Here's my opinion if anyone cares...
Group Buys take a lot of time and work. GB Hosts make money. Some make a little, some make a lot. Some do free ones from time to time and make nothing. (I know cause of I've done it plenty of times) But no one does free ones forever as its just too much work to continually sustain without burnout. Let's not forget about tax implications for those of us who play by all the rules. You cannot do everything for free forever.
A GB Host works with the retailer to obtain copies. If anyone feels a GB Host is doing the Company a disservice then they should complain to that Company. Not saying you cant speak your mind here as that's what a forum is for as well. Just saying that moaning on HDN many times is not enough to change something as opposed to complaining to the retailer.
The sad fact is you will find out that many retailers (the smaller ones) may not care as much. I'm not finger pointing at any one retailer, but I've had first hand information in this segment for a long time now. So I know exactly what I'm talking about even if I'm not coming right out and saying it. If you want juicy geek speak then you can show up at this year's Mondo Con and buy me a beer.
Most people who join Group Buys realize there is some sort of fee on top. Most are fine with that for the simple peace of mind knowing they have their copies secured.
In a perfect world there would be no group buys and all retailers would ship world wide like Zavvi. That's what I would like. But ... that will never happen.
In regards to Aniv, if he is truly doing something wrong then that judgment would come from Nova. If Nova knows and doesn't like it then action will be taken. But if Aniv is operating within the rules of his relationship with Nova then thats what it is. You like it or dont, and if you don't then just like any buying decision you make in life you either choose to support it or not.
I've always known there was gonna come days like this in regards to Aniv. I know of many resellers who double as Group Buy Hosts. People from other sites, here, etc. Most of them resell "in the shadows" so the majority of folks never know. Aniv has been pretty transparent and often times blunt. Some will respect him for being transparent and others will want to raise up their pitch forks. And since his competitors obviously don't like what is going on there will always be agendas. There will be fans, there will be haters ... but that comes with that territory.
I will always have the stance that I want the community of HDN to always have the ability to obtain the items they want here on HDN. Options and choices that then the members choose. If a person decides to try and use HDN and the fine members of this community then at that point you can surely guess that they will no longer have my resources and support.
In closing please everyone never post out people's personal information. It's just wrong especially in the time we are living in. If you feel like you have discovered something that is wrong then you are free to bring it up to myself or staff who may have further knowledge to piece things together and see if any action needs to be taken. If you think its something in regards to retailers then perhaps its best to talk to the retailer.
If I say a GB has 100 copies allocated that is what it will actually I went a little above the 100 I had allocated since people joining the GB are regulars and I decided to give out few more than originally promised.
(love the term geek speak)
that would be cool)
