Dear IOI,
I've been a visitor of this site since the summer of 2007, that's almost 8 years, back when there weren't any software numbers for Europe yet. So I've seen this site evolve over the years.
To be honest, it hasn't all been good. Many things have been added to the site, things I can honestly say I barely use. I did not come to this site to read gaming news or read (p)reviews. I came here for the numbers. The numbers are the one and only thing that distinguishes VGChartz from the many other gaming related websites. It is your core business and should get the utmost priority.
Yet, that's not what I'm seeing. I'm seeing this site expand by adding things like Gamrconnect and Gamrreview, hoping to get more visitors. I can only applaud the effort. Yet your core priority, THE very reason the majority of people come to this site, is lacking. Very much so. Other members have stated that we were spoiled in the past. But calling it spoiled is wrong. It was normal, and now the site has deteriorated.
How can you expect this business to grow when our numbers are weeks behind? Nobody cares for them anymore, only the hardcore visitors who'll analyze the data and want numbers of niche games. I'm sorry to say this, but business wise, you're not doing a very good job at the moment. I'm pretty sure that you will have noticed that the visitor numbers have been dropping in the past month. Not good for business.
At the very least, you have someone who you can contact in a case like this. (S)he can then announce on the site/forum that the data will be delayed and at the same time reassure us that everything is fine. Your own staff didn't know what was going on! Leaving us in the dark is not done.
Better would be to hire someone who can help you with the data. If you're sick, on a vacation or whatever, (s)he can continue to analyze and update the numbers so the site can keep functioning.
Another tip: The methodology page should be expanded. It already informs us that the data is extrapolated from a sample, but you can also add the fact that the data won't be 100 % accurate (and that NPD's data isn't as well), PLUS add a schedule at which each update will take place.
For example:
Tuesday: EMEA
Wednesday: Japan
Thursday: NA + ROW (leading to global sales)
(Friday: first day sales in Japan)
Recognize this? This was the update scheme 7 years ago. But whatever you put on the page, STICK TO IT! I can't emphasize this enough. For all I care you take an extra week to process the numbers (which I don't recommend because the fast numbers are one of the most important reasons people check them), but stick to your schedule!
I support this site and will continue to do so. My intention isn't too badmouth you or the site, I hope I'm not coming over that way. I do it because I am a fan and long time visitor. And I really want this site to be good.
Kind regards,
Zuhyc
Edit: Quite some members complain about a malfunctioning mobile version of the site and the broken game database. The first should be on top of the to do list as well.
