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Author
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Topic: Radio Site making money?
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bunny_foofoo
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 1227
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posted
Okay. So, I am trying to get Blackout pumped up again about the site here.
I want the site to be redone. And I have been discussing ideas to make the site profitable. I would love, eventually, to have Blackout use this site as a medium for his bigger interactive medium ideas. I would love the site (on a higher level) to be run by interns, as sort of a place for artist types to learn production/web skills.
I had a couple of ideas. But wanted to start a thread to brainstorm about the possibilities/suggests.
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I rather go hunting with Dick Cheney, then go for a drive with Ted Kennedy.
Posts: 1085 | From: South FL | Registered: Jul 2005
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HighFidelity
Moderator
Member # 1137
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posted
he could make it a learning place for people who are like him and are interested in acting or comedy.
Posts: 340 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Mar 2005
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Chris -Kracka C-
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 775
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posted
I think if he brings on these interns they should help out with his Merchandising and he needs to get back into that game.
Blackout's Box T-shirts, hats, rubbers, etc.
Wouldn't be bad to have section that rotates monthly to showcase local artists, musicians, writers, comics, spiritual gurus or boardies of the same calibre.
And Blackout could always be like all of the myspacers and livejournalists and post a weekly Blog so even when he's feeling too emo for a show he can talk to us about Blurpinkle.
Oh, and maybe a Bunny Foo Foo advice column....
Ask Bunny!
*shrugs* maybe I'm tapping this thought keg dry here...just a few suggestions.
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"It gives you different perspectives to think about things." - Blackout
Posts: 1185 | From: Houston, Tx | Registered: Dec 2003
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bunny_foofoo
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 1227
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My advice to everyone would be to have sex... ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
I was thinking developing the "real world" aspect of Blackout Box Studios. Maybe doing a local mailer to get some video/commercial jobs and use that monet to fund the "artsy" stuff. Until, the "artsy" stuff. I need to get that quoted out, but I dont think it would be THAT expensive to do. Under 1K for a massive local/targeted mailer.
I definatley woudl like to use some of that money from teh mailer to redo the entire site.
I wonder, if I got the money for the mailer together if Blackout woudl let me dictate a good percentage of it back in the site? I think he thinks of thsi site now as a "labor of love".
That means he loves all of you.
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I rather go hunting with Dick Cheney, then go for a drive with Ted Kennedy.
Posts: 1085 | From: South FL | Registered: Jul 2005
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AAARRRGGH
Blackout's Box Master
Member # 439
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Does this mean that me and you can have sex now?
It's about time.
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Munch Munch
Posts: 652 | From: England | Registered: Jun 2003
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bunny_foofoo
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 1227
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posted
hmm... I dont knwo why, but I will fix that
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I rather go hunting with Dick Cheney, then go for a drive with Ted Kennedy.
Posts: 1085 | From: South FL | Registered: Jul 2005
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Chris -Kracka C-
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 775
Member Rated:
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posted
I think it's because you're hosting it over at geocities...
Try something like Photobucket. That is far more consistant and also free.
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"It gives you different perspectives to think about things." - Blackout
Posts: 1185 | From: Houston, Tx | Registered: Dec 2003
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BAD MUTHA FUCKA
Blackout's Box Master
Member # 425
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posted
Are you trying to get people who know what they are doing to help you and then not pay them. That is so White Power!
Don't internships involve people who already know what they are doing in a particular field teaching others who are noobs. Because it sounds to me you are looking for people who already have the skills, bring them together under the pretense that it's an opportunity for experience and learning, expect them to do all the work and not pay them so that you can profit from it.
Way to go. WHITE POWER, NIGGAZ! WHITE POWER! ![[Party On ]](graemlins/partyonface.gif)
Posts: 956 | From: ... | Registered: May 2003
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Herbert
Ghostly lover of hats and elephants & Official Blackout's Box Archivist
Member # 628
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posted
Maybe charity work would be a more appropriate term... help the needy ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
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http://HerbertFilby.com
Posts: 1516 | From: PA | Registered: Sep 2003
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Shostie
Blackout's Box Illuminati and Dreaderator: Vinlar the Dreadful Only available to those with over 3000 posts
Member # 112
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posted
There's always that chick who pioneered epanhandling a few years back. Maybe there are some lessons to be learned from her.
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Maestra is indeed a sexy geek.
"Primitive humans make tools; computer-designed, high-tech hand tools." -program description from The History Channel's Modern Marvels
"I wish God were alive to see this." -Homer Simpson
"And my stage directions make no sense. How is it possible for me to wear clown make up AND be sober all at once?" -Davan MacIntire
Posts: 3653 | From: Houston, TX | Registered: Jul 2002
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DannySpace
Semi-Genius Member
Member # 1261
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But just how far does charity go? I love the idea and I think I could bring a lot to the table if needed. I have a major in Multimedia Design and Marketing. That's not saying I know everything; however, it just states my skills which, like everything in this world, can always be improved. I would love to be a part of something like this but I do need to know that it will shoot toward success and yes, PROFIT. Look at google, ebay, buy.com.... they all started with an idea and have grown into fortune 500's. Look, Degrees, experience or not, when creative people who can learn from one another get together and brainstorm; the possiblilities are endless. And if done right, with the right attitude and direction...It can bring profit to all!
Blackout, shit or get off the pot. You obviously have people at your disposal and a hat full of talent.
Right, Wrong or Indifferent you have to make a choice.
Chose to do something!
And if this is a reality, we have to pull together. Perhaps it won't all end up Purple, Pink and goddy. We all have to agree and shoot for a real movement. Something that will feed on it's own success and then ultimately grow into a bigger and better idea with room for improvement, always!
People, this is doable. Am I wrong?
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-Remember, no matter where you go, there you are. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Posts: 238 | From: Tx. | Registered: Sep 2005
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Tana
Little Baby Butterfly
Member # 1085
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posted
Hey, it could be something that has to do with WARSHAFT!111!2 ![[Quan]](graemlins/quansmiley.gif)
Posts: 21 | From: Ohio | Registered: Feb 2005
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DL_Drosan
Box Newbie
Member # 1346
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posted
you could have someone to fill in for blackout when situations like these happen, like a temp. blackout, that way people that come through the site don't find an abandoned site
Posts: 10 | From: Port Hueneme, CA | Registered: May 2006
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Chris -Kracka C-
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 775
Member Rated:
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posted
I still say Greg needs a show some night.
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"It gives you different perspectives to think about things." - Blackout
Posts: 1185 | From: Houston, Tx | Registered: Dec 2003
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bunny_foofoo
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 1227
Member Rated:
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posted
quote:
Don't internships involve people who already know what they are doing in a particular field teaching others who are noobs. Because it sounds to me you are looking for people who already have the skills, bring them together under the pretense that it's an opportunity for experience and learning, expect them to do all the work and not pay them so that you can profit from it.
What I mean is, typically, people who get into any art field (whether it be film editing, graphic design, painting, acting, ect) need a year experience in the door to get any work. Even if they are wonderfully talented. In addition, artistic types seem to have the most growth when other different artist types are around. Things can be brainstormed from different points of views. They can often times learn completely different skills just hanging around each other.
I believe Blackout knows this. In fact, the Hat House had this. But, what bridge he failed to cross was how to make the artistic exerience profitable.
I see how Blackout's philosophy, his sense of healthy living, his "outside the box" ideas really have potential. A major problem I see is that this site could be used as a marketing medium. His ideas are all in the right direction, interactive media is the future.
I see that he has potential to be the first to truely pioneer this field correctly. his thought process is completely on track for it.
But, I think this website needs a serious reworking. Not just design and navigation, but a plan has to be set as to the direction of its marketing purpose. I have a feeling a programer is going to have to be brought in to develop a site that truely will work towards his enertainment planning needs. But a new site is going to have to be put in place with teh ability to grow towards that goal (instead of having to be redesigned AGAIN when these interactive projects come up).
Right now I am tryingto get him to set up a blackout's box studios web page for contrcated work. I am getting estimates on a mailer for graphic design. marketing, video production. I am doing it small first to get local business.
Hopefully, we can bring in enough through that to do a division of funds. We can start setting aside some profits to puts towards expansion of this site (towards a defined business goal) and put the other money towards a larger advertising campaign for the black out studios projects.
That is the ONLY way I could think to help get the goal working towarsd the right direction. I even offered to have my apartment set up for broadcast and business.
I am just doing what I know now: marketing and business developement. Luckily I have a background in design to help suppliment the gaps in skills Blackout doesnt have.
I figured, if we start bringing in enough money here, I could rent out a second apartment in my building and expand that into an area for some interns to come in. But I am a long way off from that. I am trying to think ahead though.
Originally I was planning on moving to Orlando, which I still may do. But I do not have as many "friends in high places" there, not to mention relocation. I dont know. I can't work out of an apartment complex building forever. But the layouts are set-up great for work and living arangements.
Anyway, I dont know if I sound dumb thinking outloud. I know that I know a good idea when I see one. I see this as being so much more than even what I am laying out here. But this is the only way I can even comprehend to start the ball rolling in the right direction.
Right now I want to be able to fund the studio on as little as possible and put chunks of money into slowly expanding to what I see as the future. I knwo when there is enough here, I can pitch to get further investors, but I need this site to be functioning on a certain level before that happens.
Anway, I have to go. There have been some good ideas going on here. I did not want it to seem liek i was looking for slave labor I was just trying to give a brief idea instead of writing ALL of this out. But slave labor was NOT what I was trying to get across
Blurpinkle ![[Hippy Chic]](graemlins/hippy.gif)
~Bunny
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I rather go hunting with Dick Cheney, then go for a drive with Ted Kennedy.
Posts: 1085 | From: South FL | Registered: Jul 2005
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Shostie
Blackout's Box Illuminati and Dreaderator: Vinlar the Dreadful Only available to those with over 3000 posts
Member # 112
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posted
For marketing muscle and notoriety, Blackout should do the following:
A) Buy a puppy.
B) Buy a plane (or train) ticket to New York City.
C) Go to New York City
D) Buy a gun
E) Head to Times Square (ideally right in front of the MTV building
F) Execute puppy in Times Square during rush hour
Instant notoriety. Probably not the type of notoriety desired, though...
Seriously, though, efforts must be made in the general promotion of this site, I'll have to do some brainstorming as to what those efforts could be, though.
Shostie, out.
Posts: 3653 | From: Houston, TX | Registered: Jul 2002
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sand_inthe_vaseline
Box Newbie
Member # 1271
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posted
quote:
A) Buy a puppy.
B) Buy a plane (or train) ticket to New York City.
C) Go to New York City
D) Buy a gun
E) Head to Times Square (ideally right in front of the MTV building
F) Execute puppy in Times Square during rush hour
... Focks News Breaking Story ...
Now here's Ron Morton ...
Ron: A strange man, a very strange man indeed has immerged from the hustle and bustle of Times Square in New York City holding at gun point what appears to be a poor innocent puppy dog.
Police sniper teams are unable to mark a proper shot on account of the giant hat the man is wearing ...
Field reporter Edith Glink is on the scene ...
what's going on down there Edith?
Edith: Hold on a minute Ron, he's saying something ... 'blurpsicle' ... 'burn pickle' ... it's hard to make out ...
Ron: Does this appear to be the doings of some unknown terrorist sect, Edith?
Edith: It very well could be Ron. He's waving around some sort of amulet now. I'm amazed at the sparkling of it, it's like a galaxy inside a tiny piece of glass. A symbol of his cause? Possibly! But, I'd like to know where I can get one of those. He's saying that word again ... 'blurntickle' ... 'blurdinkle' ... something.
Ron: Thank you Edith. Keep us updated on the situation. WAIT! This just in. The man has been identified as one Michael Biggins an internet radio host of modest notoriety. That son of a bitch, I know him - he hasn't sent me my damn DVD yet!
That information aside, we turn things over to a live feed from the White House where the president is making a statement about this strange goings on.
Bush: My fellow Americans, members of the press. I'd just like to say that we are moving all resources towards the investigation and the neutralization of these high-hat-wearing trouble makers who will surely be invading our city streets by the thousands any day now. Terrorizing innocent citizens and killing our puppies. America is not a nation of puppy killers and we will not stand for this! Please refer to my secretary of defense for further information on what we are calling ... Operation: Blurpinkle Storm. Thank you and God bless America!
Ron: In an Amazing turn of events, while the president was speaking Time Square's famous "Naked Cowboy" subdued Biggins with a mighty cowboy boot to the groin. This just keeps getting stranger.
Police are carrying him off now ...
Edith: He's clearly insane. He keeps screaming about a "holographic universe", "I pranked Christian Slater" and how we're all just a dream he had one boring sunday afternoon ...
Blackout: I'm Y-Man! Y-MAN!!!"
*ka-boom - mushroom cloud - start all over again*
Happy now? You made me break the lurker's oath of silence and ominous on-lookitude. Blast!
Posts: 3 | From: Yugatonia | Registered: Oct 2005
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DL_Drosan
Box Newbie
Member # 1346
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posted
well if anyone wants to do temp blackout, i got a lonely shoutcast server that dosen't really do anything, so yeah, i'd be whilling to let someone borrow it untill blackout gets back ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
so yeah.. just pm me or something
Posts: 10 | From: Port Hueneme, CA | Registered: May 2006
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bunny_foofoo
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 1227
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Sweet...we love to get lurkers addicted.
I think lurkers are sexy. *wink*
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I rather go hunting with Dick Cheney, then go for a drive with Ted Kennedy.
Posts: 1085 | From: South FL | Registered: Jul 2005
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Chris -Kracka C-
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 775
Member Rated:
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quote:
Originally posted by bunny_foofoo:
Sweet...we love to get lurkers addicted.
I think lurkers are sexy. *wink*
If I had a tendency to lurk around your bedroom window at night with a camera and wearing nothing but clown shoes and a scubamask, would you find THAT sexy?...
...
Actually, don't answer that one...I might be creeped out by the answer.
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"It gives you different perspectives to think about things." - Blackout
Posts: 1185 | From: Houston, Tx | Registered: Dec 2003
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Heggy
Popeye the Canadian and Compuetr Box Moderator Master Geek and Porn Avatar Collector
Member # 633
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Blackout and I discussed the possibility of me re-designing the site at one point, but we got a case of the "Real Life" virus and things sorta fell through.
I'd love to help make this place less 1998 and more user-friendly and streamlined... I've sent Blackout a PM just now regarding this.
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Hoyt.
Posts: 1102 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Sep 2003
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Heggy
Popeye the Canadian and Compuetr Box Moderator Master Geek and Porn Avatar Collector
Member # 633
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posted
[[editing for readability]]
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Hoyt.
Posts: 1102 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Sep 2003
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Heggy
Popeye the Canadian and Compuetr Box Moderator Master Geek and Porn Avatar Collector
Member # 633
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quote:
But, I think this website needs a serious reworking. Not just design and navigation, but a plan has to be set as to the direction of its marketing purpose. I have a feeling a programer is going to have to be brought in to develop a site that truely will work towards his enertainment planning needs. But a new site is going to have to be put in place with teh ability to grow towards that goal (instead of having to be redesigned AGAIN when these interactive projects come up).
I'm glad somebody is voicing the same sorts of ideas I had for this site at one point. With enough ideas coming in and a few people who know what they're doing we could get some energy back in this place.
I agree with most everything except the needing a programmer. Everything that we need or will need can be accomplished through the use of preexisting open-source software such as Drupal. Why re-invent the wheel (losing 70 bucks an hour while you're at it) when you could take a simpler, more streamlined approach?
We don't need a huge elaborate setup. If I'm guessing correctly, the goal here is to become a place where Blackout types can come and share their works: video sketches, prank calls, radio shows, etc... While at the same time brining in some revenue for the people running the place. Am I correct?
I don't know a whole lot about business, but I have a knack for web design/development (did it as a profession for two years) and I know what it takes to build a successful online community.
A great way to start earning revenue with a site like this is by offering premium memberships, where supporting members are able to upload their multimedia and create a MySpace-ish profile so they can be contacted for work. Perhaps lower-tier paid memberships could post ads in a classifieds section where they can either offer their talents or seek the talents of others. This could be beneficial not only for the people who are already sorta in the game, but for those looking to get into it as well.
I've contacted Blackout and he seems interested in me revamping the site, so I'm currently in the process of making a couple examples to show. If Blackout likes what I have to offer, I'd be willing to let the site use one of my vBulletin licenses, free of charge (Typically a $160 price tag on that) in exchange for some advertising space and a share of any revenue generated. I've also offered to host the site on my server over at Site5.com to free Blackout from any obligations he has with his current host. I run/host about 6 sites already so it wouldn't be anything new for me.
I'm just thinking out loud here, so stop me if I'm way off base. I've had a ton of great ideas for this place for some time now, and it finally looks as if some others are becoming interested as well.
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Hoyt.
Posts: 1102 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Sep 2003
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Heggy
Popeye the Canadian and Compuetr Box Moderator Master Geek and Porn Avatar Collector
Member # 633
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Hmm... No replies in 4 days?
I guess we're not as enthusiastic about this as we seemed.
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Hoyt.
Posts: 1102 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Sep 2003
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elf
Drunken Latin Mistress, Lover of the Cinnabun, Sex Doctor, and Lawyer
Member # 276
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Do all the interns get glocks?
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Ahem, I am not Mexican. (not that there is anything wrong with that)
Posts: 1257 | Registered: Sep 2002
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bunny_foofoo
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 1227
Member Rated:
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I sent you an email Hedgy.The night I got your email. Blackout is working on a demo reel for me to sell some freelance production work. And his cantenna is being tempermental. But he told me he did get your initial email (the one you CCed me on).
I am trying to set up a studio here in my apartment. It will, hopefully, be up in a couple of months. Blackout can do the radio show out of here and freelance work. I may even get one internship to help with the excess work. Key word being "may".
I am trying to get the freelance work in to get some cash saved up for Blackout's Bow Studios. I will be working full time to support the studio itself.
I am working on helping getting those Blackout's volume 1 DVD's out to the paying customers, getting the demo DVDs out to potential clients and getting a studio environment set-up.
Non, studio related I am working hard on getting a new job. Wish me luck on that.
So, I guess consider this aprogressive update email. The reason we did not do a show last night was because we were up ntil 4am on that demo DVD.
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I rather go hunting with Dick Cheney, then go for a drive with Ted Kennedy.
Posts: 1085 | From: South FL | Registered: Jul 2005
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BAD MUTHA FUCKA
Blackout's Box Master
Member # 425
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i don't see what's so hard about redoing a site.
the content is already there it just needs organizing and 1 layout.
just start over. ditch a good majority of the graphics and old layouts. make it less cluttered.
look what's on this site:
audio
video
radio
chat
forums
store
there i simplified for you.
okay so that's like six things. you put all audio on one page all video on anoter. don't have all the shit where it's all on one page and no matter what you click on it all goes to the same disorganized and cluttered page.
for instance if you click on audio or video you get this shit
http://www.blackout.com/cranks.htm
what the fuck is this? A mess; that's what it is. Clean that shit up. give it a name and put it in it's appropriate page. is that too hard to do cupcake.
okay, see this is exactly the shit i'm talking about
look at this.
http://www.blackout.com/brad.html
and then look at this
http://www.blackout.com/dogbeaters.htm
there is no uniformity there.
so make a layout that includes the backround of prank a picture and the fucking file. BAM!
another thing. too much quan bullshit going on.
 
come on. give it a rest.
and what's with this
http://www.blackout.com/blackout/TV-show_ani2.gif
yeah, more like coming later. that's another thing. if you haven't done it, put it out, or got it working then don't put it up. it's the same as lying.
also there's links that go like everywhere.
http://www.live365.com/stations/blackoutdotcom
http://java.sun.com/javase/index.jsp
i'm not even going to click on anything else.
i think the main problem is you have more bullshit up than actual content. look.
what the fuck. focus DAMN IT! FOCUS! ![[Mad]](mad.gif)
Posts: 956 | From: ... | Registered: May 2003
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Heggy
Popeye the Canadian and Compuetr Box Moderator Master Geek and Porn Avatar Collector
Member # 633
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My point exactly.
This site would have been the shit back in 1997 when everyone was using Windows 95... It's 2006 now; you either keep up with the progression of the internet or you get left in the dust.
Aside from the layout and crazy links, one of the reasons the site is almost dead is that there are virtually no indexed pages in the search engines... Meaning nothing that people search for will ever lead them to this site.
I opened a new site just a couple months ago, and at the moment I have over 21,000 pages indexed out of something like 60,000. That's fucking awesome for a site that opened 60 days ago.
Take a look
Blackout.com, which has been open for a decade (if I remember correctly, not sure) has 617 pages... Out of about 60,000 to 70,000 pages possible; that's including threads, individual post pages, etc.
Blackout's indexed pages
Something is obviously going wrong and needs to be corrected.
It's not hard to fix, it just takes some effort.
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Hoyt.
Posts: 1102 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Sep 2003
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bunny_foofoo
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 1227
Member Rated:
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I agree. Redesign. Cleaner navigation. Better organization.
But, it is also somewhat more complicated than that. Hedgy addressed the SEO issues head on.
We also have some expansion ideas that need to play into the equation as well. Some that I wont publically discuss in the forum here, but need to be AT LEAST in the back of the mind of the people working on the site...
What I dont want to happen is for us to relaunch a redesign, only to have to redo it pretty fast.
But I love the fact this thread is getting so much attention and feedback.
Blackout seems to like this type of layout style: http://voodooloungeflorida.com/home.php
Hedgy emailed me discussing flash conversion. How do you guys feel about Flash, vs Quicktime and Real Player?
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I rather go hunting with Dick Cheney, then go for a drive with Ted Kennedy.
Posts: 1085 | From: South FL | Registered: Jul 2005
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bunny_foofoo
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 1227
Member Rated:
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quote:
Wouldn't be bad to have section that rotates monthly to showcase local artists, musicians, writers, comics, spiritual gurus or boardies of the same calibre.
Chris, I dont think I told you how much I liked this idea. I wonder how interactive (easy uploadable as well) a section like this could be and still keep the site secure. I know other sites that have fan gallery sections that allow people to vote and/or comment. I know we have a lot of creatives on here. I think this section would be a nice touch.
quote:
Do all the interns get glocks?
Elfy, you can room with me. I will get you a glock with a big red bow. No, a blurpinkle bow would seem more appropriate.
Do naughty things to me. ![[Love ]](graemlins/loveyesface.gif)
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I rather go hunting with Dick Cheney, then go for a drive with Ted Kennedy.
Posts: 1085 | From: South FL | Registered: Jul 2005
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MetalSlug2
Super Box Member!
Member # 820
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posted
Worry about how the site is going to be a $cow and the next best thing for artists after you’ve cleaned up what you already have.
Take it from me, I’ve been engineering software for 10 years and more projects have failed or not started because of overzealous requirements or grand schemes.
Take the content that you have, organize it, create standard templates for the pages so that you have a consistent look and feel (and templates ease development), and go from there. Keep the development simple and the scope narrow, especially at the beginning. See BMFs post.
BTW, the sex chatter is getting old. You're just a tease. ![[Eye brow raise]](graemlins/eyebrowraise.gif)
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"I ain't some hoola-hoop-eyed chicken-neck look'n jive-turkey!" - Junkyard Willie Robinson
Posts: 176 | From: Mars | Registered: Jan 2004
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Chris -Kracka C-
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 775
Member Rated:
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by bunny_foofoo:
quote:
Wouldn't be bad to have section that rotates monthly to showcase local artists, musicians, writers, comics, spiritual gurus or boardies of the same calibre.
Chris, I dont think I told you how much I liked this idea. I wonder how interactive (easy uploadable as well) a section like this could be and still keep the site secure. I know other sites that have fan gallery sections that allow people to vote and/or comment. I know we have a lot of creatives on here. I think this section would be a nice touch.
Heggy used to have a board called Hoytroid that was at least moderately interactive...I think he has some good ideas on that kind of thing.
Also, my buddy Brian has this site called http://isol8.org/ that is sorta like a community "blog" only not lame. It's more like a collection of editorials than emokid-whining.
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"It gives you different perspectives to think about things." - Blackout
Posts: 1185 | From: Houston, Tx | Registered: Dec 2003
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Heggy
Popeye the Canadian and Compuetr Box Moderator Master Geek and Porn Avatar Collector
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Chris's idea of having artists able to upload their sketches and stuff is basically just a podcasting system. Very easily done.
I agree with MetalSlug, that the first thing that should be done is just to organize everything and get it on the right track. When that's taken care of, the other expansions will be easier to tackle.
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Hoyt.
Posts: 1102 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Sep 2003
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Shostie
Blackout's Box Illuminati and Dreaderator: Vinlar the Dreadful Only available to those with over 3000 posts
Member # 112
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You're all wrong. The first thing that must be done is a prayer. We must first pray to the heavenly father and his son, to bless this website and smite anyone who believes in the lie of evolution.
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Maestra is indeed a sexy geek.
"Primitive humans make tools; computer-designed, high-tech hand tools." -program description from The History Channel's Modern Marvels
"I wish God were alive to see this." -Homer Simpson
"And my stage directions make no sense. How is it possible for me to wear clown make up AND be sober all at once?" -Davan MacIntire
Posts: 3653 | From: Houston, TX | Registered: Jul 2002
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Heggy
Popeye the Canadian and Compuetr Box Moderator Master Geek and Porn Avatar Collector
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You're so very wise.
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Hoyt.
Posts: 1102 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Sep 2003
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Heggy
Popeye the Canadian and Compuetr Box Moderator Master Geek and Porn Avatar Collector
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quote:
Originally posted by bunny_foofoo:
...
What I dont want to happen is for us to relaunch a redesign, only to have to redo it pretty fast.
...
Hedgy emailed me discussing flash conversion. How do you guys feel about Flash, vs Quicktime and Real Player?
If the proper software is used, that will never be a problem. The great thing about content management systems like Drupal is that if there's a functionality that doesn't exist that you need (rare, but it happens), it can be coded as a module. No disruption to the site at all, it just merges in with everything else.
The same goes for using vBulletin as the forum software. There are thousands of plugins that can increase the activity and quality of the community. The arcade plugin is one such example.
As for the Flash thing, I think it's a good idea not only because it's more convenient for the end-user, but it's much easier on the bandwidth. This saves time for the person wanting to view the video (viewing is instantaneous, rather than having to download a file or Quicktime if you don't have it) and it saves server resources too.
I can think of a ton of people who don't have RealPlayer or Quicktime, but I can't think of anybody who doesn't have Flash.
The files are also much smaller. I did a test on the Snow White Project video, and it went from 10 megabytes down to 2 megabytes.
The Raver Chronicles went from 81.2 megabytes to 29.7 megabytes... Without any serious loss of quality. The AVI version of the videos could of course be left up, should the user want to download a copy.
Here's a quick demo:
http://www.mangusweb.com/raver.html
http://www.mangusweb.com/snow-white.html
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Hoyt.
Posts: 1102 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Sep 2003
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
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Both those are old videos before the efficiency got better with win media and quicktime. I find the flash quality a little bit lacking but we could have it as an autoplay version and then have the other versions available. Doing mpeg1s and .avis is done, I just never converted the original videos into newer formats. The corwn encoded jewel on here is of course http://blackout.com/artspointofview and
http://blackout.com/thelightcrystal (Destiny Origin)
Quicktime and decent bandwidth - awesome quality.
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7615 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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Heggy
Popeye the Canadian and Compuetr Box Moderator Master Geek and Porn Avatar Collector
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I agree. Quicktime gives very good quality for internet streaming.
The only thing I think we should use Flash for is the auto play ability like you said, and the fact that it makes all your content universally accessible. Not everyone has Quicktime, so making them have to download another player just to view it slows down the momentum.
You would of course still have links to download the high-res versions.
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Hoyt.
Posts: 1102 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Sep 2003
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Herbert
Ghostly lover of hats and elephants & Official Blackout's Box Archivist
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Yeah, though broadband is getting more widely spread, you still have to consider the loading times on stuff. Keep it as small as possible, and give options for high-res and large sized crap for people who want to wait for it.
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http://HerbertFilby.com
Posts: 1516 | From: PA | Registered: Sep 2003
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Geoff
CACTUS Blackout's Box Donator: $5
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i'm too lazy to read this thread fully, right now (don't worry, i'll probably do it next time i stop by), but i will this: i'm for a redesign.
the site, as it is now, is way too cluttered. i've been to it a billion times (yes, a _billion_), and i still have to hunt around for whatever i'm looking for. it needs to be more zen - nothing but what is necessary. i want to see some empty space, and not have a panic attack due to widget overload.
it's too bill gates. make it more steve jobs. if you think that's a bad analogy, compare their keynote speeches (via video).
Posts: 65 | Registered: Feb 2003
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
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I like this layout:
http://voodooloungeflorida.com/home.php
It's actually close to the design now... it just needs to expand to include all the material and community on this site.
I have new material to upload too. I am coming out of a long shithole and ready to be creative again.
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7615 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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Geoff
CACTUS Blackout's Box Donator: $5
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i think there is still too much going on, there.
here's some sites i like:
http://www.iht.com/ - clean, effective layout, very clever java navigation you might want to nick.
http://www.google.com/ the hands-down winner in zen, nothing-but-the-essentials design, ask anyone
http://www.warprecords.com/ - they have lots of stuff on their site, more than blackout.com, but note how it's not all visible at once, and you can still get to stuff fast. color scheme isn't my favorite, but it works ok.
http://www.longmontpotioncastle.com/ - for an industry comparison... a little colorless, but nice layout.
http://www.nevenen.com/ - shameless plug, but the design's good and i'm proud of it!
here's some sites i don't like:
http://www.myspace.com/ - way too much stuff visually, breaks a lot, very confusing to use
http://www.yahoo.com/ - too visually cluttered
http://www.cnn.com/ - cluttered. is the top menu bar navigation? the one below it? or wait... is it this widget down here?
and, some good sources of ideas for designers:
http://www.csszengarden.com/
Basicly, a good web site is like a good song: composed of a few simple elements, consisting of only what is needed to do the job, with no extra distracting clutter. It's tempting to throw everything and the kitchen sink in because that's what you want, but then you risk yahooing yourself. Their site used to be like google, years ago, but they added more, and more, and more...
The core advice:
- Make use of modern tech. If you want a lot of menu items, condense it into a few java dropdown menus, or such. use PHP or something to swap what's on the main page, so more stuff can be on there, but not all at once. etc.
- Pick a single color scheme, and stick with it. Thanks to the flash, graphical widgets, etc. I see every color of the rainbow on blackout.com. It's distracting! May I suggest making everything soothing shades of Blurpinkle, and mostly banning other colors?
- Clutter is your absolute enemy. You have to really think: what do I want people to see most when they visit my page? A good site design leads the eye around in an order the designer intends. If you have stuff _everywhere_ the eye doesn't know where to go, and _immediately_ people start to feel frustrated/stressed.
- Look at other web sites, and see if a lot of them do certain things. If your site is like a lot of other sites viewers have used, then they will automaticly know how to use it - zero learning curve.
And, yes, I'm a total nerd about this stuff. ![[Laugh]](graemlins/laughface.gif)
Posts: 65 | Registered: Feb 2003
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Heggy
Popeye the Canadian and Compuetr Box Moderator Master Geek and Porn Avatar Collector
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He's absolutely right. If you want to have a site that you won't have to redesign again a few months down the road, you really need to keep everything as compact as possible.
It's always tempting to put all kinds of links, images, Flash and stuff all over the page... But when you do that, you're taking focus away from the things that need them, and adding it to things that don't.
A great example of minimising link clutter is vBulletin's menus. Go here: http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/index.php and click on "Search". See how a drop-down menu appears?
Make use of the technology and software available to you. Don't let any kind of grand vision you have get in the way of practicality and usability... And most importantly, keep it simple. There's nothing worse than over-constructung a site by adding far too much far too soon.
I think I've gathered enough information to be able to come up with a viable design option which I'll start on tonight. I'll have something to show by the 25th.
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Hoyt.
Posts: 1102 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Sep 2003
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elf
Drunken Latin Mistress, Lover of the Cinnabun, Sex Doctor, and Lawyer
Member # 276
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by bunny_foofoo:
quote:
Wouldn't be bad to have section that rotates monthly to showcase local artists, musicians, writers, comics, spiritual gurus or boardies of the same calibre.
Chris, I dont think I told you how much I liked this idea. I wonder how interactive (easy uploadable as well) a section like this could be and still keep the site secure. I know other sites that have fan gallery sections that allow people to vote and/or comment. I know we have a lot of creatives on here. I think this section would be a nice touch.
quote:
Do all the interns get glocks?
Elfy, you can room with me. I will get you a glock with a big red bow. No, a blurpinkle bow would seem more appropriate.
Do naughty things to me.
But do I get a glock?
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Ahem, I am not Mexican. (not that there is anything wrong with that)
Posts: 1257 | Registered: Sep 2002
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