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I mean, it’s just business. We’re constantly improving and growing, and sometimes that requires changes and tough decisions.
We’ve focused in certain areas of our content the past few years and we need to work harder in other areas now. We have a limited amount of resources and sometimes tough decisions have to be made to keep building.
Dark’s done a good job and others in the staff have done better. Sometimes we just have to try new things. If you’re looking for a smoking gun, I’m not going to sit here and talk about Dark’s performances and things of that nature. He’s a good dude, he’s grown in the position and I still think he can do better.
The point I'm making is it is poor business to lose good people.
If the numbers are strong and on an upward trajectory then that says you are growing, if you are growing then you don't need less people.
Years ago I worked for an independent Tool & Die company. We had about 300 employees each taking home around $1250 per week, so payroll wasn't a minor amount of money especially as it was the late 90's. The owner had a falling out with General Motors because they wanted us to work Sundays. The owner started calling trucking companies and kicked GM out. It took at least 4-6 months to get work from other companies and get back to full capacity. The owner held a meeting and told us all that it was his job to get us work and our job to do the work, we should not lose our jobs due the owner not having the work for us to perform. He kept the entire company on overtime with no work at all to do. Long story short within 2 years we were making record profits and expanding, and we had a much more diversified customer base including NASA. It was also about 3 years before anyone voluntarily quit that company. It was almost 30 years ago and that lesson still sticks with me.
And you’re talking like you know the detailed statistics of our business, each employees output, views per feature, revenue, etc. You don’t.
Yes, I agree it’s bad to lose good people. It’s also bad to be complacent and just do the status quo, accept no change. Digital media is a daily changing market, adapt or die. Each business and market is different.
I'm not looking for a smoking gun and frankly you don't owe me any explanation, so I give you credit for even being on here answering people.
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No slight against anyone but it always felt like since Lewis and Jamie were hired at roughly the same time that it was set up to be a competition between the 2 to see who would remain. Whether that was the intent or if it was communicated to them I do not know.
Dark was actually hired before Lewis, and there was never a competition there.
Lewis I pushed hard to get to come from GPs. Lewis and Sean were always long-term commitments, with a pathway of what they would do for us and what that would result in.
Dark was giving a good guy an opportunity and see where it would go.
Do you think everyone on the current SMX broadcast team should stay exactly where they are? I’m sure they’re all ‘good people’ and their viewership has been growing. Point is, not everyone is a perfect fit for every role (especially if you’re hired to be a content creator) and sometimes people have to make tough calls.
Just jumping off your comment, I see the direction this thread has gone for a lot of things online. It’s like when someone interviews a band and they ask them something like “What song would you like to play but the crowd never really reacts to?” the comment section will be full of people saying “That’s my favorite song by them! I wish they would play it live!!!” It it’s his job to get clicks and views, at some point they’re gonna see if he’s getting clicks and views right? And the good news is, the MotoXPod will still exist for as long as Dark wants it to.
That's kinda like saying Colt Nichols was hired at HEP to be competition for Roczen.
Not sure why you're justifying getting rid of dark ML. It's none of our business. On that note, good luck Dark
You're good people dark, I enjoyed the motoxpod and the different take you had. Being positive and always building people up, it's nice work. I hope this turns into a positive change you.
ya know, I bust on you frequently to share more information as it relates to this sport, but this is one topic I'd encourage you to refrain from posting. I mean, thanks for the insight, but in everyone's best interest, probably best to shake hands and move on. Answering/defending on here seems like it would only have a downside. Kudos for handling a delicate situation with respect.
Ya know.... if it wasn't blatantly obvious that you are on your 3rd or 4th username your advice might carry some more weight.
Dark is a good dude. Dark got an opportunity and it sounds like he did well, is STILL a good dude, but didn't quite meet expectations and they had to move on. Doesn't mean he won't succeed, and it doesn't mean he did anything wrong. Like the other guy said, Dark has never been my cup of tea, but I've always hoped he'd succeed and do well for himself.
It's wild ML came on here to share enough to make sure nobody thought Dark was fired for something "bad" and guys are still acting like Vital is some huge corporate entity that can find a spot for a "good employee."
Sounds to me like this is the best case scenario other than being able to keep him on board. ML said himself he's trying to help him. What else do you people want? Lol
I get what you are saying Kyle and can agree somewhat.
To me, Darkside and Lewis just have different styles. I personally like both of their styles and hope I can enjoy each of them going forward wherever Jamie ends up. 🙂
Christ, this thread needs to be locked
This is not the same as a factory rider losing their job, it’s a dude who lost his job within the industry
Don’t need people’s personal lives posted on the board, it’s between vital and dark only
This thread is a prime example of too many people having an opinion and getting involved on a situation that does not involve them.
Understood. No explanation needed, ML. Business is business, and people are the casualties of it at times. I'm an Engineer at Corvette (the car) and we just laid off quite a few due to direction changes. Always sucks when people have to go. Good on you guys for supporting him for a while longer.
Just wanted to voice my opinion, to say it's a bummer for Dark, and to let the guy know a lot of us appreciate the entertainment he's provided over the years, in many forms and facets (far before his Vital stint).
I back this sentiment. Cool post PK.
Pit Row
*grabs his last check
The middle school vibe is strong amongst the natives.
Do something positive rather than demanding answers & pointing fingers .. like subscribe to the guy's podcast ?
Good luck Dark! The way you went from digging ditches in Texas to moto media was a feat in itself. I'll be looking forward to seeing you continue the podcast.
I think its rather cringey how Lewis boyfriends top moto guys, and is the interview guy. Seems rather incestuous. Just an odd look. I do rate his media stuff.
Darkside being mid-40’s got anything to do with not cutting the cool scene VitalMedia wants?
Hey Darkside, while you're considering next steps, I hear that starting a race team is an easy and affordable way to stay in the industry!
Late 40s. I'll be 50 (kill me now) in a month. Actually, two days before my last day at Vital. haha
Idk lets ask ML how that worked out
How out of touch are you actually with the people who read and watch?
most of us dont like Lewis, and you fire the real guy we can actually trust. In favor of this self proclaimed story teller.
Why are some of you goofs more butthurt about this than Jamie is? I fall into the "he's not really my cup of tea" category, but he's pretty decent at what he does, he'll be ok.
LOL
It’s always amusing to me when people who have never owned or ran a business are the first ones to cry foul in these situations. Hard decisions must be made and sometimes it’s not pleasant or as easy as waving a magic wand. Props to ML for clearing the air and good luck to Jamie in your future endeavors 👍🏻
Based on the ratio of downvotes to upvotes, I'm going to say your "most of us" assumption was very incorrect...