aci on smr forums
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SMR had some fine posters, but they layout of the site left much to be desired for me personally. Of course, I may have not tried hard enough trying to figure out how to make the screen more readable. Would prefer that Mike have a section in a well trafficked site, but most dedicated boards at sites like *************** have very slow movement. Perhaps, as a second choice, he could have one at his site, ala Ascend, Axiom, etal. Of course, I'd love to see Mike set up camp at htguide.com, but certain considerations there would make it unlikely. I've tried to get a board going there for online speaker companies, but Lex rightfully doesn't want to step on the toes of othe advertisers who sell online only products, especially those that also sell subs. I do know, from Club Rotel, that company specific forums can do well, but a lot more people own Rotels. My feeling is that it would be great to have a place where all of us online speaker owners could sit and chat and share our experiences and impressions of the great speakers that we own. Alas, it doesn't look like that will happen.
Danbry:
Although I mostly agree with you, I do see a problem with a forums dedicated specifically to on-line speakers companies. We'd be preaching to the choir. Those of us who've found great satisfaction with companies like ACI, Hsu, SVS, Rocket etc. know how good they are. It's the rest of the world that remains clueless
A year ago if you would have told me I'd own speakers from ACI I would have stuck up my nose and laughed.
I do think that ACI would be wise to spend some money on advertising. I know that Mike has said he'd rather put that money into product and service, that's great, but it doesn't get the word out. AND, I think if word got out, the increased profit would more than make up for it.
Although I mostly agree with you, I do see a problem with a forums dedicated specifically to on-line speakers companies. We'd be preaching to the choir. Those of us who've found great satisfaction with companies like ACI, Hsu, SVS, Rocket etc. know how good they are. It's the rest of the world that remains clueless
A year ago if you would have told me I'd own speakers from ACI I would have stuck up my nose and laughed.
I do think that ACI would be wise to spend some money on advertising. I know that Mike has said he'd rather put that money into product and service, that's great, but it doesn't get the word out. AND, I think if word got out, the increased profit would more than make up for it.
Yeah, I was hopeful that a forum like that would help people overcome their fear of taking the step into the world of online speakers. Unfortunately, that probably wouldn't be enough for most. Like you, I once scoffed at the idea, but, honestly, that's the first place I'd look now if I was searching for new speakers...and that's a big if given my extreme satisfaction with my ACI's.
I will say this. Like me and probably you, people who frequent these boards , at the very least, become aware of the companies and that leads some of them down the path to buying. I know that I've been getting a few emails from people wanting to dialogue about possibly buying the ACI's.
I will say this. Like me and probably you, people who frequent these boards , at the very least, become aware of the companies and that leads some of them down the path to buying. I know that I've been getting a few emails from people wanting to dialogue about possibly buying the ACI's.
on smr, i liked being able to look at aci-specific discussions and learn more about the company/products. while you get that here to a degree, having it all in one forum was nice (browsing topics was easier when i was in research mode). when wading into the world of internet-only retail there's a certain level of skepticism about quality, honesty, etc. the people that don't consider buying the internet brands you mention may be "clueless" or they may have a different risk profile than you and i. searching forums and chatting with current owners helps get some people over the fence, but many still can't stomach the "leap" to buy online.
are they missing out on an opportunity to own great products? sure, but they also can touch/feel/listen to a brick and mortar brand and feel good about what they're buying. while the three of us would argue that the ACI brand is a better value/product than products x, y and z, joe brick and mortar is listening to his system and loving every minute of it (some may say blissfully ignorant). until ACI and other online-only brands gain enough customers willing to demo their systems (lowering the risk of ordering online and getting more people over the fence), they'll continue to sell at moderate levels.
which brings me to the catch-22 inherent in this topic. if mike creates a board on his site and we all migrate there to discuss our ACI systems, where's the pipeline of new customers? i don't know if i'd spend as much time here talking about speakers in general... so, without a significant marketing presence and no brick and mortar representation, internet-only brands seem to depend on customers to spread the word. word of mouth is very powerful and in ACI's case (IMHO), i'd say well deserved. but if you give your customers what they want, will they continue to give you what you need?
are they missing out on an opportunity to own great products? sure, but they also can touch/feel/listen to a brick and mortar brand and feel good about what they're buying. while the three of us would argue that the ACI brand is a better value/product than products x, y and z, joe brick and mortar is listening to his system and loving every minute of it (some may say blissfully ignorant). until ACI and other online-only brands gain enough customers willing to demo their systems (lowering the risk of ordering online and getting more people over the fence), they'll continue to sell at moderate levels.
which brings me to the catch-22 inherent in this topic. if mike creates a board on his site and we all migrate there to discuss our ACI systems, where's the pipeline of new customers? i don't know if i'd spend as much time here talking about speakers in general... so, without a significant marketing presence and no brick and mortar representation, internet-only brands seem to depend on customers to spread the word. word of mouth is very powerful and in ACI's case (IMHO), i'd say well deserved. but if you give your customers what they want, will they continue to give you what you need?
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First, Thank You! Thank you for the input and thanks to all of you who take the time to share your audio/HT experience and knowledge. For those with an open mind, this forum provides a wealth of quality information.
Second, I want to thank SMR for hosting our forum. Good people, a many quality postings! There were a number of reasons for closing, but I'm not sure they are really that important. Suffice to say, we just want to make sure we can always communicate as effectively as possible with our customers. As many of you know, the single quickest way to reach us if via Email, the phone also works pretty well
At this point, we have no firm plan to implement another forum. I do want to thank you for all your excellent input, and please feel free to add more!
There is more I want to say on this issue, but it will have to wait until another time. Thanks!
Second, I want to thank SMR for hosting our forum. Good people, a many quality postings! There were a number of reasons for closing, but I'm not sure they are really that important. Suffice to say, we just want to make sure we can always communicate as effectively as possible with our customers. As many of you know, the single quickest way to reach us if via Email, the phone also works pretty well
At this point, we have no firm plan to implement another forum. I do want to thank you for all your excellent input, and please feel free to add more!
There is more I want to say on this issue, but it will have to wait until another time. Thanks!
Mike:
I think you're right, these forums really do open up a whole different experience for the consumer. They free us up from depending on dealer's good will, and professional reviewers. Of course you have to really take the time to study. Man, I lurked for a long time before I felt I'd started to get a real feel for what is up. Those who start shopping on Monday and want to make their decisions by the following weekend are really selling themselves short!
About the phone Are you ever going to have regular office hours so people can reach you directly? Your people do a great job, but it really helped me get my twin Force subs tweaked when I was able to talk to you directly.
I think you're right, these forums really do open up a whole different experience for the consumer. They free us up from depending on dealer's good will, and professional reviewers. Of course you have to really take the time to study. Man, I lurked for a long time before I felt I'd started to get a real feel for what is up. Those who start shopping on Monday and want to make their decisions by the following weekend are really selling themselves short!
About the phone
Are you ever going to have regular office hours so people can reach you directly? Your people do a great job, but it really helped me get my twin Force subs tweaked when I was able to talk to you directly.
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Harry:
How right you are. The internet is definitely changing the AV industry. I too believe that internet forums such as this one really empower consumers in a whole new way. And, so true, those who just jump and buy, usually end up with something far less satisfying than those who take their time and do their research. I've certainly noticed that most ACI customers really seem to be thorough in their purchase process. It will often be several months from first contact until we have firmed up what their system will be.
As to the phone I so wish I could be in the office more "normal" hours. My teaching simply does not allow it. I usually don't leave school until around 4:00 or later. So far this year, I've been in the office nearly every day after 4:00. From this point on, you can pretty much count on me being there from 4:00 on Tues and Thurs till at least 6-7. I'm also in the office on many Saturday mornings. And, I'll always return emails and try to return phone calls. Thanks again, keep the ideas coming. I love it!
| Originally posted by Harry P Mike: I think you're right, these forums really do open up a whole different experience for the consumer. They free us up from depending on dealer's good will, and professional reviewers. Of course you have to really take the time to study. Man, I lurked for a long time before I felt I'd started to get a real feel for what is up. Those who start shopping on Monday and want to make their decisions by the following weekend are really selling themselves short! About the phone Are you ever going to have regular office hours so people can reach you directly? Your people do a great job, but it really helped me get my twin Force subs tweaked when I was able to talk to you directly. |
How right you are. The internet is definitely changing the AV industry. I too believe that internet forums such as this one really empower consumers in a whole new way. And, so true, those who just jump and buy, usually end up with something far less satisfying than those who take their time and do their research. I've certainly noticed that most ACI customers really seem to be thorough in their purchase process. It will often be several months from first contact until we have firmed up what their system will be.
As to the phone
I so wish I could be in the office more "normal" hours. My teaching simply does not allow it. I usually don't leave school until around 4:00 or later. So far this year, I've been in the office nearly every day after 4:00. From this point on, you can pretty much count on me being there from 4:00 on Tues and Thurs till at least 6-7. I'm also in the office on many Saturday mornings. And, I'll always return emails and try to return phone calls. Thanks again, keep the ideas coming. I love it!
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Harry:
I would say those are a possibility. Current plans are to not move forward with a new forum at this time. Too many other fish that need to be fried. Maybe after the new "baby Essence", the Maestro, the . . .
And, we have a number of website changes we really need to get taken care of ASAP. Thanks for the ideas!
| Originally posted by Harry P Mike: How about forums on audiocircle or Home Theater Spot? I haven't spent a lot of time on either, so just an idea. |
I would say those are a possibility. Current plans are to not move forward with a new forum at this time. Too many other fish that need to be fried. Maybe after the new "baby Essence", the Maestro, the . . .
And, we have a number of website changes we really need to get taken care of ASAP. Thanks for the ideas!
It is somewhat simple to setup. The software that runs this forum (and most others) is $160. You need a server, and a dedicated connection to the net.
The issues you run into are having Admins who want to do the job, a technical admin to keep the server up and running and perform maintenance, and if the site gets big enough money for the bandwidth costs (IE: ***************'s ongoing issue).
I would be willing to help out on the techincal aspects, but I would not get involved financially. I've read enough about Paul's troubles at the Spot to make me stay away from that aspect.
The issues you run into are having Admins who want to do the job, a technical admin to keep the server up and running and perform maintenance, and if the site gets big enough money for the bandwidth costs (IE: ***************'s ongoing issue).
I would be willing to help out on the techincal aspects, but I would not get involved financially. I've read enough about Paul's troubles at the Spot to make me stay away from that aspect.
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Yes, we were very lucky to have someone as good as Smokey with the backend systems. He had two different systems up and running in a couple of days.....each running on different platforms. The software that was chosen is also freeware.
| Originally posted by Tex-amp ACI fans do what the Ascend aficionados did and set up your own forum. I'm sure if someone asked Smokey over at ascendforum.com he'd talk to you about what it takes. Any techies that are ACI guys to take on the project? |
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Me either. I would hugely disappointed to see ACI take up residence there. Actually, I would hate to see ACI set up a section at AudioCircle or HTG or AVS or really any of the on-line forums. If they can swing it, I think their own forum would be much more suitable.
| I am not a fan of the Spot. |
Stuart Robinson of SMR forums has archived the ACI forum and it can be downloaded and saved for some very interesting reading for ACI fans and potential fans. It's in the knowledge base at the bottom of the forums listings. I would agree with Mike in that SMR has some very knowledgeable people contributing and I've seen some great posts there over the years.
Lee
http://forums.smr-forums.com:8080/
Lee
http://forums.smr-forums.com:8080/
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703 Posts
I really appreciate the input here. Seems to be a feeling that we shouldn't allow an ACI forum at one of the existing forums. I'm not sure why? It would seem to me that would help with higher visibility and keeping costs down. Sure we could come up with the resources for our own dedicated forum, but that time and money comes from somewhere else. Realize that like ALL companies, we must pass our costs on to the consumer. Much of the value of ACI products comes because we are extremely frugal with spending money unless needed. No, we don't have fancy offices, etc. , we have what we need to best get the job done.
Do we need a support forum? I'd actually hoped that it would be a way to better support our customers while cutting down on the time spent answering individual support questions. The idea being to answer a question once, in detail, and have that answer being readily available. In practice, this didn't seem to happen with the SMR forum because only a handful of our customers used the site.
So, we're still open to any and all ideas, and thanks again for the input!
Do we need a support forum? I'd actually hoped that it would be a way to better support our customers while cutting down on the time spent answering individual support questions. The idea being to answer a question once, in detail, and have that answer being readily available. In practice, this didn't seem to happen with the SMR forum because only a handful of our customers used the site.
So, we're still open to any and all ideas, and thanks again for the input!
Mike,
"The idea being to answer a question once, in detail, and have that answer being readily available."
If that is what you are looking for IMO a forum is actually not the best way to accomplish that. If they forum gets a lot of traffic those answers are going to be buried deep. Very few people actually use search functions before ask a question so you will end answering it again and again or posting lots more messages (which further bury the original answer) just linking to the original answer.
What might work better is to take common questions and answer them in a FAQ type of area on your own site. That way they will stay visible easily and people will tend to look at a FAQ more then they would using a search engine in a website.
Shawn
"The idea being to answer a question once, in detail, and have that answer being readily available."
If that is what you are looking for IMO a forum is actually not the best way to accomplish that. If they forum gets a lot of traffic those answers are going to be buried deep. Very few people actually use search functions before ask a question so you will end answering it again and again or posting lots more messages (which further bury the original answer) just linking to the original answer.
What might work better is to take common questions and answer them in a FAQ type of area on your own site. That way they will stay visible easily and people will tend to look at a FAQ more then they would using a search engine in a website.
Shawn
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