4aDrive [Archive] - 4aDrive Forums

DR2000

06-19-08, 17:35

Guys, here's a question for you:

It seems that there really is no more use for this site. Every time I log-in I see someone claiming that it's dead anyhow. I haven't really had time to pay attention to things for quite some time now and this site has been kept alive by the dedication of select few people.

I however keep still paying the bills for hosting (which is not a small amount) and just a week ago had to pay another $100 for vBulletin license.

So my question is this: if you think there really is nothing left of this, can I put the whole thing to rest?

reverendstu

06-19-08, 20:45

That's like asking if I'd volunteer to stop drinking the free beer...

Do you think it would help to set up a PayPay donations page? I send off about $40 a year to the 'big forum', wouldn't hurt to do the same here. I bet others would help too.

It would be a shame if you shut it down, it works so well, way better and faster than the others. But maybe that's a function of the amount of traffic?

I got my start on forums here, I thank you for that.

rogers

06-19-08, 21:00

I would be willing to send a 10$ donation. I like this place, I dont call this place dead.

94Caprice

06-19-08, 22:03

Awww, it would be sad if this place would shut down. I remember seeing your old white caprice back right when I first got mine.

But, I can totally understand the strain of having to pay for this place. If I wasnt in the financial slump I am in I would offer to donate too.

maximus

06-19-08, 22:06

Things have definitely slowed down here compared to a coupe years ago.

I don't mind making a donation if you want to keep it going.

9C1LT195

06-20-08, 00:15

I agree that things slowed down a lot. For every real user being approved, there are probably around a 100 spam accounts being registered.

I would definitely make a donation if we decide to keep the forum going. Would it be difficult to upgrade to the latest version of vBulletin? I spend at least an hour per week sorting though these accounts manually and it seems like a wasted effort since it has been a while since a truly contributing member have joined. The new version has a lot of features to deal with spam.

88towncar_86_

06-20-08, 01:59

i hear ya dan. whatever you decide, thanks for a cool site.

countilaw

06-20-08, 11:00

It would really be a shame to see 4adrive go. I've been here for a few years now, and seen alot of people come and go. Some that were better gone, and some that were a real asset to the site. Where do they go? Most of the other sites that I visit have up graded. They also have more departments for discussions. One doesn't allow the uploading of graphics or images in the forum. (the members don't like waiting for the graphics to load each time they read the responses.)

The other site (we know which one I'm talking about) seems to be Impala oriented and not a very friendly site (or at least some of the members seem that way). And when it goes down, we get a lot of visitors here from there. It's apparent that B-Body owners are addicted to talking about thier rides.

So maybe an upgrade is called for, along with a different format.

But I would leave the Subcription fee as an optional donation.

Frank

ncinirator

06-20-08, 12:05

I would'nt hesitate to donate. PM me if you need some $$$.

capricelover96

06-20-08, 16:15

Me either! Theres alot of useful info on this site.

bv15325

06-20-08, 23:50

keep it going

I'd make a donation

Bammax

06-21-08, 13:50

I've seen plenty of other sites that have a set-up that would work well here.

A pay membership of however much per year allows you a custom avatar, an advanced search feature, unlimited uploads of pics, uploading of videos, as well as being able to post items for sale.

The free membership limits the number of pics you can upload, no video uploads, limited search feature, and no posting items for sale.

This way the people who use the most bandwith with pics and videos will be paying for the bandwith and those who registar just to scam someone with an item for sale won't bother.

countilaw

06-22-08, 03:19

I share a lot of information, how-to's and step-by-steps and if I had to pay extra to give away a lot of tips and information, I would probably not do it.

Maybe we should charge for each question asked.

NO, that would defeat the purpose of the forum. If you want to donate, please do so.

If you are one that asks a lot of questions, maybe you should think of how much it would cost you to go to an automotive shop and get the same information. It would cost you plenty!!!

The forum is fine, and a good place to visit. We just need to attract more members. Organize a international club with a logo and t-shirt. :hairup:

We just need more members!!!!!

Bammax

06-22-08, 11:38

Countilaw doesn't count since there are probably quite a few people who would chip in to cover his membership. That's like paying extra dues for Barry Meguiar to join your car club.

9C1LT195

06-22-08, 15:37

In reality the forum is not big/popular enough to expect many people to pay for the membership. The number of active users (who made more than 1 real post) per month could easily be counted on 1 hand. We don't have that many regulars either.

countilaw

06-23-08, 00:13

I really don't see any problem with making donations, I would donate, I just don't want to see it a "pay site".

We just need to introduce more people to our site, and make it a little more diversified.

Maybe some more keywords could be added, so that anyone searching the web, would be directed here by the search engine.

Like if anyone was searching "LT1" the search engine would pull up 4adrive. Or Grille Blackout, it would pull up the grille blackout that i did for 4adrive.

I don't know how it works, but it's an idea.

Frank

maximus

06-23-08, 01:00

Frank, most people don't use AOL.

legalize

06-23-08, 11:20

To rank higher on search engines those pages need more directed traffic. So really, before people start finding you on google, etc. its up to you to get people to come.
But anyhow, since you just renewed the license (for 1 yr I guess) I have some web hosting I don't use, not sure if its enough, but doesnt seem like too much traffic here so it might be. If not I can donate. But I want a window sticker :D

Bammax

06-23-08, 15:17

There are stickers? I wanna sticker. Just putting a sticker on your car makes it have 20 more horsepower. I know cause the Acura club said so. Only send me a tasteful sticker. There's already a guy up the street that has "Sexy Bitch" across his windshield.

rogers

06-23-08, 15:19

DR2000

06-23-08, 16:08

Yeah, after all this years this is not going to be a pay site, that much is obvious. I don't want any donations either, but thanks for offering.

I was just asking if it's worth keeping this up to anyone, or we should just let it go.

To keep the site popular it takes a lot of work and dedication. In our prime time we were a pretty active site with a lot of good members. We used to setup meets, constantly post photos from car events, etc. But like Dima said, there are not enough people left who dedicate themselves to this anymore.

I'll look into upgrading to a new version of vBulletin to make Dima's job easier for the time being, but there is nothing more then I can really do.

So again, is this thing worth keeping around?

P.S. We had stickers almost ready at one point. Then we failed to see that project through to the completion and never revisited that again though.

88towncar_86_

06-23-08, 18:57

i'm diggin the upgrade man :cool:

mass9c1

06-23-08, 20:42

I wouldn't mind donating.

I'd pay for a sticker as well, the upgrade looks good.

94Caprice

06-23-08, 23:10

I wouldn't mind donating.

I'd pay for a sticker as well, the upgrade looks good.

+1

Count me in for a sticker as well!

....I can still put it on my Dodge right??

9C1LT195

06-24-08, 00:56

The vBulletin upgrade is great. I've set up some options which hopefully block most of spam bots so I don't have to manually validate new users. We'll see how it goes.

countilaw

06-24-08, 02:22

COOL.......:Punk::Punk::Punk::Punk:

I'm liking this.....:blob::blob::blob:

The sticker idea is good. It could be one way of paying the expenses of the site.

Frank:smoking:

sablegtguy

06-24-08, 11:21

i think the site should stay. the stickers are a great idea i'd def throw a couple bucks out for one. I know i havent been the most active user but i do try to check the site on a regular basis and i learn a lot of great things from here. it would be a tragedy to see it go. i know its not as active as it used to be, ever since that hacker attack i dont think we ever fully came back from it. but i think as a group we should try to come up with some ideas maybe to help fund the site and maybe some ways to get some new members that will be beneficial to the site. the stickers could be a good start, someone sees it one your car goes i'll check out that site and they might like what they see and boom new member. now of course its up to them if they want to contribute but its just an idea.

Danny_Boy

06-24-08, 21:42

This is by far my most Favorite car forum.I am here atleast once or twice a day.I may not post every day or make a lot of new threads,but i do make it a point to come here all the time.

I too would donate if need be,i already donate to the ASPCA,and the FOOP.So as you can see,i have no problem donating to things i believe in and or like ;)

I just bought a new car Sunday,been spending alot of time cleaning/detailing it.Gonna be posting pics and a story on it soon.

Stay tuned :Punk:

Also a BIG thank you to Dan for paying for this great site.Also a big thank you to all regular forum members who have stuck around :cool:

capricelover96

06-25-08, 00:50

+1 On that Danny Boy :D

Danny_Boy

06-25-08, 20:48

Correction,i did not mean "FOOP" :rolleyes: I ment that i donate to the "FOP" (Fraternal Order of Police).I have been donating since 2002.

capriceman

06-26-08, 13:59

I haven't been on nearly as much as I'd like in the past six months, 12-13 hour days at work, and on a day off, there's always way too much to do.
I haven't even gotten back with Danny Boy about those doors yet.
I've just been going crazy.
I am sorry that I haven't been on much, this forum has been an incredible stress relief for me for a number of years now, and I have learned an incredible amount from you guys.
I really appreciate all the help I've gotten here, and I hope that my posts were able to help someone else.
I'd really hate to see it go, but I'd understand.
It's very generous of you Dan, to not accept donations, or to make this a pay site. Thank You for that.
If you should change your mind, I'm in.
Weather I can get on here more often or not.
I do like the new look of the forum.
It's slicker, a little cleaner.
The logo looks great as well.
I think the Forum is worth keeping, even if it's just a few people who get on here regularly.
I've looked for information on other B-body forums, sometimes I can find what I'm looking for, usually not.
I'd estimate that 99% of the time, I can find what I'm looking for here.
It may not be the biggest forum out there, but I really think it's one of the best.

Bammax

06-26-08, 14:37

Personally I come to this site first and if I don't find what I need I go to the other site just to do a quick search. Usually that site is down or directs you to a page that was lost years ago. This site is sort of like my local bar where I just hang out and listen to the gossip and stories. Plus you can usually joke around without it starting a fight, although that depends on the time of year.

So who is going to print up shirts with the new site logo on 1 side and some cool B-body pics on the other? Someone around here must know a good screen printer that can run off some shirts.

capriceman

06-26-08, 15:09

There's a shop that does that next to the Ambulance company where I work.
Usually, I go in, get my first call in about ten minuets, and don't see the base until about 6:00 that evening.
But I will try to ask them about prices.
That would be cool.
I'd wear a 4adrive shirt.