There is a lot going on here. Tensions are high; feelings are bruised. Uncertainty carries the day. The general sentiment I get from many of the posts is that some see a strong resemblance between Infopop and the Taliban. Let me assure you that Ted's real name is Edward, NOT Osama! :-)
I very much respect the opinions, concerns, and feedback that I've read throughout these forums. There is much here to focus our efforts for improvement. With all due respect, I'd like to offer a few comments that I hope will be insightful about us and our intentions.
Infopop is a small company. We struggle to make the best decisions and to maximize our resources on a daily basis just like you. We have, unfortunately, made mistakes in the past. We will make mistakes in the future. All we can do is the best that we can, striving to push forward, each day getting better than the last. We have a resounding commitment to the customer experience. We’ve not been perfect in this regard in the past, but please understand that it is a primary focus for us.
Infopop currently has about 25 people. Most of our staff is in the customer support and technology areas. While we hope to soon, we have never had any sales or marketing staff. Every license that we’ve gotten has come to us based upon the viral marketing generated by our “Powered By” link on the bottom of our pages. We have never bought an ad (print, banner or otherwise), in fact we have never spent a dime on anything related to marketing (other than color copies perhaps).
Infopop has also never received any outside investment of any kind. While we are blessed with profitability - we are forced to be tremendously prudent (as all of you are) with every dime that we make and spend. We have lofty aspirations; we are getting there one careful step at a time! This represents a large and important step for us - one that we are tremendously excited about!
Serious discussions with Rick began as we both realized that we had an opportunity to further each of our objectives by combining efforts. Those of you that have expressed concern about Infopop, please understand that we did our homework and wanted to establish a relationship specifically with Rick because of many of the valuable things that you rightfully express concern about. It is in our interest to nurture and to invest in those very things – in Rick, your product, your community, and you - in an effort to allow us to do, and be, the best that we can. Yes, there are changes that must occur to make things operate as efficiently and effectively as possible - in our opinion. Time may prove us wrong; but again, we're doing the best we can with the information and resources at our disposal. We hope to minimize changes; I apologize to you for any discomfort or inconvenience that arises from this.
Disagree with our business strategy. Be critical of our tactics. Dislike our products. Even find us objectionable as individuals. Please know though, that like Rick, we are good people of integrity and character. Please also know that given the opportunity – we will work hard to earn your trust and business.
We understand that Rick has set the bar very high with you. Frankly, that's why we wanted to partner with him!! We expect to grow and to learn from our association with Rick, and with you, in ways that will positively impact us throughout every part of our business. Please give us the chance to do that and to serve you.
Michael B. Moore
President
Infopop
[email protected]
