FORIX Joins Atlas F1
#1
Posted 22 December 2002 - 23:17
What a great idea...I mean, this place just gets better and better.
This just adds untold value to my already fantastic Atlas subscription. Atlas just keeps on surprising me with the new features and continual improvement. Wow
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#2
Posted 22 December 2002 - 23:16
I am very pleased to announce that FORIX will become a part of the service offered to the Atlas F1 subscribers as of January 15th 2003.
The deal, agreed on between us and Joao Paulo Cunha - the owner of FORIX - will allow FORIX to stay alive and expand, with plans in place to add laptimes of races several years back, as well as more data and information to what is already the most extensive Formula One database in the world.
We will also be offering those who are not interested in an Atlas F1 subscription options to subscribe to FORIX only (this is primarily aimed at non-English speaking users). However, as of January 15th 2003 FORIX will be open to the subscribers only.
Special Offer:
Purchase an Atlas F1 annual (1 year) Subscription before January 15th 2003 - and pay only $36.00 USD *
* The rate for an annual Atlas F1 subscription will cost $44.00 USD as of January 15th 2003
This offer is for both new users (those who do not have a subscription yet) and for existing subscribers (those who have an active or an expired subscription to Atlas F1).
Click here for more details on this offer
Both Joao and I are very excited about this partnership, as we believe the combination of ATLAS F1 and FORIX will give our subscribers the best value for money that can be found ANYWHERE. No magazine or website can provide the extent and wealth of information which is offered by Atlas F1 and FORIX combined!
Thank you,
Bira
#3
Posted 22 December 2002 - 23:28
It should be an excellent merger of databases and exchange.
Nice Job Bira and Joao!
;)
#4
Posted 22 December 2002 - 23:51
Seriously, I'd actually sussed this a while back when we were discussing the Atlas F1 Reference Centre in TNF (as I'm sure Racer.Demon will confirm - he swore me to secrecy!)
So - the best forums, the best database, the best news service, the best articles .... yep! Well worth 36 bucks!!
#5
Posted 22 December 2002 - 23:55
;)
great news..
maybe i will finally get around to subscribing to atlas..
#6
Posted 23 December 2002 - 00:17
There may be many valid opinions about this, but I haven't and I will not put my pennies to internet services.
It means less info then
#7
Posted 23 December 2002 - 00:34
Originally posted by maclaren
May favorite statistics site goes under pay per view
There may be many valid opinions about this, but I haven't and I will not put my pennies to internet services.
It means less info then
Whilst Im sure Bira does not want us to start another pay vs non-pay debate, I can only suggest that you then start your own. How you can expect something with the depth and quality of both AtlasF1 and Forix to be paid for and worked on by goodwill volunteers, and for you then to have unrestricted access to the fruits of their labour is beyond me.
People have to WORK to produce this stuff...it doesn't just appear. They don't do it to make money...they do it to survive, and enhance it.
So start your own F1 website, thats completely free, and have a great time. I for one would rather pay for the best quality and quantity of F1 material on the 'net....but that's just me
#8
Posted 23 December 2002 - 00:40
My sentiments are with this half of maclaren's post.My favorite statistics site goes under pay per view
I'd gladly pay for this stuff, just don't have the $.
Hope the merger means a reduction in the high-irritation level pop-out ads that was Forix's only downside.
But then, at least for the next while, I won't be able to see them to get irritated by them anyway.
#9
Posted 23 December 2002 - 00:44
Don't get me wrong, I think they have every right to get some rewenue from the effort they put in these sites.Originally posted by JForce
Whilst Im sure Bira does not want us to start another pay vs non-pay debate, I can only suggest that you then start your own. How you can expect something with the depth and quality of both AtlasF1 and Forix to be paid for and worked on by goodwill volunteers, and for you then to have unrestricted access to the fruits of their labour is beyond me.
People have to WORK to produce this stuff...it doesn't just appear. They don't do it to make money...they do it to survive, and enhance it.
So start your own F1 website, thats completely free, and have a great time. I for one would rather pay for the best quality and quantity of F1 material on the 'net....but that's just me
I only said if there is no free F1-data sites I will see none. Simple as that. But as long as there are some I will enjoy them. It doesn't mean I don't rate their job, it means "I'm available to click to their sites" if they want so.....
#10
Posted 23 December 2002 - 00:57
Originally posted by bira
* The rate for an annual Atlas F1 subscription will cost $44.00 USD as of January 15th 2003
Damn, and I didn't even get a pay rise this year. Hope this won't be an annual rise.
Welcome Forix !
#11
Posted 23 December 2002 - 01:39
after doing my daily (freelance) work i do my best as a payless editor of a local (sci-fi) webzine.
i'll still not pay for love. i'll still not pay for visiting web pages, even such good ones as atlas and forix.
so it's a big F*** Y** from me.
#12
Posted 23 December 2002 - 01:42
I am very pleased wiyh this announcement!!! I took the opportunity to renew my subscription for an additionnal year. I strongly recommend to all to do the same!!!
#13
Posted 23 December 2002 - 01:46
Originally posted by BlackCat
for $36 i'll get 11 bottles of vodka. it's a little bit more than my 1 month supply and i'll not give it up.
after doing my daily (freelance) work i do my best as a payless editor of a local (sci-fi) webzine.
i'll still not pay for love. i'll still not pay for visiting web pages, even such good ones as atlas and forix.
so it's a big F*** Y** from me.
It's not Atlas F1's or Forix' fault that you have a drinking problem.
#14
Posted 23 December 2002 - 01:56
Congratulations to those who are subscribed, and those who are able to subscribe.
#15
Posted 23 December 2002 - 02:01
#16
Posted 23 December 2002 - 02:02
Originally posted by BlackCat
for $36 i'll get 11 bottles of vodka. it's a little bit more than my 1 month supply and i'll not give it up.
after doing my daily (freelance) work i do my best as a payless editor of a local (sci-fi) webzine.
i'll still not pay for love. i'll still not pay for visiting web pages, even such good ones as atlas and forix.
so it's a big F*** Y** from me.
welcome to the new reality of the Internet my friend
#17
Posted 23 December 2002 - 02:09
Originally posted by BlackCat
for $36 i'll get 11 bottles of vodka. it's a little bit more than my 1 month supply and i'll not give it up.
after doing my daily (freelance) work i do my best as a payless editor of a local (sci-fi) webzine.
i'll still not pay for love. i'll still not pay for visiting web pages, even such good ones as atlas and forix.
so it's a big F*** Y** from me.
Quality costs. If you're running a small site, you can do it for free. When you run something as big as Atlas or Forix, which needs to be maintained almost 24 hours a day, you have to find a source of income that allows you to do that otherwise it no longer exists.
#18
Posted 23 December 2002 - 02:37
i was so surprised that i forgot the smileys. it's just that i was a bit ironic with a friend of mine who outprinted the whole content of Forix not so long ago :
#19
Posted 23 December 2002 - 02:52
My problem is not money but time. It is not worth my while subscribing as some months I don't even have time to hardly check my hotmail account let alone the time to read such a quality mag as ATLASF1. Usully my F1 entertainment centres around a quick click on FORIX after the race to see the results, sometimes days later. I didn't even manage to watch one whole race this year.
If you look at my posts on this BB they are dismal compared to last year, in fact the only reason that I'm posting now is that I'm in the office, whilst on Christmas holidays mind you, to catch up on some work.
Anyway, its a good move forward for ATLASF1 and FORIX but unfortunately a step backwards for myself, just don't have time to get the value for money that ATLAS offers now let alone what it will once FORIX is added to its arsenal.
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#20
Posted 23 December 2002 - 02:53
Actually a question. Will Forix still operate independently from Atlas f1, or will the two sites merge together?
#21
Posted 23 December 2002 - 03:37
Bira et al keep adding value
(although I am still waiting for one specific article I know Jane Nottage was working on this year) hint hint hint
#22
Posted 23 December 2002 - 05:28
Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Quality costs. If you're running a small site, you can do it for free. When you run something as big as Atlas or Forix, which needs to be maintained almost 24 hours a day, you have to find a source of income that allows you to do that otherwise it no longer exists.
Sure - you need income to pay staff / costs etc - that is why in the commercial world you have sponsorships / advertisements etc.
My personal opinion is that like sites - Economist / Fortune / Time , the news should be free , as this is not generated by Atlas - simply posted - the magazine content can be subscribed. Moreover the fees - which incidentally do not just cover costs , but i suppose also mean PROFITS , could be offset with limited advertising .
BMW / Toyota are all advertising on different F1 sites - with Michelin sponsoring columns / writeups- I wondor why Atlas dont solicit quality ads in a limited way.
#23
Posted 23 December 2002 - 06:29
Originally posted by Hotwheels
BMW / Toyota are all advertising on different F1 sites - with Michelin sponsoring columns / writeups- I wondor why Atlas dont solicit quality ads in a limited way.
I think the 'term' bias would spring up, if the people you are reporting on, are the same people paying the bills....
#24
Posted 23 December 2002 - 07:07
Originally posted by StickShift
+ there's more in AtlasF1
- there's less for free
- AtlasF1 subscribtion fee rises
-> more "-"'s than "+"'s.
#25
Posted 23 December 2002 - 07:20
Thanks for adding more great info to an already excellent site.
I spend far too much time here as it is, now my wife will never see me
Good Luck for the future Bira & Joao
#26
Posted 23 December 2002 - 08:06
Is the multi language feature going to be available for Forix in the future?
What will happen to the current translations?
#27
Posted 23 December 2002 - 08:15
Originally posted by Sir Frank
Very, very nice, specially the adding laptimes issue!
But I'm pissed. I signed up to AtlasF1 last week and have possibly missed out on this US$4 discount!
On the other hand, I get an unexpected bonus in FORIX and save myself US$4 by not subscribing after Jan 15th.
As a new subscriber, I would like to see some serious work done on the website design and navigation. There's a wealth of information but it's very hard to get at and page designs vary quite a lot. Hopefully with more and more subscribers, AtlasF1 will get this issue sorted. Other than that, the content is fabulous (even in the off season).
#28
Posted 23 December 2002 - 08:23
Originally posted by BlackCat
for $36 i'll get 11 bottles of vodka.
How big is a glass of Vodka where you live? 0,5L?
#29
Posted 23 December 2002 - 08:28
Imagein, it's 36$ here, 40$ there, 20$ here, 50$ there, soon it will be $1000 per web pages per year if one has multiple interests. This is not justified in any way, not even by better service.
I have never paid for a web page and will never do so even if whole Internet becomes pay-per-view.
Hrvoje
#30
Posted 23 December 2002 - 08:43
#31
Posted 23 December 2002 - 08:53
#32
Posted 23 December 2002 - 09:16
* FORIX remains a separate website, with all the multiple languages it offers;
* Neither FORIX nor Atlas F1 is profitable, and I don't see either becoming profitable in the near future. Subscription fees cover a big chunck of our costs but they don't cover it all.
* Suggesting that FORIX or Atlas F1 have taken the subscription route due to greed is hillarious at best, mean and insulting at worst. And thinking that such websites could have remained purely enthusiasm-driven is naive and out of touch with reality.
* Vunz you're getting carried away there, don't you think? "Atlas is getting more and more a monopolist position on the internet F1 information, what's next?" What have we done before to suggest we are getting "more and more" a monopoly? "More and more" indicates a set of actions - name them please? Anyway, last I checked Monopoly means "Exclusive control by one group of the means of producing or selling a commodity or service." With several hundred F1 websites around, I can't see how two websites going on a joint venture can be construed as monopolism.
Anyhow, carry on fantasizing about me and Joao buying a Villa in the South of Spain. The idea is nice, just what a shame it's only a fantasy
Happy holidays!
Bira
#33
Posted 23 December 2002 - 09:16
Originally posted by Rene
I think the 'term' bias would spring up, if the people you are reporting on, are the same people paying the bills....
Bias ???
Have you never a magazine with ads and a objective news / story even of the ad company ??? This is where objective good journalism comes in - and i am sure as in other media , people are professional enough to be correct and just and not mix dollars in and opinions out columns.......
#34
Posted 23 December 2002 - 09:53
#35
Posted 23 December 2002 - 10:02
#36
Posted 23 December 2002 - 10:38
Someone mentioned "quality" adverts - where do you draw the line? Do you try to make the advertising you take "relevant"? What is "relevant"? Only racing-based suppliers like tyre companies? Or do you include sponsors like (say) Red Bull? Orange? Vodafone? Before you know it, you're in a whole different ballgame ....
Buford:
#37
Posted 23 December 2002 - 10:41
Imagein, it's 36$ here, 40$ there, 20$ here, 50$ there, soon it will be $1000 per web pages per year if one has multiple interests. This is not justified in any way, not even by better service.
Yeah, they should give out all paper magazines for free too, it's $36 there, $40 there. I think I'll just steal F1-racing...
Why is internet media less valid. They'll be free sites, in relation they'll be crap.
Welcome to life.
Then again I'm speaking as one who grabbed an Atlas year for $18 thanks to a recent offer
--
As far as forix goes this is superb news to me. I'd been a little worried about the future of that place for a while so this is a welcome reassurence as to its future.
I wonder though, will there be a semi-lo-cost CD of forix or a chance for subscribers to easily download the lot. I'd love to have it as a reference medium without constantly hitting the site.
#38
Posted 23 December 2002 - 10:48
Originally posted by Vitesse2
Someone mentioned "quality" adverts - where do you draw the line? Do you try to make the advertising you take "relevant"? What is "relevant"? Only racing-based suppliers like tyre companies? Or do you include sponsors like (say) Red Bull? Orange? Vodafone? Before you know it, you're in a whole different ballgame ....
Buford:
Well i doubt if i will see ads for Walt Disney on Atlas F1 - but taking into account that this would be male dominated / 15- 40 age / F1 fans / the companies who feel their product fits into these broad parameters would come in.
Than of course the top dollar wins - and the fact that technically how many ads can be supported etc.
You ever been on a gaming site ?? Pogo for example ? After every 2 or 3 games a 20 second ad pops up on the screen - over 100000 people play there a day - no one is complaining , as these keeps the site free.
#39
Posted 23 December 2002 - 10:54
Anyway, cool thing.
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#40
Posted 23 December 2002 - 11:13
Originally posted by Vunz
Atlas is getting more and more a monopolist position on the internet F1 information, what's next? Integrating Schlegelmilch for the best F1 photoshots? Providing the best F1 videoclips and gradually raising the annual subscription fee too $100? This thing is getting out of hand, another great site behind the ticket booth.
I for one would have loved even more (and higer res) pictures, and videoclips had been great (as tv coverage is rather bad where i live). But i DO se you're point about rising subscription fees.
Perhaps if such services would be introduced, they could have a "news and magazine only subscription" and a "full blown subscription" at a higher fee. I for one would probably opt for the full blown subscription.
#41
Posted 23 December 2002 - 11:15
FOCA next bira?
#42
Posted 23 December 2002 - 11:55
Those that are moaning about the fact its not going to be free would you rather see Forix die ?? all those millions of man hours put to waste, because that sounds like what would have happened but for Atlas' intervention, too many people expect something for nothing in this world, as for the subject of getting a sponsor or advertising it is near as hell impossible in this day and age, Pitpass, one of the most popular F1 sites on the entire net have been trying for nearly a year to get one so its not a case of just sending an e mail and seconds later getting £10,000, dream on
The alternative to subscription for the likes of Atlas and Forix is extinction
Anyone who doesn't subscribe then as far as I am concerned tough, stop moaning about it because from what you are saying you are prepared to see quality sites like Forix go to the wall because of your selfishness, there is no such thing as a free lunch now
#43
Posted 23 December 2002 - 12:11
And of course we have the usual suspects jumping on the whiner's wagon again. Oh well. You are missing out on 2 fantastic sources of F1 information on the net available. It's you choice to spend your money on stuff like booze and such or not. I only pitty those who really don't have the money to pay for it.
And for those 'principalists' out there: Up yours! Did you EVER visit a GP? Did you REALLY pay ludicrous $$$ to the Bernie circus for sitting on cold concrete or crawling through the mud? Shouldn't your principals have kept you from doing that?
#44
Posted 23 December 2002 - 12:22
Atlas was very close to going belly up a couple of years ago I believe and the subscription model was the only way forward. Where would we be without atlas.
This place is my internet home and I have a great deal of respect for the people who run this place. The comments which appear to be aimed directly at Bira and Joeo are really hard to swallow.
Yes complain if you must that you can't afford to subscribe, but please don't take it out on the folks who put a lot of time into a fanstastic website.
In my honest opinion, they and the site are worth every penny and probably a lot more.
#45
Posted 23 December 2002 - 12:24
I hope I was clear enough, english is really not my strong language...;)
#46
Posted 23 December 2002 - 12:42
#47
Posted 23 December 2002 - 12:52
I am not paying for Atlas, now you're taking away FORIX also.
Wattie
#48
Posted 23 December 2002 - 13:08
A subscription to the magazine and the best stats site in the entire net will cost the same as the cost of a can of coca cola every week, that is hardly 2nd mortgage territory
Those that are moaning can afford a cable internet connection in the majority of cases yet can't afford 60p a week apparently
#49
Posted 23 December 2002 - 13:18
Well worth the investment.
#50
Posted 23 December 2002 - 13:46
I have an enormous respect for both sites, Atlas and Forix and all the people there. In fact, I was the one who translated Forix into Croatian and wrote some articles for it in the past.
I'm the first who will enjoy seeing the sites thrive.
But somehow, I am opposed to pay-per-view anywhere, be it television or Internet. There must be a means of taking money form ones who really do have it too much and not from the readers.
Hrvoje