I underestimated the XBLGold membership numbers

Gold subscriber: "Why don't MS make us pay to play online? It should've been free in the first place!"

MS: "Why don't you stop paying us then?"

It's almost like piracy. :(

joopyme

It's nothing like piracy.

[QUOTE="joopyme"]

Gold subscriber: "Why don't MS make us pay to play online? It should've been free in the first place!"

MS: "Why don't you stop paying us then?"

It's almost like piracy. :(

heretrix

It's nothing like piracy.

There you again with your smart*** gestures Heretrix.

I was just trying to point something out, if you thought my comparison was wrong, then present your views.

I compared it piracy, because people complain about it, yet barely do anything about the matter. So people will continue this "shady" business. If you think otherwise, visit my country. The Philippines.

If i'd compare piracy to where you guys are probably from, then I am completely off-point.

I believe if a person as smart as you could understand any context, and argue about the manner of expression, rather than the idea expressed, should be able to cope with people full of irony such as me.

[QUOTE="heretrix"]

[QUOTE="joopyme"]

Gold subscriber: "Why don't MS make us pay to play online? It should've been free in the first place!"

MS: "Why don't you stop paying us then?"

It's almost like piracy. :(

joopyme

It's nothing like piracy.

There you again with your smart*** gestures Heretrix.

I was just trying to point something out, if you thought my comparison was wrong, then present your views.

I compared it piracy, because people complain about it, yet barely do anything about the matter. So people will continue this "shady" business. If you think otherwise, visit my country. The Philippines.

If i'd compare piracy to where you guys are probably from, then I am completely off-point.

I believe if a person as smart as you could understand any context, and argue about the manner of expression, rather than the idea expressed, should be able to cope with people full of irony such as me.

[QUOTE="hip-hop-cola2"]

[QUOTE="SmokeyMcMuffin"]to all the whiners, if you dont want to pay it then dont, just stop preaching to people who are ok with paying. your all starting to sound like my mother..heretrix

If you crazy people stopped paying then MS would need to take action. But 50% happily pay a wild fee.

[QUOTE="heretrix"]

[QUOTE="hip-hop-cola2"]

If you crazy people stopped paying then MS would need to take action. But 50% happily pay a wild fee.

SpruceCaboose

damn microsoft pisses me off charging money for what should be a mandatory and free service. The only reason people even pay for it is because they have no other choice. 50% is a big number but still you can argue that half the install base doesn't have xbox ive, me being one of those. Its not even worth paying for.blaznwiipspman1

[QUOTE="heretrix"]

[QUOTE="hip-hop-cola2"]

If you crazy people stopped paying then MS would need to take action. But 50% happily pay a wild fee.

hip-hop-cola2

If everybody had to wear her T-shirt you would have a point...

I understand you....may...ok I dont understand where you see value, but I have strong principles. It just annoys me that other people throw there money away thats all. sorry, it's no personal attack, Im just attacking your choices....lol

damn microsoft pisses me off charging money for what should be a mandatory and free service. The only reason people even pay for it is because they have no other choice. 50% is a big number but still you can argue that half the install base doesn't have xbox ive, me being one of those. Its not even worth paying for.blaznwiipspman1

[QUOTE="yoyo462001"][QUOTE="PoppaGamer"] LOL. Nice try. You're driving your car but the rest of the people that were on the bus hopped in your ride and you are taking them to where they need to go. You're a taxi driver who collects no coin from the riders. And its not "you get waht you pay for" with XBL. You pay you get to play online, Great. What everyone talks about with XBL are the features. Most of which ANYONE can use without chipping in one cent. With XBL, you get what OTHERS pay for.PoppaGamer

[QUOTE="heretrix"]

[QUOTE="PoppaGamer"] the bulk of those great features are available to NON-PAYING customers as well. Again, you pay, they get a free ride. It makes ZERO sense.PoppaGamer

Do you honestly think your comments will make people say, hang on a minute, he's right, I'm not paying for this any more! Live fees are a total non topic imo, what is there to even discuss??

The 'free money' comment made me laugh, free money has its own word and it's 'profit'. Isn't that what business is all about or am I totally missing something?

[QUOTE="PoppaGamer"][QUOTE="heretrix"]I get to play online, they don't.

speedsix

Do you honestly think your comments will make people say, hang on a minute, he's right, I'm not paying for this any more! Live fees are a total non topic imo, what is there to even discuss??

The 'free money' comment made me laugh, free money has its own word and it's 'profit'. Isn't that what business is all about or am I totally missing something?

[QUOTE="speedsix"][QUOTE="PoppaGamer"] I get to play online for free on the PS3. And PC gamers get to do the same. Its like if a console maker charged a fee for letting you complete a game. And you're there saying, "I get to finish the game, they don't." If its plainly about playing online, I don't see how you can justify that fee. I can see if MS took some of the features that all use now and made them only available to paying accounts, that would make more sense. Still lame, but it makes more sense. There's a very valid reason to charge the fee for some and not others. But they way it is now is crap. You have to see that.yoyo462001

Do you honestly think your comments will make people say, hang on a minute, he's right, I'm not paying for this any more! Live fees are a total non topic imo, what is there to even discuss??

The 'free money' comment made me laugh, free money has its own word and it's 'profit'. Isn't that what business is all about or am I totally missing something?

Microsoft should have two different versions of Live, different from what they have now: Basic access, which allows you to play games for free, and then the paid subscription, where you can download movies, demos, etc, etc.Legendaryscmt

[QUOTE="Poster_11"][QUOTE="Nomad0404"]

LINK

So even if the number of gold subs has dropped to 50% since the 56% figure was released that would make 8.5milion gold users.

Annually that would generate cash flow of around (assuming $50 as the cost of the sub) $425million p/a.

Note that's not all profit for MS, however, that is huge amounts of cash flow and something Sony can only dream of from PSN.

When you see these people posting why can't XBL Gold subs be free this is why and then you can start to question Sony's business model, they don't charge for the online aspect of PSN and so are missing out on a valuable revenue stream, I think this is why they put so much into Home because it needs to be money generator for them - remember there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Phil

SpruceCaboose

"remember there's no such thing as a free lunch"

Unless you eat from Sony or Nintendo's plate. Good for Microsoft though, I've always thought those guys needed more money.

Floppy_Jim

[QUOTE="speedsix"]Have you ever stopped and considered what the point is in your comments in threads like these? I really don't understand what you're trying to achieve. Live is a revenue generating service which some people decide to pay for, some decide they won't.

Do you honestly think your comments will make people say, hang on a minute, he's right, I'm not paying for this any more! Live fees are a total non topic imo, what is there to even discuss??

The 'free money' comment made me laugh, free money has its own word and it's 'profit'. Isn't that what business is all about or am I totally missing something?

yoyo462001

QFT.

That's why I said earlier that I don't know why MODs let the XBL-cost threads live. It's ALWAYSthe same result:

Personally if I were a MOD, I'd lock all XBL-cost threads unless something new happens to XBL. Otherwise, XBL-costs threads all end up the same like they have for YEARS now:

• Cows: XBL is a waste of money. Hope you like throwing money away
• Lems: XBL is a good service. I wish it were free, but $50 isn't much

LosDaddie

I really don't see how these threads add anything to the forum.

[QUOTE="PoppaGamer"][QUOTE="heretrix"]I get to play online, they don't.

speedsix

Do you honestly think your comments will make people say, hang on a minute, he's right, I'm not paying for this any more! Live fees are a total non topic imo, what is there to even discuss??

The 'free money' comment made me laugh, free money has its own word and it's 'profit'. Isn't that what business is all about or am I totally missing something?

This is literally a scam. Online is a game feature, if Microsoft forces their customers to pay for online gaming, they shouldn't include "Online" on the back of their game cases. It should read "Online- fee required". Just my .02.masterflame10

This is literally a scam. Online is a game feature, if Microsoft forces their customers to pay for online gaming, they shouldn't include "Online" on the back of their game cases. It should read "Online- fee required". Just my .02.masterflame10

[QUOTE="dotWithShoes"][QUOTE="SolidTy"]Xbox Live is free money, yes.
hip-hop-cola2

And your foolish to think that they need ANYWHERE NEAR the amount they charge now to run servers.

This is literally a scam. Online is a game feature, if Microsoft forces their customers to pay for online gaming, they shouldn't include "Online" on the back of their game cases. It should read "Online- fee required". Just my .02.masterflame10

[QUOTE="masterflame10"]This is literally a scam. Online is a game feature, if Microsoft forces their customers to pay for online gaming, they shouldn't include "Online" on the back of their game cases. It should read "Online- fee required". Just my .02.heretrix

what network? to run the dash board? SMH

for your friendlist? theres a solution for that

in game is pvp

it is a scam. everything about the 360 is a scam. from the accesories to the online to the faulty system

[QUOTE="SpruceCaboose"][QUOTE="dotWithShoes"] Sure, sure.. that amount of money doesn't go just towards the servers that operate Xbox Live.. but I do remember PSN not getting some DLC that XBL got.. mmmm.. wonder where those millions of $$ MS paid RockStar came from?SolidTy

Yes, we are buying that content, it isn't free, and furthermore, M$ has closed down a ton of 1st party in houses, that's where a large part of revenue kicks in as well.

For the record, I never said Xbox Live costs NO MONEY to operate (Being someone with two Xboxs and two 360's, Live has cost me so far over $600), what I said was quite evident. So please, Dot, let's not put words in other posters mouths, k?

And the original Xbox didn't have Live it's first year, it has only been around 3 years / roughly 4 which would be at most $200 :|

Your exaggerating again, like you always do. No offense, this is why I could never take any single post you make seriously.

[QUOTE="masterflame10"]This is literally a scam. Online is a game feature, if Microsoft forces their customers to pay for online gaming, they shouldn't include "Online" on the back of their game cases. It should read "Online- fee required". Just my .02.heretrix

Microsoft should have two different versions of Live, different from what they have now: Basic access, which allows you to play games for free, and then the paid subscription, where you can download movies, demos, etc, etc.Legendaryscmt

[QUOTE="Legendaryscmt"]Microsoft should have two different versions of Live, different from what they have now: Basic access, which allows you to play games for free, and then the paid subscription, where you can download movies, demos, etc, etc.killab2oo5

[QUOTE="Nomad0404"]

LINK

So even if the number of gold subs has dropped to 50% since the 56% figure was released that would make 8.5milion gold users.

Annually that would generate cash flow of around (assuming $50 as the cost of the sub) $425million p/a.

Note that's not all profit for MS, however, that is huge amounts of cash flow and something Sony can only dream of from PSN.

When you see these people posting why can't XBL Gold subs be free this is why and then you can start to question Sony's business model, they don't charge for the online aspect of PSN and so are missing out on a valuable revenue stream, I think this is why they put so much into Home because it needs to be money generator for them - remember there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Phil

Poster_11

Awesome, seriously.

[QUOTE="SolidTy"][QUOTE="SpruceCaboose"] That does not really help your case much. That would have been cool if the DLC was free to gold users, but since we paid for it, I don't see the benefit at all.Synthetic_NinJI

Yes, we are buying that content, it isn't free, and furthermore, M$ has closed down a ton of 1st party in houses, that's where a large part of revenue kicks in as well.

For the record, I never said Xbox Live costs NO MONEY to operate (Being someone with two Xboxs and two 360's, Live has cost me so far over $600), what I said was quite evident. So please, Dot, let's not put words in other posters mouths, k?

And the original Xbox didn't have Live it's first year, it has only been around 3 years / roughly 4 which would be at most $200 :|

Your exaggerating again, like you always do. No offense, this is why I could never take any single post you make seriously.

Not that I have to explain my self to a newer poster that doesn't understand all the details (Bandoging FTW?), but I have had 3 360's this gen, at one point, and in the Xbox days, I had 3 Xbox's. I consisitantly kept Two Xbox's and Two 360, as I would give my Xbox and it's Gold Membership to a buddy/cousin for months on end since I wasn't using it except for giant parties once in a while. I did use my Two Xbox's and Two 360's more consistantly though.

MY GAMERSCORE speaks for itself, I've played more Xbox games than you and I am a hardcore gamer that isn't afraid to call it like I see it. BTW : I hihgly doubt anyone takes your posts seriously, as they are tremendously one sided. I am glad I have all the systems last gen, this gen, and in the future, because it's posts like yours that remind me of the mentality I want to avoid.

I approve of people paying for XBL. It's only $4.17 per month. That's enough for just a cup of coffee.Zhengi

No, Live is not. M$ charges $7.99 a month.

IT says so at Xbox.com or any retailer that you go to buy a month card.

You can only achieve that lower rate if you sign up for a year, that flawed logic doesn't actually work.

Please don't try to do the flawed SW logic of breaking down $50 by 12. You could say it' s $4.17 a month, if you sign up for an entire year.

However, Live IS NOT $4.17 a month, M$ has been very, very clear on this point....SW However, gets it confused.

[QUOTE="Synthetic_NinJI"][QUOTE="SolidTy"]

Yes, we are buying that content, it isn't free, and furthermore, M$ has closed down a ton of 1st party in houses, that's where a large part of revenue kicks in as well.

For the record, I never said Xbox Live costs NO MONEY to operate (Being someone with two Xboxs and two 360's, Live has cost me so far over $600), what I said was quite evident. So please, Dot, let's not put words in other posters mouths, k?

SolidTy

And the original Xbox didn't have Live it's first year, it has only been around 3 years / roughly 4 which would be at most $200 :|

Your exaggerating again, like you always do. No offense, this is why I could never take any single post you make seriously.

Not that I have to explain my self to a newer poster that doesn't understand all the details (Bandoging FTW?), but I have had 3 360's this gen, at one point, and in the Xbox days, I had 3 Xbox's. I consisitantly kept Two Xbox's and Two 360, as I would give my Xbox and it's Gold Membership to a buddy/cousin for months on end since I wasn't using it except for giant parties once in a while. I did use my Two Xbox's and Two 360's more consistantly though.

MY GAMERSCORE speaks for itself, I've played more Xbox games than you and I am a hardcore gamer that isn't afraid to call it like I see it. BTW : I hihgly doubt anyone takes your posts seriously, as they are tremendously one sided. I am glad I have all the systems last gen, this gen, and in the future, because it's posts like yours that remind me of the mentality I want to avoid.

You are as hardcore as they come(ridiculous GS/trophies btw), and yet you still found the time to understand basic arithmetic, unlike that other poster. I applaud you.

LINK

So even if the number of gold subs has dropped to 50% since the 56% figure was released that would make 8.5milion gold users.

Annually that would generate cash flow of around (assuming $50 as the cost of the sub) $425million p/a.

Note that's not all profit for MS, however, that is huge amounts of cash flow and something Sony can only dream of from PSN.

When you see these people posting why can't XBL Gold subs be free this is why and then you can start to question Sony's business model, they don't charge for the online aspect of PSN and so are missing out on a valuable revenue stream, I think this is why they put so much into Home because it needs to be money generator for them - remember there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Phil

[QUOTE="Nomad0404"]

LINK

So even if the number of gold subs has dropped to 50% since the 56% figure was released that would make 8.5milion gold users.

Annually that would generate cash flow of around (assuming $50 as the cost of the sub) $425million p/a.

Note that's not all profit for MS, however, that is huge amounts of cash flow and something Sony can only dream of from PSN.

When you see these people posting why can't XBL Gold subs be free this is why and then you can start to question Sony's business model, they don't charge for the online aspect of PSN and so are missing out on a valuable revenue stream, I think this is why they put so much into Home because it needs to be money generator for them - remember there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Phil

Phazevariance

"Some profit?" lol.

That's a dream scenario, they aren't putting much into Live, there was already a report on how much goes into M$'s other divisions. Live doesn't need nearly as much resources as you seem to think.

However, yes, I do pay, because it's worth it in my mind, but posts like this is exactly what M$ would love us to think.

M$ : "We're barely scraping by, keeping you gamers so happy, BUT we here at M$ do it out of love though. IT's not about the money, it's about happiness and roses. :)" *M$ exec helps homeless guy stand up, smiles*

[QUOTE="Zhengi"]I approve of people paying for XBL. It's only $4.17 per month. That's enough for just a cup of coffee.SolidTy

No, Live is not. M$ charges $7.99 a month.

IT says so at Xbox.com or any retailer that you go to buy a month card.

You can only achieve that lower rate if you sign up for a year, that flawed logic doesn't actually work.

Please don't try to do the flawed SW logic of breaking down $50 by 12. You could say it' s $4.17 a month, if you sign up for an entire year.

However, Live IS NOT $4.17 a month, M$ has been very, very clear on this point....SW However, gets it confused.

[QUOTE="Nomad0404"]

LINK

So even if the number of gold subs has dropped to 50% since the 56% figure was released that would make 8.5milion gold users.

Annually that would generate cash flow of around (assuming $50 as the cost of the sub) $425million p/a.

Note that's not all profit for MS, however, that is huge amounts of cash flow and something Sony can only dream of from PSN.

When you see these people posting why can't XBL Gold subs be free this is why and then you can start to question Sony's business model, they don't charge for the online aspect of PSN and so are missing out on a valuable revenue stream, I think this is why they put so much into Home because it needs to be money generator for them - remember there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Phil

Phazevariance

LMAO!

it does not cost M$ a lot to run xbl.

[QUOTE="SolidTy"]

[QUOTE="Zhengi"]I approve of people paying for XBL. It's only $4.17 per month. That's enough for just a cup of coffee.Zhengi

No, Live is not. M$ charges $7.99 a month.

IT says so at Xbox.com or any retailer that you go to buy a month card.

You can only achieve that lower rate if you sign up for a year, that flawed logic doesn't actually work.

Please don't try to do the flawed SW logic of breaking down $50 by 12. You could say it' s $4.17 a month, if you sign up for an entire year.

However, Live IS NOT $4.17 a month, M$ has been very, very clear on this point....SW However, gets it confused.

Oh, don't worry, They will.

It's that kind of pricing that makes the $50 annual fee seem cheap.

Maybe one day, if we are lucky, we can be charged a bill every month to own and Xbox, like TIVO. That would be cool. Don't worry, after a few years, everyone would say it's a deal, and mention the price is affordable.

Look into Tivo, and see if you like that pricing model, because it could be coming to our consoles in the future.

[QUOTE="Zhengi"]I approve of people paying for XBL. It's only $4.17 per month. That's enough for just a cup of coffee.SolidTy

No, Live is not. M$ charges $7.99 a month.

IT says so at Xbox.com or any retailer that you go to buy a month card.

You can only achieve that lower rate if you sign up for a year, that flawed logic doesn't actually work.

Please don't try to do the flawed SW logic of breaking down $50 by 12. You could say it' s $4.17 a month, if you sign up for an entire year.

However, Live IS NOT $4.17 a month, M$ has been very, very clear on this point....SW However, gets it confused.

Look into Tivo, and see if you like that pricing model, because it could be coming to our consoles in the future.

SolidTy

[QUOTE="SolidTy"]

[QUOTE="Zhengi"]I approve of people paying for XBL. It's only $4.17 per month. That's enough for just a cup of coffee.Jandurin

No, Live is not. M$ charges $7.99 a month.

IT says so at Xbox.com or any retailer that you go to buy a month card.

You can only achieve that lower rate if you sign up for a year, that flawed logic doesn't actually work.

Please don't try to do the flawed SW logic of breaking down $50 by 12. You could say it' s $4.17 a month, if you sign up for an entire year.

However, Live IS NOT $4.17 a month, M$ has been very, very clear on this point....SW However, gets it confused.

You're getting ripped off :P

I would break down $30 by 13mo. YOu just have to look out for the $30/yr deals on Amazon that they run about 2x a year. I've been paying $30 since early2005

[QUOTE="SolidTy"]

Yes, we are buying that content, it isn't free, and furthermore, M$ has closed down a ton of 1st party in houses, that's where a large part of revenue kicks in as well.

For the record, I never said Xbox Live costs NO MONEY to operate (Being someone with two Xboxs and two 360's, Live has cost me so far over $600), what I said was quite evident. So please, Dot, let's not put words in other posters mouths, k?

SpruceCaboose