R50/53 A Good Solution? (Please critique)
#1
08-05-2003, 05:00 PM
The more I think about the MCO legal fiasco, the more I don't understand why MINI is even bothering. I am trying to put myself in their shoes, but honestly can't figure out how they could make more revenue by owning the URL of minicooperonline.com.
The only thing I could think of (and I'm not a good businessman or a lawyer) is they get all rights to the name minicooperonline.com, they hire Mark to continue to run the site, they take in all revenue from aftermarket advertisers themselves, and send everyone home happy.
In this case, the community isn't disrupted, Mark gets a high paying job with BMW, the aftermarket advertisers continue to do business with BMW's backing, and BMW will actually, in my opinion, save face by supporting the grassroots organizations that make MINI a success in the first place.
I know I'm oversimplifying it, but in my mind, it makes sense.
I won't even own my car until October (I'm a proud member of the Can't wait for October Club), but I'm still superexcited to get the car
. When I read that people are considering canceling their orders because of this, it bothers me. It's the people that make motoring in a MINI fun, not the Company's Ugly Practices.
If we're loud enough we'll be heard, if not, we'll motor on without them.
Raj
The only thing I could think of (and I'm not a good businessman or a lawyer) is they get all rights to the name minicooperonline.com, they hire Mark to continue to run the site, they take in all revenue from aftermarket advertisers themselves, and send everyone home happy.
In this case, the community isn't disrupted, Mark gets a high paying job with BMW, the aftermarket advertisers continue to do business with BMW's backing, and BMW will actually, in my opinion, save face by supporting the grassroots organizations that make MINI a success in the first place.
I know I'm oversimplifying it, but in my mind, it makes sense.
I won't even own my car until October (I'm a proud member of the Can't wait for October Club), but I'm still superexcited to get the car
. When I read that people are considering canceling their orders because of this, it bothers me. It's the people that make motoring in a MINI fun, not the Company's Ugly Practices. If we're loud enough we'll be heard, if not, we'll motor on without them.
Raj
#2
08-05-2003, 05:05 PM
>>The more I think about the MCO legal fiasco, the more I don't understand why MINI is even bothering. I am trying to put myself in their shoes, but honestly can't figure out how they could make more revenue by owning the URL of minicooperonline.com.
>>
>>The only thing I could think of (and I'm not a good businessman or a lawyer) is they get all rights to the name minicooperonline.com, they hire Mark to continue to run the site, they take in all revenue from aftermarket advertisers themselves, and send everyone home happy.
>>
>>In this case, the community isn't disrupted, Mark gets a high paying job with BMW, the aftermarket advertisers continue to do business with BMW's backing, and BMW will actually, in my opinion, save face by supporting the grassroots organizations that make MINI a success in the first place.
>>
>>I know I'm oversimplifying it, but in my mind, it makes sense.
>>
>>I won't even own my car until October (I'm a proud member of the Can't wait for October Club), but I'm still superexcited to get the car
Amen to that brother! I am not canceling my '04 MCS order...I repeat I am not cancelling my order! If you cancel your existing order you are giving into the bullying of the "Team" of lawyers that seem to be controlling every aspect of BMW's NA operation.
Motor on!
>>
>>The only thing I could think of (and I'm not a good businessman or a lawyer) is they get all rights to the name minicooperonline.com, they hire Mark to continue to run the site, they take in all revenue from aftermarket advertisers themselves, and send everyone home happy.
>>
>>In this case, the community isn't disrupted, Mark gets a high paying job with BMW, the aftermarket advertisers continue to do business with BMW's backing, and BMW will actually, in my opinion, save face by supporting the grassroots organizations that make MINI a success in the first place.
>>
>>I know I'm oversimplifying it, but in my mind, it makes sense.
>>
>>I won't even own my car until October (I'm a proud member of the Can't wait for October Club), but I'm still superexcited to get the car
Amen to that brother! I am not canceling my '04 MCS order...I repeat I am not cancelling my order! If you cancel your existing order you are giving into the bullying of the "Team" of lawyers that seem to be controlling every aspect of BMW's NA operation.
Motor on!
#3
08-05-2003, 05:17 PM
#4
08-05-2003, 05:31 PM
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>>Amen to that brother! I am not canceling my '04 MCS order...I repeat I am not cancelling my order! If you cancel your existing order you are giving into the bullying of the "Team" of lawyers that seem to be controlling every aspect of BMW's NA operation.
>>
>>Motor on! :smile: I can't say I'd be buying the MINI. I first got interested after my best friend showed me his father's car and we drove in it a bit, and I just loved the car to death. Yet this is my first new car purchase, and like others out there I've been working 2 jobs just to save the down payment for it so I can afford the monthly payments once school starts for me in fall. If BMWNA really does intend to pursue this to the bitter end and force mark to change the name then I will be purchasing a wrx instead. I'm sure this sounds rediculous to many people but the grassroots community always represented the MINI spirit to me and if the parent corporation suddenly sees fit to try and squash that, I just can't imagine that they are going to be all that kind in the future. I certainly never lost sight of the fact that BMWNA is a large car company whose sole pursuit is profits, however, I guess I was sucked into the advertising campaign that really promoted the motoring spirit. As one other person posted in the main thread, at least with the other car companies I know they're looking to screw me every which way they can. I didn't expect that from MINIUSA.
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>>
>>Motor on! :smile: I can't say I'd be buying the MINI. I first got interested after my best friend showed me his father's car and we drove in it a bit, and I just loved the car to death. Yet this is my first new car purchase, and like others out there I've been working 2 jobs just to save the down payment for it so I can afford the monthly payments once school starts for me in fall. If BMWNA really does intend to pursue this to the bitter end and force mark to change the name then I will be purchasing a wrx instead. I'm sure this sounds rediculous to many people but the grassroots community always represented the MINI spirit to me and if the parent corporation suddenly sees fit to try and squash that, I just can't imagine that they are going to be all that kind in the future. I certainly never lost sight of the fact that BMWNA is a large car company whose sole pursuit is profits, however, I guess I was sucked into the advertising campaign that really promoted the motoring spirit. As one other person posted in the main thread, at least with the other car companies I know they're looking to screw me every which way they can. I didn't expect that from MINIUSA.
_________________
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#5
08-05-2003, 05:34 PM
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#6
08-05-2003, 05:52 PM
jack07734,
If that was MINI/BMW's main concern, why didn't they start by going after that "IhatetheBMWmini" website instead of their Main Supporters in the USA?
I still doesn't make sense.
If you (the general you, not you in particular) have half a brain, you can still distinguish fact from fiction on the internet.
I doesn't make sense.
Raj
If that was MINI/BMW's main concern, why didn't they start by going after that "IhatetheBMWmini" website instead of their Main Supporters in the USA?
I still doesn't make sense.
If you (the general you, not you in particular) have half a brain, you can still distinguish fact from fiction on the internet.
I doesn't make sense.
Raj
#7
08-05-2003, 08:17 PM
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Keep in mind that MINI North America doesn't care what domain names are used in Europe. So we can't think about those sites at all. They can use mini all over town! But who knows, perhaps they will be next. I don't like it!
I like your basic idea, but I worry about one thing. If MINI USA were to hire Mark, then someday they could fire him. Maybe not today but in 3-4 years, they could build up records that show something he did wrong and then fire him. Or have cut backs, hard time, (any excuse) and his job would be eliminated... Bottom line - I don't trust them. I'd prefer he own his own place and be his own boss - for his own and his family's security.
I like your basic idea, but I worry about one thing. If MINI USA were to hire Mark, then someday they could fire him. Maybe not today but in 3-4 years, they could build up records that show something he did wrong and then fire him. Or have cut backs, hard time, (any excuse) and his job would be eliminated... Bottom line - I don't trust them. I'd prefer he own his own place and be his own boss - for his own and his family's security.
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#8
08-05-2003, 08:19 PM
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#9
08-06-2003, 01:55 AM
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#10
08-06-2003, 02:37 AM
I've seen this suggestion on several of the other threads, but think about it for a moment... What's one of the best things about MCO (besides Off Topic 
)? The fact that it's INDEPENDENT. Mark or no Mark, if this site were under the BMW umbrella it would stink. I don't go to the Owners Lounge for a number of reasons, but #1 is that I don't need to read more BMWMINI-approved advertising dreck.
)? The fact that it's INDEPENDENT. Mark or no Mark, if this site were under the BMW umbrella it would stink. I don't go to the Owners Lounge for a number of reasons, but #1 is that I don't need to read more BMWMINI-approved advertising dreck.
#12
08-06-2003, 04:33 AM
#13
08-07-2003, 09:31 AM
Hhmm, interesting idea, but there is a big difference between being your own boss vs an employee of a corporate giant (in this case of a corporate bully).
As posted separately, instead I would recommend that Mark propose the following solution to BMW of NA:
license the use of the term MINI to Mark/MCO (and possibly others) for a nominal fee (say $1 per year). That way BMW of NA retains the rights, and Mark can use the term in MCO and retain the domain name, and all is well.
Cheers,
Markus
>>The more I think about the MCO legal fiasco, the more I don't understand why MINI is even bothering. I am trying to put myself in their shoes, but honestly can't figure out how they could make more revenue by owning the URL of minicooperonline.com.
>>
>>The only thing I could think of (and I'm not a good businessman or a lawyer) is they get all rights to the name minicooperonline.com, they hire Mark to continue to run the site, they take in all revenue from aftermarket advertisers themselves, and send everyone home happy.
>>
>>In this case, the community isn't disrupted, Mark gets a high paying job with BMW, the aftermarket advertisers continue to do business with BMW's backing, and BMW will actually, in my opinion, save face by supporting the grassroots organizations that make MINI a success in the first place.
>>
>>I know I'm oversimplifying it, but in my mind, it makes sense.
>>
>>I won't even own my car until October (I'm a proud member of the Can't wait for October Club), but I'm still superexcited to get the car
As posted separately, instead I would recommend that Mark propose the following solution to BMW of NA:
license the use of the term MINI to Mark/MCO (and possibly others) for a nominal fee (say $1 per year). That way BMW of NA retains the rights, and Mark can use the term in MCO and retain the domain name, and all is well.
Cheers,
Markus
>>The more I think about the MCO legal fiasco, the more I don't understand why MINI is even bothering. I am trying to put myself in their shoes, but honestly can't figure out how they could make more revenue by owning the URL of minicooperonline.com.
>>
>>The only thing I could think of (and I'm not a good businessman or a lawyer) is they get all rights to the name minicooperonline.com, they hire Mark to continue to run the site, they take in all revenue from aftermarket advertisers themselves, and send everyone home happy.
>>
>>In this case, the community isn't disrupted, Mark gets a high paying job with BMW, the aftermarket advertisers continue to do business with BMW's backing, and BMW will actually, in my opinion, save face by supporting the grassroots organizations that make MINI a success in the first place.
>>
>>I know I'm oversimplifying it, but in my mind, it makes sense.
>>
>>I won't even own my car until October (I'm a proud member of the Can't wait for October Club), but I'm still superexcited to get the car
#14
08-07-2003, 10:05 AM
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>>Hhmm, interesting idea, but there is a big difference between being your own boss vs an employee of a corporate giant (in this case of a corporate bully).
>>
>>As posted separately, instead I would recommend that Mark propose the following solution to BMW of NA:
>>
>>license the use of the term MINI to Mark/MCO (and possibly others) for a nominal fee (say $1 per year). That way BMW of NA retains the rights, and Mark can use the term in MCO and retain the domain name, and all is well.
>>
>>Cheers,
>>Markus
The problem with this solution, Markus, is that BMW would make no money off the use of their brand name. Let's cut to the chase here. Mark is making a living off the use of the brand name MINI. The solutions (weak as they are) that MINI suggested all have a common denominator, there can be no revenue derived from the use of the word MINI as used in the context of the car brand.
What they may be angling for is a royalty of sorts based on the revenue generated by the use of the MINI brand name. That is how and why clubs like BMWCCA (Which I belong to) and other similar clubs/websites operate with impunity.
All of this brings me to my point. BMW/MINI, as heavy handed as it is, sees this site a revenue stream not yet tapped. So, we either capitulate and change the name or we (Mark) makes an offer of a royalty and this free community then starts paying dues. I personally prefer the former to the latter. Any votes for ManyCoopersOnline.com?
Garth
>>
>>As posted separately, instead I would recommend that Mark propose the following solution to BMW of NA:
>>
>>license the use of the term MINI to Mark/MCO (and possibly others) for a nominal fee (say $1 per year). That way BMW of NA retains the rights, and Mark can use the term in MCO and retain the domain name, and all is well.
>>
>>Cheers,
>>Markus
The problem with this solution, Markus, is that BMW would make no money off the use of their brand name. Let's cut to the chase here. Mark is making a living off the use of the brand name MINI. The solutions (weak as they are) that MINI suggested all have a common denominator, there can be no revenue derived from the use of the word MINI as used in the context of the car brand.
What they may be angling for is a royalty of sorts based on the revenue generated by the use of the MINI brand name. That is how and why clubs like BMWCCA (Which I belong to) and other similar clubs/websites operate with impunity.
All of this brings me to my point. BMW/MINI, as heavy handed as it is, sees this site a revenue stream not yet tapped. So, we either capitulate and change the name or we (Mark) makes an offer of a royalty and this free community then starts paying dues. I personally prefer the former to the latter. Any votes for ManyCoopersOnline.com?
Garth
#15
08-07-2003, 03:04 PM
>>The problem with this solution, Markus, is that BMW would make no money off the use of their brand name. Let's cut to the chase here. Mark is making a living off the use of the brand name MINI. The solutions (weak as they are) that MINI suggested all have a common denominator, there can be no revenue derived from the use of the word MINI as used in the context of the car brand.
>>
>>What they may be angling for is a royalty of sorts based on the revenue generated by the use of the MINI brand name. That is how and why clubs like BMWCCA (Which I belong to) and other similar clubs/websites operate with impunity.
>>
>>All of this brings me to my point. BMW/MINI, as heavy handed as it is, sees this site a revenue stream not yet tapped. So, we either capitulate and change the name or we (Mark) makes an offer of a royalty and this free community then starts paying dues. I personally prefer the former to the latter. Any votes for ManyCoopersOnline.com?
>>
>>Garth
You do have a point, but I wonder whether it is really the revenue from the name that is the issue, vs control of the name. The revenue that one such site generates may be enough to keep Mark's family above water, but for the BMW corporate coffers such revenue would be peanuts, or a single drop of water on a hot rock. This revenue is also IMHO NOT generated from the use of the name MINI, it is generated from hard work an ingenious programming to have a highly functional site, the term "MINI" is just a tie in and a way for MINI maniacs to find the site or identify it.
Plus, if we are honest, MCO actually GENERATES much more revenue for MINI, than it directly produces for Mark (or so I would guess):
How many people purchased their MINI because of MCO?
How much time has MINI (or have dealers) saved because of the information exchange on MCO and similar sites?
In my view, MCO is doing MINI a favor! Plus, the action BMW is taking will ultimately cost them far, far more (in terms of goodwill lost because MINI owners and enthusiast are getting so irate at them - and justly so - but therefore indirectly also in revenue) than they could ever gain from "owning" a site such as MCO.
I do think this attempt by BMW is seriously misguided, and will come to bite them in their hinies!
:???:
>>
>>What they may be angling for is a royalty of sorts based on the revenue generated by the use of the MINI brand name. That is how and why clubs like BMWCCA (Which I belong to) and other similar clubs/websites operate with impunity.
>>
>>All of this brings me to my point. BMW/MINI, as heavy handed as it is, sees this site a revenue stream not yet tapped. So, we either capitulate and change the name or we (Mark) makes an offer of a royalty and this free community then starts paying dues. I personally prefer the former to the latter. Any votes for ManyCoopersOnline.com?
>>
>>Garth
You do have a point, but I wonder whether it is really the revenue from the name that is the issue, vs control of the name. The revenue that one such site generates may be enough to keep Mark's family above water, but for the BMW corporate coffers such revenue would be peanuts, or a single drop of water on a hot rock. This revenue is also IMHO NOT generated from the use of the name MINI, it is generated from hard work an ingenious programming to have a highly functional site, the term "MINI" is just a tie in and a way for MINI maniacs to find the site or identify it.
Plus, if we are honest, MCO actually GENERATES much more revenue for MINI, than it directly produces for Mark (or so I would guess):
How many people purchased their MINI because of MCO?
How much time has MINI (or have dealers) saved because of the information exchange on MCO and similar sites?
In my view, MCO is doing MINI a favor! Plus, the action BMW is taking will ultimately cost them far, far more (in terms of goodwill lost because MINI owners and enthusiast are getting so irate at them - and justly so - but therefore indirectly also in revenue) than they could ever gain from "owning" a site such as MCO.
I do think this attempt by BMW is seriously misguided, and will come to bite them in their hinies!
:???:
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