I have joined Nvidia's Focus Group.

[WT]

Congrats, keys ! Anyone that is accepted into any focus group is obviously subject to ridicule just because ... well, we're jealous we didn't get in !! Seriously, I have received three copies of Vista for free, so does that make me a MS shill ?? No, it means I'm smart enough to jump on a deal when I see one, and not PAY for an OS as opposed to suckas who buy retail PCs.
I've enjoyed reading the Video forum, and always found info here (whether it be good or bad was up to the discretion of the reader). Rollo's Nv 5800 review was a great read, just because I love unique video cards. Everybody knows what a garden variety 8800 will do .. its the cards that aren't as heavily reviewed or used that I love (8800GTS KO ASC3 or 7950GX2 - I own both).

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: SunnyD

Originally posted by: apoppin
NO i have NEVER - ever - been associated with ATi or AMD ... you are quite right. I am too *dangerous* for them as i am perceived as 'chaotic neutral' by them [and NVIDIA]. However, as you may have guessed, i know both groups pretty well and i also have to be very careful what i post here.
...
i am not so sure i would accept any focus group invitation. Even moderating this forum was difficult for me as i found my posting style "crimped" more that i liked. But that is just "me"

LOL @ chaotic neutral! I love it! I myself think of myself as chaotic evil... do whatever I want, went I want. Though my temperment is more chaotic good - I try to do the right thing, but usually go about it the wrong way. But you are honest and to the point, which is refreshing.

I would personally join a focus group, moreso because I like to see what is going to be offered and where a company is going to go. I think you can learn a lot about the long term goals of a company just by being a part of their products internally. Again, I'd love to see ATI here... I think they're too quiet and have a lot going for them. Plus... I really REALLY want a TriFire 780G+3780x2+Phenom setup! :laugh:

Then BUY it ! ... it is really much "cheaper" in the long run ...

"Chaotic Evil" we saw at work here ... it just needed a good dose of it's own medicine
-fire and acid
"sun;

i need to give my honest "input" into a company without worrying about internal "politics" so i don't think you will see me joining any focus grups ... or you will also "read all about it here"

and ... thank-you .. even if you posted this next 😛

Edit: For the record... I will always keep reading this forum, even with a mod as part of the NV Focus Group - I respect keysplayer enough to do that. Hell, apoppin hangs out here and I haven't left!

😀

You have GOT to realize that "focus groups" are NOT the problem ... although if unchecked, they can lead to abuse - as we saw happen here. i did not go after "AEG" .. it was one member that was abusing his 'privilege' as i saw it. And i had to make my point twice .. about 'habits' not changing - to whoever needed to hear it and was able to do something about it 😉


==

I myself find it a bit hard to believe that on a forum as large and popular as Anadtech, that there are no affiliates of AMD here. It is entirely possible that they are not "allowed" to come forward with this affiliation. So, it may be that this "uneveness" you are concerned about, is only differentiated by it not being made publicly known. This is just my speculation of course, but it does have a reasonability about it. What do you think?

OK, i think most of this has gone completely underground .. 'in-house'
-using AEG [or High Road] imo was a mistake in the first place

. . . and do you think there is only *one* focus group from 'just AMD' or 'just NVIDIA'? ... we have the partners also represented here!
-i believe they also watch each other (or do now) 😉

YOU have GOT to realize that we need to use our *own discernment*
- i am hoping for the day when we have manufacturers represented here *officially* - so we can question them *officially* .. and maybe we could get AMD to "debate" NVIDIA here for a really big "event" 😉

 

[HOOfan 1]

I am not sure why everyone assumes that keysplayr being part of the focus group will make him automatically pro-nVidia. Maybe everyone should just hold judgment and wait and see how he posts in the future.

 

[AmberClad]

Originally posted by: apoppin
- i am hoping for the day when we have manufacturers represented here *officially* - so we can question them *officially* .. and maybe we could get AMD to "debate" NVIDIA here for a really big "event" 😉

As funny as that would be, I'm sure they'll find a way to remain civil 😉. At least, I've never seen Yellowbeard, RyderOCZ, and AntecCSR getting into it with each other. But then again, all of those guys are tech reps, not PR reps. Things might get a bit less civil with a bunch of PR guys running around the forums :laugh:.

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
To SunnyD and toslat:

As a moderator, I have to adhere to guidelines here more than anyone.
Giving up my moderator rights would not be taking the high road. It would be letting
Anandtech down. Some of you have this idea that being a part of this focus group will steer the way I moderate. Well, how can that happen without going noticed? You forget, I am a moderator, and also a member here. I like the way the video forum is now. We worked hard to make it this way. And will work to keep it this way.

So enough about my stepping down as moderator. One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. Surely I can't just abandon my efforts here.

I agree with you 100%.

Personally, I think it is a good thing and as long as you post factual information, either way...ATI or Nvida...it will be fine in my book.]

I think the rest of you should stop knocking the subject and appreciate it in the same way I do.

Congratulations keysplayr2003!!

:thumbsup:

 

[Zap]

You = one lucky dude.

Me = jealous.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: AmberClad

Originally posted by: apoppin
- i am hoping for the day when we have manufacturers represented here *officially* - so we can question them *officially* .. and maybe we could get AMD to "debate" NVIDIA here for a really big "event" 😉

As funny as that would be, I'm sure they'll find a way to remain civil 😉. At least, I've never seen Yellowbeard, RyderOCZ, and AntecCSR getting into it with each other. But then again, all of those guys are tech reps, not PR reps. Things might get a bit less civil with a bunch of PR guys running around the forums :laugh:.

You have to realize that a forum is ALSO for the purpose of "entertainment" .. an official debate would be a world-class event
-i'd love to see the two CEOs go head to head
:Q

they would be polite .. for i KNOW they have a respect for each other's companies [even if such a different vision] - which is so unlike "PR" which only "sees" ONE side .. whose PURPOSE it to promote one side - unfortunately often at the expense of the other .. and the truth.

... and i have recently spent SO much time at other forums - lurking, studying, researching, pouring over WHITE papers and technical documents - my head is STUFFED with technical info .. i might as well ALSO start posting at B3D .. imo, their benchmarking has gone to hell recently [they won't be happy ... i have 2 posts since '02 there]
:Q

... so you might [very likely] see a lot less of me here 😛
.. it's all good.

🙂

---------

Originally posted by: HOOfan 1
I am not sure why everyone assumes that keysplayr being part of the focus group will make him automatically pro-nVidia. Maybe everyone should just hold judgment and wait and see how he posts in the future.

He IS pro-Nvidia ... look at his HW ...
--SO what 😛

it has NOTHING to do with his good moderation .. and neither moderation nor being a focus group member should change his appreciation for his own HW .. NVIDIA is a company to be PROUD of being associated with as focus group member!!

i can't understand why they ever 'hid' it in the first place .. it is *finally* OPEN and transparent - and that is exactly what we ASKED for - 2 years ago .. i thank them for responding positively to us

 

[WaTaGuMp]

FOCUS, BE THE BALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL nananananananannananaaaaaaaaaa.

 

[cubeless]

ditto what zap said...

welcome to the world of perks... it's a small benefit for the effort u put in here... hopefully next up will be ati trying to curry your favor... ride 'em both and enjoy the action...

 

[Keysplayr]

Thanks everyone for the support and constructive criticism. I am off to work now. I'll be back tonight after 8PM est. So any other questions in here I can address then.

TTYL.

Keys

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: AmberClad

Originally posted by: apoppin
- i am hoping for the day when we have manufacturers represented here *officially* - so we can question them *officially* .. and maybe we could get AMD to "debate" NVIDIA here for a really big "event" 😉

As funny as that would be, I'm sure they'll find a way to remain civil 😉. At least, I've never seen Yellowbeard, RyderOCZ, and AntecCSR getting into it with each other. But then again, all of those guys are tech reps, not PR reps. Things might get a bit less civil with a bunch of PR guys running around the forums :laugh:.

I have actually seen RyderOCZ post some questionable information and get into it with forum members, especially about the benefits and price/performance of DDR3.

Anyways, congrats Keys on being selected but I'd have to agree with some of the others in regards to future comments on NV products. I find it very hard to believe you'll continue to post objectively if that means your comments could potentially damage NV's image and result in having your membership card pulled. Like recently you did some softmods to your 8800 that showed shaders had almost no impact on performance in some games/resolutions. Do you think you'd continue to post about such observations or do you think you'd just remain silent as a focus group member?

NV has been trumpeting the impact of shaders since G80 was launched with GTS and GTX comparisons without ever emphasizing the rather massive artificial differences in stock clockspeeds between the parts. They continue to make superficial distinctions between their products with the G92 parts and stock clockspeeds. Reviewers perpetuate the myth by comparing "different" products head to head without making the obvious comparison between the parts at the same clock speeds (FiringSquad is the only site I've seen make these comparisons regularly). Why not? They're probably worried about getting their priveleges revoked.

As nice as it would be to get free toys to test, I'd hate to feel compelled to post positively or bite my tongue. Even though I do prefer NV graphics cards from prior purchasing decisions, I'm still free to see what the competition offers and post my honest opinion about it. Hopefully that holds true for you as well.

 

[AmberClad]

Originally posted by: chizow
I have actually seen RyderOCZ post some questionable information and get into it with forum members, especially about the benefits and price/performance of DDR3.

Ah. I wasn't aware of that. I suppose it can be hard at times to separate your job as a tech support provider, from your desire to promote your company and its products.

 

[heyheybooboo]

It's too bad you can't really enjoy without consideration to your responsibilities as a Mod or FG member. It does place an additional burden on yah but I'm sure you will be fine.

I could care less about someone's brand affinity as long as their contributions are helpful and unbiased . I've been equally thrilled and screwed by every OEM so it doesn't really matter to me. All I want is lower prices across the board and X performance at half the cost.

And everything to cost $100 or less so there's more for me.

Good luck and enjoy!.

____________________________________________
Unaffiliated Ill-tempered Equal Opportunity Offender

 

[will889]

If you don't like to read focus group members posts just skip over them and click out as fast as you can (or as soon as you see their forum name) that's what I do.

 

[Demoth]

Originally posted by: will889
If you don't like to read focus group members posts just skip over them and click out as fast as you can (or as soon as you see their forum name) that's what I do.

If it was just about reading focus member posts, this would be a non-issue. The thing is Keys is lead GPU mod and can edit, delete and lock down posts as well as ban members. There is also a intangible influence a forum mod, especially the lead, would have on other people's views.

Not saying I even suspect Keys would do anything inappropriate. However, a rep hit to Anandtech will occur. You'll see posters on other sites decrying the fact that this site's GPU mod is part of a Nvidia focus group and everything here is suspect from forum posts to reviews on vid cards or even news items posted.

Really, what I am saying is I have rarely seen a situation like this develope into much more then an initial argument back and forth for a long period of time with the end result being the mod in question told by higher ups to cut their ties or step down from their position.

 

[Nanobaud]

Originally posted by: Zap
You = one lucky dude.

Me = jealous.

It goes well beyond luck. It's hard-earned and well deserved respect.
To those who see this as a possible payoff for your endorsement, I doubt the value of the 'goodies' you get would even come close to matching the time you will likely put into it.

congratulations

nBd

 

[waffleironhead]

I have ignored everything you have written in the past, and will do so in the future. 😀 Being a nv member has nothing to do with it. 😉 j/k


Good luck with the new position! :thumbsup: Enjoy the freebies and remember to to not take any undeserved criticism to :heart:. Well done on coming out day 1 of your new role it goes to show how much respect you have for this forum. Be aware though we are now going to be holding all of your posts to a higher standard than usual( if your past posts have anything to say about it you are up to the challenge).

 

[magreen]

Originally posted by: Zap
You = one lucky dude.

Me = jealous.

Well Zap, I suppose you could join some focus group in your area of moderation and get free... uh... motherboards and... uhh... "general hardware"...

hmmm... just doesn't have the same appeal, does it? 😛

 

[WelshBloke]

😕 I'd always assumed you had been a member for awhile.

 

[BassBomb]

Wait a minute......

Wasn't rollo blocked from being a mod due to this reason... but you are still a mod?

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: BassBomb
Wait a minute......

Wasn't rollo blocked from being a mod due to this reason... but you are still a mod?

Read my post further up the line.

 

[thilanliyan]

With all due respect to you keys, I don't think there's a chance in hell that you can honestly provide completely unbiased information anymore. It's just human nature, especially since you get free hardware. Would nVidia continue to "employ" you if you posted negative things about their hardware?? I doubt it. Look at it this way...would nVidia "employ" Apoppin (no offense intended to you apoppin 🙂 )?? You see my point?

Anyway, you've stated before that you prefer nVidia (when I asked you why you'd get a 7800GT over a X1800XT) so I don't think you're posting will change much...I just don't think there's ANY chance of you posting negative things about nVidia anymore, which is a balance we need (if there are negative things to report).

I agree with some of the others...IMO, you should step down as a mod, since it is a bit of a conflict of interest but it's not my decision and I'm sure you'll be scrutinized even more so...I guess we'll see how it turns out.

EDIT: I'd like to add though...if you'll be somewhat of a completely transparent direct link to nVidia, it can't be all bad. Oh, and congrats...I AM jealous 😀

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: BassBomb
Wait a minute......

Wasn't rollo blocked from being a mod due to this reason... but you are still a mod?

that was a joke ... at least i thought so ... 😛

His motto was "Fair and Balanced" and it i believe "rollo for Video Mod" was in his sig and he had a little "following" of admirers. But i HOPE he was never seriously considered for mod ... ii believe he was "perma"-banned not long after he put that in his sig, i think

there is a huge difference. A mod may be "biased" in his choice of HW but - again - it has NOTHING to do with successful moderation
---and Keys has ALREADY *proved* be a successful and very good moderator who often lets you still get away with a lot and yet maintains good control so the topics don't deteriorate into flaming - and mass bannage.

Awesome "balance" ... who cares what OTHER forums think? .. often their mods have HIDDEN ties anyway. 😉
:Q

 

[McCartney]

I wish I could pay my way into the Focus Group. Sigh. I buy so many products and defend them alot

 

[Budarow]

I think it's great that nVidia has the Focus Group program. It gives normal peeps the chance to communicate issues more or less directly to nVidia.

However, nothing personal against yourself nor Rollo, but don't be surprised if board members don't consider your opinions as credible as they once did.

It stands to reason a compensated person would not be retained for long by their "employer" if they portrayed their company's products in a negative light; earned or otherwise.