Suggestions and Feedback

frantastic wrote: It's starting to feel like Manhattan GMAT owns the site, although now that Kaplan's here too, I'm guessing they don't. LOL.

LOL
Yeah! It's definitely not a Manhattan GMAT owned site!
But We used to have a "Ask manhattan GMAT" sub-forum in strategy section earlier, where you could ask any questions (preferably GMAT related queries). But we (the members of the forum) considered it other way and the sub-forum ended up with many Manhattan GMAT administration related questions.

I remember many times I redirected users to MGMAT website for more information, but obviously if you have answers to the queries you would reply them.

I (we) always like to receive the feedback and know our members opinion about the website. It's a welcome thread, & we would like to know all of our members opinion here. I might add a poll to the thread so that user and easily express their opinion without having to post a reply here. However reply to the thread is always appreciated as we'd love to hear your perspective here.

The forums content might have looked biased towards Manhattan GMAT earlier as we had only one "certified expert" (representing any GMAT prep coaching co.) all other who used to contribute to the forums were either private tutors or used to post less. Still personally, I think the way experts or Eric post their replies or even sometimes plug 10 % discount link it's OK & acceptable.
I am not saying this because I am associated with BtG forums or am a senior moderator, ( I infact had come up with many criticisms for this site)I am saying this because this is what I feel.

Now the situation has changed, and Eric is in the process to bring some more experts from other GMAT test prep companies BUT THAT DOESNT MEAN, that we'll have more promoting (now with different companies ) posts LOL. (at least we should make this sure it wont happen)

Remember, at beattheGMAT, we get the information, expertise & advice for free, I dont want to compare this site with other similar sites as it would become a self-promoting post But on a serious note what set this GMAT forum apart from other sites are

• the resident expert
  & also we dont have any product to sell!

It's because of the resident experts and their quick yet comprehensive replies our members stick to this site.

Lastly about the moderators who are not resident experts but have been contributing to the site: I would say whatever they post is purely based on there own experience, They liked certain services they praised them. There's no question of vested interest as moderators here are not paid for there time they are free to express whatever they feel about any GMAT coaching company... afterall its the OPEN community where you can express you views ( remmber, thats why the thread is still ON! )

I do agree that stacey does advertise alot of manhattan gmat material here. but if you were in her place, wouldn't you do the same? she is the director of manhattan gmat research or some kind of important title...plus she makes 100 dollars an hour! all manhattan instructors make that much...if i was her, i would be doing the same thing too! however, i really appreciate her advice here...she scored in the 99th percentile and she is able to clearly explain certain techniques that she used to score that high...i have read many posts from people who score very high, but they aren't good in explaining how they were able to score so high. i think stacy's opinion and her advice should be strongly appreciated....and if you are annoyed w/ her advertising ...just don't read her posts...haha! it's only that simple!

I just wanted to say that I have absolutely no affliation with MGMAT whatsoever, but I really do believe they have great books and a great CAT exam. That is my only reason for promoting their material. I have no conflicts-of-interest to disclose.