What's with this long, stupid process anyway?

asdfasdfasdfadsf · Post by **asdfasdfasdfadsf** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 2:47 am

This is probably going to get flamed, but

First, you ask people to sign up. Something I've always thought was annoying beause it's a tedious process that doesn't really amount to anything worthwhile.
Next you throw a "money plz" in front of everyone. Not just a side button stating that donations are encouraged, you litterally stop people from their download to inform them that you want their money. Not only that, you have three buttons, and the "proceed button" is constantly changed around as if you're trying to trick people into clicking the wrong one.
Okay, that's overlookable as well. But then I find out I can't even download the file I came for. Really... what the Hell is the deal?

I'm sure there's some great explanation like "Oh, we don't want a lot of members signing up and using all our bandwidth." The reasons listed being you want people to have only one account, and to get people to donate.
Here's a thought: Maybe you wouldn't have those problems if you don't force membership and beg for donations in the first place. Really, would it be so terrible to just ... I don't know, let people download the files?

Think about it logically for a second: The only reason people would need accounts would be for the forums, and how often do you hear about people making a bunch of random accounts for no reason?
If you just provided your files openly and freely (like you should be doing, seeing as these belong to none of you, using stolen music and clips afterall) then people would be more than willing to help out someone being generous enough to help everybody.
There were old fansub groups that would literally sub video tapes and actually mail them to your house, asking only for the cost of the shipping. No garbage, just "Could you at least help us save a bit of cash, seeing as we're already spending plenty on you for the tapes and subbing equipment?". What ever happened to those days, where people wanted to actually help fellow anime fans alike? I know I'd want to, but not people that are trying to force it.

So here's the suggestion: Get rid of all your garbage. Just put up the files for anyone to download. You don't need a complex arrangement of anything, just some forums, the files, some other simple stuff. Upon noting such nobility, people would (I would, at least, and anyone else with any decency and the ability) gladly help out with hosting.

There you go! Simple. No problems to worry about, no trying to get people to stop avoiding and weaving around your stupid systems, nothing. Just sharing what you love with others, and everyone is happy. I really see no reason why you're doing it otherwise to begin with.

Onyyx · Post by **Onyyx** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:34 am

Your right, I can't imagine how this thread could not possibly get flamed.

Well you've touched on a few subjects I would like to state my own opinions on.

1. Having to log in, wait 2 weeks to download? (I think it was 2) and the donate thing.

The login gives Phade some control over those that are using the services he is providing, I hardly call that an unreasonable or untoward request.

The 2 week waiting period limits the number of people coming in under multiple user IDs

"There were old fansub groups that would literally sub video tapes and actually mail them to your house, asking only for the cost of the shipping. No garbage, just "Could you at least help us save a bit of cash, seeing as we're already spending plenty on you for the tapes and subbing equipment?". What ever happened to those days, where people wanted to actually help fellow anime fans alike?"

Well ya gotta realize just by posting this thread you've cost Phade money, just by signing up you've cost Phade money. The form may be different but is it really at all different than your example of how it should be done? I fail to see how.

Besides you find its too terrible to be forced to make up an ID (As your current user name would attest) and wait 2 weeks, what are the odds your gonna part with your cash? On a side note the 2 week period is waived with a donation as are the donate screens. This is a strong hint. And no I have not yet donated (Note to Phade: Find something other than Paypal or snail mail for receiving donations, I don't trust either thats why i'm still a leech)

"If you just provided your files openly and freely (like you should be doing, seeing as these belong to none of you, using stolen music and clips afterall) then people would be more than willing to help out someone being generous enough to help everybody. "

Free doesn't exist as I have already pointed out, but lets hit the "Your using stolen..." My source material is all legitimate, I bought it, I bought the computer processing it (Actually I put it together myself as well.) And while I do think that by definition AMVs do run into issues regarding copyrights. I would also point out that AMVs also make money for the artists. Yes thats right, the artists who make your animes and music that are put into your works do make money from your AMVs. How? Through the fans who watch it and say "Cool I have never even heard of this group before, I am gonna go buy their CD!" Or "Damn, this anime looks so cool, I wonder if they have it at the Best Buy next door?" And yes this does happen, My linkin park and Disturbed CDs and my Full Metal Panic DVDs are a clear testiment to that.

Nothing is free my friend, not even anime, I have, am, and will continue to pay the price for my art.

If the little that Phade asks of you is such a terrible heartache maybe you should find somewhere else to find your AMVs because simply put I and probably many others just really don't want to see that attitude here

Onyyx · Post by **Onyyx** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:36 am

I'd also like to point out this thread really should be under the site suggestions section. Sorry to double post everyone.

Kai Stromler · Post by **Kai Stromler** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:14 am

The problem with applying the old fansub-SASE method to this situation is that we don't have metered bandwidth, and this site chews 8 TB of bandwidth per month.

Yes, eight TERABYTES. This is eight thousand one hundred and ninety-two gigabytes, or several times as much hard drive space as you are likely to have ever seen in your life. If your internet was metered like your water and electric lines, and everyone paid a buck or so per gig to AT&T or whoever the backbone carrier maintaining the connection is, donations would be much less of an issue. Phade would then only have to pay for the multi-terabyte array actually storing the videos and serving the pages out of his own pocket.

As it is, though, this site costs 2500 USD per month to operate. And it has no revenue stream but *US*. If you put a five-dollar bill in an envelope and send it off to Phade's realspace address, it'll be another year before you see that donation button again. And you won't feel guilty about contributing to what must be one of the world's largest non-corporate bandwidth bils.

--K

Farlo · Post by **Farlo** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:21 am

nicely said

Declan_Vee · Post by **Declan_Vee** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 6:00 am

Just what is your problem? All you've managed to do is tell us that you're an ignorant noob who wants the world and all it's spoils handed to them on a silver-like platter.
Somehow I doubt that's the angle you'd want to be taking when you want a well thought out system to change to meet your needs, when you aren't even willing to show the faintest bit of effort or respect even.
Don't call us, we'll call you.

Wolfgangh · Post by **Wolfgangh** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 7:11 am

Just backing up what Onyxx said about the AMVS making artists money I also bought FLCL just cause of the Mindless Self Indulgence Amv and the System of a down Amv.

Usualy I only find amvs to music I like though.
but yeah asdfasdf etc your a tool.

Scintilla · Post by **Scintilla** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:21 am

You DO realize that any video listed as having a "DIRECT" or "indirect" link can be downloaded by anyone, right?

And second of all:

THIS SITE IS AN AMV CATALOG, FIRST AND FOREMOST.

The local AMV server is a relatively new development: we didn't have it before last year. Back then, everyone had to find their OWN hosting for the videos they listed here. They had no choice but to "help out with hosting", as you put it, if they wanted people to be able to download their videos.

So quit complaining.

Org Profile · Post by **Otohiko** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:47 am

Someone can't handle a few extra pages pop by and wait two weeks to access hundreds of hours of AMV's for free.

It continues to strike me as odd how demanding people can get about a service they get for absolutely nothing at all.

Don't pay, don't complain. And if you donate - watch those little quirks disappear

Rage_Sasami · Post by **Rage_Sasami** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:30 am

I'm really grateful for what a-m-v.org is doing and I would love to donate but I'm only 12 and my parents wob't exacrly let me donate....Anyway, I have 2 hosts for media and only 1 amv on .org's server. I don't donate, I still get all this stuff. The pay: A bit of that pledge message. Who cares?