sangiro 4 #1 March 16, 2009 Hi everyone, This is an important announcement regarding the management of Dropzone.com. As you know Dropzone.com, together with Rockclimbing.com and BASEjumper.com, was purchased by NameMedia in May 2008 and was operated by them ever since. Unfortunately, as the economy worsened over the past few months it became financially unfeasible for NameMedia to continue to operate these sites, which brought them to a difficult choice - either find a suitable buyer fast or shut the sites down. The first option wasn't really possible in these times and the second, while obviously not desirable became more and more likely. After much deliberation Daniel and I (D4DR Media) has agreed to resume the operational responsibilities for the sites. We've run these sites on a pretty tight budget before and we can do so again. We trust this arrangement will ensure the longevity of these online communities. Practically this means we will resume all day-to-day management and operational responsibilities of Dropzone.com, while NameMedia will handle ad sales and marketing. NameMedia will remain the overall owner and we’ll retain a minority interest in the sites as a longer-term incentive for our efforts. One very unfortunate side-effect of all of this is that NameMedia was unable to retain a full-time salaried publisher, so Jay Young (j_ung) was let go from his position by NameMedia on Friday. This was a pure business decision and in no way a reflection on Jay's performance. I think we can all agree that he did a terrific job and added a lot of value to the site during his time as publisher, and we will miss him in that role. Thank you for what you did here Jay. For the immediate future though I will take his place as head-honcho until a longer-term solution is put in place. This is a unique new period for Dropzone.com in the sense that we're really forced to hunker down and survive a tough economic climate, while preserving the character and value of Dropzone.com. We’re quite confident we can do that while continuing to have a load of fun at the same time! Onwards. Safe swoops Sangiro Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #2 March 16, 2009 Sorry things didn't work out as expected, but a big thanks for keeping this site going in tough times."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j_ung 0 #3 March 16, 2009 Hi all. Just thought I'd drop a quick note. Well, the last five months certainly have been interesting. Thanks to everybody who lent me their support and trust. I hope that, by and large, I did right by you folks. Ciao. J PS: Willem, go get 'em. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tombuch 0 #4 March 16, 2009 Sorry to hear the economy has reached out to our little piece of cyberspace. Thanks for holding on to keeping the site going. Jay did a terrific job, and I hope he lands softly on his feet.Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sangiro 4 #5 March 16, 2009 Quote Sorry things didn't work out as expected, but a big thanks for keeping this site going in tough times. I have no reason to complain. While not perfect, things actually worked out quite well for us. This new arrangement is a win-win addendum to the existing agreement we have with NameMedia. Jay has really been the one on the receiving end of this crunch. Safe swoops Sangiro Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #6 March 16, 2009 I hope that, by and large, I did right by you folks. ~ You did a stellar job Jay, I hope one of these dayz our paths cross...LIKE AT A DROPZONE! ..YA sure won't find ME hanging on a rock! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #7 March 16, 2009 AIG couldn't be tempted then? Welcome back. (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baksteen 84 #8 March 16, 2009 Thanks J - you were with us for a short time, but you did great! And HH - welcome back"That formation-stuff in freefall is just fun and games but with an open parachute it's starting to sound like, you know, an extreme sport." ~mom Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #9 March 16, 2009 We'll miss you, J. We really had grown fond of you! I hope that you'll still be around, and that perhaps, we can meet in person, someday. To HH: Willem, you still have our support with your decisions. Thanks for all that you do! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,116 #10 March 16, 2009 You were stealthy-quiet enough to fit right in with a bunch of skydivers -- makes me want to go meet a bunch of rock-climbers . Good luck, Jay. & Welcome back, HH Wendy W. There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,381 #11 March 16, 2009 Quote AIG couldn't be tempted then? Welcome back. That gives me another idea: HH should apply for some of that US Govt bailout money."There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
377 20 #12 March 16, 2009 What does it mean that the two best skydiving media products (SKYDIVING magazine and DROPZONE.COM) both hit the wall and hit it nearly simultaneously? Jay did a great job, hope he finds a good landing spot. Sangiro is an old pro at this and I welcome his return. How about some cheaper form of membership or even a Paypal donation button? Most participants aren't premier members because of the high price. I bet if everyone gave a dollar a month it would help, but there is no easy way to do it, or if there is I have missed it. Welcome back Sangiro and Daniel. Hope it prospers under you. 3772018 marks half a century as a skydiver. Trained by the late Perry Stevens D-51 in 1968. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #13 March 16, 2009 Quote Quote AIG couldn't be tempted then? Welcome back. That gives me another idea: HH should apply for some of that US Govt bailout money. Good one (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j_ung 0 #14 March 16, 2009 Thanks for the well wishes, everybody. Don't worry about me -- I'm sure I'll land on my feet. As for you folks... it is my fondest wish that we meet in a plane somewhere on our way to 12k. J Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CSpenceFLY 1 #15 March 16, 2009 Quote Quote AIG couldn't be tempted then? Welcome back. That gives me another idea: HH should apply for some of that US Govt bailout money. Yeah,then J can get a private jet and a bonus. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CSpenceFLY 1 #16 March 16, 2009 QuoteHow about some cheaper form of membership or even a Paypal donation button? I second this. I would gladly drop a $20 every once in a while. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyjack71 0 #17 March 17, 2009 I want to thank you for the opportunity to participate in this forum. I agree with some of the others - if there was a cheaper limited style membership - many more would be paying there part instead of a freeloader like myself. I am not a jumper but would do my part to keep this forum going. I owe you guys so much. Thanks.Copyright 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 2013, 2014, 2015 by Jo Weber Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #18 March 17, 2009 Jay, thank you for your work, it is appreciated. Willem, would becoming a Premier member again help things?---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pwln 0 #19 March 17, 2009 I remember giving $25 via PayPal last April. My PayPal Account remembers also. I don't remember where the link was and I'm sure it's not there anymore, but you used to be able to donate via PayPal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CSpenceFLY 1 #20 March 17, 2009 Hell, I'd give a $20 to have my sig line back. Even though half of that was a misunderstanding. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #21 March 17, 2009 Welcome back to the fray my friend. I'm sorry things did not continue as you had planned, but I'm glad to have you back on the day to day here. So is His Forkness going to tighten the reins a little on frivolousness?--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #22 March 17, 2009 Welcome back, HH Jay - thanks for what you've done - I wish you the best of luck in the future and hope that you won't be a stranger, here.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyChimp 0 #23 March 17, 2009 You did a great job Jay..... I wish you the best and who knows, as times change you might be able to come back since they love you so much. I wish nothing but success for you. Bravo Zulu!!! Does anyone else find it funny that we made a SPORT out of an EMERGENCY PROCEDURE?!?! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benblee 0 #24 March 17, 2009 How is somewhere in the midst of $40,000 per year not enough to keep a forum going?Ben Lee www.CollegeSkydiving.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 14 #25 March 18, 2009 Where do you get the impression this site makes $40k a year?Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites