Excessive Ads from BA?!

I used to be a paid member, but due to what I consider to be excessive and unreasonable moderation and lack of willingness to listen to their customers I put my money where my mouth is and didn’t resubscribe.

 

So many posts deleted in Other Half thread for no good reason. Just a bunch of people in there who know each other, having fun. I asked many times for a mod to show themselves, fell on deaf ears. I support this site by being on it, but needed to vote with my $. Will see how things shake out here and reevaluate my financial support in future.

 

Would you prefer they pull a Zuckerberg and start using your data? Every site uses ads to some extent or another. For how well the moderation is and how well this site is put together, if anything they should put up more ads.

 

Without entertainment in that thread, most people would likely abandon BA. We can use Instagram to get brewery info. That thread stays alive because of the characters and relationships that have been built. Any information in there is lather, rinse and repeat. Beer = entertainment

 

Becoming a member on BA is a lot like supporting National Public Radio. Being member supported is not only a way to minimise most conflicts of interest (I'm sure no organization is perfect and completely free of that), but it is also a way to put some 'skin in the game' in a way that I personally find very meaningful.

As @bbtkd stated, were it not for this site, and their amazing rating system--not to mention the meaningful and informative conversations, again like NPR--that influences how I buy beer, I would be wasting way more money on beer than if I didn't have access to this site. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, it is almost uncanny how likely it is that I will truly like a beer rated at very good or higher on this site--with a few caveats, like as long as I already like the style and there are enough ratings, to name a few.

And then there's the hilarious comments like this one from @PapaGoose03 : "and the big banner is replaced by our own forum where we get to talk about you." that absolutely cracks me up.

 

Personally I receive maybe 1 email from BA every couple days, nothing to horrible or irritating. If you're getting to much spam, I'm pretty sure you're able to unsubscribe from their mailing service. If add's are annoying you can always pay the $2 a month or $20 a year to remove those pesky adds plus get a few special perks!

 

Ok, I feel a need to jump in here.

In the roughly three years I had been active out here a few times a thread I started was moved--for good reason. ONCE, a response I gave was removed--not because it was inappropriate. At the very moment it was removed it was frustrating to me. AND yet, I had to admit to myself that it wasn't relevant to the conversation. So, I was impressed that they removed it because it demonstrated that the moderators are paying attention--or perhaps someone flagged my comment and then they acted.

My judgement is that they are VERY flexible with the things that are discussed out there. Not, too much so, though. There are times when I am sure making a decision to keep or remove something is a very fine line to walk--I sometimes find myself in a similar situation as a teacher of adolescents.

I think you moderators are doing a great job.

So, there, critics.

 

I have to agree as well. I posted a thread the other day and the mods were quick to edit and fix it. I was grateful and they deff seem to be on top of things.

 

I wonder about some deletions, but I’m also some Philly sports board and it’s out of control. I can’t complain about much here, to nit pick would imo be unfair. I’ve only had one pop up problem that was a pain in the ass but that was a one time thing. I get emails but they’re imo appropriate in content.

 

the hyperbole when discussing moderation....that's entertainment

 

And sanitizing threads containing criticism. This thread, exibit A. I could have sworn this thread had a different title.

 

Pretty sure it did. I don't think it was "sanitized" as you put it however they made it more appealing with the change of title so others are more likely to comment.

 

Huh? So, what do you remember the title being?

There is no problem with criticism; as a matter of fact, as far as I am concerned criticism is not only welcome but encouraged--that is one of the problems with our political system today, so many leaders don't seem to be able to handle any criticism at all.

So: 1) bring it, bring your criticism, AND 2) bring the data and the facts to back it up.

 

Perhaps they did edit it. *Shrugs* Yet, editing is not the same as sanitizing, as you said.

 

This will be my last comment regarding this thread (unless quoted). The adds and BA's pleas has to do with the fact they need to make money. Despite what people believe it takes money to keep the website up and running, Adding new features and so on. A LOT of people use this website to see if beers are worth drinking and to learn and discuss beer. Isn't that worth the small fees they're asking for? (not forcing you to pay) How many times have you relied on this sight for information? Whether a $20 4pk is worth the money and so on? This site helps prevent people from buying beers they wouldn't have liked and I doubt I'm the only person who uses BA for work related inquiries. Don't get me wrong, if you find the emails and adds annoying you have a right to feel the way you do but take a deep breath and think about how much time, energy, money these guys put into this website.