SpursTalk State of the Union Address

[timvp]

With SpursTalk.com growing at an exceptional rate, we would like to take time out to thank everyone who has made this such a great resource of discussion for the San Antonio Spurs and the rest of the NBA. We believe that the genuinely good people of this community here is what makes the message board successful.

A few weeks ago, we were approached by an investor who is creating a network of sports websites wanting to acquire SpursTalk.com. The offer is very good -- a considerable lump sum plus an opportunity to make additional money on top of that.

The conditions would be that we would sell the site but remain in full control of the message boards. The site would become part of a bigger network, have a considerable number of advertisements on the forum, and other such things.

So for the past week or so, we have been weighing the pros and cons of selling and actually spent sleepless nights debating what to do. It was a tough decision to make, especially with the number of zeros behind the dollar sign, but we didn’t want to compromise the good thing that we have going here. We are proud of the fact that this is an independent site and the fact that there are no annoying ads to navigate around.

As of tonight, we decided to turn down the offer.

Yeah, we are probably a little crazy for turning down that much money. We just wanted you guys to know about it in case any of this became public.

Also, many people in the forum have come to us over the years to offer some financial support to SpursTalk.com. We’ve always turned them down in the past. However we have decided that if you would like to make a contribution, we are now accepting them for the first and probably the last time. To learn how you can donate, send an email to [email protected].

We have a bunch of aspects we’d like to improve with the site including a new integrated chatroom, an upgrade in the vBulletin software, a revamped FullSportPress.com engine and a couple neat add-ons we’ve been planning for the forum. We’d also like to offset some of the mounting server costs. With the playoffs quickly approaching, we want to be running smoothly at that point. Of course, no one is under any obligation to donate. But we’ve been asked so many times that we decided to make it an option for now.

We also invite you to join the SpursTalk Championship of Poker tournament that can be found in this thread (http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35452) in The Club. We receive a nice bonus from a sponsor for each participant. It is a great way to win some money and to help support SpursTalk.com at the same time.

Thank you in advance and we greatly appreciate your participation here.

Sincerely,

Kori and LJ Ellis

[Cant_Be_Faded]

ya'll are seriously the coolest conservatives in the nation

[Dunc]

No doubt.

[Mrs.Szczerbiak]

Amen ;)

[Marcus Bryant]

If not for timvp and Kori Ellis, we'd be strangers in a Dusty land. Their commitment to free and open Spurs discussion continues to be inspiring. There's no Holting them back. Time to pony up.

[Oscar DeLa]

I dont know what it is but not selling out is good

[Kori Ellis]

I dont know what it is but not selling out is good


Ha ha. My sentiments exactly, Oscar.

[ShoogarBear]

Okay, what if I increase my offer to $100.00?

[JoeChalupa]

Simply the best.

[kris]

I'd post here if I wasn't already commited to sr.

[mavsfan1000]

Wow. Thanks for not giving in to the offer though I would understand why you would.

[SequSpur]

Take the money.

How often do you get to sell something and still control and keep it?

Ummm... like never......

Forums don't last forever, also, they can be restarted.....

The Revolution.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Damn, you two.

Wow. I'm glad I can call you two friends.

Long live Spurstalk.

[Pistons < Spurs]

:tu :tu

[Leetonidas]

Kori and LJ own.

[jcrod]

Wow guys!! That takes some guts, not one once of selfishness in ya'lls blood, not to mention greed.

:idiot




:lol just kidding. Congratulations for not being sellouts, like 99% of this world of done.

[Budkin]

Kori and LJ, you guys freaking rule. Thank you for making this place so great! You guys are going to be drenched in good karma for years to come. :smokin

[Brutalis]

GJ not selling out. Reminds me of how many bands I had to drop cause of it.

:tu :tu :tu

[rayray2k8]

If not for timvp and Kori Ellis, we'd be strangers in a Dusty land. Their commitment to free and open Spurs discussion continues to be inspiring. There's no Holting them back. Time to pony up.

Im assuming you are referring to another spurs site right?
Man i love this forum and im glad I got banned from the "other" place.
This site allows people to fully express their opinion and not worry about being Bannned by mods who act like fucking kids
SPURSTALK IS THE SHIT!! :fro :elephant
believe it!!!

[E20]

wow

[KEDA]

WOW!

props to Kori and L J

I love you guys!!!

[Borosai]

After reading this, I decided to go ahead and register (yes, this is my first post) just to show my appreciation. Not selling out your vision for this forum is impressive, and I'm sure everyone here values this place even more. Thanks, and as Tom Cruise would say...much love.

[Solid D]

I'm sure that was a highly tempting offer. Kori and LJ are top shelf people with great hearts, regardless of the monetary decision.

[PM5K]

Well if you aren't going to sell it at least tell us the offer, let's not beat around the bush ;-)

I would have sold it....

[Warlord23]

:tu :tu :tu
Big time props for choosing to do things your way rather than choose the easy way. You guys are simply the best.

[SoCalSpursFan]

<-----Glad you made that decision

[T-Pain]

i dun think u guys would be sellouts if you took the offer.
a few ads will pop up...big whoop...just make sure they are blockable with the simple blockers...

take it


yeah me neither. in fact, i prolly woulda took the money, but its all good. it reflects a lot of love and character and for thinkin about all of us. i wouldnt have mind the popups, i got a popup stopper anyway. most of all, im just glad to see ST growing and becoming a success. way to go. love yall

[Slo spurs fan]

Props to Kori and LJ! But I will be here even if you change your mind in future. I think that money would be well deserved by you two. And about pop-ups: who cares, turn on pop-blocker.

[Kori Ellis]

i dun think u guys would be sellouts if you took the offer.
a few ads will pop up...big whoop...just make sure they are blockable with the simple blockers...

take it

It's not just about ads. We wouldn't own the domain anymore. They could decide to do whatever they wanted with it in the future.

[angel_luv]

Thanks for keeping the site. It is already in the best hands. :)

[Dingle Barry]

this site is kick ass

[mavsfan1000]

It's not just about ads. We wouldn't own the domain anymore. They could decide to do whatever they wanted with it in the future.
That would definitely be a blow if you lost the domain. Smart move for this site not to take the money.

[rwb]

I'd have taken the money, but then again I'm a selfish bastard. Props to you guys for staying true and having this site in the first place. Well done!

[smeagol]

You guys are amazing!

[fonzy16]

Timvp & Kori for president!

[polandprzem]

You know what?
<--------------------- I would take the money Iwould take the money, I would take the money..................





----------------------but seriously

Idenpendence is far more imortant than money. You are not lacking of money drasicly so that was a good choice :tu

[WalterBenitez]

Hey Kori, thanks for keeping the site. :tu

A question, your decision (not to sale) was mainly emotional...bc they offered to keep the control?

[blackbucket]

I am here almost everyday. With my busy schedule, this is a much appreciated escape for me, even for a few minutes a day. Kori and LJ, thanks for everything you have done and continue to do!

[WayDowntownBang]

Classy move. I know I'm just repeating what many others have said, but that shows an unbelievable level of committment that I know many others wouldn't have. As an admin on another sports site (we can't touch Spurstalk.com's action), I'd have a hard time turning something like that down. I'd like to think I would, but as they say.. money talks, and bullshit walks.

Many kudos to both of you. It's good to see integrity and pride in your team come first.

[ca®lo]

hey timvp and kori.. i dont know u guys personally but i cant put into words how proud i am of u two.

thats just class. total class.

thanks for not selling this site.. first thing that popped into my mind when i thought about it was pop up ads and not having the freedom anymore of easily finding info about the spurs, its game and its players.

for years ive just been going to the spurs site (nba.com/spurs) for spur news. its just last year that i registered here and started posting.

u guys have no idea how much this site means to me. i mean having spurs news that you can read everyday.

keep it up guys.

[Dario]

Unbeliveble, respect to you guys Kori and LJ

[ducks]

maybe the investor can buy spursreport.com
was it not for sale anyhow?

[DannyT]

thanks timvp and kori
we love the site and you guys ROCK.....
viva la spurs

[spurschick]

Good kharma brings deserved rewards. :tu

[mouse]

Can you at least let them keep T Park so they don't leave empty handed?

[ALVAREZ6]

:tu :tu :tu

[polandprzem]

Can you at least let them keep T Park so they don't leave empty handed?

TPark as spurs representative?

Nooo way

[Brodels]

Truly awesome. I couldn't have blamed you too much if you would have taken the money, but from a selfish standpoint, I'm glad that things will remain in your hands.

This place has grown into one of the best basketball message boards around period, and it's my only online sports home.

It must have been tough to turn down, but that kind of decision says a lot about how much you value this place. I can tell you that it means a lot to the people who frequent the place.

[SpursWoman]

I wouldn't have minded all of the ads and whatever, if it meant ya'll would have a good nest-egg set up for that house full of kids ya'll are going to have, but as long as you guys are happy with your decision...I'm happy, too. I know how much work you guys put into the site, and what an awesome validation of your efforts whether you took the offer or not.

Wow. :)

[Slomo]

With SpursTalk.com growing at an exceptional rate, we would like to take time out to thank everyone who has made this such a great resource of discussion for the San Antonio Spurs and the rest of the NBA. We believe that the genuinely good people of this community here is what makes the message board successful.

A few weeks ago, we were approached by an investor who is creating a network of sports websites wanting to acquire SpursTalk.com. The offer is very good -- a considerable lump sum plus an opportunity to make additional money on top of that.

The conditions would be that we would sell the site but remain in full control of the message boards. The site would become part of a bigger network, have a considerable number of advertisements on the forum, and other such things.

So for the past week or so, we have been weighing the pros and cons of selling and actually spent sleepless nights debating what to do. It was a tough decision to make, especially with the number of zeros behind the dollar sign, but we didn’t want to compromise the good thing that we have going here. We are proud of the fact that this is an independent site and the fact that there are no annoying ads to navigate around.

As of tonight, we decided to turn down the offer.

Yeah, we are probably a little crazy for turning down that much money. We just wanted you guys to know about it in case any of this became public.

Also, many people in the forum have come to us over the years to offer some financial support to SpursTalk.com. We’ve always turned them down in the past. However we have decided that if you would like to make a contribution, we are now accepting them for the first and probably the last time. To learn how you can donate, send an email to [email protected].

We have a bunch of aspects we’d like to improve with the site including a new integrated chatroom, an upgrade in the vBulletin software, a revamped FullSportPress.com engine and a couple neat add-ons we’ve been planning for the forum. We’d also like to offset some of the mounting server costs. With the playoffs quickly approaching, we want to be running smoothly at that point. Of course, no one is under any obligation to donate. But we’ve been asked so many times that we decided to make it an option for now.

We also invite you to join the SpursTalk Championship of Poker tournament that can be found in this thread (http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35452) in The Club. We receive a nice bonus from a sponsor for each participant. It is a great way to win some money and to help support SpursTalk.com at the same time.

Thank you in advance and we greatly appreciate your participation here.

Sincerely,

Kori and LJ Ellis If you two would have decided to sell, I don't think any of us would have concidered that as selling out (I know I wouldn't have).

But for a lot of very selfish reasons I'd like to say: Thank you for not selling SpursTalk.com!!! :)



P.S.: I just came back from a week long skiing holiday, so give me a couple of hours to unpack and then I'll be contacting you regarding my contribution to the Spurstalk.com fund! :tu



P.P.S.: I almost forgot: You guys rock!!!

[Rescueone]

Hey, I think you should have taken the money, told us about it, made a SPURS new site the way you like with all the new upgrades, I'm pretty sure the masses would have followed. Plus you still would've had a some left over to put your kids thru school.

[Kori Ellis]

Hey, I think you should have taken the money, told us about it, made a SPURS new site the way you like with all the new upgrades, I'm pretty sure the masses would have followed. Plus you still would've had a some left over to put your kids thru school.

If we sold out, we couldn't put up a new Spurs/basketball site for several years. That would be part of the contract. Sort of a non-compete clause.

[angel_luv]

If we sold out, we couldn't put up a new Spurs/basketball site for several years. That would be part of the contract. Sort of a non-compete clause.


Makes sense. They new all their newly aquired people would leave with you.

[Rescueone]

Oh!! O.K. but I have a pop up blocker as well! Take the money and run it! Look out for #1

[exstatic]

maybe the investor can buy spursreport.com
was it not for sale anyhow?

My guess is that they are looking for a site with great content and hits from more than a dozen unique IP addresses.

Kori and LJ: you guys rock. The content has been terrific since day one, and the forums have really blown up.

[birdy219]

Thanks for keeping the site. It is a great escape from some of the cares of life. I also get to laugh and read about my favorite team. Once I discovered this site, I visit it first before anything else. Keep up the good work. :elephant

[JUUOT]

You took such a hard decision and you took it with your heart as mauch as your head. This is once again a proof of your passion. You have been part of our life as much as the spurs.
And because you can never say it enough:

MERCI BEAUCOUP a vous deux pour tout!

PS: give me few years to get rich and i'll be right here with the donation

[Melmart1]

All I can say is... WOW! You two and this site (and most of the people who post) rock! I would like to say I would do the same, but who knows. You guys both talk it and walk it, and that is rare in this world. Although I have read this site for years, I have just started posting and realize that it is truly addicting and an awesome community. Thanks for all the hard work. I hope you guys don't stop taking donations until after I get my next paycheck :)

[Horry For 3!]

You guys own! I sent an e-mail in about the Donation.

[Despot]

THANKS!

The fact that you feel an obligation to us is outstanding. I can't put it into words.
My advice, sell about a year before Duncan retires.

[SequSpur]

Well if you don't sell it, then can you give away Ducks, Tpark and Exstatic as a nice gesture?

[Das Texan]

thanks for all the absolutely awesome work yall do kori and lj.


its really amazing to think about where all we have come since this place was formed a couple years ago.

here's to more awesome years!

[SequSpur]

How much was my username worth in this deal?

[Joepa]

Thank you guys.

[samikeyp]

That took serious heart to do what you two did. Further proof that you both care about the people here more than anything.

Thank you.

[SouthernFried]

Man, Great move!

If the Spurs win it all this year, you could prolly get them to double their offer.

Shrrrreeeewd..

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

How much was my username worth in this deal?

http://www.thatquiz.com/images/money/us-penny.gif

On a side note, I had no idea there were so many porn stars named "Penny." (Google Image Search)

[Spurminator]

You guys really have something special here. I'm sure I speak for a lot of people when I say that ads would not bother me in the least, but I'd also hate to compromise the open communication that makes this forum unique. Once advertising dollars are involved, demands and limitations soon follow.

Thanks for all of your time and work.

[thispego]

<--------Join Date: 10-04-2004

and i dont believe a day has gone by since that i have not read and enjoyed this site

thanks guys, Kori and LJ, it means alot

[Samr]

Just stepping in to show my support.

While I am always a fan going for the money, at whatever inconvenience necessary, and if I was in your possition I probably would have negotiated for more, I am glad y'all decided to keep the domian in your controll. It would not have been "selling out," it would have been a "bussiness move," so don't think you were close to anything of the sort.

Personally, I'd LOVE to see some adds on the forums. I repeat -- Y'ALL SHOULD HAVE POPUPS ON SPURSTALK. Everyone just gets so spoiled now with Firefox and the like, that they instinctly cringe at the word. They aren't that big of a deal. And they make money, they make YOU money. They make you money with almost zero inconvenience to the rest of us. And THAT is something I think we'd all like to see.

While I cannot contribute financially, if there is any other way I can help, doing anything, at any time, please let me know. I think you, Kori and LJ, do a fantastic job. Regardless of what your decision was and is, my sentiments would be the same.

So thanks, guys.

I mean it.

-Sam

[Hook Dem]

I didn't think that people of your conviction and heart still existed in America. You are truly a rare breed! Congratulations on your convictions. Thanks for providing "the" great site for venting our ideas and discussions. No one will ever top this site. We wish you all the success in your future endeavors!

[TwoHandJam]

Just chiming in to say that I would still love your site no matter what you had chosen to do with it. It is the only sports site I frequent and it pretty much leaves all the other competitors in the dust.

Content is king and this site definitely has the best content and discussion that I've seen anywhere on the internet when it comes to basketball. I'm very glad that it also happens to focus on my favorite team.

Props to both of you and I hope your site continues to prosper.

[TheTruth]

Long live the Quattro


Should have taken the money. :smokin

[2centsworth]

Those types of deals can always be negotiated. But without knowing the details it's hard to lend any advice. BTW, have you considered giving posters the option of upgrading their membership with a small monthly fee. The membership would come with perks, $4.95 or so per month or more for a better membership. Still allow people to join for free though. Just a thought.

Good Luck to you guys.

[exstatic]

Well if you don't sell it, then can you give away Ducks, Tpark and Exstatic as a nice gesture?

Or, they could give YOU away if they decided not to EVER do business with them, shrimp.

Kori and LJ: did you offer to sell them JUST the Quattro thread? That generates more hits and views than most FORUMS...

[Old School Chic]

Kori & LJ,

Thank you for keeping this site under your wings...
http://img1.glitter-graphics.com/pub/11/11487dhbb80mfv7.gif

You guys are awesome! :elephant

http://207.210.90.204/pub/11/11733mq1jumjens.gif

[Spurologist]

wow. major props timvp and Kori for turning down the offer/$$. It's great posting here and thanks for making it possible.

[phyzik]

I would have sold it.... screw these people.






































just kidding :lol :spin :lol

[Kori Ellis]

Those types of deals can always be negotiated. But without knowing the details it's hard to lend any advice. BTW, have you considered giving posters the option of upgrading their membership with a small monthly fee. The membership would come with perks, $4.95 or so per month or more for a better membership. Still allow people to join for free though. Just a thought.

Good Luck to you guys.

True it was negotiated quite a bit. We've received offers for it before, so we know what we are doing. But I couldn't guarantee anyone that I wouldn't open another site within the next few years, so I couldn't sign the clause.

I'm not really interested in paid membership or bombarding the site with pop-ups or anything. I was actually against telling people they were allowed to contribute ... but so many people have asked that I guess we'll open that up for now.

I've never wanted to really make money off Spurstalk. But if we gets contributions to cover the cost of upgrades, etc. then that's good enough for me. This site really isn't about money to me.

We started with just very few posters. For the first 3 months, I posted over 100 times a day just to keep the conversation going. For the first year, we were constantly getting bothered by people who wanted us to shut down. But now, three years later, it's turned out pretty good so far. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's worth something more than money to me and I can't imagine not owning it.

Maybe in a few years I'll feel differently.

But probably not until I see Marcus Bryant's son arguing with GhostWriter's son about acquiring ballas.

Good Times©

:cooldevil

[Man In Black]

Luv ya both, I remember the beginning but hey, if there at least 5 zeros in the figure and you retain control? GO WITH IT.

There are enough of us who find neat tools that bust up ads and pop-ups and the like.

It's the content that drives us, not the ads. :)

[Kori Ellis]

People keep concentrating on the ads part of it.

But what if a year from now the guy decided to turn it into a forum selling spurs to put on your boots, or just changes all the rules and makes it unpostable here? And I couldn't open up a new site because of the clause.

Then what?

[SequSpur]

People keep concentrating on the ads part of it.

But what if a year from now the guy decided to turn it into a forum selling spurs to put on your boots, or just changes all the rules and makes it unpostable here? And I couldn't open up a new site because of the clause.

Then what?

Agreed.

I wouldn't want my username taken over either. :fro

[the agent]

People keep concentrating on the ads part of it.

But what if a year from I couldn't open up a new site because of the clause.

Then what?

You let someone else like Slomo open a site.

[Kori Ellis]

You let someone else like Slomo open a site.

Why would I trust that Russian?!?

No.. I just don't know why I'd go through all that if I can just keep the site right now.

Anyway, you guys seem to want us to sell more than I even consider it :lol

[Horry For 3!]

Maybe in a few years I'll feel differently.

But probably not until I see Marcus Bryant's son arguing with GhostWriter's son about acquiring ballas.

Good Times©

:cooldevil
:lmao

[usckk]

Yes, Thanks you very much!!!!

[usckk]

Doesn't it take money to own a forum or website. Just wondering?

[SequSpur]

Doesn't it take money to own a forum or website. Just wondering?

yes dude.

[usckk]

Wow, they really are amazing then!!!!

[xcoriate]

Wow, thats truly great.

It's amazing what you guys have done and will continue to do for Spurs fans, and in some cases international spurs fans who rely on the quality of this board to get there information and discuss what is going on.

So thankyou, Kori, LJ for keeping this site going your work is ever appreciated.

[usckk]

I also don't like the idea of the membership thing. The good/best posters are the ones that are going to pay. So the normal part of the forum would suck.

[SequSpur]

The membership thing blows, stupid idea.

The donations are perfect, like do it quarterly or something.......

Then the rest can be borrowed from Jimbo. :D

[Kori Ellis]

I would never do the membership thing. I hate when the other forums do it.

[mouse]

I always thought this site was paid for by WOAI since you do all kinds of work for them.

[Kori Ellis]

I always thought this site was paid for by WOAI since you do all kinds of work for them.

No.

WOAI has nothing to do with this site. They link to it. But my contract with them has nothing to do with this forum, it's just about me writing/reporting for them.

[mouse]

Well at least you get a check from them. I just hate seeing talented people get taken advantage of.

[mouse]

A few sites I visit have a donate Icon you can click at the bottom of the page,


Donate
http://www.agpubli.com/rgfroid/index_fichiers/icon_visa.gif

[Peter]

True it was negotiated quite a bit. We've received offers for it before, so we know what we are doing. But I couldn't guarantee anyone that I wouldn't open another site within the next few years, so I couldn't sign the clause.

One wants to sell, but finds no offers.
Another has many offers, but doesn't want to sell.




Good Times©

:cooldevil

Indeed.

[Kori Ellis]

A few sites I visit have a donate Icon you can click at the bottom of the page

I feel like that's begging for money and I'm not really into it.

But if people really want to contribute, they can do so by paypal or check for a limited time.

[Looter]

I can pay 10.00 Dollars every 6 months. I know it's not much but if at least 100 of you all would do the same? it might help out.

[Kori Ellis]

People are obviously under no obligation to give any money at all.

But since so many people kept offering, we decided that we'd go for it for now considering the buyout offer and everything.

[Horry For 3!]

I can pay 10.00 Dollars every 6 months. I know it's not much but if at least 100 of you all would do the same? it might help out.
Just donate by paypal, it is easy to do.

[mouse]

why can't you have a huge poker tournament twice a year with a 50.00 dollar buy in and give out a Trophy or make the winner a moderator for a month, or until the next person beats them at the next ST Poker Challange?

[timvp]

why can't you have a huge poker tournament twice a year with a 50.00 dollar buy in and give out a Trophy or make the winner a moderator for a month, or until the next person beats them at the next ST Poker Challange?

Check the club.

:smokin

[Peter]

We started with just very few posters. For the first 3 months, I posted over 100 times a day just to keep the conversation going. For the first year, we were constantly getting bothered by people who wanted us to shut down. But now, three years later, it's turned out pretty good so far. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's worth something more than money to me and I can't imagine not owning it.


http://www.capecodonline.com/special/iraq/images/saddam1a.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/79/Saddamstatue.jpg

http://burka.blogspot.com/Hussein%20Statue.jpg

http://smh.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1049567760660_2003/04/10/10cheer,0.jpg

The overthrow of the Dusty nation dictatorship is complete.

[mouse]

People are obviously under no obligation to give any money at all.

But since so many people kept offering, we decided that we'd go for it for now considering the buyout offer and everything.

Kori you have to keep in mind many folks like to give not just for you , but so they can feel good also. The same way you don't like to beg and get anything for free? neither do many of the posters.

That's why I stop going to the GTGs, I felt like a moocher. I hate that word. I might ask you for money and not pay you back, but I am no moocher.

[Kori Ellis]

Kori you have to keep in mind many folks like to give not just for you , but so they can feel good also. The same way you don't like to beg and get anything for free? niether do many of the posters.

That's why I stop going to the GTGs, I felt like a moocher. I hate that word. I might ask you for money and not pay you back, but I am no moocher.


Well I'm letting them contribute.

And you better start coming to GTG's again. I'll let you buy LJ a beer if it makes you feel better :smokin

[mouse]

And you better start coming to GTG's again. I'll let you buy LJ a beer if it makes you feel better :smokin

I will buy LJ all the beer he can drink
















if you can spot me a $20 :lmao

I thought LJ did not drink?

You know Kori will all the free tickets and Spur Jerseys you give away you could have mini auctions, and the last 3 GTGs I went to you must of spent 200.00 dollars on Hot wings alone.

I say have a huge GTG at your house twice a year , let us bring the drinks and food, and charge 5 bucks at the door.


It would be nice if you could hook up with the breast cancer organization and be part of thier once a year walk they do. I would contact Tanji Patton and she will let you be on her show. For some reason you and LJ don't like the spot light.

[KEDA]

who is this MOUSE you all speak of?


seriously though, you need to get your ass to the next GTG!

[mavsfan1000]

I have the most respect for this site over any other on the web. I only wish there was a mavs site like this. Great decision on not selling this site.

[mouse]

I bet if you and LJ would pose semi nude in a SpursTalk Calender? you could sell them for 20.00 bucks each!

[tempest186]

Thanks for making this place a fantastic site. It is a very cool community and I appreciate all of the information even though I don't post much.

[nkdlunch]

As of tonight, we decided to turn down the offer.



you are very, very smart. and cool! thanks

[Mark in Austin]

Wow. I just got back into town and saw this... it must feel good to have nurtured this baby into such a success. Then again, with the talent and knowledge that came here in the exodus, success really shouldn't be that surprising to any of us.

My sincere thanks for being such amazing hosts and putting so much of your time and energy into this place.

Good Times© indeed...

[ducks]

I Appreciate This Site
I Would Not Blame You For Selling Out
It Takes Work But You Will Get A Bigger Offer In A Few Years If You Keep Working On The Site And Getting It In The Search Engines

[tw05baller]

awesome, :tu you guys

[Guru of Nothing]

A few random thoughts.

My check will be in the mail this week.

Great decision to not sell. I would not have blamed y'all a bit for taking the money, BUT, I know you two can make this place even bigger and better.

That non-compete agreement had to be a real deal killer.

Like everyone else, I have no problems with ads, but as Spurm pointed out, accepting ad money may present a slippery slope. If you can create a short list (say two or three vendors) with a product (or product line) that has broad appeal (or high profit margins), and get some loyalty flowing between the buyer (readers) and seller, you might be onto something. Say for example, a local car dealer. I'm no marketing guru, but I know that if car dealer X advertises on WOAI, it will not even register in my mind, but if car dealer X advertises on SpursTalk, they would be front and center in my mind (if I lived in SA). Restaurants, travel agencies, and car repair shops also come to mind as possible sources of advertising revenue.

Thank you for all you two do to keep this site going.

[Buddy Holly]

LJ and Kori are the coolest MF'ers ever.

[newbiefan]

i am one of the "lurkers", and can't tell you how much i enjoy this site. i'll be checking out the the site on how to contribute what i can. challenging all the other "lurkers"

[Guru of Nothing]

How about a tax on guys who meet girls here and get laid?

[Duncanoypi]

two words for LJ and Kori....

"spurs material!!!"

thanks to both of you...

-from the filipino spurs community

[ShoogarBear]

I'm no marketing guruThat goes without saying.

[Guru of Nothing]

That goes without saying.

Batting practice forum.

[Guru of Nothing]

How about a SpursTalk IPO?

I smell potential.

[polandprzem]

I bet if you and LJ would pose semi nude in a SpursTalk Calender? you could sell them for 20.00 bucks each!
That is a great idea.
You know what? We didn't value mouse much.

Mouse - you are underrated on this forum. :)

_______ but maybe we should consider usere on the calendar . For example mouse or Tpark.... :rolleyes

[alamo50]

:king :princess

[PM5K]

I would never do the membership thing. I hate when the other forums do it.

I don't, I think it's actually cool.

For example I visit a website that if you register you get tons of goodies that I'd imagine would translate well here as well.

For example they give you an email address, an @spurstalk.com email would be cool, they give you a sticker (I don't know how that would work with copyright and all but that's another story) they give a bunch of other things as well that are cool and if you don't want it you don't get it, if it's worth it to you for those things and to support the community then you do get it...

[WalterBenitez]

For example I visit a website that if you register you get tons of goodies that I'd imagine would translate well here as well.~

Just an idea... money could come from members or companies ...I was thinking about SAS related articles provided for companies that paid for show them, every ST's member could define in its profile to see (or not) that.

[SpursWoman]

We started with just very few posters. For the first 3 months, I posted over 100 times a day just to keep the conversation going.


And didn't have to let everyone in your pants to do it. :lmao :lmao

[mouse]

That is a great idea.
You know what? We didn't value mouse much.

Mouse - you are underrated on this forum. :)

_______ but maybe we should consider usere on the calendar . For example mouse or Tpark.... :rolleyes


you should post that idea in the raise money for Spurstalk topic.....

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35494


I will let Kori Shave my head if you guys can raise 1,000.00 Dollars by April!

[1Parker1]

Thanks for showing me there are nice, generous people out in the world. :tu

San Antonians rule! :lol

[Smackie Chan]

I don't, I think it's actually cool.

For example I visit a website that if you register you get tons of goodies that I'd imagine would translate well here as well.

For example they give you an email address, an @spurstalk.com email would be cool, they give you a sticker (I don't know how that would work with copyright and all but that's another story) they give a bunch of other things as well that are cool and if you don't want it you don't get it, if it's worth it to you for those things and to support the community then you do get it...

Dude since came here I have recived...........

Two Spurs jerseys,two tickets to the games, a few NBA caps,more than 200.00 in cash, over 300 free beers. 200 free chicken wings,50 shots of pear brandy, and Taquilla, over 100 fajita tacos, got to see over 25 playoff games on a 75 in TV, went to at least 2 Karaoke parties, 2 Poker parties,and got to meet celebs like Peter Burns. Walter Pasacreta, Jeff Vexler,Don Harris,Cyber Bob,Johnny Bottom-Line,Jay Howard, Laura Green,Andy Everett. Coach Pop, and Alamo50. and was metioned on the radio by Kori Ellis on Game Night react. how can a Bumper sticker and another e mail I will have to check compare to that?

[Trainwreck2100]

Dude since came here I have recived...........

Two Spurs jerseys,two tickets to the games, a few NBA caps,more than 200.00 in cash, over 300 free beers. 200 free chicken wings,50 shots of pear brandy, and Taquilla, over 100 fajita tacos, got to see over 25 playoff games on a 75 in TV, went to at least 2 Karaoke parties, 2 Poker parties,and got to meet celebs like Peter Burns. Walter Pasacreta, Jeff Vexler,Don Harris,Cyber Bob,Johnny Bottom-Line,Jay Howard, Laura Green,Andy Everett. Coach Pop, and Alamo50. and was metioned on the radio by Kori Ellis on Game Night react. how can a Bumper sticker and another e mail I will have to check compare to that?


Well since I got here, I've gotten




A little spur under my name.

http://www.ezekielbearsports.com/bbs/images/yahoo/dance.gif

[Kori Ellis]

I don't, I think it's actually cool.

For example I visit a website that if you register you get tons of goodies that I'd imagine would translate well here as well.

For example they give you an email address, an @spurstalk.com email would be cool, they give you a sticker (I don't know how that would work with copyright and all but that's another story) they give a bunch of other things as well that are cool and if you don't want it you don't get it, if it's worth it to you for those things and to support the community then you do get it...

Doesn't the registration also limit access to certain parts of the site for those who don't register?

That's why I don't like it.

If you are talking about signing up to get some sort of goodie pack, then I understand that. But I would never limit the content to people who don't pay.

For now, we'll just let people contribute who want to do so.

[timvp]

The people who have sent an email to [email protected] should have received a reply. If you haven't, that means we didn't get your email. Please send it again.

Thanks.

:smokin

[PM5K]

Doesn't the registration also limit access to certain parts of the site for those who don't register?

That's why I don't like it.

If you are talking about signing up to get some sort of goodie pack, then I understand that. But I would never limit the content to people who don't pay.

For now, we'll just let people contribute who want to do so.

No there wouldn't be any restrictions.

What I like about it is you don't totally feel like you are begging for money, they can choose to be supporters or not, and you give them a little something in return....

[ploto]

We started with just very few posters. For the first 3 months, I posted over 100 times a day just to keep the conversation going. For the first year, we were constantly getting bothered by people who wanted us to shut down. But now, three years later, it's turned out pretty good so far. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's worth something more than money to me and I can't imagine not owning it.

It's your "baby" and you don't want to turn it over to someone else. There is a special feeling about building something up from the ground and it being all yours. :) Props to you two.

[LilMissSPURfect]

Congratulations for just saying NO!
is there something like a paypal account that might make contributions smooth and easy?

:bling :bling :bling :bling

[Kori Ellis]

Congratulations for just saying NO!
is there something like a paypal account that might make contributions smooth and easy?

:bling :bling :bling :bling

Yes, there is.

Anyone who wants to contribute can email [email protected] and they'll receive details.

[SpursWoman]

and you give them a little something in return....


An uncensored playground to unleash your internet machismo isn't enough?



WTF? :lol

[spurschick]

Dude since came here I have recived...........

Two Spurs jerseys,two tickets to the games, a few NBA caps,more than 200.00 in cash, over 300 free beers. 200 free chicken wings,50 shots of pear brandy, and Taquilla, over 100 fajita tacos, got to see over 25 playoff games on a 75 in TV, went to at least 2 Karaoke parties, 2 Poker parties,and got to meet celebs like Peter Burns. Walter Pasacreta, Jeff Vexler,Don Harris,Cyber Bob,Johnny Bottom-Line,Jay Howard, Laura Green,Andy Everett. Coach Pop, and Alamo50. and was metioned on the radio by Kori Ellis on Game Night react. how can a Bumper sticker and another e mail I will have to check compare to that?

You also received a fly.

[Mog]

You also received a fly.


:lmao

[ShoogarBear]

You also received a fly.But then he gave it right back.

[Smackie Chan]

TMI ! TMI !

:lmao

[DesiSpur_21]

:tu Kori and LJ. You guys are awesome!

[DieMrBond]

Yeah, thanks Kori + LJ, its great as an overseas fan being able to see and discuss 'behind the scenes' of the Spurs, especially in a country where my favourite sport isnt even a blip on the radar.

Hip hip! Hooray!

[Brutalis]

!!

[mattyc]

Wow, thats truly great.

It's amazing what you guys have done and will continue to do for Spurs fans, and in some cases international spurs fans who rely on the quality of this board to get there information and discuss what is going on.

So thankyou, Kori, LJ for keeping this site going your work is ever appreciated.
What he said.

Well done Kori and LJ. Good move.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

You are awesome!

About donations...ask Manu for "unos cobres pa' la birra" in representation of all his fans here, he should give a generous donation. Otherwise Manny is right and Manu is a cheap bastard! :lol

[travis2]

:princess :king

http://bestsmileys.com/bowing/2.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/bowing/2.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/bowing/2.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/bowing/2.gif

[smeagol]

You are awesome!

About donations...ask Manu for "unos cobres pa' la birra" in representation of all his fans here, he should give a generous donation. Otherwise Manny is right and Manu is a cheap bastard! :lol
:lol

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

If it ever gets really desperate you could go the PBS route and start holding the forum hostage until you get paid. Just picture it, you click to open some thread about the latest Rasho/Nazr debate and instead of seeing the hard hitting debate you get a page that says,

"Welcome to the Spurstalk.com pledge drive! We'll return you to the Slovenian bashing in just a moment, but first we'd like to tell you about an exciting opportunity to be an important part of the Spurstalk community. Everyday this forum provides the world with the around the clock access to basketball news, Mouse's multiple personality disorder, and up to the minute coverage of GIG's impending sex change, and all of it at no charge. Thanks to your visiting here we know that there is a market for such a forum, but up until now there has been no one to underwrite it. That's where you come in. For just a $100 pledge you'll get this lovely tote bag with this Spurs logo. At the $200 level you'll receive the "Topless Photos Calender" featuring Obiwan and Bigzak! And at the $300 level you'll be immortalized in the Photoshop work in the Club! Please give generously or the internet may lose such classic moments as this:


"You quit on this team, TPark!"


"Fuck all of you!"

We now return you to Angel Luv's defense of Rasho, a three part series here on Spurstalk."

[easjer]

LOL @ spurs_fan_in_exile.

For both of us, thank you Kori and LJ. Can I add that I hope you will continue to offer the option of donations every few months? We can't do much right now, but after SFIE gets a job, we will want to contribute. I'm certain a similar situation is true for many other posters who get as much as we do out of this.

Again, thank you.

[travis2]

If it ever gets really desperate you could go the PBS route and start holding the forum hostage until you get paid. Just picture it, you click to open some thread about the latest Rasho/Nazr debate and instead of seeing the hard hitting debate you get a page that says,

"Welcome to the Spurstalk.com pledge drive! We'll return you to the Slovenian bashing in just a moment, but first we'd like to tell you about an exciting opportunity to be an important part of the Spurstalk community. Everyday this forum provides the world with the around the clock access to basketball news, Mouse's multiple personality disorder, and up to the minute coverage of GIG's impending sex change, and all of it at no charge. Thanks to your visiting here we know that there is a market for such a forum, but up until now there has been no one to underwrite it. That's where you come in. For just a $100 pledge you'll get this lovely tote bag with this Spurs logo. At the $200 level you'll receive the "Topless Photos Calender" featuring Obiwan and Bigzak! And at the $300 level you'll be immortalized in the Photoshop work in the Club! Please give generously or the internet may lose such classic moments as this:





We now return you to Angel Luv's defense of Rasho, a three part series here on Spurstalk."
:lmao

[MannyIsGod]

:lol

[SpursWoman]

:rollin :lol

[Hatfield]

Wow, you guys are a rare breed. Awesome, it won't be forgotten and the good karma will return back to you....

[Taladro]

I am glad that you don't think money first.
You don't need me to tell you, but this kind of decisions build character and makes you a better person. Keep up making good choices.
I don't post very often, but I certainly check the forum every day and really enjoy reading what other posters write.
Thank you for keeping the forum. I’ll be visiting the donation email very soon.
A Spurs fan in the L.A. area.

[2centsworth]

Doesn't the registration also limit access to certain parts of the site for those who don't register?

That's why I don't like it.

If you are talking about signing up to get some sort of goodie pack, then I understand that. But I would never limit the content to people who don't pay.

For now, we'll just let people contribute who want to do so.
don't limit access, just give extra goodies for sponsorship. Usually feeling like you're contributing, even if it's only $5 bucks a month, is enough reward.

Of course, you get the occassional schmuck who will say he's paying the bills around here:lol at $5 per month.

[Kori Ellis]

don't limit access, just give extra goodies for sponsorship. Usually feeling like you're contributing, even if it's only $5 bucks a month, is enough reward.

Of course, you get the occassional schmuck who will say he's paying the bills around here:lol at $5 per month.

We'll see if we can develop something like that later on.

[slayermin]

Thank you Timvp, Kori. You guys have done a great job with Spurstalk. It's always fun to see what's going in Texas.

You guys are cool people. Hope to hangout with you one of these days.

[orhe]

kori, timvp
thanks

[pache100]

Thanks, Kori and LJ! I love this forum!

http://i2.tinypic.com/oro7k9.gif

[mookie2001]

although i'm certainly happy they didnt sell out in the truest meaning of the phrase

I don't think anyone should be throwing a thank you brunch either

last week I didn't break into elpimpos apt and steal his Sensi and piss on his Carhartt either... the whole week!



I think a good idea is to sell spurs for like 100 or 200 bones, then they could act as sort of a w sticker of online pompousness, in the monetary way, not bragging rights way: another way for me to indentify my enemy

but props to kori and timvp, this site does own any other sites on any of the internets

[Kori Ellis]

although i'm certainly happy they didnt sell out in the truest meaning of the phrase

I don't think anyone should be throwing a thank you brunch either

last week I didn't break into elpimpos apt and steal his Sensi and piss on his Carhartt either... the whole week!


What the hell is that supposed to mean?

How does you refraining from being a criminal equivocate to us turning down a huge sum of money to keep this site intact?
:wtf

[SpursWoman]

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

How does you refraining from being a criminal equivocate to us turning down a huge sum of money to keep this site intact?
:wtf


It means he's either incredibly unappreciative or completely out of touch with how much time, effort and money it takes to provide for him a place where he can spout off the most nonsensical things imaginable and he wants you to ban him.

:drunk :lol

[ChumpDumper]

I thought mookie was a criminal and wanted by the popo.

[mookie2001]

It means he's either incredibly unappreciative or completely out of touch with how much time, effort and money it takes to provide for him a place where he can spout
off the most nonsensical things imaginable and he wants you to ban him.like I said this site is the best on all the internets

I have cut down on the nonsensical posts anyway


I thought mookie was a criminal and wanted by the popo.
as long as I'm alive, I'mOn live illegal
regardless

Kori and timvp have a fine line to walk
if they sell out, then they would sell out, for money, and thus be sellouts
which I would do in a heartbeat, if the money was right, and I didnt have to stand with neocons
on the other hand if they didnt/dont sell out, then they might seem foolish turning down what Kori considers to be a "large sum of money", also telling us about it may be seen as holding it over our heads, asking for a handout, or stroking their own egos
(im not saying any of this is true-- I'm just saying from a random posters point of view)



I'm sure they like this site more than me, and have made personal choice to sacrifice the work, stress, money and time to run it
and if I did do that to elpimpo, he would still be friends with me, because we're tight like visegrip,
BUT if he moved to Oklahoma to become the Sooner President of College Republicans Against the Decriminalization of Marijuana
he would have sold out
and I'm sure our friendship would end

[timvp]

When will mookie2001 become mookie2006? That'd be interesting.

[FilSpursFan]

Thanks Kori and LJ for keeping us together...

:angel :tu :tu

[Kori Ellis]

also telling us about it may be seen as holding it over our heads, asking for a handout, or stroking their own egos
(im not saying any of this is true-- I'm just saying from a random posters point of view)

Not that I have to explain myself to you, but I will anyway ... (Though back when you used to like me -- before you knew I was married and Republican -- you would have never questioned my motives). :lol

I knew it would be conceived this way by some. That's why my first inclination was to not even mention it in the forum. We've received offers in the past and never mentioned it here. But since we gave it such consideration and moreso because I was sure that people would notice around the net when tons of websites are getting bought up by this guy, I figured we'd tell everyone before it all came out.

I also knew that it would be conceived by some (obviously you) as looking for handouts and recognition. I originally told LJ not to even mention accepting contributions in the post. But since over 50 people have messaged, emailed, or asked me about how they can contribute in the last six months, I figured this was a good time to get it over with.

As far as ego stroking, ehh.. I only need love and adoration from my husband.

I know I'm awesome. I don't need anyone's assurance. :lmao

[Old School Chic]

Not that I have to explain myself to you, but I will anyway ... (Though back when you used to like me -- before you knew I was married and Republican -- you would have never questioned my motives). :lol

I knew it would be conceived this way by some. That's why my first inclination was to not even mention it in the forum. We've received offers in the past and never mentioned it here. But since we gave it such consideration and moreso because I was sure that people would notice around the net when tons of websites are getting bought up by this guy, I figured we'd tell everyone before it all came out.

I also knew that it would be conceived by some (obviously you) as looking for handouts and recognition. I originally told LJ not to even mention accepting contributions in the post. But since over 50 people have messaged, emailed, or asked me about how they can contribute in the last six months, I figured this was a good time to get it over with.

As far as ego stroking, ehh.. I only need love and adoration from my husband.

I know I'm awesome. I don't need anyone's assurance. :lmao

:lmao :owned

The :princess of Spurstalk knocked you the fuck out! :lol

[RashoFan]

Wow!!! I have definately missed quite a bit these last 4 to 5 days!!! This place is the best and is being cared for by the best!!!!Thanks to Kori and LJ for maintaining this Forum and to all the rest of "the family" for making this a great place to hang out. You GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!!

[Peter]

eh, mookie is an unappreciative little bitch.