Would You Recommend Premium Membership?

Hello folks,

I've been coming to Giantbomb since I first found it at the end of 2011 (found out about it from a magazine cover at the grocery store, been a while since that's happened). I've been looking at becoming a premium member. I just wanted to ask those premium members out there if they feel the perks are worth it with all the premium videos, no ads and all that jazz. Is it worth paying for what you don't already get for free?

Also, what the heck is jar time?

@cgeare said:

Hello folks,

I've been coming to Giantbomb since I first found it at the end of 2011 (found out about it from a magazine cover at the grocery store, been a while since that's happened). I've been looking at becoming a premium member. I just wanted to ask those premium members out there if they feel the perks are worth it with all the premium videos, no ads and all that jazz. Is it worth paying for what you don't already get for free?

Depends on whether you want the extra video content or not. I feel it's worth the price. Others may not.

@cgeare said:

Also, what the heck is jar time?

Jeff + a jar = ???

Use your imagination. :P

If it's within your budget and you'd really love to support the video content and people of this website, then I'd definitely recommend it. There's some really great premium videos!

@cgeare said:

Also, what the heck is jar time?

It's basically a Jeff video podcast in which he answers questions about video games, the site, life and the universe, etc.

if you haven't before then yes it is very worth it.

if you have before well I dunno

@cgeare: If you've enjoyed Giant Bomb for a while, I think supporting them through a Premium Membership is a great option. They give quite a bit to regular members; so, Premium isn't like night and day. But it feels nice to support them in doing video content I quite enjoy.

Just look at today. The live Wii U marathon. Such an awesome thing is certainly something to appreciate, and personally, I show that appreciation through a yearly Premium Membership and my continued activity on the site. If you enjoy Giant Bomb, as well, I think it's a great investment, and the additional content is just icing on the cake.

Jar Time is pretty awesome too. It's a profound side of Jeff where he's philosophical and serious that you don't get when he's in a room with other people.

I'm a member simply because I've been an avid fan since 2008 and I want to support the site. $50 a year is nothing.

Also, what magazine did you see Giantbomb on the front page? I'm curious.

I would. I think all the subscriber content is really good and I enjoy it. GB has pretty much become my only source of video content that I actually watch and pretty much has replaced TV. As soon as I get paid Thursday I will be reupping.

@EquitasInvictus said:

If it's within your budget and you'd really love to support the video content and people of this website, then I'd definitely recommend it. There's some really great premium videos!

@cgeare said:

Also, what the heck is jar time?

It's basically a Jeff video podcast in which he answers questions about video games, the site, life and the universe, etc.

Also, he drinks water from a jar.

Yes.

@cgeare said:

Hello folks,

I've been coming to Giantbomb since I first found it at the end of 2011 (found out about it from a magazine cover at the grocery store, been a while since that's happened). I've been looking at becoming a premium member. I just wanted to ask those premium members out there if they feel the perks are worth it with all the premium videos, no ads and all that jazz. Is it worth paying for what you don't already get for free?

Also, what the heck is jar time?

It depends. I just got my membership this year and have found it a little less then exciting. I like the idea of helping the site. I get enough enjoyment from the site that I don't feel bad giving the guys money so that they can continue to do what they do. But I also think that the bonus content isn't that great. Spookin' With Scoops isn't very good, I rarely watch the archived TNTs, and I watched the older video content like Breaking Brad and other shows pretty quickly. The new premium content isn't that good really. The HTML5 player looks better but tends to freeze Chrome on my laptop.

So really it depends on whether or not you feel ok with giving the guys money for doing what they do and occasionally getting some good bonus content.

Also, the Jar Time is basically when Jeff sits down and answers questions from members...I think. To be honest I've never watched one.

Feature wise? Hardly. Premium video is scarce and some ain't so good (plus you can just reg once and watch the entire backlog), if you are outside the US we already get barely any ads, you probably don't have a streaming box and I think it's kind of cheeky how they didn't lower the price after they lost like 3 of the websites that were supposed to be providing content as part of the "Premium package".

On the other hand they could probably use some money but it's more like giving a hobo a dollar rather than a service you buy.

No. Don't bother. I got mine half price and still don't think it's really worth it.

@Lelcar said:

Jar Time is pretty awesome too. It's a profound side of Jeff where he's philosophical and serious that you don't get when he's in a room with other people.

Annoys me that it's a premium feature considering the amount of time and production that goes into it. (none)

I mean really, paying for once a month (or two) video blogs? Just seems like gouging to me at this point with that CBSi backing. (not saying they have tons of money to spend, but the 'helping the guys out' thing has kind of lost relevance)

Depends on whether or not you watch everything already. If you do, and you want more, then yes. If not, then it's just content overload.
 
I honestly can't keep up with everything, and the only premium stuff I watch regularly Jar Times and Radio Dave/Site Design stuff. Besides that, I've been using stuff like Random PC game and things like that to help me fall asleep at night.
 
My subscription is more support/gesture based. 
Also, going on the site when not locked in is super jarring with the ads and everything. Maybe I'm just so used to the site without them, but they are pretty in your face.

Since I was like you.....having come to this website late....i wouldn't hesitate recommending a premium account. The amount of great Random PC games, Load Our Last Save, Happy Hour and TNTs kept.....still keep me entertained. And if you enjoy the site and podcast just think of it as buying them a beer for all the great work they do.

Depends on whether or not you watch everything already. If you do, and you want more, then yes. If not, then it's just content overload.  I honestly can't keep up with everything, and the only premium stuff I watch regularly Jar Times and Radio Dave/Site Design stuff. Besides that, I've been using stuff like Random PC game and things like that to help me fall asleep at night.  My subscription is more support/gesture based.  Also, going on the site when not locked in is super jarring with the ads and everything. Maybe I'm just so used to the site without them, but they are pretty in your face.

http://www.giantbomb.com/random-pc-game-phantasmagoria-part-01/17-5406/

http://www.giantbomb.com/random-pc-game-phantasmagoria-part-02/17-5410/

Enough said there IMO.

But really, I enjoy many of the subscriber only videos, but I subscribe because I consider it a very small price to pay to support a site I visit a lot; not because of any one video feature or perk.

I mean if you want to just watch all of the premium content you can just pay for a monthly and pretty much watch it all. if not all, than the best ones; and then from there you can see if you want to pay the whole 50 for future features

Honestly it's probably not worth it. Jeff rarely delves too deep into any one topic on Jar Time (part of that is the quality of questions, I suppose), and Random PC Game can be hit or miss. The real value, if there is any, stems from access to the live stream archives. Then again those might be on YouTube so who the hell knows.

Gotta say that I've been pretty disappointed with the premium content overall. Very little of it is actually interesting.

Just get a month sub like me and watch\download all the sub content you can handle. Alot of content for 5 bucks.

Yup, signed up a year ago and no regrets.Absolutely worth the value in my opinion. I also like downloading all the videos so if I can't renew for some reason I still have my favorites to watch until I can subscribe again. I think if they were still doing the Happy Hour I would say it isn't worth it, those aren't very good.

I think the best part of Premium Membership is the Premium Membership Forum.

Yes. Archived premium content, great premium shows, and supporting a great crew will always go recommended by me.

I think the best part of Premium Membership is the Premium Membership Forum.

@Lelcar said:

Also, what magazine did you see Giantbomb on the front page? I'm curious.

I really can't remember the brand, was an article on the "10 most promising new websites" or something like that. It wasn't a full cover story. It was something mainstream enough to be staring me in the face while I'm standing at the checkout aisle. Glanced at it, and the name stuck long enough for me to look it up. As an old school Gamespot dude (first website I ever visited when my dad hooked up the internet in '96) I was an instant fan when I figured out what was going on here.

Thanks for all the feedback guys, definitely helpful in making a decision. Seems like the premium content is sort of hit or miss, but it doesn't sound like anyone regrets supporting the site. I'm all but sure I will be upgrading my membership in the next week or two, I'd feel fine giving these guys $50 just for the Bombcasts I've already listened to.

I'd say, it's worth going for a 1 month sub at the very least to see some of the great content in the premium videos. My personal faves are the Phantasmagoria playthrough, and Drew's visit to North Korea. Damn that was interesting!!

Don't forget that with a years membership you can get a crazy t-shirt for free, that contain ridiculous inside-jokes that few (if any) of your friends and family will comprehend. Their loss...

While I don't think the site 'needs' the money anymore, I'm still happy to give, if only to show the CBSi suits that GB is marvellous, and they should bow to their every whim.

I think it's well worth it. The premium content is often great, and it's nice not seeing ads. The main reason I subscribe though is to support the site. There is a ton of free content that I read and watch each and every week, and I feel very strongly that that content is also worth paying for. So the premium membership is just a way for me to say "thanks for doing awesome stuff all the time." If you can afford the $50, just do it.

Also, Jar Time is great.

Even as a premium subscriber, I personally think it's great that they're not hiding their biggest productions behind the pay wall. That kind of practice has always seemed lame to me.

Instead, what they give you are videos of more 'personal' quality. Jeff just sitting in his bedroom, talkin' 'bout shit. Vinny, Drew, and Dave fooling around with games they just wanted to check out. Thursday Night Throwdown, which is pretty much just a big weekly hangout for Giant Bomb fans. Watching Brad suffer. Basically, the kind of stuff you'd likely only be interested in as someone who just wants more of Giant Bomb crew. I think that's smart.

Anyway, welcome to the family! Always glad to have another member.

A couple of fun premium videos off the top of my head:

-

http://www.giantbomb.com/drew-returns-from-north-korea/17-5929/

Drew Returns From North Korea - wherein the crew talks about Drew's vacation to North Korea. It's a good watch if you're interested in the subject.

-

http://www.giantbomb.com/members-only-snes-party-part-01/17-4747/

http://www.giantbomb.com/members-only-snes-party-part-02/17-4748/

http://www.giantbomb.com/members-only-snes-party-part-03/17-4751/

Members Only SNES Party - wherein the crew spends like, what, over five hours playing SNES games? It was a fun trip down the olden days.

-

http://www.giantbomb.com/giant-bomb-holiday-nostalgiafest-2011-part-01/17-5466/ & http://www.giantbomb.com/giant-bomb-holiday-nostalgiafest-2011-part-02/17-5467/

Giant Bomb Holiday Nostalgiafest 2011 - wherein the crew jumps around between a bunch of Atari 2600 games, before then hopping over to the Sega Saturn. (yes, there's a definite theme to the features I love)

-

There've been more good nostalgia sessions, and every Jar Time's worth a listen. Oh, and the Welcome Back Tricaster Party! If you've got the time to burn, and just like having various Giant Bomb videos running at all times, there's a lot to be enjoyed.

Yes. You get instant access to the site's whole gallery of hardcore porn.

@TehPickle said:

While I don't think the site 'needs' the money anymore, I'm still happy to give, if only to show the CBSi suits that GB is marvellous, and they should bow to their every whim.

Precisely. They've got funding now, for sure, but the more money they get from subscriptions, the more they'll be able to maintain a level of autonomy. If you're happy with what Giant Bomb does, it's still worthwhile to give them your support.

@_Zombie_: All that naked cartoon pussy.

Well, to be honest it really depends on your interest in the premium video content and the more niche stuff in there. I don't really care about the value proposition per se, I'm a premium member to support the site and to show my appreciation for all the stuff they were already doing for free. All the premium bonuses are just that, nice bonuses.

Sign up.

Totally, try it out for a month watch some of the earlier content and the new stuff and see how you feel, and even if you didn't feel its worth know you voted with your wallet for something that's still pretty neat.

If you buy a $50 game that has a 10 hour long campaign and a $50 dollar yearly membership that provides many many hours of entertainment in video format, which one sounds like a better deal if you want to get entertained?

I think the best part of Premium Membership is the Premium Membership Forum.

I grabbed a yearly sub mostly on philosophical grounds. I think it's really cool how the Internet is kinda working to shatter traditional media, sometimes intentionally and sometimes by accident. I think what the guys do here is really funny, and I can't blame them for wanting to make a living off of what is ostensibly a combination TV show/radio show/information database. So I dropped the cash not because of premium streams (although those are very much welcome and enjoyed), but because I can't reasonably say "I want this to be more and better" and not put my money where my mouth is. The "offer stuff for free, then ask people if they'll pay for it" model has worked for webcomics, and is starting to work for games. I would love to see it work here, too.

I recognize, however, that this is a wholly subjective value proposition. So... Um, yeah, the Random PC streams are totally worth the cash.

@Milkman said:

@Toxin066

I think the best part of Premium Membership is the Premium Membership Forum.

Agreed. That one thread from yesterday? Man, that was nuts.

Shit. That was wild.

I'd try it for a month and see if you like it.

I'm a yearly member and I do it purely to support the site. On the other hand, if you are looking purely at content, then although I will say that while I really do enjoy what gets posted, I'm not certain that there is enough of it to justify the $50 bucks. Things like "Random PC Game" and the aforementioned Drew in North Korea video are massively entertaining, but they tend to get posted too sporadically for my taste.

No.

@PhantomGardener said:

@EquitasInvictus said:

If it's within your budget and you'd really love to support the video content and people of this website, then I'd definitely recommend it. There's some really great premium videos!

@cgeare said:

Also, what the heck is jar time?

It's basically a Jeff video podcast in which he answers questions about video games, the site, life and the universe, etc.

Also, he drinks water from a jar.

It's my favorite "Internet-famous person drinks non-alcoholic beverages" vlog

100%

There are so many awful ads and garbage on the internet it would be worth it to me for the cleaner interface alone. It depends if 50 bux is a big deal for your spending habits.

Protip.:

Go silver once. (It's like, £3, so whatever)

Install ABP.

Consume all premium content apart from the Happy Hours.

???

Unsub once content has been consumed.

If you like all the non-subscriber content you get now, then it's well worth it to subscribe--as you then get more!! Subscriber stuff also tends to be dumber (in a good way--you know DUMB!!).

Premium, to me, is best if you want to support the site. Some could argue the premium content is stuff we already get, and they could be right (I wouldn't debate it). I guess there's the no ads and other stuff, but over all premium is mainly getting to know stuff about the site before anyone else and wanting to see the site grow. Mega fans maybe? Seems like anyone else usually complains about disappointment with one thing or another. 
 
For me I just enjoy the site and pay just to help the site out, nothing more. 
 
To your Second question, Jar Time is basically Jeff's V-Logs where he answers community questions and discusses stuff he's thinking about.

Biggest draw for me (as a commuter) right now is that I would be able to download videos and take them on the go. I'm on the edge right now and just need something that'll push me into getting a sub.

Yes. Very much so

I think it also depends on where you're from. It took me a whole but I saved up the cash and since i've been following these guys since their Gamespot days, I was all for paying to show my support. However, being from Malaysia, the exchange rate means it's quite a high price to pay.

I would. The extra video content is really nice.

Before I became a member here, I spent $1000+ on Bluray/DVDs a year to get my av fix, now I maybe buy 5 or 6 a year, so it's been very much worth it; not all of that is premium, but evaluating Giantbomb as a whole, it's easily worth $50 a year for all this and a t-shirt.