Too many watchers?

[PCM911T]

Thursday night, 11pm. 24 members and 82 "guests" sometimes I think we should have a protected forum. Or at least follow the lead of some other Porsche forums where certain info , eg: cars for sale, is for paid members only.

Any thoughts ?

Paul M

[mr901]

Agree....100%

[T-DUB]

Somewhat disappointed that there wasn't a cheap Heuer on offer when I read the title.......

More the merrier I think, non members don't get to see photos, so post more photos and curiosity will have them signed up in no time.

[Merv]

Agree Paul, but only if present strictures don't work (based on replies below).

[npvpositive]

A lot of us were watchers before we became members. I think the flow of new members would dry up if no watching . . . they can't see the photos which eventually pushes a "keen watcher" to join

[Lyndon]

I too was a 'keen' watcher for over 12 months before I joined. It wasn't till I saw a post about the display at fed square, and met some members that I joined up. I think it would be a mistake to ban 'free' watching from the forum.

[MrUpwey]

Non-members cannot:

• Access member profiles/details
• See photos
• Post comments

I see no issue with allowing access to see the text in threads - in fact, the limited access to the site by non-members has attracted many new members (including Lyndon) to the club - including many overseas members.

However, I'll bring the issue up with committee (incl. our web mechanic Uwe) to decide if any further restrictions to non-members are deemed necessary............in fact, committee members are obviously now aware of the issue.

Any suggestions welcomed (but not necessarily implemented )

[Fishcop]

I'm in the "let them look but not touch" camp. It's how we whet new members appetites.

And if you're selling something, do you really care whose money you take?

[Paul W]

I don't think allowing others to generally view the forums detracts or devalues from the club and as mentioned can be a soft entry to membership. Instead of generally barring access I think a better inducement to join would be to limit access to the 'For Sale' forums to members only. I know of at least one other car club which does this which was the catalyst for my joining.

[Fishcop]

Instead of generally barring access I think a better inducement to join would be to limit access to the 'For Sale' forums to members only. I know of at least one other car club which does this which was the catalyst for my joining.

Moke Club?

[Paul W]

Moke Club?

Bloody hippies :p

[MrUpwey]

For any members posting, please keep in mind that your text can be viewed and read (by those who can read) by anyone in the world who accesses our site - so you should be very careful not to post any sensitive or personal information that may compromise your security or safety.

.............and for anyone wishing to know how to suck eggs, please pm me

[Merv]

Excellent point Richard. Locations, absences and similar should not be made known, even details of car VIN and registration. Makes life complicated somewhat.

[Paul W]

We Moke owners all have a healthy sense of humour, though I'm sure if John's offended anyone the Mod's will step in to rectify...

[AdamGill]

Thursday night, 11pm. 24 members and 82 "guests" sometimes I think we should have a protected forum. Or at least follow the lead of some other Porsche forums where certain info , eg: cars for sale, is for paid members only.

Any thoughts ?

Paul M

Hi Paul

Were your thoughts here limited to 'cars for sale'?

I, like the majority of members, was a watcher before I became a member. There are lots of (global) forums and this was the best suited to my requirements hence I joined. The membership fee is peanuts, $50 AUD for locals and $25 AUD for international (http://www.typ901.org/faq.php?faq=me...faq_membership) however I only joined when I had decided that I wanted to purchase. I don't believe the forum in itself is a good way of finding a car (how many cars get posted for sale here as opposed to Carsales / Gumtree?) however the forum gives you access to owners, cars that are sold off market, and enormous volumes of information when you do finally find a car.

As prices continue to rise and the volume of vehicles selling reduces I see the forum continuing to offer the benefits that I have listed above. I don't see that a closed 'cars for sale' section would in real terms offer any benefit to a prospective member. A recent proposal to include IB cars however would increase our numbers and cover those members who have now moved to the next model.

Cheers
Adam