Signing off

While not an active contributor to the forums I have been visiting the site almost every day for many years. You always knew that somewhere Tom had reported on an issue or reviewed a product. It was my site of first choice for good advice that told the truth. I trusted Toms Hardware and have constructed 2 or 3 computers (as well as countless money sucking upgrades) based on what the old site contained.

The old, slightly cluttered, layout only reinforced my view that Toms Hardware was an enthusiast’s site who had little time for flashy graphics, masses of adverts or market hype.

I have stuck with the site as it went through its metamorphosis hoping that underneath the obvious commercialism and 'big business' conformity the qualities of the old Toms would resurface. For a while I even logged on to the US site, which was much better, as the UK one settled down. I now admit defeat and will delete the link. I work hard and just don't have the time to wade through the interface and am fed up with spending 15 minutes fumbling around only to discover there’s nothing worth reading.

Why bother voicing my disappointment? Well I strangely retain a certain amount of loyalty to the site and while I accept things change and move on I wanted to point out to 'Tom' one thing. If a new audience was your aim, or greater numbers, or more advertising revenue then good luck in the future. If retaining your loyal fan base was the aim then start listening (don't you get the feeling that someone is just sitting there and saying 'they will all get used to it soon, no one likes change, they will all settle down or come back'?). Personally the time away from Toms has given me the chance to get used to all the competitors and while no one site did as well as Toms did together they are better than the 'new and improved Toms'.

Cheers!