Broomsticks and Owls

[salemboy]

I was just looking around at the regular http://www.broomsticksandowls.com , you know, without the /forum after it, and I realized how little it has been updated. I'm also kind of confused at how BaO turned from a Harry Potter online shopping website, into mainly this forum. Will somebody tell me what BaO was originally intended to be?

[*Riley*]

I really have no idea.
But I found this website that lets you find out hw much a website is worth, and apparantly BaO is worth $1,657 Even Google is worth 1 billion!
Realy interesting eh ?

[Paul]

Aha - you're asking what came first, the chicken or the egg

BaO has always been designed as both. The shopping side helps with the costs of running what is now hoppy the server (BaO was on a slower shared server initially). When I launched BaO there were very few Harry Potter forums and most of the ones that did exist were horribly arranged. I figured the web needed somewhere well arranged in a good proper forum for HP discussions in a pleasant and safe atmosphere.

Because of time constraints I couln't keep updating the news part of the front page. Apart from a small number of exceptions (which you'll notice if you click on them anyway), the shopping part is kept very much up to date with current items though.

I wish that figure was higher by the way, Riley, but it's probably not quite far off a fair value in the current market for websites. I dont think I'd ever sell BaO anyway.....well, maybe for that billion figure, but only if I knew it was in safe hands.

[*Riley*]

Oh, that is how it happened!
*Thinks about the hundreds of Harry Potter forums now opened*
It's good you got in early Paul, I might have to buy something from your shop..
Has anyone on here bought anything?

[Paul]

I honestly don't know. I can't remember anyone ever mentioning bought anything through BaO's shopping part (the items are actually purchased by buyers at other sites and I get a commission from their sale if they buy after going through a BaO link). I think a lot of members aren't even aware that the shopping part of BaO exists as I've often read people mentioning that they surprised themseves by finding it almost by accident.

[*Riley*]

Oh, I didn't know about the shop until I wrote www.broomsticksandowls.com into my URL and forgot to put /forum on it, I came across the shop and I was like 'Wha!, where's the forum gone!' and then I realised! It had a link to it ...
That was in January/February, but now I like cruising through the items that you stock, hopeful to find a real wand!! *Cackles Madly*

[DucksRMagical]

I always wondered why the news part wasn't updated very often. I've been thinking for a while that it would be cool if we had an HP related news section of the forum or an updated one on the regular site. I'd love to help with it if you ever decide to do something like that. I'm always posting various HP news on the forum anyway.

I've never bought anything from the regular site. I buy most of my HP related stuff from Hot Topic. Honestly, most of the stuff I want from the BaO shopping part is too expensive. I love that Snitch bracelet that was on there a while ago, but it's too much money.

[Scellanis]

I knew it existed, I've browsed it quite a few times but never actually bought anything. Don't usually have money spare to spend on Harry Potter merch.

[GodrictheGriffon]

Same here Scellanis.
I wanted the Snitch Bracelet and was considering buying the Harry Potter bedding but they were both too expensive froor me.

[Paul]

Hee hee - yes, a really nice wand is one of the things that I'd like to get for myself one day. Sorry that I don't have any control over the prices but one thing I've noticed since BaO started is, from looking at he range and type of things now available, that the quality of the merchandise seems to have improved to really high levels. Originally there were a lot of much cheaper items available but the quality of many didn't seem very impressive. I'm guessing that the people who control what is officially made have decided to go mainly for items that people can keep for a lifetime which I think is the better way really.

Thanks for offering to help with the news, Duckie. That would be hugely appreciated. There are a few different ways which we could go about it...probably best to discuss the planning in the Moderator's Forum if that's OK (don't want to give away any plans in the public part of the forum).

[DucksRMagical]

Thanks for offering to help with the news, Duckie. That would be hugely appreciated. There are a few different ways which we could go about it...probably best to discuss the planning in the Moderator's Forum if that's OK (don't want to give away any plans in the public part of the forum).

Sounds good to me.

[salemboy]

Yeah, you moderators have fun with that. *Sits back, drinking a sprite, knowing that he doesn't have any moderating responsibilities.* Now, if only I could figure out a way to get my book published. *Gets up and walks away muttering something about needing to create an official website for his book.*

[FawkesthePhoenix]

speaking of books, you know the book i'm writing along with three friends? apparently, one of their parents plans on sending it in to oprah once we finish it. but it's supposed to be a "surprise", lol

[DucksRMagical]

speaking of books, you know the book i'm writing along with three friends? apparently, one of their parents plans on sending it in to oprah once we finish it. but it's supposed to be a "surprise", lol

That is awesome! I love that book and I think it has great potential to be published. Email me and tell me which friend's parents!

[Scellanis]

*giggles*

I wonder....does Paul know he is selling "Adult Naughty Wizard Girl" costume

Don't worry, its not that naughty...it just amuses me.

But anyways, have you seen the cute kiddie's owl costume? I vote we club together, buy one, kidnap Riley and put him in it...