lazydesert Posted August 23, 2002 Share Posted August 23, 2002 INTERVIEW -------------------------------------------------------------------- Interviewee: Neobond Interviewer: John Smith (adonai@deskmod.com) 1. What initially made you want to create Neowin? Im not sure if this is allowed to be said but the initial reason was a direct response to Betanews's new layout. Some might remember the old black layout that ALWAYS worked for me because everything was right there, I missed that and wanted to "re-create" it with Neowin. Pretty simple really, thats the core reason though. Interesting inspiration, I never would have guessed that. It was never designed to be a money spinner or even large as it is now. We have had to cut features to accomodate new members 2. Have you worked on any similar sites in the past? No this is the first tech-site me and my co-admin have ever done, I doubt we will ever want to create a totally new site again. 3. When you first began working on Neowin did you ever expect it to grow as large as it has? No never, but in the back of my mind I hoped we would be recognised for the no BS attitude of delivery with "read-more" requirements that sites have seem to aquired these days. 4. I think you've definitely delivered on that point for the community. Since the initial launch of Neowin, you mentioned cutting back on some features, what other hurdles have you encountered while your site has grown larger and larger? The hurdles for me are more on a personal level, I took great pride in the first year to answer EVERYONES emails and I followed all the forum posts (even if it didnt appeal) these days the hurdle has been maintaining a group without letting a member feel left out. The feature cuts are minimal and we plan to re-implement them in some way where possible. It's good to see such a hands on attitude towards the community and the site you've created for them, but obviously with a site this large and the userbase that Neowin has now, that wouldn't be physically possible for one person to keep doing. 5. About a week ago you posted Neowin was closing, what was the deciding factor? Well if Neowin closed it would be because our resources don't allow us to continue, this would be on hardware level as well as a personal level. I have been having difficulty coming to terms with groups of people wanting to destroy my reputation along with that of my co-admin and the site. Its difficult to see past this when all you do is for free and good will really. Sometimes I think certain people ask too much of me or the staff. 6. I know there are many DeskModders who are glad to see Neowin back up and running, do you think the site can withstand the increasing traffic? On the current setup most likely no, but we are working with our host to find solutions to our more direct problems. 7. That's good news to hear, I'm curious are there other sites who you feel are trying to bring down Neowin? You don't have to name names. I realize there is alot of competition out there. The sites that do this are insignificant. Last time I checked they were down because they are built on a moment of anger or self-determination with no real purpose. I am slowly learning that the community is stronger than some of the stuff that gets said about us. I mean when you have members wanting to report you to G.L.A.D.D for an opinion on a open forum then something really is wrong. lol I might make the mistake in wanting to please everyone, its just not possible. Definitely encouraging news as well. I'm not familiar with G.L.A.D.D., you certainly can't please everyone, but I can sympathize with the desire that you have. Its coupled with in-experience as well I guess. Neowin is a storm. 8. Many sites have had to turn to memberships, donations, and even closing due to increased costs associated with high traffic. How have you managed to avoid these problems? We were lucky enough to be selected for sponsorship by our host Hosttyme, they foot the bill in return for our banner space that current only advertises their hosting. In defence of donations and membership fees, these sites also usually offer email accounts or file space or a bonus extra, Neowin does not do any of this. We couldn't rule other services out at this point because it has been asked but at present we opt for safe. Site and not much more that can be "taken away" later. 9. What is your ultimate goal and vision for the site? Where would you like to see it in 2 years? 2 years ago I would of said visitors. 2 years from now I would hope to be on the desktop in some form with .net alerts service and all that is coming to us in that side of things. I truly hope Neowin is still a vast knowledge base in 2 years and I want to put my resources into creating this. Interaction and Knowledge is important to Neowin for all ages. So I think within 2 years we might be seeing more Portal alongside what we are doing now. 10. Do you have any advice you might offer other webmasters trying to start sites? Yes, look closely at what already is on offer and see what is missing.. build on that and if you can do this without forcing your members to do anything its even better. It works in the long run. Very insightful advice. We certainly appreciate your time and dedication, we share alot of the same interests and members in the community, and hope the mutual relationship between Neowin and DeskMod lasts for years to come. Likewise and thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hypercube Posted August 24, 2002 Share Posted August 24, 2002 Nice interview. Very informative of Neobond's intents, and Neowin's future intentions. From my thoughts, without mentioning names, I would think that the members that attempted to undermine the NeoWin administration, should be ashamed of themselves :ermm: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S. Veteran Posted August 24, 2002 Veteran Share Posted August 24, 2002 Originally posted by Hypercube I would think that the members that attempted to undermine the NeoWin administration, should be ashamed of themselves :ermm: Agreed, I was surprised to hear that. Thanks again to Neobond for taking the time for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
username Posted August 26, 2002 Share Posted August 26, 2002 good read Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravager Posted August 26, 2002 Share Posted August 26, 2002 Very cool. Great interview. Good job, Neobond. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RadishTM Veteran Posted August 26, 2002 Veteran Share Posted August 26, 2002 Very good insight into Neobond's thoughts :) Radish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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