Would you pay to play?

LEDZEP · 03-07-2006, 03:57 PM

Since E90Post.com is crawling with nuisance posters the past few months, I was just wondering what would happen if we had to pay for a membership in order to have the right to post. Maybe the great unwashed could browse the forum, but unless you were a paid member you couldn't make any posts, etc.

Who thinks that would be great?

cdheaven · 03-07-2006, 03:59 PM

the unwanted posts dont bother me that much at alllllll. and i was one of the people 3 months ago to suggest a paypal donation deal. so im not saying this to be cheap. actually morning glory alone made all that kids annoying posts worth it.

vladinecko · 03-07-2006, 04:02 PM

nope, you don't have my support in this. i completely understand and agree with your point but i don't think this is the solution. making this forum a paid kind of thing would completely ruin its character and style.

every forum has assholes and post whores on them. i think a simple thing like forum moderators keep most of them semi-clean. i'm pretty sure that it's just a matter of time until Jason and Mark recruit someone to weed out the posts you're referring to.

but in general, i agree that it's getting more and more "dirty" in terms of post quality here.

BenMW · 03-07-2006, 04:05 PM

I would pay a membership fee...I have learned so much on this forum...One thing I have learned is what people are paying for their car and addtional parts..etc...I have saved a lot of money on just that. Also maybe if we did start a paid membership we could get some sort of benefits for being a member...who knows 5% off at Tirerack or something.

Also I think random pointless posts and post out of place in the wrong section needs to be controlled more.

GoBonesGo · 03-07-2006, 04:07 PM

It's nice to think that would get rid of the riff-raff (and it probably would), but it would also eliminate most everyone else, too. People are used to free stuff on the Internet. Getting any kind of significant number of people to pay a fee for the privilege of hanging out and chatting with like-minded folks just isn't going to work.

In order for such a scheme to work, something else would have to put on the table. Maybe something like regular organized meets or group buys and merchandise discounts, etc.

3aficionado · 03-07-2006, 04:10 PM

Pay-to-play will do more to deter many 3er owners from contributing knowledge or asking questions. They will find other forums to find answers. The great thing about this forum and others is they allow everyone to give input and opinion. The more contributors the more broad the information supplied.

I like the donation idea. I also think unwanted posts can be better managed by more administration, not instituting pay-to-play. Although I don’t think we are anywhere near a level of needing more administration. The posts aren’t nearly as bad as a Honda forum where kids just go off every few hours.

ksfrogman · 03-07-2006, 04:57 PM

I agree with Vladinecko et al.

Donations are fine. I also feel it might benefit the webmasters and users if a Paid For Advertising portion of this forum were offered to vendors.

For instance, the admins could set aside a portion of this website as a Sponsored Vendor Directory, which would list contributing vendors in alphabetical order and by parts or service category.

Vendors could be charged a nominal fee, say, $150-200/month to be featured in this directory. The value of this to a vendor is that the potential customer base will be targeted to a specific vehicle--the e90. It is obvious that there are a lot of members here willing to spend tons of money on aftermarket products: wheels, springs, coil overs, exhaust systems, body parts, etc.

Bimmerista · 03-07-2006, 05:10 PM

In the name of democracy (equality of access) and not being out of step with the market (most on-line forums are free) I think we should live with the maroons and keep this one free.

LEDZEP · 03-07-2006, 05:19 PM

Good arguments! I had my own thoughts (and not just in favor), but I thought it would make an interesting discussion.

Maybe if I could just be like my superior counterparts: David32Austrailia, StewTheBassman, JamieA - among others, and simply roll my eyes and move on when I see an annoying post.

must

resist

the

tempation

obLu · 03-07-2006, 05:26 PM

Except for the alarm DIY I used last week, there hasn't been a single worthwhile post on this forum for the last two months. What color should I buy, did I pay too much, should I have bought a 330 ... blah blah blah. But I know from e46 days that the first year, year and a half start this way and then it gets down to the nitty; little things start to go wrong, people figure out how to fix them/ people figure out cool mods (like mounting a v1 display inside your rearview mirror) and then you get worthwhile posts.

It's still a worthwhile work diversion though, so I'm still lurking here quite a bit. But I definately wouldn't pay to be here for quite some time.

cdheaven · 03-07-2006, 05:39 PM

um. there is DEFINITLY at least one post per day thats worth checking in on..
i agree a lot of them are stupid, heck, a lot of the posts i post are totally retarded.
Todays post of the day:new engine video walk through... great post!

David328M-Sport · 03-07-2006, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Maybe if I could just be like my superior counterparts: David32Austrailia, StewTheBassman, JamieA - among others, and simply roll my eyes and move on when I see an annoying post.

must

resist

the

tempation

Hey Ledzep,

How are you doing? Superior, me? Nahhhh. I'm just a normal almost 47 year old Aussie with my wonderful wife, 2 boys, my home, quiet lifestyle and my E90 325, which I enjoy driving every time.

I don't mind reading a wide variety of people's posts, as "silly" as they might seem. For those new to this board and who didn't read the manual or missed a point in the manual, this is the world's best and friendliest site for all things E90. We are lucky to have such a great bunch of people on board.

Our E90Post hosts are so very generous with their time and efforts allowing us the privelage of this wonderful free site. Our most superior poster of all is everyone's favourite E90Fleet. They are our superior counterparts. Maybe I come second!!!

Thanks for the compliment Ledzep and I trust all is well with your cars.

Take care buddy.

ksfrogman · 03-07-2006, 05:48 PM

There are also a lot of members who didn't own a 3-series or BMW for that matter when they joined. I was one of them. The feedback I got from e90 owners on this website helped me learn about which options to get, how to track my vehicle, and know what to expect. Adding a membership fee would likely discourage potential e90 owners from participating in this forum.

ben1364 · 03-07-2006, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Since E90Post.com is crawling with nuisance posters the past few months, I was just wondering what would happen if we had to pay for a membership in order to have the right to post. Maybe the great unwashed could browse the forum, but unless you were a paid member you couldn't make any posts, etc.

Who thinks that would be great?

I would be happy to support a serious web site dedicated to better understanding and caring for the E 90 car and without the silliness and extraneous "stuff" on this site. I belong to and support other BMW car and motorcycle 'by invitation only' forums that are most worthwhile and do not put up with foolishness.

The results of your poll so far indicate that the majority of respondents are here to play and have little interest in the serious aspects of these cars.

Go for it and I will apply for membership. Thanks for your efforts.

LEDZEP · 03-07-2006, 05:53 PM

Hi David,

Hmmm... birthday number 47 is coming soon for me as well. (yikes). Certainly agree with you about E90Fleet, he is our rock of Gibraltar here. I even realized after I posted that that I didn't list him - I guess that's just assumed.

The cars are doing great! Hope all is well with you and your too.

Hey... I feel a hug coming on...

puck724 · 03-07-2006, 05:57 PM

where DID jamie go?

obLu · 03-07-2006, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Todays post of the day:new engine video walk through... great post!

Yeah, see what I mean ... there's the exact thing I'm talking about! Oh. Wait, that was my post.

I'm number one guilty of posting useless crap. I even posted once to find out if anybody knew if the BMW washer fluid had anything different in it than normal off the shelf fluid.

Point is, wait for a another couple of months then once all the model matures the forum will mature along with it.

LEDZEP · 03-07-2006, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puck724

where DID jamie go?

I think he heard that JCPenney was having a pink sale!

LEDZEP · 03-07-2006, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by obLu

Yeah, see what I mean ... there's the exact thing I'm talking about! Oh. Wait, that was my post.

I'm number one guilty of posting useless crap. I even posted once to find out if anybody knew if the BMW washer fluid had anything different in it than normal off the shelf fluid.

Point is, wait for a another couple of months then once all the model matures the forum will mature along with it.

That's like saying "I am crazy". Crazy people don't think they are... etc. No, I don't consider you in that vein. I'm more frustrated with the trolls. Luckily we don't have that many, and most of the sillyness stays in off topic. As many know, I have no problem with silly...

Mark · 03-07-2006, 08:03 PM

I love reading these threads, its nice to see the forum getitng enough interest with people that they want to pay, but really its a shared community where we all benefit, even though I'm an administrator theres no reason I should be taking money from another enthusiast, and basicly never will. So definitely, no never will there be pay to play charges. As for limited the crap posts, thats a different story and we're getting more awakened up to it and we have a certain number of users in the crosshairs, and of course we urge people to report posts that are blantly crossing the lines.

sdorn · 03-07-2006, 08:11 PM

I have seen car forums with "supporting member" status that gives you a special avatar showing you support the site with an annual donation. In return you get a T-Shirt, window sticker, and access to a special area of the site that only supporting members can access.

Mark · 03-07-2006, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdorn

I have seen car forums with "supporting member" status that gives you a special avatar showing you support the site with an annual donation. In return you get a T-Shirt, window sticker, and access to a special area of the site that only supporting members can access.

Yea i've seen that too, but never liked the idea so we're definatly not going to have that, we are getting stickers out to everyone for free and there are tshirts being sold by members like longtran. I get what you are saying, but I personally never liked having one enthusiast raised above another with a few bucks, so we're not doing that here

View Poll Results: How much would you pay annually for a membership?
Nothing. Not worth it.	123	71.10%
$10	29	16.76%
$20	12	6.94%
$25 or more	9	5.20%
Voters: 173. You may not vote on this poll

03-07-2006, 03:57 PM	#1
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Would you pay to play? Since E90Post.com is crawling with nuisance posters the past few months, I was just wondering what would happen if we had to pay for a membership in order to have the right to post. Maybe the great unwashed could browse the forum, but unless you were a paid member you couldn't make any posts, etc. Who thinks that would be great? __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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03-07-2006, 03:59 PM	#2
cdheaven I'm Starving , So I Guess You Are What You Eat 231 Rep 943 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl iTrader: (1)	the unwanted posts dont bother me that much at alllllll. and i was one of the people 3 months ago to suggest a paypal donation deal. so im not saying this to be cheap. actually morning glory alone made all that kids annoying posts worth it. __________________ 2006 325i Sparkling Graphite Metallic-Black Leatherette Navigation-Bmw Assist Automatic-Xenons Carbon Fiber Front Lips-Aluminum Pedals Power/heated Front Seats 5% Tint all around 30% On windshield all the way down
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03-07-2006, 04:02 PM	#3
vladinecko Brigadier General 281 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	nope, you don't have my support in this. i completely understand and agree with your point but i don't think this is the solution. making this forum a paid kind of thing would completely ruin its character and style. every forum has assholes and post whores on them. i think a simple thing like forum moderators keep most of them semi-clean. i'm pretty sure that it's just a matter of time until Jason and Mark recruit someone to weed out the posts you're referring to. but in general, i agree that it's getting more and more "dirty" in terms of post quality here. __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
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03-07-2006, 04:05 PM	#4
BenMW Major 53 Rep 1,393 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dallas + Chicago(Lake Forest) iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 330i coupe [0.00] 2002 325ci [0.00]	I would pay a membership fee...I have learned so much on this forum...One thing I have learned is what people are paying for their car and addtional parts..etc...I have saved a lot of money on just that. Also maybe if we did start a paid membership we could get some sort of benefits for being a member...who knows 5% off at Tirerack or something. Also I think random pointless posts and post out of place in the wrong section needs to be controlled more. __________________ Retired: e46 cabrio, E36 Cabrio, 02' 525i, 325Ci 02' Style 189 335i sport Wheels for sale PM Me BIG CHANGES COMING SOON- Can anyone help me make a sig pic?
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03-07-2006, 04:07 PM	#5
GoBonesGo What do you do when you see a spaceman? 10 Rep 236 Posts Drives: SG/Terra E90 335i Step Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: La Quinta, CA iTrader: (0)	It's nice to think that would get rid of the riff-raff (and it probably would), but it would also eliminate most everyone else, too. People are used to free stuff on the Internet. Getting any kind of significant number of people to pay a fee for the privilege of hanging out and chatting with like-minded folks just isn't going to work. In order for such a scheme to work, something else would have to put on the table. Maybe something like regular organized meets or group buys and merchandise discounts, etc.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 04:10 PM	#6
3aficionado Captain 17 Rep 710 Posts Drives: 02 M3/RRover Super Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List My girl's 2004 Merc ... [0.00] 2006 Range Rover Su ... [0.00] 2002 M3 [0.00]	Pay-to-play will do more to deter many 3er owners from contributing knowledge or asking questions. They will find other forums to find answers. The great thing about this forum and others is they allow everyone to give input and opinion. The more contributors the more broad the information supplied. I like the donation idea. I also think unwanted posts can be better managed by more administration, not instituting pay-to-play. Although I don’t think we are anywhere near a level of needing more administration. The posts aren’t nearly as bad as a Honda forum where kids just go off every few hours.
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03-07-2006, 04:57 PM	#7
ksfrogman Major General 576 Rep 6,750 Posts Drives: E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	I agree with Vladinecko et al. Donations are fine. I also feel it might benefit the webmasters and users if a Paid For Advertising portion of this forum were offered to vendors. For instance, the admins could set aside a portion of this website as a Sponsored Vendor Directory, which would list contributing vendors in alphabetical order and by parts or service category. Vendors could be charged a nominal fee, say, $150-200/month to be featured in this directory. The value of this to a vendor is that the potential customer base will be targeted to a specific vehicle--the e90. It is obvious that there are a lot of members here willing to spend tons of money on aftermarket products: wheels, springs, coil overs, exhaust systems, body parts, etc. __________________
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03-07-2006, 05:10 PM	#8
Bimmerista Major General 82 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	In the name of democracy (equality of access) and not being out of step with the market (most on-line forums are free) I think we should live with the maroons and keep this one free.
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03-07-2006, 05:19 PM	#9
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Good arguments! I had my own thoughts (and not just in favor), but I thought it would make an interesting discussion. Maybe if I could just be like my superior counterparts: David32Austrailia, StewTheBassman, JamieA - among others, and simply roll my eyes and move on when I see an annoying post. must resist the tempation __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 05:26 PM	#10
obLu Major 50 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: 330i 6MT ZSP Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Kirkland, WA, USA iTrader: (1)	Except for the alarm DIY I used last week, there hasn't been a single worthwhile post on this forum for the last two months. What color should I buy, did I pay too much, should I have bought a 330 ... blah blah blah. But I know from e46 days that the first year, year and a half start this way and then it gets down to the nitty; little things start to go wrong, people figure out how to fix them/ people figure out cool mods (like mounting a v1 display inside your rearview mirror) and then you get worthwhile posts. It's still a worthwhile work diversion though, so I'm still lurking here quite a bit. But I definately wouldn't pay to be here for quite some time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 05:39 PM	#11
cdheaven I'm Starving , So I Guess You Are What You Eat 231 Rep 943 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl iTrader: (1)	um. there is DEFINITLY at least one post per day thats worth checking in on.. i agree a lot of them are stupid, heck, a lot of the posts i post are totally retarded. Todays post of the day:new engine video walk through... great post! __________________ 2006 325i Sparkling Graphite Metallic-Black Leatherette Navigation-Bmw Assist Automatic-Xenons Carbon Fiber Front Lips-Aluminum Pedals Power/heated Front Seats 5% Tint all around 30% On windshield all the way down
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03-07-2006, 05:48 PM	#13
ksfrogman Major General 576 Rep 6,750 Posts Drives: E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	There are also a lot of members who didn't own a 3-series or BMW for that matter when they joined. I was one of them. The feedback I got from e90 owners on this website helped me learn about which options to get, how to track my vehicle, and know what to expect. Adding a membership fee would likely discourage potential e90 owners from participating in this forum. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 05:53 PM	#15
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Hi David, Hmmm... birthday number 47 is coming soon for me as well. (yikes). Certainly agree with you about E90Fleet, he is our rock of Gibraltar here. I even realized after I posted that that I didn't list him - I guess that's just assumed. The cars are doing great! Hope all is well with you and your too. Hey... I feel a hug coming on... __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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03-07-2006, 05:57 PM	#16
puck724 COLTS 4 LIFE!!! 99 Rep 1,746 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: california iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	where DID jamie go? __________________ 2006 330i --sapphire black--black leather --alumminum trim --premium package --cold weather package --park distace control --automatic transmission --navigation with iDrive
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03-07-2006, 08:03 PM	#20
Mark Administrator 6737 Rep 4,201 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 1 Series M ... [8.34]	I love reading these threads, its nice to see the forum getitng enough interest with people that they want to pay, but really its a shared community where we all benefit, even though I'm an administrator theres no reason I should be taking money from another enthusiast, and basicly never will. So definitely, no never will there be pay to play charges. As for limited the crap posts, thats a different story and we're getting more awakened up to it and we have a certain number of users in the crosshairs, and of course we urge people to report posts that are blantly crossing the lines. __________________ BMW 1M. BMW M2. BMW M2.
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03-07-2006, 08:11 PM	#21
sdorn Lieutenant 26 Rep 491 Posts Drives: 2006 Jet Black 325i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	I have seen car forums with "supporting member" status that gives you a special avatar showing you support the site with an annual donation. In return you get a T-Shirt, window sticker, and access to a special area of the site that only supporting members can access. __________________ 2008 Sparkling Graphite 535i 2009 Land Rover LR2 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo (SOLD) 2006 Jet Black 325i (SOLD) 2001 Bullitt Mustang (450rwhp - SOLD)
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