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I don't think it works that way. About 6,300 of the total number have made 5 posts or less & aren't likely to pay much just to browse. But then I might be surprised.JPSmit said:
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The Future of BCF
- Thread starter Basil
- Start date
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martx-5
Yoda
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tony barnhill said:
This is one of the techniques used on the Miata Forum. Here is an example of what it looks like. You will see the banner after the first post, and a link on how to turn them off. As Tony says, there's a yearly charge to turn it off, in this case, it's $20. Gary Fischman, who runs the Miata Forum, has tried several different systems, and this is the one that has worked well for him, as it's been around for a couple of years.
jlaird
Great Pumpkin
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Couple things come to mind in addition to the very pertinant comments above by all.
1. Basil, take it from me you will need something to do with your time when you retire and no you can not spend it all in the garage or with the wife. I should think the BCF would be an ideal outlet. Something to check on first thing in the morning and off and on all day as I do. Always good to set down and take a break from other activities. Heck you may even have a bit of time to visit in the Pub.
2. Make it pay, make it pay, make it pay, heck we don't care in fact we expect it, you are the boss. Any firm (car related) of good reputation should be so lucky to be on the BCF and have such an outlet for their products. Shucks every LBC business along with a lot of standard suppliers like even PeP boys should have an add here of one type or another, even if it is just a link to their site. Hay I have lots of links to lots of supply LBC business as we all do I expect and would be glad to share to start your contact data base.
We who are your active suporters salute you.
1. Basil, take it from me you will need something to do with your time when you retire and no you can not spend it all in the garage or with the wife. I should think the BCF would be an ideal outlet. Something to check on first thing in the morning and off and on all day as I do. Always good to set down and take a break from other activities. Heck you may even have a bit of time to visit in the Pub.
2. Make it pay, make it pay, make it pay, heck we don't care in fact we expect it, you are the boss. Any firm (car related) of good reputation should be so lucky to be on the BCF and have such an outlet for their products. Shucks every LBC business along with a lot of standard suppliers like even PeP boys should have an add here of one type or another, even if it is just a link to their site. Hay I have lots of links to lots of supply LBC business as we all do I expect and would be glad to share to start your contact data base.
We who are your active suporters salute you.
Brosky
Great Pumpkin
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I'll pay. Figure out how to do it, but please keep it going.
I belong to many fraternal organizations and clubs that I don't get near the enjoyment out of that I get here, so this is just a necessary step to keep it alive. If anyone thinks that this type of service can be free forever, they are just plain nuts.....
I've also seen several computer forums get so big that they had to do this. One man cannot do it all, or shoulder the expense alone.
It can be made to work, it can be made affordable and those who don't want to pay will have to look elsewhere for help and instant informational responses.
Is that cruel, no it's business and that's what this has become and if it isn't treated as such, it will soon be out of business.
For those who may not agree, consider this. I'm a good customer of TRF, who has spent many, many dollars there. Just because I have, doesn't mean that I can expect to get anything for free.
I belong to many fraternal organizations and clubs that I don't get near the enjoyment out of that I get here, so this is just a necessary step to keep it alive. If anyone thinks that this type of service can be free forever, they are just plain nuts.....
I've also seen several computer forums get so big that they had to do this. One man cannot do it all, or shoulder the expense alone.
It can be made to work, it can be made affordable and those who don't want to pay will have to look elsewhere for help and instant informational responses.
Is that cruel, no it's business and that's what this has become and if it isn't treated as such, it will soon be out of business.
For those who may not agree, consider this. I'm a good customer of TRF, who has spent many, many dollars there. Just because I have, doesn't mean that I can expect to get anything for free.
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Hi Basil,
I've been away for a few days and just got back to find this. All the above comments are right but only you, of course, can make that final decision. As a retired software and database developer, I do have a pretty good idea how much time and money you put into BCF. This is no doubt the best source I have found for information on our hobby. In addition, it is also a great place to just make friends a meet other folks of like interests. It would truly be missed if it went away.
In the interest of perpetuating BCF, I think few, if any, of us would object to additional advertising. In fact, there could even be enough related to the hobby to make it worthwhile to you. I too, like most who have commented so far, would be happy to pay a small subscription fee. I'm not sure how that might be administered or whether it might adversely cut into new memberships.
Finally, as I said, I am a retired software and database developer. As such, I can offer some help for your workload if you are interested.
I've been away for a few days and just got back to find this. All the above comments are right but only you, of course, can make that final decision. As a retired software and database developer, I do have a pretty good idea how much time and money you put into BCF. This is no doubt the best source I have found for information on our hobby. In addition, it is also a great place to just make friends a meet other folks of like interests. It would truly be missed if it went away.
In the interest of perpetuating BCF, I think few, if any, of us would object to additional advertising. In fact, there could even be enough related to the hobby to make it worthwhile to you. I too, like most who have commented so far, would be happy to pay a small subscription fee. I'm not sure how that might be administered or whether it might adversely cut into new memberships.
Finally, as I said, I am a retired software and database developer. As such, I can offer some help for your workload if you are interested.
sail
Darth Vader
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Thanks again Basil for doing this. What about a public radio fundraising approach, voluntary donations in a structured time frame so awareness and urgency are addressed. That allows public radio to pay bills and salaries which you deserve. You otta get something out of this, maybe we should all come over and help you finish your current project. I have some house paint and a brush left over, can give you a reeal nice racing stripe in short order.
2wrench
Luke Skywalker
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I'm never at a loss for words, Basil, so here's my
two cents.
Make it a business.
Make money.
Contract and pay helpers to do more/most the work.
Be an over-seer to maintain proper decorum.
Enjoy life more. Have money to buy car parts.
Hypothetically, if members paid $10 a month....you got,
what, 8,000 members? If less stayed, say only 5,000;
that's $50,000 a month. Sounds like more than you need?
Okay, charge less. Seems very doable to make it a
business and hire out to do the stuff you don't want
to do. Much could be done via cyberspace with
folks you might even contract right from the Forum.
I don't like the idea of other car clubs messing up
our British car focus. It would then be way too
commercial.
If the money comes mostly from members, an advantage
is that we don't have so many advertisers that could
be annoying.
Thanks, Basil, for what you do, and I hope you find
a way to keep the Forum up and running.
two cents.
Make it a business.
Make money.
Contract and pay helpers to do more/most the work.
Be an over-seer to maintain proper decorum.
Enjoy life more. Have money to buy car parts.
Hypothetically, if members paid $10 a month....you got,
what, 8,000 members? If less stayed, say only 5,000;
that's $50,000 a month. Sounds like more than you need?
Okay, charge less. Seems very doable to make it a
business and hire out to do the stuff you don't want
to do. Much could be done via cyberspace with
folks you might even contract right from the Forum.
I don't like the idea of other car clubs messing up
our British car focus. It would then be way too
commercial.
If the money comes mostly from members, an advantage
is that we don't have so many advertisers that could
be annoying.
Thanks, Basil, for what you do, and I hope you find
a way to keep the Forum up and running.
longbridgehealey
Obi Wan
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OK, Basil, there's no doubt that we all need you and what you do. I don't post often, but I spend at least an hour a day on the forum. I can't imagine keeping my cars on the road without the wealth of knowledge found here. I have to say, even though I don't correspond much, that I feel I have more friends on this forum than I do in my everyday life. All that being said, the bottom line is you need to decide what you want from us, and I'll bet the majority of the members will support you, whether it's membership dues - gets my vote - or advertising, or some combination of other ideas. The only option you can't consider is shutting it down or selling it, we NEED YOU to keep us focused.
Larry
Larry
14dna
Luke Skywalker
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Basil:
I'm only concerned with one thing.
How much more can you give to this, before it becomes too much of a burden?
what you decide to do rests solely with you.
I'm greatful for the opportunity this forum has provided me, but if it is at your financial and mental expense then it has too big a price.
I will agree with whatever you decide to do.
I'm hoping you will keep this alive and would like to say THANK YOU!!! for what it has accomplished.
If sponsorship and fees will help, then, by all means, do it.
Just don't lose Basil in all of this.
Dave
I'm only concerned with one thing.
How much more can you give to this, before it becomes too much of a burden?
what you decide to do rests solely with you.
I'm greatful for the opportunity this forum has provided me, but if it is at your financial and mental expense then it has too big a price.
I will agree with whatever you decide to do.
I'm hoping you will keep this alive and would like to say THANK YOU!!! for what it has accomplished.
If sponsorship and fees will help, then, by all means, do it.
Just don't lose Basil in all of this.
Dave
Cyberpyr8
Senior Member
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I work in IT and have run a few websites through the years. I appreciate that these forums are well moderated and I understand how much work they can be. I agree with everyone else here that these forums offer a place to find out about our beloved little cars and there really isn't any other forums like this one.
Obviously this is your decision and none of us can make it for you. You certainly deserve to be able to "kick back" and enjoy your retirement! But as far as income goes I know I have been paying $29 a year to be called a supporting member (designated under my user name) on pbnation.com (a huge paintball site). Even though it can be used completely free I felt glad to pay for the additional perks it got me. For that payment I received free classified ads that would be posted at the top of the list for 5 days and some other related benefits. Maybe you can do something like that for users that want premium access. Otherwise they can't post pictures or post in certain forums. Maybe for paid members the ads would be minimal or off to the side. I don't think that they should be removed since they are paying to show to members and nonmembers. By doing that it would help to attract potential advertisers.
I think that those of us that use this site enough would gladly pay a reasonable amount to be able to have full access. A few months ago when the call went out to donate to the forums I gladly gave knowing the value I get from them, extra perks or not.
As far as time goes, I know that there are several members who would be willing to help moderate the various forums. This would help you cut out some of the time spent. These unpaid moderators could be delegated various other duties if you needed them to so that you could concentrate on selling ads and being more hands off of the day-to-day routines. This type of thing might help relieve the time that you have to spend every week.
I truly appreciate these forums being here and would hate to lose them. If you decide to give it up I would hope that you would reconsider selling it or handing it over to someone to continue the great site and community you have started here.
Thank you for being so forthright in letting us all know where you head is with this. Rather than just shutting down and saying I can't do this you have opened up to us to allow the LBC family know where you stand. That's why we love this site!
Steve
Obviously this is your decision and none of us can make it for you. You certainly deserve to be able to "kick back" and enjoy your retirement! But as far as income goes I know I have been paying $29 a year to be called a supporting member (designated under my user name) on pbnation.com (a huge paintball site). Even though it can be used completely free I felt glad to pay for the additional perks it got me. For that payment I received free classified ads that would be posted at the top of the list for 5 days and some other related benefits. Maybe you can do something like that for users that want premium access. Otherwise they can't post pictures or post in certain forums. Maybe for paid members the ads would be minimal or off to the side. I don't think that they should be removed since they are paying to show to members and nonmembers. By doing that it would help to attract potential advertisers.
I think that those of us that use this site enough would gladly pay a reasonable amount to be able to have full access. A few months ago when the call went out to donate to the forums I gladly gave knowing the value I get from them, extra perks or not.
As far as time goes, I know that there are several members who would be willing to help moderate the various forums. This would help you cut out some of the time spent. These unpaid moderators could be delegated various other duties if you needed them to so that you could concentrate on selling ads and being more hands off of the day-to-day routines. This type of thing might help relieve the time that you have to spend every week.
I truly appreciate these forums being here and would hate to lose them. If you decide to give it up I would hope that you would reconsider selling it or handing it over to someone to continue the great site and community you have started here.
Thank you for being so forthright in letting us all know where you head is with this. Rather than just shutting down and saying I can't do this you have opened up to us to allow the LBC family know where you stand. That's why we love this site!
Steve
Tosh
Jedi Trainee
Offline
Basil,
Have enjoyed the he** out of this forum.
Ya know that everything is created, has life and then declines. If you left this forum and it closed you'd be leaving at the top of your game.
A good way to go out!
In a nutshell, you done paid your dues and have therefore earned the option of doing what you wish with regard to BCF. It's your creation.
Do what makes you happy, and no regrets.
Keep on.
Have enjoyed the he** out of this forum.
Ya know that everything is created, has life and then declines. If you left this forum and it closed you'd be leaving at the top of your game.
A good way to go out!
In a nutshell, you done paid your dues and have therefore earned the option of doing what you wish with regard to BCF. It's your creation.
Do what makes you happy, and no regrets.
Keep on.
TexasKnucklehead
Jedi Knight
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I will echo the others and say I spend a great deal of time on this forum. There isn't a day that I'm not impressed with the wealth of information exchange and comradery due to it. I hope you find a way to keep it going, and I am not opposed to paying a fee to see it continued.
In any case, Thanks for what you've done so far. -and both my TRs thank you as well.
Jerry
In any case, Thanks for what you've done so far. -and both my TRs thank you as well.
Jerry
WA1KWA
Jedi Trainee
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Basil - First a very hearty thank you for this site. As others have more elequently put it, the tone is at the very least civil, most times downright friendly. Probably the closest to this is the Studebaker Driver's Club discussion forum https://www.studebakerdriversclub.com/sdc_forum/default.asp
Other disscussion groups I've been involved with with my other pursuits (fastpitch softball, Amateur radio, town government)are nowhere near this one. It's partialy due to the subject matter, sure, but your "moderate moderation" seems to strive an ideal balance.
I provide network/desktop user support to 150 of my companies locations in North America, so I have some appreciation of what you do & I very much appreciate how seamlessly you run this. I know it's not fun sometimes. But there are some people having fun with some funny little cars that would otherwise be sitting on the couch doing the 'woulda/coulda/shoulda' with out your efforts.
I'm involved with a fastpitch softball organization. Our summer league sets up sites for all of the teams on something called eteamz. Here is the site: https://eteamz.active.com/Middleessex/index.cfm?
You can navagate to us by clicking "Teams" on the left. We are any of the "Billerica Bratz" as an example. Each team is given certain admin rights to their site.
Is this something like you had in mind?
Don't know if there's anything in the automotive world like this or not.
As for the "sit back" comments, tell 'em to bugger off!
Have an Old Speckeled Hen on me!
Colin
Other disscussion groups I've been involved with with my other pursuits (fastpitch softball, Amateur radio, town government)are nowhere near this one. It's partialy due to the subject matter, sure, but your "moderate moderation" seems to strive an ideal balance.
I provide network/desktop user support to 150 of my companies locations in North America, so I have some appreciation of what you do & I very much appreciate how seamlessly you run this. I know it's not fun sometimes. But there are some people having fun with some funny little cars that would otherwise be sitting on the couch doing the 'woulda/coulda/shoulda' with out your efforts.
I'm involved with a fastpitch softball organization. Our summer league sets up sites for all of the teams on something called eteamz. Here is the site: https://eteamz.active.com/Middleessex/index.cfm?
You can navagate to us by clicking "Teams" on the left. We are any of the "Billerica Bratz" as an example. Each team is given certain admin rights to their site.
Is this something like you had in mind?
Don't know if there's anything in the automotive world like this or not.
As for the "sit back" comments, tell 'em to bugger off!
Have an Old Speckeled Hen on me!
Colin
amcboy
Jedi Hopeful
Offline
The only thing I can offer is my eternal thanks.
I have met and discussed many things with many people on this forum.
I'd like to think my .02 sometimes helped, inspired, or caused loads of laughter along the way.
I hope to actually meet some of them face to face someday.
Your decisions are yours alone (sadly life isn't fair...).
However, I will always feel privlidged to have been allowed to come play, and will be happy with whatever you decide.
I'd be willing to pay $10/year, with the caveat that I could pay it on-line, or via snail-mail.
Thanks again!
I have met and discussed many things with many people on this forum.
I'd like to think my .02 sometimes helped, inspired, or caused loads of laughter along the way.
I hope to actually meet some of them face to face someday.
Your decisions are yours alone (sadly life isn't fair...).
However, I will always feel privlidged to have been allowed to come play, and will be happy with whatever you decide.
I'd be willing to pay $10/year, with the caveat that I could pay it on-line, or via snail-mail.
Thanks again!
GregW
Yoda
Offline
I would definitely pay a subscription to be here. It warms my heart to hear Dave Russell say he would also. The reason I say that is Dave never asks questions, he just gives answers to help out. I salute you sir.
Well, I couldnt find a salute smilie, so I have to go with this.
Well, I couldnt find a salute smilie, so I have to go with this.
ObiRichKanobi
Jedi Warrior
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Basil:
I didn't read all 4 pages of replies, but by 2 cents worth is that this forum is a valuable resource for us. When I bought my wedge, I knew almost nothing about them. Now that I've had it nearly 5 years, and done my share of tinkering and non-required maintenance, I found that I could almost always get an answer here.
My personal opinion...I'd rather see it make you some money for all the time and money you have invested in it than have it shuttered. We would lose a great community and resource.
I didn't read all 4 pages of replies, but by 2 cents worth is that this forum is a valuable resource for us. When I bought my wedge, I knew almost nothing about them. Now that I've had it nearly 5 years, and done my share of tinkering and non-required maintenance, I found that I could almost always get an answer here.
My personal opinion...I'd rather see it make you some money for all the time and money you have invested in it than have it shuttered. We would lose a great community and resource.
TR4nut
Yoda
Offline
Basil-
This forum is for you to do as you please, you created it. I hop around many car sites for tips, etc, but this is the one I aways go back to. I even went as far as to put a spare computer out in the garage so I can get a forum fix while I'm greasy.
Whatever you do, I hope what you decide makes you happy - I think its obvious you deserve compensation for this work, but I bet if viewed on a $/hr basis it won't make up for the effort and occasional frustration if viewed as a job.
Thanks,
Randy
This forum is for you to do as you please, you created it. I hop around many car sites for tips, etc, but this is the one I aways go back to. I even went as far as to put a spare computer out in the garage so I can get a forum fix while I'm greasy.
Whatever you do, I hope what you decide makes you happy - I think its obvious you deserve compensation for this work, but I bet if viewed on a $/hr basis it won't make up for the effort and occasional frustration if viewed as a job.
Thanks,
Randy
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To put things in perspective, the daily rag that we call a newspaper costs $5 per week. I get practically nothing out of it except the comics, & even they are becoming more & more political.GregW said:I would definitely pay a subscription to be here. It warms my heart to hear Dave Russell say he would also.
I learn a tremendous amount from the posts I read on these forums, all subjects included. Besides, you are really great people to associate with. I know of no other place that has the great range of topics & doesn't get into political dog fights.
Regards,
Dave
OP
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GregW said:I would definitely pay a subscription to be here. It warms my heart to hear Dave Russell say he would also. The reason I say that is Dave never asks questions, he just gives answers to help out. I salute you sir.
Well, I couldnt find a salute smilie, so I have to go with this.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Dave F2F a couple years ago. My wife is from Jerome, Idaho and we were up there in 2005 for her 30th HS reunion. During that trip we were able to drive up to Boise and meet with Dave and his wife. What a neat guy!
Basil