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Hey everyone

EviLore

Expansive Ellipses
Staff Member
Hey everyone.

I hope you enjoy NeoGAF as much as I do. Our community has made it through a lot over the years. We had a rough patch a while back, but were able to rebuild, and it’s a fun and lively place again, focusing on the games, with a common sense guiding principle.

I’ve been here for over 22 years and counting, and I’d like to continue running NeoGAF for many more years to come. But there’s an ongoing problem: the powers that be changed their algorithm some time ago and we lost upwards of 90% of our ad revenue for an identical amount of traffic. It’s always been tough to monetize forums, but right now is about as tough as it’s ever been for GAF since we have a huge post history that requires a lot of server power to keep it all integrated, as well as a lot of traffic that takes up resources every month without much coming back in.

As a result of the ad revenue issues it’s become a challenge to maintain the site, I’ve had to slow down active development and pursue other avenues professionally as well. It’s also not viable to compensate our dev team properly without revenue coming in, so I’ve paused many of our internal operations. You’ve probably noticed that the momentum we had with all the new features and improvements has slowed, and some existing features have stopped working outright. Now you know why.

This whole development purgatory is really not my preference. I’d rather focus my attention primarily on GAF and continue building it back up, keep it a great place to hang out and talk about the latest gaming and industry news, and get back to actively developing it.

It’s a predicament. Are you guys and gals open to supporting NeoGAF a bit more actively? We have a lot of users, but most people adblock and only a tiny fraction of members get Gold subs. We could put up some affiliate links that would support the site without an out of pocket cost, if they would be utilized by our members. And I’m open to discussing any other options as well.

NeoGAF has always been independent, and over the past two decades I’ve shrugged off the many attempts by publishers and big corporations to control the site via their acquisition offers and other deals. But with that stubborn neutrality and independence comes a different set of challenges, like the one we’re currently facing. To keep moving forward we’ll need to construct some additional pylons.

If you enjoy using NeoGAF, let me know of any ways you’d be down to support the site’s continued existence. I'd love to get back into full swing, revise the site design for 2022, fix our features and add new ones, and continue building. Thanks.



Edit:

Per your requests, we've implemented a Patreon page here:

 
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Fahdis

Member
I get that maybe funds are tight and not to be a capitalist pig, have you perhaps checked to see if you can move some of the Development or Maintenance costs overseas? Perhaps also moving the whole operation to the Cloud may also cut costs. I have no idea how GAF works, but if short term funds are needed, I guess some other members might be better at answering the question.
 
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Sorne

Member
My suggestion would be to focus more on showing the user the benefits of having a NeoGAF Gold subscription. I honestly didn't even know what kind of features it had until I manually went there and looked. For Discord Nitro, I'm reminded with "oh, I can use emotes cross-server if I had a subscription" or stream in high quality etc. They are showing me what I'm missing. I don't get that same feeling here.
And I know it can also be a bit intrusive, and I'm sure it's not as easy to do on a more traditional forum. But I think it's worth to at least think about how you can make it more enticing for the user. Spice it up with some stupid customization or "show-off" flair.
 

Sephimoth

Member
Some pay-to-troll features like ability to change another users avatar or [whatever that text under the username is called] for 24 hours

Can some server-intensive features be removed/gold only? Seem to recall once hearing the 'Similar Threads' feature being intensive- worth it?
 
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Banjo64

cumsessed
It’s always been tough to monetize forums, but right now is about as tough as it’s ever been for GAF since we have a huge post history that requires a lot of server power to keep it all integrated

Sorry if I’m being a dumb dumb but would purging everything prior to 2021 help bring costs down?
 

Beer Baelly

Al Pachinko, Konami President
Ill take gold on one condition. No perma ban. Oh, and just delete everything from before the purge.

Come The Rock GIF by WWE
 

darkangel-212559

Dreamcast Love
I think a monthly sub to access gold features that is locked into a yearly or 2 month basis could be useful, if money is really needed I would consider moving over some free features to the sub track. I know that wouldn't go down well with many people but it could only be a temporary measure until things get back on track again.

Or how about a Gaf season pass?
 
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Kuranghi

Member
It’s always been tough to monetize forums, but right now is about as tough as it’s ever been for GAF since we have a huge post history that requires a lot of server power to keep it all integrated

Sorry if I’m being a dumb dumb but would purging everything prior to 2021 help bring costs down?

I don't mind a purge as long as we all get a usb drive in the post with the deleted posts.
 

EviLore

Expansive Ellipses
Staff Member
Sorry if I’m being a dumb dumb but would purging everything prior to 2021 help bring costs down?
Sure, it would save some money, but that would suck. There's a ton of internet history in the post database that should be preserved forever. Not worth the tradeoff. Shifting it to an archive would also be detrimental to organic traffic and so forth.
 

Jigsaah

Gold Member
Here's a suggestion. Make a "Cha-Ching" function. Basically it's like emotes you buy like bits on Twitch or TikTok. Think Karma on Reddit. Make em stupid cheap. like 100 for a dollar (whatever makes sense).

Give incentive for spending and receiving "Cha-Chings". Trade em in for a month of Gold, revive a banned member (with caveats obviously). You could do giveaways or raffles monthly for "Cha-Chings" if you got enough momentum.

I know this kinda goes with development and that's limited at this time, but if you believe in this or any idea, take a moment to weigh the pros n cons, risks vs. reward and go off that.

Also...you don't have to call em "Cha-Chings" just throwing it out there.
 
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VN1X

Banned
Oh shit I didn't even realize Brave was blocking everything by default. The least I can do is whitelist GAF so I'll get right on that!

EDIT: Can someone maybe post a shot of what a whitelisted GAF should look like? I've changed settings in Brave but the forum, aside from one cookie pop-up, looks the same?).
 
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AV

We ain't outta here in ten minutes, we won't need no rocket to fly through space
Thus began the great ad un-adblocking of 2022.

A Patreon, or just tiers of subscription, seems like a good option, giving people the option to donate even a buck a month is better than nothing. When the options are $0 or $50 a year it's gonna limit who can/will give.
 

MadPanda

Banned
I've added the site to an adblock whitelist. I hope it helps. I'm not based out of the USA so gold is too expensive for me, sorry.

Have you thought about selling merchandise? AFAIK that's really popular and could be a good fit.

Also, maybe you could allow us to change that title under our nicknames for $1 or whatever price you deem acceptable.

I can't think of anything else. I hope forum continues to exist as it is as I enjoy it a lot. I've tried to participate before the exodus and it wasn't for me, the layout was confusing and it was too hectic but lately I've found it open minded and interesting.
 

Shmunter

Member
What about branching out? A Neogaf YouTube channel with daily neogaf roundoup? Plenty to talk about here = plenty to put on a vid. Make it spicy and don’t hold back. Look for volunteers happy to profit share perhaps.

Edit : some ideas; member tournaments, member showcases, industry interviews, expo visits, reviews, rumours. Whatever.

More exposure there, healthier forum here and vice versa.
 
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Yoshichan

And they made him a Lord of Cinder. Not for virtue, but for might. Such is a lord, I suppose. But here I ask. Do we have a sodding chance?
Do, and I mean it, literally everything you can do to sustain. We'll be here to support you no matter what decision you make.
 

Bo_Hazem

Banned
It's a great place to enjoy news and banter for me, and hope things continue to be healthy for you and your staff.

Some ideas:

- Expand NeoGAF on Youtube. Have some streams and maybe connect with members. That will attract sponsors there as well.
- Maybe start selling games or having a storefront from the likes of CDKeys, Steam, Gamestop, etc for a percentage of profit margin?
- Make me the CEO, it's about time we make SonyGAF a reality.
 
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EviLore

Expansive Ellipses
Staff Member
Thus began the great ad un-adblocking of 2022.

A Patreon, or just tiers of subscription, seems like a good option, giving people the option to donate even a buck a month is better than nothing. When the options are $0 or $50 a year it's gonna limit who can/will give.
Can definitely put up a Patreon as an alternative way to support the site if there’s interest. Every bit helps.
 

Midn1ght

Member
The ads here have been very unobtrusive and never bothersome. I love it this way.
I'd understand if you have to increase them but it can rapidly become an annoyance.
Youtube is a nightmare in that regard, I can't count how many times I gave up on watching a video or left early because of the 2 mandatory ads or mid video roll.
Forums are different but even the bottom right corner video ads you see on some of them is something I'm not particularly found of.

Patreon is definitely something your should set up, I'm sure lots of folks here will gracefully help out.

I don't know if a Youtube channel per say is a good idea (It's though out there) but there's definitely some big Youtube guys that loves Neogaf and could help bring more awareness to it (Jaffe, Colin Moriarty and I'm sure plenty of others). Maybe some sort of collaboration/advertising can be done with them.

A weekly NeoGaf podcast is also something that might be interesting. You could attract a few sponsors and popular podcast tend to do well on Patreon so it might be a good combination.

Good luck EviLore EviLore
 
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Banjo64

cumsessed
Sure, it would save some money, but that would suck. There's a ton of internet history in the post database that should be preserved forever. Not worth the tradeoff. Shifting it to an archive would also be detrimental to organic traffic and so forth.
I don’t mean to sound insulting, because I love this community and what you’ve done for it, however my monthly budget is nearly entirely accounted for due to 3 kids. $5 isn’t a lot of money, but I couldn’t afford it every month.

Could you introduce a second tier called silver at a cheaper price point? Maybe for £2 a month or something? I’d pay that just for a Silver username alone. Maybe an annual price of £19.99/$24.99?
 

anthony2690

Banned
Maybe I should start supporting the site and get neogaf gold, the website provides me with plenty off entertainment each month.

Also you should consider a get out of jail free card. (Paid off course, monopoly style)

The usual offender's that are banned frequently will make you a killing. XD
 

Zeroing

Banned
Oh shit I didn't even realize Brave was blocking everything by default. The least I can do is whitelist GAF so I'll get right on that!

EDIT: Can someone maybe post a shot of what a whitelisted GAF should look like? I've changed settings in Brave but the forum, aside from one cookie pop-up, looks the same?).
I use brave also but for neogaf I use Google chrome, even safari seems to be blocking ads!

Brave will block everything even if you mess around with settings! I think.
 

EviLore

Expansive Ellipses
Staff Member
- Maybe start selling games or having a storefront from the likes of CDKeys, Steam, Gamestop, etc for a percentage of profit margin?
We could put up some affiliate links that users could click on for, say, GreenManGaming, HumbleBundle, or other legitimate game vendors with affiliate programs. GAF would get a percentage of sales without any cost to users. Was something we did a long time ago.
 
EviLore EviLore

No doubt there are marketing accounts here on Gaf, just like there are on every website on the internet. It's good to have those guys here, but what are they doing in return other than paying? Marketing accounts always seem to be one way, yet are a treasure trove of resources; information, networks, insiders.

Is there anyway Gaf can introduce a "do you bit" incentive for marketing accounts where they advertise Gaf on their side? Maybe a big push to get other big names back on Gaf, seems as it's really the only place to post about gaming that isn't a dumpster fire.

Maybe have a section that is marketing accounts only, no posting allowed by non marketing accounts, where reviews/sales/releases are posted about on a seperate sub-forum. For example; Title: PS5 game XYZ releases today! Here's all the info and why the game is great! In the OP it's screenshots, videos, details etc. Maybe combine it with some Youtubers so they have another website to advertise their channels on?

Or...Seems as the powers that be have screwed you over with the ads, re-open the politics forum...:messenger_grimmacing_
 
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AV

We ain't outta here in ten minutes, we won't need no rocket to fly through space
Can definitely put up a Patreon as an alternative way to support the site if there’s interest. Every bit helps.

That's my suggestion. $1, $5, $10, $25, $50, $100 tiers to cover all bases. Maybe a quick message at the top of the front page asking people to consider unblocking the ads, too. Best of luck boss.
 

anthony2690

Banned
That's my suggestion. $1, $5, $10, $25, $50, $100 tiers to cover all bases. Maybe a quick message at the top of the front page asking people to consider unblocking the ads, too. Best of luck boss.
Neogaf has adverts? I'm on mobile and I don't think I've ever seen a single advert.

But when I go on era, half the screen gets taken with an ad and it's bloody annoying so I just don't bother checking there now.
 

Zeroing

Banned
Neogaf has adverts? I'm on mobile and I don't think I've ever seen a single advert.

But when I go on era, half the screen gets taken with an ad and it's bloody annoying so I just don't bother checking there now.
? Mine is the other way around! No ads there on mobile But here there is 1 ad inside the thread posts and it’s not intrusive.
 

Bo_Hazem

Banned
Is your crew only you and Bryan? :p

Beware of our army when we march.

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We could put up some affiliate links that users could click on for, say, GreenManGaming, HumbleBundle, or other legitimate game vendors with affiliate programs. GAF would get a percentage of sales without any cost to users. Was something we did a long time ago.

That sounds good, not sure if it works good for me as I usually get sent to Amazon India with these links for some reason. I think GAF needs to take itself more seriously, and need to make legit reviews. I mean, plenty of midget websites already have their reviews registered by Metacritic, so why not GAF?
 
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Time for Pre Pay Posting.

You pay a small fee - maybe $3/$5 a month or whatever - and that lets you post a certain amount. Once you pass your limit, you either top up your account or wait till next month's payment. The unused credit does not rollover - so it benefits the site.

The ones who use the site most will contribute the most - and also make others think "Is this post really worth me making?", thus reducing some shite posts.
 

Bo_Hazem

Banned
MTX finally makes it to GAF eh ?

Wow! That's fucking brilliant! EviLore EviLore How about members can make their own avatars inside their profiles, have more personalized profiles? Having some events and so to get those special gear etc and some are purchasable? It could work.

Just don't push it to NFT.
 
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EviLore

Expansive Ellipses
Staff Member
Time for Pre Pay Posting.

You pay a small fee - maybe $3/$5 a month or whatever - and that lets you post a certain amount. Once you pass your limit, you either top up your account or wait till next month's payment. The unused credit does not rollover - so it benefits the site.

The ones who use the site most will contribute the most - and also make others think "Is this post really worth me making?", thus reducing some shite posts.
How about Electrode Posting. We attach electrodes to users' genitals, and any time they receive downvotes a high voltage current is activated, thus reducing shitposts.
 

Zeroing

Banned
This is tumblr all over again! Anyway here are my brilliant stupid ideas that need brainstorming and tuning.

Make neogaf an official games, movies, tv shows review channel - take all the points given here, make it a score with some of the best short reviews - like rotten tomatoes.

Make a calendar! Lol show the world that people who game are not unpleasant to the eyes!

Go beyond the web, book with the best funny replies of the history neogaf related to the big moments of the gaming industry. A view of gaming history by neogaf posters

New merchandise.
 

anthony2690

Banned
? Mine is the other way around! No ads there on mobile But here there is 1 ad inside the thread posts and it’s not intrusive.
VuFgp23.png


Not as bad as last time I visited, I would literally have this thing scroll half way up the screen and play videos, would irritate me something rotten.

Anyway, even though I never saw adverts on neogaf anyway, decided I might as well get gold to show support for a website I enjoy visiting near daily :)

If EviLore EviLore does a Patreon in the future with different tiers, I'd be happy to support that :)
 

John Bilbo

Member
We could put up some affiliate links that users could click on for, say, GreenManGaming, HumbleBundle, or other legitimate game vendors with affiliate programs. GAF would get a percentage of sales without any cost to users. Was something we did a long time ago.
I like this idea. Anything game related affiliation would interest me. Out of the key stores I use cdkeys.com myself.

Maybe start a game curator page on Steam also?
 

Panajev2001a

GAF's Pleasant Genius
I was literally going to become a gold member yesterday but didn’t have my card to hand. I’ll subscribe today.
Doing My Part Reaction GIF
I am happy to continue to have my yearly subscription, show support. Also help others with yearly gold from time to time and try to draw more people to this site. I think more than a Patreon more GAF Gold could help and perhaps as other suggested there are features that could interest users and they would be willing to pay for.
 
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