Out of the Blue

It is with great sadness that I report that, at least for the time being, loonyboi has accepted a part-time position on Shacknews. Make no mistake, this is fallout from all the bad Internet mojo that's been floating around for some time now, and while there have been some promising developments lately, loony found himself unable to continue to work on the promise of being paid for his work in the future, because, as you can imagine, even if you are willing to accept such promises yourself, it's difficult to get people like grocers and landlords to likewise accept them. This is not the final word on this subject, as the door will remain open should we be able to return enough deposit bottles to satisfy those grocers and landlords, but sadly, for the time being we must bid a fond fondue to the first Blue's News employee, and send him off into "the world" with our best wishes.

Link of the Day: Plumb Design Visual Thesaurus. Java required. Thanks Brendan Reville.
Bonus Link: Ja Da. Flash required. Thanks Jekub, nin, and Brian. Warning... contains chubby nude kangaroos.
Story of the Day: Insurance blowout threatens rabbit skinning titles (smh.com.au). Thanks again Brendan Reville. Quote: "I'm a little bit devastated because really it's not the sort of thing we make a lot of money from, the day is more about entertainment."
Weird Science: Artist Wants to Paint Moon, But Physics May Foil Plan (Space.Com). Thanks Mike Martinez.

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98 Replies. 5 pages. Viewing page 1.
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98.
 
dosh
Aug 21, 2001, 18:11
98.
dosh Aug 21, 2001, 18:11
Aug 21, 2001, 18:11
 
Can't Blue's just setup a paypal account, or something? Just something temporary before you get a proper system. Hell, just email me an address I can send an envelope of cash, i'm not fussy :). Like some posters below, i'd *love* to be able to make some kinda contribution to helping Blue's, after taking so much goodly stuff for free over the last...man...must be nearly six years! ow.

97.
 
Re: Well... crap!
Aug 20, 2001, 03:38
97.
Re: Well... crap! Aug 20, 2001, 03:38
Aug 20, 2001, 03:38
 
All this talk about fileplanet reminds me that fileplanet charges money to download files in any normal sort of way...

Here is a thought: why not create an open source p2p service that companies will use to deliver their demos on? We'll even throw in some web-based end points... anyone running things like Kazaa or Napster will be glad to run something like that... File sharing is good (as long as a good firewall to back it up...)

shul

This comment was edited on Aug 20, 03:57.
96.
 
Re: Well... crap!
Aug 19, 2001, 21:33
96.
Re: Well... crap! Aug 19, 2001, 21:33
Aug 19, 2001, 21:33
 
Its probably the most expensive part to maintain
Actually, it isn't.
i'm sure most people get files from avault or fileplanet or IGN first before bluesnews
Well, that's pretty rare since most of the files we post locally are received directly from the developer/publisher and posted before any other sites, or at a scheduled time together with few others. We feel it's a useful service and there's no immediate reason to discontinue it now (after all, it's only a small archive, we're no FilePlanet or anything ). As for the "most people" part, well, duh, our ftp server allows only 80 users to keep things managable, rather than the hundreds (or more) simultaneous users of the big download sites, but they're rarely as timely updated (IMNSHO ).

-- Frans
News editor, http://www.bluesnews.com/
3D Gamers admin, http://www.3dgamers.com/
This comment was edited on Aug 19, 21:41.
-- Frans
Avatar 1258
95.
 
Re: Well... crap!
Aug 19, 2001, 17:56
anon@63.27
95.
Re: Well... crap! Aug 19, 2001, 17:56
Aug 19, 2001, 17:56
anon@63.27
 
IMO if blue wants to make money, he should shut down his local file mirror completely. Its probably the most expensive part to maintain and i'm sure most people get files from avault or fileplanet or IGN first before bluesnews so how about cutting the fat and saving some cash.

a dollar saved is a dollar earned. no one will miss file mirrors of demos you can find in 15 other locations.
94.
 
Well... crap!
Aug 17, 2001, 23:23
WarPig
 
94.
Well... crap! Aug 17, 2001, 23:23
Aug 17, 2001, 23:23
 WarPig
 
I get separated from my computer for a couple days and look what happens.

Best of luck loony, in whatever you end up doing.

Avatar 1750
93.
 
loony shacking away...
Aug 16, 2001, 19:45
93.
loony shacking away... Aug 16, 2001, 19:45
Aug 16, 2001, 19:45
 
Just had a look at shacknews to see how loony is doing.

- Is it just me or has the Shack's news coverage noticeably increased in the past two days? Can't be so sure about that because I'm only an occasional visitor, but if it's true I wonder why

- Loony has abandoned his real name! He's posting under some weird nickname: "jason bergman". Loony, if you're reading this, don't abandon your soul by accepting this strange alias. Fight for your right to call yourself "loonyboi"!

- Why is a part time employee posting more news than the two full time guys together? Just because he's new?

Well, even though I don't like the Shack that much, I'm happy to see that Loony has not lost his professional attitude yet ;). Good luck "jason" (Duh! ) and I hope you feel comfortable with your new job!

Fully automatic backups with Ocster Backup Pro 3
http://www.ocster.com
92.
 
Re: farewell loon
Aug 16, 2001, 19:04
92.
Re: farewell loon Aug 16, 2001, 19:04
Aug 16, 2001, 19:04
 
I could have been nasty and ask when are you planning to leave...

Well, if you say so.. I am senile, so it doesn't really matter. But I do have another story about loon,
I emailed blues once saying that redrawl was over, and the forums can be set up again.

*loon* emailed me back, saying it will be any day now... I am sure of that one time... sure... yeah...

mule

91.
 
Re: farewell loon
Aug 16, 2001, 18:34
91.
Re: farewell loon Aug 16, 2001, 18:34
Aug 16, 2001, 18:34
 
Will miss the only man to ask me if my nick is an item or an actuall name...

Actually, if memory serves, I asked that, and I'm still here.

-- Frans
News editor, http://www.bluesnews.com/
3D Gamers admin, http://www.3dgamers.com/
-- Frans
Avatar 1258
90.
 
farewell loon
Aug 16, 2001, 13:25
90.
farewell loon Aug 16, 2001, 13:25
Aug 16, 2001, 13:25
 
As the only one calling you the above, I am sad to hear this had happened. Will miss the only man to ask me if my nick is an item or an actuall name :)...

But hey, I hope Blues will survive this rough times and be able to hire you fulltime.

shul

89.
 
Re: Well...
Aug 16, 2001, 09:03
89.
Re: Well... Aug 16, 2001, 09:03
Aug 16, 2001, 09:03
 
"I see the new ad along the side looks decent - none too obtrusive."

Yeah. Doesn't quite fit like the one under the right side bar on the Shack, but it doesn't get in the way of reading my news, helps Blue out, so I'm cool with it.

node

88.
 
Re: Time to dump UGO, Blue...
Aug 16, 2001, 08:58
88.
Re: Time to dump UGO, Blue... Aug 16, 2001, 08:58
Aug 16, 2001, 08:58
 
#76, I can't speak for Blue, but personally I can't "just dump UGO". They may be paying less, but at least they are paying. It's possible to put in ads along side them (as in cycle UGO and non-UGO ads in the same banner space) though since the agreement is no longer exclusive, that's probably the best course of action since getting someone to buy millions of ad shows a month isn't easy.

87.
 
Cheers, Jason!
Aug 16, 2001, 08:45
87.
Cheers, Jason! Aug 16, 2001, 08:45
Aug 16, 2001, 08:45
 
You will be truly missed...especially since my work's filter seems to not like Shacknews...

But where am I going to get my Oscars winners picks now?

86.
 
Re: Profit
Aug 16, 2001, 08:22
anon@212.71
86.
Re: Profit Aug 16, 2001, 08:22
Aug 16, 2001, 08:22
anon@212.71
 
funny, I could've sworn we all pay cableTV or satelitte bills... *shrug*
85.
 
Re: Well...
Aug 16, 2001, 08:15
85.
Re: Well... Aug 16, 2001, 08:15
Aug 16, 2001, 08:15
 
I was confused for a second by that too..but that Blue guy is named Steve too right

me too. SO used to thinking of Blue's name being, uh, Blue, it threw me off as well, especially with all this Shack (Shaq?) talk.

I see the new ad along the side looks decent - none too obtrusive.

Use your head, don't lose it - Don't feed the trolls!
Boycott Belligerent Boycotters!
Avatar 1066
84.
 
Re: Well...
Aug 16, 2001, 07:58
84.
Re: Well... Aug 16, 2001, 07:58
Aug 16, 2001, 07:58
 
I was confused for a second by that too..but that Blue guy is named Steve too right

83.
 
Re: Well...
Aug 16, 2001, 07:43
anon@216.191
83.
Re: Well... Aug 16, 2001, 07:43
Aug 16, 2001, 07:43
anon@216.191
 
3. How many times do I have to ask-BEG-for an opportunity to support Blue's News? Again, I *want* to give you money.
We are working on ways to accommodate something like that, but they'll be announced by Steve once the time is there.

they'll be announced by Steve once the time is there.

Sounds like some kind of merger/partnership is in the works? hmmm....
82.
 
Just dont forget the face of your father
Aug 16, 2001, 02:31
82.
Just dont forget the face of your father Aug 16, 2001, 02:31
Aug 16, 2001, 02:31
 
Figures...I skip checking Bluesnews for one day...I'm bound to be the last person to find out about something huge...

After Quake hit I started reading Planetquake pretty regularly, and after the Blue Planet I was introduced more formally(I'd been there once or twice) to Bluesnews. Shortly after the Q2 point release I realized that while it was still there, there was just something lacking in the Q2 community that just couldnt measure up to Q1... It just didn't feel the same... and so I began checking bluesnews almost exclusively to the point where I found myself oneday say "Hey... what's with Gamespy doing things other than server browsing?"
Well my point is(my bad if the chronology is off)I started regularly reading Blues at the same time that some guy from an online magazine that had something to do with Bluesnews as far back as I could remember, started doing updates. So now...
it's gonna be weird...
and I don't know who's gonna correct my Stephen King comments now...
And we're losing a younger and more American perspective than the other two.
It's really freaky to go on the shack and see this jason bergman guy making updates (props on keepin the lowercases though )
and to be honest...I've always hated the shack(but that's just my opinion so don't flame me )
And as far as the Oscars go... I can't see any real reason why they can't still be here... can anyone else?

Just two questions:
Any chance of having all the UGO stuff explained in present detail and all in one place?

And will this mean we're finally going to see more Xiamphs(its been awhile and I'm going from memory) overtures?

But I digress(majorly, sorry)... you will be missed man... and I hope a way can be found to bring you back from this "part-time position". (*cough* weasel out of UGO contract *cough*)
*sigh* I usually hate it when 80+(iv been typin a while so who knows) ppl write huge msgs on the board.
But you deserve it man. Best of luck to all.

-Heatwave

This comment was edited on Aug 16, 02:42.
-Heatwave
(Apologies for wasting anyones space or time with this message.)
81.
 
You'll be missed Loonyboi!
Aug 16, 2001, 01:30
81.
You'll be missed Loonyboi! Aug 16, 2001, 01:30
Aug 16, 2001, 01:30
 
Jason, I always loved your writing style. I am extremly sorry to see you leaving. It's just a tragedy.

Your Saturday midnight updates were the best! I caught them within minutes of being posted whenever I could. Your enthusiasm for gaming and unparalleled knowledge were such an asset to this site.

I already know I will feel something missing come Oscars time next year... you know what I'm talking about.

Hope to see you on the boards, and eventually back to work where you belong!

Thanks man!

-JR

80.
 
Re: Well...
Aug 16, 2001, 00:47
80.
Re: Well... Aug 16, 2001, 00:47
Aug 16, 2001, 00:47
 
#33, Ray,
1. Bye Jason. I am sad to see you go and wish the best of luck to you.
Ditto. Besides a great colleague and sparring partner on the daily news, Jason is also a good friend. I miss him already.
2. What all led up to this? You would think that Jason would still stick around in some shape or form...
The UGO cutbacks in January, and the difficulties in securing other sources of revenue since then. Jason already stuck around for seven months, and could no longer afford to continue that. That's basically in Steve's story.
3. How many times do I have to ask-BEG-for an opportunity to support Blue's News? Again, I *want* to give you money.
We are working on ways to accommodate something like that, but they'll be announced by Steve once the time is there.
4. What are the current plans? New editor(s)? Less updates? Major/minor changes?
As few changes as possible, news coverage as before. Although the daily Consolation round-up (which Jason compiled) will likely suffer.
6. How far...close are we to a dead Blue's News site?
Not even close.

Thanks to everyone for their support and feedback.

-- Frans
News editor, http://www.bluesnews.com/
3D Gamers admin, http://www.3dgamers.com/
This comment was edited on Aug 16, 00:48.
-- Frans
Avatar 1258
79.
 
Re: But I Bought the Shirts
Aug 16, 2001, 00:27
79.
Re: But I Bought the Shirts Aug 16, 2001, 00:27
Aug 16, 2001, 00:27
 
Hey, is loonyboi taking his 'pile-o-stuff' with him or did I just miss the announcement of the winner?

Possibly The winners were announced here:
http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewthread&threadid=27180

-- Frans
News editor, http://www.bluesnews.com/
3D Gamers admin, http://www.3dgamers.com/
-- Frans
Avatar 1258
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