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Future of the forum

General discussion on any topic which doesn't have a natural home on any of the other boards.
simon_t
Posts: 89
Joined: 17 Mar 2015, 21:45
Location: Herne Bay, Kent

Re: Future of the forum

Post by simon_t »

Peter Balcombe wrote: 18 May 2021, 11:12 Hopefully a lot more forum members will respond to cast a vote as 40 out of 800+ is a drop in the ocean so far & definitely cannot be said to be a fair representation of the membership.
However, there are costs involved in keeping the forum running, so funds obviously need to be found from somewhere for it to continue.
Personally, I see the forum as a valuable resource for interest and knowledge & have always been happy to make a donation, but it does peeve me no end that most people these days seem to expect to just sit back & take.
However, that unfortunately seems to be representative of a general trend in today’s culture.

The holy grail would be to find a way to find a way to keep the forum going without losing its attraction to interested parties, but also stop the unscrupulous ones ripping off the information available.
I think that is simple - subscription for those that want full (Gold) access and free for those that just want to chat. Cliff can set the subscription to ensure it comfortably covers his costs and it might take away any worries about having to appeal for an influx of money to cover costs. I am surprised, and a little disappointed, that there are a few quite active folks who don’t appear to have donated, yet they likely have several thousand pounds worth of gliders (there - Ive said it now!).

I’m happy for Cliff to decide how he wants to fund this forum.

Simon
john greenfield
Posts: 497
Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 07:52
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Re: Future of the forum

Post by john greenfield »

I have been watching this post with interest from the sidelines to see what others views are.
This website and forum is an invaluable resource and also a source of great inspiration and learning and it must be continued. I am happy with subscription. contribution or any other suggestion to raise the necessary funds to keep it going. I have not voted in the poll as I do not have any strong opinion either way but I do pledge my support whichever way it goes.

AEB
AEB = Aeronautical Energiser Bunny (with thanks to CW)
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Cliff Evans
Posts: 1032
Joined: 29 Dec 2019, 15:13
Location: Bristol
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Re: Future of the forum

Post by Cliff Evans »

john greenfield wrote: 19 May 2021, 08:27 I have been watching this post with interest from the sidelines to see what others views are.
This website and forum is an invaluable resource and also a source of great inspiration and learning and it must be continued. I am happy with subscription. contribution or any other suggestion to raise the necessary funds to keep it going. I have not voted in the poll as I do not have any strong opinion either way but I do pledge my support whichever way it goes.

AEB
Thanks John. As you know, I appreciate your support very much.
https://lasercutsailplanes.co.uk
https://patteaklegliders.co.uk
Chris Veitch
Posts: 47
Joined: 21 Mar 2015, 07:57
Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Re: Future of the forum

Post by Chris Veitch »

Cliff

Firstly thanks for all you do to support site.

I am always happy to contribute, but at times when I am busy I have not seen the request before the target is met.

I am not in favour of subscription only restrictions as that goes against the spirit of everything we are about. We always as a group encourage other flyers and we do need to get more people into the hobby. I particularly reflect on the younger or retired generations who are not as able to pay as some of the rest of us.

If we can fund it from those who are willing let’s continue the philanthropy.

If a request is put out for funding can I suggest that an email is sent to all members as that will reach the occasional visitors and should generate more funds.

Happy to help out as required, I have just donated to support this position.

Thanks
Chris
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Cliff Evans
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Joined: 29 Dec 2019, 15:13
Location: Bristol
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Re: Future of the forum

Post by Cliff Evans »

ChrisV wrote: 20 May 2021, 22:04 Cliff

Firstly thanks for all you do to support site.

I am always happy to contribute, but at times when I am busy I have not seen the request before the target is met.

I am not in favour of subscription only restrictions as that goes against the spirit of everything we are about. We always as a group encourage other flyers and we do need to get more people into the hobby. I particularly reflect on the younger or retired generations who are not as able to pay as some of the rest of us.

If we can fund it from those who are willing let’s continue the philanthropy.

If a request is put out for funding can I suggest that an email is sent to all members as that will reach the occasional visitors and should generate more funds.

Happy to help out as required, I have just donated to support this position.

Thanks
Chris
Chris, I appreciate your comments and can assure you that they have been taken on board. And thank you very much :o
https://lasercutsailplanes.co.uk
https://patteaklegliders.co.uk
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Cliff Evans
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Re: Future of the forum

Post by Cliff Evans »

Although the poll indicates that there is support for subscription based membership, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of some members and their pragmatic approach to the interests of others and have decided to keep as is for the time being but with the new "Gold Member" position in place that allows only Gold Members to download plans, 3-views and 3D suppository. The 3d-depository will be build up from my collection and other donated files.
https://lasercutsailplanes.co.uk
https://patteaklegliders.co.uk
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Cliff Evans
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Re: Future of the forum

Post by Cliff Evans »

Donations are down quite considerably fo last year. To the point that it cost me. I am now of the opinion that the only way to pay for the upkeep is to make this a subscription-based forum. Not really what I wish to do but, it may be necessary.

I have opened this thread for further discussion. Please feel free to comment.
https://lasercutsailplanes.co.uk
https://patteaklegliders.co.uk
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chris williams
Posts: 1549
Joined: 10 Mar 2015, 10:50
Location: Blandford Dorset

Re: Future of the forum

Post by chris williams »

Apologies, Cliff, completely forgot all about it. Might be an idea to post a reminder at the beginning of each new year...?


cw
Barry_Cole
Posts: 100
Joined: 26 Jun 2022, 00:51
Location: Hampshire

Re: Future of the forum

Post by Barry_Cole »

Cliff,
Put a reminder across the top of the page, that should get things moving.

8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

BC
Mike F
Posts: 114
Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 14:08
Location: Gloucestershire

Re: Future of the forum

Post by Mike F »

Cliff,
Thanks for the reminder.
Mike
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