Video Updates are great, but are they really needed?

Bill · Post by **Bill** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:21 pm

Okay, here's an interesting question for you. I'm sure most of you have seen the new video updates that are on the main UD.com homepage.

They're great updates, I'll admit, but...

As you know, Luke is always complaining about bandwidth issues on the site. And that bandwidth isn't primarialy generated from these forums, it's from the actual site. These new videos in particular are almost (or are more) than one megabyte a piece. That's a huge file size, especially for a host that complains of bandwidth issues.

The material in the actual videos isn't really new material, and it's nothing that couldn't be typed and just posted with in-line photos that would have a much smalled bandwidth size. The last update was entirely photos... it didn't have any scenes from the movies or anything like that. It was entirely un-necessary from a bandwidth standpoint. It could have been said just as well, if not better, if only text and photos were used on a webpage.

If you're as sick as I am about everyone complaining about bandwidth issues, then I'd advise you to comment here that the videos, while they are great, are just not really necessary and aren't worth the bandwidth.

I'm not the owner of the site, I'm not affiliated with the site, and I'm not really anything here except a member. But I do own my own site and I know about bandwidth issues, and I've offered Luke my bandwidth countless times to use for his own content. He's refused every single time. And now he is adding these videos to the site. All I can say is that there should be no more complaints on his, nor anyone else's part about bandwidth. These gigantic videos are being hosted on his server, and that is where the bandwidth issues will get bad.

Anyway, maybe I'm taking this a little too far, but I think there's a point where you're going to begin to care about your site that you post at, and sometimes the members can know more than the webmaster or owner, and actually help them out. Not just through money, but through advice.

Your thoughts?

Isidour · Post by **Isidour** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:26 pm

Maybe reducing a little bit the size of the videos or gettin a "side-page" just for them--I don´t know how hard it´s but I have heard about it--

Post by **Luke** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:29 pm

Your feedback is appreciated, but it's very much misinformed and mostly a repeat of what you've complained about in the other thread. If you don't like the videos, you don't have to view them. They're not a waste of bandwidth, because they're content. And they're not gigantic files actually, each has been under a MB and added very minimally to our daily bandwidth consumption. If you don't like them, you're more than welcome not to view them. Just like if you don't like the site, you're more than welcome not to visit.

Enough bandwidth is being saved each day by ending the remote-hosting to create a different video every day. Bandwidth concerns aren't going to dictate content, but they can dictate fun-and-games or options on the forum that can just as easily be carried out through e-mail or somewhere else.

Bill · Post by **Bill** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:37 pm

Well, I only think you should be a little nicer to your users, and not drive them crazy on bandwidth concerns all the time.

Bandwidth shouldn't be an issue that users need to deal with on a site.

And I know I'm not alone when I say that some users are sick of hearing about your bandwidth issues. I've even offered my host to you as a place to host your images. You declined, or never responded. I don't know why. Perhaps you never forgive anyone for things they've done in the past.

I think you'll find that I'm rather different now. I suppose I'm trying to mend ways that have happend in the past. I don't like it when a webmaster doesn't like me, won't reply to me, and refuses everything I try to give to them.

Perhaps all I ask is that you accept my apoligy for my ways of the past, and accept me as a new person.

AwallaceUNC · Post by **AwallaceUNC** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 1:38 pm

Bill wrote:As you know, Luke is always complaining about bandwidth issues on the site.

No. He isn't always complaining. In fact, I've never seen him complain. He only advises the rest of the board on what's going on so they know why we sometimes run out of bandwith, and ways in which that could be solved since he's paying out of his own pocket and can't give us unlimited bandwith. And just about every decision that's been made to reduce bandwith has undergone a site poll and opinion process.

Bill wrote:And that bandwidth isn't primarialy generated from these forums, it's from the actual site.

Hmm, that may be true (though I don't know how you'd know what the current stats are). Even so, as Luke said, the site is vital content, whereas a lot of frivolity can go on in the boards.

Bill wrote:The material in the actual videos isn't really new material, and it's nothing that couldn't be typed and just posted with in-line photos that would have a much smalled bandwidth size. The last update was entirely photos... it didn't have any scenes from the movies or anything like that. It was entirely un-necessary from a bandwidth standpoint. It could have been said just as well, if not better, if only text and photos were used on a webpage.

Better? No way. Maybe it's unnecessary from a bandwith standpoint (and that can be said for many things), but from a coolness standpoint, it's not at all. I for one think it brings a lot of character to the site.

Bill wrote:I'm not the owner of the site, I'm not affiliated with the site, and I'm not really anything here except a member.

Bingo.

Bill wrote:But I do own my own site and I know about bandwidth issues,

Owning your own site (and many, many people own their own websites, myself and many members here included) doesn't qualify your understanding of bandwith more than anyone else who has read about it or has had it explained to them.

Bill wrote:I've offered Luke my bandwidth countless times to use for his own content. He's refused every single time. And now he is adding these videos to the site. All I can say is that there should be no more complaints on his, nor anyone else's part about bandwidth. These gigantic videos are being hosted on his server, and that is where the bandwidth issues will get bad.

The fact that your offers have been turned down in no way gives you the right to dictate what should and should not be complained about or what should be included on Luke's website.

Bill wrote:If you're as sick as I am about everyone complaining about bandwidth issues, then I'd advise you to comment here that the videos, while they are great, are just not really necessary and aren't worth the bandwidth.

If you're that sick of it, then I'd advise you not to come around as much.

Bill wrote:Anyway, maybe I'm taking this a little too far,

You are.

Bill wrote:but I think there's a point where you're going to begin to care about your site that you post at

Let us know when you get there.

Bill wrote:Well, I only think you should be a little nicer to your users, and not drive them crazy on bandwidth concerns all the time.

Luke is as kind as they come (heck, he's even nominated for Friendliest/Kindest Member of the Year), and I don't see that he's driven anyone crazy. You, on the other hand...

Bill wrote:Bandwidth shouldn't be an issue that users need to deal with on a site.

Your incessant and completely unnecessary/unwanted complaining is a far bigger waste of bandwith than any content on the front page.

-Aaron

RJKD23 · Post by **RJKD23** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 1:50 pm

Luke wrote:Your feedback is appreciated, but it's very much misinformed and mostly a repeat of what you've complained about in the other thread. If you don't like the videos, you don't have to view them. They're not a waste of bandwidth, because they're content.

Quite simple as that.

No offense Bill, but your posts have been...coming off as offensive and condescending.

I could do the same with your posts: I don't like them, and I try not to read them...but apparently, I'm not the only one affected by them.

I'm backing up everything Aaron wrote when breaking down your post. No complaints, and it's straight to the point.

This is after all a DISNEY related forum...and I don't think DISNEY promotes such negativity.

I don't mean to come off as rude...but sheesh.

snowhite8 · Post by **snowhite8** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 2:04 pm

Well, I for one am very offended. I don't offend easily. I work very hard on these updates and I am very proud of them. Not only is it not your concern on how this website is run, it's also not your concern how bandwidth is being used. I will let you know that, as far as bandwidth goes, I host the clip from my site a majority of the time. Luke hosted last week so we could monitor the webstats (my hosting service doesn't provide indepth web traffic data) and today, if you check...it is hosted by myself. But furthermore, I don't even know why I am discussing this, because as I said and you also pointed out, it's not your site. If you don't like how it is run, then don't visit it.

Thank you Aaron and RJKD23 for your support! I appreciate that you enjoy them. At this point, I don't see them stopping anytime soon.

RJKD23 · Post by **RJKD23** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 2:10 pm

snowhite8 wrote:Thank you Aaron and RJKD23 for your support! I appreciate that you enjoy them. At this point, I don't see them stopping anytime soon.[/i]

And I don't think you should! I know that video took time and work to make too!
The video was entertaining and definitely adds a spark to UD.com!

And yesterday, Renata and MMP were debating on whether or not she'd be in the video update...ahh, I can't wait to see what MMP has to say!

can there be a rule that from now on...

anything NEGATIVE you feel you have to say, should just...hmm, i dunno..stay in your head?

I'm sure people appreciate "FEEDBACK" but not that type that puts you down without being "NICE" about it.

*ahem, Bill*

P.S. I'm slightly sorry for expressing my opinion on the FEEDBACK part of the forum.

AwallaceUNC · Post by **AwallaceUNC** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 2:10 pm

Boo-ya! Snowwhite8, your updates are awesome, and your hard work is appreciated. Renata's appearance this week was an added plus. Keep up the good work!

-Aaron

BrandonH · Post by **BrandonH** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 11:09 am

I think the video updates are a good alternative method of keeping up with DVD news and releases. However, I prefer to use the news and upcoming releases sections of the website.

In the end, nothing about UD is strictly "necessary," but all of it is used by somebody for some purpose, so I'm just as happy to see them continue.

Jens · Post by **Jens** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 11:36 am

I think the Video updates are very original, but I don't really enjoy them too much. Nothing towards snowwhite8 and pinkrenata, but it's probably because of the over-excited American talk which we don't have here in Europe. It just looks a little fake and forced, but I'm sure that Americans are more familiar with that kind of announcing like on American TV. But that doesn't take away that I think the video updates are very original!

I don't agree with RJKD23 about the feedback filtering that he wants. A feedback forum can both have negative and positive feedback IMO. Bill didn't really post all of this to offence anybody, I'm sure. As long as it stays this way, I think the outing of his opinion is a good thing to do. However, this is and will stay Luke's site and he doesn't have to listen to Bill if he doesn't want to. That is his FULL right.

RJKD23 · Post by **RJKD23** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 11:42 am

Jens wrote:I don't agree with RJKD23 about the feedback filtering that he wants. A feedback forum can both have negative and positive feedback IMO. Bill didn't really post all of this to offence anybody, I'm sure. As long as it stays this way, I think the outing of his opinion is a good thing to do. However, this is and will stay Luke's site and he doesn't have to listen to Bill if he doesn't want to. That is his FULL right.

RJKD23 is a girl.
Just wanted you to know.

I know that you Jens are a guy.

Maybe I just took Bill's words wrong:

"As you know, Luke is always complaining about bandwidth issues on the site."

"The material in the actual videos isn't really new material, and it's nothing that couldn't be typed and just posted with in-line photos that would have a much smalled bandwidth size."

"Well, I only think you (Luke) should be a little nicer to your users, and not drive them crazy on bandwidth concerns all the time. "

Yea...that's it.

I just took his words in the wrong way. Maybe because his (Bill's) wording sounded like he's right&correct and on top of things.

But I apologize, Jens, if I mentioned & promoted feedback filtering on a feedback forum.

Jens · Post by **Jens** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 12:32 pm

Thank you for that sarcastic message! (altough I think it was

) Sorry about thinking you are a guy!

I'm not picking any side here. I think both Bill and Luke have their good points, but Luke will always win anyway as this IS his site. I do agree that not everything Bill posted sounded so friendly, but that's just probably how he states his opinion. Stating an opinion is not wrong, but you better know who's "above" you, and how to talk to that person. Right now it's Luke that is pulling the strings

MickeyMouseboy · Post by **MickeyMouseboy** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 12:56 pm

Jens wrote:I think the Video updates are very original, but I don't really enjoy them too much. Nothing towards snowwhite8 and pinkrenata, but it's probably because of the over-excited American talk which we don't have here in Europe. It just looks a little fake and forced, but I'm sure that Americans are more familiar with that kind of announcing like on American TV. But that doesn't take away that I think the video updates are very original!

I agree with you as well. I like them but like you said in Europe we dont have the over excited voice lol the fake excited voice doesn't do anything for me either lol while i commend Showwhite8 and Pinkie Winkie for their hard work the updates don't do much for me but i'll still view them to support the cause! now.....

to Bill:

Maybe Luke would agree to use your bandwidth if you wouldnt have try to take over the site on a summer day in the past!

If i was Luke i won't agree or take your generosity again. Can you blame him for not letting the psycho professor von drake take over again? anyways like snowwhite8 said if she's hosting her own videos who really cares. I don't since money doesn't come out of my pocket for it. and if the site goes down there's other sites i can go to till the site is up again. that might sound heartless but it's the truth.....It's Luke's decision what he puts on his site since it's his money if I was putting money on the case then im sure i would have some saying on how i want my money managed just like a shareholder but since im not i keep my mouth shut!

RJKD23 · Post by **RJKD23** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:11 pm

Jens wrote:Thank you for that sarcastic message! (altough I think it was ) Sorry about thinking you are a guy!

I'm not picking any side here. I think both Bill and Luke have their good points, but Luke will always win anyway as this IS his site. I do agree that not everything Bill posted sounded so friendly, but that's just probably how he states his opinion. Stating an opinion is not wrong, but you better know who's "above" you, and how to talk to that person. Right now it's Luke that is pulling the strings

---eeeek....sorry it came out that way!

didn't intend for it too!

Jens, I have nothing against you and hope it's mutual!

*insert a smiley icon with a 'peace' sign*

ZOOMBOOM0688 · Post by **ZOOMBOOM0688** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 9:14 pm

Bill wrote: The material in the actual videos isn't really new material, and it's nothing that couldn't be typed and just posted with in-line photos that would have a much smalled bandwidth size.

The videos may not have any "new" information but I like them because they get me excited about the DVD releases. Also I agree with awallaceunc, Luke never complains and I would be offened too if I were snowhite8 because she worked hard on the videos you said said it was a waste of space. I love this website and I'm glad that it's getting new features. Like everyone said if you don't like it don't watch it.

AwallaceUNC · Post by **AwallaceUNC** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:52 pm

Jens, I think we all agree that negative feedback is welcome and appreciated so long as it's constructive.. Bill's is meant to tear down, divide, and offend- and promote his own site in the process. It's all he ever does, at this board or anywhere else... just read his post history. This thread itself went beyond the means of normal criticism.

Not directed at anyone in particular, but I also don't see the need to say you don't like it just for the sake of it.

-Aaron

Bill · Post by **Bill** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 11:00 pm

MickeyMouseboy wrote:To Bill:

Maybe Luke would agree to use your bandwidth if you wouldnt have try to take over the site on a summer day in the past! If i was Luke i won't agree or take your generosity again. Can you blame him for not letting the psycho professor von drake take over again?

Okay MMB, I took that as an attack on me. So now, I'm going to defend myself.

Luke has made some poor decisions in the running of this site. Judging by the amount of times it has been hacked, I must say that he's not on top of things. And if I remember correctly, the reason Luke left my server was because the forums were hacked there. I warned Luke after that attack about hosting his own forums, and about security. I studied security for a long while after that. Luke refused to believe that the forums were actually hacked, blamed me for the dump of his forums (and my entire forums as well I might add) and he decided to start these forums. Magical Ears hasn't been hacked ever since. This site was down like 2 or 3 months ago because Luke was too lazy to update his own forum software that he was using. And from what I gather by talking to other users here, this has happened multiple times here. So please, don't tell me that Luke left because of crazy VonDrake. There was nothing crazy about VonDrake at all.

If you want to talk about VonDrake, then you need to know what actually happened.

I've been trying to teach Luke about copyright and security for YEARS now. He has been ignorant enough to totally throw my advice in the garbage. I even demonstrated to him how I could totally take all the content of UD in one easy click. He was not amused, and he took it the wrong way and said I was trying to steal his content (which I was not, I have plenty of my own content.)

Now, I realize that this isn't my site, and I do respect Luke for creating such a nice site. But when you tell me that I'm a crazy VonDrake, I will defend myself.

--End Rant directed at MMB--

And I also apologize to snowhite8 and pinkrenata. It was not my place to come in here and yap about bandwidth problems. I was mis-informed and I was under the impression that Luke was the one who was complaining about bandwidth all the time. It seems that is not the case. And I never meant anything bad about your videos. I actually like the videos myself. I was only looking at it from a bandwidth stand point, not a content or creative standpoint. Your videos do have creative value, if I do say so myself. So, I hope you accept my apology.

I also apologize to Luke for the way I've been acting about this issue. I ask that he humbly accept my apoligy.

And finally...

awallaceunc wrote:Bill's is meant to tear down, divide, and offend- and promote his own site in the process. It's all he ever does, at this board or anywhere else... just read his post history. This thread itself went beyond the means of normal criticism.

That is not how I view it, and if it came across that way, I'm sorry. Perhaps my tone just seems rather negative. I'm sorry. Now that I read what I wrote, it does sound negative. Though I'm not sure where you got the promotion of my site from... Anyway, I'm sorry for the semi-negative tone. That WAS my fault. I sincerely apologize for that.

Anyway, that's all I really have to say. Take it as you will.

AwallaceUNC · Post by **AwallaceUNC** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 12:01 am

You personally attack Luke, even including name-calling, and then apologize in the same post?

-Aaron

lolopimp · Post by **lolopimp** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 11:50 am

awallaceunc wrote:You personally attack Luke, even including name-calling, and then apologize in the same post?

-Aaron

Can you let it go? Leave the man alone, Bill apologized didn't he? If you don't want to read any other "nehative" posts on the site then you should really drop this discussion. I understand many of you are offended by his posts but I don't think he intended to hurt anyone. Is there any way there could be peace in this forum? Come on, put your differences aside and let Luke do what he thinks is right for UD, shall we?

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Video Updates are great, but are they really needed?

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