09tarheel said: I think that is an interesting question and one I have wondered myself. I think Brett/ioi smartly used the popularity of VGChartz to help launch the other site features (gamrconnect/feed/review), so that the VGChartz network can still thrive even if VGChartz (the sales number portion of the site) becomes irrelevant because of digital downloads. Although, I would love to see the site start tracking digital sales and have that be the future of VGChartz. |
Fully agree
The site in itself has gone way past just being a sales site. But that was the draw card at first. Nowadays though the sales discussions and even the sales data itself has become less important. I think we could attribute that to the end of this generation's "fanboy war".
I feel the sites strong point is truly it's community. I mean the users on this site is what i think seperates it from the other sites which in comaprison seem generic. Their is a great established user base, and even a newer poster will quickly pcik up on the various personas in the forums. The funny guys, the serious guys, the asssholes etc, etc. And also which camp they belong too lol :P. The truly great thing about this is the trust and reputation that prevails users and posters. For example if someone starts a topic on a certain issue and an established user who is know for level headed responses comes in and says something then you kinda know its credible its genuine. This is also gives leway for more divisive opinions as establised members can bend the rules, making a more open forum.
And its the website that facilitates the users to have sketched out personas. Sigs, avatars, game collections, currently playing, also the idea of gamer points etc..great features which encourages activity. Not to mention the interactive threads like the VGChartz fantasy sales game
(which i think is a great great effort on your part 09tarheel).
Other parts of the website is growing as well, perhaps a bit slowly though, like gamrtv and gamrfeed (gamrfeed and opinion pieces i think we have gone backwards on that ), reviews have also gone on my list of reviews which i actual give credit to and make sure i give it a read.
Not for one second do i doubt the viability of VGChartz as a gaming website. I think its nicely poised to become a great one which doesnt needs sales. But sales is stil a big part of its features and thats what ive been thinking about.
Would be great if we could get some of the important guys up in here with some foresight and their plans 