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22 November 2010
Posted in
Site News
After eight years of running New Zealand's largest Mac website NZMac.com and it's younger sister site NZiPhone.com, the time has come for me to consider moving on to other things. This decision is not due to lack of enthusiasm for all things Apple, but simply because of my desire for some freedom from the commitment I put into running the sites.
The sites combined are some of the most active and successful Mac and iPhone sites in New Zealand. Awstats has recorded well over 1.1 million hits for NZMac.com and 400K of hits for NZiPhone.com per month throughout this year (much higher stats for NZiPhone.com since June also). They feature an abundance of information, news and lively discussions and receive a great deal of international attention...even being featured in a book on the Joomla content management system that run the sites. The sites include a widely used RSS and Radio widget for the Mac, and recently a dedicated iPhone app to bring all the latest information straight to the iPhone and iPad. But most of all, they both feature an amazing community of users, who I cannot lay claim to, but thank for their ongoing and continued use of both sites.
So what is included in the deal? In short, you gain ownership of all of the following, which I will transfer over completely to you:
- The NZMac.com and NZMac.co.nz, NZiPhone.com and NZiPhone.co.nz, NZiPad.com and NZiPad.co.nz domain names
- Both sites running as they are now - all content, material, supporting documents and Joomla (the content management system running the site) commercial templates and commercial add-ons*
- Handing over (if required) of access to the current server hosting for the sites (bluengrey.com will be removed from the server as part of the arrangement)
- A minimum of 6 months of my involvement in ensuring an effective technical hand-over of all aspects of site**
- Access to all files associated with the NZMac.com RSS and NZMac.com Radio widget
- If allowed, transfer of the TapLynx license for the iPhone app, removal of the app from the iTunes store under my name and the assigning of all continued development for it under your name
- Ownership and access to all files associated with the NZMac.com podcast
- Ownership of all images and any associated material and branding
- Ownership of http://twitter.com/nzmac, http://twitter.com/nziphone and http://youtube.com/nzmac
- Ownership of the feedburner account that delivers RSS feeds and emails with advertising branding
- Access to the “Google Apps for Your Domain” system for NZMac.com, allowing you to assign “NZMac.com” branded email/word processing/calendar/spreadsheet accounts to users (some users already have accounts)
* In the case of commercial add-ins to Joomla, I will assign these to you in all instances where companies will allow me to transfer my accounts to you. In some instances they may not allow this to happen
** Note that this is an offer of support (mostly advice and guidance) in handing over the running and technical aspects of the site. That it does not include any offer to keep running the sites during that time or to work on altering the site (such as to new branding or functionality). That is something that you will need to either arrange yourself or I can do for an appropriate fee.
If you are interested in acquiring the two sites, please feel free to contact me to discuss this further. Regards, Philip Roy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
FAQ
Q - Phil, what happens to the sites if you are unable to find a buyer?
A - It's business as usual at this stage. The sites will continue to function as they do now. I'm still here and I'm not the sort of person to stop a live site running abruptly. Please continue to support and use both sites.
Q - I have an NZMac.com email account. Should I stop using it? Will it be impacted?
A - Well I'm not planning on stopping using mine....it's my main account and it's fantastic! The free NZMac.com email accounts are great and any new buyer should allow these to continue. Even if they didn't, I would ensure that all account users are given a substantial amount of time (ie, months) to move to a different account. So please don't panic and please don't feel the need to stop using those accounts.
Q - Are you interested in increased sponsorship and/or an on-going role?
A - Not really. Neither of those things truly impact what I am trying to reduce...my time involvement...nor do they help me find a job.
Q - Will advertisers be affected?
A - I would like to thank my advertisers for their ongoing support and assure them that their adverts will continue to run as paid for.
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bart hanson
said:
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Bugger! Phillip, I have lurked on the site from time to time and I felt it was a good forum for NZ/Mac (Apple) news and opinion. You have been a fair and objective moderator (a job you probably won't miss. I do think a site such as NZMac.com tends to be a reflection of its instigator so you have done yourself proud. I will watch with interest to see what becomes of the site. Good luck with the selling process and all the best for the future! |
Philip Roy
said:
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Thanks Bart. It has been something I have been mulling over all year, and I confess I sat for 90 minutes yesterday forcing my hand to finally click the submit button to get the article published as it's not been an easy decision. Part of the reason started way back at the beginning of the year when I completed my Masters...I started to enjoy having some time to do other things and not always be in front of my Mac...and part I confess over a recent decision to accept redundancy from the Uni I work at rather than apply for new positions there....so it's all change I guess and I probably need to concentrate on finding an income source (ie, a job!). Phil |
Brian Harrison
said:
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Thanks for the heads up Phil, but damn, it`s sad news, as you have operated, moderated and organised a wonderful Mac site for Kiwi`s. I can full appreciate the time and effort you must have devoted to making this so, but having read the reasons for your decision, can comprehend the present circumstances that compels you to do so. Hopefully, when it happens, the next owner has the same energy and expertise to carry the site forward, but for you Phil, I wish you all the best in whatever direction life takes you, as and when the site is sold. |
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