Bright Things Share Discussion Threads

[the analyst] 02/11/2009 11:51

Yup, that is a fair argument, LDM

For me, there is suddenly a lot more risk than a few weeks ago, because WL have left

WL were in my opinion, the main guys marketing the site and the guys that had real energy and innovation. I don't actually see how SG could let them slip off by not paying them what they asked for. That is, unless they have a top-class replacement lined-up

They do need a catalyst.

I have some ideas for them, that could transform the profile of the company overnight. I'm wondering if it's worth me spending a few days putting something together for them that would make a difference

Unrelated, but one thing that investors could do to help, is find articles about ning and simply mention that SocialGO exists too and that they have better terms and conditions for any network owner that wants to run it as a business.

[ldmachin] 02/11/2009 08:46

the analyst,

I'd like to invest in BGT, 'cause i like the product... that's why i keep popping in here every-so-often to see what's new and how things are going. I'm trying to find reasons to invested, but at present, i still have the same concerns... and based on the current 'paid network' numbers, it look like they are going to increase 5-6 fold just for the company to break even...

... that's a big hill to climb and i think it needs a catalyst to make it happen (i.e. a deal with a big company, nationwide schools, etc)... which i don't think will happen.

... so, at the moment, i'm not interested in investing in BGT, but will continue to look in a give my 2p's worth.

And yes, looks like BGT and CLTV management could both be contenders for dodgy AIM management of year awards.

All the best pal.

[carl79] 02/11/2009 08:35

Oh dear - another trashed thread...well done LDM...

I'm heading over to the other thread - although not much to talk about it certainly beats this...

[the analyst] 02/11/2009 01:41

Hi LDM,

I remember the acquisition, but had forgotten about that 7.5% - thanks for that.

All I know is that at last years AGM I was told that BGT own SocialGO. I agree that the acquisition statement is unnecessarily complex. I think that a lot of that was to do with not wanting to have full-time employees, but wanting to outsource at the very beginning, to save stress. However, you will need to chat to Dominic to find out any more than that. I'm sure he would chat to you. It's a shame you don't ever manage to get to AGMs, I think you would enjoy getting out and about, meeting people and debating during the meeting

By the way, did you ever find out about the ownerships etc over at CLTV? When I asked them about those mystery 'tax haven' companies, they wouldn't give me any more than political answers.

One thing BGT and CLTV share is a not so hot track record of realising shareholder value for money. Like I say, this is a risky share!

[the analyst] 02/11/2009 01:24

Hi LDM

One or two more posts for you (I hate writing press-releases anyway - one down so far, two to go and taking a break...)


"What happened to all this, there are thousands of paying Zocku customers?"
That appears to be mis-information provided by the lovely chaps at WL - not impressive, but there was no reason to doubt it at the time. Yes, it's bad to have been provided with this mis-information. I think that behaviour needs to be noted and added as a new risk factor when making predictions.


"You're also making dangerous assumption that that 1000 will now go up and up..."
It's a hope, rather than an assumption. There is a risk that without WL, that the rate goes down, which would be really bad. But who knows, this PR company they are hiring in California might increase the rate a lot. Assumptions are risky. I remember that over a year ago you saying the market was saturated. Boy were you wrong on that one! That 'assumption' of yours about the market being saturated was the worst yet on these boards....


Look, this is a risky share, LDM

We all think it's a massive risk - that's nothing new. If only we could get that through to you - you are preaching to the converted. There is and has always been a big chance of failure, but the potential rewards are massive. Maybe it's a 1 in 4 chance of success, but a 10-bagger if they do succeed. Great fun!

For you, the odds seem to be the other way around, or worse. If that's the case for you, then don't buy shares!

I do enjoy having a couple of speculative ones in the portfolio - that's what makes it fun. Right now, the big speculative ones are CTLV and BGT

[the analyst] 02/11/2009 00:26

On the subject of ownership, I think you will need to contact Dominic about that

As far as I am concerned BGT own the rights to all the IP, but if you do find that to be incorrect and can prove it, you will have done an excellent bit of research.

Right, can't chat any more tonight - I've just launched another website and need to write press releases for the morning. The work never stops....

[the analyst] 02/11/2009 00:26

hmmmm, how true it rings? but you were just repeating what had already been discussed - we already knew they would need to raise more money. Once again, like with PLW, you make it look like you were just trying to big yourself up, by repeating what was already known

Your 'may get a couple of hundred' is a long way from the 1000 (and counting) that has been achieved. It's over a five-fold difference!

and yes, most of us still think they need to raise more funds, even now. You can repeat that again, if you like, but it's not adding anything...

[ldmachin] 02/11/2009 00:15

the analyst,

Let's have a look at the full post shall we...

"LDMachin - 26 Sep'08 - 12:15 - 2073 of 4691

the analyst,

I've taken a look at this company and offering my opinion as to why i chose not to invest at this time, that is all. Current investors didn't like my opinions, that is all... they have a vested interest in this company and don't like opposing views and are very protective, i.e. 'Go elsewhere', ' that is total rubbish' and all that... heard it a million times before from the PLW guys... right up until it was suspended.

The nominal shareprice value of this stock is 1p. If there is to be any fund-raising done which requires the issue of the shares... then it can only be done at a minimum of 1p (the nominal value)... so, it is in the best interests of the company to do it asap, with the shareprice is just over 1p.

Like i've said the product is good. But i don't like the lingering fund-raising issues... this company has a history of doing nothing but fund-raising and the injection of funds not leading to generating profits. And i believe that most people who sign up to 'Social Go', will choose the 'free option' with advertising... and i think the hit and referral rates will need to be very high for SocialGo to make any money on the advertising on these 'free option' sites... and i don't think the hit and referral rates will be that high. You may get a couple of hundred who pay for the package and/or extras without advertising, but a couple of hundred won't be enough to cover cost of sales and central business costs and to service debt.

It's a judgement. That is my judgement. You have yours... it's a as simple as that. This is not an investment for me at this time for all the reasons i have repeatedly stated."

That was made over a year ago... and how true it rings today... and still the same hostility on this forum.

Whether it's a couple of hundred or one thousand... it's still very very far from covering costs.

I'll ask the question one more time (this is the third time of asking) if you'd be so kind...

"Can you actually state what BGT actually own of Social Go? as it all seems a bit wishy-washy in this area."

[the analyst] 01/11/2009 23:58

LDM, this was one of the posts. I found this one quickly, so did not bother to continue to go through them after that. There may be many more you wrote saying the same thing...

LDMachin - 26 Sep'08 - 12:15 - 2073 of 4691
"You may get a couple of hundred who pay for the package and/or extras without advertising"

Looking at that post, I see that even a year ago you were going on about PLW and how great you were to 'warn the investors' of the impending doom!

Whilst on the subject of PLW, did you know that in October 2006, I went onto the PLW thread and mentioned how dangerous the situation was for investors? Pre-consolidation, the price was effectively 500p back then. I note that you appeared on the PLW thread over a year later (Nov 2007) to 'break the news to everyone'. You really weren't saying anything that myself, sewel and others hadn't already discussed at length. You joined the party very late and added nothing new to the debate at all. The company was already essentially dead by the time you arrived on the scene

Unlike you, I may not gloat about these things and ramp myself up on a daily basis, but I do read these threads and I do take note!

Cheers

[ldmachin] 01/11/2009 23:01

the analyst,

"I'll find you "200 premium networks" quote on this thread if you like, as that thread gets downloaded automatically for me to track my own research"

- Sure, worth having a review.

"Are you saying this is a typo"

- Yes, i'm saying it's a typo.

"But, I can't spare the time to plough through thousands of spammy posts on the LNG thread to find quotes. If you're saying that this is not something you said, we will just have to differ in our opinion on that one."

- I'm saying your statement about me is not true... and for quite a strong statement that is posted as factual, it should be backed-up with evidence.

- Getting back to BGT. Can you actually state what BGT actually own of Social Go? as it all seems a bit wishy-washy in this area.

[the analyst] 01/11/2009 22:44

"LDMachin - 1 Nov'09 - 21:43 - 36 of 38
I'm now even sure BGT is worth a punt on the fact that it may get bought out... "

Are you saying this is a typo, then? Freudian slip, perhaps?

Best regards and keep posting, I do enjoy reading your thoughts!

T.A

[the analyst] 01/11/2009 22:43

I'll find you "200 premium networks" quote on this thread if you like, as that thread gets downloaded automatically for me to track my own research

But, I can't spare the time to plough through thousands of spammy posts on the LNG thread to find quotes. If you're saying that this is not something you said, we will just have to differ in our opinion on that one. Not important in relation to BGT's success anyway...

[the analyst] 01/11/2009 22:18

"LDMachin - 1 Nov'09 - 21:43 - 36 of 38
I'm now even sure BGT is worth a punt on the fact that it may get bought out... "


So now you are changing your mind again!?!

You now think the company is worth buying!?!

[the analyst] 01/11/2009 22:16

Also, LDM,

I do read the LNG thread sometimes and noted earlier in the year when you admited to David that you wouldn't be in such a bad financial situation if it wasn't for bad investments (blaming directors, companies, whatever...)

I'm glad to hear you saying that you are doing better now

[the analyst] 01/11/2009 22:14

"the analyst,
I never said Social Go would get no customers, so let's stick to the facts"


LDM,

You said that SocialGO "May get 200 premium networks", but you said they would not get any more than that without spending big on advertising. You were wrong. They now have over 1000 and counting and are still not spending on advertising.

We all knew they would raise more funds and we all know they will raise more funds. We have been saying so all along without you. So, there is nothing new you have added to the debate on that point

Over a year ago, you also said the market was saturated. Boy, were you wrong on that one!

Look, I really like your posts and your research, but your constant attempts to big yourself up by talking about shares you bought at the bottom or shares you told everyone to sell is getting a little dull. It's as if you are trying to persuade yourself that you are some sort of investing guru and it's getting rather bizarre

I'll show you how boring it is by telling you about my last few years - Investing in my own portfolio has been my full time profession for over 5 years now. I only started with £2400 ten years ago, but now make a good living from investing year after year. I haven't sold a share at a loss for over three years.....

There are many, many people here in the same position. It's really nothing special

But, you don't see me or the others posting on a daily basis about which stocks we bought or when we TOLD everyone to sell, blah blah blah. How boring would it be?

With respect, I think you need to stick to discussing the companies, rather than attempting to justify yourself, claiming you are great all the time. Personally, I think you are better than that

[ldmachin] 01/11/2009 21:43

77Monty,

Nip over the PLW thread... i posted for about a year on that thread warning what a bad investment it was. All the way from 3p to 0.05p (or what ever it is now). Even check out my posts made the night before the RNS was released stating 'The share has been suspended for clarification of financial position... you'll see how good i am at predicting outcomes.



... i think you'll find i don't have alteria move, i just like to give a bit of advice based on hard learnt experience. I tried to help those at PLW, and i put my 2p in here for what it's worth... take it or leave it.

pink/e,

I said at 0.5p-0.75p this share might be worth a punt as the risk/reward level is then more palatable. But, not at 1.5p when then market cap is £3.7m!

the analyst,

I never said Social Go would get no customers, so let's stick to the facts, i said it wouldn't be able to get enough to make the business viable. And getting 1000 customers in 6 months earning the company £300k when costs are £1.5m-£2.0m, is not viable at present... numbers need to start growing exponentially from now on... what's going to be the catalyst for that? A recessive economy doesn't help either. I maintain my stance, good product, but way too late, and not enough captial to compete with established players in the market. Seen googles social site yet?



I'm now even sure BGT is worth a punt on the fact that it may get bought out... I'm not even sure who owns it as other companies have actually done the development? As far as i am aware Social Go only claim to own the Social network I.P. (which is laughable if true)?

[the analyst] 31/10/2009 17:23

I also agree that if we join the Euro, the pound will be devalued rapidly and significantly against all major currencies, including the dollar. That would indeed, be excellent news for BGT, with our earnings being in dollars

[the analyst] 31/10/2009 15:41

I was just happy to get an update, Monty. They don't usually put one out with the AGM statement. Just the bit of info we did get in the statement has put an end to the hyperboly (mis-information?) that WL were spewing out. At the same time, though, it's also put an end to the "they will be lucky to even get 200 premium users" brigade too.

We now know where we stand and what needs to be done.

For me, that means getting the conversion rate up to 2% by Christmas 2010 and also, to raise another milion or so without having to have a share consolidation and place shares at a discount to the nominal value

If the company manages to get up to 300,000 networks signed-up by Christmas 2010 and they achieve a 2% conversion rate, we should be trading at around break-even. That's not an easy target, but it's my goal for the company

If by christmas 2011, they have 500,000 networks signed-up, with a 2.5% conversion rate, that would see revenues of around £4.5m and most likely, a profit of £1.5m+

[77monty] 31/10/2009 13:17

Is it just me or is the quality of the trading statement shockingly lame? Is this kind of lack of detail normal for this kind of company?

[carl79] 31/10/2009 12:54

Hi TA - yep I know it has been a difficult one! Thank goodness for the likes of NRK, KAZ and LLOY - just some of the shares that at one point or other were very easy to predict and very lucrative as a result - still really p*ssed I sold out of KAZ way way too early! lol - got back in though for a wee while ;-)

I agree on being wrong in relation to cash position - it was easy done - but when you are told things such as -

Now that the SocialGO platform has been supercharged, and thousands of adult sites are settling into their new home on the dedicated Zocku servers, the focus is 100 percent on bringing you the "killer" features that you have anticipated. It is easy to become mistaken. I quite simply thought they were doing better than it seems they were on the back of comments that they were making - albeit non formal comments...I was surprised to see them only having 1000+ networks and not 3000+ but I guess they have seen a lot of attrition between then and now...I was not at the AGM so can not really do any more than guess on that point...had i been there i would have really challenged the point.

[the analyst] 31/10/2009 11:36

Hi Carl,

Yes, like most posters here, LDMs track record is mixed on this one so far, but I really like his posts.

We've all been wrong at some stage, SocialGO is difficult to predict - I remember at one stage last year, you were thinking they had enough cash to take them to break-even (wrong), I thought they had managed to get a lot of adult types to sign-up and pay for zocku (wrong) and LDM thought that the market was saturated and they would get no sales without advertising (wrong). Others said the shares would be massively consolidated to get a placing underway (wrong).

The list goes on, but we are all agreed the product is very good.

Sales are increasing and losses steadily declining month on month. I think they need more cash, but I would love to be wrong on that one. There are some big plans ahead for the product and Alex is off to San Francisco to promote SocialGO in November. Video chat rooms, games, better hosting, the recent bug fix effort, are all going to help get that 1% conversion rate up to the 2%+ we really need to be seeing going forward

By the way, have you voted for SocialGO yet?



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