Time to make some big decisions about the forum

LT1Caddy · Poncho Master!

RE: Time to make some big decisions about the forum

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Gillis wrote:
Aside from here, Im also a member on Stevesnovasite.com and Chevelles.com and they use the same platform as each other. Is this the type youre looking at Todd?

Yes, something like that,

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Losing the past posts would be a huge loss. Many knowledgeable folks have posted here over the years and are ghosts now. Refilling the knowledge base to the same quality may not be realistic.

Another thing, once stuff is posted is it not public domain? I've posted stuff here and it shows up at wildaboutcars, then the TOCMP. Once the Jeanie is out of the bottle...

One last thing regarding Photobucket images plastered with logos, try opening just the image in a new window and more often then not the logos are gone.

hawkeye5766 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

So.My understanding if Todd moves is that he can transfer the old threads to the new site so they are not lost? Once the new site is up and running we can't post on any old threads and make "Live" again. But we could copy and paste the old thread to our new thread and carry on? Computer dummy trying to figure out....

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

At some point I'd have to shut down the old forum or I'd be paying $200/month for it and whatever fee the new forum costs. I'd likely keep the old one up a couple of months to allow a transition.

Mike Ward MB · Addicted!

Ill follow this site wherever you think it makes sense to go Todd. As far as an annual fee goes, I pay to belong to other sites and services that dont provide near the resources and camaraderie that this site does.

I know whatever decisions you make administering the site are with the best interest of all members in mind!

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

I was hoping to spend some time today on Photobucket to see if I could download all my photos or delete those I don't wish to be used for profit by them. It seems you cannot log in without first accepting the new terms of agreement. If you don't agree they delete your account. I did send an email to support asking how to get in without agreeing or disagreeing but I assume they are bogged down with similar questions and complaints. Seems a little dirty for them to demand you agree before being able to log into your account!

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

You either allow them to host stuff on their platform on their terms, or not.
How many people got used to Photobucket hosting for free, or for low cost, set up their web pages & information, only to have Photobucket without warning hold your stuff hostage? Many I would say. Photobucket has costs and overhead, and they are not a charity (NO GUFF!) It isn't hard to believe they want to monetize their platform, and one way is to sell your data or in some way utilize it in unforseen ways.

Decision time indeed.

Oh, the cold, cruel world.
I think they are hosers, but their point of view is understandable.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

I got a reply from Photobucket:

Hi Todd,

Thanks for your message.

We won't provide access without an agreement to the new policies, but I'm glad to help!

To clarify, since your account has a paid subscription in good standing, your images are not included for sale, license, lease, trade, or any other profit by Photobucket.

Please let me know if you need additional information, or assistance managing your subscription or account.

Best,

So that's good news. Photos will still be with them for the time being. I'm still investigating another host for the forum though.

Winnipeg · Addicted!

Beaumontboy wrote:
Todd, I 100% agree with whatever you decide to do. Would be only to happy to pay a registration fee.

Ditto!!!

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

The August bill for the website was $230. I think that's ridiculous.

LT1Caddy · Poncho Master!

Time for you to make "your life easier" for sure. Do what you think is right.
I agree with other posters here, charge for membership. You won't lose the regular guys who are here everyday, they will still be here. I think you know that...

Trying to save the postings, the history, the tech articles is the big question.
We have a lot of guys here on this website. One of those guys has be computer tech guy who could help with the back up of those files....

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

LT1Caddy wrote:

Time for you to make "your life easier" for sure. Do what you think is right.
I agree with other posters here, charge for membership. You won't lose the regular guys who are here everyday, they will still be here. I think you know that...

Totally agree, it's time...

Even if it's only $10/year. Heck, when I go to Tim's and have a coffee and donut it's more than half of that 10 bucks.

Make the Lounge members only and make the classified section so that only paid members can run wanted or for sale ads.

And if the $10 from members still isn't covering costs, just post as you have been doing and say "we're short $XXX this month.

gtodrive · Guru

4SPEED427 wrote:
LT1Caddy wrote:

Time for you to make "your life easier" for sure. Do what you think is right.
I agree with other posters here, charge for membership. You won't lose the regular guys who are here everyday, they will still be here. I think you know that...

Totally agree, it's time...
Even if it's only $10/year. Heck, when I go to Tim's and have a coffee and donut it's more than half of that 10 bucks.
Make the Lounge members only and make the classified section so that only paid members can run wanted or for sale ads.
And if the $10 from members still isn't covering costs, just post as you have been doing and say "we're short $XXX this month.

I agree with having a subscription price. I access this site ever day and while I am not a frequent poster I thoroughly enjoy the content and the members have been an invaluable resource for information and acquiring parts so I have made it a priority to generously donate to this site. The average annual online magazine subscription is anywhere from $25-$60 and you cant interact with other enthusiasts or ask questions or locate parts! Just my opinion, but if something is important to you you will support it with or without a subscription fee. Thanks Todd for making this site a reality!

LT1Caddy · Poncho Master!

gtodrive wrote:
4SPEED427 wrote:
LT1Caddy wrote:

Time for you to make "your life easier" for sure. Do what you think is right.
I agree with other posters here, charge for membership. You won't lose the regular guys who are here everyday, they will still be here. I think you know that...

Totally agree, it's time...
Even if it's only $10/year. Heck, when I go to Tim's and have a coffee and donut it's more than half of that 10 bucks.
Make the Lounge members only and make the classified section so that only paid members can run wanted or for sale ads.
And if the $10 from members still isn't covering costs, just post as you have been doing and say "we're short $XXX this month.
I agree with having a subscription price. I access this site ever day and while I am not a frequent poster I thoroughly enjoy the content and the members have been an invaluable resource for information and acquiring parts so I have made it a priority to generously donate to this site. The average annual online magazine subscription is anywhere from $25-$60 and you cant interact with other enthusiasts or ask questions or locate parts! Just my opinion, but if something is important to you you will support it with or without a subscription fee. Thanks Todd for making this site a reality!

Todd... START at $25 for membership. That's 2 magazines in Canada (Canada price is higher of course) + tax!!! Then at $25 you will have some "leeway" for unknown/hidden fees and you won't have to come back to us for more $$ for a year or so??

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

I'd have to figure out an efficient way to monitor memberships. This software has no provisions. I'd need a separate database for that. The easiest way would be having some forums only available to members like mentioned above. Requiring every member to pay a fee would be a nightmare to implement.