| Author | Message | ||
| Jaime T. Ferraris are sex on wheels (Chevarri)
Junior Member Username: Chevarri Post Number: 171 Registered: 1-2003 |
Hey, guys Id love to help out with a Fchat onling mag, but thats not the real reason Im posting. I think charging for usage is going about a little wrong. At chevytalk.com they have whats called a Volunteer Membership Program. Its a donation program where members pledge at certain levels. Silver, Gold, and Platinum. With each level comes certain perks others levels dont have. The following link is what Im talking about http://www.chevytalk.com/levels.htm They even have a Chevytalk store where you can buy caps, mugs, shirts, sweaters, mouse pads, stickers, and boxers! At one time they even offered Chevytalk thongs for the Mrs's. Could you imagine a red Fchat mug, or shirt? I know I could! Heres what Im talking about. http://www.cafeshops.com/chevytalk By the way Rob, if you have any questions about the pledge program and such, you can email one of the mods there. Her names Dee Dee and I already got her permission, so if you want to ask feel free to do so. [email protected] | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
Member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 536 Registered: 4-2002 |
2) Art Director/ Graphic Designer | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6210 Registered: 12-2000 |
Rikky, you're allowed to set up keyword notifications in FerrariAds.com. Like "328" and you'll be sent an email when a "328" ad appears. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6204 Registered: 12-2000 |
1,560 users have been active within the past two months. There are many duplicate user id's (I think a subscription would cut that down very quick  ) I go through now and then and prune user id's that haven't been active in years. However, it's surprising how many become active again for one reason or another. Everyone will have to reregister, so that will prune down to just the current active users. I'm not sure I want more active users. Maybe more experts in various areas, but do we need 10,000 users asking about car wax and how their Z06 beat a Ferrari. | ||
| Bob (Dr_bob)
New member Username: Dr_bob Post Number: 27 Registered: 4-2003 |
I did not read all this, because I didn't had the time last days, but I want to do something. Only problem: I do not have a profession on anything, do not own a F-car, do not travel the whole world for photo's, I'm a student without money for expensive magazines. So if that is no problem, I'm your man ;) | ||
| Rikky Alessi (Ralessi)
Member Username: Ralessi Post Number: 315 Registered: 5-2002 |
Something I just thought of - ever thought of expanding FerrariAds? Just a quick thought is maybe have something where a person can identify the type of car they are looking for, and when something of that type of listed they are sent an email to check out the listing. Perhaps if they buy a car that they find through this a nominal fee? Or charge a fee for the listing as well? | ||
| MarkPDX (Markpdx)
Member Username: Markpdx Post Number: 391 Registered: 4-2003 |
Rob Do you know what percentage of the 3256 registered users participate on a regular basis? Just looking at the top 20 posters I count 3 that haven't been here in several months. At the bottom of the list there are hundreds with zero posts and many more that haven't been here in a very long time. It also looks like there are some rather forgetful members as more than a few names pop up several times. For instance Patrick Denonville has 3 almost identical accounts. Two with zero posts 1,2 and one with ~600 posts. (I don't mean to pick on you Pat, just noticed your name ) Will you be transferring all the accounts over or will people be re registering? | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1461 Registered: 1-2003 |
Hell, lets do FChat Tee Shirts too for $19.95! I just bought 300 shirts from Longs Drugs for $1.98 and had them screen printed for $1.50 a pop with my company's logo! This is a cheap giveaway for me. With the help of a member-designer, this could be a boom! | ||
| Andrew-Phillip Goalen (Andrewg)
Member Username: Andrewg Post Number: 355 Registered: 9-2002 |
Rob, have a look at the membership model used by Rennlist, you can register and post for free but some other bits you have to pay up, great way of doing it, plus when you pay you get a great little sticker for the windscreen of your car (it would be worth th $10 for the sticker!) | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 439 Registered: 8-2002 |
Whats different about this site vs others like Pelicanparts.com when I had my 911 is their are some real experts here, I really doubt JRV has had a noticable improvement in his business since he has been offering tips here, (maybe JR can comment on this) but he and others have offered valuable insider advice countless times to members here for free, other sites and even here you may get wrong answers with the best of intentions from the ameteurs, its nice knowing if you have some serious questions thay can be answered correctly | ||
| DL (Darth550)
Junior Member Username: Darth550 Post Number: 225 Registered: 7-2003 |
Link to more dealers...perhaps even Robb Report or DuPont Registry. Tout the board as an alternative marketplace as well as an information center. The more members and click throughs there are, the more impressions that can be marketed to the banner advertisers. my .02 DL | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1460 Registered: 1-2003 |
Rob..If you will do a 12 month period where it is free (with everyone knowing that FChat will be a 'pay site' at the end of the 12 month period), you may have a box that users can click on with a pay option to supprot your efforts. Thats a happy medium. I feel you have gone long enough with this great forum not to reap a few rewards! | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6177 Registered: 12-2000 |
Subscriptions may fail, but I'll never let it get to the point the site fails. That's why I plan on all current 3,200 users to have over a 12 month free period. So we still have our current base (which is still a little overwhelming at times) to carry on the site as is and then we'll judge over the trial period if new users are accepting of a subscription. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1399 Registered: 3-2002 |
Rob, I think a subscription-based format might ultimately fail. While current members might pay, it will deter new people from joining the site. Plus, over time, regular members may not maintain their memberships and ultimately drop out. | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 831 Registered: 6-2002 |
F-chat is great. So much posative energy here it's silly-good! On the one hand, we're just a bunch of car nuts shooting the breeze, helping with parts, etc. Then you find out you're talking straight to Roland Linder, Le Mans racer and owner/resurecter of an F40LMR (for LM; Roland eddition Something about Ferrari owners seems to imply a certin zest and celebration of life, and all things important in life (namely, love.) By and large, people here 'get it'. I would definately sign up for an *optional* maybe post-count increaseing sort of option. I don't think we should mandate it. That would go against the whole "come one and all true enthusiest" unoffical mantra. Best! Ben. PS: DES- Starfish! Too funny! You crack me up ;) | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1387 Registered: 3-2002 |
"Chocolate starfish". DES--where do you come up with this stuff?! It's perfect. | ||
| Francisco J. Quinones (Frankie)
Junior Member Username: Frankie Post Number: 207 Registered: 8-2002 |
"i like the never ending vat of knowledge... From Ferraris to stocks to wine to politics to dental floss farmers - there's just a wealth of information here, in such a broad scope of areas... i also like the diversity; there are people here from all over the world, which is a learning experience, in itself... We all come here for the cars but what brings us together is the people... Granted, there are some real chocolate starfish here but a majority of the people are really cool and that's a refreshing alternative to everything outside this screen... " what DES said. even though i don't come here as often as i used to, this place is simply awesome and i would love to help in any way i can. Frankie | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 6102 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dale, i like the never ending vat of knowledge... From Ferraris to stocks to wine to politics to dental floss farmers - there's just a wealth of information here, in such a broad scope of areas... i also like the diversity; there are people here from all over the world, which is a learning experience, in itself... We all come here for the cars but what brings us together is the people... Granted, there are some real chocolate starfish here but a majority of the people are really cool and that's a refreshing alternative to everything outside this screen... You ever play freeze tag when you were a kid...? You to had to run to 'base' before the 'catcher' caught you...? Well 'base' is to freeze tag as FerrariChat is to my sanity. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1455 Registered: 1-2003 |
I figure that my average savings for advise on Tech threads has been about $3500 in the last six months. Thats certainly worth twenty five bucks! | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 337 Registered: 4-2003 |
Trust me, DES. I have downloaded every picture that Jim has posted. I really do appreciate him sharing his cars with us. So, besides grossing everybody out with your, uh, pictures and caging rides in FCars, what do you like about FChat? Tag, you're it, ha! Dale | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 6098 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dale, i have pictures of Jim's GT40; i only accept cash... Seriously, if you do a search, you'll see plenty of pictures... Try searching for threads entitled "WWOC"; i posted pictures of J6 in some of those threads... It is truly a sight to behold in person... Some vintage racecar publication recently did an article on J6- for $6, you can read the story on the car and see some really cool photography of the car... i have my issue in hopes he'll sign it should we ever meet again... (hint, ahem, cough ) | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 336 Registered: 4-2003 |
Why don't we do some market research here? What is there currently on FChat that you would be willing to pay, say, $25 a year for? For example, I'd gladly pay to see pictures of Jim Glickenhaus's cars. I also enjoy reading about his misspent youth (Jimi at Woodstock, John in an elevator, Glen at the Hotel California) before he returned to his roots on Wall Street, ha! I also enjoy the regionalized boards where I can post specific questions about who, what, why, when and where. I enjoy the non-political Off Topic threads. (Because I already know the right answer to all political issues, I don't need to listen to anybody else's opinion; unless, of course, they agree with me. But even this is a waste of time because well...) I used to like the picture show until Reverend Rob shut it down. And DES, your pictures were mega gross, yuk. What I don't like is are things like "The Don" flaming. If you don't like a thread, don't read it. You don't have to tell me that you don't like it. I also find the "Where is Matt" stuff boring. WGAF where Matt is? But overall I like all of FChat. In fact, I wish that there was a PChat. The Rennlist doesn't do it for me. So what are your picks and pans? Dale | ||
| JRV (Jrvall)
Intermediate Member Username: Jrvall Post Number: 2390 Registered: 11-2002 |
>>Without me JRV you wouldn't of had the opportunity to save ""them"" thousands of dollars<< "They" owe you Big Time Rob !!! >>, belittle lesser mechanics,<< It's a dirty thankless job too, but thank goodness for the unsuspecting owners out there that weren't aware that "the truth is out there" somebody did it. >> and expose your exposed "employees" to so many. << The Girls Thank You Deeply from the bottom of their ________ for the opurtunity to let them put their best _______ uhhh ummm, foot forward. { } | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6175 Registered: 12-2000 |
Without me JRV you wouldn't of had the opportunity to save them thousands of dollars, belittle lesser mechanics, and expose your exposed "employees" to so many. | ||
| JRV (Jrvall)
Intermediate Member Username: Jrvall Post Number: 2389 Registered: 11-2002 |
>>How much business do you think JRV has got from FerrariChat.com? Has he ever paid me a cent for it? You get it now.<< OUCH Rob that hurt !!!! I think a better pay plan would be all the hundreds of guys I've helped save TENS of Thousands of Dollars send you a BIG FAT CHECK for you allowing me to have the BALLS to fight the hundreds of TROLLS here just so I could stay and help people for FREE !! Sounds like a good plan to me whatdya think? { } BTW: ALAN "SPEEDY 308" Leach 4 PRESIDENT Houston Region FCA !!! { } (where is Alan?) | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 2071 Registered: 11-2002 |
I kind of brought this up (magazine or other publication) a long time ago when Doody did his Ferrari comparo. Didn't get much of response then. I think it's the type of thing that would start off real hot and then die down as people start to realize they actually have to work! Well, the point is to share information. By making this a pay site, then one charges for knowledge. Yes, JR might have gained some customers through FChat, but he has also dispensed a heck of a lot that has saved some people a lot of money. It's a give and take. I'm not just saying this to defend a fellow Lamborghini enthusiast. He is, in essence telling people how to fix problems and when they need parts, he directs them to vendors (sponsors a lot of times) to supply them. That's great way to keep the hobby (fixing cars) alive. I think Bill Hart is a better example. Given some online/offline conversations I've had with him in regards to my business needs and how much he charges an hour (well worth it, mind you) he has given me, an FChat member, thousands of dollars worth of free advice. I have helped many people offline about business needs and stuff I can help with. I would hate to think there is a chance of losing someone in the future because the first time they logged on they were prompted to pay. I personally like Rennlist's way of doing things. Post whatever you want, come and go as you please. If you like it, make a donation and then you get a couple of extras like discounts from the sponsors and such. That said, I'm all for an annual mandatory fee (higher than $10 please). If it means it gets rid of the trolls and multiple identity users, then it will definitely be worth it. $10 is not enough to deter someone from developing multiple identities and silly stuff like that. Cheers | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6174 Registered: 12-2000 |
LOL Jim, no, that pic wasn't me. Luckily, my wife is the handy one in the family, but she spends the time duct taping the windows, replacing the water heater, and digging a drainage ditch for our plumbing leak vs. my umm, "garage". | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 2500 Registered: 7-2001 |
If Rob worked at Lowes, he'd have a nicer garage! | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1454 Registered: 1-2003 |
Lets put ourselves in Rob's shoes for a minute. Starting this forum while working his main job. From the last couple of posts of the newsletters he posted, I believe he was up pretty late do that. If I were Rob, I would want to make a full time job out of this forum! Think what it would be like if Rob devoted 8-12 hours a day to it! It would attract better advertising (not that the current sponsors are bad in any way) and other venues such as group insurers that would look at our member base, etc. We have all gotten a great free ride for a long time. Let Rob make a few dollars to enhance an already great forum. I would kick in $500 to be a 'founding sponsor' if this board could turn a fat profit down the road! Why not give Rob the opportunity to venture out on his own with our support? I believe a past picture post shows he works at Lowes? Does anyone think he is pulling down a hundred K? I don't! Who here has not lost money in the stock market a few years ago? I think this could be a wise investment for those that see the forest through the trees. | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 437 Registered: 8-2002 |
Valid point taken Rob | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6172 Registered: 12-2000 |
Maybe not a free month to post, but I'm sure I'll have the main sections read only, but not be able to post (that will drive them crazy!) and then also wondering what's in the other topics that they can't even view. Jeff, don't worry, all the experts won't have a reason to leave. Also, many of the experts receive much commercial business from the site, even though they don't pay a cent. How much business do you think JRV has got from FerrariChat.com? Has he ever paid me a cent for it? You get it now. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1453 Registered: 1-2003 |
Jim-Jeff..The first month could be free. At that time, true users would proobably want to keep their screen name and pay. Now nothing would stop anybody from getting a new screen name for an additional free month, but they will soon be rooted out. After a month of free use, I feel that just about everybody will see the value of the board. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6171 Registered: 12-2000 |
Please read the thread again Jeff, you're not getting it. | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 435 Registered: 8-2002 |
I agree with Wayne, charging is a bad idea, their are quite a few very knowlegable people here in technical,historical,and even legal advice etc that contribute way more than they receive and to ask them to pay to contribute doesn't add up especially those few that just occasionally visit to offer advice | ||
| DJ (Godfather)
Junior Member Username: Godfather Post Number: 156 Registered: 11-2002 |
No Thanks Des!  | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6170 Registered: 12-2000 |
Wayne, you would be one of the Historian Consultants. Hopefully I can pay you some day. | ||
| Kenneth Sullender (Sulley)
New member Username: Sulley Post Number: 5 Registered: 9-2003 |
I work for one of the largest enthusiast magazine publishing companies in the country, and if this idea ever comes to be in the future I would be willing to volunteer/contribute what I could. | ||
| Wayne Ausbrooks (Lwausbrooks)
Moderator Username: Lwausbrooks Post Number: 2450 Registered: 8-2002 |
On the topic of charging an annual membership fee: Although I would have no problem contributing $10 per year to the F-chat cause, there is a small group of users here that show up and contribute valuable insight and information even though they receive little or no benefit from the site themselves. I'm afraid that being charged a fee, regardless of how small, would be enough to keep most of them away. Just something to consider. | ||
| John (Cohiba_man)
Junior Member Username: Cohiba_man Post Number: 233 Registered: 1-2003 |
I would (seriously) be good as the photo director for the babes section. It would be fun and I would be more than happy to volunteer my time to do it. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 6085 Registered: 8-2002 |
Jim, definitely not a bad idea... i had nothing of worth to contribute to this conversation, it's just one more post for my post count... With that said, i'd starve for a week if i had to, to pay for membership here... DJ, i have some more pictures in my 'personal file' if you want to see... PeterS, there are others here whose humor far exceeds any attempt i could make at generating laughter; besiDES, i'd much rather have my own column where i um, 'test' out various Ferraris (other members' cars? ) and then do a write-up... Who's in on THAT one...?!? | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 2497 Registered: 7-2001 |
Rob, I'd also have no problems with paying for the service this board provides. I'd be afraid that if you started charging the new people, you'll not get any more new people. Maybe the tiered approach is better, free for a few posts a day, a yearly charge for unlimited. That would let the new guys get on the board and get their feet wet before deciding to spend the money on it. | ||
| Chris D (Prohydro)
Junior Member Username: Prohydro Post Number: 82 Registered: 11-2001 |
Personally, I think being a little more heavy handed with the bannings would keep some off the crap off the boards. Give new users one or two chances, then they are gone. If that takes a day or 10 minutes, so be it. But you don't have to be nice anymore, I would hate to have Bill Noon leave, but a bunch of "Tony Roberts" hanging around. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1451 Registered: 1-2003 |
This could be the spin: Based on what you 'pledge', you would have a member status designator, such as Bronze for $9.95, Silver for $19.95, Gold for $29.95 and Platinum for $49.95 a year. If I paid the $49.95, my screen name on posts would read: PeterS Platinum F1 Rookie | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6168 Registered: 12-2000 |
OK, I have to run over to Norwoods real quick, but a few quick points... 1) The small subscription would only be for new users, so as to keep everything as is at minimum. A year from now we can see if new users are really deterred from $9.95 a year and I can either pull it or leave it before the old user base comes up for first payment at end of 2004. 2) I really don't like the idea of a print magazine for FC. Sounds great in theory, but the lack of help I have received on FC (even with all the good intentions) and plus the lack of good response we got with the really cool 2003 calendars, I just don't think it would work. 3) I will expand the monthly newsletter with articles and more as it's now online. So an online magazine I'm all for. Yes, there will be FerrariChat.com Chicks! | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 646 Registered: 10-2002 |
"I'm thinking about charging a small $9.95 a year subscription to FerrariChat.com". Not a bad idea. You can always raise the fees when people start getting hooked - witness Microsoft. Yes, I will second that. | ||
| ty (360mode)
Junior Member Username: 360mode Post Number: 147 Registered: 9-2002 |
peter, lol... i think that domain name is still available! i do think a yearly fee for everyone is the way to go... i would think it would eliminate a lot of the junk. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1449 Registered: 1-2003 |
Ty..Why not for the existing user base? Those that would complain about a small nominal fee should go to www.CheapBeerTrailers&BowlingChat.com! | ||
| ty (360mode)
Junior Member Username: 360mode Post Number: 146 Registered: 9-2002 |
>>Also, not for the existing user base, but end of this year I'm thinking about charging a small $9.95 a year subscription to FerrariChat.com.<< i think that's a great idea. if you're serious about the site, then $10 a year is a pretty nominal fee. just skip mcdonalds a couple times... | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Advanced Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 2769 Registered: 4-2002 |
IM DITTO WITH PAT I WOULD LOVE TO HELP OUT ESPECIALLY IF YOU RUN SOME ADVERTISING WITH ENERGIZERS NAME....IM SURE THEY WOULD FINANCIALLY HELP OUT AS WELL... GOOD POST PETE BRUCE | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 915 Registered: 2-2002 |
I would love to help out in any way I can. Before getting into computer work I worked for a small printing company and did some of the design and estimating (commercial and folding carton) | ||
| rich stephens (Dino2400)
Member Username: Dino2400 Post Number: 582 Registered: 10-2001 |
I probably have enough time to be "art director" and lay the thing out and get it ready for printing. I published a glossy music magazine once upon a time and I don't think I'll ever go into the magazine business with my own money ever again (!!). But I'd love to participate in this project. With the "community" we have here, it should be easy enough to support. -Rich | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 333 Registered: 4-2003 |
I hope that no one is actually thinking about a print magazine, yes, no, maybe? You have no idea how paper actually costs until you try to produce something in print. Besides that is s-o-o-o-o 20th century. Seriously though, every publisher in the world is trying to figure out how to migrate to an on-line publisher. Let's not repeat the mistakes of the past. As far as charging for FChat, no problem here. If you haven't figured it out, it is the sponsors that are carrying the freight here. And if we don't buy things from the FC sponsors, they will not sponsor FC no mo. If the sponsors don't sponsor no mo, then no FC. The other problem is that most sponsors want exclusivity. Thus, Rob is facing a ceiling when it comes to sponsorships. You can only get so many stickers on a car or a website. Thus, if Rob charges, say, a $25 annual fee, hopefully this will give him enough juice to pay the light bill. Moreover, if Rob has a 1,500 person subscriber base that pays $25 each, this will make sponsorships more desirable. Adding this all up means that Rob will be able to get rid of that RX piece of junk and concentrate on racing a real car! And no, I ain't gonna do no stinken bookkeeping. DrTax was a 6th year sophomore in Anthropology before he became a CPA. Geeze, I can't even balance a check book, ha! Nope, I'm a Blue Sky kinda guy. I make my living by thinking, not working. Dale | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1615 Registered: 12-2001 |
It's a huge amount of work. I have long been involved with an established audio society in ny that used to publish a small booklet occasionally, very underground, with equipment and record reviews, a few ads, anecdotal pieces, discussions of theory, musicography/discography, etc. The society decided to take it to the next level, partly because so many of the participants were, in their own right, considered experts. Production deadlines were impossible to meet since everybody had a real job; egos got in the way when it became a job, rather than a hobby. The society was also embroiled in litigation with a former editor. Ultimately, the magazine rights were sold to a third party who continues to publish the journal today. I'd be happy to contribute time to the publishing issues but i just warn you, its like taking your fun and making it into a job. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1445 Registered: 1-2003 |
As far as a fee goes, let me put it this way: If Rob one day said 'screw it' and left, ALL of us would be pretty butt hurt and have FChat withdrawls. If he feels there is value associated with his efforts to run this board (which I would guess he does), we should all support that. There is no 'free lunch' folks. FChat HAS been a free lunch and I feel we should pay the piper if warranted. Because there will be mixed reactions, a happy medium would be to offer volentary subscription rates. Yes anyone can register and chat, but maybe limit the participation to General and Off Topic. Associated with your membership 'pledge level', next to your screen name could be a 'status level' of your membership. Hell, American Express does it! You can be a platinum member for $350 a year! Lets say that Rob made a tidy profit with the fees. He may have more bandwidth to put time into a publication that we are talking about here. Lets not shoot that idea down. Remember, you don't know what you got 'til its gone! | ||
| S. Brent Cardani (Brentc)
New member Username: Brentc Post Number: 21 Registered: 8-2003 |
I'd also be willing to help with starting up a Ferrari/F-Chat magazine. I proposed this same idea on a M-B board and got some small amount of interest. After follow-ups, though, no one really wanted to pitch in and help out. I'm still interested and like the idea of an advertising venue for members' businesses. Anyone who wants to give it a shot, feel free to contact me and let's put our heads together. | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Intermediate Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 1005 Registered: 12-2001 |
Mark, I like your idea of a tiered membership. Rob, no problem here if you want to charge a membership fee. The way I see it this site is worth just about anything you want to charge. Also, you have turned this into the BEST forum I visit and the only one I bother to spend any time on. That you have created what you have with F-chat is wonderful, but the idea of what this site would be if it could free you financially to do it full time leaves my mouth watering. | ||
| Rikky Alessi (Ralessi)
Member Username: Ralessi Post Number: 314 Registered: 5-2002 |
I'm not sure exactly what your vision is, but I think the price would deter users and push down/stop the increase in size. This may or may not be a good thing depending on what you want to do. I do know that there are various forums out there with 20k+ members. That dwarfs f-chat... Although I suppose it is different, considering that you want mainly Ferrari owners I am sure. Still, more visitors will mean more sponsors, and the higher the price you can charge for sponsors (you will probably also have to pay for increased bandwith though). | ||
| Scott Larmer (Larmer)
Junior Member Username: Larmer Post Number: 59 Registered: 5-2003 |
if there was a subscription charge, would there be additional benefits, like a realtime chat feature. | ||
| MarkPDX (Markpdx)
Member Username: Markpdx Post Number: 373 Registered: 4-2003 |
Rob One of the great things about this board is that new users can join quickly without having to pay any sort of subscription fee. Having to whip out a credit card to start posting will probably deter some good people from popping in. For instance Bill Noon from Symbolic joined recently and it would seem a little ridiculous to charge him for such informative posts. This has probably been suggested before but how about a tiered membership arrangement? You could offer free basic membership with limited number of posts per day. The next level could be $9.95 full membership with unlimited posting and the ability to attach pictures. For $19.95 you could offer advanced membership with email and 10Mb of space. Continuing to offer free membership with limited number of posts per day wouldn�t entirely deal with the rogue user problem but it could limit their ability to cause trouble. It might also be useful to appoint a few more moderators who could check IPs and take appropriate action if a troll sets up multiple accounts. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1443 Registered: 1-2003 |
This publication would not only cater to the Ferrari owner, but also catch the attention of ALL people that would like to own an exotic some day. Maybe that could be in the title..I'm too tired right now to think of a catch-line | ||
| Fayyaz Vellani (Fvellani)
Junior Member Username: Fvellani Post Number: 130 Registered: 8-2002 |
I'll volunteer to be in charge of the babes. Its really no problem at all | ||
| Gabe V (Racerxgto)
Junior Member Username: Racerxgto Post Number: 106 Registered: 4-2003 |
16)Photographer: Gabe V. There's something here that is very niche. But as posted before, it balances on the notion that overdoing it may sink it, but at the same time catering to the FChat'rs. Sounds like a winner, Peter | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1442 Registered: 1-2003 |
Rob...You are correct about the 1%. This happens when: 1) People are not in line to take on a task 2) A startup has no business plan. If we can do some research, it could fly. Funding could come from your core advertisers. A printer of the magazine could share some risk for a piece of the down-stream profit potential. Since there are members from all parts of the country, we just about have an instant sales group! Regarding an FChat subscription fee, I suggested that a few months ago to keep the 'you know who's' off the site. I think its a great idea. Hell, I lose more than that in my sofa on a monthy basis that the nine year-old finds! | ||
| Chris D (Prohydro)
Junior Member Username: Prohydro Post Number: 81 Registered: 11-2001 |
I have a friend who self publishes his instructional magic books, and is fairly successful at small run jobs. He works with a local printer, and then has his distribution set up before the run. Ends up selling most of them himself, but it pays the bills and then some. In my opinion, if you had some good meat to the magazine (tech articles, how to change a clutch or something), as well as some good in-depth articles on cars (hmmm...maybe a feature on a member's F40, or a couple of posters/website owner's Challenge cars?), I bet you could sell out at car shows and online no problem. Just stay away from making it fluffy like "Dubs" or some of the Porsche magazines. Heck, why not? Look how many Porsche and BMW magazines there are. Forza is the only Ferrari magazine I read, I could sure use another! | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1872 Registered: 12-2002 |
I think all your plans sound great Rob! I hate to waste money but I would hardly call registering on this site and paying a fee "wasting". Its a great resource and I have made lots of friends here! Ill gladly contribute some extra money if the website does reach that point soon. If not for the magazine itself, you could deserve some help for all the hard work you put into the site...to help pay for the domain and webspace and so on. I really want to get more involved in this community. I just feel like I could contribute more! So if there is anything I can do to help with any one of these upcomming projects, let me know! | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6162 Registered: 12-2000 |
Also, not for the existing user base, but end of this year I'm thinking about charging a small $9.95 a year subscription to FerrariChat.com. This will help limit some rogue users and also maybe provide the resources to fund something like this. What do you think? | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6161 Registered: 12-2000 |
Some future goals of mine for FC that are kinda related to this are... 1) Subject Matter Expert official consultants on the board. For different areas like technical, history, racing, legal, and etc. we have one or more designated users. Eventually the goal is pay this "Staff", but to begin with they'll just have free commercial exposure. 2) Online articles and research projects closely tied to above. I really want to get FC to this level in the coming year, but my little experience doing this in the past hasn't worked out. You get 99% very motivated and enthused, but only 1% follow thru with anything. Just look how little we have had contributed to the Parts and Service section. We've had nothing contributed to Research. Carl Rose has been the huge exception for Parts and Service, I actually need to publish 2-3 articles he's sent me lately. That's my fault. | ||
| Scott Larmer (Larmer)
Junior Member Username: Larmer Post Number: 56 Registered: 5-2003 |
oh and as for advertising, what about the people here buying some advertising for their company products? There clearly are a lot of people here who own their own company, as there are numerous "name my product" threads. After that great thread about who could offer what to each other, i would think people would kick down for some advertising. | ||
| Scott Larmer (Larmer)
Junior Member Username: Larmer Post Number: 55 Registered: 5-2003 |
why not make it like a car club magazine? you could do articles on f-chatter vehicles (new, vintage, and then other, non-ferraris like Wharts GT2)? It could be a good way to have a listing of regional g2gs as well as fairly good photo spreads of the events. In theory, you could also do f-chatter profiles similar to how Robb Report did back in the day....with a quick interview. Just a thought. | ||
| Dan Gordon (Ferruccio)
Junior Member Username: Ferruccio Post Number: 149 Registered: 2-2003 |
Great Idea but I agree with Jorden we need funding to get this off the ground. How much initial investment would it take? If you took the money for the subscriptions first would that be enough? Also: What would the magazine offer that the forum doesn't? | ||
| Robert Callahan (Rcallahan)
Member Username: Rcallahan Post Number: 346 Registered: 7-2002 |
Employee Physicals: Bob Callahan Illegal Kick Backs: Bob Callahan Pension Fund Manager: Bob Callahan Road Test Driver: Bob Callahan Drug Testing: Bob Callahan | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1871 Registered: 12-2002 |
ohh ohh I want to do something to help I think its a great idea! However, we would need some sort of funding for publishing and printing costs and so on...Unless our sponsors could fork up some extra money, how can we get some funding? | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1441 Registered: 1-2003 |
Ok..Please fill in the names for the numbers: 1)Executive Publisher: Rob Lay? 2)Art Director: 3)Assistant Editor: 4)Photo director / babes: 5)Technical section editor: 6)Legal: Art Chambers? 7)Off topic forum: 8)Parts & Componentreviews: Taek? 9)Lifestle section: 10)Advertising: 11)Circulation Manager: 12)Complaint Department Manager: 13)Movie Reviews: 14)New product Editor: 15)Humor section: Des | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1344 Registered: 9-2002 |
I think we got it covered. Actually, I bet there are quite a few here who could cover something some of the more elitist magazines like Cavallino don't. Kind of like a spin-off or complementary deal to Forza? --Dan | ||
| DJ (Godfather)
Junior Member Username: Godfather Post Number: 153 Registered: 11-2002 |
Cool, don't let Des be in charge of picking out the babe pics.  | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1440 Registered: 1-2003 |
Just wondering if the format was right, could a few of us pull off a publication called 'FChat, The Ferrari Community in Print'? Before any of you jump at a quick 'NO', think about it. It could be a higher-end subscription. What does a magazine need??? Good technical articles, babes, good pictures, babes, reviews, babes and advertising.....Any thoughts? |