How long have the dual pup Stingrays been out?

[maddog]

Another reason why outsourcing the function might make sense.

I've noticed that BP and company don't like that word.

as far as constructive criticism, it only serves its purpose if it makes a difference. As far as I can tell, telling somebody they need to change something they are already in the process of changing doesn't make a difference. I would like to see the site updated as well. I trust that Sterling does to and I leave it at that.

 

[Dargin]

To get this back on topic I believe we shipped the first batChes In Nov/Dec 2005. The first batch were the Buttercream LE's .

 

[boston asphalt2]

To get this back on topic I believe we shipped the first batChes In Nov/Dec 2005. The first batch were the Buttercream LE's .

mmmmmm, buttercream

 

[boston asphalt2]

I've noticed that BP and company don't like that word.

as far as constructive criticism, it only serves its purpose if it makes a difference. As far as I can tell, telling somebody they need to change something they are already in the process of changing doesn't make a difference. I would like to see the site updated as well. I trust that Sterling does to and I leave it at that.

its not a sign of weakness to need outside help....but it is to refuse looking for it when it is needed.

Something my dad taught me when I was young and I try to live by. guess that explains the psychiatrist visits!

 

[bovinehost]

Dargz,

That Battle of the Bands site looks great. Kudos to Brian and his team of magic elves on that!

And thanks for the info on the updates.

Jack

 

[nashman]

I've noticed that BP and company don't like that word.

as far as constructive criticism, it only serves its purpose if it makes a difference. As far as I can tell, telling somebody they need to change something they are already in the process of changing doesn't make a difference. I would like to see the site updated as well. I trust that Sterling does to and I leave it at that.

I think we are all in agreement that the site needs to be upgraded. So it's not a matter of what, but how and when. My thought was relative to the how and the when ... no cycles to get the job done? Not a core business function? Specific skill leaves and the project stumbles? "Outtasking" might then make sense. Not much different than getting someone else to cut the lawn. I would not call this criticism at all ... more like a recommendation/suggestion.

 

[maddog]

I think we are all in agreement that the site needs to be upgraded. So it's not a matter of what, but how and when. My thought was relative to the how and the when ... no cycles to get the job done? Not a core business function? Specific skill leaves and the project stumbles? "Outtasking" might then make sense. Not much different than getting someone else to cut the lawn. I would not call this criticism at all ... more like a recommendation/suggestion.

Sorry, the first sentence was in regard to your post. My comment was in regard to what I've seen of the Ball family and how they run EBMM. I think that they are a company that has a certain vision that 3rd parties may not be able to capture and so Sterling tries to keep everything in house so that it has that EBMM flavor.

The second, was in reference to boston asphalt2's post about constructive criticsim and not implying that your suggestion was criticism.

and third, I am feeling a bit ornery about this whole thing so I will drop it at this point.

 

[nashman]

Peace Maddog and thanks for the clarification. Outsourcing is not a dirty word and can be a very viable and successful business strategy. It doesn't necessarily mean loss of control either. Web design and/or management is a core function for a lot of reputable firms mostly due to this being a non-core function for many other Companies and requires specialized skills that are not aways easy to attract ... and retain.

Sorry to hijack your thread Rick!

 

[phatduckk]

If I were you guys I would tread lightly here. It is easy to assume and be critical when you do not have the whole story.

We do need an updated site, and we were very close to unveiling it but our point man left for the water company. We have many ideas for an expanded website and I am sure you guys will be glad we didn't pump something out half assed.

To see what the focus has been website wise check out all the cool things Brian and the team have done at Ernie Ball Music Man Battle of the Bands

ill help out for a couple free tshirts honestly, if i can help lemme know.

 

[Big Poppa]

Thanks.
Yeah I saw that and I get that they're busy but it sucks that I have to go to Bass Central to see the dual pup Rays in different colors.

Im sorry it "sucks" for you maybe we should replace this forum with a website that doesnt suck.....THere is just not enough information here on a daily basis and we want everything!

 

[recover82]

Would it even be possible to post every permutation of every guitar on the website? Has every possibility been built? I'm talking 4's, 5's, all colors, all pickup configurations..

Just curious more than anything.

And I don't see how anyone could complain about having to go into BassCentral or any of the larger guitar shops. I'm happy to have my hands on a piece of gear anytime I can.

 

[Big Poppa]

Ok Here is your collective" constuctive " criticism and free consulting services.
Im not or have not:

"Created a sucessful Business strategy"

My decisions arent representitive of a " reputable business"

I dont use "cycles"

We dont have layers of people like the army...when someone goes down everyone tries to help but the poject suffers.

I have shown weakness because I "refuse to look for outside help" Ask Phatty about my phone call to him MONTHS AGO askng for referrals. Ask him about the fact that I had already talked to the company he reffered.....(Juxt Interactive. Six month wait and 300k for the Music man site that is 3/4 done by us already)

I get to learn what your dad taught you. I also get ot learn that either you forgot or your dad skipped over the benefit of the doubt part.

Someone thinks that " EB has the money" I dont know about you but I relish when someone counts our money.

I should "rearrange proirities" How do you know what our priorities are?

The Bass Configurator has been useful...Thanks, I created that one before the auto industry
I also must give " No Excuses" I havent used any excuses I have tried to explain whats going on something that no other company does.

I also understand that you are all well meaning and you need and want everything. I will continue to give you all that we can offer including a new website. In exchange please try to not judge when you really dont know the whole enchilada and try to give the benefit of doubt at least occasionally. Please dont waste your time with the "freedom of speech" because that is what I am exercising now.

 

[tkarter]

I bought my first MM then found this site. I think it was cuz I could register it online. Then I seen forum. Been around since. Had a blast.

My wife is in love with BP.

She never mentioned a webpage.

I guess I need to read up on this webpage stuff.

If they work right everytime someone clicks your site the cash register rings? Wow

tk

 

[recover82]

we should all consider ourselves lucky there is even a board to discuss such things, let alone people on the inside, working their asses off day in and day out and then...coming on here in the evening..during their personal time to humor, entertain, aggravate and post very useful information for all of us.

everybody should just go to bed and come back tomorrow from the right side of the bed.

 

[tadawson]

Myself, I have no problem with the website, but it would be nice if the configurator was given a periodic update to reflect new (and discontinued) colors and models. Not a lot of page coding there, just more options of the same . . . .

And I gotta agree with BP on the outsourcing thing. Having been an IT manager here and there, it's hard to justify the excessive cost of sending things out in a lot of cases . . . .

- Tim

 

[azzy_wazzy]

I have no issue with the website as I understand how difficult it can be to get stuff done. The MM website is more for information purposes rather than retailing as you can't order directly from here - where I work our website is TERRIBLE - however its our shop window and way of selling to the company. We are doing badly as the website doesn't convert - I can send all the traffic in the world there, but it's that rubbish people aren't buying. My point is that we've got the money to spend on it, but there are other priorities even MORE important than fixing it, even though we know it's terrible and we are a worldwide company with an image and brand to protect. Our dev guys can only do so much and it's in the pipeline and we all have to be patient.

End of day, I don't think BP is doing himself any damage or losing any business/sleep over this - I think the 6 month wait speaks for itself with regards to the amount of work the guys have to do - and the less time everyone has to spend defending his decisions on here, the more time he has to actually get stuff done.

I'm gonna go now - I'm still a bit hungover from our Xmas party and have probably been quite offensive with the above! Eeep!

 

[phatduckk]

I have shown weakness because I "refuse to look for outside help" Ask Phatty about my phone call to him MONTHS AGO askng for referrals. Ask him about the fact that I had already talked to the company he reffered.....(Juxt Interactive. Six month wait and 300k for the Music man site that is 3/4 done by us already.

true story. some of these firms cost a TON of money and take a long time. i have no idea what the site's gonna be like, what its gonna have etc... but i have known that its been in the works. ive been thru these types of projects a lot... like way too many times. LoL

just figuring out what the result should be is tough work much less actually doing it. a lot of time gets spent making decisions, seeing comps, having tweaks done, thats all before the work even starts. Sterling's a busy guy so even those initial phases probably take longer for MM than for a company with a dedicated "vp of internet marketting". Someone's gotta let the firm know what direction they wanna go, some sites they like, then get some stuff back, check it out, meet again, get them feedback... see it in grey, then blue .... then maybe green hints instead or dark purple, then this font instead, then that font... now the comps look good but is too hard to figure out so time to concentrate on usability.

point is... it takes time but its on its way.

 

[wraithwrider]

I'd just like to say thank you to BP and Dargin for explaining the problems that you've had at base guys. I can understand how things like this are a minefield and of course not your core business.

In reinforcing the expression of slight dissapointment at the lack of an updated website I'm not questioning the integrity of anyone, or their work ethic or their worth in any way, I'm just expressing my dissapointment. I suppose I do expect a certain robustness of others when I do that.

I believe that critism should be treated as a gift. Accept it, assess it and embrace it or dump it as you will.

I don't know if I value being told to 'tread lightly'?

I'm new here, flame me if you will. Just my two-penneth

Peter

 

[Hutton]

When I lost my internet connection for three months the only thing I missed was the ability to communicate by email and this forum. I suppose as an old guy I have grown up not relying on things like company websites but that's just me. The human element is what's important and that is found on this forum and in the EBMM company. Sure we can have differences of opinion and isn't it great that the company boss responds. You may not like what you hear but you have been heard. If I worked for a company I would certainly like it to be one run along the same lines as EBMM.

 

[boston asphalt2]

My wife is in love with BP.

Its gotta be the glasses! You just dont see that type of power anymore!


BP, we all sit with excitement for a new site, that is for sure.