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Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to check in with you all about the issues we’ve had regarding the web site. Team McBride got into a room with Ground Ctrl yesterday and we talked about everything that’s come up for about 5 hours. We talked about the complaints we’ve gotten from the fans, we talked about the issues and glitches we had with the web site and fan club and we talked about how we can all work together to make the best experience for each and every one of you fans.
I’ve read comments here on the site that Ground Ctrl is a money grubbing and evil corporation who only cares about the bottom line and not Martina’s fans. I truly don’t think that is a fair assessment at all. There are features that we offered you in the past (being able to friend people and send private messages) which are not a part of the free accounts here on the site any longer, but this is a new system and a new web site so there will be some changes. Some of the changes people will love and some people will hate. We do hope that it falls mainly in the love category, but that is all up to you, the fans.
Everyone agrees that there have been communications breakdowns between those of us on Martina’s team and you fans. You all deserve to know what the free accounts get and what the fan club accounts get. Things will be spelled out more clearly on the web site shortly. We’re also going to work to have a more pointed control of communications with the fans. Here on the forums I’m going to do my best to get you all the information that you need as well as to listen to your concerns and ideas. That’s not to say Eddie or any of the other guys from Ground Ctrl won’t chime in from time to time because they truly want to be a part of the Martina community but they also understand that you and I have built a relationship already. I’ve known a lot of you for ten or fifteen years now and Ground Ctrl understands that.
A lot of the feedback you’ve given us has really helped, whether you believe that or not. While there have been a bunch of technical issues that hit the site over the first 6 weeks I can tell you that it doesn’t come from a lack of effort or a lack of passion. Brent and Vinnie over at Ground Ctrl take their work seriously and take it personally when people criticize their work. Have they deserved some of that criticism? Sure, we all know the launch of the new site wasn’t perfect. But on the other hand, now that the bugs are starting to get fixed and new features added I sincerely hope that you all put some of the same effort into posting positive comments and thanking them for their hard work.
You can believe me when I tell you things behind the scenes have gotten heated at times. I said in the meeting yesterday that I’d be more worried if they NEVER got heated. Martina and John have a team of people around them, Ground Ctrl included, who are passionate about both our jobs and Martina and her music and career. All normal functional families have arguments, they have fights, people yell at each other and they make up. Ground Ctrl is just the newest members of our family and we’re not going to treat them any differently. For the good and the bad they’re now a part of the crazy family that is Team McBride.
As for the specific errors, it would appear that the 404 errors have finally been fixed. The fan club expiration dates are either fixed or in the process of being fixed. There are a few other cosmetic glitches with the site that will be taken care of as well.
As far as the features of being able to add friends and send private messages, that is going to stay a fan club member perk for the foreseeable future. For those of you non-fan club members though we are interested in getting you involved and showing you the perks involved with the fan club so we’re working on getting everyone that was a member of the old Martinaville forums a free three month trial membership to the fan club so you can see what’s going on behind the curtain if you will! Stay tuned for more information on that.
No decision has been made yet, but my suggestion to Ground Ctrl was to shut the feedback section of the forum down. Not because we don’t want the input, but because it seems like it’s a place where it’s way too easy for everything to get a negative tone too quickly. It’s my feeling that I’d rather just post my email address and deal with any issues on a one-on-one basis. I think we can get more done quickly that way and try to keep the forums a place for lively fun discussions about Martina and her music.
I know I’ve heard from a lot of you about this switch over to Ground Ctrl and I appreciate all the positive things I’ve heard about my work here. For 15 years I was the guy that wrote ever line of code on the website and sent out each and every newsletter. It’s an experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of great fans and I’ve been treated as one of the family from Martina and John. I’m looking forward to working with Ground Ctrl to create some great new content for you all and continue to do what I’ve always done, promote Martina to every new person that I can find! That’s really where it all started for me 15 years ago with the first Martina McBride web site and that’s really where I’m still at. Nobody can sing like Martina McBride, nobody - and it’s my goal to help make sure everyone on the planet knows that!
If there’s ever anything I can do to help you promote Martina, please let me know! Friend me up here or on Facebook or Twitter and let’s talk about how we can spread the word. I know I’ve said it for years, but Martina truly has some of the best fans in the business. And in this business that’s what it’s about, the fans. You all make or break and artist, make no mistake about it! We thank each and every one of you for letting us do what we do. Either you rock or you suck, and you guys sincerely ROCK!!
Thanks,
Darren
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My Songs | Twitter | My Blog | Facebook
Replies to This Posting
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RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
I don't remember you from the old Martinaville and that's why I don't accept your anti-change or GC posts as easily as those made by people I remember from the old Martinaville like Kat, Pearl and Amy.
That is about as rude of a thing as I've read on Martina's forums ever. Knock it off Danial.
-Darren
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My Songs | Twitter | My Blog | Facebook
I'm sorry. I'm just tired of reading that people are leaving website because they don't like it. I mean to leave something, you first have to come in and use first. -
RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
I think the feedback room should stay, because otherwise the complaints will just pop up all over. They already do sneak into the Main and Back rooms. People are also less inclined to want to "bother" you, Darren. Which could serve as a nice filter in some cases
, but also prevent real issues from being reported.
Also, when people feel like they are being heard- even if they don't necessarily like the answer- it leads to less malcontent. There's been a real turn around this week in communication of where things stand on both procedural and technical issues, and for the most part, there's been a real change in tone, as a result, that I'm sure everyone appreciates.
In a lot of ways, a totally paid fan club would solve problems. Separate fan sites would just spring up for those who couldn't or didn't want to join. It's the tiered thing on the same site that causes friction. A completely free fan club would cause more trouble than I think anyone wants to deal with.
Daniel, just because people weren't prolific posters on the old forum doesn't mean they weren't "using" it. I don't remember the exact statistic, but it's something like 90-95% of forum traffic across the web is from people who never make a single post. People may now be speaking up because they feel they have something to say. Being so rude to the occasional or new people posting does not do Martina any favors in winning over new fans or retaining old ones.
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RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
My posts are not anti-change - I am not adverse to change...I am just particular in that i prefer my change to be a change for the better or at least a parallel move ...The features and navigation ability of this new web-site was a giant leap backward in my opinion and I voice my opinion in hopes that the changes could be made to make it easier for everybody. Some of the things I would like are personal preference. I am just not gonna hop on the bandwagon like some and be all HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY when that is CLEARLY what the transition was NOT!! I want Martina to have the best web-site, so my opinions are not anti-change so much as pro-Martina...or rather pro her web-site...And please bear in mind that this is all my opinion...yada yada yada, don't try this at home...yada yada yada don't run with scissors yada yada yada and ........
I don't remember you from the old Martinaville and that's why I don't accept your anti-change or GC posts as easily as those made by people I remember from the old Martinaville like Kat, Pearl and Amy.
That is about as rude of a thing as I've read on Martina's forums ever. Knock it off Danial.
-Darren
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My Songs | Twitter | My Blog | Facebook
* OBNOXIOUS, ANNOYING & occasionally AMUSING -
RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Yeah, my posts weren't anti-change either. I think the theory behind the move to GC was an excellent one. It's only the execution I have ever had a problem with. Besides the fact that no one needs permission from anyone else to post whatever they want here, within the forum rules.
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RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Daniel, just because people weren't prolific posters on the old forum doesn't mean they weren't "using" it. I don't remember the exact statistic, but it's something like 90-95% of forum traffic across the web is from people who never make a single post. People may now be speaking up because they feel they have something to say. Being so rude to the occasional or new people posting does not do Martina any favors in winning over new fans or retaining old ones.
I just don't understand the love affair some have with the PM feature. I only use the friend feature because it's the closest thing to an address book we have on forums. -
RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Unfortunately, generally speaking, it wouldn't surprise me if people started walking away from this site anyway, now that GC have decided the social side of the Forum is to be a FC "perk" for the forseeable future. What a real shame that would be!
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My Baby Loves Me Just The Way That I Am!
I don't remember you from the old Martinaville and that's why I don't accept your anti-change or GC posts as easily as those made by people I remember from the old Martinaville like Kat, Pearl and Amy.
Daniel..is that really even a fair way to view a member of the community and how they view and see the site/forum? They are using it in the same fashion we are and see the same things we do. (By we I'm referring to those of us that have been around for years and years) I'm not really sure that how long they were a member in Martinaville is to say they can't see the change to the new forum as good or bad.
I will say that the improvements that have rolled out in the last few days have definitely been a plus. But having to pay to be a fan....from a stand point of change being good or bad IS a big thing to members that lose that privilege in the process. I can't tell you how many artists that I thoroughly enjoy their music and would love to interact with other fans but I'm simply not willing to pay for that. But, I do understand it's a two way street...artists make a living by the "service" they provide.... if my going to concerts, buying merchandise, buying albums, requesting songs, and openly promoting them on Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, etc isn't enough then that fan interaction just isn't worth it to me. Now don't get me wrong, as I DO think the Fan Club option should be available for fans that want the added perks. The presale tickets are awesome, the more one-on-one interaction with the artist like with the recipes, contests, campaigns, blogs, and maybe in the future chats (one can hope) and whatnot with Martina...all great extras worth paying for.
Martina's FC is the only one I've ever been in or will probably ever be in..and I gotta tell ya, I contemplate renewing or not renewing every year it comes due. The bottom line is..fans come and go..sort of the 'ol "out with the old in with the new" mentality. I personally am not giving up on the new forum reaching the same type of family, friendly atmosphere as Martinaville was. And I do truly appreciate that GC (Matt) has taken the time to address threads in the Feedback Room. Really, that's all we've ever wanted or needed..to know things weren't falling on deaf ears...and I think both sides realize they 'hurt' the other with unnecessary comments. Hopefully we're all past that as we move forward....and do you know what next Friday is?! BLACK FRIDAY!
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RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Thanks Darren for keeping us informed and things will get better! It is always frustrating when you change things and they don't quite jive right away.
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RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
After my previous post on here, I would just like to clarify a couple of things:
Firstly, believe it or not, I am not against change. I have only wanted to find out (along with other non FC members) why we were unable to access the "social" features of this new Forum. Darren has explained the current situation, and I am grateful that he took the time to do that. I know Team McBride and GC are doing all they can to make this new site a success for us all - irrespective of whether we're in the FC or not, and for that they deserve to be applauded. They certainly get my vote of thanks!
Secondly, after reading Daniel's comment re. how he's "against completely free fan clubs because that often leads to fan clubs dissolving and going away", I made a generalisation that it wouldn't surprise me if some people walked away from this site anyway, now the "social" features are to be a FC "perk". I meant no disrespect by this - it was a mere observation, and this is why I made it........
It has been stated several times elsewhere on this Forum over the past few weeks that other posters' have noticed a decline in "traffic" on here, compared to Martinaville. It has also been pointed out by others that some of the old "regulars" from there are either conspicuous by their absence, or posting a lot less frequently these days. Perhaps some people have already decided they don't want to bother so much any more. If that's the case, well then it's a shame, isn't it?
I hope that clears up any misconceptions some of you may have had!
Oh, and by the way Daniel, thank you for your very kind and constructive comments which you aimed in my direction.
Perhaps a career in the Diplomatic Service beckons?
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My Baby Loves Me Just The Way That I Am! -
RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Thanks for the explanations Darren.
Nice to read (even if I was bleary-eyed from all that white-on-black! )
Hope you're having a grand time in Moline tonight with Martina and all those BSers.
I remember how disappointed we all were when you were unable to attend the Moline show of two years ago.
Cordially,
Tom
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Give one heart. Get back two.
That's the paradox of I Love You.
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Blessed is the believer who knows love is our Redeemer
And the only breath of life for these times in which we live -
Moderator
RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
I'm glad see such a clear update on how things stand. I've also seen improvements in the site over the past few days. My thought is the feedback room should stay. It seems to finally be serving its' purpose as we're getting some productive two way communication going. Unless, it's a personal problem with another board member I believe it's best for things to be kept open. From the practical side, I'm sure many of us have similar questions or concerns. It would be less time consuming to answer a question once, rather than 20 times via PM or Email.
Regarding the PM/friend matter, I'm still not sure why this is a FC only perk. I absolutely believe that some things should only be for people who pay to join the FC. If this will truly be an incentive for people to join rather than something that people will choose to leave to board over, only time will tell. I still think some consideration should be made for those who are paying FC members, but can no longer PM or add people as friends from the old board because they are not members. It then becomes a perk that has an effect on both those who pay and those who don't.
~I can stand the test of time
And as far as I can see
There are no walls that we can't climb
Standin' between you and me~ -
RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
I don't remember you from the old Martinaville and that's why I don't accept your anti-change or GC posts as easily as those made by people I remember from the old Martinaville like Kat, Pearl and Amy.
That is about as rude of a thing as I've read on Martina's forums ever. Knock it off Danial.
-Darren
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My Songs | Twitter | My Blog | Facebook
I'm sorry. I'm just tired of reading that people are leaving website because they don't like it. I mean to leave something, you first have to come in and use first.
Well there's one thing that definitely hasn't changed on the new forum....the eternally optimistic, never pessimistic and tremendously positive postings of our own Mr. Sunshine.
Mikey
---------- A friend is someone who knows you are not perfect but treats you as if you were.
These pretzels are making me thirsty!!!! -
RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Oh, and by the way Daniel, thank you for your very kind and constructive comments which you aimed in my direction.
Perhaps a career in the Diplomatic Service beckons?
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My Baby Loves Me Just The Way That I Am!
Just ignore him Di.It wouldn't be the first obnoxious comment he's made!
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RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Well there's one thing that definitely hasn't changed on the new forum....the eternally optimistic, never pessimistic and tremendously positive postings of our own Mr. Sunshine.
Mikey
---------- A friend is someone who knows you are not perfect but treats you as if you were.
These pretzels are making me thirsty!!!!
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RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
From my point of view since we got this new website we all had problems with the changes to the site but we chose to stick around and hoped everything turned out for better! Then people started finding out they were limited to what they could do and it was explained that if you were not in the fanclub you couldn't access them then some posts and topics got a little heated and some people thought it was all a gimmick to get them to join the fanclub and don't want to because its $20, well hey it is only $20 and it is supporting your favorite artist but then some comments come out and you say well she doesn't need my support she has enough money I just don't get that!! their are a lot of artists websites where you can not go onto them or access them without first paying for the membership! I just hope we all can get along again and enjoy the new site!
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RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Just a quick message to say a big "Thank You" to those of you who have come out in my support on here.
It really does mean a lot to me. Contrary to what a certain individual may think, I am not about to quit this site. I really enjoy being a part of this Forum and I look forward to spending many more hours on here in the future.
R.I.P Martinaville - long live the NEW Martinaville!!!!!!!!
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My Baby Loves Me Just The Way That I Am! -
RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
I just want to know how long it takes to get tickets bought through the fan club. I ordered some on October 27th and haven't received them yet... I don't like not having them in my hand after I have been charged for them for this long. Gena
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RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
I just want to know how long it takes to get tickets bought through the fan club. I ordered some on October 27th and haven't received them yet... I don't like not having them in my hand after I have been charged for them for this long. Gena
When I talked to somebody at Ground(Ctrl) yesterday about my tickets for Greensboro and Atlanta, they told me they are waiting to get the tickets and will send them out 2-3 Day Priority Mail as soon as they get them in. Tickets for Columbia will be at Will Call. He also said I can continue to call for updates, if I desire to get more updates. -
RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Thank you very much for the update! We greatly appreciate the increase in communication to Martina's fans.
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RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
Hey everyone,
As far as the features of being able to add friends and send private messages, that is going to stay a fan club member perk for the foreseeable future.
I strongly urge you (the powers that be) to reconsider this!
The problem with limiting the private message feature is that it provides no outlet for non fan club members and fan club members to non fan club members to share any kind of information privately and by this I'm thinking of contact information that would allow for further fan connection and bonding. As simple as an email or im username that one may not want publicly shared with anyone viewing the forum. So not only are they not able to communicate one on one via PM's on the forum but there's no way to communicate at all without broadcasting the conversation with the whole world. It truly does take away from the community of the forum and would be a real shame to remain this way.
Not to mention that with the friend requests growing in my account, if it Must be - which it surely shouldn't have to be - why tease and give false hope to fan club members of being able to add/invite non fan club members to be friends/in their contact list. -
RE: Web Site Issues / Ground Ctrl
I agree i really dongt think its fair that fan club members get to approve friends and stuff and non members dont i know it takes time to fix problems but my friend requeests are growing and its a tad frustrating when I cannot approve them. Thats all i gotta say and I hope it wasnt too harsh or anything
Hey everyone,
As far as the features of being able to add friends and send private messages, that is going to stay a fan club member perk for the foreseeable future.
I strongly urge you (the powers that be) to reconsider this!
The problem with limiting the private message feature is that it provides no outlet for non fan club members and fan club members to non fan club members to share any kind of information privately and by this I'm thinking of contact information that would allow for further fan connection and bonding. As simple as an email or im username that one may not want publicly shared with anyone viewing the forum. So not only are they not able to communicate one on one via PM's on the forum but there's no way to communicate at all without broadcasting the conversation with the whole world. It truly does take away from the community of the forum and would be a real shame to remain this way.
No to mention that with the friend requests growing in my account, if it Must be - which it surely shouldn't have to be - why tease and give false hope to fan club members of being able to add/invite non fan club members to be friends/in their contact list.
