Hi
Everyone likes to hear how MS/FB/Google/Apple started and became big. We also like to hear how OzBargain started, problems faced, memorable events, tech hardware/software used. You are important us as much as MS/FB/Google/Apple.
The OzBargain Story
anotherone on 10/07/2013 - 13:44
Comments
We were all going through the latest Kmart catalogues in Scott's garage when we thought this should be put on the Internet.
Nah.
There is a bit in the about section.
Quick history: It started off as a blog in 2005 then moved into a user submitted site in 2006.
As for hardware/software, see here.
Thanks Neil.
You could have added more drama in it. :) .. what about problems faced, memorable events ?
Hmm. Well, I reckon Scott deals with the most of the serious problems.
IMO, one of the biggest problems this site and any website operating in Australia faces is getting sued. Australia doesn't have free speech. Website owners can be found liable for what users post here. See the issues with Zgeek. Google got successfully sued for defamination for a Google Image search.
Subway and Carsales fall into the nonsensical legal threats. Then there are the smaller businesses who don't like when people write negative comments. This is where things like libel and slanderous statements come in. That's when it gets tricky.
Fortunately, solicitors are so expensive in Australia, no business would spend the money hiring one to sue a website. Once word gets out that you are suing a "consumer website", the Striesand Effect applies. See what happened with Whirlpool and 2clix.
But as with Zgeek, if the person who is suing you, is a solicitor themselves, well then you can be continually harassed for 8 years. May have to find a free Udemy legal course.
Any special appreciations from anyone you admire ? Any offers for acquistions ?
Yeah the legal threats are definitely more problematic. However defamation lawsuits in Australia are so expensive so (thankfully) so far we've fortunately haven't had to go to court.
Lots of threats though over the years. Some mad men as well. There was this guy who called me up at work (after abused our receptionist), sent in email death threats, tried to sue me via CTTT small claims and I ended up having to go to police to ask for restrain order if he didn't stop. Yeah that was stressful.
Some mad men as well … sent in email death threats …
I eventually found another hobby.
See original announcement blog post back in Nov 2006. Also see OzBargain Architecture in wiki page for some info.
Yeah might need a "history" page on wiki.
A ThinkPad deal in the lower right corner, must be one of the first?
On another note, Scotty, is that you holding the baby in the avatar?
That baby just had her 9yo birthday last week… Damn time flies.
Wow.. I wish I got this deal:
http://web.archive.org/web/20070906224441/http://www.ozbarga…
http://web.archive.org/web/20061126163103/http://www.citiban…that no annual fee ever gold turned into platinum then signature :)
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/70344#comment-875139
How do you guys employ staff full time? Revenue from ads on the site? Do you pay them in superhero mugs from OzSale perhaps?
We pay them with pages of Kmart catalogue. End of Financial year bonus, if they are lucky, would be Myer or DJ catalogues.
Memorable moments? Gotta be Broden.
More details about the sex scandal please…
I would like the story of your life JV; particularly how this site was so fortunate to have you contributing so much?
I second that…
Please.
Fess up! :)
The one about you trying to cross a fruit fly with an antelope?
Was never going to work man…everyone seems to always tease jv, but let's not deny we all look forward to seeing his comments.
How do you guys make money?
There are no ads that I can see.
There are no ads that I can see
Maybe your settings have advertisements turned off? There should be a "Show advertisement" checkbox in your settings page.
or disable your browser ad blocker :)
Speaking of ads. After Subway had a fit over their logo appearing on OzBargain, I got served this ad right after. Sigh.
Do you guys have a group photo?
You could have put the better one..:D
Hahah…
What wrongs with showing a real one?
We like to know what the founders look like…
We know google, microsoft, apple, and facebook founders
Please put a real photo..would love to see what you guys/gals look like.
You guys aged really well.
No more guessing for me
I think they are here…Altogether
http://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/62400/17311/ozbargain_f…
Look I know that there were pioneer's like scotty in the startup and management of ozbargain etc, but the party only started when I got here ok?!
Is this the next Ozbargain competition - find the real photos of the Ozbargain team!
Would definitely be interested knowing in Ozbargains history.