I'm a little surprised that many people seem to think this site should be operating on some sort of 'Break even' basis. I'm sure many people are taking the view that site sponsorship should be funding the whole shooting match. The S2000 isn't produced in sufficient quantities to attract the big players in the aftermarket products scene which is the very reason that most of the sponsors are enthusiastic owners fulfilling a need within the membership while holding down other full time jobs, or at least as far as I can see, having to devote time to other business interests. I'm not sure that the S2000 will ever attract sponsors in sufficient numbers to fully support the site.

What I do see increasing at an impressive rate is membership... with currently over nine thousand registered users and over 2000 registered owners. A site which attracts membership at the rate this one does, must be offering something people want! I suppose it comes down to how much we individually value the site whether or not we'd consider contributing to it. If the site is just a convenient and engrossing diversion to the quieter moments of your working day, I can see why you might resent being asked to contribute. It does seem that a lot of members don't have internet access at home!

This board is a proprietory venture. In cthree's position, I'd be looking at the money I've outlayed, the time and professional I.T. skills I'm putting into keeping it all running, (with the help of other individuals) and asking myself whether I'm running a business or a hobby! There'll always be others eager to pick up the ball and run with it of course, but whether they'd do it as well, or go the distance is, another matter. This board really does try it's best to cater for the vastly different expectations and tastes of a hugely varied membership, which IMHO is one of the reasons it attracts so many visitors. It's a lot more than just another car board.

I for one will definitely not be jumping to post in future every time there's some minor little glitch with the site, or some change that doesn't immediately float my boat. Does anyone else find the poll split as it stands, rather disappointing, if not unsurprising.

In cthree's position, I would!!!

 

That's $20 US which equates to just under $40 Aust, and that's what I get paid in. But I can't see $40 value for me, but $20 Aust, that I'd do.

 

Well said, Cedric. I agree with everything you said.

I am a little surprised about the split results, and I realize it's just a basic poll
with a variety of factors involved.

What also surprises me is that only 17% of the members even bothered to vote to far,
given that there are 576 "views", and only 100 tallied votes. Does that mean 83%
of the members don't give a rat's arse what happens? If I were a business, that's a
number that would give me pause for thought. Maybe the 17% that cared to vote
are the ones who will depended on to keep the site going; I just don't know.

This is such a high quality site, I would like to think everyone really cares for it, but
maybe I'm naive to think such perfection exists. ('cept for our cars!)

Anyway, I would whole-heartledly try my best to help us keep this thing going, whether
it's a donation, a subscription, a bake sale, will work for food, etc.

-V.

________________

'02 Suzuka Blue

 

Cthree....talk to me about hosting

</SPAM>

That being said, I'd pony up a few $$$ to keep this resource alive. I've learned countless things and made a few new friends along the way. It's always tricky to keep a "community" feel to a place once you charge admission though so those posters who indicated some sort of bonus (in whatever form) for contributors are on the right track. This should be done without excluding anyone from participating.

 

Yes, I would. This is a great site and I'll do what I can to keep the quality high.

 

<< Maybe the 17% that cared to vote are the ones who will depended
on to keep the site going; I just don't know. >>

Sorry. I meant to type in:

"maybe the 7% that cared to vote "yes"

-V.

 

I'd support the site with some money. It's a great service to me. I only worry that membership/postings would dwindle and then that the site would go down hill. Donation (I kind of like dark nights thermometer idea) might cause resentment and the site would be viewed as hokey. I think jschmidt hit the head on the nail. If you pay the fee provide some perks but keep most of the board open to everyone so that the information keeps flowing and the sponsors get full visibility.

 

I like the contribution idea....I would gladly pitch in $20 a year to help out.

 

cthree, just post the address, or PM me, and the check'll be in the mail. Thanks for all your efforts. I don't even have my car yet, but have already learned more than I could've by reading an owner's manual. (and I would read it, xviper, if I had one ).

 

Yer excused!

C3: Give the word and the money's on its way.