Section for subscribers only

[jazzaD1]

hi, i think we should have a dedicated subscribers section, like many other forums where if you dont subscribe, you dont get the info, it would certainly help support the site!

of course it is a rough idea at the moment, what does everyone think? i have certainly got more than i expected out of this forum, while recently it seems to be getting less interesting (maybe its just me), i still seem to gravitate here very time im on the computer, so my subscription is money well spent i think, i just wish it was a little bit more exclusive if that makes sense?

[Ausfree]

hi, i think we should have a dedicated subscribers section, like many other forums where if you dont subscribe, you dont get the info, it would certainly help support the site!

of course it is a rough idea at the moment, what does everyone think? i have certainly got more than i expected out of this forum, while recently it seems to be getting less interesting (maybe its just me), i still seem to gravitate here very time im on the computer, so my subscription is money well spent i think, i just wish it was a little bit more exclusive if that makes sense? If you check, you will find that subscribers ( depending on their subscription level) do get extra benefits!!!:)

[d@rk51d3]

Like, the ability to search. :D

[Redback]

I don't want this, it's something that divides I feel, not a fan, sorry:mad:

Baz.

[d@rk51d3]

Would keep the spammers out, though.

It's frustrating seeing them sign up, then just lurk for weeks or even months before posting their wares.

There seems to be a few accounts "ready and waiting" for a hit and run.

[LandyAndy]

Perhaps a good idea.
Non subscribers could be limited to being able to post in only restricted areas,only able to read the rest????
May help get more members to help with the running costs of this GREAT website!!!
Andrew

[wardy1]

Non subscribers could be limited to being able to post in only restricted areas,only able to read the rest????
May help get more members to help with the running costs of this GREAT website!!!
Andrew

I note that all the responses so far have been from subscribers. In most cases, charging, or indeed forcing someone to subscribe simply reduces the numbers on the site and thus reduces its value as a resource.

[pando]

Hi,

So how does the subs thing work at the moment anyway?

What costs are there in running a site such as this?

Is "AULRO" running in the red? Does "AULRO" pay tax? Is it a business/not for profit?

Personally, excusing my ignorance if you will, but I'm not sure how the site operates, maybe someone could give us a brief synopsis on the inner workings and how all this comes to be?

Just wondering what "AULRO" would do with all the extra cash, if every one had to subscribe?

Guessing I've been living in a dream world, as I thought (apart from what seems to be a small cross section of users subscribing and adverts) that the site was largely "self propelled" or should I say "volunteer propelled" by a small army of very dedicated (thanks by the way) computer types/land rover tragics?

Apologies for, what must seem like a bunch of silly/nosy questions, just that I have got a lot out of this site and was sorta thinking of dropping a few bob into the donation tin (yeah, yeah, when i get round to it), and never really thought of what (well I know what but more how) I'd be supporting?

[Blknight.aus]

bandwidth and server space. It aint free.

[Ausfree]

Yeah pando, if you check at the top of the page were it says "Subscribe" you will get a rundown on the costs involved, ( won't break the bank) it just helps support the Forum and I think it is a small price to pay for a mine field of information which has certainly helped me out. Admin can advise better than me but I believe there are some major costs involved in running a site like this, it don't come free mate!!!!:)

[LandyAndy]

Non subscribers could be limited to being able to post in only restricted areas,only able to read the rest????
May help get more members to help with the running costs of this GREAT website!!!
Andrew

I note that all the responses so far have been from subscribers. In most cases, charging, or indeed forcing someone to subscribe simply reduces the numbers on the site and thus reduces its value as a resource.

who is talking FORCING????
If you enjoy this place and get out of it what you do,whats wrong with helping with the running costs???
NOTHING IN THIS WORLD IS FREE,EVERYTHING HAS A COST!!!!
Andrew

[incisor]

Hi,

So how does the subs thing work at the moment anyway?

What costs are there in running a site such as this?

Is "AULRO" running in the red? Does "AULRO" pay tax? Is it a business/not for profit?

Personally, excusing my ignorance if you will, but I'm not sure how the site operates, maybe someone could give us a brief synopsis on the inner workings and how all this comes to be?

Just wondering what "AULRO" would do with all the extra cash, if every one had to subscribe?

Guessing I've been living in a dream world, as I thought (apart from what seems to be a small cross section of users subscribing and adverts) that the site was largely "self propelled" or should I say "volunteer propelled" by a small army of very dedicated (thanks by the way) computer types/land rover tragics?

Apologies for, what must seem like a bunch of silly/nosy questions, just that I have got a lot out of this site and was sorta thinking of dropping a few bob into the donation tin (yeah, yeah, when i get round to it), and never really thought of what (well I know what but more how) I'd be supporting?

the advertising pays for the place most months.

subscriptions have never come anywhere near paying for the place and never will i would imagine.

i will never make it subscriber only as that defeats the reason i built the place.

this place is about helping land rover owners help them selves. i couldn't find a place that served my needs so put together what i thought was the right framework to get something that fitted my idea of what something like this should be like.

then the thing that makes this place what it is, arrived

the land rover owners... some dam fine ones that did the hard yards to get the place rolling and set the tone of how the place should be.

it has grown from a hobby on one of my old work computers under my desk to a somewhat throbbing mass of humanity on a dedicated server in pipe networks ix in wharf street in brisbane.

it is and was my way of giving something back and i can assure you it will never make me rich as i keep putting what i get out of it, back into it ;)

and yes i run it under my small business these days so the tax man has his say...

you want some idea of running costs get some quotes from providers for a setup that can punch out 60gigabytes a year, which is what aulro is currently running at and you best allow for abou 25% growth in the next year as well ....

PS i would hate to think of what the real cost of running this place would be if you were to put a $ value on the work the team of volunteers that moderate this place and help keep it useful and friendly, do each week.

[101RRS]

Sorry - don't agree - lets leave the site as it is. What we want to talk about in a "subscriber only" section that cannot be discussed more openly? I accept there are some "member" only sections on the site but these relate to specialist areas - organisations that exist outside of AULRO but use The forum as a host.

Incisor is quite open to suggestions and as a result the site has evolved as is the mood overall rather than revolutionary changes that have killed other sites.

Garry

[jakeslouw]

And transforming into a pay-only membership would probably mean many overseas members like myself, who have come to value the can-do attitude on this forum, will have issues making payments, and will not be able to remain.

This forum is really unique: I am, like most of you I suspect, on several 4x4 orientated forums, whether LR or other. And this forum is the ONLY one where NOBODY gets slagged for airing an opinion or an alternative option (okay, sometimes some stiff taking-the-p1ss will ensue, but that's part of the fun).
For instance, a post of "Engine such-and-such in my Series 1" gets approached seriously and in an educated manner. On some other forums, you'd have comments of "No, you're an idiot" with no further discussion or engagement.

Here, people discuss from renovations to restorations with hybrids of all types in between. What a refreshing way of having a virtual community.

I salute all that have made this forum and what it has become.

[abaddonxi]

I think Ranga's subscriber only GPS deal was a pretty good incentive.

[d2dave]

Yeah pando, if you check at the top of the page were it says "Subscribe" you will get a rundown on the costs involved, ( won't break the bank) it just helps support the Forum and I think it is a small price to pay for a mine field of information which has certainly helped me out. Admin can advise better than me but I believe there are some major costs involved in running a site like this, it don't come free mate!!!!:)

I have never given this topic much thought but after reading this thread I have just signed up. As stated above it is a small price to pay for all the information I have got from this place not to mention freindships made(allbeit cyber friends at present which when my time comes to hit the road/dirt some will hopefully become tangible friends).

Dave.

[51jay]

I do subscribe but if this suggestion becomes reality I'll probably stop

[d@rk51d3]

I do subscribe but if this suggestion becomes reality I'll probably stop

Well, no fear.

If you read 5 posts up, you'll see that it aint gonna happen.

[LOVEMYRANGIE]

I think Ranga's subscriber only GPS deal was a pretty good incentive.

This I have to agree with. This ensures that at least those who are interested in group buys are relatively genuine in who they are.
As I have just started a Provent group buy, it's my pocket out on a limb here and I ain't putting my financial nuts on the block for those who just sit at their PC and reneg on a promise where someone has put effort into helping others, it's just downright rude. Isuzurover I think had this problem with his very generous offer of a (free?) Provent in return for supplying regular performance information, of which he got sweet Fanny Adams back by quite a few concerned.

I do agree that those who do financially contribute should have some kind of extra area.

I still have yet to hear one good explanation as to why those who have been drawing information for free, can spend (or purport to spend) wads of money on mods, accessories etc and have been saved copious amounts of money by tips, hints and tricks, can't put their hands in their supposedly deep pockets and come up with at least minimum subscription as a way of saying 'Thanks Dave for making this place available to all of us, here's my financial thankyou, I have got buckets of info that saved me cash...'.

Subscriber only, no but i do think that for example the files section or any technical information and especially group buys need somekind of area for those who deserve that little bit more.

Cheers


Andrew

[SimonM]

Here is another option. As part of my profession as a psychologist I am a member of the Association of Contextual Behavioural Science (ACBS). It has a similar online community to AULRO in which people from all over the world (some of whom are quite famous ;)) openly share information and support. This often does not happen in my profession as I find often people keep their ideas and resources to themselves or at least want some remuneration.

ACBS is also unique in that it has a values based dues system meaning that you pay what you think it is worth. So you can pay $1 or you can pay $200 or more entirely up to you. They make suggestions as to what would be appropriate but still leave it up to you. As members you are able to access more information than non-members so there are benefits to joining.

People are correct when they talk about the open, supportive network that has been established on AULRO. Other forums often seem to denigrate into I know more than you, I find this is rare here. So I wonder how a values based system would work here?

Here is the exerpt from the ACBS site as an example:

Values-Based Dues simply means that you choose how much you want to pay for your membership dues.
If you think the website is a terrific resource and want the support the organization and website please give more.
If you're new, just curious, or a poor suffering student, give less.
If you've just signed up for very little, and then realize what a gem this community is, you can go back and give more to support it.
Suggested Dues (in US dollars):
Professional Members: $50
Student Members: $25
Affiliate Members (or general public): $25
Minimum Dues Payment: $1
Obviously, if everyone joins and only pays $1, our grand experiment will have failed and we'll have to go back to the standard method of dues collection. The current structure allows for new people to learn about ACT & RFT without a large financial burden.
Basic site membership (http://www.contextualpsychology.org/user/register) is still free, but non-paying members don't have access to everything on the site.

[Frenchie]

Best thing to do is have the occasional thread like this.....;)

I have been a subscriber and keep meaning to renew, but it slips down the list of things to do without a reminder.....

I'll go and do it now :angel:

[101RRS]

Best thing to do is have the occasional thread like this.....;)

I have been a subscriber and keep meaning to renew, but it slips down the list of things to do without a reminder.....

I'll go and do it now :angel:

You could always click the automatic renewal button

[Landy Smurf]

interesting things here that have been said i agree and disagree with things on both sides.as long as the site keeps going the way its going im happy

[digger]

"if it ain't broke"........


I agree the more that pay their fee the better but it would severely restrict the free exchange of information etc that happens here now splitting it to groups here and there.

I think the application of the occassional peer pressure driven campaign for subscription is a better way.. and if everyone joins and pays up? well I dont care if the mods meet once a week to bath in champagne:o:wasntme: so long as the forum keeps going...and is kept "tidy and orderly" like this one is..
My 2c....

cheers
digger

[VladTepes]

Here is another option. As part of my profession as a psychologist

you could offer members-only therapy !

"Ja you have a Land Rover.. go on..."

"Zis craving for an Isuzu stems from insufficient breast feeding, ja !"

"You fatehr had a Land Rover? I see, so you want to kill your father for getting you addicted, ja ?"


I think it'd be invaluable !








(Yes I know Freudian analysis is a common stereotype.)

[digger]

you could offer members-only therapy !

"Ja you have a Land Rover.. go on..."

"Zis craving for an Isuzu stems from insufficient breast feeding, ja !"

"You fatehr had a Land Rover? I see, so you want to kill your father for getting you addicted, ja ?"


I think it'd be invaluable !








(Yes I know Freudian analysis is a common stereotype.)

Vlad,
I find this side of you very interesting, :eek: just lay back here on this heavily padded leather couch,close your eyes and tell me more.....:twisted:


actually, just to be safe, just slip on this jacket Ive got you....with the 6' wrap around strap on sleeves...its all the rage you know...:angel:

[SimonM]

you could offer members-only therapy !

"Ja you have a Land Rover.. go on..."

"Zis craving for an Isuzu stems from insufficient breast feeding, ja !"

"You fatehr had a Land Rover? I see, so you want to kill your father for getting you addicted, ja ?"


I think it'd be invaluable !








(Yes I know Freudian analysis is a common stereotype.)

You are definitely on to something, or just on something :p.

[jazzaD1]

Subscriber only, no but i do think that for example the files section or any technical information and especially group buys need some kind of area for those who deserve that little bit more.

this is what i was getting at, i think its a great idea

[Pedro_The_Swift]

[QUOTE=digger;
well I dont care if the mods meet once a week to bath in champagne:o:wasntme:
cheers
digger[/QUOTE]

That worked fine,,
untill Andy just flat out refused to stop drinking it--:mad:

:wasntme::wasntme::wasntme::wasntme::wasntme:

[d@rk51d3]

That's because there were just too many bubbles. :o

[ramblingboy42]

would this mean that subscribers can access the non-subscribers but remain exclusive?
this would just introduce "ringin the tin" and the public forum would develop apathy towards the exclusive subscribers. it would probably bring the forum undone.

[Chucaro]

About this issue, I remember THIS (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/105580-please-subscribe.html) thread

[Fluids]

I think it's pretty good just the way it is! Inc' has done a fine job. Thank You.

You subscribe, you get benefits (photo hosting, extra PM space, sig's, etc) ...

... and some personal pride for belonging too, and supporting a pretty unique place in cyberspace!

Kev..

[Yorkie]

I think it's pretty good just the way it is! Inc' has done a fine job. Thank You.

You subscribe, you get benefits (photo hosting, extra PM space, sig's, etc) ...

... and some personal pride for belonging too, and supporting a pretty unique place in cyberspace!

Kev..

that pretty much sums it up, fully agree kev. :cool:

[one_iota]

I've been here a while.

The beauty of and the secret to the AULRO phenomenon is that many people contribute to this community in their own way...whether it be by subscription, donation, knowledge, humour or a combination of the above.

We shouldn't expect anything in return.

All we should do is give freely for the common good in a good natured way.

And besides it's cheaper and much more efficacious than a session at the therapist (for the owner) or the workshop (for the Land Rover).

[DiscoStew]

From each according to their means, to each according to their needs.:angel:

[midal]

From each according to their means, to each according to their needs.:angel:

Karl Marx??

[jakeslouw]

It was Karl Marx, now it's Barack Obama :D