Important Announcement

[gstark]

About a month ago I was approached by Maxwell's who had realised the value of this site in terms of providing a high level of responsive customer support to their clients, but at an attractively low operational cost to them.

After much discussion and negotiation, an agreement has been reached and I am thrilled to announce that, effective immediately, these forums will become known as the Maxwell D70 Users Support Forums.

This will, no doubt, become an avenue to providing us with even greater benefits than we have come to know.

Maxwell's official press release can be found here, and further details may be obtained by calling (02) 9386 4084.

While the face may change, the same friendly people and atmosphere should prevail, so I encourage you to stick around and have some fun.


Anniversary Questionnaire:
Microsoft Word (doc)
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) (Thanks to jdear)

OK ...

Everything should be back to normal now. It is for me, at any rate.

For those who want to see what the "new" forum looked like, please visit this site.

I sincerely hope that we've not upset too many of you in this merriment.

[MCWB]

Rule of the almighty dollar, I suppose.
Of all the communities on the web, I least expected this
Forum to be the one to sell out. Oh well, your
Loss I suppose: people will leave in their droves.
My personal opinion is that this is
A poor move, and may well be the death
Of our lovely little forum.

Geez, this really caught me by surprise.
At least you could have discussed it with the
Regulars first? But there wouldn't be as many $$ in that...
Your choice, I guess you'll have to live with the consequences.

Looks like Maxwell's smart! I guess I'll be
Off to scour some other, non-commercialised forums...
Long live dpreview!

[Glen]

MCWB, you cant stand in the way of progress!!!

[MCWB]

If this is progress Glen, I'll eat my hat.

Long gone are the days when corporations could actually
Operate successfully and give back to a community. Call me
Very cynical, but why the sudden change of heart from Maxwell?
Ever since the year dot they've ripped the Aussie consumer off.

The fact that they want a piece of this place therefore
Has me very suspicious. I mean for starters,
I shudder to think how long it will take before they discover the
Splendid Maxwell-avoidance system we have in the Bargains section.

Fancy the consequences when they find
Out? They aren't going to change their modus operandi (i.e.
Rip off the Aussies), so what real good is their support? It's up to
Us, the forum members, to make sure
Maxwell is kept the hell away from this site.

[MattC]

Now why would d70users get into bed with the devil???? Time to reconsider membership???

Cheers

Matt

[gstark]

I was wondering what sort of reaction we'd get.

Please accept that the agreement we've sculpted with Maxwell is nothing like a sellout. There will be some significant benefits that will follow.

For you, the members.

And, unfortunately, it's the nature of these sorts of negotiations that they must remain confidential, so unfortunately you couldn't be brought into my confidence until today.

[BBJ]

Well i woke upto this new change as well, maybe would have been nice to have known about it before it happend or at least put to a vote. But thems the breaks i guess. I wonder if this will change our standing with Poon and the great service we have had,is this all coming to an end? and are Maxwell going to monopolise what we do here or are we just a way to get them more business by having there name on front page. Who knows and well what benifits do we get from them?
Shocked

[Raydar]

Man!!!!!!
Haven’t things changed around here??
I logged in on a mates laptop from out in the bush & thought I had the wrong site.
I’ll stand by your decision Gary; I think it could only be good for the community.
But a discussion on the subject would have been appropriate in this mater I think!!!!!
Do Birdys good prices still rain???

Cheers
Ray

[gstark]

Well i woke upto this new change as well, maybe would have been nice to have known about it before it happend or at least put to a vote. But thems the breaks i guess. I wonder if this will change our standing with Poon and the great service we have had,is this all coming to an end? and are Maxwell going to monopolise what we do here or are we just a way to get them more business by having there name on front page. Who knows and well what benifits do we get from them?
Shocked

Good questions, John, and I can assure you, none of that will change.

It's all good.

[BBJ]

Ok Gary, well yes i would hope that this change would not step on anyones toes, lets hope.ok 10 mins to get to work start 5.30 will check later.

[birddog114]

I was very surprised this morning when I first logged onto this forrum with Maxwell background! Not very impress and I didn't expect it happened to suddenly.
What make we have the Maxwell support for? and is this a good move?

[birddog114]

Now, perhaps we have to pack up and move!
I like and would like to support the forum cos it has the independence, democracy and much more desire to come with other members as comrade and I wish it lives long as it can, it seems to me all of these will be gone soon.

[gstark]

Birddog,

You know how I am about my independance, and that is one thing that was simply not negotiable.

As I said, the feel, fit and comfort of this place will not change. That's one thing I can absolutely guarantee for you.

[birddog114]

Birddog,

You know how I am about my independance, and that is one thing that was simply not negotiable.

As I said, the feel, fit and comfort of this place will not change. That's one thing I can absolutely guarantee for you.

Gary,
Change or not change in my position is not my critical issues. The things make me annoying are I did not see or expecting any suddenly change wiithout any concerning of our members and I can't foreseeing any benefits for our members in dealing with Maxwell once we're in bed with them.
I know this is your private site and you have the right to choose whom to work with, I found and came to this forum cos I found the democracy and independence of it same as the spirits we had built in the last 8 months without any integration of other corporate and would like to give to each member within my abilty all my experiences and past learning as I expected it will be last long than this.
It's all yours Gary!

[kipper]

Has anybody realised it's April 1st?

You've all been had!

[sheepie]

Perhaps Maxwell will now maintain our imported equipment?

hrrmmmmm

Interesting move Gary - and somewhat out of the blue (although I guess you have been in talks for some time). Not sure of my reaction as yet. A lot will depend on the ability of this site to remain the same sort of community it has been up until this point. I kind of worry about that.

Looking forward to seeing the 'benefits'.

One thing I would like to voice disapproval of at this stage is the apparant full incorporation into Maxwells site, to the extent that our site becomes difficult to read even on a 1024 screen. The columns become quite narrow on the main page. Sure - a link (even prominent) to Maxwells maybe, but to still have their Products and Nikon Club stuff on the sides detracts from this site. Am hoping this is only a teething issue

Don't get me wrong - I will continue to support this community while it provides the same comradery (sp?) as in the past. And I do see this action as your absolute right as creator of this forum. I trust your actions.
I just hope others do not see this as too negative a move and those things which have made the community what it is become neutralised.

Regards,

Leon.

[sheepie]

Has anybody realised it's April 1st?

You've all been had!

Ouch! I hope so!

I also wish I'd realised before being dragged into the pool!


arrrgggghhhhhh!

[kipper]

I'll repeat it again. April 1st

Well I'm hoping it is, because the front page is damn right awful and I can't see how any website would want to retain something so disgusting
For some reason I don't think Gary would of done this without discussing it with the rest of the admins/moderators and also Birddog. So for Birddog to come on here claiming what a shock it is, is a big suprise to me.

[sheepie]

I have a word for Gary if this an April 1 prank - I think I'll be banned if I say it though!

[MCWB]

Kipper, shhh! People need to read my posts more carefully... from top to bottom...

[sheepie]

Last time I log on with sleep still in my eyes!

[gstark]

Perhaps Maxwell will now maintain our imported equipment?

That, in fact, was one of my primary negotiating points. While they were able to see the value of this forum, they were also able to recognise the damage that they were doing to themselves in the areas of service and pricing.

We made some good ground in this regard.

Interesting move Gary - and somewhat out of the blue (although I guess you have been in talks for some time). Not sure of my reaction as yet. A lot will depend on the ability of this site to remain the same sort of community it has been up until this point. I kind of worry about that.

One thing about me is that I am fiercely independant. There's no way that will ever change.

One thing I would like to voice disapproval of at this stage is the apparant full incorporation into Maxwells site, to the extent that our site becomes difficult to read even on a 1024 screen. The columns become quite narrow on the main page. Sure - a link (even prominent) to Maxwells maybe, but to still have their Products and Nikon Club stuff on the sides detracts from this site. Am hoping this is only a teething issue

Yep. That will be rectified later today. We couldn't do too much because of the live database.

]Don't get me wrong - I will continue to support this community while it provides the same comradery (sp?) as in the past. And I do see this action as your absolute right as creator of this forum. I trust your actions.
I just hope others do not see this as too negative a move and those things which have made the community what it is become neutralised.

I knew that this was going to be a controversial decision, but I do feel it's for the best. Certainly in the longer term.

[gstark]

I'll repeat it again. April 1st

Well I'm hoping it is, because the front page is damn right awful and I can't see how any website would want to retain something so disgusting
For some reason I don't think Gary would of done this without discussing it with the rest of the admins/moderators and also Birddog. So for Birddog to come on here claiming what a shock it is, is a big suprise to me.

Unfortunately, the confidentiality required during the commercial negotiations precluded me from telling anyone about this.

That became evident very early in the process, and believe me, it was very difficult to keep myself from sharing with you what was going on.

[mudder]

Woahhhhh.... wot happened... I thought I stuffed up and went to the wrong site... Just having my first coffee on a DAY OFF and nearly splurted my coffee out when I saw this come up!!!

The same people are here, hopefully the same friendly threads and responses... Hopefully nothing will change... Maybe there'll even be benefits being under the "maxwell" wing???

Let's not assume things will go downhill, it's up to us, the members to keep it the same friendly place...

Cheers,
Mudder

[JordanP]

Maxwell's official press release can be found here, and further details may be obtained by calling (02) 9386 4084.

Hi Gary,

Waiting and watching to see how this all develops, but I did notice when I followed the link suggested above, while there were some press releases from Maxwell, I saw nothing about this merger

cheers,

[MCWB]

Waiting and watching to see how this all develops, but I did notice when I followed the link suggested above, while there were some press releases from Maxwell, I saw nothing about this merger

Maybe call them about it on that number?

[gstark]

Maxwell's official press release can be found here, and further details may be obtained by calling (02) 9386 4084.

Hi Gary,

Waiting and watching to see how this all develops, but I did notice when I followed the link suggested above, while there were some press releases from Maxwell, I saw nothing about this merger

cheers,

Craig,

Did you perhaps try calling the number I mentioned? I've noticed that too; maybe a few calls there will wake them up!

[MHD]

You must have been working hard on this one Gary

I must admit I had a bit of a shock waking up....

and THAT explains why you have a new gold plated 200-400VR

[huynhie]

I can laugh about it now, but I wasn't very happy half an hour ago

[bago100]

Yeah - it's the 1st of April but I don't think this is an April fools day joke

I would have thought there would have been some consultation with some of the very special members of this forum who have put in so much of their time and energy but going by what has been written thus far, it appears there hasn't. These people know who they are and let me say that I feel for you.

You can make all the excuses you like Gary - the simple fact is that is that this forum is no longer independent, no matter how much you want to paint it so. Clearly it is not in Maxwell's commercial interest to support the distribution channel so kindly set up by Birdie and HK Traders.

The deal is done so it's too late now but this is a bad day indeed!


Graham

[gstark]

You must have been working hard on this one Gary

I must admit I had a bit of a shock waking up....

and THAT explains why you have a new gold plated 200-400VR

I wish ....


Not even an Hyundai!

Not even a Sigma!

[Nnnnsic]

You're surprised... what about me?
He wakes me up early for God knows what reason because he thought I said to (I said 8.30 damnit) and then I see this... I mean what the bloody hell is going on here?

I know he was talking about outsourcing for the server for the forum... but this is just plain ridiculous.

I'm not even sure how this was done without me knowing it.

[JordanP]

Did you perhaps try calling the number I mentioned? I've noticed that too; maybe a few calls there will wake them up!

Always a little weary about making calls this time of year.

[stormygirl]

I woke up this morning and thought, "Hmmm, April Fools! What sort of joke can I post on D70?"

Then I find this! I thought I'd come to the wrong site! Time will tell to see what happens! If all is not revealed by midday...the joke's on you Gary.... BTW I'm still half asleep. If I'm not making sense, you'll understand why!

[HappyFotographer]

I know I don't add much to the forum, I try but right now I don't have the time, so my opinion probably means diddly.....

.....but now that I have finished cleaning up my monitor after spraying coffee everywhere I feel cheapened.......I really hope this pans out for you........but I am a bit surprised to hear that not even birddog and Nnnnnsic apparently didn't know.......

I don't know, its early......

Deb

[birddog114]

My sincere appologizes for my rant

I got up early as usual, first logged on to the forum as lurker, I thought I went into the wrong site, clicked again, same thing! my first words: damm it!
I logged on again after nearly one hour later, still the same thing and started to read the thread of NEWS. Then my rant came out from the closet and I typed and submitted.

Gary, you had got me this time I felt like I lost a valuable item in my life which was collected in the past few months, this sentiment came out from my deep heart.
Sorry to all if there's any offence to you! and to Gary: well done and good work! Back to normal life, it's just April 1st moment!

[huynhie]

Birddog,

just mark this date on your calander next year so you wont wake up to another surprise

[Nnnnsic]

It'd be brilliant if someone told me what was going on here.

I can't access the code to change it.

[HappyFotographer]

Kipper, shhh! People need to read my posts more carefully... from top to bottom...

Ah yes, reread your posts, very clever.......

[the foto fanatic]

Kipper, shhh! People need to read my posts more carefully... from top to bottom...

Brilliant use of acronyms, MCWB. I love your work.

[birddog114]

Birddog,

just mark this date on your calander next year so you wont wake up to another surprise

Actually, I got it two years ago! one of my Customers (& my best dear friend) sent me an email with a termination of a contract works which including the delivery of 4 servers and 120 PCs on their company letterhead without any reasons, and the servers + PCs were on the truck and ready to be delivered in the afternoon.

And last couple days, I picked up the April 1st ideas from other customer (friend again), well aware of today's date but missed out something at first sight.

Another learning curve

[huynhie]

Very funny MCWB

[fozzie]

When I woke this morning, I thought leigh had pulled the plug again . Then I saw maxwell.... leading our website address and then I went oh now, what could this mean, and no access, as well as April fool's day. When I got to work all was revealed. Trust that this will not alter any of our previous arrangements.

[Nnnnsic]

Based on an email I'm reading on Dad's machine (sorry Dad), at the Anniversary dinner there'll be both the D70 Users.com banner as well as a Maxwell one.

And by the way, while that joke is old enough (but somehow the South Australians still use it...) that was my plan for April Fools day... well, not so much unplug it, but rather just change it so it couldn't be accessed.

But I've had my access limited so all I can do is surf. This blows.

[birddog114]

When I woke this morning, I thought leigh had pulled the plug again . Then I saw maxwell.... leading our website address and then I went oh now, what could this mean, and no access, as well as April fool's day. When I got to work all was revealed. Trust that this will not alter any of our previous arrangements.

fozzie,
Please don't worry! if Maxwell is joining force with us then we will have FREE workshops at their premise lead by few "famous" photogs as Danny Keeper with the subject " Techniques :How to Rip your customers off", especially at our AA in August.

[birddog114]

And this thread is identical to the tittle of: "The Fight for Independence & Democracy" as in our Viet's community is preparing for our 30th Anniversary of the lost of the South VietNam (30/4).
I would like to maintain the flag (banner) of the D70Users same as my Ex-Viet country flying at full mast anytime, anywhere.

[sirhc55]

An interesting situation: Is it true or not?

Known fact: to use another companies trademark or logo when not authorised to do so is ILLEGAL.

Ipso facto we have joined forces with the enemy, or someone could be in deep s@it

Signed: Albert Einstein III

[huynhie]

It would be even funnier if I logged in to see Canon Australia sponsoring this forum

But then again, that would trigger some suspicion and I would have cought on faster

[Geoff]

Classic - I just called the customer support no. felt like I was calling London . I was like 'what the hell is this' I was too 'angry' to post actually .

Geoff.

[birddog114]

Classic - I just called the customer support no. felt like I was calling London . I was like 'what the hell is this' I was too 'angry' to post actually .

Geoff.

Geoff,
Hope you understand my feeling at first! I'm not saying that I'm a patriot but I don't like to be betrayed as I got it 30 years ago as same our slogan: "Don't leave anyone behind".