Avatars?

[ChipOC]

Are we going to be able to use them?

[baylorles]

Here's a LINK (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Alfred_E._Neumann.jpg/460px-Alfred_E._Neumann.jpg)to yours so you can be ready.

[Limnos]

Nice.

To answer the question, not right now. Admins are monitoring bandwidth and learning what it will take to maintain a viable site. It is my understanding that they will be evaluated soon. That's all I know.

[ChipOC]

Wow, it looks just like me. Thanks Limnos.

You guys ever figure out the DNS issue? Seems to me it isn't a DNS setting, but rather a webserver one.

[Limnos]

I'm not sure Chip. ATx handles those things.

[atxtraveler]

I'm not sure Chip. ATx handles those things.
Avatars will be next month, based on how well the current site handles the bandwidth. If we are cutting it close on the current numbers, then avatars will likely be based on a membership model, along with a few other things.

[HappyRebel]

yes, I miss my smiley....it looks just like me..:crying:

[LIQRinPU]

I miss your smiley too.

[DONNIE D]

I think I'm going to be sick.

[wildeone]

Avatars aren't working. I tried to add one tonight (8/16/08).

No go.

[Limnos]

Avatars will be next month, based on how well the current site handles the bandwidth. If we are cutting it close on the current numbers, then avatars will likely be based on a membership model, along with a few other things.

Avatars aren't working. I tried to add one tonight (8/16/08).

No go.

Please see above.

[wildeone]

I just tried to send a private message. No go there, either.

Am I missing something?

Limnos--Thanks! I missed that post.

[Limnos]

I am glad to help. I sent you a test pm to see if it worked.

You can click on a name (i.e. Limnos) and a drop down box will appear. One of the options is to send a pm. Please try it again. Hopefully it is simply a case of becoming familiar with this site's software.

Good luck and please let me know if you encounter any trouble.



Edit --> Good to see it is working for you. :)

[atxtraveler]

Guys,

Just an update on Avatars... It appears that we are going to be fine on the bandwidth for avatars, and likely also small thumbnails in posts. It is a double edged sword however, because one of the arguments is that most people would rather have faster page loads. We believe we built the system very robust, but we will not know yet.

This site obviously will need to get revenue to continue to operate, so in the next month or so, you will likely see a contribution tab pop up. Avatars, thumbnail/picture upload, private forum for members, and YouTube linking will be some of the benefits. We are currently targeting a $25/year fee with some options to get that free if you refer other paying members.

[HappyRebel]

I would pay 25 a year..i like this place..just tell me where too send it..

[LIQRinPU]

I was paying 120 a year over at the old site and would be glad to continue here if it will keep Wacoso from deleting my posts.

Just kidding. I never had any posts deleted on the old site either. I always try to be nice.

[Wacoso]

I was paying 120 a year over at the old site and would be glad to continue here if it will keep Wacoso from deleting my posts.

Just kidding. I never had any posts deleted on the old site either. I always try to be nice.

Now Doug, we have to treat you like every other customer.... wink wink.

[LIQRinPU]

Now Doug, we have to treat you like every other customer.... wink wink.

Its a good thing I could hear you laughing when you said that.

[atxtraveler]

Yes, One of the things that will likely be brought up is that this is going to be a subscription site, not a sponsorship site. Subscription meaning the money provided is for the message board service, not for sponsorship, therefore there is not a "say" in how it is run. We will not be implementing the "Noel" management structure here.

[Bigshot628]

25 bucks aint bad at all

[HappyRebel]

Now Doug, we have to treat you like every other customer.... wink wink.
Whoa...you didn't just call Limited Doug....that is a very low blow...:001_tt2: I have never seen him wear a gold chain...

[atxtraveler]

Whoa...you didn't just call Limited Doug....that is a very low blow...:001_tt2: I have never seen him wear a gold chain...

You do have to love man-gold. Ask Michael Phelps.

[HappyRebel]

You do have to love man-gold. Ask Michael Phelps.

We are speaking of two different kinds of man gold...

[LIQRinPU]

Thanks for getting my back there HR.

Glad to hear about the subscription method.

[HappyRebel]

Thanks for getting my back there HR.

Glad to hear about the subscription method.

Oh...you caught me watching your back...:blushing:

[golsalax]

Yes, One of the things that will likely be brought up is that this is going to be a subscription site, not a sponsorship site. Subscription meaning the money provided is for the message board service, not for sponsorship, therefore there is not a "say" in how it is run. We will not be implementing the "Noel" management structure here.

Sounds good, and I like the subscription idea. I pay about a $20 subscription fee to CollegeLax, a collegiate lacrosse website. On that site, most forums have its own moderators. The webmaster would check with those who may consider being a moderator. For example, there is a moderator for Lone Star Alliance (LSA), and it is called "LSA Discussion". I just checked that site which was really totally revamped, and I like its look.

However, the GGR site really looks cool and perfect.

Sic 'Em Bears.

[atxtraveler]

Sounds good, and I like the subscription idea. I pay about a $20 subscription fee to CollegeLax, a collegiate lacrosse website. On that site, most forums have its own moderators. The webmaster would check with those who may consider being a moderator. For example, there is a moderator for Lone Star Alliance (LSA), and it is called "LSA Discussion". I just checked that site which was really totally revamped, and I like its look.

However, the GGR site really looks cool and perfect.

Sic 'Em Bears.

So far we have received excellent feedback, just like you mentioned. We really do appreciate it. The general consensus is that there will be a $25 dollar account verification fee (to ensure posters have a vested stake in not breaking the rules) and then a donation bucket where people are welcome to contribute more if they get enjoyment out of the site.

There is also consideration that students with a verified .baylor.edu address may get a discount.

[Bigshot628]

25 dollar mandatory fee is a bad idea. Am I willing to pay it? Sure, but it's still a bad idea

[GigaBear]

I will say this again so hopefully Doug will read it...


Mandatory $25 fees will drive this place right into the ground. If we want this to be a place with a small group of posters, sure, the $25 will not be a problem. To require that every poster pay the $25 will be an absolute death knell for the growth of this site.


Please reconsider. You will get plenty of $$$ from sponsors who choose to support this site on their own volition. Make people pay for avatars, posting of pictures, and anything that uses considerable bandwidth. DO NOT make people pay for posting privileges---it will not work.

[biggmatt24]

If you do end up requiring a subscription fee, maybe an option would be to enforce it after a "trial period" (60 days, 6 months, 1 year, ...). Of course, that might just lead to a bunch of alt-nicks.

[atxtraveler]

If you do end up requiring a subscription fee, maybe an option would be to enforce it after a "trial period" (60 days, 6 months, 1 year, ...). Of course, that might just lead to a bunch of alt-nicks.

Here lies the problem... if you do not charge a fee, there is no way to keep the alt-nickery from coming.

[LIQRinPU]

I paid mine this morning. Hope I was the first.

Not sure if it will keep away the alt nick. Some people might pay more tha once. I just hope it doesnt become the problem it was on the old board.

Giving current students a break on the price seems like a good idea. Not sure why profs would get it. Might as well make a special level for goat ranchers. Goat prices are way down.

[atxtraveler]

Mandatory $25 fees will drive this place right into the ground. If we want this to be a place with a small group of posters, sure, the $25 will not be a problem. To require that every poster pay the $25 will be an absolute death knell for the growth of this site.

I disagree, I think just the opposite. Putting a barrier to entry, albeit small ($5, 10, 25) gives people a vested interest in not being anonymous jerks on the internet. That will encourage posters (like several that have been and gone from other sites) to come back and enjoy a fruitful discussion instead of a bunch of name calling.

[GigaBear]

I disagree, I think just the opposite. Putting a barrier to entry, albeit small ($5, 10, 25) gives people a vested interest in not being anonymous jerks on the internet. That will encourage posters (like several that have been and gone from other sites) to come back and enjoy a fruitful discussion instead of a bunch of name calling.



But you're acting as though one thing doesn't exist.


This> http://tinyurl.com/5nbvnp



Once you have that, nothing else matters.



Moderation is the key, not a monetary requirement. With a group of involved moderators working together, alt-nickery will be far from a problem.

[Limnos]

You can rest assured that we are actively tracking for alt nickery. If you suspect it, contact me and i will investigate. I have some pretty good tools at my disposal to do so. I think the model that we have here is going to work well. There is an accommodation for students, a low proposed annual subscription, and active moderation. People will see the value to that especially when some of the other plans for the site are announced/unveiled.

[ChipOC]

So when will the Avatars be turned on?

I also agree that the subscription will only work if you allow a trial membership. Sure you will get the alt nicks at times, but with better moderation it shouldn't be a problem. That's where the other site went wrong.

[baylorles]

I disagree, I think just the opposite. Putting a barrier to entry, albeit small ($5, 10, 25) gives people a vested interest in not being anonymous jerks on the internet. That will encourage posters (like several that have been and gone from other sites) to come back and enjoy a fruitful discussion instead of a bunch of name calling.
I agree with this and will gladly pay it. It will for a fact put a virtual stop to multi alt nicks.

What I do NOT want to see are ads such as on the other site.

[Limnos]

I agree with this and will gladly pay it. It will for a fact put a virtual stop to multi alt nicks.

What I do NOT want to see are ads such as on the other site.

That will not be a problem here.

[wildeone]

I'm on board for the subscription fee. No problem there.

I do think a "grace" period is also a good idea (for students). If a new poster likes the site, then he/she may be willing to subscribe at $25 a year. I also like the idea of a "donation." That's what I've done for years on the "other" site.

Mods--I agree with other posters. You won't keep the alt-nicks out forever. Try your best, but no internet system's foolproof.

Great site so far. Keep up the excellent work.:)

[Bigshot628]

It will for a fact put a virtual stop to multi alt nicks.




have you seen most of Stef's names? Almost all are sponsors to BF.

[baylorles]

have you seen most of Stef's names? Almost all are sponsors to BF.You're right. Sigh. I need to plumb the depths of kookiness further I guess.

[Bigshot628]

You're right. Sigh. I need to plumb the depths of kookiness further I guess.

it's so sad, every time she sponsors another name, all I can think is... that's money for a perfectly good bottle of whiskey down the drain.

[The Banterer]

Once things pick up more in membership, you could do it somethingawful.com style and charge $10 fee for a lifetime membership and just be stern with the rules. I don't see why you couldn't accept additional donations as long as you made a it clear that donors were not sponsors, and had no say in the goings on of the site.

Also, since I just got here, I'm not sure exactly how everything is set up, but I know there are ways to integrate photobucket into vbulletin, or at least set it up to allow externally hosted images to keep bandwith issues at a minimum.

[KellerBear]

That photo that Stef uses now looks like a crazy murderer stuffed animal.

[Bexar Fan]

Free Site + good moderation + donations + premium subscription charges for extras (i.e. avatars, sigs, pic posting, etc) + no adds = GREAT SITE!

Quality is better than quantity in terms of members. The ones who appreciate that will donate and subscribe. This could be a cross between the high quality of Scoop, and the high quantity of BFs without the downside.

[HappyRebel]

I would donate. Limited said he already did that paypal thing..

[ChipOC]

I would donate. Limited said he already did that gaypal thing..fixed it for you.

[HappyRebel]

fixed it for you.

Then you must not know Limited..he is far from g a y ...:drool:

[atxtraveler]

TB... that is exactly the plan.

We will likely have a $10 or $25 account verification fee (to make sure the people posting are who they say they are, and also limit alt-Nicks). Then from there we will ask for contributions to keep bandwidth costs manageable and add a couple features for those, such as bigger avatars or something extra.

As mentioned elsewhere, ads are no bueno to me.

[GigaBear]

Free Site + good moderation + donations + premium subscription charges for extras (i.e. avatars, sigs, pic posting, etc) + no adds = GREAT SITE!

Quality is better than quantity in terms of members. The ones who appreciate that will donate and subscribe. This could be a cross bewteen the high quality of Scoop, and the high quantity of BFs without the downside.



YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


This plus 47. Can't say enough how perfect this is.


Bottom line---NO MANDATORY CHARGES! FAILURE OF THIS SITE WILL RESULT WITH MANDATORY CHARGES.

[atxtraveler]

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


This plus 47. Can't say enough how perfect this is.


Bottom line---NO MANDATORY CHARGES! FAILURE OF THIS SITE WILL RESULT WITH MANDATORY CHARGES.

This site may not be for you then Giga.

[GigaBear]

This site may not be for you then Giga.



I'm just wondering how many dozen people are going to have to tell you the same thing before you believe it. I'm not the only one that has said this, I think I'm just the most vocal.

[Bexar Fan]

Gigs,

Thanks for the nice agreement with my recommendation above. It was just my opinion.

The site owner(s) will make the decision and the rest of us will decide if we are willing to go along or not. He/they have to pay the bills and take the risk of loss. We either become customers or take our business elsewhere if we don't like the decisions of management.

Come to think of it, that is exactly the process that got me here. :)

[atxtraveler]

Gigs,

Thanks for the nice agreement with my recommendation above. It was just my opinion.

The site owner(s) will make the decision and the rest of us will decide if we are willing to go along or not. He/they have to pay the bills and take the risk of loss. We either become customers or take our business elsewhere if we don't like the decisions of management.

Come to think of it, that is exactly the process that got me here. :)

Unfortunately, this is the truth of the matter. I would love to donate a couple hundred dollars a month to a medium for all of us to chat, but the fact of the matter is the bills need to be paid. If someone is not willing to pay a one time fee of $25 (or $10 for college students), then there are unmoderated sites for free that make you look at thousands of popups and other wacky behavior.

[GigaBear]

Unfortunately, this is the truth of the matter. I would love to donate a couple hundred dollars a month to a medium for all of us to chat, but the fact of the matter is the bills need to be paid. If someone is not willing to pay a one time fee of $25 (or $10 for college students), then there are unmoderated sites for free that make you look at thousands of popups and other wacky behavior.



I wish I had the money to put up for it ahead of time, but I will put a guarantee that you will get MORE money from sponsorships than you will from a one-time fee. Furthermore, what happens in 3 years when the site has become relatively stagnant? Money is still not flowing in.


For example...I would be willing to commit to a $10/month recurring charge, and I have a feeling that others here would go above that. I have quintupled the "one-time fee" in only 5 months. In 3 years, it's been multiplied over 14 times over, and the bottom line is that you still have revenue.


Now, say for example that there are only TEN people who would commit to a one-time recurring charge of $10/month. That means that those TEN people are going to be paying for the subscriptions of FORTY-EIGHT members per YEAR. Increase that number to 30 paying members at $10/month (which I think we could get pretty easily), and you've already jumped to 144 members. And remember---that's only for the first year! Take that three years from now and you've got a total of 432 members that are being paid for....and that's with only 30 people paying an average of $10/month.


I guess I just don't understand the logic. You're taking guaranteed short-term money over non-guaranteed long-term, potentially high revenues. Now, I know you're not LOOKING for revenues, but if it all goes back to the BBF, what's the harm in that? Bottom line is that you have people VOLUNTARILY paying, and you're not squelching the community by forcing payment.


Lots of people won't pay for moderation. Some people will. If you want to do a complete takeover/shutdown of the other site, it will not be done with a mandatory fee.

[Solan]

I wish I had the money to put up for it ahead of time, but I will put a guarantee that you will get MORE money from sponsorships than you will from a one-time fee. Furthermore, what happens in 3 years when the site has become relatively stagnant? Money is still not flowing in.


For example...I would be willing to commit to a $10/month recurring charge, and I have a feeling that others here would go above that. I have quintupled the "one-time fee" in only 5 months. In 3 years, it's been multiplied over 14 times over, and the bottom line is that you still have revenue.


Now, say for example that there are only TEN people who would commit to a one-time recurring charge of $10/month. That means that those TEN people are going to be paying for the subscriptions of FORTY-EIGHT members per YEAR. Increase that number to 30 paying members at $10/month (which I think we could get pretty easily), and you've already jumped to 144 members. And remember---that's only for the first year! Take that three years from now and you've got a total of 432 members that are being paid for....and that's with only 30 people paying an average of $10/month.


I guess I just don't understand the logic. You're taking guaranteed short-term money over non-guaranteed long-term, potentially high revenues. Now, I know you're not LOOKING for revenues, but if it all goes back to the BBF, what's the harm in that? Bottom line is that you have people VOLUNTARILY paying, and you're not squelching the community by forcing payment.


Lots of people won't pay for moderation. Some people will. If you want to do a complete takeover/shutdown of the other site, it will not be done with a mandatory fee.

For the record, I completely agree with Giga. An upfront, mandatory fee may work for a short period of time, but quickly you'll have a pay-to-play blog instead of a thriving site. I've seen it many, many times. Internet business models are very different from real-world businesses, because the supply and demand characteristics are so completely different.

There's a good way to get upfront donations. Use the foot-in-the-door effect. Ask for a paltry donation to begin and people will do it, then they'll be considerably more likely to continue donating. And by paltry I do not mean 10-25 bucks. I mean ask them for 2 dollars to cover their bandwidth for the first month. Then, if they like the site, ask them to bump their donation to 10 bucks a month.

It's your toybox, you can do what you'd like with it. I just really don't think the upfront pay-to-play fee is going to work at all in the long run.

[ChipOC]

Banning annoying alt nicks is a lot more effective than charging the up front fee I think.