Would TNL eventually follow suit? Unlikely.

Several years ago, when I was highly fascinated with the Net (not that it lost its appeal, it was merely a new experience at the time), the desire of creating an 'enthusiast site' was just as trendy as simply having a personal homepage to show all your friends and family. Hundreds of gamers assembled together (both paid and unpaid) in their plight to deliver their opinions and collective articles in the form of news, previews and news (much like ourselves). As time moved on, and the online advertising foundation began to collapse, so too did many of the enthusiast sites (as well as a number of respectable professional online magazines).

Was it simply due to bad marketing? Ineffective content? The answers vary, and there's more than one right answer. In effect, today's sites as a whole have become nothing more than a pool of rehashed news (which Riisuke likes to call 'filler') that folks can sit back and say 'hey, look guys...we've updated and we do it daily!'

Grand...but to tell you the truth (as even we have occassionally been guilty of at one point or another)...no one wants to read uninspiring content. No one. So in effect, what once began as a site which was rich in visitors, feedback, and full of unique content gradually dies out, both editorial spirit and all and eventually you're left with a online site adrift like a lifeless craft in space. In any case, the situation isn't getting any better for fansites as a whole. I am uncertain how much longer networks as a whole will continue to exist as they pour more and more efforts into establishing new contracts for advertising so as to generate revenue to maintain not only the network, but even the salaries of the staff which they employ. But on a more personal note...as I've elaborated in previous columns in which I pledged not to give you some mesh of pointless banter that doesn't leave you satisfied (or at the very least, incites you to look forward to the next edition). No, I've come to value my column a lot more than a simple venting ground. Editorial columns should have a purpose in expressing your opinions or else it actually leaves you set up for plenty of backlash, especially when you come to elaborate on matters that isn't supported by some foundation of evidence.

But moving right along, I'd have to thank each and every reader for their continued support (as well as the numerous companies that have allowed us to work in conjunction with as a online platform to promote their products and events). In this imminent closure of the online "rat race", readers are becoming more aware of the same redundant sites that go through the motions and basically make it painfully unbearable to indulge in the content that you have "painstakingly" provided. As expressed earlier, we've had our share of it, which when it became so evident that changes had to be made. Varying from the desire to have fun, most lost their motivation (and to be totally frank, I can be quite bitchy in the goal to deliver quality content)...it would seem that most would equate fun as being the only factor for a site to remain successful. But it's not...in the case of any site that aims to gain readership and remain unique, it takes plenty of effort, passion and dedication. Lacking any of these aspects, regardless of how much fun you aspire (or think) to have...the fire within you will eventually burn out.

Thus if you've dropped by our staff page on occassion and wondered as to why some familiar faces are no longer among us, TNL is continuing to make changes so that we don't fall into the trap of serving bland articles and in essence wasting your time. It is why at your request on the boards and email that we've made efforts to deliver more articles (notably Raziel's periodic hardware features that has captured a lot of interest). It is also why I've set out to become more involved with handheld coverage, PS2, and within the near future, PC coverage. Are we obligated to do this? Hardly...but it's enjoyable to those of us who remain (and there have been those who've moved on that to their credit, made significant contributions to the site and were highly appreciated); believe it or not, it's not carried out in vain in hopes of landing some professional position (though that I personally would embrace such a career opportunity).

But to get back on track here...TNL has always strived to be unique, informative, and promote an atmospehre of entertaining content that incites readers to keep coming back. It's what helps to sustain readership, and as new, fresh ideas are implemented, produces new readers. In discussion with a few industry friends, I was given a forecast of where the future seems to lay for high-profile sites and the many "diligent" sites which remain in existence. In effect, companies have now discovered that they can pour their marketing dollars into their own sites and within a matter of seconds, one only has to enter a url to their favorite publishers site, and bam...you've got instant access to product information, movies, and more - enough to satisy any gamer's appetite.

Makes you wonder how sites like ours can compete? The reality is...we can't...and why should we?

While at one point, I saw a desire to possibly develop the site into a foundation that could operate commercially, the recent situation of online advertising makes that goal somewhat inappropritate, and possibly - impossible. The assembled staff does not operate on a stipend, in fact, the revenue incurred has become so low, that it's hardly even enough to purchase a unlimited subway card. Reason? Online advertising is in a slump. This was just one of the reason why GameFan Online and its network was forced to shut down...but not the sole factor. As Hi-fi expressed in his latest column "GameFan was the victim of unchecked ambition on the part of Express.Com senior management, who lacked the experience and savvy that were necessary to control their growth."

To elaborate both as a "online manager" and a gamer...checking one's own ambition in addition to that of others can take quite a toll, but it's essential. To consistently push others to remain motivate is challenging in itself, but to some extent...it must be voluntary to provide content, to provide honest, constructive reviews - the ones that actually explain why Skies of Arcadia is more exciting than its competition or how it's been unbearable engaging sequel after sequel from X company. TNL is reaching into its 4th year online and its my hope that our honesty will remain in harmony with our integrity...we aren't striving to be the top gaming destination, but we are aiming to be a reliable and resourceful site.

Hi-fi's latest column proved to be very refreshing, and recommend you all to read it as it also gave me somewhat of a warning to pay strict attention to, because the increasing concern as to how much longer enthusiast sites will continue to be used by publishers. Most as it is won't even give us so much as a blink of attention,...simply because they've been inudated with requests prior to our desire to be supported by them, so that we in turn can be a more valuable site to the community. One can't be too upset with them, for their resources are limited, and if they were to heed every site's request out there for product (since sending electronic news highlights doesn't cost a dime, only time), they'd have little left to provide the professional outlets which have larger audiences and make a bigger impact in the industry.

Well, I am prepared to face the music should the reality hit where we realize that we can no longer gain support and are considered insignificant. But until that time, I refuse to quit what I am doing, much like the remnant of editors on the team that do enjoy providing content and product reviews (both purchased and accomodated via publishers). It would help us greatly if we were able to hear more from you, the readers as to what you want? Admittedly, we can't provide previews the way we would like...simply because none of us have access to debugging systems to play regional discs, but it hadn't stopped us from attempting to provide some information based on what we resarched and were provided. TNL Radio has proved to be a very welcome platform for the musically inclined, and at some point in the near future...we hope to have a few new ideas unfold.

Did I have a point to all of this? I'd like to think so. TNL is a site that I personally enjoy doing in my spare time, in which I have over the course of time juggled with various offline matters (work, art, and a very exceptional social life, hehe). I am not continuing to do this in hopes that some editorial fairy will perhaps drop from the sky and give me a position (but one could dream, can't they?) I provide a bulk of articles and returned to provide columns such as Bahn Unplugged because I have fun doing it. While I can't speak for everyone else, regardless of where the industry continues to see this particular site on the net, I will continue to deliver my own blend of content as long as I have an outlet to write on. As for the fourms, it's really enjoyable to discuss various topics with others (one day, I'll return to anime and join the collective group of users who mingle there)...nothing I've done over the years hasn't been acted on the accord other than personal enjoyment (and to gain a new experience of what it's like to have involvement in the industry.) At present, I've enjoyed two E3 events, meeting various members in the industry, picking up the 'tricks of the trade' reloving around public relations, the experience has been pretty worthwhile. I've been somewhat flustered now and then, but only because I've wanted this site to be the best that it is. It's my hope that every reader that visits this site has felt this attitude. If not,...I'd welcome your feedback, your ideas, perhaps, if it's feasible, your addition to the team can add something which you feel the site is lacking. Any comments you have can be sent to bahn@the-nextlevel.com. If I get enough feedback on the matter, I'll provide a followup and discuss the ideas and as to how TNL will make some plans to implement. At the very least, I'll certainly read all your replies and respond to them as time permits.

Until then...

Game On!

··· Bahn