KS Update #5 - Details from Ivan on the Gizmoplex
Apr 22, 2021 14:03:25 GMT -5
BoB3K and tvsfrank like this
Post by monkeypretzel on Apr 22, 2021 14:03:25 GMT -5
I don't know how many people have read Ivan's Update from yesterday 4/21 about the Gizmoplex apps. There's not a lot of meat in the actual update itself, other than they are planning apps for the six biggest platforms, you will be able to watch your MST3K content from VHX/Vimeo on the apps, and they estimate the apps will cost $50,000/year to maintain. But there's some interesting information, or at least hints, in Ivan's answers to comments on that update, and I'd like to get opinions on a few things I noticed.
Excerpt from Backer Comment:
My first thought of the app was that it would work like a traditional streaming app. Subscribers would pay a monthly subscription to have access to all episodes available in the app. Then when new episodes are ready to air subscribers could purchase a premier VIP ticket to that new episode. VIP Ticket holders would be able to join the livestream/chat event then have exclusive access to the new show for a time before the episode became available to the general GIZMOPLEX library.
However from what I've been reading it sounds like the GIZMOPLEX is heading in a different direction. Seems to me that a monthly subscription with VIP tickets to new shows would be a great way to have a healthy revenue stream, I’d even cancel Netflix to pay for my tickets. Then again I don't know this industry either, anyway that's my 2 cents worth.
Ivan's response:
I don't want to steal Joel's thunder, but let's just say... you're getting closer.
That sounds like a plan to upcharge for access to new episodes. Like, you pay your subscription fee, then you buy a ticket to watch the new episode until the time it becomes available as standard content. Am I reading that wrong? I know Ivan didn't exactly confirm, but he didn't deny, either.
Backer comment:
I share [redacted name] question. Can the Gizmoplex and any associated revenue be funneled into making the show sustainable? After my backer subscription expires, I would continue subscribing if it meant supporting new episodes regularly. Otherwise I have my Tapes.
Ivan's response:
Again, I want to wait for Joel's direction to start answering this stuff, but without going into detail... we're definitely looking at that scenario, at least as a partial solution, to keep the show going without needing perpetual Kickstarters. Not sure if it's the WHOLE solution, at least until we see how it turns out and how everyone feels about it, but... if Field of Dreams was telling the truth, and we build it and people come, that's DEFINITELY a piece of the puzzle. Stay tuned for more from Joel! [bold text my emphasis]
That really sounds to me like they are planning on the Gizmoplex subscriptions not being enough to sustain both the functioning of the Gizmoplex AND the production of new episodes/content. Which I read as meaning that regular Kickstarters or other fundraising for each new "season" of MST3K is the plan, going forward. I've seen lots of comments from fans here, on the Kickstarter, elsewhere, where people say they don't really want to have to donate to a Kickstarter every year or two, so donating now to build the Gizmoplex means Joel won't have to ask for money again in the future. Perpetual Kickstarters, at least at this point, look like they are part of the long-term plan for the future of MST3K.
Again, these are just my interpretations of what I read. Please, add your own.
Excerpt from Backer Comment:
My first thought of the app was that it would work like a traditional streaming app. Subscribers would pay a monthly subscription to have access to all episodes available in the app. Then when new episodes are ready to air subscribers could purchase a premier VIP ticket to that new episode. VIP Ticket holders would be able to join the livestream/chat event then have exclusive access to the new show for a time before the episode became available to the general GIZMOPLEX library.
However from what I've been reading it sounds like the GIZMOPLEX is heading in a different direction. Seems to me that a monthly subscription with VIP tickets to new shows would be a great way to have a healthy revenue stream, I’d even cancel Netflix to pay for my tickets. Then again I don't know this industry either, anyway that's my 2 cents worth.
Ivan's response:
I don't want to steal Joel's thunder, but let's just say... you're getting closer.
That sounds like a plan to upcharge for access to new episodes. Like, you pay your subscription fee, then you buy a ticket to watch the new episode until the time it becomes available as standard content. Am I reading that wrong? I know Ivan didn't exactly confirm, but he didn't deny, either.
Backer comment:
I share [redacted name] question. Can the Gizmoplex and any associated revenue be funneled into making the show sustainable? After my backer subscription expires, I would continue subscribing if it meant supporting new episodes regularly. Otherwise I have my Tapes.
Ivan's response:
Again, I want to wait for Joel's direction to start answering this stuff, but without going into detail... we're definitely looking at that scenario, at least as a partial solution, to keep the show going without needing perpetual Kickstarters. Not sure if it's the WHOLE solution, at least until we see how it turns out and how everyone feels about it, but... if Field of Dreams was telling the truth, and we build it and people come, that's DEFINITELY a piece of the puzzle. Stay tuned for more from Joel! [bold text my emphasis]
That really sounds to me like they are planning on the Gizmoplex subscriptions not being enough to sustain both the functioning of the Gizmoplex AND the production of new episodes/content. Which I read as meaning that regular Kickstarters or other fundraising for each new "season" of MST3K is the plan, going forward. I've seen lots of comments from fans here, on the Kickstarter, elsewhere, where people say they don't really want to have to donate to a Kickstarter every year or two, so donating now to build the Gizmoplex means Joel won't have to ask for money again in the future. Perpetual Kickstarters, at least at this point, look like they are part of the long-term plan for the future of MST3K.
Again, these are just my interpretations of what I read. Please, add your own.
