Well, anything in there that's not out here?

 

I'm coming into this conversation as a non-biased guy who could swing either direction but I do have some comments and questions...especially for anyone such as Dr. Rod or others who've already joined.

I'm over twice the age of the sticker on my atv and I wouldn't mind eliminating the "childs play" on here too but there ain't no dollar figure that'll keep em out of an upgraded site for paid members. I have kids and I'm sure they'll have lousy posts on here some day when of age.

I've been here long enough to see 3 software changes. I don't mind spending 20 bucks for something nicer but what else is there for me besides a hat and some stickers. I am neglegent of reading the whole email and decided to blow it off till something like this came along to read up on it. So far, I'm let down on getting information to make a choice. I also respect b370's opinions...right or wrong. He's been here a long time too. I don't necessarily think that charging for updated services on a public forum is the way to go but if this was your source of income....wouldn't you?

So, what is there "on the other side of the fence" that is going to make the grass greener for me? The forums are different or private? What about quality and quanity of atv info? Can you be sure to get your questions and problems answered by reputable riders or just more kids that borrowed 20 bucks from dad? (I'm not bashing the kids...if the shoe fits, wear it).

I've never even heard of the aftermarket companies that are sponsered for the new member discounts...so this doesn't sway me because I'll most likely never buy from them. This still comes back to the question: what is there besides a cool hat and some stickers for my junk drawer?

 

Sensible post EXtreme. Well people?

 

Now even though i agree that spending twenty bucks on a sticker/hat and some new forum isn't the smartest thing to do. I understand why they are doing it.
Don't ask me why anyone would waste money like that on a bbs/forum/messageboard when there is a perfectly good forum for free with alot more knowledgable people on there. (the free forums)
Being a website "wemaster" and owner (on non-atv related sites) i understand why somebody would want to "make" money on this site. Many people say that they owner of this site is trying to rip the users off but that isn't nessacarily (sp?) the case. It takes many many hours of hard work programming and maintaining a site like this. That doesn't count for the hundreds of hours a webmaster spends making articles and graphics for a site this big.
A site this big has to try to "make" money somehow or else it wouldn't be here. Don't fool yourself. Just because he is selling these stickers/hats doesnt mean that he is actually making any money on this deal. It costs a pretty good amount of money to keep a site like this going. Should we expect the webmaster to pay for all of this?
All i can say is that even though i'm not going to be buying any stickers anytime soon, i can also understand why they are doing it, and i think it's great that everyone is supporting a site like this. Rather than ripping on the owner of the site maybe we should all help out to make the site even bigger.
Just my $0.02
Mike

 

Sounds logical Mike. Haven't seen any posts about "What's New" in the FTC thou. I guess we never will.

 

Well people, is there a FTC? No replies from any members and from reading the "ATV Connection closing down" thread in the "Other ATV Topics" section, maybe there isn't any club. Maybe a last ditch effort to recoop some cash before closing the doors? Interesting mystery.

 

Maybe some people don't understand how much money it takes just to have the connection on the internet, come on servers aren't cheap, all the software isn't cheap, and they even bothered to upgrade the forum in the first place just so everyone can post their cheat,low blow flames. Now seeing as there is no gun to my head to join the ftc I like the rest of you dont have to, but maybe i will as soon as i get a little extra money, because I, like most of you i am sure, enjoy using this forum and if my 20 bucks will keep it going fine by me they even send you a hat and stickers. I agree with the post above also this is one of the best atv forums out there, I have shown it to many friends and they agree also.

Just remember just because you use it for free doesn't mean it's free for to host the forum.

 

don't worry, they're getting paid. It just may not be as much to retire on thou.

 

From what I heard last night, I'd save that $20 if I were you.