Users of the Sitepoint Marketplace are getting a new home for their community. Sitepoint announced that it is moving to Flippa.com, which is currently in beta, and boasts an updated web 2.0-style design. Do you like the new destination? Tell us your thoughts.
This is quite a bit different from the old school forum style of the current Sitepoint marketplace:
That is one problem that some users seem to have with the change though. You can’t expect to make changes to an established community without a little backlash though. You may recall that little Facebook redesign that had many users more than a little perturbed. I think for the most part they got over it though. If not, they at least adjusted. I think Facebook is doing ok.
Still, Sitepoint Marketplace users are sounding off in the comments of a recent blog post announcing the change. Here are some of the gripes:
– More fees
– If it’s not broken why fix it.
– Design (difficult to navigate)
– The name (“scam site flipping” implications and dolphin implications)
– lacks credibility of existing marketplace
That last one is an interesting gripe, considering that the Sitepoint brand is nowhere to be found on Flippa (at least not yet). They guys behind Flippa have not been silent to the feedback though.
“We’re still a lot more cost effective than many of the domain name marketplaces who charge a listing fee and/or 10% commission,” says Flippa Founder Mark Harbottle. “If price sensitive sellers choose to list somewhere else there’s a good chance it will be reflected in their end result (if they get a sale at all) because the other marketplaces just don’t attract the caliber of buyers we do. Serious sellers with quality sites will know that, and our buyers will be happy for allowing these sites to become a lot easier to find on flippa.com.”
“That aside, the business reality is we have to change these fees to sustain and grow the marketplace and provide a professional service at all levels. We’re investing heavily to make this the only place you’d consider selling your web site.”
The general attitude seems to reflect the second listed gripe – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Sitepoint Marketplace users generally like it how it is. At least this is the impression that I get from reading through the comments on the announcement. Are you a user? What do you think about the change? Discuss it here.
