Crystal Web ADSL performance feedback thread Part 3...

[Phinix]

Why no CW on here? http://mybroadband.co.za/news/adsl/136926-best-ever-uncapped-adsl-prices-in-south-africa.html

MyBB doesn't like us.

 

[DJ...]

Why no CW on here? http://mybroadband.co.za/news/adsl/136926-best-ever-uncapped-adsl-prices-in-south-africa.html

MyBroadband have taken a decision to exclude Crystal Web from all of their publications and articles by the looks of things, and have also taken it upon themselves (rpm) to begin submitting incorrect information to our clients who question them about our exclusion in articles. MyBroadband have not responded to questions or queries in this respect from us. The claim is that Crystal Web does not operate a capacity-based network and we are therefore excluded from publication, which we only discovered was the claimed reason when rpm began to circulate this false information to our clients who queried him about our exclusion. This is 100% incorrect, however MyBroadband has not responded to our mails regarding clarification and rectification in this respect.Unfortunately it does appear as if Crystal Web may soon have to remove itself entirely from MyBroadband, including the forum. A decision in this respect will be taken in due course...

 

[HecticZA]

What is a "capacity based network" if I may ask?

 

[Ho3n3r]

MyBroadband have taken a decision to exclude Crystal Web from all of their publications and articles by the looks of things, and have also taken it upon themselves (rpm) to begin submitting incorrect information to our clients who question them about our exclusion in articles. MyBroadband have not responded to questions or queries in this respect from us. The claim is that Crystal Web does not operate a capacity-based network and we are therefore excluded from publication, which we only discovered was the claimed reason when rpm began to circulate this false information to our clients who queried him about our exclusion. This is 100% incorrect, however MyBroadband has not responded to our mails regarding clarification and rectification in this respect.Unfortunately it does appear as if Crystal Web may soon have to remove itself entirely from MyBroadband, including the forum. A decision in this respect will be taken in due course...

I think the exposure you get on here is too valuable to get rid of.

I 100% only signed up to you guys because of these forums, and the positive feedback others gave, and so have many others. Taking yourself out of the limelight may shoot you in the foot.

But if you're looking to scale back on your amount on clients, then it's a fair call.

 

[DJ...]

What is a "capacity based network" if I may ask?

Operate your own capacity, so not paying per GB or reselling other ISP's accounts. Crystal Web most certainly operates its own capacity, however those commercial agreements should have zero bearing on publication in any case...

 

[DJ...]

But if you're looking to scale back on your amount on clients, then it's a fair call.

Absolutely not - the opposite. We are growing the network significantly...

 

[HecticZA]

Operate your own capacity, so not paying per GB or reselling other ISP's accounts. Crystal Web most certainly operates its own capacity, however those commercial agreements should have zero bearing on publication in any case...

Thank you and yes I agree, why should it make a difference?

If you do decide to move from MyBB, would you consider creating a Forum type website?

 

[Masataka]

Right now, I'd only move to another network if you guys shut down (hopefully that never happens) - the other networks are terrible, be in their support (lack of), or just terrible network and network policies.

When you launch your 8Mb, I'll be first in the queue - will probably have the same usage but I can get there faster

 

[Ho3n3r]

Absolutely not - the opposite. We are growing the network significantly...

Then it won't be wise. It would be interesting to know exactly how many of your current clients signed up to Crystal directly or indirectly due to MyBroadband.

E.g. I signed up due to this, and my in-laws signed up to you because of my recommendation. They never even heard of Crystal before I told them. I'm sure it's like this in many cases.

 

[Bighit]

If you do decide to move from MyBB, would you consider creating a Forum type website?

Well look at what DStv do, they have their own forum.

 

[whatwhat]

What is a "capacity based network" if I may ask?

That is MyBroadband speak for "sponsor us". Look at how many OpenWeb and Afrihost ads are done every week, even though these companies are lying thieves.

 

[Paul Hjul]

Thank you and yes I agree, why should it make a difference?

If you do decide to move from MyBB, would you consider creating a Forum type website?

It seems a bit redundant to be honest and since withdrawing from MyBB participation, Facebook more than feeds my social engagement on tech subjects quota. Articles appearing on MyBB and Tech Central and ITWeb all link well into MyBB so unless you can create a genuine community of interest I anticipate that Facebook will simply fall into the place as time progresses.

The sort of forum that a person would want has a proper press release structure (which is better suited by existing entrants in the market) that relays original well conceived articles - and some stories that have broken on MyBB have been truly superb - and more than anything has proper critical engagement by informed opinion and individuals with an investigative mind. You also want a discursive space which while commercially viable does not blatantly appear to be at the commercial behest of some section of an industry. You don't want "partner content" to appear to be nothing more than an advertising ruse or for the press to become implicated in peddling inferior products. A single firm initiating a discursive space always creates that risk and if you consider the bulk of forums established as a mechanism of customer relations by firms in South Africa the dangers are quite evident.

Unless we feel like picking up some of the tech journalists floating around the exercise wouldn't bring innovation or improvement to the market. It is a non-core function. As a non-core function it is more in line for us to respond to comment when sought (and I might add that MyBB is the only SA tech publication that is not seeking comment) and engage with the tech press where circumstances are meet. Although then again I am sure DJ would love a radio station and it would be revenge of the universe if I were to venture into the realm of journalism.

 

[sand_man]

MyBroadband have taken a decision to exclude Crystal Web from all of their publications and articles by the looks of things, and have also taken it upon themselves (rpm) to begin submitting incorrect information to our clients who question them about our exclusion in articles. MyBroadband have not responded to questions or queries in this respect from us. The claim is that Crystal Web does not operate a capacity-based network and we are therefore excluded from publication, which we only discovered was the claimed reason when rpm began to circulate this false information to our clients who queried him about our exclusion. This is 100% incorrect, however MyBroadband has not responded to our mails regarding clarification and rectification in this respect.Unfortunately it does appear as if Crystal Web may soon have to remove itself entirely from MyBroadband, including the forum. A decision in this respect will be taken in due course...

Seems a bit unfair...

 

[ToxicBunny]

MyBroadband have taken a decision to exclude Crystal Web from all of their publications and articles by the looks of things, and have also taken it upon themselves (rpm) to begin submitting incorrect information to our clients who question them about our exclusion in articles. MyBroadband have not responded to questions or queries in this respect from us. The claim is that Crystal Web does not operate a capacity-based network and we are therefore excluded from publication, which we only discovered was the claimed reason when rpm began to circulate this false information to our clients who queried him about our exclusion. This is 100% incorrect, however MyBroadband has not responded to our mails regarding clarification and rectification in this respect.Unfortunately it does appear as if Crystal Web may soon have to remove itself entirely from MyBroadband, including the forum. A decision in this respect will be taken in due course...

This is very disturbing actually.

It would be nice if rpm would explain why this is happening, as much as I'm not a conspiracy theorist (most of the time), it does seem as if "partner" content is sometimes getting better placement that real articles.

 

[HecticZA]

It seems a bit redundant to be honest and since withdrawing from MyBB participation, Facebook more than feeds my social engagement on tech subjects quota. Articles appearing on MyBB and Tech Central and ITWeb all link well into MyBB so unless you can create a genuine community of interest I anticipate that Facebook will simply fall into the place as time progresses.

The sort of forum that a person would want has a proper press release structure (which is better suited by existing entrants in the market) that relays original well conceived articles - and some stories that have broken on MyBB have been truly superb - and more than anything has proper critical engagement by informed opinion and individuals with an investigative mind. You also want a discursive space which while commercially viable does not blatantly appear to be at the commercial behest of some section of an industry. You don't want "partner content" to appear to be nothing more than an advertising ruse or for the press to become implicated in peddling inferior products. A single firm initiating a discursive space always creates that risk and if you consider the bulk of forums established as a mechanism of customer relations by firms in South Africa the dangers are quite evident.

Unless we feel like picking up some of the tech journalists floating around the exercise wouldn't bring innovation or improvement to the market. It is a non-core function. As a non-core function it is more in line for us to respond to comment when sought (and I might add that MyBB is the only SA tech publication that is not seeking comment) and engage with the tech press where circumstances are meet. Although then again I am sure DJ would love a radio station and it would be revenge of the universe if I were to venture into the realm of journalism.

I was thinking more of interacting between members and CW, as we are currently doing. I wasn't really thinking wider than that.

This type of communication, along with "Live chat" is my preferred way of staying in touch with an ISP and it's members.

 

[Paul Hjul]

I was thinking more of interacting between members and CW, as we are currently doing. I wasn't really thinking wider than that.

This type of communication, along with "Live chat" is my preferred way of staying in touch with an ISP and it's members.

indeed and one of the most powerful things about MyBB is the prospects of being a public space where customers and ISPs could meaningfully communicate - I honestly believe that the majority of people who have become meaningful contributors of MyBB do so in large part because of the value of this as a communications channel where some candid and insightful communication can happen

what is at question is how strongly this culture remains

 

[Phinix]

Hey Pauls back from purgatory.

Welcome back!

 

[snail112]

Then it won't be wise. It would be interesting to know exactly how many of your current clients signed up to Crystal directly or indirectly due to MyBroadband.

E.g. I signed up due to this, and my in-laws signed up to you because of my recommendation. They never even heard of Crystal before I told them. I'm sure it's like this in many cases.

I had bad internet because OW's product was not as good as it used to be and DJ contacted me via PM to offer an alternative option. It was way better than OW, but at that stage the CW network was not ever as good as it is now.

That is MyBroadband speak for "sponsor us". Look at how many OpenWeb and Afrihost ads are done every week, even though these companies are lying thieves.

I don't get adds on MyBB. The only time I switch Adblock Plus off in FF is when there is a competition to win something.

 

[Ho3n3r]

I had bad internet because OW's product was not as good as it used to be and DJ contacted me via PM to offer an alternative option. It was way better than OW, but at that stage the CW network was not ever as good as it is now.

Indeed. You would have been unlikely to sign with them if they weren't on MyBB then.

 

[snail112]

Indeed. You would have been unlikely to sign with them if they weren't on MyBB then.

I think I would have joined CW sooner or later, more later than sooner. The only ISP I never considered using was CyberSmart, but lets not go there. CW is the best ISP that I have used so far.