General Discussions

**NBF** · 11-27-2006, 12:47 PM

The Retreat is getting closer! I just confirmed my hotel reservations. Who else will be there?

http://www.eliteretreat.info/

I know the price is a bit much for some (myself included!), but I have no doubt that the investment will pay off given who will be there! I am REALLY looking forward to this... Who's with me?

I have to admit that I have never been to an industry-related conference/seminar/etc... I think this experience may spoil me for all future events!

And if you don't go, I promise to bring back a full report with pictures. If anyone knows me at all, they know that I ALWAYS take lots of pictures.

**MonkeyBiz** · 11-27-2006, 01:00 PM

At 5K a seat not too many..lol

**Sum-Up** · 11-27-2006, 01:14 PM

I guess I'll just have to wait for the pics, NBF.

**LeeD** · 11-27-2006, 03:22 PM

I will be there...hehe :-D

**j0sh** · 11-27-2006, 05:14 PM

It is a big waste of money and time... :thumbup:

**LeeD** · 11-27-2006, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j0sh

It is a big waste of money and time... :thumbup:

You been to one? :confused1:

**CrossfitTN** · 11-27-2006, 05:32 PM

How is it a big waste of money and time? Networking is good...

**NBF** · 11-27-2006, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j0sh

It is a big waste of money and time... :thumbup:

Um, did you see who was going to be there? Did you see the schedule? If you think that's a waste, I think you are in the wrong business...

**ghoti** · 11-27-2006, 09:59 PM

If I wasn't such a n00b at this stuff, I'd consider going. You guys can't postpone it for a couple months, can you?? :1eye:

**petertdavis** · 11-28-2006, 01:28 AM

Just curious about this Laura, because what you've done with Notebook Forums seems to me to be more impressive than what some of the organizers have done.

**imported_illusion** · 11-28-2006, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petertdavis

Just curious about this Laura, because what you've done with Notebook Forums seems to me to be more impressive than what some of the organizers have done.

Hahahaha, nice Peter

Nah I won't be going there, it is a waste of money for me as I would pay almost $10k AUS to go. Not really worth my time.

But I guess if they are going to do what they say they are (really working with you to increase revenue) then it will be worth it.

And as Shoe said, if you don't get your fees back within the first month then you are in the wrong business, as they will help you big time.

**NBF** · 11-28-2006, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petertdavis

Just curious about this Laura, because what you've done with Notebook Forums seems to me to be more impressive than what some of the organizers have done.

Wow - thanks, Peter! What a compliment!

Honestly, I am really interested in learning more about getting to the *next* level. I feel like bumping everything up another notch is going to take more planning, more legwork, more everything because we start to compete with more of the "big boys." I hope that makes sense. I am really interested in talking to Aaron Wall about specific SEO issues (obviously, we have a certain grasp on SEO, but again - it's about going beyond where we are now). I am interested in talking to Lee about how he manages all his sites and also about buying and selling sites. I am interested in talking to Shoemoney about PPC, marketing, etc. We have really never marketed the site, but it's something that I want to do, so why not got to the best? And finally, I am interested in talking with Dave Taylor about lots of things - writing, busines development, etc. He's done SO much - I would love to just pick his brain about it.

I know that $5k is a lot of money, but as we all know, just a few key tweaks can instantly bump your daily income. I am expecting to learn that and then some. I am REALLY excited.

**GeorgeB** · 11-28-2006, 08:07 AM

Looks like you're going in with a good game plan. You'll likely learn a lot.

I was actually going to buy notebooks.ws and compete with you as a forum but I changed my mind and let it go

Too many other projects.

I'm curious who you plan to compete with because I consider you one of the big-boys.... errr people in that niche.

**NBF** · 11-28-2006, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

I was actually going to buy notebooks.ws and compete with you as a forum but I changed my mind and let it go

Too many other projects.

I'm curious who you plan to compete with because I consider you one of the big-boys.... errr people in that niche.

LOL. You aren't the first - so no worries! I have lost count of how many disgruntled members have stomped off and vowed to start a better site (also some not-so-disgruntled members, too). I can, however, remember those who have succeeded. I don't say that to be snotty - I say that because we have been incredibly blessed with fiercely loyal members who have been amazing over the last few years. Many of whom joined us at the start who are still posting strong today. We are so thankful to our members - they make the site what it is. We just try to stay out of their way.

But of course, if you do ever join this space, you are more than welcome!

Well, the competing question is sort of a tough one because you are right - there isn't much else in the "laptop forum" space (we don't feel like we are 'competing' with other sites, even thoough others exist and do well). We are at the point where we need to strategically map out what we are doing - are we going to hire writers and reviewers as staff? Or are we going to avoid any sort of major 'editorial content' and stick to what the members contribute? Are we trying to become more like CNET or more like Gizmodo (or neither)? Steering the ship was a lot easier when it was smaller, but now that it's so big, it's a lot more dificult to make sure we stay on track.

Also, because of our size, we are going to be starting to actually meet with the companies on the board - face to face - which is something we haven't done before. It just adds another layer of complexity, relationships, loyalties, etc. I just haven't done this stuff before, so I am learning as I go. I firmly believe in not re-inventing the wheel, so that's why I am so excited about the Retreat. I am eager to talk to people who have been through this stuff.

As for getting a lot out of it - I am studying the leaders and preparing specific questions that I want answered. They will be sorry I came. LOL!

Okay, so I hijacked this thread - sorry!

**petertdavis** · 11-29-2006, 12:38 AM

I'd actually love to go to an "Elite Retreat", but mine would have Pierre Omidyar, Mark Cuban, Guy Kawasaki, and Seth Godin.

**sitedesigner** · 12-09-2006, 04:43 PM

NBF, did you plan to ask those types of questions at a group setting? or were you more thinking of one on one kind of dealio?

-Matthew

**Will.Spencer** · 12-09-2006, 04:46 PM

I got into the web business so I didn't have to work with people.

**NBF** · 12-09-2006, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew

NBF, did you plan to ask those types of questions at a group setting? or were you more thinking of one on one kind of dealio?

-Matthew

Well honestly, I am not sure. I will take information any way I can get it, though.

I have some general topics that I would love to see touched on (in keeping with the theme of the conference and what the leaders have planned), but I also have more specific questions that I hope to get answered.

I just don't want to leave when its over and end up kicking myself on the drive home that I didn't ask about something.

I'm curious... why do you ask?