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CARDS ON THE TABLE

2/12/2014

32 Comments

 
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Galactic greetings, readers of this vile, little site. We’ve been active now just a smidge shy of a month, and it seems to be going down like a nude at a bar mitzvah.

 People have been very nice – indeed, unanimously so, it would appear – about this return-ish. Having been away for so long, we had no idea what sort of reception we were going to be faced with, but it has been utterly humbling. Indeed, we were braced for the worst, and didn’t expect, or even feel we really deserved, such an outpouring of affection. But it’s welcome all the same.


WE'RE LOVING IT

We have to say, we’re loving writing Digi2000. Really loving it. It’s kind of like coming home after a long time, and all your favourite relatives are there – even Sad Uncle Percy (although he just lays on the floor in the pantry, crying). Thank you, sincerely, for such a warm response. We hope to continue not disappointing you (and if there's something you think we're doing wrong, or would like to see - please let us know).

However… the bitter truth is, we’re only able to update the site with this sort of frequency because we’ve got the time right now. At some point in the New Year, the day job is going to kick in, and – unless something dramatic happens between now and then – Digitiser2000 is going to have to take a bit more of a back seat.

We don’t want that to happen. And, we hope, you don’t either. We want to give it our all.


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GENERIC HEADLINE: HERE

As we’ve said before, the initial intention of starting up this site was to see if there were enough people still interested in the sort of thing we do to get some sort of crowd-funded project off the ground. It feels like there should be, in our disgusting guts, but cold logic of our equally disgusting brains is kind of overruling that at the minute.

We would still like to do a Digitiser book, but there also seem to be quite a lot of people who would just like us to carry on doing what we’re doing already – except perhaps with proper funding to turn it into a full-blooded gaming funnies website. Much like Digi of old, basically… but more new. We're open to all suggestions about how we could make that happen (especially suggestions from wealthy business leaders, or potential, not-conflicting-with-our-content, sponsors).

We’re not going anywhere immediately – any crowdsourcing campaign will have to wait until after Christmas, when people aren't broke. And this site will be there to support it. But, as brilliant as many people have been in offering to help us pay for The Crowdsourced Thing, we're not convinced there are enough of them to risk making ourselves look stupid.

ALL ABOARD THE READERSHIP

Currently, we appear to have a core daily readership of several hundred people, with page views in the multiple thousands. Last week we spiked to almost a thousand unique readers in one day, as the Pudsey article popped up on Metafilter. That’s good, and that is nice, but it isn’t really enough to sustain the site indefinitely at this level of frequency (or higher).


We’re well aware that Rome wasn’t burned in a day. As we’ve stated elsewhere, we didn’t expect to stride lewdly onto the pitch after all this time for it to be hailed The Second Coming. But people do keep telling us that the Digi fanbase is still out there somewhere, like a lost tribe. Though, perhaps because of our reluctance to oversaturate the Interverse with our own puffery and self-glorification, just feel we’re struggling to reach it a bit.

Judging from the steady dribble of followers to Mr Biffo’s Twitter feed, people are still waking up to the fact there’s new Digitiser content being generated. Indeed, Twitter has been really useful for getting the words out there (though poor, self-sabotaging, Mr Biffo seems to lose as many followers as he gains every time he stubbornly posts up another stupid Man’s Daddy-style joke).

But we’re also aware that there’s a limit as to how much self-promotion we can do. We don’t want to annoy people, or appear to be shameless publicity-hounds, so there’s only so much we can achieve with our own limited resources.

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WHAT WE NEED

We hate to ask this - it risks looking grabby and needy, but we know people have enjoyed Digitiser2000 to date, and the reality is we require help to sustain it.

At this stage, we're not asking for any of you to put your hands in your pockets. If you're enjoying what we're doing on this site, all we need is for you to support us however you can. If you've got a website, or you're a proper journo, we'd love you to write about our return. If you're on Twitter, a tweet or retweet would go a long way (Biffo promises to follow you as a thank you). If you've got a podcast - we're happy to make an appearance. 

We're fumbling around in a dark sack a bit here, and are open to all suggestions and feedback. We're getting some crappy Digitiser stickers printed up, and - if people even want them - we'll be giving them away to those of you who go above and beyond. Hell... maybe we'll even sign them, providing it doesn't ruin them.

We're off to a solid start, but for Digitiser2000 to continue in some sort of substantial form, or - better yet - blossom into something even lovelier (panic not - we've enjoyed doing this too much to disappear back into obscurity entirely), we have to try and capitalise upon our community. It's no false modesty when we say this is more your site than it is ours, and we exist to give you what you want. 

Thank you for giving this a read. And thank you for all the support so far. And!

32 Comments
Interstellar 555 link
2/12/2014 08:26:22 am

This is wonderful, truly lovely. Don't stop... whatever you do!

Digitiser was absolutely necessary and relevant 20 years ago. It was a product of its time: a heady cocktail of strict word limits, irredeemably low-res graphics to tickle the imagination, and the knowledge that every published article represented another kick to the balls of the gaming (and Teletext) establishment.

But! The internet makes it possible for any old hack to be that guy now. So while I applaud turning nostalgia into something tangible for the fans, what I really want is a steady stream of new, relevant material to make me laugh. That's what kept me coming back daily in the 90s and the same is true today

So, basically just more of what you've been doing already. I'm sure every veteran reader who learns of the revival will jump on board to throw coins down whatever money chute you install.

An actual suggestion: make the site more mobile friendly. Offshore coders can throw together a freemium ad-supported mobile app very quickly, and for not very much money. Tack on a subscription for more heavyweight content (game reviews etc) but offer daily blog stuff for free to everyone, just like Teletext.

Digi is dead. Long live Digi!

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Interracial 555
2/12/2014 03:45:38 pm

Mobile site looks plush now, ta.

You're right, a two-tier setup would be somewhat anti-Digitiser given that everyone could previously access everything.

So, perhaps what's really needed are two things:

1) persistent identities for the site community. Log-me-in-me-do!
2) virtual tinsel to adorn (1)

To explain (2) a bit: take Line, reddit and b3ta.com for starters. Each offers their wares for free to get punters in the door. However, for small change you get to distinguish yourself. On b3ta.com it was a blocky little donation icon next to your user name. On Reddit it's 'reddit gold' which can be bought for oneself or others to add unnecessary luxury privileges. On Line it's the stickers.

They all have one thing in common: money for old rope. Painless micro-transactions for pointless guff. Nobody needs any of it, but the option is there for the community to support proceedings. I'd buy virtual avatar packs on a regular basis, or a month of "access to the reveal button" for example.

Rob Manuel knows absolutely everyone in the UK online creative industry. He runs b3ta and he's also active on Twitter. As well as helping plug this site, and possibly hooking you up with like-minded chaps he can explain how the b3ta donation model somehow kept it running for so long. It also hasn't seen an update for 10 years so it's perfect for Digitiser. Take that!

Charlie Brooker has huge reach on Twotter now and is almost certainly an ex-fan, unless you and he are already sworn enemies, in which case don't contact him.

And why not start up a digitiser sub-reddit? It's free and would help extend your testicles (tentacles) into reddit's gaping maw.

Keep up the great work. We're all giddy with hope and desire again.

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Mr Biffo
2/12/2014 11:40:14 am

Cheers, Interrail. We've turned on the mobile version of the site again (we switched it off, after it looked a bit funny on some of the posts). Hope that's ok? But... an app is an interesting idea, likewise subscription (though I dunno how comfortable I am with a sort of two-tier readership - might need some thinking through).

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Interracial 555
2/12/2014 03:48:08 pm

(repost as I replied to myself by mistake, pls destroy the other comment)

Mobile site looks plush now, ta.

You're right, a two-tier setup would be somewhat anti-Digitiser given that everyone could previously access everything.

So, perhaps what's really needed are two things:

1) persistent identities for the site community. Log-me-in-me-do!
2) virtual tinsel to adorn (1)

To explain (2) a bit: take Line, reddit and b3ta.com for starters. Each offers their wares for free to get punters in the door. However, for small change you get to distinguish yourself. On b3ta.com it was a blocky little donation icon next to your user name. On Reddit it's 'reddit gold' which can be bought for oneself or others to add unnecessary luxury privileges. On Line it's the stickers.

They all have one thing in common: money for old rope. Painless micro-transactions for pointless guff. Nobody needs any of it, but the option is there for the community to support proceedings. I'd buy virtual avatar packs on a regular basis, or a month of "access to the reveal button" for example.

Rob Manuel knows absolutely everyone in the UK online creative industry. He runs b3ta and he's also active on Twitter. As well as helping plug this site, and possibly hooking you up with like-minded chaps he can explain how the b3ta donation model somehow kept it running for so long. It also hasn't seen an update for 10 years so it's perfect for Digitiser. Take that!

Charlie Brooker has huge reach on Twotter now and is almost certainly an ex-fan, unless you and he are already sworn enemies, in which case don't contact him.

And why not start up a digitiser sub-reddit? It's free and would help extend your testicles (tentacles) into reddit's gaping maw.

Keep up the great work. We're all giddy with hope and desire again.

Reply
OG
2/12/2014 12:54:42 pm

every morning before school: cuppa tea, marmalade on toast, and Muthaf*ckin Digitiser!

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Mr Biffo
2/12/2014 02:36:40 pm

If only we could've used that name...

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nimmo1492
14/12/2014 02:17:53 am

It was always Digi, Mega-Zine and Bamboozle for me. Those were fine days indeed.

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KFultz link
2/12/2014 01:14:31 pm

I'm surprised nobody's requested the return of Press Reveal. I know this isn't teletext, but I'd darned pike (like) it to feel like it is even a little more. If you're hosting on Wordpress, I'm sure there is some sort of flash-based (or even HTML5) plugin around. Do you see?

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Mr Biffo
2/12/2014 02:37:58 pm

Actually, quite a few people have - and one nice man even did us a reveal-oh widget. But... I'm too much of a technical incompetent to get it to work. I think at some point, if this continues, I need some sort of web wiz person to take a look at it for me.

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KFultz
3/12/2014 04:49:20 am

If you are on Wordpress, I've made and sold a few WP sites in my time. I'm no trained HTML chimp but have crudely "hacked" a few plugins before. Would be happy to help should you need it (and skulk into a corner if of no use).

Picston Shottle
2/12/2014 02:13:51 pm

How about some more pop-culture stuff in the vein of Bubblegun? I know Digi is/was primarily for video games, but why limit what you can write about? I really liked that piece you wrote about Chernobyl - it doesn't necessarily fit with either Bubblegun or Digi it was still a good read.

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Mr Biffo
2/12/2014 02:39:52 pm

Interesting. It did cross my mind, actually. I think at this stage we're going to focus on the nostalgic novelty of Digi being back. At least for a while. Dreaming big... if this can take off... then yes, some sort of broader remit might be worth considering. Ta for the feedback.

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Picston Shottle
2/12/2014 02:56:45 pm

And let's not forget LoopyLisa21F, that sexed-up (or should that be sexed-down?) hussy...

Seriously, it's great to have Digi back, and to have a Mr Biffo presence on the web in general; I've missed the surreal humour ever since the BoB imploded into a morass of bickering and spite. Whatever form the new Digi takes, and whatever crowdfunding ideas you come up with, I will be more than happy to support.

Franklin McPutty
2/12/2014 06:33:04 pm

Frankly, it's been like a lost relative returning having Digi back. In a good "no, he never even lived near a school" kind of way. If there was a kickstarter or patreon I'd chip in my pocket money for sure. I don't need every copy of Whizzer and Chips

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Stuart N. Hardy
2/12/2014 06:52:45 pm

(No, not the real one)

Just discovered the site today and it's so great to see Digi again, it's been a long 13(?) years but I never entirely forgot about it. Hopefully the word keeps spreading and the other lost brethren will return to the fold. Even if a Digi book was on the cards just as a memento I'd definitely support the crowdfund, but I'd hope you guys would stick around and keep providing us with top notch and hilarous games journalism that we've been missing for so long!

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Mr Biffo
3/12/2014 04:34:38 am

Thanks for the comments, chaps. All very kind of you. We'll do our best to give you what you want.

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Mr Biffo
3/12/2014 07:21:47 am

PS. KFultz - thank you for the offer. We'll let ye know.

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FuzzyDuck
3/12/2014 10:19:45 am

Someone started a thread over on the Eurogamer forums about ye guys being active again... well, it would be rude not to stop by and say hello! HELLO!

I grew up on Digi, probably enjoyed reading it more than I did playing a lot of the games at the time. My only request for using the TV for the entire week was to be able to read Digi when I got home from school. In fact, I can say ye directly contributed to the onset of diabetes as I stopped buying gaming mags, just read ye guys instead (and it was all the more honest and hilarious) and had far more pocket money for sweets. So thanks! (ye also prompted me to look up the word "insincere", so thanks again!).

Seeing names like Mr. Nude and Gossi The Dog again is like discovering some photo album from a time you can barely recall, only for it to come flooding back with 100% clarity. In a sense, between discovering the site and reading about the PlayStation's 20th anniversary today, I've gone back in time.

Hopefully ye guys can look to the future here. I'll make sure to read all your stuff with a 30 second stopwatch and change page, even if I'm not finished.

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dan de la peche
3/12/2014 11:00:01 am

Yeah, that was me.

I would never normally go and mention anything like this, because I don't like to, but Digi's gotta stay, man. I found out about it through the British thread on Something Awful (full of sausage lovers).

Typically I fucked up the link about three times as I'm apparently a massive chump, so probably any extra readers will have clicked it then fucked off in rage.

Hopefully EG will let the thread stay up, even though you're clearly competition, what with your penchant for giving everything one single review score (ho ho).

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Mr Biffo
3/12/2014 01:04:41 pm

Thanks for starting the EG thread, Dannus. We've had a lot of hits from there, so it has been a good thing on the whole. Every little bit helps.

Mr Biffo
3/12/2014 01:03:49 pm

Hello! We're very happy to have raised you, and to have you back, F-Duck. We've definitely got our eyes on the future. Keep YOUR eyes ON us.

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IckyConcrete
3/12/2014 01:24:16 pm

Surely this would be a great use of Patreon?

Keep up the good work!

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Mr Biffo
3/12/2014 01:38:11 pm

Cheers, Ickuss. My instinctive resistance to Patreon is starting to weaken, the more people suggest it...

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Sven
4/12/2014 08:33:35 am

Grrrrrrt jrrb drrrrgrrrr. grrrrrrd trrrr hrrrrrv yrrrr brrrrrk. Mrrrr Zrrrmbrrr Drrrvr prrrrrzr

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Mr Biffo
4/12/2014 11:35:43 am

Zmmmmbrrrr Drrrrrrv srrrrrrz: yrrrrrrlll grrrrd whrrd yrrrrr grrrrvn.

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handsome crab
5/12/2014 06:26:49 am

Digitiser.... back after all this time, I can scarcely believe it. Nostalgia-me-do!

I had no idea you were back, I came upon you (oo-er) via a link on the Eurogamer forums. Digitiser made my day back in the... day. I had an awful job I hated and getting home and chortling merrily to the man's daddy, insincere Dave, the snakes (I cuss you bad!) Et al really helped me decompress.

I've literally read just this page so I'm looking forward to catching up with what you've been doing.

I remember reading an interview with Mister Biffo after digi ended saying he had no idea how loved it was. Well, I loved it and I always felt guilty about not writing in to tell you before it was over.

As for the crowd sourcing thing, I would do literally anything (not literally anything) to keep digi going this time.

So good to have you back.

Swayze!

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Mr Biffo
5/12/2014 07:19:49 am

Why, thank you, Mr Sir. We'll do what we can to keep it going. Some kind of Patreon thing seems like an increasingly popular option - IF we can get beyond our innate prejudice at asking for hand-outs.

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Darkhippy
10/12/2014 05:02:33 pm

Absolutely and insanely happy to be reading Digitiser again!!!
I used to read every day back in the 90s and have missed the jokes,the characters,and I am so happy to see that you have kept the Teletext art design.
Rest assured that I will be telling all my friends about this great new site and will happily donate to any funding campaign you intend to start in the new year.
Thank you.

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Mr Biffo
11/12/2014 06:06:11 am

Happy to hear you're happy, Hipster. We'll do our best to keep you happy. You and you alone.

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gonebeface
11/12/2014 06:03:41 am

So glad Digi is back! I have oft wanted a Digi t-shirt, perhaps that might add a few squid (quid) into the Digitiser pot?

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Mr Biffo
11/12/2014 06:07:28 am

Thanking for the niceness, GeeBeeEff. We've left it too late to fanny around with tshirts this year, but I think it's something we might do early in 2015.

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gonebeface
11/12/2014 06:22:50 am

Spiffing! In that case I will move my birthday from September to February in anticipation...




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