924Board.org

Peter_in_AU · Joined: 29 Jul 2001 Posts: 2745 Location: Sydney, Australia

With the increasing number of posts of a commercial nature on the board I feel I need to convene a meeting of the gang-of-four (moderators) to determine what if anything we should do about it.

Before I do I`d like to know what everyone thinks about commercial posts (both overt and covert) on 924board.org.

While our membership numbers are relatively small compared to something like Rennlist our webstats show that we attract a lot of eyeballs. Take a look at http://www.924board.org/stats/

Let us know how you think the board should react to commercial posts.

Tell me if there are other options I haven't included.

Edit:

I should have said that any changes would not effect private sellers or individuals who make some extra beer money by occasionally selling parts.
_________________
1979 924 (Gone to a better place)
1974 Lotus 7 S4 "Big Valve" Twin-cam (waiting)
1982 924 (As featured on Wikipedia)

Learn to love your multimeter and may the search be with you

Neil924 · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 4225 Location: Canada

If someone has something they want to share like used parts or a part they bought but won't use, let them post it for sale.

If someone wants to buy something, let them post their "want" ad.

If a company has a part for a 924 that they sell and they're "nice" about posting it, then let them.

I have seen a poster who was pushing a little item for 924's and when a I think Gohim called him on the price {way too high and not "rare" like the poster said}, the guy lost it and slammed Gohim, the other posters in the thread and the cars. So would it be possible to "screen" the commercial advertisers before letting them post? Or if that's too much work, how about having a word with them after their 1st post about their item?

Also is there any way to protect the buyer at all? I have been burnt once here by a guy who has stiffed other members and while I don't care about the amount of money, I'm sure the others do.
eg: If the seller does not ship the item and proof is made that a money order was sent to the seller and a reasonable time limit has passed, can the seller be banned for a month and if it happens again, can he/she be banned for good, cutting the crooked seller off from a condensed group of potential buyers? It may not get money back for the person who was stiffed but it could be a deterrent for those who may screw around or just give the lazy sellers somthing to think about.

moone924 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 869 Location: Douglas Wyoming

I get really tired reading some threads when a none private individual basically posts, " Hey this is what you need and you can buy it from ME."
_________________
Ryan Moone

Always shopping for a nice s2 931 to baby.
New philosophy : one car project at a time.

Chrenan · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 3903 Location: Canada

Smoothie · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 1:58 am Post subject:

I'd say -
(C)- Allow commercial sponsorship of 924.org and 924board.org and only allow sponsors to post "information" about their products
as long as discussion among regular members of the pros/cons about a sponsored product does not somehow end up being inhibited
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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

Tigger937 · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 3:58 pm Post subject:

Personally, it hasn't bothered me all that much as the instances seem (to me anyway) somewhat few and far between, IMO. I think a certain level of it is actually good for the board in that it stimulates ingenuity and creative thinking (the engine that drives Porsche to the forefront of motorsport) which is much needed for this model due to the inherent difficulty of some of the design issues involved. Some of the principles used in new products can many times be applied in other areas. It is for these reasons that I would want to exercise much caution about making any changes in this area. Many of you have been members a lot longer than I have, but it seems to me that lately there has been much exciting activity going on among a wide variety of members in overcoming some of the hurdles with this model. I would hate to see any of that diminish.

I would also like to add that while allowing commercial sponsorship may sound like a good idea, it would probably result in more 'advertising', which may not be all that bad. Just my thoughts.
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1981 931 (Concours)
1982 931 (Daily Driver)

"Think outside the box"

skemcin · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 1284 Location: Plainfield, IL

I feel that if a "member" (user id) is that of a commercial/non-private individual, then it should be obviously stated in their signature. we should provide a template of some sort so that it is consistent and can moderated.

Since private individuals often add a list of their cars, political positions, or any other random thought in their signature, I see it only fitting that a commercial entity identify themselves in the same respect - then any post by that individual would allow a private (or other commercial) member to understand any perceived bias in any post without otherwise being aware of their purpose for being here.
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924.org (no time to complete)
9249206346 - 89k – new shifter bushings, belts, running well.
9249206347 - 8k – waiting its resurrection, no power at the fuel pump and fuse #7 blows w/power

hausbrauen · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 87 Location: 313 USA

All for paid sponsorships if done right. See below.

Also for paid memberships if it means that you can only access the site if you pay your dues. None of this you can float around as a non-member like on the rennlist, I do not see the point in that. EDIT: Quite a few of the more technical forums, like TIPEC, require paid membership, to keep trolling to a minimum.

With the numerous other boards we are a part of, those that offer paid sposorship also grant the sponsors their own banners, pop ups, and 'read only' advertising space.

In the cases where a 'marketplace' is created in a thread-like format, the threads are started by the sponsor and can only be added to by the sponsor. Members can not post to the thread.

Other's have feedback forums for both the members and vendors alike. That is another thing you might want to consider for your site.

Member ratings are another fine option. Usually listed under the user name. Not sure exactly what the criterian is for grading, but I guess it depends on the moderators, and the site admin for each site.

Looking forward to seeing what , if anything, "the 4 horsemen" can come up with that is mutually beneficial for the membership and the sponsors alike.
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Sid
S2 931
CFO Hausbrauen Motoren

'06 Sponsors of the 944 Cup and SuperCup

Raceboy · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2327 Location: Estonia, Europe

Personally I'm against paid membership.
Why? Because I don't like it, it's sort of discriminating. It's not the amount of money, it's a matter of principle.
I don't like this kind of attitude a la "you're not a member, what do you know?!?" Especially when this kind of attitude is presented from guys like Timstar

(No offense, Tim, I don't think you're arrogant, but you'll need more experience

)

EDIT: But, that's just me and my 2 cents.
_________________
'83 924 2.6 16v Turbo, 470hp
'67 911 2.4S hotrod
'90 944 S2 Cabriolet
'78 924 Carrera GT replica
'84 928 S, sold
'91 944 S2, sold
'82 924S/931 "Gulf", sold

'84 924, turbocharged, sold.
http://www.facebook.com/vemsporsche

Neil924 · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 4225 Location: Canada

hausbrauen · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 87 Location: 313 USA

Neil924 · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 4225 Location: Canada

hausbrauen · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 87 Location: 313 USA

Now you really lost me. By stating that your car looks fast, which in my opinion is a good thing, you get me calling you a ricer? Your car can be a better performer, and it deserves to be so.

No matter who I sound like, you need to explain your comments more in order for me to fully understand what you are saying. Especially when you are quoting me, it seems awful rude.

And yes, I see no need for any kind of quoting, or jokes, or anything other than people stating their opinion on forum moderation and site management. That is what this thread is for correct?
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Sid
S2 931
CFO Hausbrauen Motoren

'06 Sponsors of the 944 Cup and SuperCup

Neil924 · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 4225 Location: Canada

hausbrauen · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 87 Location: 313 USA

Neil,

I must apologize for misunderstanding your first comment. I guess I just did not get the humor in it.

I think it would be best if you just leave me out of your posts altogether.

I would just like to stay on topic and not be part of whatever it is you think this thread is for.

Please.
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Sid
S2 931
CFO Hausbrauen Motoren

'06 Sponsors of the 944 Cup and SuperCup