Just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all the members here and say thank you for sticking around the MBP forum for another year. You guys are the reason this place exists and I feel very lucky to have this little corner of DIY on the interwebs. I am continually inspired by the work I see here and the overall enthusiasm and good-will we've created toward one another is a source of incredible satisfaction for me. I hope the same is true for you, too.
2017 was a moderate success in terms of the financial side of MBP. I've held off for a long time in discussing this publicly but the general trend in terms of hard sales has been decline over the last 2 years. I've had lean years, I've had wildly successful years and the "norm" appears to be leveling off into a reasonably, but not overwhelming profitable business. The only reason I mention this is because it's making me took a harder look at how I do things and what I can do better. I've sought and received the advice of several trusted colleagues so I am focusing more attention on what steps I need to take to maintain the level of service I hope to achieve. One key component to this year's success is the inclusion of the VFE projects, for which I am eternally grateful to Peter Rutter for making a reality. While I have not released as much of the VFE in 2017 as planned, I will keep at it and make it even more prevalent for the coming year.
I had hoped to end 2017 with a bang with some of the many projects I am close to releasing. It looks like most of those will get pushed to early 2018. These include the sub-mini tube projects, and many more. Things are coming to a close but not as fast as I wanted. But, I think it's just a matter of buckling down a bit and getting my s**t done. I still plan on releasing the first MBP kit next year, the For Fuzz Sake fuzz. I've been considering a Kicksarter campaign to get this going since it will take a couple of grand to launch. We'll see.
And, of course, any feedback you have to give on how things are going, what you'd like to see in the coming year, etc. is appreciated and welcomed.
I hope everyone has a great holiday! Be sure to get your entries in for the Build of the Year contest. Merry Christmas, or whatever holiday you celebrate you damn heathens.
(http://www.madbeanpedals.com/misc/holidays.jpg)
I still think there should be a subtle but easily found donate button for the forum. I realize you see this as an extension of your business, but, dude, sometimes I really just don't need to buy a PCB but I still want to say "thanks for letting me hang out in your house all the damn time and let me buy you a beer/cuppa/book."
Thanks for the peek behind the curtain. I like Jon's suggestion. A yearly Wikipedia-style "please pay for hosting costs" drive would be ok too. I'd back your Kickstarter even though I (gasp) don't seem to like fuzz pedals very much!
I agree with Jon. I usually get a few boards everytime I order stuff just to fatten up the order but to be honest I've built pretty much the entire catalog. Well, that and the fact I'm a gear whore so it works on both sides of the transaction.
I wouldn't be opposed to shouldering a bit of the forum cost and I imagine a good chunk of peeps would agree, especially the regulars and usual suspects.
Guitar sales across the board have been declining at the same rate and I think most sites like this are noticing a bit of a decline. I was bummed to hear that Peter is packing in the Patreon effort. I think that the amount of cash coming in vs the amount of overhead in terms of effort just wasn't panning out in his favor and he found himself spread way too thin. I was looking forward to the education more than building more pedals, which was my incentive to join.
I love hanging around this place and hope we can sustain this environment.
Merry Christmas everybody.
Quote from: midwayfair on December 20, 2017, 06:18:05 PM
I still think there should be a subtle but easily found donate button for the forum. I realize you see this as an extension of your business, but, dude, sometimes I really just don't need to buy a PCB but I still want to say "thanks for letting me hang out in your house all the damn time and let me buy you a beer/cuppa/book."
This!
The other thing you could consider would be to look at the model tdrpi uses. Their are free members on the forum and many who pay an annual subscription for a few added services.
Also give yourself a little credit. You have definitely set the tone of this forum. IMHO the build report section is what really seals the deal. The bar is very high on there and I think it helps keep us focused on why we're here and not Facebook.
Since this is really the only pedal forum I hangout on I would contribute to help also. Just a bunch of really good people on here and even though I struggle with getting this electronics stuff I feel I can get help even if it's something pretty stupid that I've done.
I also like the ability to purchase not only Bean projects but the host of other boards that come up on here that are just stellar. There are just a bunch of really smart designers on here and I have to "Tip My Hat" to Brian for being great about the group buys.
Even though I know I have to curtail my board purchases (Man this is going to be hard) due to the fact that one day my spouse is going to spaz completely out, I am looking forward to seeing these new boards come out. There is always something interesting that just puts the excitement level up a couple of notches. Hope everyone has a great holiday season and a happy new year.
Not sure if it's actually true, but it seems to me the forum has slowed down quite a bit also. I try to post a bit more often instead of just reading/lurking, because that's the only way to keep this place truly alive.
Quote from: midwayfair on December 20, 2017, 06:18:05 PM
I still think there should be a subtle but easily found donate button for the forum. I realize you see this as an extension of your business, but, dude, sometimes I really just don't need to buy a PCB but I still want to say "thanks for letting me hang out in your house all the damn time and let me buy you a beer/cuppa/book."
I totally agree!!
This forum is AMAZING, although I havent been posting as much lately, I keep reading a lot, and I just love it. And I'd love to make a donation sometimes, when I dont another pcb but just feel grateful. :)
Quote from: Rockhorst on December 21, 2017, 01:03:03 AM
Not sure if it's actually true, but it seems to me the forum has slowed down quite a bit also. I try to post a bit more often instead of just reading/lurking, because that's the only way to keep this place truly alive.
That's definitely true over at BYOC. It's one of the reasons I've been stopping by here more lately.
Thanks very much Brian for hosting this forum and offering superb PCB's. I really like the informal, friendly
nature of this forum. There's a lot of sharing of info on our favorite hobby. I really enjoy viewing the build reports
and seeing some of the most amazing builds out there. It inspires me to try new things. For example, I don't think I would've
ever learned how to etch an enclosure if not for learning things and seeing results on this forum. It's just so satisfying to learn
a new skill.
I would also like to thank those who've offered some incredible PCB's thru the forum. And thanks to Brian for allowing this.
Some of the circuits are really unique.
So in closing, I'll echo our fearless leader in wishing everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year!
Quote from: midwayfair on December 20, 2017, 06:18:05 PM
I still think there should be a subtle but easily found donate button for the forum. I realize you see this as an extension of your business, but, dude, sometimes I really just don't need to buy a PCB but I still want to say "thanks for letting me hang out in your house all the damn time and let me buy you a beer/cuppa/book."
Maybe this could be accomplished by selling a "set your own price" sticker, or something like that.
But yeah, I agree with you. I also think that Brian should consider charging a small fee for those selling boards on his site (which would affect me, too). It'd be harder to sell them elsewhere, so I think it'd be perfectly fair.
Quote from: pickdropper on December 21, 2017, 04:35:30 AM
I also think that Brian should consider charging a small fee for those selling boards on his site (which would affect me, too).
Me too. I know he's been against this idea in the past, but the value of being able to sell here (with no restrictions) is quite tangible.
Quote from: pickdropper on December 21, 2017, 04:35:30 AM
Maybe this could be accomplished by selling a "set your own price" sticker, or something like that.
But yeah, I agree with you. I also think that Brian should consider charging a small fee for those selling boards on his site (which would affect me, too). It'd be harder to sell them elsewhere, so I think it'd be perfectly fair.
I had a similar thought this morning about stickers. I was thinking something small, maybe postage stamp size, that I could buy for $5, $10, or $20, which I could easily stick inside a pedal as a subtle, yet visible "thank you" when I show off gut shots on the Build Reports thread.
It's funny that I was searching for a donate button on this site a couple of weeks ago. I would definitely use that feature too.
On the fee for selling boards proposal, I don't make or sell my own boards, but I would hate to think that a fee, even a small one, could potentially reduce the supply of boards.
Just want to say thanks Brian and everyone else on here I've been a member for 18 months now and the amount I've learned from all of you is staggering. This is also the friendliest forum I've ever been a member of there's just so much positivity and none of the sniping I tend to see on other forums.
Thanks chaps.
Ditto -- despite my ridiculous PCB backlog, I'm now debating buying more if a donate button doesn't show up soon ::)
Thanks for all the suggestion guys.
I think a donate button is a good idea. I've resisted that for a long time since MBP is a business, but there are obviously people that would donate just because they like/use the forum, or the Etcher's Paradise. So, I'll make that happen. A small reward could be cool, too e.g. quality sticker, picks, that sort of thing. I did have those a few years ago and could certainly do it again. I'll take a look today at getting some made.
I'm dead set against charging anyone a fee for selling boards here, or charging the "sponsored" stores for their forum presence. The indirect benefit of this forum being a marketplace and a common meetup is more than enough reward and I think a fee would be a barrier that would make people go elsewhere. A donate button would provide the opportunity to allow those parts of the community to give back if they want but it is not something I would expect or ask for.
The main areas I need to focus attention on are increasing sales and actually doing some marketing. I say that every year though, haha. But, rest assured, MBP is still in good shape. The first half of 2017 was pretty concerning but the second half picked up steam and there won't be any noticeable impact from the end-user/customer side yet. Prices will not increase, and projects will still get released. I may down-size the roster a bit but mostly that would be to make room for newer stuff.
One last idea I'm considering is doing limited runs of older projects. Maybe bring back a couple of missed projects in batches of 10-25. So, I might start a thread where people can make suggestions on an old project they'd like to have and do a sign-up/pre-order type thing.
Honestly, I've wanted a madbean sticker on my minivan for s long time.
I second what everyone else said: I frequent this forum a lot, I'm glad it exists, it is a great community - and I have hardly built any pedal at all this year. Finishing older projects, and doing a bit of amp and guitar stuff. But I don't think I bought from Brian this year at all, I hate to admit it. So yes, a donate button is a great idea!
Also the limited release of older projects (Sparkplug V2!!)
Awesome idea for the donate button, the stickers (I love stickers!) and signup sheets for older projects!
Quote from: Matmosphere on December 21, 2017, 07:08:10 AM
Honestly, I've wanted a madbean sticker on my minivan for s long time.
Out on the road, today I saw a Madbean sticker on a Minivan.
A little voice inside my head said: "Don't look back, you can never look back."
I could t possibly add to what's been said, other than, it's nice to see the new faces around we've seen. This is the nicest, self policing site on teh interwebz.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I know I don't post a lot ( I guess I've been lucky with trouble shooting! ), but I have learned a lot from this forum. Not to
mention, everybody seems cool to get along with, as well as generous! I would have no problem with a membership fee, or
a donate button. It's worth it!
Perhaps, in 2018 we could have a slack channel for better communication. I don't mind to help get started.
Thanks for doing what you do Brian.
Whenever I get the hankering to build something MadBean is the first place I check in.
All the best in the new year.
So, 2018 will technically be the 10th anniversary of MBP (if you do inclusive counting starting from 2009). Seems like a good time to update the sticker and offer it for the donation option. I really wish I had done this a month ago when Sticker Robot was offering a ridiculous discount!
It's counter productive, but will there be a limited edition 10th anniversary pcb?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: jimilee on December 21, 2017, 04:48:02 PM
It's counter productive, but will there be a limited edition 10th anniversary pcb?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm actually thinking about that, too.
Quote from: madbean on December 21, 2017, 05:06:04 PM
Quote from: jimilee on December 21, 2017, 04:48:02 PM
It's counter productive, but will there be a limited edition 10th anniversary pcb?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm actually thinking about that, too.
It should be matte black with gold plating. Fancy.
Quote from: pickdropper on December 21, 2017, 05:37:27 PM
Quote from: madbean on December 21, 2017, 05:06:04 PM
Quote from: jimilee on December 21, 2017, 04:48:02 PM
It's counter productive, but will there be a limited edition 10th anniversary pcb?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm actually thinking about that, too.
It should be matte black with gold plating. Fancy.
That sounds like when your YouTube subscriber hits 100k or something. Unfortunately, the subscriber list is still at 978 subscribers.
I really like the idea of doing small batches of older projects. There are many projects that I would have bought if I was around when they were being sold. Also I agree with the donate button as well. I'm not super prolific at building or active in the forum but this has seriously been the best hobby ever and this is by far the best place to learn.
This is the best forum on the internet. Maybe "pay what you please" button on Etcher's Paradise files? That is artwork you're just giving away. Stickers and picks would be cool too.
One thing I have noticed since the years I have been on here is that the life of a pedal builder on average seems kind of short. That has to be due to the fact that building pedals can get redundant. How many delays or phaser do you really need?
I think branching off from just pedals is the way to go if you really want to extend the life/interest of a builder. I think you have already started doing that a little and I really think it's a smart thing to do.
Quote from: peAk on December 22, 2017, 11:35:04 AM
How many phaser do you really need?
Let's ask Jimi ...
Quote from: midwayfair on December 22, 2017, 12:10:10 PM
Quote from: peAk on December 22, 2017, 11:35:04 AM
How many phaser do you really need?
Let's ask Jimi ...
Uhm all of them, duh!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'd pay a few bucks to make the forum not be all black. These eyes aren't getting any younger. :)
Quote from: sjaustin on December 22, 2017, 06:30:47 PM
I'd pay a few bucks to make the forum not be all black. These eyes aren't getting any younger. :)
Go to Profile -> hover over "modify profile" and click "Look and Layout" and change the "Current Theme" (first thing there).
Quote from: midwayfair on December 22, 2017, 06:33:56 PM
Quote from: sjaustin on December 22, 2017, 06:30:47 PM
I'd pay a few bucks to make the forum not be all black. These eyes aren't getting any younger. :)
Go to Profile -> hover over "modify profile" and click "Look and Layout" and change the "Current Theme" (first thing there).
I guess I owe you a few bucks! Ha.
You know, as I hit the "Post" button, I thought
I bet there's a way to change the theme, and then I moved on. Thanks, Jon.
I think links to audio clips on the store page would help sales. We gear junkies can't resist a good tone.
But maybe this already exists somewhere that I don't know of.
I want to Echo what the others said. I really appreciate all you do for the community and that you give us a place to hang out. My building has also decreased and I'm enjoying layouting too, so I guess I haven't bought any pcbs from vendors this year. I haven't even finished building half the pcbs I won from last years BOTY.
I second the donate button.
Here's to many successful years to come.
I also want to say thanks for the forum and community you've built. I feel like I know a little about electronics, but seeing the exceptional builds that other people are making, is a motivator to raise my building standards.
Also, thanks for discussing the business side a little. I've occasionally been curious about how big this rather niche pastime is, and appreciate your openness on this and some of the frank things about the cottage pedal business that Peter Von Rutter has said on FSB. I have no idea about what the long term trends are in music, guitars, effects, or DIY effects (will people give up on analog electronics? do fewer people have time for DIY?). A few thoughts about promoting the hobby and business (others feel free to chime in / disagree):
- It would probably help a lot to have high-quality video demos of consistent quality. Sometimes you can find a great demo from midwayfair on youtube, and sometimes it's somebody's shaky phone camera vid.
- Discovering where to begin in DIY effects is a little daunting. Google will probably lead you to DIYSB, which can be a great resource but is sort of a mix of noob questions and expert EEs who speak cryptically, and doesn't necessarily lead the novice to where to buy a PCB.
- I imagine the fact that you have to register to read the MBP forum helps keep it low-key and friendly, but also makes it harder to discover.
- There's a bunch of effects PCB sites but it's not always clear what the differentiations are until you've already built a few things (some have more projects good for novices, some of the affiliated sites have more expert projects, MBP has especially clear build docs, etc).
- I like the idea of expanding beyond guitar stompboxes. I also wonder if there are niches for PCBs for sound generators / effects for electronic music?
Synth! Synth! Synth!
i just started building about 6 months ago, this place is the best
Quote from: Zigcat on December 27, 2017, 01:22:02 AM
Synth! Synth! Synth!
Pedals are a gateway drug, for some :)
agreed!
Quote from: alanp on December 27, 2017, 08:10:57 PM
Quote from: Zigcat on December 27, 2017, 01:22:02 AM
Synth! Synth! Synth!
Pedals are a gateway drug, for some :)
I suppose one positive of getting into that synth stuff would be hitting the high quantity price breaks on jacks and knobs when you order parts. :P
Quote from: peAk on December 22, 2017, 11:35:04 AM
One thing I have noticed since the years I have been on here is that the life of a pedal builder on average seems kind of short. That has to be due to the fact that building pedals can get redundant. How many delays or phaser do you really need?
I think branching off from just pedals is the way to go if you really want to extend the life/interest of a builder. I think you have already started doing that a little and I really think it's a smart thing to do.
This is true, we built hundreds of pedals since starting, but it's wound way down now as nothing is exciting any more. Odd things and when we get involved in new things tends to re-ignite the fire. But otherwise, I'm currently spending a lot more time restoring vintage computers and consoles. All with skills I've learned from this hobby.
I doubt I'll stop building pedals as interesting things still come along every now and then, but my output is way down as I build so little for myself these days, and very few commissioned builds for people. That said, I really should get on with the few pedals I've been meaning to build for over a year now ;)
Quote from: madbean on December 21, 2017, 05:06:04 PM
Quote from: jimilee on December 21, 2017, 04:48:02 PM
It's counter productive, but will there be a limited edition 10th anniversary pcb?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm actually thinking about that, too.
That should be a fancy re-issue of the original Sunking. That one PCB brought so many people to the site, and was responsible for so much excitement on the interwebs. Make it super limited with the sticker. I'd totally do that. It'd be the only way I'd ever build another klone!
Quote from: midwayfair on December 20, 2017, 06:18:05 PM
I still think there should be a subtle but easily found donate button for the forum. I realize you see this as an extension of your business, but, dude, sometimes I really just don't need to buy a PCB but I still want to say "thanks for letting me hang out in your house all the damn time and let me buy you a beer/cuppa/book."
Or an annual 'member' subscription. Entirely optional and I wouldn't want to lock non-members out of content. But if you are a member, you get a forum supporter tag or some such. I'd absolutely have no problem with this, if only to make the site self funding. The DIY world would be a poorer place without these forums.
Quote from: EBK on December 28, 2017, 03:58:50 AM
Quote from: alanp on December 27, 2017, 08:10:57 PM
Quote from: Zigcat on December 27, 2017, 01:22:02 AM
Synth! Synth! Synth!
Pedals are a gateway drug, for some :)
I suppose one positive of getting into that synth stuff would be hitting the high quantity price breaks on jacks and knobs when you order parts. :P
So, in a way, building synths save you money.
Quote from: juansolo on December 29, 2017, 01:30:33 AM
Or an annual 'member' subscription. Entirely optional and I wouldn't want to lock non-members out of content. But if you are a member, you get a forum supporter tag or some such. I'd absolutely have no problem with this, if only to make the site self funding. The DIY world would be a poorer place without these forums.
Best idea so far!
Thanks Brian. I've said it before and I'll say it again, This site and the people here are the only reasons I am still building. I was on a forum before I came here (started with "H" and ended with "armonycentral") and they nothing but A-holes! I was ready to throw in the towel and then I found this place. I lurked for a bit and saw how helpful and nice people were. That was it, I was hooked!
I would ABSOLUTELY pay a (voluntary or mandatory) membership fee. This place has helped me in so many ways. I found a creative outlet, helped me get a leg up on my new job at Fishman, forced me to learn things that I would have never learned other wise. If that is how i can help / give back / support this forum and site then I wouldn't even think twice about it.
Now a "make your own price" sticker is a FANTASTIC idea. I LOVE stickers and i would absolutely order 3 or 4 of them with each PCB purchase. I'm looking forward to many years of building outragious toys I don't need! ;)
-Mike-
PS. More delay and modulation...less overdrive JK
I am running short of "pedal goals" and I'm ok with this. offering me more or something new isn't going to change that and I'm ok with that(even though it isn't ok with a business per se). what I would like to do is be able to donate to the forums (because jesus christ, its the one place that doesn't devolve into a dick measuring contest) as a thank you for hosting not just a diy community for your own business but the businesses of others I have a great amount of respect for ... and importantly, not beating me over the head with advertisers.
i haven't been active in a few years, been building amps mostly though i do enjoy the monthly visit to the forum and all its great members.
a DIY site had a donate button a few years and he managed to recruit a lot of money, I think you should do to the same, mainly because the service you provide is heartfelt one, your projects, other than being perfect, have a certain positive energy to them, i always feel pride stomping on a pedal with a MBP pcb.
i've had 5 hard financial years, but if you put up a donate button, i'm gonna donate, not as a donation, but as an acknowledgment of your great site
Quote from: midwayfair on December 20, 2017, 06:18:05 PM
I still think there should be a subtle but easily found donate button for the forum. I realize you see this as an extension of your business, but, dude, sometimes I really just don't need to buy a PCB but I still want to say "thanks for letting me hang out in your house all the damn time and let me buy you a beer/cuppa/book."
I agree with this fully. I have such a HUGE back log of PCBs and not to mention other hobbies that are taking up time that I just want to toss some money your way. Doing web hosting for a few websites I understand the costs that are involved with hosting a active forum like this and would love to help any way I can.
PCB money has been spent on energy drinks and Hostess Cupcakes recently... and some synth stuff.. but mainly junk food!
Cody