As some of you may have read, paidgeek is taking a hiatus from the Insiders thread, which probably comes as a surprise to exactly no one who has read the last couple of hundred posts over there. Since then, the thread has been locked, so I just wanted to thank him over here for his contributions and for taking the "high road" even when it's lonely up there.

Thank you paidgeek!!

Some things he contributed to or outright "made happen:"
-A sparkling-new, reference-level transfer of The Fifth Element PLUS a free exchange program for owners of the previous version.
-Vastly improved PQ across the board on SPE discs. Almost every release is now reference-level. Take a look at smaller titles like Identity, Revenge, Donnie Brasco, Hellboy, Seven Years in Tibet or Arlington Road for evidence. You won't believe how great they are.
-A move to seemless branching for multiple cuts of the same movie (Spider-man 2, Close Encounters, more to follow).
-A move to higher bit-depth audio on SPE Blu-rays.
-No Dialog Normalization on Sony's DTHD tracks.
-Fewer & less sticky stickers on the cases.
-DVD upscaling & forced 24p mode for the PS3.
-If we ever get DTS HD MA for the PS3, I know who to thank, too.

They are many others. Please add to the list if you feel so inclined, but I'm sure a simple "thank you paidgeek" would be appreciated by him as well.

As some of you may have read, paidgeek is taking a hiatus from the Insiders thread, which probably comes as a surprise to exactly no one who has read the last couple of hundred posts over there. Since then, the thread has been locked, so I just wanted to thank him over here for his contributions and for taking the "high road" even when it's lonely up there.

Thank you paidgeek!!

Some things he contributed to or outright "made happen:"
-A sparkling-new, reference-level transfer of The Fifth Element PLUS a free exchange program for owners of the previous version.
-Vastly improved PQ across the board on SPE discs. Almost every release is now reference-level. Take a look at smaller titles like Identity, Revenge, Donnie Brasco, Hellboy, Seven Years in Tibet or Arlington Road for evidence. You won't believe how great they are.
-A move to seemless branching for multiple cuts of the same movie (Spider-man 2, Close Encounters, more to follow).
-A move to higher bit-depth audio on SPE Blu-rays.
-Fewer & less sticky stickers on the cases.
-DVD upscaling & forced 24p mode for the PS3.
-If we ever get DTS HD MA for the PS3, I know who to thank, too.

They are many others. Please add to the list if you feel so inclined, but I'm sure a simple "thank you paidgeek" would be appreciated by him as well.

Yep... most of us just complain and are never happy.
Thanks for all your work Paid!

Paid

Take some time off, as I did, but please come back soon :)

Indeed, he will be missed. I don't blame him for leaving.

Insiders closely a part of either camp should know they'll get a bit roughed up on avs. It's not right or wrong, just is what it is.

Put on a thicker skin and come back later. In the mean time, please keep ensuring we get top notch transfers like we have been getting as of late!

PaidGeek has done an incredible job as an advocate for all of us. All his hard work is very appreciated. :)


My understanding is that Paidgeek will still be posting on an insider thread at another forum that is more focused on Blu-ray. hint: www.blu-ray.com



Maybe this will be a good time for the AVS community to do some reflection on why so many Blu-ray owners have left this website, and now even Blu-ray insiders are leaving. Even though Blu-ray makes up 67% of the software market in 2007. Doesn't AVS want 67% of the HDM software market to be welcomed here?

Thanks paidgeek!

It's sad that it's been reduced to this, but nevertheless, thanks for your work and don't be a stranger!

Maybe this will be a good time for the AVS community to do some reflection on why so many Blu-ray owners have left this website, and now even Blu-ray insiders are leaving. Even though Blu-ray makes up 67% of the software market in 2007. Doesn't AVS want 67% of the HDM software market to be welcomed here?

We'll see if this "Thank you" thread for actual real-world contributions and improvements paidgeek made happen for us gets derailed over the format war crap. If it does, you probably have your answer.

Just read his post. Good to he will still be participating at blu-ray.com :D

Taking a break

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well folks, the rumors, innuendo and mud-slinging have reached all time highs lately. I apologize to those that come here seeking facts. I am going to take a break from avs for a while until the noise settles down. I know some of you wonder why I will not engage aggressive posts that represent rumors and suppositions as facts, but I am just not at liberty to talk about data I occasionally receive from other studios, replicators or CE companies that factually contradict the nonsense that continues to circulate here.
There is a reason why other industry representatives will not post here and the last few days exemplify it.

If you have a question you would reasonably expect a BD/ SPE insider to answer, please post it at blu-ray.com and I will do my best to get to it.

Sincerely
__________________
Sony Pictures BD Insider

Thanks. Enjoyed observing the good healthy debate as well as the respectful manner in which you conducted yourself.

The rudeness of many could be done without however and I agree the insiders deserve a general degree of respect and decorum for their contributions. In fact, as the 1st person to suggest the idea for that thread I specfically remember that a major purpose for it was to avoid disrepect and rude treatment of insiders.

Sorry to hear this. Please recharge and come back soon!! It is unfortunate that some people cannot abide by the "spirit of the rules" on these forums (hell, they can't even abide by the written rules, but somehow get away with it).

paidgeek, your tireless efforts have been greatly appreciated by me. I hope you enjoy your most likely much-needed break and return in the future.

Take care.

Thanks for the insider news paidgeek. I hope you return. It sucks to lose an ally.

Hollywoodguy,

let's not forget the use of "NO" Dialog Normalization on Sony's DTHD tracks. (please add it to the list)


As the starter of both the dial norm and seamless branching threads, by Paidgeeks suggestion after a private chat with him, I can only state I have a great appreciation for his work and can't thank him enough. So I do it one more time:

Thank you Paidgeek! Keep up the great work, and please come back to the forum when you can. ;)

Thanks Paid!

Hollywoodguy,

let's not forget the use of "NO" Dialog Normalization on Sony's DTHD tracks. (please add it to the list)


As the starter of both the dial norm and seamless branching threads, by Paidgeeks suggestion after a private chat with him, I can only state I have a great appreciation for his work and can't thank him enough. So I do it one more time:

Thank you Paidgeek! Keep up the great work, and please come back to the forum when you can. ;)

Done! ;) I knew I was missing something.

And thank YOU for your contributions, too.

I dont post much on here but just in case Paid takes a look at this thread, your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks :D

Maybe this will be a good time for the AVS community to do some reflection on why so many Blu-ray owners have left this website, and now even Blu-ray insiders are leaving. Even though Blu-ray makes up 67% of the software market in 2007. Doesn't AVS want 67% of the HDM software market to be welcomed here?


Well I agree a lot of AVS needs to reflect on how we're conducting ourselves on a whole on this format war issue. and the begins with looking at ourselves. Not just point fingers. We should be upset ANYONE chooses to stop posting - regardless of what format they support or if they support one at all. It's a war between the formats - not between us. We're all in the same boat here. A little rivalry is always nice for spice - but we should do more to act like brothers in arms on the HDM front and help/hope for everyone get the quality home entertainment we're all striving for. A little color blindness would go a long way in improving the overall quality of this place. The signal to noise ratio is enough to scare any insider away.


So Paid' thanks for your contributions. Enjoy your hiatus and come back soon. I guess instead of hiatus you cold call it a "paid' vacation".

Thanks for all your input Paid. Don't blame ya for taking the break.

when is amir gonna take some time off? he's in that thread trolling blu-ray like 24/7... must be really afraid of what uncle bill will do to him when hd-dvd tanks :D

enjoy your vacation paidgeek! we love you!

sigh.

That's a shame. Paidgeek offers technical information for Sony's BD releases that no other studio would bother mentioning. Unlike some others, his demeanor is very professional and unobtrusive.

Thanks for all the effort in responding to questions/criticisms, Paidgeek. Don't be gone too long!

That's a shame. Paidgeek offers technical information for Sony's BD releases that no other studio would bother mentioning. Unlike some others, his demeanor is very professional and unobtrusive.

so so so very true, hopefully he will poke around at bluray.com frequently to answer our questions :)

Thanks Paid, I think you were the only BD Insider I really respected. You didn't spew crap all the time just to try and score points. You were one who stayed above the fray. I think some like Talk and others really need to look at your example. I'm sad to see you only posting on Blu-ray.com as that place is a much bigger cesspool than here and I won't touch it, but you will be missed.

Thanks Paid.

PaidGeek has done an incredible job as an advocate for all of us. All his hard work is very appreciated. :)


My understanding is that Paidgeek will still be posting on an insider thread at another forum that is more focused on Blu-ray. hint: www.blu-ray.com



Maybe this will be a good time for the AVS community to do some reflection on why so many Blu-ray owners have left this website, and now even Blu-ray insiders are leaving. Even though Blu-ray makes up 67% of the software market in 2007. Doesn't AVS want 67% of the HDM software market to be welcomed here?

Agree on all points.

Paid,

My appreciation for your tireless fight to bring the truth out of these FUD and spins by others. I hope you know that we all love you, stand behind you and support you 100%

PaidGeek has done an incredible job as an advocate for all of us. All his hard work is very appreciated. :)


My understanding is that Paidgeek will still be posting on an insider thread at another forum that is more focused on Blu-ray. hint: www.blu-ray.com



Maybe this will be a good time for the AVS community to do some reflection on why so many Blu-ray owners have left this website, and now even Blu-ray insiders are leaving. Even though Blu-ray makes up 67% of the software market in 2007. Doesn't AVS want 67% of the HDM software market to be welcomed here?

This was inevitable, as restraint has been in short supply.
However, when $ is involved, there will be those that stop at nothing.:(
At least we have blu-ray.com.

Much appreciated Paidgeek! Sad to see you go, however I hope hear insider news from you in the future. Take care!

I personally don't blame the guy for leaving. The overwhelming barrage of crap he had to endure here just to help out the genuine Blu-ray fans was appalling.

I think rather than JUST AVS members-(an overly generous generalization) looking in the mirror at this great loss, that the AVS moderating committee look in the mirror and ask, "what went wrong where we lost one of the biggest contributers to this forum?"

I could tell you, but I don't want to point fingers.;)

I think rather than JUST AVS members-(an overly generous generalization) looking in the mirror at this great loss, that the AVS moderating committee look in the mirror and ask, "what went wrong where we lost one of the biggest contributers to this forum?"



+1

Many blu-ray members have left and now insiders too. What is AVS going to do if Blu-ray does win? They are giving up most of the HDM market to other websites.

Are new mods ever recruited or are they rotated?

Thank you Paidgeek. Please come back to AVS soon. You've been a tremendous asset to the Blu-ray and Sony Pictures.

I personally don't blame the guy for leaving. The overwhelming barrage of crap he had to endure here just to help out the genuine Blu-ray fans was appalling.



+1

unfortunately there are about 20 HD-DVD posters who were responsible for 99% of the problems.

seems like it would have made sense to rein them in a bit, instead of letting them run wild like what has happened.

Sad to see you go PG but I can't hardly blame you.
See you at BD.COM :)

Sad to see you go PG but I can't hardly blame you.
See you at BD.COM :)

Amir butting in and answering questions about Blu-ray that had nothing to do with him and were not asked of him probably didn't help either.

It was fascinating to see those posting statistics that showed Amir talks more about Blu-ray than he does HD-DVD.

PaidGeek has done an incredible job as an advocate for all of us. All his hard work is very appreciated. :)


My understanding is that Paidgeek will still be posting on an insider thread at another forum that is more focused on Blu-ray. hint: www.blu-ray.com



Maybe this will be a good time for the AVS community to do some reflection on why so many Blu-ray owners have left this website, and now even Blu-ray insiders are leaving. Even though Blu-ray makes up 67% of the software market in 2007. Doesn't AVS want 67% of the HDM software market to be welcomed here?

As I've told others in the past, AVS is only as good as its membership allows it to be. If "valued" members are leaving (I can think of at least 10 "experts" in various disciplines over the last year or two who don't come around anymore or very rarely) then what does that say for the rest of the membership?

larry

Thanks Paid,
I always felt that your posts clearly stated what you knew to be facts and what you had heard, and provided insight beyond the knowledge of those who observe from the outside. I hope that in your (let it be short) absense the less informed insiders of everycolor don't expand into your territory with what amounts to advertising of their personal choice in format.

Take care PG.

Thanks for all your hard work and genuine interest in what Blu-ray supporters wanted. It's all to often companies give you what they think you want. Paid was instrumental in many changes Blu-ray supporting members asked for directly. I think that says a lot about Paid Geek as well as Sony as a corporation and their genuine interest in their customers.

I really respect you for maintaining your professionalism when it would have been very easy to sink to the level around you.

Keep up the great work!

Amir butting in and answering questions about Blu-ray that had nothing to do with him and were not asked of him probably didn't help either.

It was fascinating to see those posting statistics that showed Amir talks more about Blu-ray than he does HD-DVD.

You keep saying things that I completely agree with!

What's particularly galling is that this outcome would seem to be exactly what the trolls want to accomplish. When I look on those threads, I see a guy like Paidgeek acting like a professional, answering specific questions about Blu-ray and never making a comment about HD DVD. This is in contrast to some of the HD DVD insiders, who can't seem to resist bashing at every opportunity. The outcome is that the pro leaves the thread, and the trolls are left behind. Disappointing.

What's particularly galling is that this outcome would seem to be exactly what the trolls want to accomplish. When I look on those threads, I see a guy like Paidgeek acting like a professional, answering specific questions about Blu-ray and never making a comment about HD DVD. This is in contrast to some of the HD DVD insiders, who can't seem to resist bashing at every opportunity. The outcome is that the pro leaves the thread, and the trolls are left behind. Disappointing.

Pretty soon they will just be spinning to themselves.

I am assuming that the BDA has decided that their insiders should post only on their own supported and funded sites and leave places like AVS to their hydra folks....

Paidgeek was treated very well on this forum. HD DVD supporters never ganged up on him....like BD supporters are wont to do to Amir.

If AVS was perhaps too hot for him....blu-ray.com will be a place place for him to chill. There he can post PR unchallenged :)

This post is egregiously out of place in this thread.

Or anywhere for that matter.

I am assuming that the BDA has decided that their insiders should post only on their own supported and funded sites and leave places like AVS to their hydra folks....

Paidgeek was treated very well on this forum. HD DVD supporters never ganged up on him....like BD supporters are wont to do to Amir.

If AVS was perhaps too hot for him....blu-ray.com will be a place place for him to chill. There he can post PR unchallenged :)

Yeah, Paid is really the one Insider whose primary focus is PR. :rolleyes:

Please move on, nothing to see for you in this thread...

Many thanks to Paidgeek and any other industry insiders who have taken time to share information, debate, etc. Your efforts are appreciated!

This post is egregiously out of place in this thread.


Paidgeek left because it has become increasingly uncomfortable for a Blu-ray representative to participate in an open forum recently. Simple as that.

Paids primary objective was not PR, but the BDA's is. And to have all BD insiders post inside their own forum kinda speaks for itself. Please face reality for once guys and don't be so gullible. Amazing!

That's the proplem with some of you Blu-bois. Any dissenting opinion is considered "egregiously out of place".

Paidgeek left because it has become increasingly uncomfortable for a Blu-ray representative to participate in an open forum recently. Simple as that.

The most recent HD DVD talking point from headquarters, apparently.

I am assuming that the BDA has decided that their insiders should post only on their own supported and funded sites and leave places like AVS to their hydra folks....

Paidgeek was treated very well on this forum. HD DVD supporters never ganged up on him....like BD supporters are wont to do to Amir.

If AVS was perhaps too hot for him....blu-ray.com will be a place place for him to chill. There he can post PR unchallenged :)

^
|


The post and poster quoted above is one example of the problem on AVS.

Paidgeek is the most amazing AV insider i've ever encountered on the internet. He was respectful, intelligent, forthcoming, and really cared about what the customers wanted. Then he worked to make customer's ideas a reality.

Unfortunately plazman and his ilk are getting what they wanted: driving away BD owners and BD insiders.

In the long run this will not hurt BD, however it is definitely hurting AVS.

I'm sorry that Paidgeek left. It is fundamental to have knowledgeable insiders on both sides of the fence. The Insider thread is, IMO, the one place where the "real" guys can bang heads, and make the truth come out. It not only gives opportunities to the insiders to talk up their side's strengths, but ALSO to question and make the other side accountable for their shortcomings. Paid should not have quit. He should have kept pushing. Going to the Blu-ray forum is frankly preaching to the choir, and IMO is a cop-out. If in fact he felt overwhelmed, that it is unfortunate that he lacked the perseverance needed for his side right now. It would do the BDA well to place a strong, highly-informed, quick-thinking debater in his place ASAP.

Amir butting in and answering questions about Blu-ray that had nothing to do with him and were not asked of him probably didn't help either.

It was fascinating to see those posting statistics that showed Amir talks more about Blu-ray than he does HD-DVD.

Have to agree. I have no desire to read constant "smug" replies from any insider.

Not to mention he goes silent on tough questions just like anyone else so he has no high horse to sit on IMO.

Paidgeek left because it has become increasingly uncomfortable for a Blu-ray representative to participate in an open forum recently. Simple as that.

You have no shame, do you?

It would do the BDA well to place a strong, highly-informed, quick-thinking debater in his place ASAP.


I really wish they would too. But am not getting my hopes up.

Many feel that Microsoft's presence has just become too overwhelming. Amir has created a cult of followers here that are like attack dogs.

The consumers that will eventually decide this war will probably never hear of AVS in their entire lives.

Can everyone please re-read the title of the thread before posting anything more? Thank you. If your post isn't on topic, please start your own thread. AFAIK, every member is allowed to do that.

Some other thought about it. It is possible that Paid left because his presence was a catalyst for much of what Amir would say about BD. If Paid was there to answer, then Amir can make his points and expect an answer. Without Paid, Amir cannot address his BD issues as well and expect an answer, and his posts seem more accusatory and like propaganda, rather than like trying to find real answers. This decision for Paid to leave may very well have been made at a level above him, by management feeling that his Insider presense was in fact hurting more than helping, because of the dynamic I just described. Just speculation.

edit: original joke removed for being even more off topic


I suggest home theater enthusiats that wish to give input on blu-ray to join Paidgeek at blu-ray.com.

I really wish they would too. But am not getting my hopes up.

See my next post. It is possible that the BDA would just as soon not have anyone there. BTW, I am an HD DVD supporter. I just wish Paid hadn't left.

Have to agree. I have no desire to read constant "smug" replies from any insider.

Not to mention he goes silent on tough questions just like anyone else so he has no high horse to sit on IMO.

Must be part of the MS exec training manual. Lol, I still remember the comments from a couple of MS execs stating 1080p wasn't going to happen ( "I think 1080p, just to address that directly, will be basically impossible.",etc )on the PS3, yet even a few launch games did render a 1080p 60fps as well:p

I see that my response to this NONSENSE was deleted.

Uhm, post 54 of this thread is your "You have no shame..." comment (and for the record I agree with you).

Thanks Paidgeek. Now we have one less BD insider to ask question. AVS isn't getting any better because of crap like this.

EDIT: Now it's #52 :D

AVS has become very pro-HD DVD (most polls show 70% preference I believe) with a number of Microsoft employees as insiders. I don't think this is a bad thing. I mean it seems to me AVS is being recognized as the "HD DVD site," where as, of course, you have the Blu-ray site. Personally, I read both sites since I support both formats.

It was only deleted, if you deleted it! Why is that unbelievable ? Just curious....

Insiders closely a part of either camp should know they'll get a bit roughed up on avs. It's not right or wrong, just is what it is.



Absolutely WRONG!!!!!!!

It is what it is and it's just plain wrong and UNNECESSARY! Look at the consequences and continue to say it's OK if you can.

I'm sorry that Paidgeek left. It is fundamental to have knowledgeable insiders on both sides of the fence. The Insider thread is, IMO, the one place where the "real" guys can bang heads, and make the truth come out. It not only gives opportunities to the insiders to talk up their side's strengths, but ALSO to question and make the other side accountable for their shortcomings.

Thank you Jeff. You pretty much took the words right out of my mouth. Even though I'm currently an HD DVD supporter, I liked having a thread where I could go to see both sides battle it out. I don't really think you can get the truth of this "war" just by listening to one side. You have to pay attention to both sides to work out the truth.

In addition, I expect that at some future point I'll end up going neutral. So thanks in advance Paid for all you've done to improve BD.

Paidgeek was seldom if ever roughed up. He was treated waaaayyyyy gentler than any insider I am aware of. His leaving AVS had nothing to do with his treatment. Seems the dots are easy to connect on this one...

It was only deleted, if you deleted it! Why is that unbelievable ? Just curious....

http://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/yelrotflmao-vi.gif

I mean it seems to me AVS is being recognized as the "HD DVD site,"

If that's so, you could have fooled me. I seem to remember a month back with the Blockbuster and Target news a BUNCH of threads frm Blu-ray supporters talking about how HD DVD is finished. And the ones blaming Universal for the format war, and wanting petitions to be sent to tell them to go neutral. The Neisen guessing thread in which a whole bunch of good sports from HD DVD (along with Blu-ray supporters) have some fun predicting how much Blu-ray will win the week by.

If AVS is HD DVD's idea of an HD DVD promotional site, then I guess it's just another example of how lousy HD DVD promotion is! I guess no one can argue with that (at least until 11 days ago).

Paidgeek was seldom if ever roughed up. He was treated waaaayyyyy gentler than any insider I am aware of. His leaving AVS had nothing to do with his treatment. Seems the dots are easy to connect on this one...

You might try actually reading his post to see why he left, instead of you putting your own ridiculous "connect the dots" spin on it, including your prior statement about "I believe BD insiders have been instructed to only post in BD funded and pro BD sites".

When did you become a BD insider?

:rolleyes:

The AVS general membership treated paidgeek with nothing but respect, and received excellent information as a result. To pack his bags and head over to a cesspool like blu-ray.com is a waste, and indicates a distinct lack of professional maturity. Regardless of his interactions with other insiders (which, while occasionally tense, were never overtly rude), washing his hands of the general readership of AVS is wrong.

I have to agree with this. He's going from an objective site to a highly subjective one.

I saw no great mistreatment of him and he was treated with respect.

Thanks Paid.:)

Absolutely WRONG!!!!!!!

It is what it is and it's just plain wrong and UNNECESSARY! Look at the consequences and continue to say it's OK if you can.

By roughed up meaning asked tough questions. This isn't PR heaven.

You might try actually reading his post to see why he left

From the horses mouth.

"Well folks, the rumors, innuendo and mud-slinging have reached all time highs lately. I apologize to those that come here seeking facts. I am going to take a break from avs for a while until the noise settles down. I know some of you wonder why I will not engage aggressive posts that represent rumors and suppositions as facts, but I am just not at liberty to talk about data I occasionally receive from other studios, replicators or CE companies that factually contradict the nonsense that continues to circulate here.
There is a reason why other industry representatives will not post here and the last few days exemplify it."


I looked over the last couple of hundred posts, going to the archived Insider thread, and the most telling things I saw was that Amir and others have been hot and heavy lately about BD replication issues, and Paid was saying almost nothing over the course of the couple of hundred posts. Then he leaves. Maybe someone SHOULD try to put the dots together.

... Maybe someone SHOULD try to put the dots together.

Or perhaps you should try reading his post (that you quoted) again since you just don't get it.

He will be missed. A real stand up guy that would talk about his products, and not constantly question the opposition. He provided great input on a lot of BD issues. I absolutely do not blame him for leaving. Instead of answering questions from inquiring minds wanting to know, it was a one-on-one with the MS guys or disciples. Constantly.

NO ONE on this planet can keep up with Amir, check the number of posts he's had in that thread over the last few weeks. Ask yourself WHY he as a VP of Microsoft keeps doing what he is doing and HOW he can spend so much time in there. Seriously.

AVS is still a great place, but NOT the Insiders thread. It's like a Worship Amir thread, anyone daring to challenge him will be beaten to submission by his disciples. (Notice all the "Isn't it correct Amir, that..." or "Is it true that..." posts, that he will happily confirm. (He does provide great input, for sure, but it just drowns in all the anti-BD propaganda.)

Counting the number of seconds until this post will be deleted...

How did I become a BD insider? by using Google! just kidding ;)

Is blu-ray.com a more objective forum? just curious...

Before I forget. In all honesty, I enjoyed Paids posts and his scoop on Target going BD hardware exclusive was brilliant! To say the least....

How did I become a BD insider? by using Google! just kidding ;)

Is blu-ray.com a more objective forum? just curious...

Why don't you head on over there and form your own opinion instead of flame-baiting here and derailing this thread any further?

How did I become a BD insider? by using Google! just kidding ;)

Is blu-ray.com a more objective forum? just curious...

You truly are a piece of work!

You always try smoke screens to defer the issue at hand. Blu-ray.com has absolutely NOTHING to do with your statement does it? What is the basis for your question "Is blu-ray.com a more objective forum"? I never once mentioned the objectivity of this forum or that one. So why bring it up?

Back to the issue at hand: what was the basis for your statement that: "I believe BD insiders have been instructed to only post in BD funded and pro BD sites".

We want to know your source for this info. Surely you have a source, because everyone here knows that you would never just blow smoke about something like this, or spread "FUD". Right?

Thank you paidgeek for your always very informative and classy posts. I certainly understand why you would leave this place.

Plazman, you obviously aren't bringing anything to this thread but off topic posts (threadcrap), I think it's time you left. The rest of us are trying to discuss our appreciation for Paid geek, your trying to cast your web of spin (as usual).

Are you in this thread for Blu-ray?

Plazman, you obviously aren't bringing anything to this thread but off topic posts (threadcrap), I think it's time you left. The rest of us are trying to discuss our appreciation for Paid geek, your trying to cast your web of spin (as usual).

I completely agree, but I would like to see him answer my post regarding the basis for his comment "I believe BD insiders have been instructed to only post in BD funded and pro BD sites" first!

Thank you paidgeek for your always very informative and classy posts. I certainly understand why you would leave this place.I second this.

As someone who was online when he left and read the numerous rude, snide, and even outright nasty replies that were later deleted, I really don't blame him for leaving.

As someone who prefers HDDVD, I feel I learned a lot from Paid. I own a PS3, and I learned a lot about BD. I feel AVS is BETTER with him than WITHOUT him.

Having said that, I do feel some folks are wrong about a few things.

Attack Dogs only on the HDDVD side? Come on guys, gimme a break. I'm no angel, but if your going to sit here and tell me only the HDDVD crowd does it, that is simply dishonest. Just recently a BD zealot was suspended for using a racist comment against amir, using a horrible stereotype. He then ran to Blue.com stating "AVS SUX, I was banned for insulting an insider" of course leaving out the details. Another BD fan took a nice "vacation" after call Amir an A hole. Tons of examples of this!

As far as FUD, there again, only Amir has a monopoly on this? Come on now. You should know that ANYTIME you listen to an insider, take it ALL with a grain of salt, and use your brain to sort it out.

As far as Paid just hanging out in Blu.com, I feel it was a bad move. It just sends a message that he only wants to go to a site that has his full attention, and he wont be challenged. No matter how you feel about AVS, you CAN challenge anybody!! unlike Blu.com where you are banned for the slightest pro HDDVD post.

Best of luck Paid, I am an HDDVD supporter who honestly does WANT you to return.

Best Wishes!

As someone who prefers HDDVD, I feel I learned a lot from Paid. I own a PS3, and I learned a lot about BD. I feel AVS is BETTER with him than WITHOUT him.

Having said that, I do feel some folks are wrong about a few things.

Attack Dogs only on the HDDVD side? Come on guys, gimme a break. I'm no angel, but if your going to sit here and tell me only the HDDVD crowd does it, that is simply dishonest. Just recently a BD zealot was suspended for using a racist comment against amir, using a horrible stereotype. He then ran to Blue.com stating "AVS SUX, I was banned for insulting an insider" of course leaving out the details. Another BD fan took a nice "vacation" after call Amir an A hole. Tons of examples of this!

As far as FUD, there again, only Amir has a monopoly on this? Come on now. You should know that ANYTIME you listen to an insider, take it ALL with a grain of salt, and use your brain to sort it out.

As far as Paid just hanging out in Blu.com, I feel it was a bad move. It just sends a message that he only wants to go to a site that has his full attention, and he wont be challenged. No matter how you feel about AVS, you CAN challenge anybody!! unlike Blu.com where you are banned for the slightest pro HDDVD post.

Best of luck Paid, I am an HDDVD supporter who honestly does WANT you to return.

Best Wishes!

Nice post:
Positive, Negative, Positive...what do they call this again? The compliment sandwich? Trying to gain credibility by padding your "agenda" with "He was great" And "Come home soon" :rolleyes:



racism...now? (http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=185127&postcount=2325)

Lord

No matter how you feel about AVS, you CAN challenge anybody!!


Anything negative said about amir usually ends in your message deleted or being banned from the site. People do 150% worse to paidgeek and they are allowed to walk free. Give me a break.

Before I forget. In all honesty, I enjoyed Paids posts and his scoop on Target going BD hardware exclusive was brilliant! To say the least....
Dear Plazman,

I think you should leave now.
You just ruined my reading.

Thanks Paid

After reading some posts over at Blu-ray.com, the overall feeling is that this Forum was not a level playing field for BD Insiders....that is very sad....:(

After reading some posts over at Blu-ray.com, the overall feeling is that this Forum was not a level playing field for BD Insiders....that is very sad....:(

one look at the insiders thread (without horse blinders on) or (HDDVD love goggles) and it's blatently obvious!

Nice post:
Positive, Negative, Positive...what do they call this again? The compliment sandwich? Trying to gain credibility by padding your "agenda" with "He was great" And "Come home soon" :rolleyes:



racism...now? (http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=185127&postcount=2325)

Lord

Call it whatever you want, I call it like I see it. No agenda, and could care less about my credibility on a forum.

I never disliked Paid, ever, and enjoyed reading the back and forths. Did I agree with what he said? nope.

Your link means what? How does name calling fit into a debate? Calling Amir a 7 eleven owner has no racial tone at all? Come on now.

Anything negative said about amir usually ends in your message deleted or being banned from the site. People do 150% worse to paidgeek and they are allowed to walk free. Give me a break.


I dont know EVERY circumstance about what you are talking about, but if that indeed is true, its wrong.

Dont call out the people on AVS, call out the Mods and Owners of AVS if you feel that way. Have some balls, get all the BD people together that feel this way, and do a sit in. Write out your complaints, perhaps you will get the attention you feel it deserves.

This charge that somehow only HDDVD boys are nutbags is just pure bull.

One guy on blu.com says a guy that went neutral on the forums should be shot for being a traitor to blu.

Another LONG thread goes on to list HDDVD people they think are zealots. A sort of hit list. Some are even asking for some of the mods here to be on that list. Is that not just nuts? There are people from the BD side of AVS that are actually participating in that thread, then come running over here playing nice, and screaming about "AVS is rigged, HDDVD crazies"

If the shoe fits!

Or perhaps you should try reading his post (that you quoted) again since you just don't get it.

I did read his post. A couple of times, first in the Insider thread, then here when I posted it. It makes sweeping generalizations with no specifics, and then he says he's not at liberty to discuss specifics. Then I examined the last couple of hundred posts in the Insider thread and his role in them, which was virtually non-existant and certainly non-combative.

I understand what he said. I just don't know the specifics that led him to say what he said and then quit. You find the explanation adequate. I don't. That's all.

Thanks paid. You showed everyone on AVS what a true professional is like, which cant be said for many other insiders ;)

I will continue to enjoy your posts over at Blu-Ray.com of course. :)

I never disliked Paid, ever, and enjoyed reading the back and forths. Did I agree with what he said? nope.


This is just classic!

Paidgeek rarely gave his opinion on anything. Rather, he answered questions about BD with facts. So I am curious to know exactly what it is that he has said that would result in you saying that you didn't "agree with what he said"?!

This is just classic!

Paidgeek rarely gave his opinion on anything. Rather, he answered questions about BD with facts. So I am curious to know exactly what it is that he has said that would result in you saying that you didn't "agree with what he said"?!

Oh good lord, fine. I had dispute with things he was saying. Better now?

EDIT:and no, I am not going to rehash the entire insiders thread here.

Oh good lord, fine. I had dispute with things he was saying. Better now?

EDIT:and no, I am not going to rehash the entire insiders thread here.

Wow, that was a superb non-answer!

Just like plazman.....

Wow, that was a superb non-answer!

Just like plazman.....

I take that as a compliment.:D

Amir butting in and answering questions about Blu-ray that had nothing to do with him and were not asked of him probably didn't help either.

It was fascinating to see those posting statistics that showed Amir talks more about Blu-ray than he does HD-DVD.

Because half the time the BD folks wouldn't answer...

You guys are all funny...you are making this guy out to be some sort of hero...he works for a large multinational...woohoo
He probably got his hand slapped for saying too much and was told to only talk BD PR and only on BD sites...

By the way...the same goes for Amir (MS)...these guys work for multi-nationals...they are not your "friend"...they are paid to spew PR...on both sides.
I happen to think Amir is a better "spinner" as perhaps that is his background. I think it's rather juvenile to do what Paid is doing, unless his boss is telling him to do it...then he is just trying to save his job which is perfectly understandable.



LIP

Or perhaps you should try reading his post (that you quoted) again since you just don't get it.

I think he gets it better than you...

Thank you, paidgeek.

There are plenty more SPE movies I'd like to buy in Blu. Though I'd like to have them now, I'd prefer to wait a little longer if it meant giving you the time to make it a top quality release. I recently watched the remastered version of The Fifth Element, and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Sometimes the nastiness of this format war and trolls / fan boys gets to us all. It is a shame that everybody here can't be more professional.

thanks paidgeek for all the effort you put into making the customer happy. i appreciate everything that you have done for us the consumer.

as far as all the red thread-crappers, why are you here? i come to this site to see whats new in the high def side of things and to find out whats happening, but here lately all i see in our BD forum is a bunch of thread-crapping and fud threads started and it getting rather annoying having to surf through it all. its fine there is a format war going on, it would just be better if both sides stayed in their own forum to avoid major problems. thats just my opinion

I think this is AVS' loss and blu-ray.com's gain.

End results:

1. Those who want to ask PG Qs and request features can still do so. So, no loss to BD lovers

2. AVS loses its best insider (in terms of S/N ratio), Imo

3. PG does not have to waste his time handling FUD

Paidgeek left because it has become increasingly uncomfortable for a Blu-ray representative to participate in an open forum recently. Simple as that.

Hence, he is going over the the "debate" forum blu-ray something or other. No challenges, just a group hug. I know I am about to say the bad name but "Amir" has the stamina to take the heat.

http://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/yelrotflmao-vi.gif

Rob, go back to blu-ray whatever. You participate in the "hit list" as well (or have at least made some comments.)

I have to agree with this. He's going from an objective site to a highly subjective one.

I saw no great mistreatment of him and he was treated with respect.

Except he was asked direct questions about BDA payouts (as was Talk) to companies that made decisions in blu's favor. Neither insider ever answered those questions.

Anything negative said about amir usually ends in your message deleted or being banned from the site. People do 150% worse to paidgeek and they are allowed to walk free. Give me a break.

Your courage is apreciated for speaking the truth.

Paidgeek was seldom if ever roughed up. He was treated waaaayyyyy gentler than any insider I am aware of. His leaving AVS had nothing to do with his treatment. Seems the dots are easy to connect on this one...

Plazman... why don't you go threadcrap somewhere else. This is a thank you thread and you are not only out of line, but you are flat-out rude. Go watch a movie or something.

Rob, go back to blu-ray whatever. You participate in the "hit list" as well (or have at least made some comments.)

Well, I guess you really put me in my place! :rolleyes:

Where are you on that list?

Edit: never mind, I see you have it in your sig, and you are apparently "proud of it". If that is the case, why would you bring it up here as though it were a bad thing?

Thanks Paid!

One of the best insiders, imo.

Dont call out the people on AVS, call out the Mods and Owners of AVS if you feel that way. Have some balls, get all the BD people together that feel this way, and do a sit in. Write out your complaints, perhaps you will get the attention you feel it deserves.




I have already recieved two PMs from mods here for daring to question the regime. This post will probably result in my permanent ban.

If you are any way pro-BD, or dare to question the HD-DVD moderation bias, the banhammer and warnings come almost instantly.

If you are pro-HD DVD there is almost unlimted freedom for these posters to chain together personal insults. I have seen a HD-DVD poster here repeatedly tell BD owners to "go give oral sex". (I will not repeast his real language) He is still happily posting here.

I for one am not going to be silent and live in fear of the repression and the anti-BD gestapo.

Basically all the BD insiders have left (Penton-Man, Paidgeek, and Talkst8t will probably be next). This is proof that it is NOT just a few deranged fanboys that see a bias here!! The bias is REAL.

Wonder why Amir is hosting and and headlining the AVS Cedia party???

Oh man I don't know where to start . . . . . .

Plazman... why don't you go threadcrap somewhere else. This is a thank you thread and you are not only out of line, but you are flat-out rude. Go watch a movie or something.

Are you not the one who posted misleading commentary on a recent high def debate? Bill Hunt being the main questioner? Who questioned you on your "reporting." I would like your take on the afterflow of your "commentary." If you don't respond, I wouldn't consider anything you say "credible."
"

Are you not the one who posted misleading commentary on a recent high def debate? Bill Hunt being the main questioner? Who questioned you on your "reporting." I would like your take on the afterflow of your "commentary."
"

What is your problem? What does this have to do with Paidgeek leaving? What does it have to do with plazman's rude thread crapping? Why are you getting away with the thread crapping too?

Are you not the one who posted misleading commentary on a recent high def debate? Bill Hunt being the main questioner? Who questioned you on your "reporting." I would like your take on the afterflow of your "commentary." If you don't respond, I wouldn't consider anything you say "credible."
"

If you have questions for me, then feel free to PM me. Leave it out of this thread, as it doesn't belong here.

Paidgeek Thanks!!!!

What is your problem? What does this have to do with Paidgeek leaving? What does it have to do with plazman's rude thread crapping? Why are you getting away with the thread crapping too?

He did have some good points. That is it. He was wrong about PIP for BD being hidh def. But didn't answer HARD questions about payoffs nor has Talk. This is NOT Blu-ray.com. One can not be banned at AVS for asking hard question from the other group...unlike the other site. Rob, you have asked hard questions in the HD DVD forums have you not? And have had a comment or two in the hit list at Blu..

He did have some good points. That is it. He was wrong about PIP for BD being hidh def. But didn't answer HARD questions about payoffs nor has Talk. This is NOT Blu-ray.com. One can not be banned at AVS for asking hard question from the other group...unlike the other site. Rob, you have asked hard questions in the HD DVD forums have you not? And have had a comment or two in the hit list at Blu..

You apparently are not even capable of carrying on a cohesive conversation. You jump from one subject to another at complete random, and it doesn't make any sense.

Not in the blu forum I agree. But your response says it all. You were called out on your "reporting." Nuff said. Check the archives. Do you have the same screen name at blu-ray whatever" I am calling you out on your credibility on commenting on anything.

What? You agree that your posts shouldn't be in the "blu forum" then why do you continue to make these posts in this thread? If you have an issue with drsiebling then why don't you take it up in a PM like drsiebling has suggested.

Please stop derailing this thread but making posts that have nothing to do with the thread topic.

Good night