

Wish I could like it twice.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

As a pro web developer and online marketer, I can say with confidence (and analytics) that the value of a simple link to the store from the header is overrated. Online buyers are frankly much more savvy than that and won't simply buy products because there happens to be a link in the header.

Jason/BSO specializes in strings and as such TB'ers are buying his expertise, bundling, and pricing, things difficult if not impossible to find elsewhere on GC, Amazon, etc. Paul could put a direct link to GC on each every page and BSO would still continue to sell strings to TB'ers as long as he continues to offer his advice in the forums.

Selling fungible products at a TB store makes little sense in my opinion since the TB store will never be able to compete on pricing, service, shipping, etc with Amazon, eBay, GC, and even BSO. Rather, the TB store should focus on the unique and licensed (which means higher profit margin) items that make TB what it is. Many of those potential products have actually been mentioned in this thread.

Moreover, if Jason is claiming that his posts are done for informational purposes to help the community make smart decisions, his decision to stop posting proves his lack of altruism to the community. Make no mistake that his helpful posts are advertising else he wouldn't be threatening to stop posting.

This stand-off between Paul and Jason will be a lose-lose situation IMO. In a year's time, Paul will have discovered that the store is underperforming by not focusing 100% on TB swag and Jason's business will have taken a huge hit in sales due to his emotional decision to stop 'infotising'.

Memories are short and the majority of BSO's customers from TB will have moved on to other sources.

Listening and agreeing with you.

I've been thinking about this since I was notified of this. Maybe I wouldn't have reacted as I did if I was contacted before the launch. There are things we could have / could do to work together.

I am open to spending more to advertise on this site and others.

The only reason I chose to not post as much info here is simply to not continue to build content for someone else's site that is obviously open to doing what I do. As you said... the link at the top doesn't mean as much.