Forum Changes

[insect_eater]

So how many would be prepared to pay???? The amount of ads we have on now might pretty well cover us ! Version 5 of this forum when we go across might not have the ads as intrusive
Lets move on to the new version and see how it looks.

I'm happy to look at the new version first, but I suspect I'd be happy to pay. I've done it for other not for profit websites because I am morally obliged to do so, regardless of whether it reduces ads.

I like OJ's idea of segregating the website experience between paid and unpaid users - it allows ad revenue from casual users, and easy viewing for regular users. If it would be possible, i'd be in the paid user without ads category.

[nj swb]

I don't like the advertising but accept that it is a necessary part of life these days. One comment though...

If I want to reply to a posting and I am the first one to do so, there is no "Reply" button appearing - the only way I can submit a reply s to quote the whole of the initial posting, which is a waste of space and effort as far as I am concerned. Can this be fixed easily?

I think the "Reply" button is now below the ad that comes after the first post. All subsequent posts don't have an ad immediately below them, so the "Reply" button is where we expect to find it.

No idea if that can be fixed in the next version.

If you start a reply with the "Quote" button all the quoted text that is automatically inserted can also be deleted. Click in the window, Ctrl + A to select all the text, hit Delete and it's gone.

[Lazarus]

As someone who owns rather large community site (non profit and not 4wd related) with about 20k registered users (they do not have to register to gain any special access), and about 1 million clicks a month. I started that site 20 years ago.

Comparing the numbers between these two sites and in my own experience I can say with certainty that yearly cost for Pajero Club site/forum should not be more than 1k.
That includes costs for the hosting and domain name.
And thats on US servers with data centres on east and west coast to cater for the traffic demands, automatic backups and 24/7 live support.

In my opinion PajeroClub is making a big mistake by introducing the adds in, what was so far, pristine looking forum, with most friendlier mods and admins and great atmosphere amongst users. The lack of adds contributes to this feeling immensely.

Based on my experience I would STRONGLY urge leadership group here to reconsider introducing adds and tarnishing this great reputation and legacy this forum has, and all for not that much money anyway, which could be raised in other way.

In saying that, I will still support and promote this forum, whichever way admins take it, as it is unlike any other 4wd related forum, when it comes to friendliness and overall attitude of all involved.

Respectfully,

[geopaj]

I am SUPER grateful for the forum, for all the volunteering, and for the Vic Paj Club for ‘hosting’ it (if that’s the right word?).

I would like to offer another perspective...
1. While many of the people who have posted on this thread have said they would pay, from my experience, I suspect that the bulk of other users wouldn’t.
2. As was raised before, the cost (both financial and of volunteers time) of administrating and tracking fees needs to be considered.
3. I think the Vic Paj Club should be allowed to make the decision regarding adds without guilt or criticism.
4. I’m personally more than happy to have a single add (like has been implemented) if it means the forum is able to continue ongoing.

ps - thanks to the forum, I have also made many real (face to face in person) lifelong friendships. To me that’s priceless!

[Pushbike]

Forum Changes

The simple ads at the top of the page are quick to load, small size, and more or less static and therefore not a problem. I have an ad blocker on my browser and I can see two (1xleft and 1xright) images. So it seems the images/ads are not detected as ads.


Put simply I'm okay with the ads so far.

[BruceandBobbi]

The simple ads at the top of the page are quick to load, small size, and more or less static and therefore not a problem. I have an ad blocker on my browser and I can see two (1xleft and 1xright) images. So it seems the images/ads are not detected as ads.
Put simply I'm okay with the ads so far.

The static adds are called banner adds. The pop up adds that I dont see are blocked by add blocjers.

You can block banner adds but as they are not obtrusive I don't bother.

[Ian H]

I am SUPER grateful for the forum, for all the volunteering, and for the Vic Paj Club for ‘hosting’ it (if that’s the right word?).

I would like to offer another perspective...
1. While many of the people who have posted on this thread have said they would pay, from my experience, I suspect that the bulk of other users wouldn’t.
2. As was raised before, the cost (both financial and of volunteers time) of administrating and tracking fees needs to be considered.
3. I think the Vic Paj Club should be allowed to make the decision regarding adds without guilt or criticism.
4. I’m personally more than happy to have a single add (like has been implemented) if it means the forum is able to continue ongoing.

ps - thanks to the forum, I have also made many real (face to face in person) lifelong friendships. To me that’s priceless!

+1

[Pickle]

Appreciate you guys putting in the time to give us feedback. It was always a hard decision when it came to the forum and putting ads on it. Covid hasn't been good to anyone in business and that extends to clubs. But the good news is when the upgrade comes the forum will have a few extras you guys will no doubt appreciate. More on that once everything is confirmed .

[Ian H]

Being a co-owner and Admin on Australia's best BBQ site, I understand the need for ads. We've been running our forum for 5 years and so far four of us have been able to fund it with bulk meat sales, a slight margin on caps and polo shirts but we are also at the point of wondering how we can keep dipping in to our own pockets. We've also thought of a member annual subscription but even if it's minimal, we won't get everyone on board so ads seem to be the only viable option for us too.

We upgraded this year to Woltlabs Burning board and it's a grea platform and that's another cost we covered ourselves.

This forum is a valuable asset and has provided so much info for me personally over 5 years and if it means a few ads amongst the gems, that's fine.

Thanks to you guys for holding out so long.

[Pickle]

Have deleted a couple of forums that aren't used anymore, Pajero Sport two generations have their own forum (were sub forums) now. New Towing forum introduced. Probably more changes to come before migration to new software.
Admin

[nj swb]

Have deleted a couple of forums that aren't used anymore, Pajero Sport two generations have their own forum (were sub forums) now. New Towing forum introduced. Probably more changes to come before migration to new software.
Admin

Good work Dave!

[disco stu]

Anyone else finding the site slow to load? Not sure if it's the ads, my phone, reception at the moment or what

I can only reiterate that others have said. I'm very thankful to have access to this forum and the members. If ads are needed then so be it, I don't think it's fair that the club has to cover the costs of it for so many non club members. I pondered the paying thing, and while I'm willing now I'll probably just never get around to actually paying when it comes time to do so. It's just me being unorganized

I did find the add in the middle of posts offputting at first, but I'm basically sort of used to it now. The thread suggestions are a rabbit hole! It's almost like YouTube and watching videos 3 hours after looking at one thing only. I kind of like the suggestions for things I would never normally find

[Dicko1]

Anyone else finding the site slow to load? Not sure if it's the ads, my phone, reception at the moment or what

I can only reiterate that others have said. I'm very thankful to have access to this forum and the members. If ads are needed then so be it, I don't think it's fair that the club has to cover the costs of it for so many non club members. I pondered the paying thing, and while I'm willing now I'll probably just never get around to actually paying when it comes time to do so. It's just me being unorganized

I did find the add in the middle of posts offputting at first, but I'm basically sort of used to it now. The thread suggestions are a rabbit hole! It's almost like YouTube and watching videos 3 hours after looking at one thing only. I kind of like the suggestions for things I would never normally find

I,ve never seen an ad in the middle of any posts.......only at the very top of the page..which are easily ignored.

[disco stu]

I should have said in between posts, but I think you understood me. There is actually one in between nj swb post and my one just above your post. You don't see it?

[Scooby]

So has anyone looked at or clicked on an ad yet?