Phil
01-15-2008, 05:39 PM
It seems forums have come a long way in the last few years, from a novelty to almost a necessity for many of us. As the forum evolved certain trends started to emerge, some of which you'll see here. For instance, we like to provide our members with an "in house" list of vendors to choose from, and because these vendors have access to our members they willingly pay a fee. A little quid-pro-quo, or this for that as we like to call it. Capitalism is a beautiful thing...
Overall though, forums like this remain primarily of the user, for the user. A place to exchange motorcycle related information, plan events, view photos and discuss rumors about whatever the latest topics might be. There is a staff online, but their goal is to keep things clean, just keeping honest people honest.
Lately though, it seems the pursuit of capitalism (or the need for money) has superseded the premise on which many of these forums were founded. What once was "of the user, for the user" has now become: "for the forum, use the user." Of course, this entirely new concept has been cleverly wrapped in a clean and honest package, promising new and better features, and smiles all around.
I think we need to define what "better" means in relation to a forum. Better means easier to use, finding things quickly and good server speed. Software updates are crucial to avoid possible compromises, and very little downtime isn't a luxury, it is expected. What is NOT better, would be more advertisements. Sure, 1098-Forum has 2 rotating banner ads up top, but it is a clean look and everyone knows where to go if you want to find them. Now, take those two banners, toss another banner underneath it, some more banners down the side and yet another ad below that. It might leave one wondering if you were on a forum, or an ecommerce site.
Let's move on, sticking with the whole "user friendly" aspect. People like to have nice avatars, it is an expression of who they are. Small avatars suck, especially on sportbike forums. Along with that, people like larger PM boxes, who wants to delete PMs every few days? Signatures are also a nice calling card, a chance to say something witty, or toss another "I love me" pic underneath every response. Better would be a site/forum who recognizes that and gives it to the members, just a few clicks in the admin control panel and it's done....for everyone. What would NOT be better is a site/forum recognizing this, and CHARGING people for something they should have anyway. Want more PM space? What a bigger avatar or signature? Pony up the cashola my friend ($$), next thing you know, it will be "pay per post."
Where does the exploitation end? At this point, only time will tell....but it doesn't look good for the home team. It seems what once were good intentions by many who started forums out there, originally for "the love of the game" have changed and bowed to the love of the almighty dollar. It's sad really, but the good news is there will always be forums out there (1098-Forum (http://www.1098-forum.com), Sportbikeforum (http://www.sportbikeforum.net), Yamaha-Forum (http://www.yamaha-forum.net), Clubracer.net (http://www.clubracer.net) etc) who haven't given in to the pressure, who won't give in to the pressure, and are still in it because the love of the game is where it is at.
Cheers!
1098-Forum.com
Overall though, forums like this remain primarily of the user, for the user. A place to exchange motorcycle related information, plan events, view photos and discuss rumors about whatever the latest topics might be. There is a staff online, but their goal is to keep things clean, just keeping honest people honest.
Lately though, it seems the pursuit of capitalism (or the need for money) has superseded the premise on which many of these forums were founded. What once was "of the user, for the user" has now become: "for the forum, use the user." Of course, this entirely new concept has been cleverly wrapped in a clean and honest package, promising new and better features, and smiles all around.
I think we need to define what "better" means in relation to a forum. Better means easier to use, finding things quickly and good server speed. Software updates are crucial to avoid possible compromises, and very little downtime isn't a luxury, it is expected. What is NOT better, would be more advertisements. Sure, 1098-Forum has 2 rotating banner ads up top, but it is a clean look and everyone knows where to go if you want to find them. Now, take those two banners, toss another banner underneath it, some more banners down the side and yet another ad below that. It might leave one wondering if you were on a forum, or an ecommerce site.
Let's move on, sticking with the whole "user friendly" aspect. People like to have nice avatars, it is an expression of who they are. Small avatars suck, especially on sportbike forums. Along with that, people like larger PM boxes, who wants to delete PMs every few days? Signatures are also a nice calling card, a chance to say something witty, or toss another "I love me" pic underneath every response. Better would be a site/forum who recognizes that and gives it to the members, just a few clicks in the admin control panel and it's done....for everyone. What would NOT be better is a site/forum recognizing this, and CHARGING people for something they should have anyway. Want more PM space? What a bigger avatar or signature? Pony up the cashola my friend ($$), next thing you know, it will be "pay per post."
Where does the exploitation end? At this point, only time will tell....but it doesn't look good for the home team. It seems what once were good intentions by many who started forums out there, originally for "the love of the game" have changed and bowed to the love of the almighty dollar. It's sad really, but the good news is there will always be forums out there (1098-Forum (http://www.1098-forum.com), Sportbikeforum (http://www.sportbikeforum.net), Yamaha-Forum (http://www.yamaha-forum.net), Clubracer.net (http://www.clubracer.net) etc) who haven't given in to the pressure, who won't give in to the pressure, and are still in it because the love of the game is where it is at.
Cheers!
1098-Forum.com