06-27-2007, 02:25 AM
Quote:Eh... Not that I like the idea of Wowhead being affilliated with IGE, but what's the big deal? As long as they don't change the way things are run (which I don't see any reason for doing), Wowhead will remain my favorite item database.
Database sites are always partially a 'community resource'. Though a small team may build and maintain the site, they are only able to collect the enough data to be relevant through the participation of many people (call them 'contributors') running the client software and making submissions. Still others (call them 'users') give the site traffic, comments, and word-of-mouth recommendation. Think about it as a park where locals volunteer to maintain the grounds, but anyone can visit.
When a community resource is sold, people get antsy:
1. Contributors see nothing from their efforts--This could be particularly galling depending on how you read comments like this from the purchaser of WoWhead:
Quote:How much did you sell for?
Mystadio: Enough so that we can do fun stuff but not enough that we can stop working. We plan to be in this space for a long time as both consumers and entrepreneurs.
John: I wish I had built Wowhead.
2. Contributors had no say in who bought Wowhead--Some folks might not begrudge Wowhead their payday, they just want their efforts to only support what they find ethical.
3. Users want to know who they're dealing with--Some folks came to Wowhead as a reaction to the ownership of Thott and Allakhazam. Wowhead was an "independent" site that wasn't owned by "The Man".
4. It's the internet and everyone loves a good scandal!