mdcomp
05-24-10, 10:49 AM
Please feel free to add on to the discussion we had during the meeting, whether you attended or not. We want to hear from everyone.
Here is the log from the meeting that took place last night:
[20:35] <mdcomp> should we wait a few or just get started?
[20:35] <imog> I'd say lets do it, we can make the logs available later for anyone interested who may not be here
[20:36] <Earthdog> saying my son stays in bed (heh) Im ready... lets do it.
[20:36] <mdcomp> great sounds good
[20:37] <mdcomp> so first off
[20:37] <mdcomp> just wanted to mention some of our major accomplishments, give you guys an idea of how we are doing
[20:37] <mdcomp> to say the least, extremely well
[20:37] <mdcomp> our traffic has grown siginificantly, since we all began this a few months back
[20:38] <Joeteck-Storage> from what?
[20:38] <mdcomp> not sure how specific you want to get, but maybe you have something to share imog?
[20:38] <imog> sure
[20:38] <mdcomp> im talking about traffic on the homepage
[20:38] <Earthdog> this positive flow of traffic was prior to the fake cpu deal, and after that Im sure it sky rocketed?
[20:39] <imog> traffic has definitely been good, and we are seeing a lot of other sites pick up our content more frequently
[20:39] <mdcomp> yes, earthdog, but its been pretty consistent
[20:39] <Joeteck-Storage> Do you know specifics on what reviews?
[20:39] <imog> the cpu deal was big when it hit - but it faded and went back to normal, we have a very strong consistency with traffic
[20:39] <Joeteck-Storage> meaning what is hit the most?
[20:40] <mdcomp> checking
[20:40] <imog> and its been steadily increasing which is good... the biggest impact has been relevant news content, getting small thinsg out like dostov's articles when they are announced has lead to some growth beyond our regular article content
[20:40] <imog> The most popular reviews can be found in the right sidebar, although it doesn't show hits
[20:40] <mdcomp> yeah thats an area we want to expand more
[20:41] <MattNo5ss> On that note, was access to the statistics removed from CEs? I ask b/c, I was able to view them for a short period.
[20:41] <imog> so the news thing is something we could use help with from the CE's, if anything new pops up in the forums which people are discussing - making sure we are aware of it and seeing if someone can put something together can help with the news content
[20:42] <Joeteck-Storage> You have a list of IP's correct?
[20:42] <imog> mattno5ss - access was not changed for the ce's, but there have been wordpress updates which change the way things work occasionally
[20:42] <Joeteck-Storage> with origin?
[20:42] <imog> not exactly joe, but we do have some demographic data available from google analytics
[20:42] <mdcomp> You mean where the hits are coming from? Like USA vs Russia?
[20:42] <MattNo5ss> thanks, just wondering
[20:42] <imog> I'll put that on a list for followup matt, thanks for mentioning it
[20:43] <Joeteck-Storage> mdcomp- yes
[20:43] <mdcomp> I'd say we are like 60% USA, if I had to guess
[20:43] <mdcomp> maybe even more
[20:43] <mdcomp> then UK, then Australia
[20:43] <Joeteck-Storage> WOW, not bad..
[20:43] <Joeteck-Storage> Our user base that same statistics ?
[20:43] <Earthdog> the news team should be able to scour a pleathura of websites for news tidbits. We may not be the first, but it will be there. I could put up at minimum 2 items per day with just those sites and relevent info to overclockers in general
[20:44] <mdcomp> Yeah I think the forums is probably similar in the demographics. I don't know for sure though
[20:44] <Earthdog> if that is a driving force, I could resend those sites or however it works best to get a coupel of things up /day...
[20:44] <imog> we'd welcome that sort of thing earthdog, we usually work on format and presentation a bit, but mainly we'd love to get more news stuff including a source and a short summary
[20:45] <MattNo5ss> like dostov's new shorts
[20:45] <mdcomp> Right and in that regard, the lead editors (splat, imog, hokie and myself) will be available during regular work hours 9-5 eastern in this room from now on
[20:45] <MattNo5ss> news*
[20:45] <imog> right on mattno5ss
[20:45] <Earthdog> exactly like those matt, yes..
[20:45] <mdcomp> so we can publish news pretty quickly
[20:45] <mdcomp> and if you guys have site suggestions for news email them to me or post them on the forums, we send out all our articles to other hardware websites, they post our articles as news
[20:46] <Joeteck-Storage> RSS feeds help
[20:46] <mdcomp> gets us ton of incremental traffic :)
[20:46] <imog> yup, the lead editors have been online every day 9-5 working on things for months, and we'll ensure we are always in this room also for anything you need
[20:46] <mdcomp> definitely
[20:47] <imog> yup, we have RSS... it's good to have, however it hasn't been a huge traffic driver - right now google traffic has been the number 1 source across the board
[20:47] <Earthdog> I would like to mention just one thing...a positive thing since we may need that today...heh...
[20:47] <imog> but its definitely something we should do, and something we should probably promote in a contest down the road - it helps with consistency
[20:47] <mdcomp> sure Earthdog, go ahead
[20:48] <Earthdog> Not that I am at all qualified to say this, but I want to say how impressed I am at the vast majority of articles we put up. I was VERY concerned with the free for all format of basically anyone putting somehting up but it has worked it seems....
[20:49] <Earthdog> it could only work that way with a solid editing team, both CE's trimming the fat and the E's making the choice of cut.
[20:49] <Earthdog> and of course, the writers..
[20:49] <mdcomp> totally agree, i was concerned as well, but there are definitely days where we run short
[20:49] <mdcomp> so i think a more consistent effort across the board would help
[20:49] <Earthdog> now, with that out of the way... I think its PARAMOUNT to continue to put up QUALITY articles.
[20:49] <Earthdog> articles that touch on the relevence to reader...
[20:49] <mdcomp> i mean all you guys here come up with a lot of stuff, and great content, but i think some of the other CE's may not have learned the ropes just yet
[20:50] <MattNo5ss> I was about to say the same, it works b/c the team works together on the article to ensure quality stuff.
[20:50] <imog> totally agree also, the writers and the CE's have been key in making that happen - the rest of what is required takes a lot of time for our lead editors, we are on here everyday talking and planning... so the ce's role has been great for finding content and working with authors to get articles into the pipeline
[20:50] <Earthdog> its nice to bench and say oh my card gets 4 gigflopamajigs, but what that REALLY means to the reader is what, IMHO, keeps them coming back
[20:50] <imog> I have a question for you CE's on that front...
[20:50] <mdcomp> we are also working on things like Heatsink Testing Procedure to try and emphasize the importance of quality and standardizing the way we do things a bit
[20:50] <Earthdog> that light bulb going off in the head saying, "oh yeah!"
[20:51] <Earthdog> standardization is HUGE as well for accurate testing. Some of you know better than others what a stickler I am at that sort of stuff.
[20:51] <imog> from your perspective, is there something we could be doing better to assist the CE's, and help them be more engaged or productive with articles?
[20:51] <Earthdog> I was (slowly) getting to that now matt(s)...
[20:51] <imog> for example... better introduction guides, easier set of instructions for what you are supposed to be doing etc...
[20:51] <Earthdog> .What I personally would want to see from the Editors is a more critical eye on the content. if possible.
[20:51] <MattNo5ss> That HS procedure is tough to standardize, but being able to compare across articles would be great.
[20:51] <mdcomp> to follow up on imog's question, would people spend time to read these guides?
[20:52] <Joeteck-Storage> I have a request when you guys are done
[20:52] <Earthdog> As in, we are all n00bs to this writing thing, honestly like most of the E's are, but I am personally nervous about putitng crap up...
[20:52] <imog> good point earthdog, something thats on our radar but hasn't gotten enough time or attention yet - I'm working with cobra432 on a heatsink procedure for testing/reviews
[20:53] <MattNo5ss> I'm new and the guides seemed fine to me.
[20:53] <Earthdog> now I know you guys wouldnt let that happen, but... a kick back to writers to improve always helps get everyone thinking....
[20:53] <mdcomp> yeah i think we run into problems with the timing, ultimately i'd like to see a few levels of editing...CE's do initial push back with authors
[20:53] <Earthdog> (and Im wrapped up so long as that didnt get misconstrued)
[20:53] <mdcomp> then we send it up to our proofreaders
[20:53] <imog> I think our best opportunity to improve the quality of content, and ensure we aren't putting up crap, is providing writers with specific guidelines to work with for items they review
[20:53] <mdcomp> then editors
[20:54] <imog> for example, someone is going to write a heatsink review, we hand them an outline including what to cover, advice for how to test, and what basic items need to be included
[20:54] <mdcomp> right thats true imog, but i think direct feedback to the writers is really important, especially in the long-run to develop quality writers, remember each writer is a potential future writer
[20:54] <Joeteck-Storage> everyone has a different view on what they are proof reading....
[20:55] <imog> absolutely agree mdcomp
[20:55] <Earthdog> For example, I have leaned on hokie for advice for some of my articles, like the fan article and 470 article... at minimum a peer review...
[20:55] <mdcomp> thats why its always good to have a few people look it over
[20:55] <Earthdog> agreed joe. But that is the beauty of it actually... :)
[20:55] <mdcomp> different perspectives
[20:55] <MattNo5ss> But, you don't want every review to be exactly the same. General guidelines with room to incoporate your own testing style is good too.
[20:55] <Earthdog> I may be myopic, but another POV would open the article up...
[20:55] <mdcomp> yeah our intentions are not curb writing style, just give people a jumping off point :)
[20:55] <Joeteck-Storage> That should prevent from carp being published than, no?
[20:56] <mdcomp> right
[20:56] <Earthdog> not sure how that can be accomplished but....and right!
[20:56] <mdcomp> and if its crap, tell us beforehand or push back on the author, you guys can def. do that if you want
[20:56] <imog> absolutely agree mattno5ss
[20:56] <Earthdog> Let me (again) mention no crap has been published.
[20:56] <imog> and about a jumping off point mdcomp, agree also
[20:56] <Joeteck-Storage> Even though I'm the CE for storage, after I'm done a few others look it over just in case I missed stuff.
[20:57] <mdcomp> earthdog, no crap has been published, but not everything has been the highest quality
[20:57] <Joeteck-Storage> I'm not perfect.
[20:57] <mdcomp> i think now that we have a consistent flow of content, our focus should be upping the quality
[20:57] <mdcomp> so i like where this is going of course
[20:57] <MattNo5ss> I always look over "pending" articles no matter the topic.
[20:57] <imog> yup, I think we are hitting a good quality point - it is not easy getting articles to put up every day, but we've held a frantic pace, and I think we've shown progress as time has passed
[20:58] <imog> so frequency of articles is good, and our focus is on continuing to improve the quality of the articles
[20:58] <mdcomp> hopefully we can start getting a few more in advance, but we'll become more organized over time, as we have already
[20:58] <Earthdog> Yes, and its not a polished turd either... we started as a rusty trailer hitch and have now been rechromed and ready to go... :)
[20:58] <mdcomp> haha yeah
[20:58] <MattNo5ss> what's the difference in our good articles and the high quality articles?
[20:59] <MattNo5ss> referring to mdcomp response
[20:59] <Earthdog> From my POV - I think its the relevence to the reader, and the method of the testing. If someone can poke holes in any testing, the article is done.
[20:59] <Joeteck-Storage> I have a request, if at all possible..
[20:59] <imog> mattno5ss, looking over pending articles when you have time is a big help
[20:59] <imog> it doesn't go unnoticed :)
[20:59] <mdcomp> yeah sound technical expertise is probably what sets apart a good article from a high quality one
[20:59] <mdcomp> sure joeteck-storage
[21:00] <Joeteck-Storage> Matt need to get more products for review
[21:00] <Joeteck-Storage> needs
[21:00] <imog> agree mdcomp, that is a good way to put it - solid procedures followed in testing, and technical expertise is how I would differentiate good articles from really high quality ones
[21:01] <mdcomp> which Matt? we have like ten in here right now
[21:01] <imog> I would agree joeteck-storage
[21:01] <Joeteck-Storage> Contact manufactures and get some "new" hardware in for some good quality reviews
[21:01] <imog> lol at mdcomp
[21:01] <imog> we have been doing that, and we rely on content editors to tell us specific items of interest for your area
[21:01] <mdcomp> we can eliminate me, so its either IMOG or MattNo5ss
[21:01] <MattNo5ss> lol
[21:02] <Earthdog> I'll bet MattNo5ss...
[21:02] <MattNo5ss> thanks for the definition of "good" vs "high quailty"
[21:02] <imog> so any content editor who has a specific item of interest, give us model numbers, links, and we'll follow up on trying to get the product on your hands
[21:02] <mdcomp> yeah thats what i thiught ha
[21:02] <mdcomp> we already have a database full of industry contacts
[21:02] <Joeteck-Storage> We need more...alot more... Such as the new AMD 6 core should have been on you front door before the sale
[21:02] <mdcomp> so please make sure to let us know what you are interested in
[21:02] <Earthdog> I have a request in to hokie already...here is to hoping that thing comes through...
[21:02] <imog> we've had a lot of success getting gear, so if we know which items are of the most interest to you, we will work our contacts to see what we can get in writer's hands
[21:03] <Earthdog> and the intel... getting a good article for that was sadly like pulling teeth...
[21:03] <Earthdog> (intel hex)
[21:03] <imog> joeteck-storage - developing those contacts takes time, and we are making good progress with that. You are exactly right tho, we need to get things in our hands with NDA so we can work with them prior to press releases and have things ready
[21:03] <Joeteck-Storage> People like to read about thinds that will be coming out, and look forward to buying it, if the review back it up
[21:04] <mdcomp> that will likely happen more often as these relationships develop further
[21:04] <MattNo5ss> earthdog, no interesting in the newly released K series chips for 1156?
[21:04] <Earthdog> The unlocked 1156s?
[21:04] <Joeteck-Storage> If you want to be the end all be all site for content, thats the place to start.
[21:04] <Earthdog> I havent seen a peep
[21:04] <MattNo5ss> wow, my typing is horrible...lol
[21:04] <MattNo5ss> yeah
[21:04] <imog> yup, a lot of work has gone into building our contacts and relationships, and as we continue to work with these people more doors will continue to open - hokie has made especially good progress on that front
[21:05] <hokie-laptop> Joeteck-Storage, we're trying. we're trying almost every day to get more / better manufacturer contacts.
[21:05] <hokie-laptop> it's....difficult, to say the least.
[21:05] <hokie-laptop> but rest assured we are working on it.
[21:05] <mdcomp> if you guys have ideas for topics that really need to be covered, let us know
[21:05] <mdcomp> we'll put something together or you could, but some things just go over our head
[21:05] <mdcomp> especially me, im so busy at work that sometimes i miss the top news stories
[21:05] <imog> yup, thats an important point mdcomp
[21:05] <Joeteck-Storage> Their are other sites that are more popular than us who would get those ES before us..
[21:05] <mdcomp> depend on you guys to let me know hah
[21:06] <imog> we work a lot everyday, but there is a lot we can easily miss - that's what we depend on CEs for... we aren't always on top of what is coming before it comes, so if CE's can be on top of it for us, and make sure we know, that is an area where the CE's can add a lot of value
[21:07] <imog> joeteck-storage - what is your point? we know there are bigger sites that are more popular, but we are doing well for a site that basically was reborn this past September...
[21:07] <Earthdog> we need to get MIAH's and Sno's contacts... lol
[21:07] <imog> on my last point about CEs being on top of things, you guys have been doing a great job at that, just to be clear
[21:07] <mdcomp> and the fact that we have top tier overclockers like miah and sno, we get plenty of equipment
[21:08] <mdcomp> yeah earthdog, they always review the stuff they get, so its working out really well for us
[21:08] <Joeteck-Storage> My point is that we have to prove to these manufatures we are worth it
[21:08] <Earthdog> Thats part of the reason Im going cold... I want hardware tossed at me like a deck of cards, and with most of it, play 52 pick back to the members...
[21:08] <mdcomp> its a gradual process joe
[21:08] <MattNo5ss> that's where the high-quality article come into play?
[21:08] <imog> gotcha, I would agree with that. Anyone have ideas for how to better do that?
[21:08] <Joeteck-Storage> mdcomp - I understand...
[21:09] <Joeteck-Storage> mscomp - Was just a request...
[21:09] <Joeteck-Storage> wow my typing stinks tonight
[21:09] <imog> I think the best thing we can do to improve relationships with manufacturers is ensuring we perform quality work, and ensuring we present a fair picture
[21:10] <mdcomp> right i hear you, but we've been making profress in that area, just saying that it takes time for these manufacturers to develop trust in us
[21:10] <mdcomp> so far we've been doing a good job of that
[21:10] <imog> if something stinks, we can say that... but we also want to ensure items are presented in the appropriate light
[21:10] <Joeteck-Storage> IMOG - I agree. so then they can see we are a serious website, and not a fly by website
[21:10] <Earthdog> Quality articles posted in a timely manner are what I believe they care about....
[21:10] <MattNo5ss> So, this IS where the HQ articles help out
[21:10] <imog> we've been discussing that regarding reviews of Intel CPUs vs AMD CPUs - fact is the parts are targetted differently, and the reviews should be treated as such, noting the benefits and drawbacks of both
[21:11] <MattNo5ss> yeah, no fanboy reviews, please
[21:11] Kona (Mibbit@synIRC-D188E6A7.hsd1.tn.comcast.net) joined #oc-newsteam.
[21:11] <imog> we've even had feedback from manufacturers themselves that they don't want everything to be positive - they want to ensure its worth sending gear, and the site will say what is good and bad, so that readers trust the content. We have done good at that and its an important point
[21:11] <Kona> Eye'm not late!
[21:12] <mdcomp> hah np kona
[21:12] <imog> heh, we'll have the logs posted, as well as a summary for anyone who missed the start - glad you made it kona
[21:12] <Earthdog> Yes... example, not that we were the only ones to mention it.. Lamptron and their display on teh fan controller...
[21:12] <Earthdog> they went back and improved it!
[21:12] <Kona> Stupid MB doesn't want to break 498 FSB, and on top of that there is all the stuff going on in the benching session.
[21:12] <Kona> So I'm the only one here with dry ice cooling! :D
[21:12] <mdcomp> sweet
[21:12] <imog> right on, lamptron has been really impressive to work with for us
[21:13] <Kona> Anything been said about ATI?
[21:13] <mdcomp> contact established :)
[21:13] <mdcomp> working on some products
[21:13] <imog> we learned a lot with that also earthdog, because if we find problems when we are reviewing equipment, contacting the manufacturer about it prior to publishing adds a nice touch and ensure we are working with the best version of the product and not a defective one - we almost had that problem with one of the FC reviews, but they replaced the hardware, then we just noted we had a problem with a bad revision
[21:14] <Joeteck-Storage> IMOG if you get any storage hardware, I'll do the reviews for them. I have no problem with that.
[21:14] <mdcomp> yeah i think it was cool to see them take our suggestion into the next revision, they really valued our opinion
[21:14] <Joeteck-Storage> ;)
[21:14] <Kona> Everyone go review an ATI card!
[21:15] <imog> joeteck-storage - we've talked about that, and we need more people involved in storage
[21:15] <imog> the work you are doing is great, but that is another important point to touch upon - we need CEs to also focus on pulling more people into the process
[21:15] <Joeteck-Storage> Was just a suggestion.... :)
[21:15] <Joeteck-Storage> hehehe
[21:15] <imog> the more people familiar with writing and working with equipment, the safer the site is long term
[21:15] <Joeteck-Storage> BRB, have to brush my sons teeth
[21:16] <MattNo5ss> Did you get in touch with the guy with the Vertex 2 about a possible review?
[21:16] <Earthdog> Ok, so... I have to ask as this has been an elephant in my room...what is the official stance on products and keeping them...I can understand the black and white ($50+ reinvest to the site in w/e manner, less than $50 is a potential keeper)...
[21:17] <Earthdog> Some sites have let me keep them no questions asked which is fine, others we returned all...
[21:17] <imog> that is essentially the official stance - we've begun tracking things better, but most hardware that has gone out in the past is staying where it is
[21:17] <Earthdog> (sholdnt say we, I should say they)
[21:17] <imog> ideally, if you have to send something out, we'd like to get something else back your way to repay you
[21:18] <imog> but the idea is equipment is not kept by the reviewer to maintain impartiality, and so that the hardware can be used to promote the site, and reward a variety of people and teams - not just the people doing the work
[21:18] <Earthdog> the grey area of which I speak is my request for a water block for gtx 470. Obviously this benefits me as a user owning one of those, but to reinvest that thing back into the site for the other 10 people that have it?
[21:18] <MattNo5ss> I just buy whatever I review, b/c it was something I wanted. But, unfortunately when I'm able to get that HW, reviews have been out for months...
[21:18] <imog> we are flexible though also, if something takes a lot of time, and its a lot of work, and you are the one doing it - we want to encourage that so we are open to worknig with people and discussing things on a case by case basis
[21:19] <mdcomp> right imog
[21:19] <mdcomp> that brings up another question i had for you guys: What can we do to motivate CE's more?
[21:19] <Earthdog> Im just torn sometimes... Its nice to get some stuff, but some if it I just want to keep and love and hold (like Elmira on WB cartoon)... lol
[21:19] <imog> a waterblock review like that is a good example, getting that into your loop and reviewing it is A LOT of work earthdog, and it'd be something we'd work with you on - we only want to do things that make sense, not make things unnecessarily difficult or unfair
[21:20] <Kona> mdcomp, free stuff lol
[21:20] <mdcomp> haha i see that
[21:20] <mdcomp> :)
[21:20] <mdcomp> hell that motivates me too
[21:20] <Earthdog> yes and the OTHER part of that particular example is that is that really going to be relevent for the site?
[21:20] <Kona> Actually if I got anything I'd probably find someone else to give it to, far as graphic cards
[21:20] <MattNo5ss> appreciation is all that should be needed...
[21:20] <Kona> 9 white stars instead of 8?
[21:20] <mdcomp> right, but its enough for you guys, but not for everyone hah
[21:20] <Kona> darn this meeting is too serious
[21:21] <Earthdog> agreed matt... agreed. And that is why I am struggling with this internally.
[21:21] <imog> right, if its not relevant and few people are readily able to use it earthdog, not much value in reinvesting the hardware
[21:21] <mdcomp> just want to encourage more participationg
[21:21] <Earthdog> (matt5no)
[21:22] <Kona> time to refill the pot
[21:22] <Kona> and put more dry ice in
[21:22] <imog> just fyi, 10 minute warning for me, gotta split at 9:30, but I'll be posting a summary of points I want to focus on in a followup on the forums
[21:22] <Earthdog> Yeah, I have to be brutally honest. I love doing this, just to do this. But dangle a piece of hardware in front of me, and you have pavlov'sdog.
[21:23] <Kona> who
[21:24] <Joeteck-Storage> back
[21:24] <mdcomp> what are some of the most challenging parts of being a CE? Any strategies for overcoming those challenges? Have you dealt with those situations?
[21:24] <Joeteck-Storage> Getting content
[21:24] <Kona> I'd be happy to get a nice new graphics card to review, even if I didn't get to keep it. Problem is getting one to begin with
[21:24] <Kona> and yeah, getting content
[21:25] <Earthdog> Getting content that doesnt fall in your lap via hardware or others... I resolve (try) by keeping an eye on the forums, especially when gently prodded by hokie to see whats up...think about whats new, what would I like to read about, etc...
[21:26] <mdcomp> yeah i think beyond the forums, its good to see what going on in the market, news, other hardware sites
[21:26] <Kona> I've been meaning to hang out around the ATI forum more to try and find more potential articles...
[21:26] <mdcomp> and also think about some guides that aren't time-sensitive...like the oc;'ing guide is awesome
[21:26] <Earthdog> o/c guide i think is overclockers.com cash cow... lol
[21:27] <Earthdog> (i3/5/7/, jermiahs)
[21:27] <mdcomp> haha traffic cow yes
[21:27] <mdcomp> cash no
[21:27] <mdcomp> lol
[21:27] <imog> those are good tips earthdog
[21:27] <Earthdog> That AMD one needs to get up there quick like...
[21:27] <Kona> is captian pink writing that?
[21:27] <MattNo5ss> Sorry, I was away for a min. Yes, content would have to be the hardest thing to get your hands on.
[21:28] <Earthdog> getting back on the bleeding edge, like Joe mentioned, is leaning on the hardware 'crutch', but those are the best, yes...?
[21:29] <MattNo5ss> I've been PMing members at have any interesting posts, asking for articles/summaries.
[21:29] <imog> right on about the AMD piece, definitely something I've been drooling over for months - the Intel OC guide is huge for traffic every single day
[21:29] <mdcomp> i can def talk to dolk about it
[21:29] <mdcomp> it would be a great piece
[21:30] <Joeteck-Storage> Mattno5ss, but by that time its mainstream already.
[21:30] <Earthdog> yes and no, its full circle really... it takes time like that said... I guess I just repeated the obvious...my bad... lol
[21:30] <MattNo5ss> referring to PMing about members' posts?
[21:30] <Joeteck-Storage> no
[21:31] <Joeteck-Storage> Referring to articles where the technology has been reviewed by others already
[21:32] <Joeteck-Storage> "old news" in a matter of speaking
[21:32] <MattNo5ss> oh okay, and I agree
[21:32] <hokie-laptop> joe - we hear you, but you have to understand, we aren't going to get ES samples until after we establish ourselves as a leader.
[21:32] <hokie-laptop> it's not like we can just go ask for them.
[21:32] <hokie-laptop> (which we try)
[21:32] <hokie-laptop> we're building relationships with manufacturers actively and all the time.
[21:32] <imog> we don't have to be the first on the scene is something to note
[21:32] <Joeteck-Storage> ok...that's good. How do we "as a team" accomplish this?
[21:33] <imog> a lot of sites thrive on being the first, and that's not where we are competing
[21:33] <hokie-laptop> keep getting content out there.
[21:33] <hokie-laptop> first is not always best
[21:33] <imog> we can't throw sticks and stones when hardocp, anandtech, other sites - they all have tanks
[21:33] <imog> its a building process
[21:33] <imog> we are competing with solid quality grass roots content that people trust
[21:33] <hokie-laptop> just because something has been out for a while doesn't mean it's bad to write something on it.
[21:33] <Joeteck-Storage> We need to do a fundraiser, so we can fund our own hardware purchasing
[21:33] <Earthdog> WHen do we get our Carl Gustav (BFBC2 reference there)? :)
[21:33] <hokie-laptop> it's a different person, a different perspective.
[21:34] <imog> if we can be first with some things thats great, but really are strength right now that we need to leverage is in our quality and member perspectives
[21:34] <Earthdog> Agree... Canned reviews arent taken very well anymore...
[21:34] <Joeteck-Storage> Does the site make money?
[21:34] <mdcomp> we dont even know that
[21:34] <imog> right, every site is doing canned "professional" reviews :)
[21:35] <Earthdog> if one can see, people will say, "ehh, I'll wait until someone here gets their hands on one".......
[21:35] <mdcomp> we're assuming it does since iNet keeps paying for it
[21:35] <mdcomp> ha
[21:35] <imog> not a lot of people that are big like us, that are doing grass roots quality stuff
[21:35] <imog> on that note, I've gotta jet
[21:35] <imog> I'll see you guys around
[21:35] <hokie-laptop> precisely earthdog - you just said in one sentence what i was getting at
[21:35] <hokie-laptop> later imog
[21:35] <Earthdog> later matt1
[21:35] <mdcomp> peace
[21:35] <imog> the site makes more money than it costs to run, but it doesn't come close to covering the overhead that exists at inet
[21:35] <Joeteck-Storage> good night matt
[21:36] <MattNo5ss> I have to go as well, I may be back depending on how long it lasts...
[21:36] <imog> we wouldn't have the quality of site we have without them tho either, or some of the opportunities we have, so I wouldn't bash inet - they have been good for moving the site forward compared to our stagnation of the past
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[21:36] <imog> night guys
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[21:37] <Kona-DICE> Sorry, forgot to refill the pot
[21:37] <Kona-DICE> :s
[21:38] <Earthdog> I guess the moral of the story here is to just keep on keeping on. Look actively for content for CE's, Have the E's take a more critical eye to the quality (again not that its bad, but to get better)...
[21:38] <mdcomp> yeah i think thats true earthdog
[21:38] <Earthdog> as the articles get better our relationships with vendors get better...
[21:38] <Earthdog> the products we receive get better...
[21:38] <mdcomp> i think its just good for all of us to get together once in a while and shoot the **** haha
[21:38] <Earthdog> if we continue to take care of our benching team, they will get better and we can get that good hardware into the right people's hands./
[21:38] Nick change: Kona-DICE -> Kona|DICE
[21:39] <mdcomp> lol right earthdog
[21:39] <Earthdog> this is plate techtonics though...we just have to keep our noses down.. if we cant do it anymore we pass the torch...
[21:39] <Earthdog> (sweet lord, I have LOST on my mind...)
[21:39] <Kona|DICE> are they still on that damn island?
[21:40] <Earthdog> I agree... we need to all get on here more... every other month or so sounds good to me, to make sure we are pointing in the right direction... any action items to take home (out of office meeting mode)
[21:40] <Earthdog> lol
[21:40] <Joeteck-Storage> watching it now as well
[21:40] <Joeteck-Storage> as well as the rest of the planet
[21:40] <hokie-laptop> me too ED
[21:41] <hokie-laptop> watching the DVR'ed stuff now
[21:41] <hokie-laptop> making our way to the finale
[21:41] <Earthdog> DVR... well, this fire burned bright and is now down to warming embers... I will keep it open just in case, but IM out... good night guys....
[21:41] <Earthdog> PS - If we all ever met Kate IRL, I would kick ALL your asses to have that... :)
[21:41] <Earthdog> goodnight.
[21:42] <mdcomp> night
[21:42] <Joeteck-Storage> good night everyone
[21:42] <hokie-laptop> night!
[21:43] <Kona|DICE> night-o
[21:43] <hokie-laptop> night joeteck
Here is the log from the meeting that took place last night:
[20:35] <mdcomp> should we wait a few or just get started?
[20:35] <imog> I'd say lets do it, we can make the logs available later for anyone interested who may not be here
[20:36] <Earthdog> saying my son stays in bed (heh) Im ready... lets do it.
[20:36] <mdcomp> great sounds good
[20:37] <mdcomp> so first off
[20:37] <mdcomp> just wanted to mention some of our major accomplishments, give you guys an idea of how we are doing
[20:37] <mdcomp> to say the least, extremely well
[20:37] <mdcomp> our traffic has grown siginificantly, since we all began this a few months back
[20:38] <Joeteck-Storage> from what?
[20:38] <mdcomp> not sure how specific you want to get, but maybe you have something to share imog?
[20:38] <imog> sure
[20:38] <mdcomp> im talking about traffic on the homepage
[20:38] <Earthdog> this positive flow of traffic was prior to the fake cpu deal, and after that Im sure it sky rocketed?
[20:39] <imog> traffic has definitely been good, and we are seeing a lot of other sites pick up our content more frequently
[20:39] <mdcomp> yes, earthdog, but its been pretty consistent
[20:39] <Joeteck-Storage> Do you know specifics on what reviews?
[20:39] <imog> the cpu deal was big when it hit - but it faded and went back to normal, we have a very strong consistency with traffic
[20:39] <Joeteck-Storage> meaning what is hit the most?
[20:40] <mdcomp> checking
[20:40] <imog> and its been steadily increasing which is good... the biggest impact has been relevant news content, getting small thinsg out like dostov's articles when they are announced has lead to some growth beyond our regular article content
[20:40] <imog> The most popular reviews can be found in the right sidebar, although it doesn't show hits
[20:40] <mdcomp> yeah thats an area we want to expand more
[20:41] <MattNo5ss> On that note, was access to the statistics removed from CEs? I ask b/c, I was able to view them for a short period.
[20:41] <imog> so the news thing is something we could use help with from the CE's, if anything new pops up in the forums which people are discussing - making sure we are aware of it and seeing if someone can put something together can help with the news content
[20:42] <Joeteck-Storage> You have a list of IP's correct?
[20:42] <imog> mattno5ss - access was not changed for the ce's, but there have been wordpress updates which change the way things work occasionally
[20:42] <Joeteck-Storage> with origin?
[20:42] <imog> not exactly joe, but we do have some demographic data available from google analytics
[20:42] <mdcomp> You mean where the hits are coming from? Like USA vs Russia?
[20:42] <MattNo5ss> thanks, just wondering
[20:42] <imog> I'll put that on a list for followup matt, thanks for mentioning it
[20:43] <Joeteck-Storage> mdcomp- yes
[20:43] <mdcomp> I'd say we are like 60% USA, if I had to guess
[20:43] <mdcomp> maybe even more
[20:43] <mdcomp> then UK, then Australia
[20:43] <Joeteck-Storage> WOW, not bad..
[20:43] <Joeteck-Storage> Our user base that same statistics ?
[20:43] <Earthdog> the news team should be able to scour a pleathura of websites for news tidbits. We may not be the first, but it will be there. I could put up at minimum 2 items per day with just those sites and relevent info to overclockers in general
[20:44] <mdcomp> Yeah I think the forums is probably similar in the demographics. I don't know for sure though
[20:44] <Earthdog> if that is a driving force, I could resend those sites or however it works best to get a coupel of things up /day...
[20:44] <imog> we'd welcome that sort of thing earthdog, we usually work on format and presentation a bit, but mainly we'd love to get more news stuff including a source and a short summary
[20:45] <MattNo5ss> like dostov's new shorts
[20:45] <mdcomp> Right and in that regard, the lead editors (splat, imog, hokie and myself) will be available during regular work hours 9-5 eastern in this room from now on
[20:45] <MattNo5ss> news*
[20:45] <imog> right on mattno5ss
[20:45] <Earthdog> exactly like those matt, yes..
[20:45] <mdcomp> so we can publish news pretty quickly
[20:45] <mdcomp> and if you guys have site suggestions for news email them to me or post them on the forums, we send out all our articles to other hardware websites, they post our articles as news
[20:46] <Joeteck-Storage> RSS feeds help
[20:46] <mdcomp> gets us ton of incremental traffic :)
[20:46] <imog> yup, the lead editors have been online every day 9-5 working on things for months, and we'll ensure we are always in this room also for anything you need
[20:46] <mdcomp> definitely
[20:47] <imog> yup, we have RSS... it's good to have, however it hasn't been a huge traffic driver - right now google traffic has been the number 1 source across the board
[20:47] <Earthdog> I would like to mention just one thing...a positive thing since we may need that today...heh...
[20:47] <imog> but its definitely something we should do, and something we should probably promote in a contest down the road - it helps with consistency
[20:47] <mdcomp> sure Earthdog, go ahead
[20:48] <Earthdog> Not that I am at all qualified to say this, but I want to say how impressed I am at the vast majority of articles we put up. I was VERY concerned with the free for all format of basically anyone putting somehting up but it has worked it seems....
[20:49] <Earthdog> it could only work that way with a solid editing team, both CE's trimming the fat and the E's making the choice of cut.
[20:49] <Earthdog> and of course, the writers..
[20:49] <mdcomp> totally agree, i was concerned as well, but there are definitely days where we run short
[20:49] <mdcomp> so i think a more consistent effort across the board would help
[20:49] <Earthdog> now, with that out of the way... I think its PARAMOUNT to continue to put up QUALITY articles.
[20:49] <Earthdog> articles that touch on the relevence to reader...
[20:49] <mdcomp> i mean all you guys here come up with a lot of stuff, and great content, but i think some of the other CE's may not have learned the ropes just yet
[20:50] <MattNo5ss> I was about to say the same, it works b/c the team works together on the article to ensure quality stuff.
[20:50] <imog> totally agree also, the writers and the CE's have been key in making that happen - the rest of what is required takes a lot of time for our lead editors, we are on here everyday talking and planning... so the ce's role has been great for finding content and working with authors to get articles into the pipeline
[20:50] <Earthdog> its nice to bench and say oh my card gets 4 gigflopamajigs, but what that REALLY means to the reader is what, IMHO, keeps them coming back
[20:50] <imog> I have a question for you CE's on that front...
[20:50] <mdcomp> we are also working on things like Heatsink Testing Procedure to try and emphasize the importance of quality and standardizing the way we do things a bit
[20:50] <Earthdog> that light bulb going off in the head saying, "oh yeah!"
[20:51] <Earthdog> standardization is HUGE as well for accurate testing. Some of you know better than others what a stickler I am at that sort of stuff.
[20:51] <imog> from your perspective, is there something we could be doing better to assist the CE's, and help them be more engaged or productive with articles?
[20:51] <Earthdog> I was (slowly) getting to that now matt(s)...
[20:51] <imog> for example... better introduction guides, easier set of instructions for what you are supposed to be doing etc...
[20:51] <Earthdog> .What I personally would want to see from the Editors is a more critical eye on the content. if possible.
[20:51] <MattNo5ss> That HS procedure is tough to standardize, but being able to compare across articles would be great.
[20:51] <mdcomp> to follow up on imog's question, would people spend time to read these guides?
[20:52] <Joeteck-Storage> I have a request when you guys are done
[20:52] <Earthdog> As in, we are all n00bs to this writing thing, honestly like most of the E's are, but I am personally nervous about putitng crap up...
[20:52] <imog> good point earthdog, something thats on our radar but hasn't gotten enough time or attention yet - I'm working with cobra432 on a heatsink procedure for testing/reviews
[20:53] <MattNo5ss> I'm new and the guides seemed fine to me.
[20:53] <Earthdog> now I know you guys wouldnt let that happen, but... a kick back to writers to improve always helps get everyone thinking....
[20:53] <mdcomp> yeah i think we run into problems with the timing, ultimately i'd like to see a few levels of editing...CE's do initial push back with authors
[20:53] <Earthdog> (and Im wrapped up so long as that didnt get misconstrued)
[20:53] <mdcomp> then we send it up to our proofreaders
[20:53] <imog> I think our best opportunity to improve the quality of content, and ensure we aren't putting up crap, is providing writers with specific guidelines to work with for items they review
[20:53] <mdcomp> then editors
[20:54] <imog> for example, someone is going to write a heatsink review, we hand them an outline including what to cover, advice for how to test, and what basic items need to be included
[20:54] <mdcomp> right thats true imog, but i think direct feedback to the writers is really important, especially in the long-run to develop quality writers, remember each writer is a potential future writer
[20:54] <Joeteck-Storage> everyone has a different view on what they are proof reading....
[20:55] <imog> absolutely agree mdcomp
[20:55] <Earthdog> For example, I have leaned on hokie for advice for some of my articles, like the fan article and 470 article... at minimum a peer review...
[20:55] <mdcomp> thats why its always good to have a few people look it over
[20:55] <Earthdog> agreed joe. But that is the beauty of it actually... :)
[20:55] <mdcomp> different perspectives
[20:55] <MattNo5ss> But, you don't want every review to be exactly the same. General guidelines with room to incoporate your own testing style is good too.
[20:55] <Earthdog> I may be myopic, but another POV would open the article up...
[20:55] <mdcomp> yeah our intentions are not curb writing style, just give people a jumping off point :)
[20:55] <Joeteck-Storage> That should prevent from carp being published than, no?
[20:56] <mdcomp> right
[20:56] <Earthdog> not sure how that can be accomplished but....and right!
[20:56] <mdcomp> and if its crap, tell us beforehand or push back on the author, you guys can def. do that if you want
[20:56] <imog> absolutely agree mattno5ss
[20:56] <Earthdog> Let me (again) mention no crap has been published.
[20:56] <imog> and about a jumping off point mdcomp, agree also
[20:56] <Joeteck-Storage> Even though I'm the CE for storage, after I'm done a few others look it over just in case I missed stuff.
[20:57] <mdcomp> earthdog, no crap has been published, but not everything has been the highest quality
[20:57] <Joeteck-Storage> I'm not perfect.
[20:57] <mdcomp> i think now that we have a consistent flow of content, our focus should be upping the quality
[20:57] <mdcomp> so i like where this is going of course
[20:57] <MattNo5ss> I always look over "pending" articles no matter the topic.
[20:57] <imog> yup, I think we are hitting a good quality point - it is not easy getting articles to put up every day, but we've held a frantic pace, and I think we've shown progress as time has passed
[20:58] <imog> so frequency of articles is good, and our focus is on continuing to improve the quality of the articles
[20:58] <mdcomp> hopefully we can start getting a few more in advance, but we'll become more organized over time, as we have already
[20:58] <Earthdog> Yes, and its not a polished turd either... we started as a rusty trailer hitch and have now been rechromed and ready to go... :)
[20:58] <mdcomp> haha yeah
[20:58] <MattNo5ss> what's the difference in our good articles and the high quality articles?
[20:59] <MattNo5ss> referring to mdcomp response
[20:59] <Earthdog> From my POV - I think its the relevence to the reader, and the method of the testing. If someone can poke holes in any testing, the article is done.
[20:59] <Joeteck-Storage> I have a request, if at all possible..
[20:59] <imog> mattno5ss, looking over pending articles when you have time is a big help
[20:59] <imog> it doesn't go unnoticed :)
[20:59] <mdcomp> yeah sound technical expertise is probably what sets apart a good article from a high quality one
[20:59] <mdcomp> sure joeteck-storage
[21:00] <Joeteck-Storage> Matt need to get more products for review
[21:00] <Joeteck-Storage> needs
[21:00] <imog> agree mdcomp, that is a good way to put it - solid procedures followed in testing, and technical expertise is how I would differentiate good articles from really high quality ones
[21:01] <mdcomp> which Matt? we have like ten in here right now
[21:01] <imog> I would agree joeteck-storage
[21:01] <Joeteck-Storage> Contact manufactures and get some "new" hardware in for some good quality reviews
[21:01] <imog> lol at mdcomp
[21:01] <imog> we have been doing that, and we rely on content editors to tell us specific items of interest for your area
[21:01] <mdcomp> we can eliminate me, so its either IMOG or MattNo5ss
[21:01] <MattNo5ss> lol
[21:02] <Earthdog> I'll bet MattNo5ss...
[21:02] <MattNo5ss> thanks for the definition of "good" vs "high quailty"
[21:02] <imog> so any content editor who has a specific item of interest, give us model numbers, links, and we'll follow up on trying to get the product on your hands
[21:02] <mdcomp> yeah thats what i thiught ha
[21:02] <mdcomp> we already have a database full of industry contacts
[21:02] <Joeteck-Storage> We need more...alot more... Such as the new AMD 6 core should have been on you front door before the sale
[21:02] <mdcomp> so please make sure to let us know what you are interested in
[21:02] <Earthdog> I have a request in to hokie already...here is to hoping that thing comes through...
[21:02] <imog> we've had a lot of success getting gear, so if we know which items are of the most interest to you, we will work our contacts to see what we can get in writer's hands
[21:03] <Earthdog> and the intel... getting a good article for that was sadly like pulling teeth...
[21:03] <Earthdog> (intel hex)
[21:03] <imog> joeteck-storage - developing those contacts takes time, and we are making good progress with that. You are exactly right tho, we need to get things in our hands with NDA so we can work with them prior to press releases and have things ready
[21:03] <Joeteck-Storage> People like to read about thinds that will be coming out, and look forward to buying it, if the review back it up
[21:04] <mdcomp> that will likely happen more often as these relationships develop further
[21:04] <MattNo5ss> earthdog, no interesting in the newly released K series chips for 1156?
[21:04] <Earthdog> The unlocked 1156s?
[21:04] <Joeteck-Storage> If you want to be the end all be all site for content, thats the place to start.
[21:04] <Earthdog> I havent seen a peep
[21:04] <MattNo5ss> wow, my typing is horrible...lol
[21:04] <MattNo5ss> yeah
[21:04] <imog> yup, a lot of work has gone into building our contacts and relationships, and as we continue to work with these people more doors will continue to open - hokie has made especially good progress on that front
[21:05] <hokie-laptop> Joeteck-Storage, we're trying. we're trying almost every day to get more / better manufacturer contacts.
[21:05] <hokie-laptop> it's....difficult, to say the least.
[21:05] <hokie-laptop> but rest assured we are working on it.
[21:05] <mdcomp> if you guys have ideas for topics that really need to be covered, let us know
[21:05] <mdcomp> we'll put something together or you could, but some things just go over our head
[21:05] <mdcomp> especially me, im so busy at work that sometimes i miss the top news stories
[21:05] <imog> yup, thats an important point mdcomp
[21:05] <Joeteck-Storage> Their are other sites that are more popular than us who would get those ES before us..
[21:05] <mdcomp> depend on you guys to let me know hah
[21:06] <imog> we work a lot everyday, but there is a lot we can easily miss - that's what we depend on CEs for... we aren't always on top of what is coming before it comes, so if CE's can be on top of it for us, and make sure we know, that is an area where the CE's can add a lot of value
[21:07] <imog> joeteck-storage - what is your point? we know there are bigger sites that are more popular, but we are doing well for a site that basically was reborn this past September...
[21:07] <Earthdog> we need to get MIAH's and Sno's contacts... lol
[21:07] <imog> on my last point about CEs being on top of things, you guys have been doing a great job at that, just to be clear
[21:07] <mdcomp> and the fact that we have top tier overclockers like miah and sno, we get plenty of equipment
[21:08] <mdcomp> yeah earthdog, they always review the stuff they get, so its working out really well for us
[21:08] <Joeteck-Storage> My point is that we have to prove to these manufatures we are worth it
[21:08] <Earthdog> Thats part of the reason Im going cold... I want hardware tossed at me like a deck of cards, and with most of it, play 52 pick back to the members...
[21:08] <mdcomp> its a gradual process joe
[21:08] <MattNo5ss> that's where the high-quality article come into play?
[21:08] <imog> gotcha, I would agree with that. Anyone have ideas for how to better do that?
[21:08] <Joeteck-Storage> mdcomp - I understand...
[21:09] <Joeteck-Storage> mscomp - Was just a request...
[21:09] <Joeteck-Storage> wow my typing stinks tonight
[21:09] <imog> I think the best thing we can do to improve relationships with manufacturers is ensuring we perform quality work, and ensuring we present a fair picture
[21:10] <mdcomp> right i hear you, but we've been making profress in that area, just saying that it takes time for these manufacturers to develop trust in us
[21:10] <mdcomp> so far we've been doing a good job of that
[21:10] <imog> if something stinks, we can say that... but we also want to ensure items are presented in the appropriate light
[21:10] <Joeteck-Storage> IMOG - I agree. so then they can see we are a serious website, and not a fly by website
[21:10] <Earthdog> Quality articles posted in a timely manner are what I believe they care about....
[21:10] <MattNo5ss> So, this IS where the HQ articles help out
[21:10] <imog> we've been discussing that regarding reviews of Intel CPUs vs AMD CPUs - fact is the parts are targetted differently, and the reviews should be treated as such, noting the benefits and drawbacks of both
[21:11] <MattNo5ss> yeah, no fanboy reviews, please
[21:11] Kona (Mibbit@synIRC-D188E6A7.hsd1.tn.comcast.net) joined #oc-newsteam.
[21:11] <imog> we've even had feedback from manufacturers themselves that they don't want everything to be positive - they want to ensure its worth sending gear, and the site will say what is good and bad, so that readers trust the content. We have done good at that and its an important point
[21:11] <Kona> Eye'm not late!
[21:12] <mdcomp> hah np kona
[21:12] <imog> heh, we'll have the logs posted, as well as a summary for anyone who missed the start - glad you made it kona
[21:12] <Earthdog> Yes... example, not that we were the only ones to mention it.. Lamptron and their display on teh fan controller...
[21:12] <Earthdog> they went back and improved it!
[21:12] <Kona> Stupid MB doesn't want to break 498 FSB, and on top of that there is all the stuff going on in the benching session.
[21:12] <Kona> So I'm the only one here with dry ice cooling! :D
[21:12] <mdcomp> sweet
[21:12] <imog> right on, lamptron has been really impressive to work with for us
[21:13] <Kona> Anything been said about ATI?
[21:13] <mdcomp> contact established :)
[21:13] <mdcomp> working on some products
[21:13] <imog> we learned a lot with that also earthdog, because if we find problems when we are reviewing equipment, contacting the manufacturer about it prior to publishing adds a nice touch and ensure we are working with the best version of the product and not a defective one - we almost had that problem with one of the FC reviews, but they replaced the hardware, then we just noted we had a problem with a bad revision
[21:14] <Joeteck-Storage> IMOG if you get any storage hardware, I'll do the reviews for them. I have no problem with that.
[21:14] <mdcomp> yeah i think it was cool to see them take our suggestion into the next revision, they really valued our opinion
[21:14] <Joeteck-Storage> ;)
[21:14] <Kona> Everyone go review an ATI card!
[21:15] <imog> joeteck-storage - we've talked about that, and we need more people involved in storage
[21:15] <imog> the work you are doing is great, but that is another important point to touch upon - we need CEs to also focus on pulling more people into the process
[21:15] <Joeteck-Storage> Was just a suggestion.... :)
[21:15] <Joeteck-Storage> hehehe
[21:15] <imog> the more people familiar with writing and working with equipment, the safer the site is long term
[21:15] <Joeteck-Storage> BRB, have to brush my sons teeth
[21:16] <MattNo5ss> Did you get in touch with the guy with the Vertex 2 about a possible review?
[21:16] <Earthdog> Ok, so... I have to ask as this has been an elephant in my room...what is the official stance on products and keeping them...I can understand the black and white ($50+ reinvest to the site in w/e manner, less than $50 is a potential keeper)...
[21:17] <Earthdog> Some sites have let me keep them no questions asked which is fine, others we returned all...
[21:17] <imog> that is essentially the official stance - we've begun tracking things better, but most hardware that has gone out in the past is staying where it is
[21:17] <Earthdog> (sholdnt say we, I should say they)
[21:17] <imog> ideally, if you have to send something out, we'd like to get something else back your way to repay you
[21:18] <imog> but the idea is equipment is not kept by the reviewer to maintain impartiality, and so that the hardware can be used to promote the site, and reward a variety of people and teams - not just the people doing the work
[21:18] <Earthdog> the grey area of which I speak is my request for a water block for gtx 470. Obviously this benefits me as a user owning one of those, but to reinvest that thing back into the site for the other 10 people that have it?
[21:18] <MattNo5ss> I just buy whatever I review, b/c it was something I wanted. But, unfortunately when I'm able to get that HW, reviews have been out for months...
[21:18] <imog> we are flexible though also, if something takes a lot of time, and its a lot of work, and you are the one doing it - we want to encourage that so we are open to worknig with people and discussing things on a case by case basis
[21:19] <mdcomp> right imog
[21:19] <mdcomp> that brings up another question i had for you guys: What can we do to motivate CE's more?
[21:19] <Earthdog> Im just torn sometimes... Its nice to get some stuff, but some if it I just want to keep and love and hold (like Elmira on WB cartoon)... lol
[21:19] <imog> a waterblock review like that is a good example, getting that into your loop and reviewing it is A LOT of work earthdog, and it'd be something we'd work with you on - we only want to do things that make sense, not make things unnecessarily difficult or unfair
[21:20] <Kona> mdcomp, free stuff lol
[21:20] <mdcomp> haha i see that
[21:20] <mdcomp> :)
[21:20] <mdcomp> hell that motivates me too
[21:20] <Earthdog> yes and the OTHER part of that particular example is that is that really going to be relevent for the site?
[21:20] <Kona> Actually if I got anything I'd probably find someone else to give it to, far as graphic cards
[21:20] <MattNo5ss> appreciation is all that should be needed...
[21:20] <Kona> 9 white stars instead of 8?
[21:20] <mdcomp> right, but its enough for you guys, but not for everyone hah
[21:20] <Kona> darn this meeting is too serious
[21:21] <Earthdog> agreed matt... agreed. And that is why I am struggling with this internally.
[21:21] <imog> right, if its not relevant and few people are readily able to use it earthdog, not much value in reinvesting the hardware
[21:21] <mdcomp> just want to encourage more participationg
[21:21] <Earthdog> (matt5no)
[21:22] <Kona> time to refill the pot
[21:22] <Kona> and put more dry ice in
[21:22] <imog> just fyi, 10 minute warning for me, gotta split at 9:30, but I'll be posting a summary of points I want to focus on in a followup on the forums
[21:22] <Earthdog> Yeah, I have to be brutally honest. I love doing this, just to do this. But dangle a piece of hardware in front of me, and you have pavlov'sdog.
[21:23] <Kona> who
[21:24] <Joeteck-Storage> back
[21:24] <mdcomp> what are some of the most challenging parts of being a CE? Any strategies for overcoming those challenges? Have you dealt with those situations?
[21:24] <Joeteck-Storage> Getting content
[21:24] <Kona> I'd be happy to get a nice new graphics card to review, even if I didn't get to keep it. Problem is getting one to begin with
[21:24] <Kona> and yeah, getting content
[21:25] <Earthdog> Getting content that doesnt fall in your lap via hardware or others... I resolve (try) by keeping an eye on the forums, especially when gently prodded by hokie to see whats up...think about whats new, what would I like to read about, etc...
[21:26] <mdcomp> yeah i think beyond the forums, its good to see what going on in the market, news, other hardware sites
[21:26] <Kona> I've been meaning to hang out around the ATI forum more to try and find more potential articles...
[21:26] <mdcomp> and also think about some guides that aren't time-sensitive...like the oc;'ing guide is awesome
[21:26] <Earthdog> o/c guide i think is overclockers.com cash cow... lol
[21:27] <Earthdog> (i3/5/7/, jermiahs)
[21:27] <mdcomp> haha traffic cow yes
[21:27] <mdcomp> cash no
[21:27] <mdcomp> lol
[21:27] <imog> those are good tips earthdog
[21:27] <Earthdog> That AMD one needs to get up there quick like...
[21:27] <Kona> is captian pink writing that?
[21:27] <MattNo5ss> Sorry, I was away for a min. Yes, content would have to be the hardest thing to get your hands on.
[21:28] <Earthdog> getting back on the bleeding edge, like Joe mentioned, is leaning on the hardware 'crutch', but those are the best, yes...?
[21:29] <MattNo5ss> I've been PMing members at have any interesting posts, asking for articles/summaries.
[21:29] <imog> right on about the AMD piece, definitely something I've been drooling over for months - the Intel OC guide is huge for traffic every single day
[21:29] <mdcomp> i can def talk to dolk about it
[21:29] <mdcomp> it would be a great piece
[21:30] <Joeteck-Storage> Mattno5ss, but by that time its mainstream already.
[21:30] <Earthdog> yes and no, its full circle really... it takes time like that said... I guess I just repeated the obvious...my bad... lol
[21:30] <MattNo5ss> referring to PMing about members' posts?
[21:30] <Joeteck-Storage> no
[21:31] <Joeteck-Storage> Referring to articles where the technology has been reviewed by others already
[21:32] <Joeteck-Storage> "old news" in a matter of speaking
[21:32] <MattNo5ss> oh okay, and I agree
[21:32] <hokie-laptop> joe - we hear you, but you have to understand, we aren't going to get ES samples until after we establish ourselves as a leader.
[21:32] <hokie-laptop> it's not like we can just go ask for them.
[21:32] <hokie-laptop> (which we try)
[21:32] <hokie-laptop> we're building relationships with manufacturers actively and all the time.
[21:32] <imog> we don't have to be the first on the scene is something to note
[21:32] <Joeteck-Storage> ok...that's good. How do we "as a team" accomplish this?
[21:33] <imog> a lot of sites thrive on being the first, and that's not where we are competing
[21:33] <hokie-laptop> keep getting content out there.
[21:33] <hokie-laptop> first is not always best
[21:33] <imog> we can't throw sticks and stones when hardocp, anandtech, other sites - they all have tanks
[21:33] <imog> its a building process
[21:33] <imog> we are competing with solid quality grass roots content that people trust
[21:33] <hokie-laptop> just because something has been out for a while doesn't mean it's bad to write something on it.
[21:33] <Joeteck-Storage> We need to do a fundraiser, so we can fund our own hardware purchasing
[21:33] <Earthdog> WHen do we get our Carl Gustav (BFBC2 reference there)? :)
[21:33] <hokie-laptop> it's a different person, a different perspective.
[21:34] <imog> if we can be first with some things thats great, but really are strength right now that we need to leverage is in our quality and member perspectives
[21:34] <Earthdog> Agree... Canned reviews arent taken very well anymore...
[21:34] <Joeteck-Storage> Does the site make money?
[21:34] <mdcomp> we dont even know that
[21:34] <imog> right, every site is doing canned "professional" reviews :)
[21:35] <Earthdog> if one can see, people will say, "ehh, I'll wait until someone here gets their hands on one".......
[21:35] <mdcomp> we're assuming it does since iNet keeps paying for it
[21:35] <mdcomp> ha
[21:35] <imog> not a lot of people that are big like us, that are doing grass roots quality stuff
[21:35] <imog> on that note, I've gotta jet
[21:35] <imog> I'll see you guys around
[21:35] <hokie-laptop> precisely earthdog - you just said in one sentence what i was getting at
[21:35] <hokie-laptop> later imog
[21:35] <Earthdog> later matt1
[21:35] <mdcomp> peace
[21:35] <imog> the site makes more money than it costs to run, but it doesn't come close to covering the overhead that exists at inet
[21:35] <Joeteck-Storage> good night matt
[21:36] <MattNo5ss> I have to go as well, I may be back depending on how long it lasts...
[21:36] <imog> we wouldn't have the quality of site we have without them tho either, or some of the opportunities we have, so I wouldn't bash inet - they have been good for moving the site forward compared to our stagnation of the past
[21:36] Kona (Mibbit@synIRC-D188E6A7.hsd1.tn.comcast.net) left irc: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client
[21:36] <imog> night guys
[21:36] imog (mrb78s@synIRC-C2B698B3.neo.res.rr.com) left #oc-newsteam.
[21:37] Kona-DICE (Mibbit@synIRC-D188E6A7.hsd1.tn.comcast.net) joined #oc-newsteam.
[21:37] <Kona-DICE> Sorry, forgot to refill the pot
[21:37] <Kona-DICE> :s
[21:38] <Earthdog> I guess the moral of the story here is to just keep on keeping on. Look actively for content for CE's, Have the E's take a more critical eye to the quality (again not that its bad, but to get better)...
[21:38] <mdcomp> yeah i think thats true earthdog
[21:38] <Earthdog> as the articles get better our relationships with vendors get better...
[21:38] <Earthdog> the products we receive get better...
[21:38] <mdcomp> i think its just good for all of us to get together once in a while and shoot the **** haha
[21:38] <Earthdog> if we continue to take care of our benching team, they will get better and we can get that good hardware into the right people's hands./
[21:38] Nick change: Kona-DICE -> Kona|DICE
[21:39] <mdcomp> lol right earthdog
[21:39] <Earthdog> this is plate techtonics though...we just have to keep our noses down.. if we cant do it anymore we pass the torch...
[21:39] <Earthdog> (sweet lord, I have LOST on my mind...)
[21:39] <Kona|DICE> are they still on that damn island?
[21:40] <Earthdog> I agree... we need to all get on here more... every other month or so sounds good to me, to make sure we are pointing in the right direction... any action items to take home (out of office meeting mode)
[21:40] <Earthdog> lol
[21:40] <Joeteck-Storage> watching it now as well
[21:40] <Joeteck-Storage> as well as the rest of the planet
[21:40] <hokie-laptop> me too ED
[21:41] <hokie-laptop> watching the DVR'ed stuff now
[21:41] <hokie-laptop> making our way to the finale
[21:41] <Earthdog> DVR... well, this fire burned bright and is now down to warming embers... I will keep it open just in case, but IM out... good night guys....
[21:41] <Earthdog> PS - If we all ever met Kate IRL, I would kick ALL your asses to have that... :)
[21:41] <Earthdog> goodnight.
[21:42] <mdcomp> night
[21:42] <Joeteck-Storage> good night everyone
[21:42] <hokie-laptop> night!
[21:43] <Kona|DICE> night-o
[21:43] <hokie-laptop> night joeteck