Fantasy Sports High Stakes Magazine

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 5:23 am

Good post, Glenn.

Glenneration X · Post by **Glenneration X** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 5:36 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Good post, Glenn. Thanks Dan....have a great Turkey Day.

That goes for everybody....Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Glenn

CC's Desperados · Post by **CC's Desperados** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 5:36 am

I have no problem paying for the magazines. I might not buy all four, but I know I'll buy a couple for sure. I also buy a couple from the local book store. I like to read a couple of different opinions.

I would much rather support Fanball. They invested in our game and I'm happy to return the favor.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 7:04 am

Just an unbiased look at two magazines from last baseball season...funny how they both consider the front cover as page #1.

"Fantasy Sports" magazine

132 pages, 36 glossy including covers. (9 of 36 are ads = 25% of glossy are ads)

$5.99 cover price

13 full page ads = 9.8 %

"Fanball" magazine

196 pages, all 196 glossy

$7.99 cover price

23 full page ads = 11.7 %

I've commented on it before...Fanball has the best looking magazine on the market. The photo's are well placed, the adds are placed in the breaks, photos of each player, and overall beautiful look and feel.

[ November 26, 2009, 01:08 PM: Message edited by: sportsbettingman ]

751542 · Post by **751542** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 12:16 pm

dan,

my inbox is now empty...RT

rkulaski · Post by **rkulaski** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 12:35 pm

I didn't want to buy this magazine last night and then find out a week later that there is a discount for it and other magazines if we've signed up for the main. I'm just looking out for #1 - me.

Also, when I went to buy the magazine on fanball's website last night, there was a box asking for a promo code. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't in the dark there either. Honestly, I don't care if I pay $5 or $10 for the magazine, it will be a treat that I will pay for nonetheless. Thank you Ryan for clearing this up.

Fanball's magazines always look great with all the color and photography- and that's something I will easily spend a couple extra dollars for.

[ November 26, 2009, 06:36 PM: Message edited by: rkulaski ]

colorado · Post by **colorado** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 12:47 pm

I pre-ordered the magazine last night. $7.99 including shipping to receive it before Christmas is a good deal as I look forward to reading some fantasy baseball. I need a fix!

Ryan E. Houston · Post by **Ryan E. Houston** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 3:13 pm

Originally posted by billywaz:

quote:Originally posted by Ryan E. Houston:

As much as we'd like to offer you 4 magazines for $10 -- that simply isn't financially possible.

Why isn't it possible???

Honestly, why would I pay for this magazine through Fanball, when I can get it at my local Barnes and Noble??

[/QUOTE]I just wanted to clear up this question because I'm sure others may want to know the answer:

First, we need lots of people to buy the magazine from any of our national newsstand retail locations. The more people who buy it -- hopefully we will expand on the NFBC and get the word out on a national basis. The national newsstand sales are very important to us for a variety of reasons.

However, if you buy the magazine on Fanball.com -- we ship it to you FREE, you don't have to spend money on gas to go buy it. It'll be in you mailbox before Christmas. Additionally, if you buy it at Barnes & Noble, Fanball only makes 42% of the newsstand price. B&N get approx. 58% of the magazine price. Not to say we don't want you to buy it anywhere you see fit, just wanted to clear that up.

And one last tidbit of information, it will not be available on the national newsstand until approx. Dec 21st. If you pre-order the magazine, you should have it before then (based on when you order it).

In regards to the 4 magazines for $10 question. The cost of printing + shipping the magazine exceeds $10 so we'd be losing money on these magazine orders. The previous F&W titles were B&W and didn't cost nearly as much to print so I'm sure that's why they felt they could afford it. Though, I will contend, at best they broke even on those orders. Considering the cost of printing + shipping has gone up dramatically -- just doesn't make it possible.

I know you had another thought regarding Fanball "strapping" Greg. On the contrary -- we've relied on Greg's input throughout this entire process and the only thing we've asked him to do is think outside the box and make it better. We've allocated more money, we've improved the event locations, we've improved the catering, we've expanded the # of cities, we've launched an Auction Championship, we announced the Double Play concept that will be an exciting hybrid of both live and online elements. We've really made a huge attempt to make this the best year yet for NFBC. Will we make everyone happy? I think only time will tell but we've done everything we can on our end to do just that.

I hope this helps clarify any questions you have.

[ November 26, 2009, 09:24 PM: Message edited by: Ryan E. Houston ]

billywaz · Post by **billywaz** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 3:34 pm

Originally posted by Ryan E. Houston:

quote:Originally posted by billywaz:

quote:Originally posted by Ryan E. Houston:

As much as we'd like to offer you 4 magazines for $10 -- that simply isn't financially possible.

Why isn't it possible???

Honestly, why would I pay for this magazine through Fanball, when I can get it at my local Barnes and Noble??

[/QUOTE]I just wanted to clear up this question because I'm sure others may want to know the answer:

First, we need lots of people to buy the magazine from any of our national newsstand retail locations. The more people who buy it -- hopefully we will expand on the NFBC and get the word out on a national basis. The national newsstand sales are very important to us for a variety of reasons.

However, if you buy the magazine on Fanball.com -- we ship it to you FREE, you don't have to spend money on gas to go buy it. It'll be in you mailbox before Christmas. Additionally, if you buy it at Barnes & Noble, Fanball only makes 42% of the newsstand price. B&N get approx. 58% of the magazine price. Not to say we don't want you to buy it anywhere you see fit, just wanted to clear that up.

And one last tidbit of information, it will not be available on the national newsstand until approx. Dec 21st. If you pre-order the magazine, you should have it before then (based on when you order it).

In regards to the 4 magazines for $10 question. The cost of printing + shipping the magazine exceeds $10 so we'd be losing money on these magazine orders. The previous F&W titles were B&W and didn't cost nearly as much to print so I'm sure that's why they felt they could afford it. Though, I will contend, at best they broke even on those orders. Considering the cost of printing + shipping has gone up dramatically -- just doesn't make it possible.

I know you had another thought regarding Fanball "strapping" Greg. On the contrary -- we've relied on Greg's input throughout this entire process and the only thing we've asked him to do is think outside the box and make it better. We've allocated more money, we've improved the event locations, we've improved the catering, we've expanded the # of cities, we've launched an Auction Championship, we announced the Double Play concept that will be an exciting hybrid of both live and online elements. We've really made a huge attempt to make this the best year yet for NFBC. Will we make everyone happy? I think only time will tell but we've done everything we can on our end to do just that.

I hope this helps clarify any questions you have. [/QUOTE]Thanks for your detailed responses, Ryan.

And for the record, I ordered the magazine a few hours ago.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 3:30 am

Originally posted by Ryan E. Houston:

On the contrary -- we've relied on Greg's input throughout this entire process and the only thing we've asked him to do is think outside the box and make it better. We've allocated more money, we've improved the event locations, we've improved the catering, we've expanded the # of cities, we've launched an Auction Championship, we announced the Double Play concept that will be an exciting hybrid of both live and online elements. We've really made a huge attempt to make this the best year yet for NFBC. Will we make everyone happy? I think only time will tell but we've done everything we can on our end to do just that.

"We're not in Kansas anymore"

You have to like Fanball's initiative. They can't get too far without the paying customer so I'm sure they'll do what needs to be done to keep us coming back.

Thunder · Post by **Thunder** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 5:35 am

i for one have paid the $10 for the Fantasy Sports mags in last couple years, but i've also bought Fanball's and a couple others from the local B&N. i'm sure the "live" event participants will see the benefit from this miniscule charge for the mags.

it seems that once again, 2010 is going to be a great year with the merger of the NFBC and Fanball. it's great to have HMF'sIC around that aren't happy to remain "status quo", and are willing to go out and make the whole event a better experience. this is what the NFBC has always been about, and it should only get better with Fanball onboard.

sorry for the little rant, i guess $7.99 is worth a lot more to some than me, especially when the same people are investing $0000.

Dak · Post by **Dak** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 3:52 pm

Originally posted by Plymouth:

Are all the same "goodies" going to be provided to the main event phone league participants who can not attend the drafts in person since they paid the same entry fees? Believe above post was lost in the shuffle! Anyone have an answer?

Thunder · Post by **Thunder** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 4:13 pm

Originally posted by Dak:

quote:Originally posted by Plymouth:

Are all the same "goodies" going to be provided to the main event phone league participants who can not attend the drafts in person since they paid the same entry fees? Believe above post was lost in the shuffle! Anyone have an answer? [/QUOTE]i'm not sure what "goodies" plymouth is talking about..i guess you have to be present to know what you could be missing.

bill

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:08 pm

I want to say upfront that I am fine with the charge. I have the option not to buy the mag or to pay a little bit extra and either way it's not a big deal. Furthermore, the mags at the draft were extraneous and they never came to much use for me other than the Wilton injury guide we got one year.

That said, this thread is unfortunate mostly because it started with a big commercial trying to get us to buy something we were used to getting free. It was sort of like when Chevy Chase gets the Jelly of the Month Club bonus instead of money in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. "We have a great deal for you that's not nearly as good as what we have made you accustomed to." The best way to start this was hat in hand asking for our understanding and offering an explanation and only then presenting the new offer.

The other thing, though, that I'm surprised no one else mentioned is that this is added to some other additions and cut corners that affects the payback percentage when all is said and done. I am starting to feel like a decision was made to cut the payback to X percent and rather than laying it on us all at once, we are getting the news piecemeal to kind of ease us into the idea. I apologize for unnecessary speculation, but while I am meant to be excited about the new site and upcoming announcements, I am really just wary about how whatever the next thing is may negatively affect my bottom line.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 4:12 am

Originally posted by bjoak:

The other thing, though, that I'm surprised no one else mentioned is that this is added to some other additions and cut corners that affects the payback percentage when all is said and done. I am starting to feel like a decision was made to cut the payback to X percent and rather than laying it on us all at once, we are getting the news piecemeal to kind of ease us into the idea. I apologize for unnecessary speculation, but while I am meant to be excited about the new site and upcoming announcements, I am really just wary about how whatever the next thing is may negatively affect my bottom line. Brian, you shouldn't speculate on something like that here. The prize payouts are the same or better across the board. We have stated that in some cases we are going to charge an Events Fee and in return we are going to provide some amenities we didn't have before. All will be laid out on the new web site.

We're not putting out little pieces of information that will affect your bottom line. We're trying to have one clear understanding of everything on a new web site that is unfortunately taking a little longer than we'd like to get done. Sheesh.

I swear, there are more nervous Nelly's in this group than I ever imagined.

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 4:56 am

Greg - People don't like change, esp when the existing "format/system" was great. I'm a tad disappointed that the "website" has taken so long. I believe you indicated that all the NFBC plans would be revealed BEFORE the World Series was over. Here we are AFTER Thanksgiving, and we are still waiting. I hope this isn't an omen of things to come from Fanball. Motto should be under promise and over deliver. Don't go the WCOFF route of over promise and under deliver.

Bjoak - All will be revealed with the new website. Whenever that is.

At that time payout %'s and the such can be calculated. There will be no hiding from that.

[ November 29, 2009, 11:00 AM: Message edited by: Gekko ]

Dak · Post by **Dak** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:20 am

Originally posted by Kentucky Reign:

quote:Originally posted by Dak:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Plymouth:

[qb] Are all the same "goodies" going to be provided to the main event phone league participants who can not attend the drafts in person since they paid the same entry fees? Believe above post was lost in the shuffle! Anyone have an answer? [/QUOTE]i'm not sure what "goodies" plymouth is talking about..i guess you have to be present to know what you could be missing.

Bill,

If you don't have the answer......don't answer!

Rob

[ November 29, 2009, 11:23 AM: Message edited by: Dak ]

Plymouth · Post by **Plymouth** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:34 am

Greg, Can you say anything about the phone participants or are we waiting for that long awaited new web site too?

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 6:05 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by bjoak:

The other thing, though, that I'm surprised no one else mentioned is that this is added to some other additions and cut corners that affects the payback percentage when all is said and done. I am starting to feel like a decision was made to cut the payback to X percent and rather than laying it on us all at once, we are getting the news piecemeal to kind of ease us into the idea. I apologize for unnecessary speculation, but while I am meant to be excited about the new site and upcoming announcements, I am really just wary about how whatever the next thing is may negatively affect my bottom line. Brian, you shouldn't speculate on something like that here. The prize payouts are the same or better across the board. We have stated that in some cases we are going to charge an Events Fee and in return we are going to provide some amenities we didn't have before. All will be laid out on the new web site.

We're not putting out little pieces of information that will affect your bottom line. We're trying to have one clear understanding of everything on a new web site that is unfortunately taking a little longer than we'd like to get done. Sheesh.

I swear, there are more nervous Nelly's in this group than I ever imagined. [/QUOTE]Fair enough. I'd just like to ask a question, though. Will ADP's be provided free of charge to participants as they have been in the past? That would certainly free my mind of any speculation or nervousness that the price is going to go up everywhere possible. It is also an area in which we can potentially be hit after the website goes up. No offense; it'd just feel good to clear that up.

Thunder · Post by **Thunder** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 6:54 am

fair enough DAK

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 1:18 pm

Originally posted by Plymouth:

Greg, Can you say anything about the phone participants or are we waiting for that long awaited new web site too? Yeah, if we give out portfolios as planned and an Events Fee is added to your cost of participation you will get whatever we provide the live event members. We are pushing for live event participation this year, so there will be an Events Fee for phone hookups. The cost of hooking up 15 owners for 5+ hours on a teleconference is something we must deal with this year and we'll do all we can to fill the live events, while still providing the phone hookup for those who just can't make it to one of our five locations. I know there are some loyal NFBC members who live in Florida who may have to opt for the phone option and we'll do all we can to accommodate them, but there will be a cost involved.

Hope that helps.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 1:26 pm

Originally posted by Gekko:

Greg - People don't like change, esp when the existing "format/system" was great. I'm a tad disappointed that the "website" has taken so long. I believe you indicated that all the NFBC plans would be revealed BEFORE the World Series was over. Here we are AFTER Thanksgiving, and we are still waiting. I hope this isn't an omen of things to come from Fanball. Motto should be under promise and over deliver. Don't go the WCOFF route of over promise and under deliver.

Bjoak - All will be revealed with the new website. Whenever that is.

At that time payout %'s and the such can be calculated. There will be no hiding from that. The "existing format/system" got us sold and I was sold with it. So it must not have been so good and I must not have been good enough with the financials, so we all need to adjust. Maybe I "gave" too much in the past. Someone certainly must have thought so.

Coming out of the gate with a bad message board or a bad web site would be our first mistake. Announcing the New York site before we legally can would be a financial mistake. I hear everyone about wanting to see everything before Nov. 1st and making their plans accordingly and hopefully we will provide that this week and get this event moving. We haven't underdelivered anything yet, I don't believe.

Plymouth · Post by **Plymouth** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:23 pm

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by Plymouth:

Greg, Can you say anything about the phone participants or are we waiting for that long awaited new web site too? Yeah, if we give out portfolios as planned and an Events Fee is added to your cost of participation you will get whatever we provide the live event members. We are pushing for live event participation this year, so there will be an Events Fee for phone hookups. The cost of hooking up 15 owners for 5+ hours on a teleconference is something we must deal with this year and we'll do all we can to fill the live events, while still providing the phone hookup for those who just can't make it to one of our five locations. I know there are some loyal NFBC members who live in Florida who may have to opt for the phone option and we'll do all we can to accommodate them, but there will be a cost involved.

Hope that helps. [/QUOTE]Greg, I will give you a call on Monday. This is not at all what I was expecting. Thanks. John

JamesH · Post by **JamesH** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 1:07 am

You would think the NFBC is made up with a bunch of 8th grade girls with the drama that goes on at this message board. A word of advice, Greg. Don't post on the message board until all info is final. Half of what you say is misinterprated by all of the drama queens and conspiracy theorists.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 2:22 am

Originally posted by Plymouth:

quote:Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by Plymouth:

Greg, Can you say anything about the phone participants or are we waiting for that long awaited new web site too? Yeah, if we give out portfolios as planned and an Events Fee is added to your cost of participation you will get whatever we provide the live event members. We are pushing for live event participation this year, so there will be an Events Fee for phone hookups. The cost of hooking up 15 owners for 5+ hours on a teleconference is something we must deal with this year and we'll do all we can to fill the live events, while still providing the phone hookup for those who just can't make it to one of our five locations. I know there are some loyal NFBC members who live in Florida who may have to opt for the phone option and we'll do all we can to accommodate them, but there will be a cost involved.

Hope that helps. [/QUOTE]Greg, I will give you a call on Monday. This is not at all what I was expecting. Thanks. John [/QUOTE]John, I totally understand if folks who only want to draft on the phone feel like they shouldn't pay any extra expense for a 5-hour phone hookup. But the bottom line is that I picked up this tab for the last several years and it wasn't free, trust me. I'm already saving folks who can't make the live events travel expenses and so if they can't see that there are other expenses involved that they need to pay then we'll just have to agree to disagree.

No worries and congrats on winning the league title last year. We'll unveil everything soon and hopefully everyone can make up their minds then. The consumer is king, remember, but we are making decisions that will keep the NFBC around for a long, long, long, long time and hopefully most of our customers will understand that.

Thanks and good luck this year John in whatever leagues you play in.