- Jul 29, 2001
- 27,703
- 11
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I find I actually look at www.anandtech.com only once every two weeks or so, whereas I check the forums a few times a day. ATOT is kind of addictive.
Originally posted by: SoulAssassin
I haven't read an article there for years though it was how I found the forums.
Do you think you got granular enough w the responses? 1/7th wtf?
Originally posted by: jfall
I rarely ever read the articles unless I'm shopping for a new computer (which is rare these days)
Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I still visit the front page at least once daily, if not more, and I often read an article.
The articles are still pretty decent, though Anandtech may have allowed itself to slip from being "the source" to being the "second or third source".
Why might this be so?
1) Bias. The pro-Intel/pro-nVidia bias of anandtech.com pisses off people who are loyal to DAAMIT, though DAAMIT really hasn't given the world something to be proud about as of late, but the bias here as been evident for quite some time IMO. I think there quite a few people who honestly believe that nVidia/Intel pay good money to sites like these to see that the reviews are positive.
2) Editing. Anandtech badly needs better editors for spelling and grammar. And I mean non-techy people (girls?) who know how to proof read. I know articles are sometimes rushed to beat the competition, but poorly written content only screams of being unprofessional. Quality before quantity perhaps?
3) Write what your audience wants to read. Sometimes this is obvious like when a new videocard or overly-hyped Apple product comes out, but what about the in-between times? Poll your audience via the front page on what should appear next if you do not know. People most often use Anandtech as a research tool before making (enthusiast) purchases, so an emphasis on shoot-outs or comparisons should be a high priority. What about a "long-term" test report like you find on Edmunds? How is that power supply doing after 6 or 12 or 18 months? As any business must do every so often, conduct a SWAT anaylsis. Find out what you do best and concentrate on that.
4) Anand himself. I think his empty blog is proof that he plays less and less of a role of managing the baby he himself created. This site is a business and needs leadership. I know he writes and article from time to time, but still. His name is on the site and there has to be a day-to-day role for him.