End of wargamer.com

CaptainKoloth · January 27, 2021, 10:55:16 AM

Yechhhh...
https://www.wargamer.com/welcome
Because why have, you know, a site called Wargamer be about wargames when you can fill it with clickbait garbage about MMOs?

They also just flat-out memory holed most of their old content... real classy.

Jarhead0331 · January 27, 2021, 11:27:36 AM

Yes. A very sad end to a website and community with a very long and storied history. For better or for worse, I'm glad to have been a part of that history and I'm happy to still have many of the good friendships, which were forged in the crucible of our common experience over there.

R.I.P.

JasonPratt · January 27, 2021, 11:38:33 AM

Today's first feel-old reminder. I made it to about 10:35am, so could be worse!

Still, glad to be here at Grogheads over the years.

Sir Slash · January 27, 2021, 11:39:49 AM

Agreed. It's very, 'Corporate-Looking' now with lots of fancy bells and whistles but where'd the wargames go? :-\

Jarhead0331 · January 27, 2021, 11:43:35 AM

Quote from: JasonPratt on January 27, 2021, 11:38:33 AM

Still, glad to be here at Grogheads over the years.

I'll drink to that. Hear! Hear!

rustyshackleford · January 27, 2021, 11:45:16 AM

Wargamer.com refugee here.

I was never active in the community, but I first noticed it going downhill a few years ago. I really miss the in-depth reviews that stuck to the topic at hand (namely, WARGAMING). Seeing some of the articles published within the past couple of months (especially the editorial inclusion of snide and unnecessary comments on race - completely inappropriate and unrelated to a review about a war GAME) was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I've since refused to give them my time, attention or (more importantly) ad-revenue by visiting the site, and had completely eliminated it from my wargaming rotation of websites since October or so.

However, I couldn't help but take a peek today after seeing the title of this thread, and boy am I glad I jumped ship when I did. What a complete and utter disgrace. MMOs? Fantasy miniatures? I hope they fail miserably.

I'm glad I found this little corner of the internet thanks to a user who posted a link to this site on wargamer as a suggestion to sites to migrate to.

Panman · January 27, 2021, 11:50:42 AM

Looks just like Strategy Gamer now. Sad to see them both end this way. Happy to be a lurker here on Grogheads! :bd:

Jarhead0331 · January 27, 2021, 11:52:32 AM

Quote from: rustyshackleford on January 27, 2021, 11:45:16 AM
Wargamer.com refugee here.

I was never active in the community, but I first noticed it going downhill a few years ago. I really miss the in-depth reviews that stuck to the topic at hand (namely, WARGAMING). Seeing some of the articles published within the past couple of months (especially the editorial inclusion of snide and unnecessary comments on race - completely inappropriate and unrelated to a review about a war GAME) was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I've since refused to give them my time, attention or (more importantly) ad-revenue by visiting the site, and had completely eliminated it from my wargaming rotation of websites since October or so.

However, I couldn't help but take a peek today after seeing the title of this thread, and boy am I glad I jumped ship when I did. What a complete and utter disgrace. MMOs? Fantasy miniatures? I hope they fail miserably.

I'm glad I found this little corner of the internet thanks to a user who posted a link to this site on wargamer as a suggestion to sites to migrate to.

We're very happy to have you, and that is so even though we barely have any ad revenue for you to contribute to. Welcome and bring all of your friends!

CaptainKoloth · January 27, 2021, 11:54:45 AM

They very quickly deleted my forum thread over there complaining about the change. Well done, fellows, well done.

ArizonaTank · January 27, 2021, 12:02:42 PM

Quote from: CaptainKoloth on January 27, 2021, 10:55:16 AM
Yechhhh...
https://www.wargamer.com/welcome
Because why have, you know, a site called Wargamer be about wargames when you can fill it with clickbait garbage about MMOs?

They also just flat-out memory holed most of their old content... real classy.

I provided some computer wargame related content to wargamer when it was just starting, so sad to see it turn into this. Wargamer also had some really good reviews, from some solid members of the wargaming community such as Bill Gray. It is sad to see this content now sent into a black hole. I guess that is why I should send some more donations to the internet wayback machine.

I guess the lesson is that on the internet, content and sites are fleeting.

al_infierno · January 27, 2021, 12:14:04 PM

Quantity over quality, eh? >:(

CaptainKoloth · January 27, 2021, 12:28:54 PM

You've got to wonder what the discussion was:

"We're a niche website that caters to a very specific hobby and has a loyal base of longstanding readers. How can we improve the site?"
"I have an idea. Let's abandon our namesake topic, alienate our small audience of loyal users, some of whom have been with us for decades, and fill the site with a bunch of ads and irrelevant articles about completely different hobbies. Because people who want to play fantasy MMOs will definitely come to wargamer.com!"
"Awesome idea! Let's do it!"
"Oh, and don't just archive the old content, but actively go out of your way to delete the 20-plus years of articles that built up the site and ensure no one can ever read it again. And make sure you squelch any discussion or debate on the topic!"
"Got it. That will definitely keep our loyal readers coming back!"

It must have been a discussion held in a room full of MBAs.

Gusington · January 27, 2021, 01:09:28 PM

I too am a Wargamer refugee. If Grogheads can offer anything, it is solace to those...displaced. Welcome guys.

Jarhead0331 · January 27, 2021, 01:15:37 PM

Quote from: CaptainKoloth on January 27, 2021, 12:28:54 PM
You've got to wonder what the discussion was:

"We're a niche website that caters to a very specific hobby and has a loyal base of longstanding readers. How can we improve the site?"
"I have an idea. Let's abandon our namesake topic, alienate our small audience of loyal users, some of whom have been with us for decades, and fill the site with a bunch of ads and irrelevant articles about completely different hobbies. Because people who want to play fantasy MMOs will definitely come to wargamer.com!"
"Awesome idea! Let's do it!"
"Oh, and don't just archive the old content, but actively go out of your way to delete the 20-plus years of articles that built up the site and ensure no one can ever read it again. And make sure you squelch any discussion or debate on the topic!"
"Got it. That will definitely keep our loyal readers coming back!"

It must have been a discussion held in a room full of MBAs.

I mean, did they really even have any active loyal followers in the their forums anymore? Seemed like everyone has migrated here or to some place elsewhere. Heck, even their last editor, Wargamerjoe posted here more than he did there. :clap:

The_Admiral · January 27, 2021, 01:22:20 PM

I am not especially elated by the situation. The changes left & right are currently striking a deep blow to the presence of digital wargaming online.
I won't judge the new Wargamer.com management before I get to see what will come out of it. But the trend started with Tim Stone being booted from Rock Paper Shotgun and it hasn't got better since then.
I'd really rather have everybody unite together around a strong unique platform instead of remaining scattered, because this is the only way our communities are reaching the critical mass - but I know it is but a wet dream right now. I wish it could be more than that, a website with writing merits & an active board community both. But one can have unreasonable hopes, cannot he?