CAG, DVDTalk, CC & Speedy's Ads [Mobile/Archive]

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lordwow

08-08-2007, 12:19 AM

As you may have heard, DVDTalk is in some legal trouble over Speedy's ads (http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread.php?t=508151).

They have locked down the CC threads and such, and the speculation in the DVDTalk thread seems to focus on the copyright laws regarding posting pictures or text from the ads, and specifically the recent PS3 price drop announcement.

DVDTalk Owner Geoff has said this:

I appreciate all your feedback on this issue.

Unfortunately since there's actual legal action here on behalf of Circuit City it goes beyond a cease and desist and thus an immediate need to act.

My attorney has advised me not to comment further on the details of a pending legal matter.

Rest assured we're working on it.

I appreciate your patience in this matter.

Geoff

While I don't want to hit the panic alarm, I think this is concerning... considering Speedy posts them there and here (and I believe these are the only 2 sites he does). I thought it was worth bringing up to the community.

Moxio

08-08-2007, 12:21 AM

botticus

08-08-2007, 12:28 AM

Took them long enough to raise a fuss... I bet Sony whined.

I AM WILLIAM H. MACY

08-08-2007, 12:28 AM

Jesus if speedy actually got sued for helping CC's advertising wouldn't that be true corporate idiocy?

I think we should all of us, everyone from CAG, DVDTalk, FW, SD, and any other bargain sites, should all chip in $5 to try to help speedy, if indeed this does go through; think of all he's done for the bargain community, you owe him, at the very least that small contribution

Rocko

08-08-2007, 12:29 AM

Yes, this certainly caught my attention. From what's been discussed so far, Cheapy's been notified. Some members believe that removing, or at least closing, Speedy's current threads would be advisable.
That would appear to be the best course of action given the situation.

Jesus if speedy actually got sued for helping CC's advertising wouldn't that be true corporate idiocy?

I think we should all of us, everyone from CAG, DVDTalk, FW, SD, and any other bargain sites, should all chip in $5 to try to help speedy, if indeed this does go through; think of all he's done for the bargain community, you owe him, at the very least that small contribution

I don't believe he is the one with legal action against him. It's DVDTalk.

CheapyD

08-08-2007, 12:31 AM

Yeah, I know all about it. I'll update you when I can.
At this point, I will not lock down or remove the threads.

One thing I will mention, is that I do not believe the DVDtalk management has been specific at all about the pending legal action, so all of that discussion thread is just speculation from their users.
Hopefully, we can avoid that kind of talk here.

mtxbass1

08-08-2007, 12:32 AM

Took them long enough to raise a fuss... I bet Sony whined.

I bet they didn't. Not a single other company EXCEPT Circuit City has said anything about the weekly ads. This is 100% all Circuit City's doing.

lordwow

08-08-2007, 12:32 AM

Yeah, I know all about it. I'll update you when I can.

Thanks Cheapy!

Rocko

08-08-2007, 12:33 AM

I bet they didn't. Not a single other company EXCEPT Circuit City has said anything about the weekly ads. This is 100% all Circuit City's doing.

Then why wait until now? Outside influence is not out of the question, especially considering the coverage the PS3 drop got due to his ad posting.

Graystone

08-08-2007, 12:37 AM

mtxbass1

08-08-2007, 08:25 AM

Then why wait until now? Outside influence is not out of the question, especially considering the coverage the PS3 drop got due to his ad posting.

You realize it takes a few weeks(days) or so to form a case, file it, then present it right? The price drop occurred a few weeks ago. They didn't exactly wait long. This isn't a "cease and desist"...

Circuit City probably found out about the problem a week or so into the posting. The lawyers probably looked it over, decided to persue action, and went on a spree. It's barely been what, 3 weeks since the price drop?

Gothic Walrus

08-08-2007, 02:33 PM

Yes, this certainly caught my attention. From what's been discussed so far, Cheapy's been notified. Some members believe that removing, or at least closing, Speedy's current threads would be advisable.
Honestly, I don't think it'd help. Circuit City's lawyers would have been idiots if they hadn't made a backup copy of the threads. If they did, they'll probably notice that he makes references to CAG, and since we're the first Google hit for the acronym, it wouldn't be too hard for them to realize that the ads have been posted here as well.

Even easier than that would be Googling his user name. Same end results - currently, one of speedy's ad threads from July posted here is the first result.

XboxHardcore.com

08-08-2007, 02:40 PM

Free Speedy!!!!

CocheseUGA

08-08-2007, 05:53 PM

Maybe Speedy should just PM the ads to the people that actually take the time to read the threads in the first place.

Because, from looking at the VGD forum, I think there's a grand total of about twenty people who don't rush here Sunday morning and try to tell us what's in the ads.

SteveMcQ

08-08-2007, 06:05 PM

I'm not sure the technical limitations of mass PMs, but is there a way to sign up for a group here on CAG and be part of a mailing list in case we can no longer have ads up in the future? Having the ads at least a week ahead of time is such a big help when making my purchasing decisions. Thanks as always, speedy.

Rocko

08-08-2007, 08:24 PM

You realize it takes a few weeks(days) or so to form a case, file it, then present it right? The price drop occurred a few weeks ago. They didn't exactly wait long. This isn't a "cease and desist"...

Circuit City probably found out about the problem a week or so into the posting. The lawyers probably looked it over, decided to persue action, and went on a spree. It's barely been what, 3 weeks since the price drop?

You misunderstand me. If you say it's not due to an outside influence but only CC themselves, why wait until now, since the ads have been posted for months? The timing of the price drop and this action would suggest an outside influence pressuring CC to action. You certainly can't rule it out.

mtxbass1

08-08-2007, 08:39 PM

You misunderstand me. If you say it's not due to an outside influence but only CC themselves, why wait until now, since the ads have been posted for months? The timing of the price drop and this action would suggest an outside influence pressuring CC to action. You certainly can't rule it out.

Ahh, indeed I did. My best guess would be due to the "major" media picking up on these price drops now before stores (such as CC) want to let it be known. I just don't see what CC stands to lose here. They are getting more sales from this free advertisement. If anything, this will only hurt them. I know I won't be shopping there anymore (not like I did anyway).

Rocko

08-08-2007, 09:51 PM

Zenithian Legend

08-09-2007, 12:27 AM

That's crap man, I'd like to know who is responsible for this... although I'm sure it's someone involved directly with CC.

Scorch

08-09-2007, 12:44 AM

Wow. Asshole move by CC. This makes me not want to shop there.

hiccupleftovers

08-09-2007, 01:03 AM

Nooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is horrible. We've had the ads in advance for several years now (going on at least 3) from Speedy or trust (aka College Dropout), etc. Why all of a sudden this big fuss? Why should they actually care? If something does indeed happen to either DVDTalk, CAG, or Speedy I say we all go on a boycott of CC and spread the word around the net. I'm the first one to nominate a boycott if any legal action is taken against the ads, which were doing CC and the rest more good than bad. If we as cheapasses still need CC deals, we can do a quick, simple, and easy PM at Walmart, Fry's, BB, etc.

If CC is stupid enough to sue for something stupid like this, then they deserve to go out of business as they soon will be doing like CompUSA.

Whatever Cheapy find out, if it's something big like the legal action going through, then we as a bargain community should all show our support (FW, SD, TechBargains, Bensbargains, etc. etc. etc.) and post the boycott of CC and the front/home pages of the respective site. Throw it up on Digg and have Gamespot or the mainstream media pick up on it.

yukine

08-09-2007, 07:24 AM

Given Circuit City's past business decisions, and now this, it amazes me they haven't gone bankrupt yet.

Long live speedy!

daroga

08-09-2007, 08:22 AM

After the way the Live point card thing went down last week I was pretty irritated with CC.

Now this? Even if they leave CAG alone, I think I'm done with them, unless it's to only buy loss-leader stuff.

hiccupleftovers

08-09-2007, 02:48 PM

I would really enjoy to hear if Cheapy addresses this in the next CAGcast to hear what's the current situation/what's going on.

Will we still get the ads if DVDTalk isn't?

Legolas813

08-09-2007, 03:02 PM

I was really looking forward to the next couple weeks of ads, especially for Serenity: Collectors Edition and the Heroes DVD boxset. Hope this whole thing has a good outcome.

CheapyD

08-09-2007, 11:39 PM

I would really enjoy to hear if Cheapy addresses this in the next CAGcast to hear what's the current situation/what's going on.

Ask and ye shall receive. It will be up early Friday morning.

Sporadic

08-10-2007, 12:14 AM

Companies always try to bully people with legal threats.

Threats being the keyword.

Tell them to fuck off until you recieve a complaint via registered mail. No serious lawyer uses email.

hiccupleftovers

08-10-2007, 12:24 AM

Ask and ye shall receive. It will be up early Friday morning.

Yay!! Thanks CheapyD. You're a great host and a great site owner/admin/etc.

CocheseUGA

08-10-2007, 12:27 AM

Be sure to transcribe for those of us who don't listen to it.

Rocko

08-10-2007, 12:39 AM

Be sure to transcribe for those of us who don't listen to it.
Yes, please.

Milkyman

08-10-2007, 01:38 AM

i believe this ground has been tread on earlier black friday threads on other forums. how can it be copyright violation if he doesnt post the actual ad? you can't copyright a list of prices.

CheapyD

08-10-2007, 03:12 AM

Be sure to transcribe for those of us who don't listen to it.Now would be a good time to start.
Discussion starts at 14:45 mark:
CAGcast #85: You Got Served! (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148179)

thorbahn3

08-10-2007, 05:35 AM

Not too shocked about this. CC shat all over themself thanks to printing out news about price cuts for both the 360 and PS3 before they should of. Oh, and let's not forget their stupid move to price match items that were bought the week earlier (microsoft points). Maybe they should fix their own problems before attacking Speedy.

Thongsy

08-10-2007, 06:30 AM

Wow, I can't believe what Circuit City is doing. That's bs. Hope everything works out for Cheapy and Speedy.

mikeohara

08-10-2007, 08:28 AM

listening to the latest CAGcast now ... wow, what a fucking asshole move by CC. I strongly suggest a site-wide retail boycott of CC until this issue is resolved.

mtxbass1

08-10-2007, 08:30 AM

After listening to the podcast. That's such bullshit. CC has lost my business.

Zen Davis

08-10-2007, 09:33 AM

You can't copyright knowledge. Thanks Cheapy for sticking up for Speedy. I will not be buying anything at Circuit City.

Apossum

08-10-2007, 11:16 AM

so they're mad that people can know in advance what they want to buy at their store...gg cc.

HotShotX

08-10-2007, 12:08 PM

While I can understand attacking those who flip items on eBay (fucking hoarderd), attacking a single man who advertises your deals is total bull. Depending on how this plays out, I'm leaning towards three options:

1. CAG mass mails them letters (real ones, not email), about their anger.
2. Outright boycott of Circuit City.
3. Price Matching the really hard hitting BB or Wal-Mart ads, and not the "save some cash ones" (anyone recall the Avatar Season 1 DVD set ad error for $12.95? Retails at $55).

It may not be much, but I imagine the loss of 100,000 customers will hit home at some point.

Major props to CheapyD for jumping to the defense of his fellow CAGs. You sir, have my respect.

~HotShotX

benjamouth

08-10-2007, 12:33 PM

so they're mad that people can know in advance what they want to buy at their store...gg cc.

Yeah it's pretty stupid, this will have the effect of stopping me going into CC, I only ever went in for the Sunday deals and now I'll have to check online on a Sunday morning which knowing me I'll forget to do.

This has got to be related to the PS3 drop, didn't they even mention the leak specifically in their E3 press conference.

lordwow

08-10-2007, 01:21 PM

I just listened to the first few minutes of the CAGCast, and I must say, Cheapy is a class act.

hohez

08-10-2007, 01:51 PM

The only time i ever go to CC (closest is an hour away) is when Speedy posts the ads, and i see there is a fantastic deal i just can't pass up and it becomes worth my trouble.

If Circuit City is really going to follow through with this, i have no trouble boycotting and mailing, or donating money to speedy for whatever. I've been boycotting Gamestop for almost 4 years now, so adding another vendor is perfectly fine by me.

Dante Devil

08-10-2007, 01:55 PM

CC will receive none of my business. Ahhh...crap, does that mean I have to resort to purchasing at Best Buy?

hhhdx4

08-10-2007, 01:55 PM

I AM WILLIAM H. MACY

08-10-2007, 01:59 PM

Someone post a thread informing CAG of our massive CC boycott, those bastards

judyjudyjudy

08-10-2007, 02:05 PM

That's terrible. Thanks for sticking up for your members, Cheapy. I hope this blows over, and CAG and DVDTalk will stay unscathed.

CC will receive none of my business. Ahhh...crap, does that mean I have to resort to purchasing at Best Buy?Ugh, lose-lose situation.

NWgamer666

08-10-2007, 02:10 PM

Where's a link to the CAG legal defence fund? We should run that for donations this year as opposed to childs play.

Javery- would we have any standing as consumers to write amicus curiae briefs in support of a motion to quash or for a directed verdict if it gets that far? Administrative law guys don't deal with this too much.

Noodle Pirate!

08-10-2007, 02:46 PM

http://news.com.com/2100-1023-976296.html

That article might be useful. It sounds a lot like what they are doing to cag and possibly dvdtalk. Maybe you can get those guys to represent you for free as well.

nonggame

08-10-2007, 02:50 PM

fuck CC. I hope this company become the next CompUsa t(' 't)

kaw

08-10-2007, 03:57 PM

SAVE SPEEDY!

This is absurd. I have spent hundreds of dollars at Circuit City I normally wouldn't have if it weren't for Speedy taking the time to post the weekly ads a little early. Circuit City undoubtedly profited from Speedy's ad awareness, unlike Speedy who gained nothing except the thanks and respect from the gaming and DVD bargain hunting communities. Good luck Speedy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/kaw/save_speedy.jpg

RelentlessRolento

08-10-2007, 04:01 PM

Can we make some protest signs and march around CCs around the US? Most CC employees won't know WTF is going on >_<

mikeohara

08-10-2007, 04:45 PM

this would be a good question to ask as well ... but what are the chances of the EFF becoming involved on Speedy's behalf, if any??

greydt

08-10-2007, 05:18 PM

I decided to just write a polite letter, and de-activated my on-line Circuit City account. I'm realistic enough to know it won't matter in the grand scheme of things, but I do feel better about no longer being a patron of Circuit City :)

sman113

08-10-2007, 05:19 PM

Lets be honest here though, posting the PS3 and 360 (or any other) price drops weeks beforehand doesnt help Circuit City in the slightest, the more people know about the pricedrops the more people will hold off on buying them at their original price and CC loses money, Thats just business.
.

I disagree. Because CC has a 30-day price guarantee policy, there is no reason whatsoever for people to wait, because they can get the pricematch. And i'd venture to say that anyone who is on this site or any site where these ads get posted, know that these price match policies exist. Of course, this also hurts if they give you that extra 10 percent off, but thats another argument, isn't it?

The fact is, ads are supposed to get customers in the door, to buy stuff that is not only in the ad, but anything else in the store. Whether the ad gets you in the door now or in a week, CC is still going to make money off you.

cleaver

08-10-2007, 05:32 PM

Circuit City loses money on every transaction I make there, so I'm going to shop there more often. Seriously, how many CAGers picked up $410 PS3 there last month?

fullmetalfan720

08-10-2007, 06:21 PM

I made a boycott circuit city thread. Here is the link: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148262

hhhdx4

08-10-2007, 11:00 PM

I disagree. Because CC has a 30-day price guarantee policy, there is no reason whatsoever for people to wait, because they can get the pricematch. And i'd venture to say that anyone who is on this site or any site where these ads get posted, know that these price match policies exist. Of course, this also hurts if they give you that extra 10 percent off, but thats another argument, isn't it?

The fact is, ads are supposed to get customers in the door, to buy stuff that is not only in the ad, but anything else in the store. Whether the ad gets you in the door now or in a week, CC is still going to make money off you.

And not everyone either knows about their pricematching policy or cares enough to pricematch after purchase. Point is if they are a business, if 10 people buy a ps3 at 600 dollars and 5 of them get it pricematched CC makes more money than if all 10 people waited 2 weeks. If you had a business too you would be pissed/take legal action if someone was advertising your sales before you got a chance too. Make no msitake Im eternally grateful to Speedy for everything he has done, but to say CC doesnt have a case or is bullying someone for no reason is ludicrous.

botticus

08-10-2007, 11:20 PM

And not everyone either knows about their pricematching policy or cares enough to pricematch after purchase. Point is if they are a business, if 10 people buy a ps3 at 600 dollars and 5 of them get it pricematched CC makes more money than if all 10 people waited 2 weeks. If you had a business too you would be pissed/take legal action if someone was advertising your sales before you got a chance too. Make no msitake Im eternally grateful to Speedy for everything he has done, but to say CC doesnt have a case or is bullying someone for no reason is ludicrous.I think his point was that if people are on a site where they can see speedy's ads (i.e. this one) they are quite aware of the price matching policies of the stores. If people don't care enough to know about the price match policy of a store, odds are they aren't on bargain sites.

daroga

08-10-2007, 11:40 PM

You what would be nice? Is CC used all the resources it has going into putting a stop to Speedy and put those into making their stores even 1/2 way decent. Most people in my family refer to it was "Sleazy City" anyway. This just punctuates that.

I have to wonder, is the CC heat sorta coming from Sony or was this just the straw that broke the camels back for CC in general?

GizmoGC

08-10-2007, 11:53 PM

Thanks CheapyD for fighting the good fight. Hopefully Geoff at DVDTalk will do the same.

help1

08-11-2007, 12:29 AM

Time for nicknames!

Bestbuy = BetterBuy, Circuitcity = Cityofcircuits.

emceelokey

08-11-2007, 02:53 AM

So, from what I'm reading, CC is basically pissed about the ads being posted early?

Fuck them!

If those ads weren't posted here I would never see them. They're only in the Sunday paper and I don't read newspapers anyway. I don't know why they would be mad other than a product company being pissed that people know somethng is going t be on sale a week ahead of time. The only time I ever go inthere is when I find out about price drops and good deals here and both are far and few between.

Didn't they fire like 10,000 employees because they were getting paid too much and if they wanted to keep theirjobs they had to re apply and take a lower pay rate. Fuck them.

Pootie Thang

08-11-2007, 02:59 AM

If I didn't know about these deals, I wouldn't even shop at these stores. That's all I can say. If Speedy gets in trouble, I will take my money elsewhere.

icedout297

08-11-2007, 03:29 AM

So this huge corporation is going after one person? If this actually goes anywhere, CC will never get another dollar from me.

hiccupleftovers

08-11-2007, 04:24 AM

so they're mad that people can know in advance what they want to buy at their store...gg cc.

pretty much. What a bunch of fucktards. Bunch of douches. Somebody digg this thread and have the CAG armada and might bringing it to the front page.

hiccupleftovers

08-11-2007, 04:27 AM

hiccupleftovers

08-11-2007, 05:01 AM

Posting this here as well so that people don't feel that a boycott does nothing

To be completely I honest, I think this will hardly have any effect on CC.
I agree with your other sentiments in this post that this is probably Sony's doing, but CC is just as guilty as a coconspirator. I don't buy Sony anymore - no matter what it is - and will not be shopping at CC in the interum (sp) until either CAG, DVDTalk, and Speedy are exonerated of any charges or it just blows over.

To address your post that this will not have any effect on CC, I would beg to differ. CC's stock has been in the toilet for sometime now. They simply cannot compete against the onslaught that BB and Walmart have on them and when a Fry's moves into their area you can practically stick a fork in them as they're pretty much finished.

Circuit City's stock is valued at 11.35

Best Buy's stock is valued at 45.09

Pretty HUGE difference in stock evaluation there. If you get the internet's might - a few bloggers, some myspaces/facebookers, the bargain sites - then you've got quite an onslaught there. 100,000 CAGs not reading their ads and going elsewhere will be a huge dent to their overall bottom line and you'll see their stock drop even more.

Let's spread the word and send this out to all the mags and get kotaku on board. They have a pretty large readership (much of which consists of CAGs) there.

help1

08-11-2007, 09:59 AM

I wish there was a Fry's near here.

doubledown

08-11-2007, 10:50 AM

I have always hated CC anyways, and I refuse to shop their now after many horrible shopping experiences.

Did the XBOX LIVE Points deal break CC or something?

SteveMcQ

08-11-2007, 12:40 PM

Did the XBOX LIVE Points deal break CC or something?They've been broken well before that.

Good luck, speedy. Thanks for your contributions, it was always greatly appreciated.

mwgiii

08-11-2007, 01:39 PM

Fight the man Speedy & CAG!

Let us know if you need $$ for a legal fund.

Swifting

08-11-2007, 02:27 PM

Even if Speedy had the inside scoop of upcoming deals, there is no reason for CC to make a big stink about it. These places are full of politics, and info is easily leaked out to insiders, others and then to the public. Not to say that Speedy knows someone from CC or that he is an insider. I just think that CC should have used a better approach of figuring this stuff out rather than trying to get a CAG member's personal information. CC was probably getting a lot more business out of this and I wouldn't doubt that many people will stop shopping there.

slidecage

08-11-2007, 02:59 PM

This does not shock me. I say last thanksgiving we were told at the newspaper if anyone LEAKED any info about the Sunday or thanksgiving ads before they came out would be FIRED ON THE SPOT.

Leaking the ads before they come out is concidered stealing (dont ask me why)

I was told my management from a CC store when i tried to price adjust games that they had the right to call the police on me cause i stold their info early and had info that the public should not have had.

if you want to post the ads DO so on the sunday they come out simple as that

speedy and CAG have no chance to win a lawsuit if they wanted these ads posted early CC would give them to the public before sunday

Sad to say but CAG Is #$#$#$#$#.. i would just say i wouldnt post ads anymore and say i didnt know it was breaking any laws and hopefully CC will let it pass. BUT If CC wanted to pushed this issue i say the site is #$#$# big time

im shocked CC didnt do this last JULY 4 sale. The info was leaked early and when that day came 99% of all the good games were already gone

linkpwns

08-11-2007, 05:57 PM

Sofa King Kool

08-11-2007, 06:02 PM

I'm in. They shall suffer the wrath of CAG.

SteveMcQ

08-11-2007, 07:34 PM

Maybe it's because all of the Sunday ads are being posted early. Lemme put it this way, if CircuitCity's ad was the only posted early, I doubt they would have a problem with it. If you see Bestbuy's latest game sale a week early, you won't shop at circuitcity to buy games that week, and they will be loosing money.

That's my dad's theoryIt works the other way, too. I might go into BB to buy a game, but then see that CC will have it on sale the next week, so I'll hold off and pick it up there. Whatever. Fuck you CC.

Surestrike

08-11-2007, 07:42 PM

CocheseUGA

08-11-2007, 08:44 PM

I think conspiring to ruin a company(whether they deserve it or not) might be borderline illegal, I could be wrong, but it might not be the best idea to turn this thread in that direction. Even if I am wrong and it isn't, it's still not the best idea because itll put somewhat of a black mark on CAG as a whole.

It's not illegal to try and put someone out of business. Nothing whatsoever, because no one has advocated torching the place.

seanr1221

08-11-2007, 09:40 PM

Just posting to show my appreciation for Speedy, and that I hope everything turns out alright.

fullmetalfan720

08-11-2007, 09:57 PM

I suggest everyone diggs this:
http://digg.com/gaming_news/CAGs_boycott_circuit_city
and this:
http://digg.com/gaming_news/Circuit_..._CheapAssGamer (http://digg.com/gaming_news/Circuit_City_Subpoenas_CheapAssGamer)

GuilewasNK

08-11-2007, 10:11 PM

greatscot

08-11-2007, 10:57 PM

I think conspiring to ruin a company(whether they deserve it or not) might be borderline illegal, I could be wrong, but it might not be the best idea to turn this thread in that direction. Even if I am wrong and it isn't, it's still not the best idea because itll put somewhat of a black mark on CAG as a whole.

It's illegal to conspire to "sabotage" a business. It's everyday free economy capitalism that allows the public at large to decide whether or not to shop at a store.

soccerstud652

08-11-2007, 11:46 PM

Speedy, you have made this an expensive summer for me because I normally do not check ads, but your early ads kept me ready on Sunday mornings to go buy the good stuff.

Thank you and good luck with all the legal mumbo jumbo. You'll beat it.

WrestleCrap'sRD

08-12-2007, 12:02 AM

Speedy rocks. N'uff said.

Here's the deal...Circuit City can try to go after Speedy, but it's kind of inconsequential; they're missing the point. When you have info like this out somewhere in the world, it's going to get out. They're fighting a fight they cannot win, wasting money on something that they will never be able to stop. Instead of fighting it, why not try to come up with some way to capitalize on it?

RD

botticus

08-12-2007, 12:04 AM

People, it is Circuit City's right to have control over their ads.

Personally, if I were in CC's shoes, I'd just ask for the early release of ad info to stop instead of going to this extent because getting lawyers involved can only make things messy. Frankly, I don't think their action is necessary as a first step. If you really think boycotting is going to help then go for it, but realize they don't want people waiting for bottom dollar games all the time anyway. So all you are doing is giving them what they want.Anyone halfway intelligent understands CC's issue here (at least I hope so), and that we aren't their favorite customers is pretty obvious. However, loss-leaders work just as well for us two weeks in advance than anyone else on the first day of the sale - we go into the store for that item. Random soccer mom doesn't say "I want that movie on sale. And maybe I'll buy something full price while I'm there!" she just happens to buy something else, or not. Same with us.

If it was only CC's ad being posted, I could see them having some issue with the loss of trade secrets allowing other companies to react to their sales in advance, but they have the same advantage since Best Buy and Target are posted right along with them.

I think we all agree that they could have gone about this much better. Hell, they could have made a deal to allow a small portion of the ad to be posted early, similar to how NPD made a deal with NeoGAF to provide them with a subset of their monthly data - in return, members were forbidden from leaking the full data they may have been privy to. NPD could have gone suit-crazy, asking for IP logs and the like (as CC is doing), but they were smart and tried to find an agreeable solution for everyone.

moojuice

08-12-2007, 02:25 AM

I have to admit, I can see why CC would be angered over the leaks. Lost of people are saying that it doesn't matter that the ads are being leaked, because it not like people can jump on it early. Well, like others said, with the knowledge of a price drop/sale, CC will take a hit on sales of that particular item.
I can also see how price matching can cause a headache as well. When there is influx of sales of people intending to pricematch, CC most likely would not/can not take into consideration that those sales will later be issued some money back. It doesn't look good for sales figures when large amounts of money are given back to the consumer.

On the other hand though, I do agree that the actions CC has taken have been a bit extreme. I am in no way familiar with the laws regarding this but if it is worth it for CC to issue a subpoena to two different websites, both asking for information on the same person, isn't there a more efficient way of obtaining the information? Such as through the government?
Unless CC has had discussions in private beforehand about the early ads, comming out of the gates swinging like this just doesn't seem like the right course of action.

Still, I would like to say thanks to speedy, because you have saved me a decent amount of money, which I am sure retailers aren't too happy about when many others have saved as well.

lordwow

08-12-2007, 02:51 AM

I can see why CC would be angry over this. One Word: Sony

I agree with what botticus said, and on top of that I think it's fair to say that no soccer mom is going "jeez, my son wants _______ for his birthday, I better check the next 3 weeks of ads on CAG to see if its on sale or I'm not picking it up." For goodness sake, you have to be a member to even view the deals forum (Time to add a clause in our membership agreement about lawyers for companies Cheapy?) That essentially means that CAG is a private club since everything is hidden (sans the front page links which say you have to register).

Either way, us devil customers are going to only buy loss leaders one way or another. Guess what CC, if we get the ad on Sunday, we're just going to go then and buy the loss leaders. It isn't going to change a thing.

hhhdx4

08-12-2007, 11:33 AM

another thing that they could have had a problem with is hoarders, I know it isnt as big a problem here, but stuff that posted ehre finds its way to SD and FW, who have no shame about raping promo's. When I went to pick up COD2 for 16 bucks at CC I saw two guys (they were together) buy 3 copies of COD3 at $40 each, and then the whole points fiasco are two more recent events that ive witnessed and it does hurt them as a business.

Skylander7

08-12-2007, 12:23 PM

I'm sorry... but Speedy isn't the only one to lead ads on the net, and he never will be. Look at the bfads20xx site every year... I don't think that Speedy owns the domain. He's literally being scapegoated for an internet trend. I've gotta agree with some of you guys, I think that Sony may be the one pressuring CC legal to do something about this. Why? Because leaking ads only ads to the chain's overall marketing and promotions efforts.

Now I've seen the argument within this and other threads that "CC is mad because they are losing money due to selling something at a lower price than the week before." Look at it from this perspective.. which is better, selling a digital camera $20 cheaper than retail the following week, or losing that potential sale to the primary competitor (Best Buy)? Any marketing director worth his grain of salt would know that you can't buy free promotion the likes of an ad spreading across the interwebs in advance.. why do you think they are even put in newspapers in the first place (because said chain is trying to reach you, the potential customer, and draw you in with promotional material).

So.. why would the want bad press, in a time that they are trying to regain ground lost to Best Buy? Why would they retain such customer-friendly policies as 110% price match, 30 day lower price refunds, etc.. if they feared the educated consumer as much as Best Buy does?? Thirdly, why would the chain have enough awareness of a gaming deals site such as CAG.. when so many other product categories are much more profitable than their game sales (let's face it.. they maybe make $5 on new games.. and they only sell within the first two to three weeks of release.. and a year later, a mediocre game that was once full MSRP is now slashed down to $14.99 and still hogs valuable inventory space).

They wouldn't. They wouldn't give a shit, because quite frankly.. almost every retailer takes a loss on game sales, due to the nature of manufacturers ruling hardware and software price floors with an iron fist.

Now, consider this.. CAG has ended up on almost every major press outlet lately for the console price drops. Who would pay attention to the gaming press more.. the manufacturer/distributor (Sony)... or the retailer who makes 0 profit from the good, and depends on software/accessory sales of the console to make their profit? The retailer will only benefit from the hardware price cut in free space for inventory, and sales of other goods affiliated with the system.

I'd hate to sound like a geek Perry Mason here, but do the math.. look at the behavioral patterns in Sony marketing and distribution (including the whole PSP/import fiasco), and compare that with the fact that a large electronics manufacturer is not achieving the sales that they are used to achieving for their previous versions of hardware (they believe in their brand value is high enough to create early adopters of anything they manufacture now).. and there you have it, damage control.

Basically, when you were younger and played Street Fighter II on your SNES.. and there was that fat kid down the block who could kick everybody else's ass in the neighborhood with Ken.. well, one day, you go over to his house.. and kick his ass with Cammy. Suddenly, the fat kid becomes unraveled at the seams.. throws a fit, starts blaming the controller, begins pointing fingers at every factor on the planet each time you pummel his ass. Sony is the fat kid, and Speedy is the proverbial "sticky D-pad" causing them to lose.

All said.. it's bullshit, I hate the fact that one simple ad poster is becoming the martyr for all deal-site informants.. and the bad press alone is going to be more expensive than the free marketing they received from his efforts. I know the company has made some really stupid decisions lately, but this move sounds forced.. as if a certain hardware distributor threatened to yank their products if weekly ads didn't stop stealing the thunder of said distributor's own spin-zone press releases...

Gamerguy

08-12-2007, 03:34 PM

daroga

08-12-2007, 04:45 PM

RedvsBlue

08-12-2007, 04:50 PM

A related thought for Cheapy, if you're reading. Any chance we can get CC stuff banned from the Deals forum? I'd really like to see the CAG community really take a stand against this idiotic company until they right their ways.

Like I said in the other thread, what about the people who don't support this little "boycott"? Should we have to suffer not getting in on their great deals because a few people have their panties in a bunch about this whole thing?

BTW, Cheapy's loving this thing right now. From the beginning when CAG "broke the news" all the way up to now all this extra traffic to CAG means extra money in Cheapy's pocket. Does that mean you're going to stop coming here too because Cheapy is profitting off of Speedy's plight?

daroga

08-12-2007, 04:54 PM

Like I said in the other thread, what about the people who don't support this little "boycott"? Should we have to suffer not getting in on their great deals because a few people have their panties in a bunch about this whole thing?

BTW, Cheapy's loving this thing right now. From the beginning when CAG "broke the news" all the way up to now all this extra traffic to CAG means extra money in Cheapy's pocket. Does that mean you're going to stop coming here too because Cheapy is profitting off of Speedy's plight?Alrighty, so, a new subform for the scabs? ;)

No, seriosuly, it's a good point. It's just a thought I was throwing out there. As far as Cheapy profting from the fiasco, I don't have a real big issue with it given Cheapy's attitude in all of this. If he was selling out Speedy then I would reconsider coming here again, but that's not the case at all.

RedvsBlue

08-12-2007, 04:57 PM

Alrighty, so, a new subform for the scabs? ;)

No, seriosuly, it's a good point. It's just a thought I was throwing out there. As far as Cheapy profting from the fiasco, I don't have a real big issue with it given Cheapy's attitude in all of this. If he was selling out Speedy then I would reconsider coming here again, but that's not the case at all.

See, my opinion on this whole deal is that the parties involved are Circuit City, Cheapy, and Speedy. I'm gonna let them and their lawyers figure this whole mess out because none of it involves me. I continue to support all 3 parties and no matter the outcome, it won't affect my opinion of any of them.

daroga

08-12-2007, 04:59 PM

See, my opinion on this whole deal is that the parties involved are Circuit City, Cheapy, and Speedy. I'm gonna let them and their lawyers figure this whole mess out because none of it involves me. I continue to support all 3 parties and no matter the outcome, it won't affect my opinion of any of them.I can totally understand that as well. My suggestion was an attempt to stab you (and others with your opinion) in the back. Just throwing out ideas. :)

HotShotX

08-12-2007, 06:46 PM

Like I said in the other thread, what about the people who don't support this little "boycott"? Should we have to suffer not getting in on their great deals because a few people have their panties in a bunch about this whole thing?
You do realize that the outcome of this fiasco will determine your ability to locate those "great deals" you love so much, right? Or did I miss something in reading this thread?

Given what I've read so far, I do agree on the following things:

1. God Bless CheapyD for jumping to Speedy's defense.

2. Circuit City may not exactly be the culprit in this, only the pawn, so I hereby temporary cease-fire my protest of CC (and the launching of mortar rounds) until this is resolved.

3. The CAG community doesn't need to rally around the overthrowing of CC/Sony (not yet anyway), given that there are valid arguments on both sides that our business either hurts or helps them.

4. The only important issue at hand, currently, is jumping to Speedy's defense. Who, as a fellow CAG, deserves that much, regardless of how you feel about his posting of the ads each week (It's not like he was ripping off a fellow CAG, which is the total opposite of a large corporation (or two) coming down on a single man).

~HotShotX

GizmoGC

08-12-2007, 07:23 PM

I wonder if this stop all future ads from being posted on this site from Target and Best Buy?

Ikohn4ever

08-12-2007, 08:11 PM

since the other thread got closed i guess i will repost this here

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8068/051201tiananmensquareexmu9.jpg

also i wonder if speedy decided to just unplug the net right now cause i am curious how hes doing

CheapyD

08-12-2007, 08:46 PM

CheapyD, favor to ask - add in Circuit City to the "competitive ad filter" on Google Adsense. I know they're making you money, but it's a kick in the face to the community to see them advertised on every page when we're all pissed with them. I can understand the frustration, but hopefully you can take take joy in the irony that they are helping to pay our legal bills.

A related thought for Cheapy, if you're reading. Any chance we can get CC stuff banned from the Deals forum? I'd really like to see the CAG community really take a stand against this idiotic company until they right their ways. I don't think its fair that I (we) make shopping decisions for all CAGs. As always, it should be up to the individual who gets their business. A banning of CC will cost us credibility as a comprehensive game shopping site.

BTW, Cheapy's loving this thing right now. From the beginning when CAG "broke the news" all the way up to now all this extra traffic to CAG means extra money in Cheapy's pocket. Does that mean you're going to stop coming here too because Cheapy is profitting off of Speedy's plight? I can assure you that I am not "loving this thing". I would much rather not be involved. Am I losing sleep over it? No, not yet. However, I bet Speedy is and that really fucking sucks. Hopefully, everything turns out alright for Speedy and the biggest side-effect of this ordeal is extra traffic to CAG and some extra cash in my pocket. Knowing what legal fees can run...that last part seems unlikely.

Jewelz23

08-12-2007, 09:33 PM

I hope everything goes alright man...

I understand CC's frustration and can understand the frustration of CAGs as well. I can't say I blame CC for taking action even as a long member and one that has taken advantage of the deals found on this forum.

NWgamer666

08-12-2007, 11:40 PM

Your post speaks the truth cheapy

Levizk

08-13-2007, 02:17 AM

I can understand Circuit City's point of view if the reason they're doing this is to protect the integrity of their ad. I used to work in retail years ago, and when you bring out an ad advertising a loss leader, but you don't have it in stock on Sunday, there ends up being hell to pay. I'm sure Circuit City has seen their share of damage over time from people buying up things way in advance and price matching once the ad becomes valid, only to leave the less aggressive bargain shoppers upset on Sunday when they rush out to the store.

That all being said I don't believe that's honestly the reason since as many have stated they never had a problem until the Sony incident. I doubt Speedy is going to end up in any real trouble, but the legal bills are still going to be something he doesn't deserve. Most likely they're doing this to learn how he was obtaining the information, and they'll want to put it in the backs of people's minds that it can be more trouble than it's worth. Hopefully some lawyer looking to get publicity will take on the case for free.

RedvsBlue

08-13-2007, 02:25 AM

I can assure you that I am not "loving this thing". I would much rather not be involved. Am I losing sleep over it? No, not yet. However, I bet Speedy is and that really fucking sucks. Hopefully, everything turns out alright for Speedy and the biggest side-effect of this ordeal is extra traffic to CAG and some extra cash in my pocket. Knowing what legal fees can run...that last part seems unlikely.

I guess I shouldn't really have said you were "loving this thing" rather that its not all bad news for you, on the other hand you make a great point. Since you are doing the stand-up thing and hiring a lawyer to fight rather than just throw up your arms and pointing at Speedy the extra ad revenue is gonna get eaten up by legal fees anyway.

At any rate, like I said before, this whole thing involves you, Circuit City, and Speedy. It ain't my business really and I'm reserving any final opinions on the whole thing until its settled.

CocheseUGA

08-13-2007, 08:17 AM

Has anyone else's paper been missing the CC ad the last two weeks?

lordwow

08-13-2007, 08:25 AM

Has anyone else's paper been missing the CC ad the last two weeks?

I got mine yesterday.

RoGo7

08-13-2007, 12:30 PM

Has anyone else's paper been missing the CC ad the last two weeks?

I am lucky if I get a CC flyer once a month now. :( Its always been patchy for me, thats why I LOVED what Speedy did for all of us.

Hope Speedy, CAG, & DVD Talk come out ok after this.

Don Chubo

08-13-2007, 01:20 PM

Be sure to transcribe for those of us who don't listen to it.

If you're too lazy to listen to the CagCast, you don't deserve to get in on what's being said.

CocheseUGA

08-13-2007, 01:21 PM

If you're too lazy to listen to the CagCast, you don't deserve to get in on what's being said.

Shrike already told me, so STFU.

Don Chubo

08-13-2007, 01:34 PM

Shrike already told me, so STFU.

Geez, you're testy. Next time don't leave your petard hanging out.

guinaevere

08-13-2007, 05:07 PM

We want to stand united behind Speedy for the work he's done and what he's contributed to CAG over the years. Side and personal issues aren't gonna help. So Heavy Hitter and Cochese, please stay on track and true to the spirit of this thread.

Maybe Speedy should just PM the ads to the people that actually take the time to read the threads in the first place.

Because, from looking at the VGD forum, I think there's a grand total of about twenty people who don't rush here Sunday morning and try to tell us what's in the ads.:rofl:

Monsta Mack

08-14-2007, 01:57 PM

Speedy thanks for everything you have done. After this fiasco there is no way I'm going to be shopping at CC anymore and I'll just price match everything at Wal-Mart or Best Buy.

I hope everything turns out alright and people donate if need be.

RedvsBlue

08-14-2007, 02:04 PM

SteveMcQ

08-14-2007, 02:06 PM

topnotch97

08-14-2007, 02:09 PM

yeah i knew about BB as well. but the only reason i check their stores would be the frontlane stuff. where they have those $4.99 games. i don't bother looking at the rest of their merch, i just look at Target instead.

if the time comes i'll look at CC from time to time but not buy from them. heck, TRU is giving boatloads of clearance games right now, compared to them.

judyjudyjudy

08-14-2007, 02:16 PM

So I realize future CC ad postings are gonna be put on hold as will any other store ads due to speedy's legal issues, but does that mean we will not be able to post the current weekly ads, possibly by another poster, on the Sunday the ads go into effect? Though it was great to be able to plan accordingly weeks ahead of time, I'm sure plenty of others do not subscribe to the Sunday papers, so it'd be great to still be able to see what's on sale during the current week.IIRC, didn't someone else used to post the Sunday ads early? It wasn't ridiculously early, like speedy, but was still early. Plus, I think some people get Sunday ads with their Saturday paper; I'm sure someone could probably still post them before Sunday morning.

CocheseUGA

08-14-2007, 02:22 PM

appleyum

08-14-2007, 03:20 PM

Talk about Deja vu

Pre release black friday ads and Dell suing 22 Confessions of a Former Dell Sales Manager

botticus

08-14-2007, 03:30 PM

IIRC, didn't someone else used to post the Sunday ads early? It wasn't ridiculously early, like speedy, but was still early. Plus, I think some people get Sunday ads with their Saturday paper; I'm sure someone could probably still post them before Sunday morning.TSD posted them for a while, a week early, maybe?

RvB, as soon as Best Buy tries to sue someone on CAG for helping us get the scoop on deals, I'll see about boycotting them as well. Though if it everyone starts suing, I guess we better hope we have a good relationship with Amazon. :lol:

In order to post ads in the future, all that needs to be done is have the ads PM'd/emailed (if PMs are archived/not legally protected) to a different someone every week, and that person posts the ads. CC can sue me all day long, but I wouldn't have any info to give them, nor would I ever make claims as to the veracity of the info I was posting.

CocheseUGA

08-14-2007, 03:33 PM

TSD posted them for a while, a week early, maybe?

RvB, as soon as Best Buy tries to sue someone on CAG for helping us get the scoop on deals, I'll see about boycotting them as well. Though if it everyone starts suing, I guess we better hope we have a good relationship with Amazon. :lol:

In order to post ads in the future, all that needs to be done is have the ads PM'd/emailed to a different someone every week, and that person posts the ads. CC can sue me all day long, but I wouldn't have any info to give them, nor would I ever make claims as to the veracity of the info I was posting.

Actually, I was thinking about a group-available username that we all could switch around using when the ads get posted. Let's see them try to figure out ten different IPs.

-Also, have the stores have fictitious names and be off on everything by a penny. Let's see them sure over that.

botticus

08-14-2007, 03:37 PM

CocheseUGA

08-14-2007, 03:48 PM

That would work, though someone would have to handpick the people with access to it... don't want it to be totally public and let random schmucks edit and delete posts.

It would probably be those of us who have been around here for awhile, and actually participated in the threads.

Whoever would be the one getting the ads, they could email them to me and I could distribute them thusly.

Don Chubo

08-14-2007, 04:07 PM

Do you guys think that maybe talking like that openly may not be helping with the matter at hand? There are still legal matters pending.

CocheseUGA

08-14-2007, 04:08 PM

We've always been talking hypothetically, of course.

botticus

08-14-2007, 04:14 PM

Yeah, we were throwing a lot of woulds and coulds around. Not to mention we were referring to the Sherbert City ads.

Killer Rabbit

08-14-2007, 05:59 PM

Well, I hope everything turns out all right, Speedy. And I think CheapyD deserves a thanks from all of us for immediately sticking up for him.

Thanks, guys!

:grouphug:

Hopefully some lawyer looking to get publicity will take on the case for free.

Like, say...Jack Thompson?

:-P

xmrblondex

08-14-2007, 07:20 PM

Yeah, we were throwing a lot of woulds and coulds around. Not to mention we were referring to the Sherbert City ads.

and the ones for Tart Fry, and bullseye.

gunm

08-14-2007, 09:30 PM

Sigh, I miss the weekly ads thread already. :P

XboxHardcore.com

08-14-2007, 11:53 PM

I sure miss having the ads up early. :( -- I actually looked forward to it and I would plan out my shopping. - Now I don't even feel like buying stuff.

zewone

08-15-2007, 12:14 AM

Guess CC was successful, in that this stopped the ads from being posted.

Does anyone know a deal site still posting them?

neocisco

08-15-2007, 12:40 AM

Yeah, we were throwing a lot of woulds and coulds around. Not to mention we were referring to the Sherbert City ads.
:lol:

It's like ice cream, only...not.

Demolition Man

08-15-2007, 01:19 AM

Not to mention we were referring to the Sherbert City ads.

I can't believe you just tainted the good name of Sherbert like that. :lol:

yukine

08-15-2007, 01:53 AM

I love how everyone's conveniently forgetting all the shit Best Buy has pulled through the years. Especially with regard to this site and bargain-seekers in general. But I guess Circuit City is the evil flavor of the month now so they're much easier to hate.
Best Buy has more than made up for their faults over the past year or two, in regards to deals and so forth. Hell, I buy most of my games from them now, while going to Gamestop is a once in a month affair.

benjamouth

08-15-2007, 11:17 AM

Just adding my thanks to Speedy, I really hope your legal issues work out.

In some ways I'm glad the adds don't get posted any more, hopefully means I'll buy less games, I think I'll just wait for stuff to turn up as an Amazon DOTD unless I really want it.

It's certainly gonna stop me going into CC anymore, I'm not boycotting it particularly but I don't get the adds in a paper and I'll forget to look them on the Internetz on a Sunday morning. Be too late to beat the hoarders by then anyway.

guinaevere

08-15-2007, 03:59 PM

Actually, I was thinking about a group-available username that we all could switch around using when the ads get posted. Let's see them try to figure out ten different IPs.

-Also, have the stores have fictitious names and be off on everything by a penny. Let's see them sure over that.I like those thoughts. Hypothetically, of course.

and the ones for Tart Fry, and bullseye. I believe the http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/disturbed/icons/cagposticons/icontarget.gif is trademarked, so one would possibly have to think of another name for that sorta store.

I can't believe you just tainted the good name of Sherbert like that. :lol:Not at all. Sherbert City has been around for a while. They have a great selection of frozen delicacies. Occasionally they get the odd assortment of video games. But don't confuse them with any other retailer. Because they're more in the Food Industry.

GuilewasNK

08-15-2007, 08:19 PM

Why not just wait until ads are officially released?

zewone

08-15-2007, 08:22 PM

Why not just wait until ads are officially released?
Because then you can't plan ahead of where to pick something up or if you should wait on such and such game/system because of a sale in two weeks.

botticus

08-15-2007, 08:39 PM

Not to mention it becomes a lot of effort for someone to transcribe all that information when someone can just browse to it on the various sites.

Techsticles

08-16-2007, 05:05 PM

I also just wanted to throw in my thanks to Speedy. Without his advanced info it becomes harder to compile who is getting what store exclusives on DVDs and the occasional videogame extra. Without the info Speedy has provided these past couple years I might not have ended up buying multiple copies of some DVDs from various retailers inorder to obtain the most complete extras for said movie. I also would never have stepped foot into another Circuit City, at least before the new one was built here, considering the old one was located about 30 minutes away and in the ghetto. I made several trips there because of Speedy's info alone. With information Speedy has shared I have been able to hang onto alot more money and plan out my purchasing sometimes 2 weeks in advance since I knew who seemed to have the best deal, and so I'd be able to make the purchase on release week. Best of luck to Speedy, CAG, and DVDTalk in fighting this or getting it settled. Much like the press, you've got to protect your informants/sources!!!!

I'll make sure I stay away from CC and get anything they have the best deal on pricematched at Best Buy until this mess clears up.

Watergate?

Doomed

08-18-2007, 01:38 PM

Like, say...Jack Thompson?

:-P http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/dabob51/ani-phoenix-nods.gif would work over 9000! times better.

Nemo_Hyde

08-19-2007, 05:42 PM

This reminds me of hte mess that Tim Storm when through over Black Friday ads on fatwallet... hence the DCMA policiy link on their website: http://www.fatwallet.com/dmca.php

IAmTheCheapestGamer

08-19-2007, 09:00 PM

Ahh, indeed I did. My best guess would be due to the "major" media picking up on these price drops now before stores (such as CC) want to let it be known. I just don't see what CC stands to lose here. They are getting more sales from this free advertisement. If anything, this will only hurt them. I know I won't be shopping there anymore (not like I did anyway).

But see, by advertising the price drop info in advance and the media coverage it suddenly received, it may have HURT sales of PS3s @ the $599.99 pricetag. And really, to some another $100 may not be much, but multiply that by the multitudes of potential sales which may have been put off till the price cut(more like a clearance actually) and you have quite a significant number.

So, from CC and Sony's perspective, I can kinda see why they wouldn't have wanted that info posted early. Mind ya, I dislike CC as it is and only grab clearance titles from them or cheap DVDs when I DO shop there, but if it's a choice of making or losing millions, I can see their point behind NOT wanting this info leaked early.

botticus

08-19-2007, 09:50 PM

But see, by advertising the price drop info in advance and the media coverage it suddenly received, it may have HURT sales of PS3s @ the $599.99 pricetag. And really, to some another $100 may not be much, but multiply that by the multitudes of potential sales which may have been put off till the price cut(more like a clearance actually) and you have quite a significant number.

So, from CC and Sony's perspective, I can kinda see why they wouldn't have wanted that info posted early. Mind ya, I dislike CC as it is and only grab clearance titles from them or cheap DVDs when I DO shop there, but if it's a choice of making or losing millions, I can see their point behind NOT wanting this info leaked early.Theoretically a sound point, but when they're only selling 80,000 systems a month (~20,000 a week), the tiny fraction of the potential buyers at the $599 price point in that two week period who would have been privy to the advance notice, thereby delaying their purchase would probably have numbered in, I don't know, triple digits? Subtract from that number those who would have pricematched their purchase following the actual announcement of the price drop (not sure whose pocket the money for a pricematch based on a reduced MSRP comes out of), and you're really looking at pretty insignificant numbers.

WiiGame

08-19-2007, 11:23 PM

wow circuit city taking action against a web site who is promoting them?

gunm

08-19-2007, 11:32 PM

Welcome to two weeks ago.

Anyway, what really seems to be gist of this craziness is that the attacking parties are only going on "theoretical" numbers and really most of us are of the belief that Sony and CC were not going to sell any significant number of $599.99 PS3s in that less-than-a-week-and-a-half period prior to E3.

In fact, I think a lot of us can agree that anyone immediately on the fence about PS3s would've already been waiting until after E3 before making any kind of purchase decision regardless of the ad leak. I seriously doubt there's that many soccer moms and other clueless folk that are going to walk in oblivious of gaming to make a $600 impulse purchase. A lot of this is bruised egos and damage control to me.

dim2192

08-20-2007, 01:29 AM

This sucks because CC and Speedy went well, very well. Got plenty of games and DVDs half off thanks to Speedy.

sneekpeaks

08-20-2007, 04:31 AM

one word to sum this up. Rediculous.

benjamouth

08-20-2007, 11:17 AM

Even if people did wait for the PS3 drop, surely anyone who didn't would have just PM'd the new price and got there $100 back (Wombat made this point on this weeks CAGcast).

I assume CC relies on people being too lazy/stupid to do that, fairly safe bet I suppose.

alive741

08-21-2007, 06:46 PM

Guys, this is how retail works.

Circuit City buys say 100 PS3s (just throwing a number out there for simplicity) for close to retail (video game consoles have no margin) for say $585.00 each. They sell them for $599.99. People buy them, then price match them later and they give back $100.00. They now lose $85.00.

Circuit City buys 100 PS3s for $585.00 each, they sell for $599.99. A price drop kicks in and they are now $499.99. They get a credit back to adjust their cost after the date of the drop. Cost is still $585 on the ones they own. They then get a kickback from Sony to keep the same margin (sometimes a little less) on the PS3.

The price adjustment is pure lost $, cost of doing business. The ones sold after the date of the pricedrop are profitable.

That's how retail works.

On another note, now I hate CC and BB, what to do in Connecticut. haha

depascal22

08-22-2007, 02:12 PM

guinaevere

08-22-2007, 04:26 PM

Guys, this is how retail works.<snip>I don't think that anyone here is denying that any retail outlet should make a profit. That's the entire point of bidness, that's how they provide jobs for thousands of people across the country and if they did NOT make a profit, there would be no more store for us to shop in.

Without knowing (or wanting to know) the specifics of how Speedy has been able to provide us the upcoming sales or if any breach of confidentiality has occured, we are offering solidarity in not throwing him over to fend for himself. Because we appreciate what he's contributed; an intelligent way of budgeting our expendable income on the games we're dying for and even those we're only mildly interested in.

When we know Ultimate Lawn Mower X will be on sale for $10 less in a week, why should we buy it now? We'd have to spend more money on petrol to get BACK to the store for a price match, and the store has to staff more people to check out our purchases the first time and then a SECOND time for CS personnel to perform the price match.

One would think they have more productive and profitable transactions to staff for. One would think this is a more effecient model they would embrace. One would think they'd be happy to sell more games and reach a larger client base this way.

Because you and I, when given the option of buying multiple games at a lower price point, versus one game at full price, we will pick multiple less-expensive games every time. We still will buy a game we're dying for at full MSRP now and again. But the majority of our game collections are picked up at 10% off, BOGO or BTGO, clearance, new universal price drops, et cetera.

With the new retailers selling exclusively online, with ebay and the interwebs in general as a great resource for finding deals on everything (example: Who here has even spoken with a Travel Agent lately? that career line is almost non-existant today because of the changes in technology), the consumer has changed drastically over the years. Retailers who fail to recognize these trends are the retailers who are no longer making the profits they did once upon a time.

Who would have thought BlockBuster would be hemorrhaging cash and assets? For them to get back on their feet, they could go wagging a finger at Netflix saying'how dare you infringe on our territory in a more cost-and-overall effecient manner.' They could stomp their collective foot at Wal-Mart, Target and other online and B&M retailers who sell DVDs so cheap that many people now shell out a few dollars more than a weeks' rental to own a movie they may never have even seen. All this would accomplish Nothing.

Swallow that pride, recognize you're no longer the king of movie rentals for a reason. Revise the business model, learn from your own failures and the success of Netflix and other retailers and attempt a drastic revamp. Or shut down shop with debts, firm in the knowledge that once upon a time everyone had to go to you for their movies. Because that's going to take you real far in business today.

But hey, what do I know? I'm only the one spending money in your stores.

HotShotX

08-22-2007, 06:16 PM

Picked up my copy of DOA4 for $19.99+tax today, after a bit of waiting. Turns out the UPC on the flyer is for the PC games, so it took a bit of searching by CC employees to find the XBox360 code, which they never did. Instead they just manually knocked off $10. Got the Non-GH copy too :).

As for Speedy/CC, the issue hasn't amounted to much aside from CAGs choosing sides. Need I remind you all that taking sides and not shopping at CC does NOTHING for Speedy, we've all done nothing but bicker at one another on whether or not we're affecting CC's sales.

WHO FUCKING CARES. A fellow CAG is the one that needs our help. Instead of not spending your money at CC, why not donate to helping Speedy's cause. I'd rather see a lawyer defend Speedy successfully than us attempting to hurt CC's bottom line and Speedy paying the price from our lack of unity.

Shop at CC, be a CheapAssGamer to the core, it's what we are, it's what unites us. But rally behind Speedy, rally behind the effort to support him, a single man, a single CAG. Boycotting CC is NOT doing that, but donating to a "Save Speedy" fund (if one exists, or if donating is your thing) will.

Thank CheapyD for jumping to Speedy's defense, and help out. Rally behind Speedy and CheapyD, and let's fight this as a community...not in CC's bank account or store floors, but in court, where the REAL FIGHT is, and the REAL CONSEQUENCES WILL BE DEALT.

~HotShotX

GuilewasNK

08-22-2007, 10:25 PM

First of all, good luck to speedy.

Now to the whole issue. I don't think it would've been such a problem but we've got a major hoarding problem. I've managed to pick up less games this year than I could in the last two years. Everytime I go into CC or BB these days, they've been cleared out. I'll get, "Some guy came in with a list at opening and bought every copy he could get his hands on." This has happened the last 2 clearances I tried to hit up. And even better is the CAG approved tactic of buying the games early and then getting the price match. You think the store manager doesn't get complaints from customers about how none of the advertised games are ever in the store? You don't think they eventually put 2 + 2 together especially when the culprit leaves a printout with all the clearance games on them?

We have no one to blame but ourselves. We've used every little trick to squeeze every last cent out of the retailers and now they're fighting back. I'm sure the fatwalleteers are more to blame but I've heard many stories on CAG about how people are proud to be hoarders. These few are the bad apples that have stained CAG's reputation among the retailers.

Excellent post.

Very few people seem willing or able to see the other side to this whole thing. Once again, legal action should be a last resort, but maybe they tried to resolve this before it got to this point? I'm sure there are details that none of us are aware of and will never be privy to. All I know is that if I had info from my business coming out before I authorized it, I'd want to know how the hell it happened and it wouldn't matter what the info was or if it "benefitted me" in the eyes of others.

Either way, good luck to you.

Don Chubo

08-22-2007, 11:41 PM

Excellent post.

Seconded.

IAmTheCheapestGamer

08-23-2007, 03:06 AM

First of all, good luck to speedy.

Now to the whole issue. I don't think it would've been such a problem but we've got a major hoarding problem. I've managed to pick up less games this year than I could in the last two years. Everytime I go into CC or BB these days, they've been cleared out. I'll get, "Some guy came in with a list at opening and bought every copy he could get his hands on." This has happened the last 2 clearances I tried to hit up. And even better is the CAG approved tactic of buying the games early and then getting the price match. You think the store manager doesn't get complaints from customers about how none of the advertised games are ever in the store? You don't think they eventually put 2 + 2 together especially when the culprit leaves a printout with all the clearance games on them?

We have no one to blame but ourselves. We've used every little trick to squeeze every last cent out of the retailers and now they're fighting back. I'm sure the fatwalleteers are more to blame but I've heard many stories on CAG about how people are proud to be hoarders. These few are the bad apples that have stained CAG's reputation among the retailers.

Actually, in the case of the 2006 July 4th clearance/sale, I snagged Monster Hunter, Mercenaries and a few others about a week PRIOR to the sale AT the sale price already, so no need to PM after the sale officially started.

As for hoarding, I did that with guides and ONLY guides, though I did buy up ALL the remaining copies of Psychonauts(Xbox) from my local Kmart, all TWO of them. I traded one and have ONE spare, so yeah.....I'm a BAD HOARDER.

However, I do get sick when I try to find XYZ game, only to be told that some idiot came in and cleaned out the store. I got SUPER LUCKY with Beatmania during the BB clearance and was happy enough to pass THOSE onto a local shop for all the deals I got from their shop over the past couple years.

Why didn't I trade/sell them here? Because many would've probably wanted me to do them for $10 shipped and the Beatmania bundles were HUGE boxes, so I'd have LOST money.

Either way, I'm here in spirit for this support Speedy thing, but financially, I'm still a cheapass. Sorry...

botticus

08-23-2007, 09:43 AM

Reading the CC complaint is quite interesting. I am amused that they keep going back to the point that they were put at a competitive disadvantage due to the PS3 price cut being leaked. If it were a sale, it's one thing, but the information was noted for all three retailers we report on (and by extension, all retailers nationwide). It's unclear to me where the disadvantage lies.

I also think they'll have a hard time claiming $15000+ in damages, since the damages would only be $100 per lost sale prior to the price break (ignoring pricematching), meaning they're looking at 1500+ sales for Circuit City in a week. When the PS3 was selling around 20,000 a week nationwide.

speedracer

08-23-2007, 12:17 PM

I'm leaning towards three options:

1. CAG mass mails them letters (real ones, not email), about their anger.
2. Outright boycott of Circuit City.
3. Price Matching the really hard hitting BB or Wal-Mart ads, and not the "save some cash ones" (anyone recall the Avatar Season 1 DVD set ad error for $12.95? Retails at $55).

It may not be much, but I imagine the loss of 100,000 customers will hit home at some point.

~HotShotX

As for Speedy/CC, the issue hasn't amounted to much aside from CAGs choosing sides. Need I remind you all that taking sides and not shopping at CC does NOTHING for Speedy, we've all done nothing but bicker at one another on whether or not we're affecting CC's sales.

WHO FUCKING CARES.
~HotShotX

Alrighty then. That took what, two weeks?

HotShotX

08-23-2007, 03:19 PM

Alrighty then. That took what, two weeks?

A lot shorter than that, I posted that reply elsewhere on CAG earlier than here. But what is your point, would you prefer I continuously rant about how much I'm going to affect CC's sales by punching their floor manager, or would you prefer we support Speedy as we should have been doing from the get-go?

Hell, it's not like I keep funding a war while New Orleans is still in shambles. What's the latest on bin Laden, might I ask? Off-Topic, I know, but your loyalty as a CAG is not determined by sticking to the side you initially picked in anger.

Your loyalty as a CAG is determined by doing the right thing, and that is to support Speedy.

~HotShotX

greydt

08-23-2007, 03:40 PM

A lot shorter than that, I posted that reply elsewhere on CAG earlier than here. But what is your point, would you prefer I continuously rant about how much I'm going to affect CC's sales by punching their floor manager, or would you prefer we support Speedy as we should have been doing from the get-go?

Hell, it's not like I keep funding a war while New Orleans is still in shambles. What's the latest on bin Laden, might I ask? Off-Topic, I know, but your loyalty as a CAG is not determined by sticking to the side you initially picked in anger.

Your loyalty as a CAG is determined by doing the right thing, and that is to support Speedy.

~HotShotX

Why is your assumption that deciding not to buy from CC also means not supporting Speedy at the same time? Like you even state, supporting Speedy is the important part, yet you yourself are deliberately placing people into two camps.

it should be:
1. support Speedy
2. whether one shops at Circuit City: whatever

I have a feeeling that you'll be agreement, but no reason to be divisive about it, right?

HotShotX

08-23-2007, 04:07 PM

Why is your assumption that deciding not to buy from CC also means not supporting Speedy at the same time? Like you even state, supporting Speedy is the important part, yet you yourself are deliberately placing people into two camps.

it should be:
1. support Speedy
2. whether one shops at Circuit City: whatever

I have a feeeling that you'll be agreement, but no reason to be divisive about it, right?
I think you're pulling from two different posts. In my post when this originally hit, I was all for a boycott/mortaring of CC. However, soon after that I realized this isn't about CC, but supporting Speedy, hence my change in stance.

speedracer made the comparison of my two posts, and a comment about how quickly my change was, when it truth it was more than he assumed, since the post I made here was a copy of the VGD post I made a few days earlier.

All jargon aside, the post can be summed up as the following:

1. Support Speedy, support a fellow CAG in need.
2. Be a CAG, and shop where your CheapAss takes you (I myself got DOA4 from CC yesterday for $20).

I don't want people taking sides and wasting time over whether or not we're doing damage to CC, I want CAGs united behind protecting one of their own. Shopping at CC does nothing to hinder or empower his case.

~HotShotX

NWgamer666

08-23-2007, 04:25 PM

From post number 40 something of this thread:
Motion to quash

The CAG attorney has my stamp of approval, for what that's worth. Now CC's attorney's are going to have to make some tough decisions regarding whether it is going to be worth the time and money to refile the subpoena, figure out what the hell district court has foreign jurisdiction, and hire a process server in fucking Japan.

I'm now gonna read the CC complaint and see if my hunch is right, that CC's attorney put a shoddy complaint together because they underestimated the reslove of CAG to fight the subpoena, and figured Cheapy would just roll over.

greydt

08-23-2007, 04:30 PM

I think you're pulling from two different posts. In my post when this originally hit, I was all for a boycott/mortaring of CC. However, soon after that I realized this isn't about CC, but supporting Speedy, hence my change in stance.

Post #151: "Boycotting CC is NOT doing that, but donating to a "Save Speedy" fund (if one exists, or if donating is your thing) will."

One does not preclude the other.

greatscot

08-23-2007, 05:09 PM

From post number 40 something of this thread:

The CAG attorney has my stamp of approval, for what that's worth. Now CC's attorney's are going to have to make some tough decisions regarding whether it is going to be worth the time and money to refile the subpoena, figure out what the hell district court has foreign jurisdiction, and hire a process server in fucking Japan.

I'm now gonna read the CC complaint and see if my hunch is right, that CC's attorney put a shoddy complaint together because they underestimated the reslove of CAG to fight the subpoena, and figured Cheapy would just roll over.

I read through the complaint. It's you typical, boiler-plate complaint that's filed in any civil action. It was probably done by some fresh out of law school, big shot wannabe, attorney who just cut and pasted it together.

You would think that a corporation such as Circuit City would have a clue about how to get proper service on a corporation based in another state. It seems to me the complaint and subpoena are just a means to get Speedy's information so that can harass him and threaten him with all sorts of legal action to stop posting the ads, and give up HIS source for the ads so they can do the same thing to that person.

HotShotX

08-23-2007, 08:19 PM

Post #151: "Boycotting CC is NOT doing that, but donating to a "Save Speedy" fund (if one exists, or if donating is your thing) will."

One does not preclude the other.

Why is your assumption that deciding not to buy from CC also means not supporting Speedy at the same time? Like you even state, supporting Speedy is the important part, yet you yourself are deliberately placing people into two camps.

I get what you're saying now, but I believe you mistunderstood me. I'm not trying to place CAGs into two seperate camps, they already are, on whether CAGs should stop shopping at CC or not.

I'm trying to point out that neither of those camps support Speedy at all, since CC's future sales have nothing to do with Speedy's case in the legal system, and that we need to unite behind him in order to support him...our actions for or against CC do nothing to support Speedy, I want the CAGs to see that.

Unless your original post has a typo somewhere, what it boils down to is this:
Buying/Not Buying from CC has no relation to Supporting/Not Supporting Speedy.

Which is the point I was trying to make in the first place after realizing that mortaring CC does nothing to support Speedy. Hope that clears things up.

~HotShotX

CocheseUGA

08-23-2007, 08:40 PM

If you really want to help speedy, here's a way for you to do it:

If for some reason, God forbid, that speedy loses his fight and is exposed and required to pay a fine or is fired from wherever he works, he will need help in re-establishing his life. To do this, you can donate.

You can donate, right now, to speedyfund @ gmail . com (remove spaces). I did not establish this as a premium account, so you can't send CC payments as of right now.

If you don't want to contribute, no one will hold it against you. We all know how hard it is to get by in our lives as it is, but if you have any spare funds you would like to donate, please do so.

Please make it a minimum of a $5 donation, please.

If speedy comes through all of this unscathed, then the funds will be distributed to a charitable cause of his choosing, or if he declines, then it will go to the Children's Miracle Network care of Speedy and CAG (and DVDTalk if they choose to help out). As for oversight, I will keep a couple of other longtime members here apprised of the account on a regular basis.

So, it's said talk is cheap. Here's a chance to prove everyone wrong.

Disclaimer: This is not affiliated with CAG Productions, LLC.

CheapyD

08-23-2007, 09:12 PM

I would recommend discussing this with speedy before soliciting funds on his behalf.

chronojin

08-23-2007, 09:28 PM

i hope speedy pulls thru all this and is able to keep doing what he has been before all this started

HotShotX

08-23-2007, 10:23 PM

I would recommend discussing this with speedy before soliciting funds on his behalf.

Agreed. With Speedy's blessing, I've got $20 set aside for the fund, once we get a CAG/Speedy sanctioned PayPal going. As for the charity, I'd prefer to see it go to Child's Play (http://www.childsplaycharity.org/), but I agree with it being Speedy's choice.

Either way, good luck to Speedy and CAG's Defense.

~HotShotX

NWgamer666

08-24-2007, 02:47 AM

Yea, a fund just for paying speedy in the event of an unfavorable decision could only be started post decision, not now, as we have no way of A) contacting him (I assume) and B) it may disclose his location/identify him.
Good sentiments thought.
However, Cheapy likely is aware he could set up a legal fee donation fund, but that is a bit of work to set up, and also may not be needed in the event of an extremely favorable decision.

depascal22

08-24-2007, 03:01 AM

If it's not needed, you can throw the funds towards some kegs or a couple bottles of bubbly. There's nothing better than a good party after you've beat the man. Good luck, Speedy.

integralsmatic

08-24-2007, 03:24 AM

I dont want to even think about if he loses the case.

In Speedy we trust!

CocheseUGA

08-24-2007, 11:56 AM

I've been in semi-regular contact with him, and we've discussed a few things. This was not one of them, it was of my own volition.

However, by speaking to him, he's genuinely concerned for his well-being. While it's nice that people would be willing to boycott a corporation, it really does nothing to stop them from their legal actions, nor would it stop them from asking for recouping their 'lost sales.'

I'm planning on having a lengthy discussion with him over the weekend, and if he doesn't approve I will delete my post and delete the account.

Personally, I don't agree with Child's Play. It's a great cause, but money is spent in much better ways such as keeping these children's hospitals staffed. If you haven't noticed, more and more hospitals are deleting their children's units due to doctors not being able to/not wanting to afford the growing malpractice insurance costs connected to taking care of very sick kids. In some cases, you have hospitals that are the primary care centers for people that are 500 miles away, because of a combination of available beds and Medicare (Medicare does not cross state lines. If you live in Georgia, you have to be treated by a hospital in Georgia unless under VERY extreme circumstances, even if you're only an hour away from a similar unit in another state).

It's great to keep kids entertained while they are there, but I'm more concerned about keeping them alive. That's why I chose CMN as the backup to whatever Speedy would want to do.

Donating to a Paypal account that is in my name (with my address and phone number, and I'm not going anywhere anytime soon) does not reveal his location.

I disagree with the notion of setting up a CAG Legal Defense fund, because it gives the impression we're going to be in trouble with the law as a community.

But, it all may be a moot point. He's basically become an outsider at DVDT, I'm glad the same has not been said here.

shrike4242

08-24-2007, 01:33 PM

Interesting article related to this mess, though with Apple being the big bad corporation in this case:

http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/mac/2006/06/13/apple-vs-the-bloggers.html

NWgamer666

08-24-2007, 03:11 PM

Shrike- That case cited in the article article seems distinctly different from what's going on here, as that case was about an e-mail being sent to a blogger, who in turn published the facts in question, as opposed to a forum member who essentially publishes the material himself.

IIRC, California also has strong state journalism sheild laws, and I am uncertain as to what NY or whatever state this site is hosted from's journalism sheild laws are.

All the more reason to champion for a federal journalist sheild law. The publishing of facts must not be subject to persecution.

Keep digging, there must be a case regarding forum posting of controversial material.

Edit: nevermind anarchist blogger reference, that is counter to my argument.

Don Chubo

08-24-2007, 03:54 PM

CocheseUGA

08-24-2007, 04:03 PM

I can tell you one thing for an absolute certainty - CC isn't really worried about damages, it's just another thing to add to the seriousness of the subpoena. They would have a near-impossible task of proving any loss of business over this, nevermind an actual amount. What CC cares about is stopping the leak.

What they don't understand is, the leaks will never be stopped, and they can attribute that to their actions in this matter, and the push for information to be known in general.

Don Chubo

08-24-2007, 04:22 PM

botticus

08-24-2007, 04:54 PM

I really can't argue your first point either way. I'm not privy to CC's sales figures, nor do I know any of their financial statistics.

They want to stop the leak? That we can agree on.

As to your second point are you saying that Circuit can/has caused leaks because of the current legal action? If that's not what you mean, I don't get what you're saying. If that is what you mean, then I don't get what you're saying.I take it as, this info will get out one way or another, their strong-arming obviously isn't preventing that as we have next week's ads posted right now.

It would have been best for them to attempt to negotiate an alternative that would benefit both parties. Maybe an approved teaser in place of the full ads.

shrike4242

08-24-2007, 04:55 PM

I'm curious at this point in what CC's lawyer's response will be to Cheapy's motion to quash the subopena on its technical grounds.

botticus

08-24-2007, 04:58 PM

I'm curious at this point in what CC's lawyer's response will be to Cheapy's motion to quash the subopena on its technical grounds.We need a javery or someone to look up whatever items the motion referred to that were missing from the subpoena.

Sc4rfac3

08-24-2007, 06:20 PM

I'm happy to hear that CAG's lawyer made a motion to quash. I support speedy to the fullest, but i still will not be shopping at cc.

NWgamer666

08-24-2007, 06:38 PM

CC's attorney's will just refile in the proper venue, with the same allegations, but now is the time when corporate has to decide if they want to expend resources on this or not, as Cheapy has steped up to defend rather than shutingup and rolling over. Hopefully they will make the wise decision, and realize leaks are inevitable. Who's to say CC didn't leak it on purpose, but needed a scapegoat now that sony's angry.

depascal22

08-24-2007, 06:48 PM

Why isn't there a call to boycott Sony also? They seem to share responsibility for all this mess with CC.

GuilewasNK

08-24-2007, 07:28 PM

Why isn't there a call to boycott Sony also? They seem to share responsibility for all this mess with CC.

Because people realize they'd be hypocrtical and still use their Sony products. Boycotts tend to work better for legitimate social issues.

Don Chubo

08-24-2007, 08:18 PM

Why isn't there a call to boycott Sony also? They seem to share responsibility for all this mess with CC.

What? I must have missed that - unless you're talking about the rampant suppostion that Sony is behind all this.

speedracer

08-26-2007, 06:58 PM

Because people realize they'd be hypocrtical and still use their Sony products.
Sony hasn't filed on anyone. If they want to join the fray, then the circumstances would change.

And perhaps more stupendously obvious (or not I guess!), already purchased products don't put money in Sony's pocket.

What? I must have missed that - unless you're talking about the rampant suppostion that Sony is behind all this.
Pay it no mind. That's what it looks like when someone is so self-centered and interested that they can't look outside themselves at all without projecting a blob of absurd.

The Crotch

08-26-2007, 11:30 PM

Have you talked to Speedy again, Cochese? I'm in the process of draining my PayPal account, and giving money to someone who needs it > Red vs Blue DVDs.

CocheseUGA

08-27-2007, 08:24 AM

Have you talked to Speedy again, Cochese? I'm in the process of draining my PayPal account, and giving money to someone who needs it > Red vs Blue DVDs.

No I haven't, and it's a little worrysome. He's a fairly busy person anyways, so you have to appreciate even more what he was doing for both sites.

When I get word one way or another, I'll be sure to say.

lordwow

08-28-2007, 11:37 AM

More from DVDTalk, re: if they had responded.

Yes we have.

We're formally legally represented by the Electronic Freedom Foundation http://www.EFF.org and they've responded to the subpoena on our behalf.

On the continued advice of our counsel, I've been advised not to comment on a current and open case as such comments can be used in reference to that case.

Needless to say we continue to pursue the absolute best options available to us through the legal process. With the EFF.org representing us we've got the absolute best and most informed legal team for this issue.

Thanks again everyone for your continued support and patience.

CocheseUGA

08-28-2007, 11:55 AM

I talked to Speedy last night, and he's worried. He's relieved DVDT actually had the balls to lawyer up, but other than that he's worried some serious shit could still come down the line. That's why he's completely retiring from doing the ads, at least until all of this blows over. I'm not sure who these people are who are doing the ads now, but I have his word that he is not the one doing it. Looks like the pressure CC is bringing down on Speedy is bringing more people out to support the cause.

Speedy has also endorsed the Paypal cause re: him. So, if you're down with Speedy, throw it in your sig or something to get the word out to people who don't read this forum/thread. He did not say what charity he will choose, I think he's still concerned enough that he is going to need it to keep his life together.

So, a couple bucks here and there would surely help. If you can't meet the $5 minimum, shoot me a PM and we'll work it out from there. If you want him to know that you donated, give me your CAG handle when you send the money and I'll keep track of who donated, but not the amount.

Thanks guys.

depascal22

08-28-2007, 02:29 PM

Pay it no mind. That's what it looks like when someone is so self-centered and interested that they can't look outside themselves at all without projecting a blob of absurd.

Wait a minute, champ. I had a legitimate question. This was all supposed to be Sony putting pressure on CC for leaking price drops. There was never a problem until the 60gb $500 price point became public a month before it was supposed to. Yes, this product is already on shelves. But when product sits on shelves, there aren't any new orders and that means no more money for Sony.

Any other personal problems can be settled in PMs from here on out.

The Crotch

08-28-2007, 07:57 PM

How's this?

speedy1961

08-28-2007, 08:45 PM

This has been an interesting topic. To get better acquainted and more knowledgable on the issue, I plowed back a ways on here and DVDT. A couple of things I've noticed -

Some people seem to be shocked that speedy could be in trouble for this. Looking back through posts here and there, there has been an inference that what he has been doing may have been ethically wrong, illegal, or substitute your own term here. These inferences have not been made only by others, but by speedy himself. Reading what I have, there has been a "Here are the ads, nudge nudge wink wink high-fives all around, but I hope I/you don't get caught" thing going on.

The other thing is that there have been people saying Circuit doesn't have a leg to stand on, they're just bullying, etc.. Who knows? It would be interesting to see what an actual lawyer that is well-versed in matters like these would say. What CC has done so far is probably an opening salvo, and there is probably more to come.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Indeed it shall.

When I started doing this way, way back in time (about 2 years ago), I decided early on that I would focus my info scope not on 1 big box retailer, but on 3. My thinking was that I would immediately level the playing field in regards to whom would have the best price / incentives on a given item within a specfied, limited timeframe. Of course you all know the retailers I selected. I officially did my first postings on these saleable items over at DVDTalk and I made the postings different from what had gone before by becoming an "operations" expert on Target, Best Buy and Circuit City. I was determined to give / aquire the best intel that is possible at any point in time.

Prior to me reporting on the Big 3, I used to work at Borders book stores and also posted deals / answered questions about Borders policies / sales.

I found in both instances (Borders and the Big 3), folks really responded to the intel that I was posting and the manner in which I answered questions about products on sale or policies. Folks generally saw me as a humble being who actually cares about his readers. Folks started asking for CD info and then gaming info and then on to PCs, laptops, etc......
I responded to almost each and everyone who ever queried me. I added more and more intel to my posts which led to my being recruited here at CAG.

Until recently, I had Cheapy's 1st two PMs to me asking me to reformat / reformulate my 3 weekly threads into 1 weekly UBER thread. I will admit I was initially hesistant but as soon as I got my head around the idea, I was able to make it reality. And (to me at least) ALL of CAG RESPONDED approvingly.

Through out hundreds of threads at both sites, I have responded to almost every query, tried to put some of my trademark humour throughout my posts for eager readers to spot and enjoy, and have created a sort of fantasy background for folks to ponder over (if they are indeed interested). I have interspersed many a true factoid about myself (Yes.... I was a stand up comedian for a 5 year span) as well as spinning some fantasy lore to enhance my "legend". (Who actually believes that I live in a cave with a multi-teated cow?????).

I have never knowingly put down any of the Big 3 that I report on. Doing so would be counter-productive to my stated mission in doing my reports: 1. To help folks save some hard earned ducats whenever possible...... 2. To have folks leave with the best possible deal / incentive during a particular time frame ..... 3. To help whomever I could whenever possible however I could. (Those that know of this "hobby" that I was doing until recently every 7 days or so have actually called me "insane" for reaching out to help someone who asked for help. They are in effect a stranger I've never met....... Thanks Mom! ;))

This is the way I am folks.

I will admit to having a helper or two who assist now and again when the computers in the Cow Cave need tweaking.

I'm truly sorry Heavy Hitter that my attempts at humour (and some fall flat here at CAG :lol:) are being seen as a wink, wink, nudge, nudge (hey I'm robbing a bank here) type of situation. But I always tried not to reveal how the intel comes into my possession. A guy over DVDTalk has asked me a number of times to reveal how my inner circle works and I just don't answer. A magician should not be asked how a trick or sleight of hand works.

I am genuinely touched by the outpouring of support here at CAG. And it's because of how YOU folks have acted toward me and reacted to my weekly scribblings, that I really miss getting the info out there. I'm still receiving lots of e-mail requests as well as PM questions here at CAG (which I can't answer at this time due to CC's actions weighing quite heavily upon me.)

It does bother me that some at DVDTalk are villifying me as a mad criminal mastermind. Rest assured..... I am NOT. I'm just a guy who likes helping people come to an informed decision. It's really that simple.

It also bothers me that CC is not researching the whole timeline of the PS3 $100 price drop correctly.

First a CC manager went on the record (anonymously of course) to say the drop was "emminent".

Next was an ad scan showing the price cut from an actually CC ad. It was watermarked with the letters NFX I believe. (To date I've never used an ad scan ANYWHERE for fear of copyright violation).

Next was the fact I didn't get my usual Target intel 1st as is usually the case and then having CC's intel available. So I went with CC. I felt that no one would notice at DVDTalk but that all of CAG would be mightily interested. The next day I put up Target which also confirmed the price drop. And on Monday, Best Buy joined the trio.

The rest you all know.

I have had no desire in becoming an Internet celebrity for 15 minutes. I was simply doing my "job". If I was a true gung-ho Matt Drudge type of reporter, I probably would have ferreted out the XBOX 360 price drop but I did like I always do: wait for the intel to come via the normal protocols that I've established (sounds very much like Mission: Impossible eh? ;))

In closing I once again would like to thank ALL OF CAG, CheapyD and anyone who chooses to believe that information shared benefits us all.

It appears that for the first time in my life, I have one large website of FRIENDS. (And GREAT ones at that.......)

I miss you ALL and hope to be back reporting soon.

Keep a positive thought out there for me, OK?

neocisco

08-28-2007, 09:38 PM

(Who actually believes that I live in a cave with a multi-teated cow?????).
um...8-[ :oops:

A magician should not be asked how a trick or sleight of hand works.
Correct. Never reveal the prestige!

Just remember the words of the great American poet 2pac.

"Keep ya head up."

Don Chubo

08-28-2007, 09:45 PM

Look - I'm not harshing on you at all, speedy. I'm just discussing the facts. Your humor (and the comments of others) gave that general impression to me - and I imagine that I'm not the only one. Given the context of the situation as I understand it, it doesn't look the best.

As far as the other part of my comment that you quoted, I stand by that too. At least I'm rational and analytical enough to admit that since I'm not a lawyer I really cannot say either way. I figure that's more genuine than getting hysterically emotional and talking out of my ass and taking a side I'd have no business taking - like some others may or may not have.

You may have done all that you have said to help others and save them money, good for you. Good luck with however all this plays out.

anomynous

08-28-2007, 11:49 PM

Speedy, I fully support you

daroga

08-29-2007, 12:14 AM

Take it easy, Speedy. Know that there are some who support you, and some who just stay out of it, by I'd say that you're not going to get anyone attacking your character here.

Stay the course. It'll all work out in the end.

CocheseUGA

08-30-2007, 10:40 AM

So, who's supplying the ads now? Speedy gave me his word it's not him.

botticus

08-30-2007, 11:11 AM

CocheseUGA

08-30-2007, 11:48 AM

Seems like there have always been at least a handful of people with early access, they just don't go out of their way to post them. The beauty of the irrelevance of Circuit City's aggression in the scheme of things.

Seems like CC missed a chance to keep the information channeled through speedy. Now, they have no idea where it's going to come from, or how to stop it.

I bet it will be a contest now, to see who can post the info first each week.

HotShotX

08-30-2007, 11:58 PM

+$20 for the Speedy fund....and um....Phoenix Wright is on your side!

http://www.court-records.net/fanart/busterella-seriousbusinessss.gif

help1

08-31-2007, 12:11 AM

:grouphug:Good luck speedy!:grouphug:

hiccupleftovers

08-31-2007, 03:51 AM

Need to read up on this thread. Haven't checked it/CAG in a bit just quick perusals. Thanks for the PM Speedy! Once I clear out my PM box I'll respond dilligently.

AssaultMonkey

09-25-2007, 11:34 PM

He's been gone for over a month? Did he get in an accident or something????

SpazX

09-25-2007, 11:54 PM

oh damn it all to hell

Jedi1979

09-25-2007, 11:54 PM

oh damn it all to hell

seconded

benjamouth

09-25-2007, 11:55 PM

Words fail me, where have you been since Nov 2003 is the greater question???

tuffcookie

09-26-2007, 12:01 AM

ummm...........wow

outunderstars

09-26-2007, 12:01 AM

Don't hate me as well, but I was wondering if anyone had an update on the case?

Bezerker

09-26-2007, 12:02 AM

Awesome deal, in for 10.

camoor

09-26-2007, 12:02 AM

Hay guyz

Who's Speedy?

AssaultMonkey

09-26-2007, 12:03 AM

yes i know i posted it on the wrong board...kill me. I just know speedy through the weekly posts on this section, so I figure that here is the most logical place for ppl who know him to tell me whats up

Gycot

09-26-2007, 12:03 AM

THE MAN happened to speedy, thats what

Vinny

09-26-2007, 12:04 AM

Wow... posted in the wrong section AND he doesn't know what happened to Speedy.

This thread deserves at least 2 awards.

NolbertoS

09-26-2007, 12:04 AM

I'm curious to know how's speedy nowadays, I rarely visit any other board on CAG besides this one, a weekly or monthly update by CheapyD would be good to know Speedy is in good health.

Ikohn4ever

09-26-2007, 12:05 AM

CC was after him after the pS3 price drop ad was posted early. he is on the lam at least on the net

dpadilla4

09-26-2007, 12:05 AM

Awesome deal, in for 10.

not funny anymore

hiccupleftovers

09-26-2007, 12:06 AM

I'm just interested to know what's the current standings with the issue with CC and whether Speedy's been exonerated.

soccerstud652

09-26-2007, 12:07 AM

Give the OP a break. Yes, this is posted in the wrong spot, but no one is perfect. At least the OP cares enough to ask.

PawnTakesKing

09-26-2007, 12:09 AM

Speedy took some heat after posting the Circuit City ad that exposed the PS3 price drop. CheapyD was subpoenaed by Circuit City's legal enforcers to surrender any and all info about Speedy, after which CheapyD filed a motion to quash aforementioned subpoena. Speedy went into hiding and has been lying low ever since. There haven't been any other updates on the case so far.

DisturbedZen

09-26-2007, 12:25 AM

Wow, I wonder why the shitty will do about BF ads? This is terrible!

bigdaddy

09-26-2007, 12:26 AM

I head that CC has hired a hitman because they know they are gonig to lose this "case".

ElektroDragon

09-26-2007, 12:50 AM

The CC corporate wankers just didn't like the fact that we were better informed, and earlier, than than even their stupid store managers. When I went into my CC with speedy's tips, I made every employee look like a total jackass. Same goes for Toys R Us. Bring back speedy, dammit!

speedy1961

09-26-2007, 08:57 PM

CocheseUGA

09-26-2007, 11:51 PM

Can we get an update from the head cheap-ass?

Warner1281

09-27-2007, 01:47 PM

Can we get an update from the head cheap-ass?

Even a simple, "nothing new" every week would suffice. We just need something!

yukine

09-28-2007, 08:45 AM

Cheapy did do just that on the latest CAGcast.

CocheseUGA

09-28-2007, 08:57 AM

Cheapy did do just that on the latest CAGcast.

What did he say? 'Nothing new' ?

GuilewasNK

09-28-2007, 09:09 AM

Cheapy did do just that on the latest CAGcast.

Not everyone has the time nor the desire to listen to the CAGcast.

yukine

09-28-2007, 09:23 AM

Yes, no new updates.

Desire, sure... but time? He usually makes these updates at the beginning of the show. Listening to the CAGcast for 10 minutes won't kill you.

Don Chubo

09-28-2007, 01:01 PM

Not everyone has the time nor the desire to listen to the CAGcast.

Seconded.