Well Spark you have done it again, another masterpiece.
I read your latest post with complete dismay. I copied the following quote from it:
>Then, when you realize that "hey, this isn't working, I can't afford to continue this" you get a bunch of people bitching and moaning about how things "used to be" and how something "great has died" and how "mercenary" you are, and how you are just "in it for a buck", and all the rest. I guess it's the entitlement generation like some others said.>
The bitching about how things used to be is called "nostalgia". It is perfectly normal for humans to think about the past with these kind feelings. Something great has died, and the sad thing is, your to obtuse to see it. You are "in it for a buck" and every post concerning that issue, that I have written always said that you were entitled to it. I have always complimented you and Mike on what a great site this is and how hard the both of you have worked to make it that way. If anyone is from the "entitlement generation", it is you.
The soliciting ideas comment is a joke. Why ask, you never take a suggestion, just implement the plan. That is not wrong, just quit asking us and tell us what your about to do.
More from your post:
>This isn't BitchAndMoanForums.com. It's about knives. Do I see every post as a complaint? No - but don't tell me an obvious >complaint is really just sugary kisses, because I'm not buying it.>
At least you named it correctly, it is BitchAndMoanForums.com but you made it that way. Just read your replies and posts over the last 2 years. "I'm so overworked, I'm so poor, I just spent all my money, I had to leave the party early to fix the server, You just don't understand me. Did you ever think that the rest of us have stress and problems in our lives? Did you ever think that maybe we were working 80 hours a week, we needed more money, we had illness or we had spousal problems. No Spark, I don't think you have, because it is all about you. But the big difference is "We are your customers".
Another quote from you:
>Sarge, every time you hear that all cops are racist nazi's who's only job is to bully people, harass minorities, and take money on the side, I'm sure you just feel all sunshine and roses, right?>
Your right, that makes me very angry, NOT at the person who said that, but at the cops who are racist, who are bullies and who are on the take. They, give the rest of us a bad name. Yes, it does happen and I do not have my head in the sand and deny it. You are always wanting to shoot the messenger because you do not like to hear the news.
Now a comment from my earlier post:
>When I had a problem with the new BladeAuction site last week. I rectified it myself after automatic >notification failure, e-mails and telephone calls went unanswered.>
>Yes, I know that you were partying hardy at the BladeShow, but it's been made very clear that this is a for profit business not a >hobby. I'd thought that somebody would have been minding the store checking e-mails, telephone messages or even monitoring >the site.
Sorry it is a business not a hobby, and that does not excuse you from poor service. There was no posting at the BladeAuction site that you were gone and that the e-mails and telephones would go unanswered while you were gone. Was that the same at 1SKS? When someone posts in the Good, Bad and Ugly about 1SKS's poor service or missed communication, you are right on it about "how they should have waited or handled it differently". Well defending your own is ok, but there are problems with 1SKS and BladeAuctions, just like any other normal business. How many times is Brian at Discount Knives raked over the coals for miscommunication, not answering the phone or not answering e-mails? That is the nature of a mail order or E-Business. Successful businesses work to end those problems or minimize them to continue on as a viable business.
Another quote from my post, since you did not address this in your reply:
>I did also note that you stated "Trades were free, for now". Is that also planned to go by the wayside?>
It doesn't bother me because I'm not a big trader, just curious.
Another quote from your reply:
>You mention that the site is "For Profit" - guess what? This is exactly the sort of erroneous >assumption that get's my ire up. Of course, how could I be so blind - $1 per classified ad is just >going to rake in all the dollars! Excuse the sarcasm, but damn guys, how many different ways do I >have to explain it?
Well explain it again, Not a Hobby, a for profit Business. If $1.49 is not going to bring you a profit or at least allow you to break even, then why do it at all?
Now I agree Spark, I'm tired of beating my head against the wall and writing posts that are not read or understood. It is a waste of my time.
But, I will restate my points from my posts.
I liked this site.
I really liked the "Knives for Sale, Trade, Individual Forum". Not for the sales, but for the people that I met there.
I have bought from this site, WOW, BladeForums Store, BladeForumsAuction, dealers and individuals.
Mike and Spark deserve a profit because it is a business not a hobby.
Now, a final quote from your last reply:
>That's why I'm done arguing. It's useless. I'm not going to convince all of you, so I'm just going to go about doing the best job I can >in making this site the best it is. We've taken all the shots before, and have consistently done the right thing. Nothing's changed. >Take a hard look and you'll see that for yourself.
I feel like that I'm at a Buy Here, Pay Here lot and they just wheeled out a 1985 Pinto with 300,000 miles on it and the salesman says"It was owned by a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays".
And Spark you need to follow your own advice, "Take a hard look and you'll see that for yourself".
sarge,
