Mel's Latest Comments! Will he be right?

[DAB]

"We've gotten hundreds of people who hated it and claimed they were going to cancel," said Karmazin "So we've analyzed all the cancellations since the rationalization...It's hard for me to understand what they don't like."

"If we took the most aggressive number of people who cancelled and we take that (away) the $120 a year (they pay) it doesn't get to a $1 million as compared to the significant amount of cost savings as a company that needs to make money," said Karmazin.

This is what I've been saying all along. While there are many upset, the numbers are just not significant enough to out weigh the savings from merging the music channels.

It is my opinion that the bulk of subscribers will continue to subscribe and that they are likely to add new subscribers through the holiday season. Many of which will only know the merged channel line-up. So for them, the worst is likely already over baring the company going out of business.

Mel overall seems positive and certainly indicates the company can survive. He doesn't even sound like bankruptcy is on the table as he feels they can get the financing they need. But even if they do the protections will keep them in business until they can restructure and keep things going. I just don't see this company failing. But who knows!

I also think in the long term most of us while not initially pleased, will eventually settle into the changes because even as it is now it is a hell of a lot better than most other options. I do think his comment "it's hard for me to understand what they don't like", probably should not have been said and does seem a bit arrogant to me. Still I am fortunately because I sort of feel that way myself, though honestly I do understand why some people don't like the changes. But like them or not, there is very little chance that it is going to change much more than them doing a bit of channel tweaking. I think those that can't deal with the changes will cancel and everyone else will just accept it and move on. In the end will those that cancel be so small that it won't really matter. Mel certainly seems to think that is the case. I am also of the opinion that some will cancel and eventually come back once they have to start dealing with iPods/MP3 players (buying music), AM/FM etc. Slacker will likely get some and those are more likely to stay with Slacker except for the fact that you get no news, talk or sports programming.

So its all a gamble! Will Mel be right?

 

[Brad Bishop]

You could remove any channel and there's going to be those who'll complain loudly about it but, ultimately, Mel is right (though his other comment shouldn't have been uttered).

I look at it like audio-cable. You could remove USA from Comcast and there are plenty of people that would miss Monk and Psych and there are those that would cancel over it. Most others would say, "oh, that sucks," and get on with their lives.

 

[Vargas]

This is what I've been saying all along. While there are many upset, the numbers are just not significant enough to out weigh the savings from merging the music channels.

It is my opinion that the bulk of subscribers will continue to subscribe and that they are likely to add new subscribers through the holiday season. Many of which will only know the merged channel line-up. So for them, the worst is likely already over baring the company going out of business.

Mel overall seems positive and certainly indicates the company can survive. He doesn't even sound like bankruptcy is on the table as he feels they can get the financing they need. But even if they do the protections will keep them in business until they can restructure and keep things going. I just don't see this company failing. But who knows!

I also think in the long term most of us while not initially please, will eventually settle into the changes because even as it is now it is a hell of a lot better than most other options. I do think his comment "it's hard for me to understand what they don't like", probably should not have been said and does seem a bit arrogant to me. Still I am fortunately because I sort of feel that way myself, though honestly I do understand why some people don't like the changes. But like them or not, they is very little chance that it is going to change much more than them doing a bit of channel tweaking. I think those that can't deal with the changes will cancel and everyone else will just accept it and move on. In the end will those that cancel be so small that it won't really matter. Mel certainly seems to think that is the case. I am also of the opinion that some will cancel and eventually come back once they have to start dealing with iPods/MP3 players (buying music), AM/FM etc. Slacker will likely get some and those are more likely to stay with Slacker except for the fact that you get no news, talk or sports programming.

So its all a gamble! Will Mel be right?

I think so. Look at the channels that were axed that have, so far, ,gotten the most of the complaints---Boombox, Backspin, the Strobe. Ok, say you're a huge fan of boombox and you're pissed so you cancel your Sirius. What are you going to do, go back to FM? Where can you hear Boombox on FM? All of the stations that were cancelled have no FM or AM equivalent. Yes there are IPODS for people but they provide no content. Slacker, I'm sure is a great service, but line up 10 people that are walking into a CC or Best Buy and maybe ONE has heard of Slacker.

For now, SiriusXM is still the best way to get the largest range of content. People will continue to subscribe and I do not see this company failing.

 

[hank-the-dwarf]

This logic will work for now,but once more people use internet radio(Slacker,Pandora what have you)i think more people will cancel.Once they have the mindset of not worrying about killing content and upsetting your subscribers it is easy to keep doing it.

 

[Vargas]

This logic will work for now,but once more people use internet radio(Slacker,Pandora what have you)i think more people will cancel.Once they have the mindset of not worrying about killing content and upsetting your subscribers it is easy to keep doing it.

I think that the merger faced them to make VERY difficult situations and truly feel that they cut the fringe channels that the fewest people would be upset by. I don't think that they are purposely killing content but instead making decision that will hopefully make the company profitable. Look, I lost some channels that I like and feel that they ruined some other ones but if that means that they can stay afloat, become profitable and grow, then so beit I guess. I'm not saying this to sound altruistic-- I'd rather keep SiriusXM around by having to sacrifice some stations that I had as a preset rather than having no SiriusXM at all. If I had subscirbed soley for Boombox or Backspin, sure, I would have canclled but these were not my reason, nor were they the reason for the majority of subscribers.

However, I do agree that Slacker will continue to grow and will eat away at the hardcore music people. but I would think that Slacker will take more from the IPODS and MP3 players of the world than it will from SiriusXM.

 

[hank-the-dwarf]

I think that the merger faced them to make VERY difficult situations and truly feel that they cut the fringe channels that the fewest people would be upset by. I don't think that they are purposely killing content but instead making decision that will hopefully make the company profitable. Look, I lost some channels that I like and feel that they ruined some other ones but if that means that they can stay afloat, become profitable and grow, then so beit I guess. I'm not saying this to sound altruistic-- I'd rather keep SiriusXM around by having to sacrifice some stations that I had as a preset rather than having no SiriusXM at all. If I had subscirbed soley for Boombox or Backspin, sure, I would have canclled but these were not my reason, nor were they the reason for the majority of subscribers.

However, I do agree that Slacker will continue to grow and will eat away at the hardcore music people. but I would think that Slacker will take more from the IPODS and MP3 players of the world than it will from SiriusXM.

I see what your saying,For me it was the punk channel and the stern show jumping the shark that made me cancel.The music channels in general started to get fmish to me(way more content than fm,but reminding me of it with song being played to much and dj's)Most subs wont cancel over over that now but in the future when people are used to getting what they want when they want it more and more,I think Satrad will disapear.Me i'm already spoiled-lol

 

[hexagram]

I would say Mel's comments are dead-on (for the most part).

 

[DAB]

This logic will work for now,but once more people use internet radio(Slacker,Pandora what have you)i think more people will cancel.Once they have the mindset of not worrying about killing content and upsetting your subscribers it is easy to keep doing it.

I just don't see Slacker and Pandora being an equal replacement for Sat Radio and I have used both a great deal. Even musically Slacker and Pandora lacks the real feel of radio and that connectivity that many of us so much enjoy. It truly is like just having a randomly playing MP3 player. I understand for some that will be just fine, but for many others it's aesthetically void. Pandora has their own unique limitation in being only a streaming service. Slacker has its limitations in only being a music service with no talk, news, entertainment or sports.

I find each of them is unique in their own way in terms of being a music service. I enjoy Slacker and use it almost daily. Usually my Pandora listening is very limited due to their limitations for streaming only. I am in a vehicle many hours a day and so Pandora simply can't be my overall choice. Though it too has its place in my life, but ultimately sat radio wins out!

 

[hexagram]

I just don't see Slacker and Pandora being an equal replacement for Sat Radio and I have used both a great deal. Even musically Slacker and Pandora lacks the real feel of radio and that connectivity that many of us so much enjoy. It truly is like just having a randomly playing MP3 player. I understand for some that will be just fine, but for many others it's just aesthetically void.

I couldn't agree more. :bigthumbup:

 

[v1ru5]

I couldn't agree more. :bigthumbup:

I gotta' go with Dab on that also.:bigthumbup:

 

[hank-the-dwarf]

To each his own.I think i was turned off to radio long before i got sirius.Satrad was the Sh** for me for a good 2yrs.

 

[VinnyM27]

Don't worry Mel....something tells me that you'll hit that $1 million loss mark SOON ENOUGH. Keep reaching for the stars, and opening your big fat mouth by telling pissed off people to suck it hard! No, you suck it, you out of touch orange freak show!

As for attracting new customers....with what? Whatever Mel says (and to take Mel's word and truly think everything is going well doesn't is crazy!) he certainly won't make any lofty claims about them gaining a bunch of new subs....if anything, this "Best Of" crap is all about canalizing on those that are already here! They haven't even attempted to put out anything new this year. You'd think there would be a new portable for Sirius and XM if they are going to exist separately, but NOOOO. Black Friday looked like a joke when you looked for Sirius XM's presence. It was barely on the map. I'd also be shocked if all that many people are truly buying into the Best of packages....I mean, a $4 monthly premium for only 6 stations? . I know a lot of hardcores here have them but I can't imagine Joe Schome who bought either service would keep that for more than it's trail period. BTW, is Mel even attempting to try and spin the "Best Of" packs as doing well? Maybe he can spin the music changes but if he gets his ass caught in another lie, it will look really bad

 

[DAB]

In another lie? What was the first lie? We won't get reports on how well the newly released Best of Packages and of course the sub counts for this quarter until sometimes in late Jan 2009.

Black Friday at Best Buy in my area didn't look like a joke for sat radio. They had displays and plenty of stock. It seems they were especially pushing the XMp3. In my opinion Sirius didn't need a new portable this year they seem to have the bases covered very well.

So what is your definition of Black Friday not being a joke?

I don't know Vinny maybe it is just me, but overall you've just gone totally negative. Now Mel has all but told folks like you either deal with it the channel changes or cancel. Maybe you have a right to be pissed off about that comment, but the changes were necessary and we aren't going back.

Clearly what you see and what many of us see are not the same! Ultimately I think Mel is right, I guess we'll see! Even if they lost a million dollars the channel changes will save them a lot more than that in the long term and that is the reality that folks like yourself just do not want to accept apparently.

 

[hank-the-dwarf]

Someone posted this on orbitcast.

I thought it was funny.Liar Artist(Band):Henry Rollins (the siriusxm mix)

you think you're gonna to live your life alone
in darkness
and seclusion
yeah Mel know
you've been out there
tried to mix with those animals
and it just left you full of humiliated confusion
so you stagger back home
and wait for nothing
but the solitary refinement of your room spits you back out onto the street
and now you're desperate
and in need of human contact
and then
you meet Mel
and you whole world changes
because everything Mel say is everything you've ever wanted to hear
so you drop all your defenses and you drop all your fears
and you trust me completely
Mel's perfect
in every way
cause Mel make you feel so arrogant and so ego drivin inside
you feel so lucky
but your ego obscures reality
and you never bother to wonder why
things are going so well
you wanna know why?
cause Mel's a liar
yeah Mel's a liar
Mel'll tear your mind out
Mel'll burn your soul
Mel'll turn you into me
Mel'll turn you into me
cause Mel's a liar, a liar
a liar, a liar

Mel'll hide behind a smile
and understanding eyes
and Mel'll tell you things that you already know
so you can say
Mel really identify with you, so much
and all the time that you're needing me
is just the time that I'm bleeding you
don't you get it yet?
Mel'll come to you like an affliction
and Mel'll leave you like an addiction
you'll never forget me
you wanna know why?
cause Mel's a liar
yeah Mel's a liar
Mel'll rip your mind out
Mel'll burn your soul
Mel'll turn you into me
Mel'll turn you into me
cause Mel's a liar, a liar
liar, liar, liar, liar

Mel don't know why Mel feel the need to lie
and cause you so much pain
maybe it's something inside
maybe it's something Mel can't explain
cause all Mel do
is mess you up and lie to you
Mel's a liar
oh, Mel's am a liar

if you'll give Mel one more chance
Mel swear that Mel will never lie to you again
because now Mel see the destructive power of a lie
they're stronger than truth
Mel can't believe Mel ever hurt you
Mel swear
Mel will never to you lie again, please
just give me one more chance
Mel will never lie to you again
Mel swear
that Mel will never tell a lie
Mel will never tell a lie
no, no
ha ha ha ha ha hah haa haa haa haaa
sucker
sucker!
oh, sucker
Mel's am a liar
yeah, Mel's am a liar
yeah Mel like it
Mel feel good
ohh Mel am a liar
yeah
Mel lie
Mel lie
Mel lie
oh, Mel lie
oh Mel lie
Mel lie
yeah
ohhh Mel's a liar
Mel lie
yeah
Mel like it
Mel feel good
Mel'll lie again
and again
Mel'll lie again and again
and Mel'll keep lying
Mel promise

 

[jef]

I don't know Vinny maybe it is just me, but overall you've just gone totally negative. Now Mel has all but told folks like you either deal with it the channel changes or cancel. Maybe you have a right to be pissed off about that comment, but the changes were necessary and we aren't going back.

If anything, I'd like a more transparent Sirius, so I respect Mel for stepping up and telling it like it is. I hope it's a new era of letting people know whats going on with the service instead of us having to guess all the time. (like with channel changes, the Radio Classics schedule, etc)

 

[DAB]

If anything, I'd like a more transparent Sirius, so I respect Mel for stepping up and telling it like it is. I hope it's a new era of letting people know whats going on with the service instead of us having to guess all the time. (like with channel changes, the Radio Classics schedule, etc)

Amen to that Jef, I could not agree more. They need to be more transparent and keep subscribers informed. Lets just hope all the negative feedback they got from blogs and various tech web sites, not to mention individual subscribers calling in, they won't make this mistake again.

I hope the new combined web site will do a much better job of keeping up with ALL the current channel scheduled including Radio Classics.

 

[HecticArt]

I thought it was funny.Liar Artist(Band):Henry Rollins (the siriusxm mix)

you think you're gonna to live your life alone
in darkness
and seclusion
yeah Mel know
you've been out there
tried to mix with those anim. . . . . . .
and you never bother to wonder why
things are going so well
you wanna know why?
cause Mel's a liar
yeah Mel's a liar
Mel'll tear your mind out
Mel'll burn your soul
Mel'll turn you into me
Mel'll turn you into me
cause Mel's a liar, a liar
a liar, a liar. . . . . . . . .

Man! I love Rollins! I've been listening to that song for years, but had no idea that those were the lyrics.

Thanks for the transcription Hank!

 

[HecticArt]

If anything, I'd like a more transparent Sirius, so I respect Mel for stepping up and telling it like it is. I hope it's a new era of letting people know whats going on with the service instead of us having to guess all the time. (like with channel changes, the Radio Classics schedule, etc)

Ditto.

I know he gets to play with a few satellites, but this isn't "Operation Blackbriar" stuff.