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Let's Help Basil with Recent Cost Issues, Ideas...

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bmurphy7369

bmurphy7369

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Silverghost, Peter Hays, started this in Jaguar, but the forum has been slower than usual and nobody had replied... I think this may have been missed by many, my response is below... Any other suggestions for helping out with forum expenses anyone? I hope Basil will initiate something to ease the burden he must be feeling of late.... Thank you to all.......

SILVER GHOST WROTE:
"Let me see if my logic makes sense here:

9000 members (I think I heard or saw that somewhere)
x$12 - $1/month per member - anyone NOT have 3.34 pennies a day?
=$108,000 annual gross income

9000 members
x$60 - $5/month per member - who can't spare 1 or 2 gallons of gas once a month?
=$540,000 annual gross income

9000 members
X$120 - $10/month per member - 2-3 gallons of gas per month
=$1,080,000 annual gross income.

The saying goes many hands make light work. I say it is a small price to pay to keep something SO outstanding and beneficial to so many active.

Basil, don't feel bad or have ANY remorse about making this a pay site. YOU HAVE EARNED IT! I don't know about the fees and expenses that go into making this site function, but just based on what I typed above, it doesn't look like it would take big dollars per person to get you where you need to be.

Since I like saying so much, here's another one: Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? Well, I for one will gladly pay for the cow. I can't even imagine how much time and money I'd spend to go various places and join various car clubs, meetings dues, etc. for the information, comraderie (sp?), and help I can can get in one place - here.

If you decide to do so, count me in for $25/month plus the fee for the Gold membership I already have.
_________________________
Peter Hays
Chicago, Il
1963 Mini Mk1 Traveller
1956 Jaguar Mk1 2.4 "


Basil,
You could put a PayPal donate button on the site as well. It would be easy to give to keep the site alive, and nothing to feel badly about asking for in return for all you have given us for so long, your time, your sanity at times as I believe you mentioned :), and your continued support of our shared passion for the British Marques. If you don't want to force a membership fee, which I believe you would be justified in doing anyway, then at least allow us to Donate to the cause through PayPal or by Credit Card, somehow. I don't want to sell my one remaining Jaguar, so I can't contribute with an ad right now, but I could with a donation or membership fee.... Just a thought, and thank you to Peter Hays in the Jaguar Forum for the post, pointing out the math. I think Basil is at a turning point and we're all behind him in whatever he decides to do of course. I hope I can do my own part in helping to ease the strain on him.
Best Regards, Basil,
Brian :thankyousign: :cheers:
_________________________
Brian D. Murphy, currently own a 1987 XJ6 Vanden Plas and a 1957 TR3. {Previously owned British vehicles: Two 1959 TR3A's, a 1957 MGA 1500, a 1975 Jaguar XJ6C, 1985 and 1986 XJ6 SIII's, 1988 and 1993 XJ6/XJ40's}
 
Silverghost, Peter Hays, started this in Jaguar, but the forum has been slower than usual and nobody had replied... I think this may have been missed by many, my response is below... Any other suggestions for helping out with forum expenses anyone? I hope Basil will initiate something to ease the burden he must be feeling of late.... Thank you to all.......

SILVER GHOST WROTE:
"Let me see if my logic makes sense here:

9000 members (I think I heard or saw that somewhere)
x$12 - $1/month per member - anyone NOT have 3.34 pennies a day?
=$108,000 annual gross income

9000 members
x$60 - $5/month per member - who can't spare 1 or 2 gallons of gas once a month?
=$540,000 annual gross income

9000 members
X$120 - $10/month per member - 2-3 gallons of gas per month
=$1,080,000 annual gross income.

The saying goes many hands make light work. I say it is a small price to pay to keep something SO outstanding and beneficial to so many active.

Basil, don't feel bad or have ANY remorse about making this a pay site. YOU HAVE EARNED IT! I don't know about the fees and expenses that go into making this site function, but just based on what I typed above, it doesn't look like it would take big dollars per person to get you where you need to be.

Since I like saying so much, here's another one: Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? Well, I for one will gladly pay for the cow. I can't even imagine how much time and money I'd spend to go various places and join various car clubs, meetings dues, etc. for the information, comraderie (sp?), and help I can can get in one place - here.

If you decide to do so, count me in for $25/month plus the fee for the Gold membership I already have.
_________________________
Peter Hays
Chicago, Il
1963 Mini Mk1 Traveller
1956 Jaguar Mk1 2.4 "


Basil,
You could put a PayPal donate button on the site as well. It would be easy to give to keep the site alive, and nothing to feel badly about asking for in return for all you have given us for so long, your time, your sanity at times as I believe you mentioned :), and your continued support of our shared passion for the British Marques. If you don't want to force a membership fee, which I believe you would be justified in doing anyway, then at least allow us to Donate to the cause through PayPal or by Credit Card, somehow. I don't want to sell my one remaining Jaguar, so I can't contribute with an ad right now, but I could with a donation or membership fee.... Just a thought, and thank you to Peter Hays in the Jaguar Forum for the post, pointing out the math. I think Basil is at a turning point and we're all behind him in whatever he decides to do of course. I hope I can do my own part in helping to ease the strain on him.
Best Regards, Basil,
Brian :thankyousign: :cheers:
_________________________
Brian D. Murphy, currently own a 1987 XJ6 Vanden Plas and a 1957 TR3. {Previously owned British vehicles: Two 1959 TR3A's, a 1957 MGA 1500, a 1975 Jaguar XJ6C, 1985 and 1986 XJ6 SIII's, 1988 and 1993 XJ6/XJ40's}
 
Silverghost, Peter Hays, started this in Jaguar, but the forum has been slower than usual and nobody had replied... I think this may have been missed by many, my response is below... Any other suggestions for helping out with forum expenses anyone? I hope Basil will initiate something to ease the burden he must be feeling of late.... Thank you to all.......

SILVER GHOST WROTE:
"Let me see if my logic makes sense here:

9000 members (I think I heard or saw that somewhere)
x$12 - $1/month per member - anyone NOT have 3.34 pennies a day?
=$108,000 annual gross income

9000 members
x$60 - $5/month per member - who can't spare 1 or 2 gallons of gas once a month?
=$540,000 annual gross income

9000 members
X$120 - $10/month per member - 2-3 gallons of gas per month
=$1,080,000 annual gross income.

The saying goes many hands make light work. I say it is a small price to pay to keep something SO outstanding and beneficial to so many active.

Basil, don't feel bad or have ANY remorse about making this a pay site. YOU HAVE EARNED IT! I don't know about the fees and expenses that go into making this site function, but just based on what I typed above, it doesn't look like it would take big dollars per person to get you where you need to be.

Since I like saying so much, here's another one: Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? Well, I for one will gladly pay for the cow. I can't even imagine how much time and money I'd spend to go various places and join various car clubs, meetings dues, etc. for the information, comraderie (sp?), and help I can can get in one place - here.

If you decide to do so, count me in for $25/month plus the fee for the Gold membership I already have.
_________________________
Peter Hays
Chicago, Il
1963 Mini Mk1 Traveller
1956 Jaguar Mk1 2.4 "


Basil,
You could put a PayPal donate button on the site as well. It would be easy to give to keep the site alive, and nothing to feel badly about asking for in return for all you have given us for so long, your time, your sanity at times as I believe you mentioned :), and your continued support of our shared passion for the British Marques. If you don't want to force a membership fee, which I believe you would be justified in doing anyway, then at least allow us to Donate to the cause through PayPal or by Credit Card, somehow. I don't want to sell my one remaining Jaguar, so I can't contribute with an ad right now, but I could with a donation or membership fee.... Just a thought, and thank you to Peter Hays in the Jaguar Forum for the post, pointing out the math. I think Basil is at a turning point and we're all behind him in whatever he decides to do of course. I hope I can do my own part in helping to ease the strain on him.
Best Regards, Basil,
Brian :thankyousign: :cheers:
_________________________
Brian D. Murphy, currently own a 1987 XJ6 Vanden Plas and a 1957 TR3. {Previously owned British vehicles: Two 1959 TR3A's, a 1957 MGA 1500, a 1975 Jaguar XJ6C, 1985 and 1986 XJ6 SIII's, 1988 and 1993 XJ6/XJ40's}
 
Hello,
I looked for a pay pal button recently, was going to make a donation, gave up after a long look. Great idea makes it easy to make a donation. Annual membership is ok with me.
Cheers Phil
 
I'm in but would prefer to mail in a check if Basil would entertain that method of payment. I like to pay for all my car expenses out of a separate checking account. Keeps the Mrs. happier.
 
bmurphy7369 said:
You could put a PayPal donate button on the site as well.
Click to expand...
Hi Brian,
Basil did have a donate button for quite some time as well as a store to buy BCF items like coffee mugs and t-shirts. He took that down recently while he thought about what direction the BCF would go.
 
The problem with the math is the 9000 members. If it becomes a pay site (which would be OK with me) that number will drop considerably. Do the math with only 1000 or maybe 2000 members which will more then likely be the actual number willing to pay...just a guess. There are alot of members that will not want to pay. Less members will equal less input and impact on the forum. Even though there are alot of members that do not post often, doesn't mean that they aren't here or regularly visit. The more members, the better chance of acquiring advertising revenue, sort of like newspaper and magazine ad rates based on circulation.

One possible answer to the "pay for play" scenario would be NOT TO CHARGE members for say the first six months. Once they see the value of the site, they may be more willing to pay an on-going subscription rate. At least, this method will not scare away potential new members. If they like what they see and experience, they will pay for a subscription.

Edit: Also, there is an existing donate program now, where the more you donate, the more features you have as a user. This is a good idea. Maybe it can be tweaked a little where the bottom rung can still participate at a very reasonable (very low) cost. It's always nice to know that if I'm paying more, that I get more.
 
I thought that the Chief was developing a plan for executing this. I'm in no matter what,so the sooner we get this behind us the better.
 
The MiniMania, and Mini Forum in the UK sites do not allow you to post or see attachment pictures unless you are a member. Granted membership is free on those sites but both are sponsered by part suppiers. Maybe Basil could only allow viewing for free but posting and adding/viewing attachments would require the membership fee. Can that be done? This would allow people to view the site, and also see that membership would gain them more information and input.
 
Paypal is a great idea, my "car fun money" is often is the paypal account vs. the regular money that the wife keeps an eye on too---maybe others are in the same boat
 
Brosky said:
I thought that the Chief was developing a plan for executing this. I'm in no matter what,so the sooner we get this behind us the better.
Click to expand...

I am developing a plan, but it will be mostly centered on getting more supporting vendors. Subscriptions will still be an option, but I will probably advertise that we have them available a bit more than I have been.

I also want to get our classified sections a bit more visibility and use. Ads for parts are free, but ads for cars are $15 for 90 days, which I think is more than reasonable compared to most places.
 
9000 members but how many daily or weekly members?
 
DNK said:
9000 members but how many daily or weekly members?
Click to expand...

Member subscriptions will not solve the long-term problem, as much as I'd like to believe it would. See previous post - I'm hoping to get more vendors here supporting us with advertising and keep subscriptions or donations completely optional.
 
I know most of our car club members use BCF on a regular basis. Maybe a club could pay a sponsorship fee and offer a BCF membership for free to the club members as a perk. BCF could in turn advertise the car club, refer BCF members in the same geographic area to the club, and BCF could highllight that clubs events as they came up.

I may be in the minority but my opinion is my car club dues are too LOW...$25 a year for a family. That is a great deal considering teh friendships made and the unending source of knowledge much like BCF.
 
Basil said:
DNK said:
9000 members but how many daily or weekly members?
Click to expand...

Member subscriptions will not solve the long-term problem, as much as I'd like to believe it would. See previous post - I'm hoping to get more vendors here supporting us with advertising and keep subscriptions or donations completely optional.
Click to expand...
Boss- I understand that I was just trying to drive the same point home that membership probably isn't enough to do it.

I'm wit dja Boss :thumbsup:
 
Re: Let's Help Basil with Recent Cost Issues, Idea

I'm in on this also. I think the Paypal donate idea would be great. I did one for a website that I built for someone. I don't think anybody gave him any money, but then again he wasn't running a forum website- he just wanted money.
 
Re: Let's Help Basil with Recent Cost Issues, Idea

bmurphy7369 said:
SILVER GHOST WROTE:
"Let me see if my logic makes sense here:

9000 members (I think I heard or saw that somewhere)
x$12 - $1/month per member - anyone NOT have 3.34 pennies a day?
=$108,000 annual gross income

9000 members
x$60 - $5/month per member - who can't spare 1 or 2 gallons of gas once a month?
=$540,000 annual gross income

9000 members
X$120 - $10/month per member - 2-3 gallons of gas per month
=$1,080,000 annual gross income.
Click to expand...
Makes sense if every member is active & involved....as it is, I'd bet we would be lucky to find 500 active members!
 
Options:
1. Fund it through the car clubs i.e. they add $5.00 to their dues as a membership benefit. Non forum members are view only, no search, no comment but can pay to join.

2. Corporate sponsorship. Moss Motors or the like. Just like a stadium, the name is sold "The Moss Motors British Car Forum" but the operation is independent.

3. Private sponsorship. There are wealthy British car collectors, a few of which are likely on this forum. One or more together could autonomously cover the cost.

4. Charitable Sources. As a non-profit organization, seek support from a wealthy individual that loves cars, like Jay Leno; Also from foundations and corporations that support keeping items of historical significance.

Basil likely doesn't have the time or expertise to make one of the above happen. We all have different skills. Perhaps we need to form a small group of volunteers to work on a solution.
 
As you can see, I have "merged" all the similar threads from various forums into <span style="font-weight: bold">ONE thread</span> in this forum. I only merged the threads that had replies in them and deleted those with no replies. You will notice the original post is repeated three times - there is nothing I can do about that do to a glitch in the way the "merge" function works. Anyway, so far here is what I am planning:

<span style="font-weight: bold">1)</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">Solicit vendors</span>: I am working with a few folks behind the scenes to develop a nice quality flyer which I will mail to as many relevant vendors as possible to inform them of the advertising opportunities here.

<span style="font-weight: bold">2)</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">Press Release</span>: I am also working on a "press release" to try to get the word out to major magazines and as many clubs as possible.

<span style="font-weight: bold">3)</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">Classifieds</span>: I hope to get our classifieds more visibility and more activity. Wanted ads and ads for parts will still be free, but I will "suggest" an optional donation (say 5%) if folks are successful at selling parts in the classifieds. So, for example, if you sell a transmission for $300, it would be suggested you make a $15 donation; sell a part for $50 and make a $2.50 donation. Of course, if you sell a lot of stuff in the classifieds, it would be suggested that you wait until you have sold a minimum of, say, $200 in parts and make a single $10 donation instead of a bunch of 1 and 2 dollar donations. Advertisements for cars will cost $15, which is extremely low compared to most advertising. Car ads will allow the ad to run with up to 6 photos and for 90 days. Then, if you do sell the car through our classifieds, we will suggest an additional small donation of 1/2% of the selling price. So, if you sell your car for $5000, you would make an additional donation of $25; thus your total cost to sell your $5000 car would be $40 ($15 ad + $25 donation). The donations for parts and cars sold would be completely on the honor system.

<span style="font-weight: bold">4)</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">Memberships</span>: I know there are some folks who have expressed a willingness for a mandatory membership fee. However, I agree with those who suggest the number of members would greatly decrease and so would the overall activity on the forum. It is my hope to have more vendors supporting the forum and I want to keep the forum activity growing so that they have an incentive to want to be part of the forum! Thus, I will still have optional memberships, but the basic forum will still be free. I may "push" the memberships a bit more, but they will remain optional. As for donations, I think the memberships will serve the same purpose since there are different levels of membership available.

Of course the above is not everything I "could" do, but these are the tings I feel I can tackle at the moment. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these measures will help get us back on track so the forum can continue to grow and improve.

PS: I recently became an LLC and am NOT a non-profit (at least not in the eyes of the IRS). I now have to file quarterly gross receipts (for any sales made within New Mexico). I'm just hoping there are some gross receipts to pay! :smile:
 
Basil,
Sounds like you have several good ideas. All this will require more effort on your part so for now how can I get a donation to you. Last time there was a way to do it by credit card. Can this still be done? Please let me know and have a good day!

John
 
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