Future of Orioles Hangout

[Pushmonkey]

I blame Cito Gaston. 

[24fps]

1 hour ago, Pushmonkey said:

I blame Cito Gaston. 

Always handy and never gets old.

[MijiT88]

I am probably the ultimate ghost reader on here, I have checked this site every day since around 2005. I would be sad to see it go but I understand. I just underwent surgery and once I get back on my feet and medical bills paid I will be signing up for plus membership as well. I still probably wont ever post but this place is a big Orioles family, I hope it sticks around!

[Satyr3206]

I have had to fold a couple of businesses. Never an easy decision or experience. I have enjoyed the Hangout since I found it. The Scouting and Minor League coverage is great. That being said, are there any alternatives you might consider? I would be willing to kick in more money or help in some other way. I haven't lived in the Baltimore area for 20 years but I can use a computer.

If the Hangout shut down it would be a hole in my days. I surf the site pretty regular. I might even miss some people I argue with, lol.

It's your decision Tony. But it would be a shame to miss out on what the next 5 years will bring to the Orioles and the Hangout.

Either way, thanks for providing much enjoyment and learning. It's been fun whatever you decide.

Doug

[CharmCityHokie]

I just want to throw out my support to you, Tony, and whatever you decide is best. I don't have ad-blocker, but I haven't posted in many moons, yet I read and am always scrolling through. Thanks for everything you've created and I hope it continues, but completely understand that there are times when one needs to go in a different direction. This community has meant a lot to me, even as a non-posting entity of it, so I just wanted to say thanks for that and the community you were able to build.

[SouthernBird]

Hate to see it go. Had fun in the very beginnings helping with the IT side of things. Whatever you decide, a heart felt THANK YOU for doing it for all these years.

[BRobinsonfan]

Alright, this was not what I was expecting when I clicked on this link.  And now I'm sad.  

I understand that you've got to do what's best for you and the family, but for what it's worth I would really miss this place if it goes away.  Baseball, and the Orioles, will never be the same without the Hangout.   

You've really created something special here Tony.  Whatever you decide you should be really proud of what you've done - especially the community you've created here.  There's just nothing like it on the web.  I can't pretend to understand the economics of running the Hangout, but put me down as one of those who would pay a lot more to have the privilege of having access to the amazing content you provide.  

Keep us posted, and if you decide to hang it up, thank you for all the great memories.

 

[Tony-OH]

Thank you all for the comments and words of support. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and will take them all into consideration. The Hangout has never been about making the most money we could make as it's never been my primary source of income. I realize i started this off by talking about ad blockers and the lack of revenue, but I don't want people to get the wrong impression and act like this is a financial decision.

There are lot of factors going into this decision and trust me, knowing how much this place means to so many certainly is a plus one for keeping it alive. 

Thank you again and I will try to have a final decision by the new year.

[O's84]

I've been a member of this site for 12 years now, and before that I lurked for quite awhile.  This was the go to site for me.  Through this site I learned so much over the years, and the shared experiences I had here are priceless, and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.  Tony (and the staff), thank you so so much for everything you've done throughout the years.  I hope that this site can continue and wouldn't mind at all a raising of the plus membership price if it means the site could continue.  If it doesn't, I will understand Tony.  You've brought me and countless other users knowledge, joy, and companionship.  For that we are very blessed.

[DirtyBird]

Just take 2020 off and come back fresh when the O’s are respectable again.

[accinfo]

Tony:  Let me add that I would be willing to contribute more to keep the site going.  I know it is not completely a financial decision but if it will help I am willing to contribute.  I also there could be a creative way to keep it going in some form or another.  

[Flosman]

Life has really been showing me lately that I am old. I used to post a bunch at one time. Now I usually just read what posters have to say. I am in the process of moving from Florida to Wisconsin complicated by having a heart problem a week ago. When I get settled up there I will renew my long overdue subscription. I will probably never post like I used to as I coach football and in Florida that is basically year round.  I do really miss the conversations with bunch of guys on here that I used to participate in. Just haven't felt like I had kept up well enough to contribute much. But this is the best site on the Web and has been for decades.

[Guest]

Sorry to hear about everything. While I’ve been largely been a lurker on here for many years before I’ve registered, I love all the great work that is done here. I really enjoy all the prospect lists, the work done here by Tony & Luke, reading the comments, the engaged community which you don’t really see elsewhere in Birdland which is mostly free of the negativity and toxicity you see on many websites. So, I like to take this opportunity to thank everyone here for this great website 

[Hallas]

I hope you keep this around.  If you need any technical assistance to work toward reducing costs, feel free to DM me.

[InsideCoroner]

I understand the complicated decisions you’re facing, Tony. And just to throw another two cents into the pot, this is the main site that I turn to for the only team I care about in the only sport I follow. So this message board is something I deeply appreciate. And obviously a lot of others do too. 

As others have said, if the money makes a difference, I’m willing to pay more. But I know it’s not just about the money. Either way, it’s important that you know how much gratitude many of us have for the OH, an oasis on the Internet where I don’t have to read through ignorant or outright hateful comments, where politics are put aside, and it’s just about our beloved Birds and not much else...as it should be. I have always disliked posthumous tributes... if you like someone, celebrate them while they’re here. So thank you, and I hope you find the energy and motivation to keep this site going for many more years.