As you all are aware, I’ve been suffering from some burnout lately, and it’s affected the site somewhat. While there are a number of reasons for the burnout, there’s a particular issue related to the website itself. The truth is, I’ve lost a lot of my interest in DC Universe Classics.
This shouldn’t be taken as a criticism against the toy line itself, although the upcoming price hike would have forced me to re-evaluate collecting the line anyway. It’s really just a natural change of interest (for instance, for whatever reason, recently I’ve become more into Hellboy and horror toys).
I’m still committed to providing you with plenty of DCUC information here on the site, and your MOTUC and other toy news will remain unchanged (and I may focus on Ghostbusters a little more closely, as I’m starting to get really excited about that line). Where this will most cause an issue for the site is reviews. Since I’m not as interested in DCUC, I won’t be collecting many of the figures, and therefore, I won’t be able to review them.
As of right now, all the reviews on this website have been my own. So the question becomes: would you rather I simply review whatever other toys I’m buying, or would you be interested in reading Poe-approved guest reviews?
I have mixed feelings on guest reviews. I know I tend to be less interested in guest reviews on Michael Crawford‘s site (despite having written a number of them myself). I realize that’s unfair, too, since a good number of the guest reviewers are quite good. But after reading hundreds of MC’s reviews, I’ve come to know where my own likes and dislikes and those of MC’s converge and diverge, so I have a good sense of how much I’d like a particular figure when I read one of his reviews.
However, other sites–such as OAFE–already have a number of different reviewers, rendering the “guest” review issue moot.
And finally, there’s one more thing to consider. While I recognize how popular the reviews on this site are (judging from the Web traffic), I don’t really consider this a review website; reviewing is just one more feature I do, and that only occasionally. The regularity of my DCUC reviews were owing solely to the fact that I was buying them, rather than any systematic effort (you’ll note there are no reviews of variants I was uninterested in, like unmasked Batman Beyond or classic Sinestro).
However, perhaps you don’t all share my feelings on guest reviews. Furthermore, if I open up the site to guest reviews, it would allow for reviews of stuff other than whatever I happen to be interested in–such as G.I. Joe, Transformers, more NECA stuff, and so forth.
So let me put it to a vote, or rather, a poll (see the sidebar). Once again, you can help determine the future of PGPoA.
Again, let me reiterate: my loss of interest in DCUC is just a natural change, unreflective of the relative quality of the line. I’m more fickle than some of you, I realize that (and much, much less fickle than some others, too). And I think–or at least hope–I’ve managed to develop this website enough that you come here for more than just one particular toyline.
Whatever happens, I want to thank you all for being such a great community. OB1 and I are working on a couple new features for the website to reward your participation (here’s where I’d add “stay tuned!” if I didn’t absolutely loathe that phrase).
Poe
Thanks all for your support (except for HarmsWay, I suppose, but hey, he’s entitled to his opinion).
I guess I thought there would be more support for DCUC, but maybe I’m just getting off the bandwagon at the same time as everyone else.
As for guest reviews, I’ll start mulling it over, but I think right now what I’m leaning toward is choosing a handful of people to do regular reviews (probably of a specific line). If that’s something you think you’d be interested in, feel free to shoot me an email.
Dark Angel
OMG, Poe! You have your very own troll! This is a really big moment in the life of a website, y'know… 😉
Templar
POE, do NOT be bothered by the comments from HarmsWay…..as I've said before, we can all agree to disagree here; still I don't know why this person would slag you off like that ??!! In the end, you keep on doing what you love, and we'll still appreciate any interesting bit you can share with your signature wit, candor & enthusiasm……..
finkrod
Like Mr. Reed says, I can get news anywhere. What I like is people giving their honest opinion on toys, without a bunch of hyperbole.
Philip Reed
A dozen different sites can have a dozen different points of view on reviews and even the news. I like reading different sites, even if they review the exact same thing, for that very reason.
Sites that post press releases without comment aren’t any fun. Part of what I like about this site is Poe’s personality and thoughts; I can’t get that if Poe is burned out and stops updating the site. If getting guest reviewers — and reviews of anything Poe likes — keeps the site something Poe can continue updating and be passionate about then that’s a good thing.
Scott
The way I see it, this site is primarily for Poe's entertainment (not sure that's exactly the right word, but you should get the idea). He should do whatever he wants. The moment he starts writing about things he doesn't care about, the whole thing becomes a chore.
For everyone else, if you're interested in whatever topic Poe is writing about, read it. If you're not, don't. It's that simple.
Wes Grogan
Yo Poe, you keep writing and I'll keep showing up. Whether it's DCUC reviews or anything else, follow your interest and I'll be able to at least give it a shot and see if I'm interested as well. Forget people like HarmsWay and do what works for you. Always the best way to go.
PrfktTear
@FinkRod: LOL-ERCOPTER