I wanna know who else, who had no previous grude, is upset with this?

Blaine · Nov 8, 2001

Not to discount people who have been speaking out about NG.com or other things, your opinion matters and I assure you that we know who you are.

I want to know about people like me, who had (and honestly really still doesn't) no issues with NG.com, The Price List or The Neo Store are also upset?

I see a lot of these people posting and it seems more like a "I told you" type post (no offence intended to anyone one of you AT ALL...NONE..much love) where they re-iterate their beliefs.

This is what I feel, I feel the price increase manuever was dishonest and greedy. I've said several times why so I'm not going into it here.

I also said "Shawn can shut down the site", and I stand by that. He chooses to keep this site open and chooses to keep it free. I would become INCREDIBLY depressed if it would not remain as such. Don't misconstrue that.

Has anyone else who was Neutral to Positive towards NG.com been taken a back a little by this?

My answer to that is "yes I am. What bothers me most is not the greed as much as the dishonesty that was involved with the greed and subsequent justification."

Anyone?

Lee Gray · Nov 8, 2001

I myself had never had any grudges with this site or Shawn,I like the site and I never ever go to the neo store to buy anything,not even to see what they are selling.

Its only as it was posted here I found about about it and think its a rip-off but if someone wants to pay that much for the system then let them,I for one am not that stupid though or rich for that matter!!!

complexz · Nov 8, 2001

well i diddnt buy the system and i still enjoy the boards so i wont let it bother me to much

yall have good points though

GoosehanX · Nov 8, 2001

My feelings about all this...

I don't necessarily agree with Shawn's actions, but I also do not condemn them. If he owns X number of products, they are rightfully his to do whatever he pleases with. It's been said many times, if you don't like the prices, don't buy, they will go down. I don't buy games from neostore.com, the only thing I've personally bought was a debug bios since the prices are too high for me on most of the games that I want. The only thing I intend to buy in the near future is a copy of Metal Slug 3, which is not significantly more on the site than it is elsewhere.

However, the simple fact is this: if neostore.com sold everything for the price that it is sold at on ebay or in the forums, there would be NOTHING in stock, everyone would buy from Shawn instead of elsewhere, then in the long run no one would bother coming back since there's never anything in except copies of Samurai Shodown 2.

Perhaps I only say this because I "rip people off" on a daily basis in my job selling computer parts. My cables are marked up 500%, but I don't force people to buy. Still, in my store half of my cables are out of stock, even though most of them can be had for lower than my store's cost on the net. I also have products that are priced too high which no one buys, and if that happens, the price drops.

JHendrix · Nov 8, 2001

I love this site, hell it gets me through some slow work days a lot of the time. Kinda dissapointed with how things went down, but I don't care as I'm MVS only. The only thing I'm interested in from Shawn would be one of those Neo World Mats if available. His prices on carts and systems are a little high, but he's reputable and a great person to do buisness with. If paying more is worth the piece of mind, more power to you.

I'm not leaving the site or the scene because of this.

Peace

JHendrix

Pro_Gear · Nov 8, 2001

I too have no personal grudge with Shawn or his sites. The sad truth is that there are people out there that WILL pay $1000+ for a new AES. Not to mention that they might not even play the thing... I mean if I was nuts enough to pay even $600 on a home cart, I'd be afraid to breathe on it the wrong way because it might disturb that "minty freshness".

But this is Neo-Geo...I remember dropping $700 on the gold system at The Wiz back in the day. It was crazy enough from the start. It was only bound to get worse... thats why I sold my AES collection back in like '95. Emulation <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> is what got me back into the Neo... along with the appearance of the Phantom-1 (ahhhh MVS <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> )

But back to the topic at hand, I don't buy into the whole "follow the scene, choose your side" type shit going on. I'll buy my games, play them, respect them, enjoy them. You can keep your damn politics <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

The Z-Man · Nov 8, 2001

Truthfully, it doesn't bother me much, however I believe this is the best Neo site on the web today. And being that it's the best Neo site I think there is somewhat of an obligation for it to stay that way. This means we need some legit pricing not only at the Neo store, but espicially the price guide. Will either one of these things ever happen? Not likely, at least not as long as there is money to be made.

Anyway I feel that neo-geo.com has an obligation to everyone to either create a fair and current pricing guide or to take it down completely.

BrooklynSkin · Nov 8, 2001

If you notice I haven't gotten innvolved w/ any of the arguements over the last couple of months. There is so much shit talking , it's really sad. I came here to enjoy and discuss the Neo. All I see is endless bullshit. It's kind of depressing, Can't people share news and gameplay and love for the neo more than everything else?

For the record I have always thought that the Neo Store was overpriced. I really have no intention of buying anything from it. I can get much better deals elsewhere.

Here's my stance on everything so far

Shawn can do whatever he wants. Let him make cash. As long as he doesn't get (too much) of mine. I may buy the Metal Slug 3 and Sen Goku someday when I have a good job but thats it. I don't trust the price guide on the site. I think it's a tool to jack up prices. It's crazy how expensive the Neo is right now. Hopefully this will die down. I have noticed many carts going for less lately on ebay. The economy is kinda fucked right now.

I actually think the Shaolins are funny most of the time. DSD makes me crack up. (That brown bannana shit was funny as hell)
CHimp seems like a nice guy but he does kiss too much ass.
Gamer's A. seems to be a racist. He can suck my dick.
Bonuskun is really cool. It's a shame he's not a mod anymore.

Tonk confuses the hell out of me. He's a NGF supporter but hate NG.com. NGF is much worse! At least go for the lesser of two evils. I would probably get along with this guy in person but . . . Man make some sense!

The reason why I didn't get so innvolved with shit before is I thought it was a waste of my time. It still may be but I felt like sharing a bit.

Oh and if I get any beef from this, oh well. I'm from Brooklyn, I'm a Skin, I know Jiu-jitsu, I'll bust some ass <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> lol in a evil voice <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

p.s. I wonder if anyone reads this or if this was a dumb post? I am really tired.'

Jon da Brooklyn SKin

The Z-Man · Nov 8, 2001

By the way, I love this site! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

chimpmeister · Nov 8, 2001

Well Blaine I know you don't want to hear my view, but I'll post it anyway. After all, its a free world. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> So I basically will copy the post I put in another thread, with minor modifications.

Why are you blaming him when obviously a handful of people had no problem paying that price? What do you prove by doing that? Its a free market, and you and I as consumers have a very powerful vote in that market. The vote is, you don't like the price, don't pay it. I personally would NEVER pay $800, $900, $1000 or more for a home cart system, no matter WHAT. Neither would you, and neither would most people here. However, there were obviously people that would, and did. So what, why whine about it? There are hundreds of cart systems for sale every day, all less than that price, so who cares? My original home cart system cost $599 at release, and I gladly paid it back in 1991. My backup system cost less than $200, no big deal.

All of your statements are basically diatribes against capitalism. The market will bear those prices, and whether you like it or not, it did. Period. It really makes you look silly to be arguing about this, its such a non-issue its not even funny . . .

Bottom line: don't like the price, don't pay the price. I wouldn't, you wouldn't, and we can go elsewhere to get the systems for less, and thats it. Thats how the market works, and no amount of complaining and bitterness will change that.

If Shawn had obtained 200 or more home cart systems, if the supply were much greater, the situation might be different. But economics dictates that extremely low supply of a rare item (a boxed new Neo cart system IS rare), will dictate a high price. Thats what happened, and thats the end of it. There are plenty of sources of home cart systems elsewhere, you and I and 99% of the rest of people here would naturally seek those out and pass on this kind of INSANE price.

[ November 08, 2001: Message edited by: chimpmeister ]

CarlDMC · Nov 8, 2001

I think this site is great regardless of the strong opinions of others. I weed out what I care about hearing and passively read others. I learned a lot about the NEO from this site and its links. More good has come out of this site than bad, for me anyways. I can't speak for everyone, maybe not even for some, bit I am still a member of this site because of the NEO GEO, and what I can learn from others about the NEO GEO. My NEO was collecting dust thinking it had no life anymore....until I found this site.
Everyone has an opinion, but it doesn't mean you have to force it down other people's throats.

aria · Nov 8, 2001

I'm more suprised than anything to hear that people were willing, out of this pool of users, to pay that high. The most expensive thing Neo-related I've ever bought was my console at retail price back in '91.

searchingtom · Nov 9, 2001

It's a business ! And it's HIS business, he can do what he wants. If he pisses off customers they don't buy from him and the business ends, happens every day.

I'm in it for the games as long as they last simply because they are the best games ever made (and I also love the feeling of holding that new cart in my hands !!!).

Make wise choices with your money, buy low and sell high, it has been that way since the first sale was made..

searchingtom

Blaine · Nov 9, 2001

Thanks to those who posted.

I myself am not anti-capitalist. Like I said, if he had started them out at $1000 then I'd have no beef. The root of my problem is the price increase for no reason, other than to garner money. Some may say it was supply and demand, I say that if he was in question of the demand (meaning such a high one) then why did he buy them in the first place?

He is a business man, true but that does not justify his actions under any circumstances provided he suceeds in clearing a profit. I feel that if he is to be considered a legitimate business man there is a question of ethics. That's just my opinion, it's a very strong one and seeing as how I feel his justification and explanation for the price increase was unethical....I get upset.

If there is one immutable fact that I'm upset about the ethics of his move, and not the high prices (basically my response to the 'If you think the price is too high, don't buy it' and 'You think by your bitching he'll lower the price just for you?' angles) is the fact that I, like JHendrix and many others, am an MVS collector. I have not even the SLIGHTEST interest in the AES.

"Why do you care then, BLAINE??!"

Because I do. I'm always going on how as a community we should stick together, how it's about the games and not about the money and even going as far as to say that NG.com is filled with people with higher standards and ethics (that word again) than MANY of the 'black paraih' sellers and sites. I go out on a limb, defend this....way of life, for lack of a better word, maybe way of thinking and I turn around and I see the exact same behavior, not prices...behavior, that I condemn of others and declare this place to be above.

If that doesn't feel like a kick in the nuts, I don't know what would.

As I said before I don't fault or hate or dislike Shawn. Hell...I like Shawn just fine! I wanna hang out at his house, I'll bring a keg!

That doesn't mean I like what Shawn did.

Kazuya_UK · Nov 9, 2001

I agree with the "if you don't like the price don't pay it" philosophy. I think that $1000 is WAY too high a price to pay for ANY console, and there is no way I ever would... but it's supply and demand really - if you have goods that someone else wants, and they are willing to pay X price... then why not sell it to them at that price?

If a brand new console is worth $1000 to them, then let them have it... more fool them really <IMG SRC="smilies/ohno.gif" border="0">

Takumaji · Nov 9, 2001

Originally posted by Blaine:
 Has anyone else who was Neutral to Positive towards NG.com been taken a back a little by this? [...]

I have read (at least I tried) all the postings about the $1000 issue, including Shawn's replies, and all the "bitching" in various threads.

I must admit I'm a little dissapointed that this kind of thing happens here. Of course I know that the Neostore is no outlet of the Welfare Army, but I'm not convinced that this kind of turbo capitalism does any good. At least not for the Karma... <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">

I think we should re-think our own business practises. Of course it reeks of greed if the Neostore asks a grand for a new AES console, but this is nothing compared to some eBay idiots who sell common carts or broken consoles for insane prices.

They do it because there are other idiots who pay $150 for a definitely non-minty AOF cart, or $1400 for a new AES system.

I didn't like the way the AES issue went, but I fear most ppl would have done the very same thing if they would have had the chance.

Greed is part of the biz nowadays.

This sucks.

[ November 09, 2001: Message edited by: Takumaji ]

Parallax · Nov 9, 2001

I spend more time at this site than any other. Because I'm a fan of the Neo Geo!!!
Wheather it's SNK making games or Brezzasoft I love the Neo Geo!!! and this site acomidates me for that. I've never bought any thing from here but that doesn't mean I wouldn't. If the price is too high go elsewhere, if the price is right for you then cool! But lets not forget the force that brought us all here... Deep down we are all he because of our love for the Neo Geo. At this point I consider you all my friends, I never really seen you, I've never heard your real voice or seen your house. but I know that at one point or another you had or have love for the Neo Geo and it remarkable cast of characters. This should be a place where we show that love and welcome other fans into the fold!

Keep the spirit alive!
<IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

Kazuya_UK · Nov 9, 2001

Originally posted by Parallax:
I spend more time at this site than any other. Because I'm a fan of the Neo Geo!!!
Wheather it's SNK making games or Brezzasoft I love the Neo Geo!!! and this site acomidates me for that. I've never bought any thing from here but that doesn't mean I wouldn't. If the price is too high go elsewhere, if the price is right for you then cool! But lets not forget the force that brought us all here... Deep down we are all he because of our love for the Neo Geo. At this point I consider you all my friends, I never really seen you, I've never heard your real voice or seen your house. but I know that at one point or another you had or have love for the Neo Geo and it remarkable cast of characters. This should be a place where we show that love and welcome other fans into the fold!

Keep the spirit alive!
<IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

Well said <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Lou Gojira · Nov 9, 2001

I know I come down pretty hard on Shawn in my post in the News and Rumors section, and I wanted to take this opportunity to say that what I wrote didn't come out of having a grudge. I mean, how could I have a grudge against the guy? He hardly ever posts, and aside from hearing what other people say he's like, I really don't know jack about the man.

The reason this whole $1000 Home System (I hate that gawddamn "AES" bullshit!) hulabalu rubbed me the wrong way was on a moral grounds. Like I've said before, wanting to make some easy cash is only human and understandable, but gouging on the basis of "Hey, if I can do it, and nobody's complainin'..." isn't right.

I know it's not a real comparison, but I've been in a similar situation. Last year I had a man offer me $50 to draw a pen & ink drawing of a dragon on a sheet of 11x17 bristol board (standard comic page size). I agreed and set about working on it. Thing is, half-way into it, I realized for the amount of detail and shadows I was putting into this sucker (the texture, the flames, etc) I was doing overo 60 hours worth of work on it all together. If you do your math, I wasn't even getting minimum wage to slave over this damn piece.

You wanna know what's sad? I had the balls to approach the guy when I was half-way through the drawing and ask him if he'd be offended if my price went up a little. He said he was cool, but when I left the place, something didn't set right with me. After thinking it over, I was in the wrong. I originally promised that guy a drawing for $50. It was my own damn fault that I was working it to death, and besides, a man is only as good as his word. Why should this guy have to pay for my slip-up?

When I finished the thing, and took it to him, he had $100 in hand and forking it to me. I gave him his drawing, counted out $50, and handed back the rest. I told him why (which I explained here already), and the dude lit up like a Christmas tree. Now, whenever he see's me at the watering hole around here, he'll buy me a beer without my having to ask, and it's been close to a year now! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

So that's what I'm saying with this Home System deal. Sure, it was easy to jack the price midstream, but look at the aftershock. Hell, I like money just as much as anybody. But if you let that love of the dollar dictate better judgement, there's a good indication that your moral foundation isn't the most stable. And as a result, who's gonna want to deal with somebody they're not sure about? Breaking even here sure could've paid off in spades later. Oh well, live and learn I guess...

Blaine · Nov 9, 2001

Originally posted by Lou Gojira:
I know I come down pretty hard on Shawn in my post in the News and Rumors section, and I wanted to take this opportunity to say that what I wrote didn't come out of having a grudge. I mean, how could I have a grudge against the guy? He hardly ever posts, and aside from hearing what other people say he's like, I really don't know jack about the man.

The reason this whole $1000 Home System (I hate that gawddamn "AES" bullshit!) hulabalu rubbed me the wrong way was on a moral grounds. Like I've said before, wanting to make some easy cash is only human and understandable, but gouging on the basis of "Hey, if I can do it, and nobody's complainin'..." isn't right.

I know it's not a real comparison, but I've been in a similar situation. Last year I had a man offer me $50 to draw a pen & ink drawing of a dragon on a sheet of 11x17 bristol board (standard comic page size). I agreed and set about working on it. Thing is, half-way into it, I realized for the amount of detail and shadows I was putting into this sucker (the texture, the flames, etc) I was doing overo 60 hours worth of work on it all together. If you do your math, I wasn't even getting minimum wage to slave over this damn piece.

You wanna know what's sad? I had the balls to approach the guy when I was half-way through the drawing and ask him if he'd be offended if my price went up a little. He said he was cool, but when I left the place, something didn't set right with me. After thinking it over, I was in the wrong. I originally promised that guy a drawing for $50. It was my own damn fault that I was working it to death, and besides, a man is only as good as his word. Why should this guy have to pay for my slip-up?

When I finished the thing, and took it to him, he had $100 in hand and forking it to me. I gave him his drawing, counted out $50, and handed back the rest. I told him why (which I explained here already), and the dude lit up like a Christmas tree. Now, whenever he see's me at the watering hole around here, he'll buy me a beer without my having to ask, and it's been close to a year now! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

So that's what I'm saying with this Home System deal. Sure, it was easy to jack the price midstream, but look at the aftershock. Hell, I like money just as much as anybody. But if you let that love of the dollar dictate better judgement, there's a good indication that your moral foundation isn't the most stable. And as a result, who's gonna want to deal with somebody they're not sure about? Breaking even here sure could've paid off in spades later. Oh well, live and learn I guess...

Thank god someone else sees it the same way I do.

Everything you said, I agree with. I'm sure you could have kept talking for another 3 paragraphs and I would have agreed with it too.

You nailed it right on the head.

Not only will I drink to that, but I'm buying!

insaneben · Nov 9, 2001

Honestly, I could care less about this whole issue. I never wanted a new AES system, and I'm still not gonna get one. I'll wait for a nice, slightly used one to come around some day.

About the sudden price increase: I'll admit, it was a bit surprising, but nothing earth-shattering. If anyone wants a new AES system, and doesn't mind paying through the nose, let 'em go nuts. My stance about Shawn and this site hasn't changed any, even after this incident (I still like this site, and will continue to do so, even if Shawn raises the price of a home system to $2000).

About the argument surrounding the AES system price increase: What's the big deal? It's a new AES system. So what? If you really want it, then paying $1000 for you should be no problem whatsoever. If you wanted one when it was in the $500 range, well, you had your chance and you blew it. Deal with it, get over it, and move on.

About the main contributors to this argument: DRUNKEN SHAOLIN DEVIL, LWK, Drift King EX, GamersAbyss, and all those other newbies and/or ex-ON punks: What is your problem? You guys already own an AES system (assuming you do), so why make a mountain out of a molehill? Apparently, you guys take any opportunity you can to take a crack at Shawn, who has worked tirelessly to bring you a site, a forum, and a place where you can buy Neo-Geo merchandise. It's people like you that scare off potential new board members, with your endless complaining, whining, and moaning. Do everyone on this site a favor: bury the hatchett and move on. Forcing people to accept your opinions is not the way to conduct yourselves. (And DSD, don't you ever have anything nice to say?)

I'm done with this issue, and can't wait 'til it blows over. I'm done here. ABC ya! <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

Chichiri · Nov 9, 2001

There are always things you may not see going on though...Im not saying I have any knowledge of whats really going on, but what if there is a damn good reason why the prices went up? It doesnt set well with me that the prices were jacked up so high, and I agree with Blaine completely, but I'd just like to know for sure why as opposed to just assumign it was pure greed when I don't know the man or the people he deals with. Of course, $800 for a new aes isn't as bad as it sounds if you consider a decade ago it was $600 and now there are hardly any wrapped up and boxed honest to god brand new systems to be found. On these forums here I myself saw a post showing a "new" neo being sold on ebay that had a neo cd stick! That's new alright, a new way to get yourself an extra $200 from a sucker. And someone actually paid for it...Well, as its been said so many times that im sure i dont need to say it again but I will, if people will pay for it then thats what it'll sell at. Now im going to run-on along somewhere else, heh. Have fun, Peace, and whatnot.

Lou Gojira · Nov 10, 2001

Not only will I drink to that, but I'm buying!

Thanks Blaine. If our pathes ever cross, I'm gonna hold you to that! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Dolphin · Nov 11, 2001

On these forums here I myself saw a post showing a "new" neo being sold on ebay that had a neo cd stick! That's new alright, a new way to get yourself an extra $200 from a sucker.

Some of the late model Japanese Neo-Geo home cart systems were actually packed with "NGCD style" joysticks instead of the original joysticks, but this does not necessarily mean that the auction you're referring to was legit. I wonder about the authenticity of that auction myself...

I wanna know who else, who had no previous grude, is upset with this?

Hinako's Cook

Better Than Krauser

Rosa's Tag-Tea,

Horrible Goose

Jello Pudding Pop, Y'know? Like that whole Bill C

Another,

,

Morden's Lackey

,

Former Moderator

Tung's Hair,

Former Moderator

NEST Puppet

Hinako's Cook

NeoGeoForLife.com,

Krautmin

Ninja Combat Warrior

NeoGeoForLife.com,

Enemy Chaser

Hinako's Cook

,

Quiz Detective

Enemy Chaser

Custom User Title,