Well, here it is again.. it's Christmas!
It's been a steady year here on BeoWorld really. Pain-in-the-rump posting for high posters has been the lowlight, which we'll tackle in the new year and make the forum usable again - but apart from that, things have gone extremely well! As usual we have a whole group of invaluable members who make owning B&O modern or old a true pleasure and a real experience - something only a small number of good dealers do. Between us all we can bridge all gaps, help wherever needed - and have some fun doing it too. That's what BeoWorld is all about - a common love of a great product and the will to enjoy it !!
Financially, we posted a small loss for the 2010-11 period - but only a small one (about £2,000 / €2,400 / $3,500). The site isn't about profit of course, but when we switch to the quarterly draws we'll have some spare cash to spend on development and upgrades in 2012-13 - at which time we'll probably need them. So again, no real concerns - i'm happy with that. We may even be due a small tax rebate as we traded at a loss, so this can go towards migrating to the new, faster server.
That's BeoWorld then really. All is good, the ship is strong - and once the posting issues are fixed, we'll be a happy crew!
As for the company we're here to talk about.. Times are really changing for B&O and we'll see some real shifts of trading style in the next few years. I can't say much, but the whole retail model will be quite different to the one you see now. For the better? We'll have to wait and see - but if it works, B&O will be in a much stronger position financially. What i see as B&O's plan for the future is a real roll-of-the-dice venture, but I can see it working - but it may strip away that 'elite' tag the brand carries a little. We'll see.
Anyway - back to BeoWorld! For 2012 we'll also see the re-styled forum coming, which will look very much like the main site. Van at Firebrand and Keith here at BeoWorld are beavering away to get it to fruition, so we'll have a very fresh and bright look and feel to look forward to.
So, that about wraps up everything to say really! I'd just like to thank each and every one of you for being so kind, considerate, thoughtful, generous and funny throughout 2011. As ever, it's been an absolute pleasure being in yoiur company.
I speak on behalf of the whole moderating team when i wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. May all you wish for come true.
Cheers everyone!
BeoWorld - Everything Bang & Olufsen