|   Consumer Review files for Chapter 11 Reorganization... | francis
Jul 2, 2002 12:02 AM | | Yes, it's true and I wanted Passion to hear it from me first.
Why: We have more than $18 million in long-term debt mostly incurred from our 3 rounds of financing. Given today's market, we don't have a reasonable chance of paying that back and we need to restructure our debt as we prepare to sell the company to a new owner.
The Good: We have identified a new owner that has extensive resources, will continue to grow our sites specially mtbr.com, and will hire on our existing staff. This process will take 2-4 months.
The Plan: The sites should be unaffected during this transition period. We need to be lean and mean and we need to continue to generate money.
What you can do: Mtbr.com is the flagship of the company. It has the best traffic and the best revenue. Continue to refer the site to your friends. Use our paid classifieds sections. Whenever you buy something online, click on our Hot Deals and our partners in the Product Review Pages (we get paid per click). Support our banner advertisers and our section sponsors. Yes, you should do the same for our other sites as you need a digital camera or a DVD Player.
With your help, we'll come out of this transition stronger than ever.
regards,
francis |
| Can we help by giving you guys some free Swag? | ldf
Jul 2, 2002 12:08 AM | | Choppy waters ahead, but Im sure you guys will make it through.
Not just MTBR, but several of the other review sites have been very valuable to me in the past. I hope you guys keep on truckin'! |
| re: Consumer Review files for Chapter 11 Reorganization... | vernon
Jul 2, 2002 2:14 AM | | MTBR.com has been THE mountain biking site for me for many years....when I started out as a mountain biker, I relied on this website for reviews, news etc and it has been invaluable.
I'm sure you guys will pull through it. With this rough climate these days, almost everyone's in some kind of problem or other....
Best of luck to you guys! We'll still be clicking on the links and referring our friends here, no worries! |
| Best of luck!! | radair
Jul 2, 2002 3:17 AM | | I can't imagine the internet without mtbr.
I'll be wearing out my mouse clicking sponsors in the meantime. |
| Good luck, bro...(nm) | celly
Jul 2, 2002 4:09 AM | | |
| All the best francis.............. | Mike T.
Jul 2, 2002 4:16 AM | | ....you can bet we'll help as you've been there for us over the years and have changed many lives. Ain't that so celly? I can't imagine my world without mtbr. I might have to get some yard work done.
Maybe you'll go back full circle asking for donations! :o)
Stiff upper lip guys.
Mike T. |
| hope all goes well! (nm) | fireboy
Jul 2, 2002 4:28 AM | | nm |
| I've made many friends thru this site... | Finch Platte
Jul 2, 2002 5:19 AM | | ...and for that, I'm eternally grateful.
I hope it all works out for you and your motley band of characters, Francis. If there's anything else the Passionists can do, be sure to let us know.
Gary *click* *click* *click* |
| hey, there's always ridemonkey | narlus
Jul 2, 2002 5:36 AM | | j/k,
yeah, this site has been good for trail and product reviews, and while the signal to noise ratio on the boards sometimes leaves a lot to be desired, the fact remains that it's been a v. useful resource for me, and instrumental in meeting some really cool people.
hope it works it for you. |
| Good luck to everyone there | kristian
Jul 2, 2002 5:54 AM | | I'll do my part to click on as many links as possible (just so long as they aren't links to Supergo...). Thanks for keeping us up to date--it's very appreciated!!!
K |
| A new day has come?!?!?! | Tiny Tank
Jul 2, 2002 6:15 AM | | Thanks for releasing the news your self, very much appreciated. Also, many bonus point for trying to keep everyone employed and the site format intact as much as possible, I couldn't imagine doing with mtbr.com.
Like many, I've made many friends here and much more to say the lease, being traveling all the time this site has been a constant resource for me for trail reviews and local contact all over North America. I'll for sure do my best to help.
It sure was nice to see the mtbr crew last may, how about another ride at Skeggs when I'm there in August, maybe this time around you'll be able to ride in stead of just wish us a good ride.
Annie<---click, click, clicking away.
tt\ |
| Go get 'em, Francis | moneyman
Jul 2, 2002 6:16 AM | | MTBR has been a Godsend. I wish you all the luck in the world, and "given today's market" (it stinks) you'll need all you can get. I'll click 'til I drop.
Matt Potter |
| Hope the new "Owners" realize | ET_SoCal
Jul 2, 2002 6:23 AM | | The actual owners are the people who visit this board.
I've often clicked the ads knowing it should help. |
| Best wishes. | BadHabit
Jul 2, 2002 6:32 AM | | And thanks to management and creditors for the reorganization. |
| The only site worth looking at.... | Steve-O
Jul 2, 2002 6:35 AM | | Hope things work out.... When it comes to mountain biking information this is truly the only site worth looking at. I lurked for a long time before logging on and posting. Now I've ridden with a 1/2 dozen passionites and I would hate to see this community go...
Keep us posted....
Steve-O (Not a downhiller but clicking on Go-Ride.com link right now!) |
| Good Luck MTBR! | Cucucachu
Jul 2, 2002 6:35 AM | | You have a great site here and hope it will last for years to come. I'm putting together a mountainbike based on information recieved from this site. I was able to read reviews on each and every part/component before buying. I'm now doing the same with my future camera equipment. |
| Best of Luck | -Chip.
Jul 2, 2002 6:35 AM | | Let's hope the new owners enact some height restrictions.
-C |
| Best wishes | BadHabit
Jul 2, 2002 6:36 AM | | and thanks to management and creditors for the reorganization. |
| Click early, click often...(nm) | DeRanger
Jul 2, 2002 6:43 AM | | |
| Ulp! That means I have to actually W-O-R-K? | Drevil
Jul 2, 2002 6:52 AM | | ;^) I hope that everything turns out for the best for you and the gang. Like others mentioned, the internet would be plain ol' boring for me if there was no MTBR. The wife won't like it, but I'll click on them sponsors. Hmmm, maybe I can offset my purchases with some for her? |
| Best of luck hombre! nm | namaSSte
Jul 2, 2002 6:55 AM | | |
| Just like the bad old days... | Lucky
Jul 2, 2002 6:57 AM | | only bigger. Hope you come through this even better than before. Best of luck to you!!! I did my part yesterday by buying a new lid from one of the HotDeals advertisers. Small is good when it's the XS helmets that always get put on clearance! I'll keep browsing...
Kathy (scores another nice helmet, cheap. Now if only I could ride...) |
| "I've had worse!" | Charlie America
Jul 2, 2002 7:09 AM | | From the humble beginnings in your garage (you and Chuck as I recall), the server going off-line at 12:04, 1:04, 2:04 and 3:04 every afternoon due to traffic flow over your limit.. getting donations from the loyal readers/posters/lurkers... raffling off schwag.. $1 million in investments at the dot.com height...
Like the wheels of a cycle.
Personally, one of the 2 greatest gifts of my life has come because of this site.. magic in my life... and more joy of adventure than money can buy...
MTBR is the essance of "The Information Age" and should be known as a flagship of not just Consumer Review sites, but ALL web sites. Building communities in a time when communities are wasting away..
I'll have my fingers crossed and as always, I'll continue to use all the resources at Consumer Review to research, review and purchase stuff. |
| It is true... it is a success as a virtual community... | MoutRealRider
Jul 2, 2002 10:51 AM | | and more than a useful resource for MTBikers. I meet with people across america to ride trails I first contacted here. It is mostly free to use, it is knowelge based, a contact list, it is one of the best exemple of what the internet can do... |
| Agreed. I never would have thought that "virtual community" | AK Ken
Jul 2, 2002 4:53 PM | | was a valid concept till I stumbled onto this site.
As others have said, we admire the upfront approach to difficulties, and will offer support wherever possible.
Clare and Ken |
| Thanks for the direct approach to this news..... | Battman42
Jul 2, 2002 7:10 AM | | I'll keep clikin'and referin'.
This site has been "The" reason to keep my tin can and string internet connection.
It was pleasure to be an "Internet Date";)(Oldschool)after hooking up via MTBR.
This economic climate is pretty jumpy but I believe we'll be stronger when it settles out.
Tim |
| Good luck to all of you | LeeL
Jul 2, 2002 7:18 AM | | Whatever may happen - think of all the friends you've made, the good times you've had, the things you've learned and the swag you've scored.
Best of luck |
| Hope this turns out AOK for all of you | JimC.
Jul 2, 2002 7:33 AM | | I've had more fun and met more good friends here. sincere god wishes and...Best of luck, Jim *rooting for you* C |
| clicking for dollars..... | Gnarly1
Jul 2, 2002 7:43 AM | | ...good luck, Francis & crew! |
| It better turn out okay. Otherwise, I'll have to work. | Spaz
Jul 2, 2002 7:45 AM | | Good luck to all of you MTBR staff people.
I'm going to go click on some of the hot deals now. . . .
-Spaz |
| All you need is a sock, some duct tape and some zip ties... | Mojo Man
Jul 2, 2002 7:45 AM | | Wow, as with everyone else, I have benefited tremendously from this site. Best of luck. |
| re: Consumer Review files for Chapter 11 Reorganization... | Greg van den Dries
Jul 2, 2002 8:02 AM | | While ownership may change, as along as Francis and the crew still run the site and the community stays in plce, MTBR will outlive us all....
Thanks Francis |
| re: Consumer Review files for Chapter 11 Reorganization... | DaveinSDCA
Jul 2, 2002 8:02 AM | | You are a class act, Francis. In a day when the leaders of large corporations are claiming they had no knowledge of how their companies got in trouble, you are doing a very noble thing. Everyone who frequents Passion appreciates your honesty and admire all you are doing to keep your staff employed. We love it here and will all we can to support you.
Good Luck,
Dave |
| Good luck | Jive Tolkien
Jul 2, 2002 8:04 AM | | Been clicking ads all morning..... |
| Best of luck to all of you guys.... | terminaut
Jul 2, 2002 8:10 AM | | Wow - that's such a shame to hear, Francis. You guys/gals are a great gang and I hope everything progresses smoothly for everyone through the upcoming changes.
Keep it crankin'!
Tam |
| Fingers crossed & wishing good luck | Pirate Girl
Jul 2, 2002 8:35 AM | | Boy, work would REALLY suck without the distraction of MTBR to keep me sane. This community is great, and I would hate to see it go. Best wishes to ya!
P-) |
| re: Mtbr Bankruptcy | Bri2
Jul 2, 2002 8:38 AM | | Why don't you just say Bankruptcy. That's the bottom line here.
Good luck and I hopt that the new owner is a strong company.
--bri |
| re: Mtbr Bankruptcy | Mojo Man
Jul 2, 2002 9:21 AM | | There are different types of bankruptcy. Without going into all of the details, they can possibly come out of an 11 better than they went in. When a corporation files Chapter 7, then it's over. A corporation cannot be discharged under 7, so all assets are liquidated.
There are many reasons to go into 11, and we don't know the circumstances. All we know is that they are trying to stay afloat. |
| Wore out one mouse already... | ScottN
Jul 2, 2002 8:45 AM | | Madly clicking.
Like everyone else has said - best of luck! MTBR and PhotographyReview have been great sources of information, entertainment and good times. It will continue to be - with some perseverence and positive outlook from you all. Thanks for the heads up and straightforward method of telling us what's up.
Good to know.
hang in there!
ScottN |
| Thanks for this site and digital camera review too! | KriZkit
Jul 2, 2002 9:04 AM | | I've got to say I've put in more clicks at pcphotoreview lately as I've recently bought a camera. I'll put in some quality clicking time here too. For something that has enriched my favorite sport as much as MTBR, it's worth it.
You have my support! |
| PCPhotoREVIEW.com! | Photo-John
Jul 2, 2002 1:56 PM | | PCPhotoREVIEW.com needs the clicks more than this whale of a site. Everyone move to PCPhotoREVIEW.com!!!!!!
Thanks, KriZkit. I'm always happy to hear that Mtbr users are enjoying my photo sites, too. I think Francis is actually a little jealous about how much time Pete spends on my sites now that he has that D1X :-)
John |
| Ouch. I wish you all the best. | Fast Eddy
Jul 2, 2002 9:15 AM | | I have also made good friends and enjoyed the best of times via mtbr, and I have you and your boys to thank for that. So thanks Ray, John, Gregg, Forrest, Oliver, Capm, the rest, and mostly you Francis for starting something real. I hope you all get a great corporate gig out of the deal. Long live mtbr! |
| Best of luck Francis. | Pete.
Jul 2, 2002 9:25 AM | | It sounds like you've got it all mapped out.
Pete
p.s. I'm going to show up to the 341 and heckle you. |
| Good luck, francis. I will not call this site "an integral... | Biking Viking
Jul 2, 2002 9:31 AM | | ...part of my life", but it's pretty darn close.
I will continue to enjoy and at the same time provide contents on this site.
BV |
| Good Site. Good People. Good Luck. (nm) | RussB
Jul 2, 2002 9:56 AM | | nm |
| You bet I'll do what I can to help! | Stine
Jul 2, 2002 10:35 AM | | I've lost my marriage, my job, and now THIS? NO! It's NOT going to happen! I have to put my foot down SOMEWHERE!!
;)
It sounds like you're doing all that is humanly possible. If anyone can pull through this, you guys can.
We are ALL rooting for you.
Life around the computer just wouldn't be the same without MTBR.
This whole year has been WHACKO.
*click* *click* *click* |
| it's been said before | moschika
Jul 2, 2002 11:06 AM | | but not from me.
good luck with this transition. this is a great! resource. i always check these sites out before i buy anything. |
| "click on our Hot Deals and our partners in..." | weather
Jul 2, 2002 12:00 PM | | dude, you should have told us about this (use BIG font)--i didn't know that until today. from now on i'll click on those once per day. |
| but remember... | GSXchris
Jul 16, 2002 11:02 AM | | it helps us more when you click on those links and actually buy something. Just clicking won't help us in the long run. The good thing is that we have all these other sites that you can use to help the cause when you shop... just look at the bottom of this page and keep them in mind when you're about to spend your money on the web. You may be able to help the cause at the same time. |
| Geeze, I take off for a few days and all hell breaks loose! | cush
Jul 2, 2002 3:12 PM | | sorry to hear that Francis. I am sure you guys will bounce back. I'll do as much clicking as I can for ya.
Like Mike T., life sure would be different without mtbr and the wonderful friends I have met through here in the past 4 years. |
| I've been to some othe other sites,I'm staying here... | ironlegsracer
Jul 2, 2002 3:48 PM | | I do constantly refer people here also.I like the friends I've made here.We appreciate all that you do for us,we shouldn't take it for granted either. |
| Trying to do my part... | CraigH
Jul 2, 2002 3:48 PM | | Just ordered 2 helmets and a set of pedals from Jenson from the Hot Deals page and made sure they put "MTBR0302" as the source code on the order.
Let me know if I can do anything else. |
| Count me in. I need to order some stuff anyway. | MtbIrv
Jul 2, 2002 5:55 PM | | I'll be sure to go through here.
Good luck and here's some good vibes comin' your way.... ~~~~~~~~
Can't lose this site... too many friends here. |
| re: Consumer Review files for Chapter 11 Reorganization... | corvette_john
Jul 10, 2002 3:24 PM | | ya, well good for you, you have destroyed a good site, Audio Review (Banner Review) web site. Your discussion group consists of some real ASS HOLES: mtrycrafts, FLZapped (or is it zipflap?) and Warren Warren just to mention a few. they run everybody out with their bull sh?? responses. yo francis, you deserve it.
hire someone who knows what they are doing, i don't think you know. I hope you never recover.
the best car in the world corvette john |
| re: Consumer Review files for Chapter 11 Reorganization... | GammaDriver
Jul 14, 2002 6:51 PM | | One wya or another, I want to thank you for the opportunity, and the personal savings, I have been given through mtbr.com (when I was learning about fixing bikes), and the other review sites (I use the Fly Fishing forums now - which is where I heard about this post - plus have used other sites in the past).
Hope you get your ducks in a row - you've got a good thing gong here. Maybe not a real big money-maker, but a good thing. |
| |
