WTF?? Important message about the future of Vette Barn

[Sea Six]

I got an email that said Port Dawg had tagged me in a thread about an important message about the future of the Vette Barn.

Clicked the link and it said No Thread Specified, which tells me that the thread had been deleted by a moderator.

Also, in the past couple of weeks I've sent PM's to Y2KVERT4ME, and all have gone unanswered, which is very unusual.

Da faque's going on?

:toetap:

[Sea Six]

Screenshot of the email

https://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/members/sea+six-albums-c10+1976-picture2719-image.jpeg

[OddBall]

Got an email with the same thing. :island14:

[04 commemorative]

I also,last night it was also a sticky,now it's gone. :confused5:

[99 pewtercoupe]

Same here

[Sea Six]

I also,last night it was also a sticky,now it's gone. :confused5:

Well if you're apparently the only one who saw it, what did it say?

[DAB]

It said the Barn is for sale, as Gary can no longer afford to support it.

[Will]

Got the same thing.

How expensive is it to host such a small website? I have no idea.

It's nice to have an uncensored place to chat with a few folks.

Especially with the SPLC now in charge of moderating youtube, and twitter engaging in massive censorship.

[Will]

How much money would it save to get rid of all the other subforums and just have two: Corvette talk, and Off-Topic?

I mean, does anyone ever read that shit?

[DAB]

I was going to ask Gary what the annual cost is.

Problem solved already?

[Will]

There are currently 183 people viewing off topic, and a COMBINED 57 people viewing every other sub-forum, including other off-topic subforums.

[Will]

I think we can all agree that there is only one sensible solution here.


Bring back Thunderdome.

[m and t's77]

I was going to ask Gary what the annual cost is.

Problem solved already?

Saw the thread and it got sent to the boneyard.Hopefully the problem is solved.We will find out on April 1st.

[DAB]

Saw the thread and it got sent to the boneyard.Hopefully the problem is solved.We will find out on April 1st.

If it’s solved, yay, and thank you to whomever.

If not, I’m sure one or more peeps would be interested in taking over.

[Black94lt1]

How much money would it save to get rid of all the other subforums and just have two: Corvette talk, and Off-Topic?

I mean, does anyone ever read that shit?

Heck we could probably just have off-topic.

[Will]

Maybe if we gay the place up a bit we can get some of that sweet, sweet Soros money.

Quick! Everyone start posting threads about how bad Trump is and how good cutting off your dick and cross dressing is!!!

[Thunder22]

I think we can all agree that there is only one sensible solution here.


Bring back Thunderdome.

Are my services needed?

[Nox]

How much money would it save to get rid of all the other subforums and just have two: Corvette talk, and Off-Topic?

I mean, does anyone ever read that shit?

It wouldn’t save anything. The way VBulletin is configured, subforums don’t cost any more or any less. The license for VBulletin allows you to create as many subforums as you’d like. The cost is going to be domain name registration and webhosting. Webhosting costs are always a crapshoot. Even though you can get really cheap deals now on unmetered traffic, you basically get what you pay for in CPU timeslice on a shared server and also support. Some webhosts will go as far as kicking your forum off their server if your traffic becomes too high. A dedicated server would solve that, but that will increase your costs. I suspect, a forum like Vettebarn would do ok on basic unmetered webhosting such as Hostgator, so the outlay would be the cost of the webhosting and annual domain registration.

[DAB]

Ballpark?

[Nox]

Ballpark?

$12 a year to register a basic .com, a bit more if you want privacy for the owner. Basic unmetered webhosting can be as cheap as $5 or $6 a month, but high traffic sites may be forced into a VPS or dedicated server. Prices for those quickly go way up depending on the actual bandwidth and level of support.

[Will]

That Donald Trump. I mean, what a Nazi!


NO TRUMP. NO KKK. NO FASCIST USA!!!
NO TRUMP. NO KKK. NO FASCIST USA!!!
NO TRUMP. NO KKK. NO FASCIST USA!!!
NO TRUMP. NO KKK. NO FASCIST USA!!!
NO TRUMP. NO KKK. NO FASCIST USA!!!


Any-hoo, people who wouldn't date a transgender WOMAN are filthy bigots. If you wouldn't let a beautiful woman put her feminine penis inside of you, you need psychiatric help and also to have your guns taken away for obvious mental illness.

[Thunder22]

It wouldn’t save anything. The way VBulletin is configured, subforums don’t cost any more or any less. The license for VBulletin allows you to create as many subforums as you’d like. The cost is going to be domain name registration and webhosting. Webhosting costs are always a crapshoot. Even though you can get really cheap deals now on unmetered traffic, you basically get what you pay for in CPU timeslice on a shared server and also support. Some webhosts will go as far as kicking your forum off their server if your traffic becomes too high. A dedicated server would solve that, but that will increase your costs. I suspect, a forum like Vettebarn would do ok on basic unmetered webhosting such as Hostgator, so the outlay would be the cost of the webhosting and annual domain registration.

i use hostmonster for my sites/domains and I'm on dedicated. Might be worth a look as their costs are very inexpensive.

[Nox]

i use hostmonster for my sites/domains and I'm on dedicated. Might be worth a look as their costs are very inexpensive.

Well, I just checked with Hostmonster. Their Dedicated Server costs range from $79 to $119 per month. That would seem a little high for a non-revenue generating site.

[Thunder22]

Well, I just checked with Hostmonster. Their Dedicated Server costs range from $79 to $119 per month. That would seem a little high for a non-revenue generating site.

let me look at what service i have, i'm not paying even close to that.

[Nox]

let me look at what service i have, i'm not paying even close to that.

I think you are confusing a *dedicated* IP address with *dedicated* server. Even a VPS on Hostmonster runs $20 to $60 a month. A dedicated server is a far cry from a dedicated IP address. They aren’t even the same thing.

However, I seriously, doubt Vettebarn actually needs a dedicated server. I have no idea what the bandwidth is, but guaranteed uptime is not really a concern for a non-revenue generating site.

[Mike Mercury]

It said the Barn is for sale, as Gary can no longer afford to support it.

to be more accurate... the Barn is for sale, as Gary is no longer wanting to operate it.

The main crux as I understand is that the reason is more of "burned out, someone else needs to take over"... and not as much of "can't afford $$$ it".

Sure, we can come up with the funds needed to pay for VB operation... but someone would also need take-over full responsibility (management of) as well.

Summary:
The issue is not all financial...

[DAB]

last i heard here, there were over 100 peeps who were contributing 25/year to help cover costs. that's over 2500/year, or about 200/month. so that would seem to cover the above cost guesses nicely.

as for buying the site, since it has no ads, and produces no revenue, it would be valued in the market place at zero. you only pay money for things that will produce income going forward. you figure out what cap rate you want and work backwards.

for example, if something produces 1000/year, and you assign a cap rate of 10%, then you value that enterprise at 1000/0.10 = 10,000.

but the numerator for this site is 0.00. so no matter what cap rate you assign, the value is still zero.

i know nothing about website operation or design, but i do value the little group we have built up here.

[Bill]

I saw the thread. It basically said that Gary was running at a loss and wanted to sell it or make some other arrangement, otherwise, would shut it down. If this was run at a loss, I wish we had been made aware of that earlier.


I'd be willing to kick in more to keep the doors open, I'm sure others would too, but we need to know the particulars of what we are talking about. If it would be cheaper go with a different service as has been suggested in this thread, that would be germane, too. Also, would anyone see a problem with just starting fresh with a different hosting service? That would save us from zombie threads, if nothing else.

I don't know anything about the behind the scenes stuff, so I wouldn't be much help, but I want to pay my share for our little group W bench on the internet.

Having said all that, in case it hasn't been said, I appreciate Gary keeping the doors open all these years.

[Nox]

Also, would anyone see a problem with just starting fresh with a different hosting service? That would save us from zombie threads, if nothing else.


There is really no reason why one would have to “start fresh.” I’ve run a revenue generating e-commerce site with attached forum for close to 20 years and I have moved hosts a half a dozen times without losing any content. All you have to do is move the files over and point to the new name servers and you are back up and running as if nothing happened.

If he is running on a VPS or dedicated server now, he should consider just moving to a shared host which costs a lot less.. like $5 to $10 a month.

[Sea Six]

Most of those barn stalls have not been renewed. I don't know how many are currently paid up (mine is) but I doubt it's 20% of what was originally assigned.

[DAB]

Most of those barn stalls have not been renewed. I don't know how many are currently paid up (mine is) but I doubt it's 20% of what was originally assigned.

i paid for 2 years last year. :DAB:

[Sea Six]

Who here would be willing to kick in $1000 per year to keep this place up and running?

I'm in.

I can't do the technical stuff to keep the site going though. Hopefully someone like Y2K could continue doing it.

:waiting:

[04 commemorative]

It said the Barn is for sale, as Gary can no longer afford to support it.

:iagree: what he said :seasix: also maybe we could all become owners if we found out cost and could work it out.....I see a nudie section in our future:joebuck::lol:

[Nox]

Who here would be willing to kick in $1000 per year to keep this place up and running?

I'm in.

I can't do the technical stuff to keep the site going though. Hopefully someone like Y2K could continue doing it.

:waiting:

I’m not seeing $1,000. You could run this site for $150 a year.

[marrepka]

I lurk more than I post, but I'd pony up to keep it running for us.

[Sea Six]

I’m not seeing $1,000. You could run this site for $150 a year.

I have it on good authority that The Vette Barn is currently costing about $3000 per year to run.

You certain about your numbers? I know nothing of these things.

[04 commemorative]

Depending on price I could do something I suppose.

[Nox]

I have it on good authority that The Vette Barn is currently costing about $3000 per year to run.

You certain about your numbers? I know nothing of these things.

I’m 100% certain... I just looked at some of the usage statistics. Vettebarn has 4,421 users of whom 305 are currently active. As a comparison, my VBulletin site has 23,561 members of whom 1,933 are currently online. Add to that, I have an attached e-commerce kiosk, and I don’t come anywhere close to spending $3,000 on the actual site itself. If he is spending that much, he needs to get off that server and webhost immediately.

He could get a Hostgator Business site for $5.95 a month and register his domain for $12 a year. Where is the rest of the $3,000 going?

[Bill]

I’m 100% certain... I just looked at some of the usage statistics. Vettebarn has 4,421 users of whom 305 are currently active. As a comparison, my VBulletin site has 23,561 members of whom 1,933 are currently online. Add to that, I have an attached e-commerce kiosk, and I don’t come anywhere close to spending $3,000 on the actual site itself. If he is spending that much, he needs to get off that server and webhost immediately.

He could get a Hostgator Business site for $5.95 a month and register his domain for $12 a year. Where is the rest of the $3,000 going?

I don't think any of us would begrudge someone from making a reasonable profit for their time and effort to keep this going. We aren't a charity, yet, at the same time, we aren't a golden goose for anyone, even if we suddenly took on advertisements.

[FasterTraffic]

He could get a Hostgator Business site for $5.95 a month and register his domain for $12 a year. Where is the rest of the $3,000 going?

Strip Tips: How to Make it Rain!! - YouTube

[snide]

:iagree: what he said :seasix: also maybe we could all become owners if we found out cost and could work it out.....I see a nudie section in our future:joebuck::lol:

It's bad enough I've seen your pics of you in a tutu. I DO NOT want to see pics of you nude. :nono::nono::nono: However, I cannot speak for Will...

[04 commemorative]

It's bad enough I've seen your pics of you in a tutu. I DO NOT want to see pics of you nude. :nono::nono::nono: However, I cannot speak for Will...

No, ohhh god no.....no one wants to see that :seasix:
But ......well......you know what I mean :lol:

[DAB]

somewhat back on topic..... (enough of fatties with flour talk for now), could we get the straight story from Gary directly?

how much it costs to run this place presently, how much he wants to have someone take this off his hands?

once we have that, we can shop around and see if better hosting deals are available and then make decisions.

seems to me one of the mods with knowledge of how a website works would be the best choice to take over official ownership, even if it doesn't cost him anything personally (due to subscriptions covering ongoing costs).

:yesnod:

[Bill]

somewhat back on topic..... (enough of fatties with flour talk for now), could we get the straight story from Gary directly?

how much it costs to run this place presently, how much he wants to have someone take this off his hands?

once we have that, we can shop around and see if better hosting deals are available and then make decisions.

seems to me one of the mods with knowledge of how a website works would be the best choice to take over official ownership, even if it doesn't cost him anything personally (due to subscriptions covering ongoing costs).

:yesnod:


I'd be willing to send some unposties, if that would help things.

[mrvette]

IF it was possible, I could chip in 20 bux/month on auto pay from my bank to the guy in charge....if we all did that it would be cool.....and I have nothing against addy's WTF, why NOT???

but I do think just two headers....CARS and OT....

:seasix::shots:

[Mike Mercury]

all this talk about the finances... and that may not be the crux of the issue.

[Sea Six]

I'm pretty certain that's the sole issue.

[Nox]

I don't think any of us would begrudge someone from making a reasonable profit for their time and effort to keep this going. We aren't a charity, yet, at the same time, we aren't a golden goose for anyone, even if we suddenly took on advertisements.

My site is revenue generating so far be it from me to begrudge anyone from making money off a site. I’m just responding to a question that was posed regarding operating costs.

[Nox]

seems to me one of the mods with knowledge of how a website works would be the best choice to take over official ownership, even if it doesn't cost him anything personally (due to subscriptions covering ongoing costs).

:yesnod:

Being a VBulletin Moderator is not going to help someone who needs to do cron jobs and know how to work their way around Unix. What you really need is someone here who knows how to work with Cpanels, shell accounts, Unix, and all the things that go into administering a VBulletin install, not moderating it.

I am sure there are people here who have Database Administration backgrounds who could probably do it.

[DAB]

all this talk about the finances... and that may not be the crux of the issue.

I'm pretty certain that's the sole issue.

i only read the now gone post once, and it had no details. just he wanted out.

there are plenty of folks here who want this place to remain.

but without details, it's hard to step up and say "i'll take over", not knowing what the costs are.

the motives really don't matter. you want out, post details and wait for someone to make an offer.

[mrvette]

Being retarred and all, I have the time to help on admin.....but I dunno shit about running a web site......that would be more in my wife's dept......she on computers with countless businesses every damn day.....

trick is she is overloaded completely.....

Hitlery had her own server.....so where was it physically located?? for sure, not some news story....on a server farm with battery/gen set backup, similar to phone company.......not some closet.....

It is MY understand that a 'server' is nothing but a desk top PC programmed to act that way, and that the HD is nothing special.....

so IF I am correct, what is the time consumption on keeping it running, unless you have to wipe it off with a cloth???

:issues:

[Nox]

I'm pretty certain that's the sole issue.

I don’t know Gary so I don’t know his ability level.. Maybe he can chime in. Maybe he hasn’t got the ability to actually do VBulletin administration so he pays someone to actually run the Crons and navigate Unix. If so, then I can see where it could get expensive paying a programmer or database administrator.

Doing VBulletin back-ups and running patch updates, etc. is something that requires a bit of expertise and if you can’t then someone has to be paid to do it.

[Jobaka]

Most of those barn stalls have not been renewed. I don't know how many are currently paid up (mine is) but I doubt it's 20% of what was originally assigned.

I have no idea if my subscription is current or not. How can I find out?
I'd be willing to kick in some pocket change if that would help keep the place open.

Oh, and let's not overlook that little detail of Gary's dead date for the forum: April 1st. Hmmm, what is it about that day?

[Rob]

Being a VBulletin Moderator is not going to help someone who needs to do cron jobs and know how to work their way around Unix. What you really need is someone here who knows how to work with Cpanels, shell accounts, Unix, and all the things that go into administering a VBulletin install, not moderating it.

I am sure there are people here who have Database Administration backgrounds who could probably do it.

:rofl:

All those requirements makes it sounds like you need some kinda geek

[DAB]

I have no idea if my subscription is current or not. How can I find out?
I'd be willing to kick in some pocket change if that would help keep the place open.

Oh, and let's not overlook that little detail of Gary's dead date for the forum: April 1st. Hmmm, what is it about that day?

got to User CP, top left on the page. once there, go toward the bottom of the sidebar, find Paid Subscriptions, and you'll find something like this:

[Mike Mercury]

I'm trying to tell ya...

what happens when the operational funds are all matched... and there's an emergency fund as well... and the forum is still shut down on March 31st?

A person has reached burn-out status; money alone won't take care of this.

ignore it if you want.

:seeya:

[Jobaka]

got to User CP, top left on the page. once there, go toward the bottom of the sidebar, find Paid Subscriptions, and you'll find something like this:

Ah, mine is missing the "Active Subscriptions" panel, so I guess it's safe to assume my subscription has expired. Oops.

If we're still here in April, I will rectify that oversight.

:seasix:

[Nox]

what happens when the operational funds are all matched... and there's an emergency fund as well... and the forum is still shut down on March 31st?



Just hope you didn’t piss off Grumpy or Savewave too bad? :leaving::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[DAB]

I'm trying to tell ya...

what happens when the operational funds are all matched... and there's an emergency fund as well... and the forum is still shut down on March 31st?

A person has reached burn-out status; money alone won't take care of this.

ignore it if you want.

:seeya:

a disappearing post late at night isn't helpful either.

if Gary is tired of being owner, then say "i'm tired, who wants to take over?" maybe some money and some papers change hands. all done, Gary is free to move on with his life and not worry about this website ever again.

but playing "guess what the deal is" is pointless.

[Mike Mercury]

I was told something, and am passing it on.

a disappearing post late at night isn't helpful either.



agreed.

FYI, Gary did not start the thread; in fact he's the one that trash-canned it.

[DAB]

whatever the case, if he wants to hand off this little playpen to someone else, i'm sure there are plenty who can handle it.

[Sea Six]

What we need is someone who is rich, computer tech savvy, who already works a zillion hours a week and doesn't mind working a few more.

Maybe give it a fancy new name, like The Wiz Barn.

[DAB]

What we need is someone who is rich, computer tech savvy, who already works a zillion hours a week and doesn't mind working a few more.

Maybe give it a fancy new name, like The Wiz Barn.

or you could split things: rich guy(s) to fund things, smart guy to keep the lights on.

[Will]

What we need is someone who is rich, computer tech savvy, who already works a zillion hours a week and doesn't mind working a few more.

Maybe give it a fancy new name, like The Wiz Barn.

I am none of these things, but I AM very humble and highly unlikely to abuse authority so I'd be glad to to do admin duty and I can assure you any changes would be very slight and unnoticeable.

[Sea Six]

I'll sell you a quarterly Admin gig for $1,000.00 a pop.

[Will]

I would not bring back Thunderdome, give people humiliating avatars, create a Gulag forum to which I would banish posters on a whim, or rename subforums after myself.

[Aerovette]

I am none of these things, but I AM very humble and highly unlikely to abuse authority so I'd be glad to to do admin duty and I can assure you any changes would be very slight and unnoticeable.

Said Adolph to the neighbors. :lol:

[Will]

Welcome to the Will Barn.

A community for Will lovers.

[DAB]

thankfully, most can outbid Will and keep him at bay. he just bought a house and gift basket, so he's broke. :dance::dance:

[Rob]

Based on what we are using as far as monthly data, we could just ship this whole thing over to VBulletin and have them host the site for us completely.

Keep in mind - there are two one-time fees in these images.

$239.70 to have them move everything over to their servers.
$199.00 to have them set our forum up with a mobile app. (Our current app was written by Y2KVert4Me and he has to pay $10/month out of his own pocket to keep it active in the app stores)

After these are paid - our monthly fee would be $39.95/month or we could do an annual billing for $359.95 (I am sure there will be taxes or some other associated fees) but if we go to a cloud architecture - we do not need to have a tech savvy person on call and administration/uptime is offloaded to the vendor.

My .02

[DAB]

so under $500 for the move and year's server rental?

i've never used the mobile app, how many use that?

i'm in for at least $25/year (same as now), and maybe even $50/year.

:DAB:

[Mike Mercury]

I wish Mike (IronChef) would chime in; he stepped forward and ran the forum during it's startup. Even at the beginning when there were <100 pervs... it was a handful of work on IC's part. I always appeciated his effort on VB.

[Bill]

so under $500 for the move and year's server rental?

i've never used the mobile app, how many use that?

i'm in for at least $25/year (same as now), and maybe even $50/year.

:DAB:

:withbasedsawdustmerchant:

[Bill]

I'm thinking Sea Six, with the high bid, should buy it and then subcontract the mod duties to Will.

The trains will run on time and dissidents will be given free helicopter rides. Best of all worlds!

[Nox]

so under $500 for the move and year's server rental?

i've never used the mobile app, how many use that?

i'm in for at least $25/year (same as now), and maybe even $50/year.

:DAB:

The later versions of VBulletin have a built in Mobile App. No need to write custom code any more. The Vettebarn is two versions out of date.

[SQUIRMIN VERMIN 84]

Wiz Barn sounds like an outhouse....

[Jeff '79]

Wiz Barn sounds like an outhouse....

It's all fun & games til the lights go out.....

An outhouse !!! Gee... It does !! :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Datawiz]

What we need is someone who is rich, computer tech savvy, who already works a zillion hours a week and doesn't mind working a few more.

Maybe give it a fancy new name, like The Wiz Barn.

:willy:

[Datawiz]

Based on what we are using as far as monthly data, we could just ship this whole thing over to VBulletin and have them host the site for us completely.

Keep in mind - there are two one-time fees in these images.

$239.70 to have them move everything over to their servers.
$199.00 to have them set our forum up with a mobile app. (Our current app was written by Y2KVert4Me and he has to pay $10/month out of his own pocket to keep it active in the app stores)

After these are paid - our monthly fee would be $39.95/month or we could do an annual billing for $359.95 (I am sure there will be taxes or some other associated fees) but if we go to a cloud architecture - we do not need to have a tech savvy person on call and administration/uptime is offloaded to the vendor.

My .02

That doesn't look too difficult for us to handle.

[Bill]

That doesn't look too difficult for us to handle.

We could offer scholarships to recruit and retain quality female members.

[boracayjohnny]

We could offer scholarships to recruit and retain quality female members.

In the past, I have donated to young ladies needing to pay tuition.

[Dan Dlabay]

Got the same thing.

[Rob]

Got the something.

Get the rid :seasix:

[Iron Chef]

We could offer scholarships to recruit and retain quality female members.

You'd be better off figuring out how not to be so offensive so as to avoid running them off in the first place. Just a thought.

I wish Mike (IronChef) would chime in; he stepped forward and ran the forum during it's startup. Even at the beginning when there were <100 pervs... it was a handful of work on IC's part. I always appeciated his effort on VB.

I appreciate the compliment......

For what it's worth, I really didn't help set anything up. The hard work was done by Gary and Tom. I volunteered to be an Admin here to help out at the beginning and I did take an active role in that area. When I decided to take a hiatus from online stuff for almost a year and a half, I resigned as Admin. Around six months later and unbeknownst to me, a few parties got into some sort of an online pissing match and I was somehow dragged through it. I don't know all the details and I wouldn't repeat them if I did, so please don't ask. But the upshot was that I haven't communicated with Tom in a very long time. Gary and I were always very cordial, but I haven't heard from him either.

Remember that this site was started as basically a "**** you" to the "Einsatzgruppen" over at Corvette Forum. But that was a decade ago and all that isn't really very important anymore. It's possible that both Tom and Gary's situations have changed in such a way that they are no longer interested in, or have the time to be involved with this site any longer.

From what I can tell, the majority of visits on this forum are web crawlers/bots. There is a core group that posts here regularly, but if it were me, the amount of people who post here wouldn't justify keeping a site going. That's just my opinion.

I think that before we fill four-plus pages speculating on the how, why and what surrounding the Barn and its future, we should wait to hear from Gary or Tom or perhaps one of the Mods might get in touch with them if possible for some clarification. At that time...and if it's necessary/appropriate...some folks who might be interested in offering an alternative plan can do so.

My $.02

[Will]

I'm thinking Sea Six, with the high bid, should buy it and then subcontract the mod duties to Will.

The trains will run on time and dissidents will be given free helicopter rides. Best of all worlds!

This guy gets it.

On a serious note I can chip in if the need arises. Hell, $359 is nothing split between a handful of regulars.

[Will]

I'm on Twitter all damn day, so I could also run a Vette Barn twitter account if we ever wanted to recruit new right-wing degenerates to post on our forum.

[Mike Mercury]

In the past, I have donated to young ladies needing to pay tuition.

OK; but that was at a

strip club. :leaving:

[mrvette]

I'm on Twitter all damn day, so I could also run a Vette Barn twitter account if we ever wanted to recruit new right-wing degenerates to post on our forum.

That wood leave me out, as I on a desk top, and a flip phone, and I don't do texting.....can't read the screen....need a larger monitor as it is.....

but I willing to set up a prompt/pay monthly through my bank....about all I can do....:shots::dance:

[MrPeabody]

You'd be better off figuring out how not to be so offensive so as to avoid running them off in the first place. Just a thought.



I appreciate the compliment......

For what it's worth, I really didn't help set anything up. The hard work was done by Gary and Tom. I volunteered to be an Admin here to help out at the beginning and I did take an active role in that area. When I decided to take a hiatus from online stuff for almost a year and a half, I resigned as Admin. Around six months later and unbeknownst to me, a few parties got into some sort of an online pissing match and I was somehow dragged through it. I don't know all the details and I wouldn't repeat them if I did, so please don't ask. But the upshot was that I haven't communicated with Tom in a very long time. Gary and I were always very cordial, but I haven't heard from him either.

Remember that this site was started as basically a "**** you" to the "Einsatzgruppen" over at Corvette Forum. But that was a decade ago and all that isn't really very important anymore. It's possible that both Tom and Gary's situations have changed in such a way that they are no longer interested in, or have the time to be involved with this site any longer.

From what I can tell, the majority of visits on this forum are web crawlers/bots. There is a core group that posts here regularly, but if it were me, the amount of people who post here wouldn't justify keeping a site going. That's just my opinion.

I think that before we fill four-plus pages speculating on the how, why and what surrounding the Barn and its future, we should wait to hear from Gary or Tom or perhaps one of the Mods might get in touch with them if possible for some clarification. At that time...and if it's necessary/appropriate...some folks who might be interested in offering an alternative plan can do so.

My $.02

Agree with both of your comments.

[Thunder22]

I think you are confusing a *dedicated* IP address with *dedicated* server. Even a VPS on Hostmonster runs $20 to $60 a month. A dedicated server is a far cry from a dedicated IP address. They aren’t even the same thing.

However, I seriously, doubt Vettebarn actually needs a dedicated server. I have no idea what the bandwidth is, but guaranteed uptime is not really a concern for a non-revenue generating site.

no confusion, i work in IT :)

[04 commemorative]

I want to be a Mod :willy: ohhhh yeahhhhh a Mod.......:slap:yeahhhh that's the ticket....:stfu:

[Bill]

You'd be better off figuring out how not to be so offensive so as to avoid running them off in the first place. Just a thought.


Um, yeah.....about that. Maybe we could all just kick in $ 20 each for some scholarships instead?

:dance:








:leaving:

[Aerovette]

OK; but that was at a

strip club. :leaving:

So you are proposing a few changes to the barn? I'm on board. :D

[69camfrk]

I kill most of my brain cells here, so having it go away would be the suck. I haven't posted at CF in years. Have logged on a few times, but never a post. Have no desire to go back there either...

[carlton_fritz]

What we need is someone who is rich, computer tech savvy, who already works a zillion hours a week and doesn't mind working a few more.

Maybe give it a fancy new name, like The Wiz Barn.
:funniest:

[Norm]

Okay, okay, I'll run this place, but let me warn you, I'll probably f*** it up so bad you'll run me out on a rail..........:D


However, I am open up to some sort of structured payment process to keep it up and running.

[Sea Six]

AAAANNNDDDD.....

[Sea Six]

Zomg

[Sea Six]

:eek:

[Sea Six]

Page 2!!

:woohoo:

[Rob]

Page 2

[polarbear]

:waiting:

[Sea Six]

:skep:

[Sea Six]

Well, I have made it known publicly in this thread and have PM'd several others, that I would pony up and buy this forum if there were a few others along with me. I have gotten exactly zero offers to chip in too.

I can't and won't buy this forum on my own. I can't do the software maintenance work and I really don't want to be the sole owner. I want at least a few others to have some skin in the ownership game.

So now I'm officially out.

Sorry to see this forum go, but apparently that's what's going to happen on March 31.

It's been fun chatting with y'all. Except that one guy.


:seeya:

[DAB]

I’ll buy it. But only for a reasonable amount.

[NCC-1701]

I’ll buy it. But only for a reasonable amount.

Save your money for the little traffic this site gets anymore it's probably better to keep in contact on face book or another site.

[Sea Six]

I’ll buy it. But only for a reasonable amount.

What are you thinking is a reasonable amount?

[snide]

Save your money for the little traffic this site gets anymore it's probably better to keep in contact on face book or another site.

Some of us don’t do fakebook.

[Sea Six]

^^ This.

[Bill]

Here are my thoughts, having seen the prices quoted, especially for what it looks like is the exact service through Vbulletin. It looks like renting a clubhouse isn't very expensive, so it comes down to what the name is worth.

It's also been stated that the site has been run at a loss. I wish we had been made aware of that earlier, as I don't think anyone wanted to see Gary lose money on this year after year. I'd be willing to kick in a few hundred to see this resolved.

So, what to do?

We could just let it vanish. That seems to be the default option.

We could blaze our own trail with Vbulletin at minimal cost with a new name....the VetteShed? the VetteShack? $ 25 a year dues to do this would easily cover the initial setup plus the 'rent,' at the price quoted.

We could buy the name at an agreed price and continue with the current service, which sounds like it requires some investment in time by someone who knows something about website hosting, in addition to the fees charged by the current host.

Finally, we could buy the name at an agreed price and then switch our service to Vbulletin. This seems like the preferred route, but we need to know what that price is, and then we need to know how many are willing to split that cost. Personally, I'd be willing to pony up my share as long as it isn't too high.


I'd prefer the last option, because it seems like the most amicable way to go.

If we do come up with a plan, someone is going to have to take charge of collecting the money and actually disbursing it.....to Gary, possibly, and to either Vbulletin or to whoever the current host is. I'm going to be up front and say I don't want that responsibility, but I'm willing to pay my share. I'd also suggest that if a host can be prepaid for more than a year at a time, that would be the way we should handle it. Say we bought 5 years of hosting, prepaid. That's 5 years of drama free service.

Just my $ .02's.

[Jeff '79]

It seems to me that Dixie reappeared out of nowhere for a reason.
He said, "stay tuned".
If that ain't a clue, then I'm no Sherlock Holmes. Just a John Holmes.
Seems to me that he has something up his sleeve.

[Bill]

What are you thinking is a reasonable amount?

It sounds like that's a question only Gary can answer.

Say 100 people kick in $ 50. That's five grand

100 people at $ 100? ten grand

200 people at $ 100? twenty grand


The prices Dixie quoted for Vbulletin hosting sound like if we collected even a few grand up front, we could pay to keep a site running for years whatever the name might be.

Of course, we could all agree to just descend like locusts on some other agreed upon pre existing website. That would cost nothing, but I'd like to think we have a little esprit de corps here and would like to stay autonomous.

[Bill]

^^ This.

^^That.

[Bill]

^^That.

^^The other.

[Sea Six]

^^ Thar.

[04 commemorative]

or let some companies advertise and make a profit on the site

[Sea Six]

I'd hate to see ads start showing up here.

Plus there simply doesn't seem like there's enough traffic here to stir up much advertising revenue.

Although there seems to be far more lurkers here than regular posters, so there's that to consider.

[Bill]

I'd hate to see ads start showing up here.

Plus there simply doesn't seem like there's enough traffic here to stir up much advertising revenue.

Although there seems to be far more lurkers here than regular posters, so there's that to consider.

I'm willing to do my part by generating loads of useless and irritating posts, if that helps!

[Aerovette]

If I can pay $50.00 a year, I'll do it.

If there is a set amount to pay once and continue at $25.00 a year or more. Assuming that amount isn't too high. Everyone's "too high" is different. I could throw $250.00 at it if needed. I'm not in a position to do more unfortunately.

[Mike Mercury]

As far as new ownership... i am willing to do a one time donation to assist the new purchaser... to make the purchase (while continuing to re-up my Barn Stall yearly)


But not to be a part of ownership ... just to help in its purchase.

Anyone considering purchasing the VetteBarn, send me a PM.

[Sea Six]

Problem is, we need some "up front" money as well as annual money.

If I were one of the owners, I'd be ok with operating at a little loss. I view my personal entertainment from using this site as having value in itself.


Sad!

[Sea Six]

If I can pay $50.00 a year, I'll do it.

If there is a set amount to pay once and continue at $25.00 a year or more. Assuming that amount isn't too high. Everyone's "too high" is different. I could throw $250.00 at it if needed. I'm not in a position to do more unfortunately.

I think having the minimum set to $25/yr would be ok. Those who want to contribute more can always do so.


For example


<--------------------------


I've always paid for two barn stalls. That way I give $50/yr

[Bill]

Problem is, we need some "up front" money as well as annual money.

If I were one of the owners, I'd be ok with operating at a little loss. I view my personal entertainment from using this site as having value in itself.


Sad!

Clark, that's not really an issue. Once we have an agreement that everybody puts money in the collection basket, we just ensure that enough is collected to pay Gary, and have a wad left to set up and prepay a few years of service with Vbulletin or other turn key provider. We really just need to know how much he wants for the name.

Say you collect $ 10. Gary gets 7, and you use the rest to set up and maintain.

[Sea Six]

Right now the number he wants seems to be $5,000.

And the general consensus is that $5,000 is too much. Nobody is interested in even partial ownership for that amount.

[04 commemorative]

I will need to bail if there is a yearly fee.....sorry but it's the sad truth.

[Bill]

Right now the number he wants seems to be $5,000.

And the general consensus is that $5,000 is too much. Nobody is interested in even partial ownership for that amount.

Well, that's 100 folks kicking in $ 50. Based on the number of barn stalls that have been purchased at one time or another, that doesn't seem insurmountable. Does that amount make Gary whole for running at a loss? And what about Y2K (Tom)? There was mention made that he had some money in some sort of app? Does any of that $ 5K go to him to make him whole?

If $ 5K is too much, what's the counter offer?

Here's my suggestion.

Let's have a sign up sheet for everyone willing to toss in a one time $ 100 to Gary or Gary/Tom in some agreed on split. Further, let's have a sign up sheet for everyone who will faithfully kick in $ 25 a year, beginning, well, now.

Once we have a rough estimate, we can fine tune things.

Personally, I don't see why getting 50 people to chip in $ 100 should be that hard. If more contribute, we could lower the individual contribution. If we have less, we could still make an offer. 100% of something is better than 0% of a wish list.

Someone could also just sign up with Vbulletin for the VetteStable.com, assuming that site name is available.

[Sea Six]

I will need to bail if there is a yearly fee.....sorry but it's the sad truth.

Even 25 bucks?

[MrPeabody]

I'm willing to do my part by generating loads of useless and irritating posts, if that helps!

Many of us have been doing that for years, and apparently it isn't working.:lol:

[Barn Babe]

We could offer scholarships to recruit and retain quality female members.

Oh, I see, you want "quality" now.

:leaving:

[mrvette]

IF we can get say 100 folks to chip in say 20/month on PPal or some card on an auto pay .net based basis, that is fine.....but for ME personally, I saving up much as possible to pay the prop taxes due end of March.....

I not exactly a millionaire.... sorry to be such a piker.....:sadangel:

[Millenium Vette]

I will need to bail if there is a yearly fee.....sorry but it's the sad truth.

I don't feel that a yearly fee or money upfront to buy this place should be mandatory for belonging to the forum. You will lose many members if it is.

Having said that, I am willing to kick in to keep this place going.

:cert:

[04 commemorative]

too many other bills,being honest here. I'll say again get companies to advertise here to pay for it. Ads at other place do not bother me at all when I'm there.

[Nox]

Someone could also just sign up with Vbulletin for the VetteStable.com, assuming that site name is available.

Signing up with VBulletin is actually a more expensive way of doing things. VBulletin sells licenses and after a one time fee, you can park a VBulletin forum on any host you’d like. I think Dixie’s posting of the VBulletin cost yesterday was by way of example. One benefit of going to VBulletin and letting them do the heavy lifting, is that it turns the forum into a turnkey operation. The only thing the end user has to do is log in and pay the electric bills. Everything else will be done for them. If you really want to save on expenses, you could park a VBulletin forum at a shared HOST for $5 to $10 a month.

What you’re really paying for is the naming rights. Like you said, you could simply start a new forum called, “Vettestable,” and in a few weeks, it would have a bunch of threads, just like here.

[Datawiz]

Oh, I see, you want "quality" now.

:leaving:

I'd pay for your tuition anytime! :seasix:

[Aerovette]

Oh, I see, you want "quality" now.

:leaving:

I. on the other hand, have fairly low standards.

100 - 130 lbs more or less, and a face that doesn't scare children or animals, works for me. :D

[Sea Six]

Oh, I see, you want "quality" now.

:leaving:

Well, actually, we'll take all of them.


Even the chubby ones.

:yesnod:





:nono:

Especially the chubby ones.

[Aerovette]

Maybe a resident liberal can suggest that the barn be outlawed?

It gave the NRA a boost. :seasix:

:lol:

[Black94lt1]

I’m in for 50-100 a year, and I’d be glad to chip in to make sure the site is open for everyone not just those that can pay. We have a great, yet small, group of people here and I would not want to lose anyone over a few bucks

[MrPeabody]

I. on the other hand, have fairly low standards.

100 - 130 lbs more or less, and a face that doesn't scare children or animals, works for me. :D

You left out the part about having a pulse.

[SQUIRMIN VERMIN 84]

You left out the part about having a pulse.

And if same species is important...

[Aerovette]

You left out the part about having a pulse.

I'm aware of that.
:D

[DAB]

haven't read everything above this, have been shooting all day.

if Dixie is correct, then the annual nut isn't that much. under $500. that's very doable.

but if Gary is looking at $5,000 just to let me or someone else "own" the website, that produces no income, well, i'll have to pass.

$500? done. i'll own this mess and figure out the annual expense and then beg, plead, dip into my own pocket to keep it going. per Dixie, that's well under $500 annually.

That's my only and final offer.

:DAB:

[Ol Timer]

I'm in for a reasonable amount, but I want naming rights to the stadium.

[Bill]

I'm in for a reasonable amount, but I want naming rights to the stadium.


Q: Do you want it named before, or after death?

May I present your options:

Ol' Timer Field

Ol' Timer Memorial Field

http://www.hamleys.com/images/_lib/image-77735-0-1417083604000.jpg

Some assembly required.

[Ol Timer]

Q: Do you want it named before, or after death?

May I present your options:

Ol' Timer Field

Ol' Timer Memorial Field

http://www.hamleys.com/images/_lib/image-77735-0-1417083604000.jpg

Some assembly required.

You're killing' me!

[polarbear]

I’m in for 50-100 a year, and I’d be glad to chip in to make sure the site is open for everyone not just those that can pay. We have a great, yet small, group of people here and I would not want to lose anyone over a few bucks
:iagree:

[Black94lt1]

You're killing' me!

So memorial field it is then :D

[SnikPlosskin]

haven't read everything above this, have been shooting all day.

if Dixie is correct, then the annual nut isn't that much. under $500. that's very doable.

but if Gary is looking at $5,000 just to let me or someone else "own" the website, that produces no income, well, i'll have to pass.

$500? done. i'll own this mess and figure out the annual expense and then beg, plead, dip into my own pocket to keep it going. per Dixie, that's well under $500 annually.

That's my only and final offer.

:DAB:

Do you know how many Corvette nuts are out there? Has anyone ever run a simple social media campaign to bring in new members? We could also tap into existing ad networks and not have to sell ads.

If this site was run like a business, it could not just survive, it would make money.

I can help build the audience here no problem. Facebook ads are powerful.

Start with a trial period of three months (long enough to make friends) then require $25 per year.

Get 5000 members that’s $125k a year. Not including ad revenue.

I’m in to keep this going.

[69camfrk]

Do you know how many Corvette nuts are out there? Has anyone ever run a simple social media campaign to bring in new members? We could also tap into existing ad networks and not have to sell ads.

If this site was run like a business, it could not just survive, it would make money.

I can help build the audience here no problem. Facebook ads are powerful.

Start with a trial period of three months (long enough to make friends) then require $25 per year.

Get 5000 members that’s $125k a year. Not including ad revenue.

I’m in to keep this going.

Hell, we should be able to pony up, make it ours with ad's and potentially make ourselves some money. Correct?

[SnikPlosskin]

Signing up with VBulletin is actually a more expensive way of doing things. VBulletin sells licenses and after a one time fee, you can park a VBulletin forum on any host you’d like. I think Dixie’s posting of the VBulletin cost yesterday was by way of example. One benefit of going to VBulletin and letting them do the heavy lifting, is that it turns the forum into a turnkey operation. The only thing the end user has to do is log in and pay the electric bills. Everything else will be done for them. If you really want to save on expenses, you could park a VBulletin forum at a shared HOST for $5 to $10 a month.

What you’re really paying for is the naming rights. Like you said, you could simply start a new forum called, “Vettestable,” and in a few weeks, it would have a bunch of threads, just like here.

In reality, the name is worth nothing. It just doesn’t have enough brand equity. In other words, it is virtually unknown.

If the site is losing money, it’s worth zero. If it is breaking even, it’s still worth zero. Valuations are set on multiples of revenue. 0 X 3 = 0.

This site is not a business. But it could be. Build it up over five years with a plan to sell it to an aggregator like IB.

I’d pay for the first year of expenses but nothing more. We could go start a site tomorrow called the Vette Barn. There is no trademark there. And trademarks are only worth what you are willing to spend to defend your trademark in court.

[SnikPlosskin]

Hell, we should be able to pony up, make it ours with ad's and potentially make ourselves some money. Correct?

Yes.

Poach Cf members, Jolopnik, other Vette sites, get the big parts places to advertise. Figure out what makes this site different/better.

You would need a plan. But absolutely this site can make money.

[MrPeabody]

In reality, the name is worth nothing. It just doesn’t have enough brand equity. In other words, it is virtually unknown.

If the site is losing money, it’s worth zero. If it is breaking even, it’s still worth zero. Valuations are set on multiples of revenue. 0 X 3 = 0.

This site is not a business. But it could be. Build it up over five years with a plan to sell it to an aggregator like IB.

I’d pay for the first year of expenses but nothing more. We could go start a site tomorrow called the Vette Barn. There is no trademark there. And trademarks are only worth what you are willing to spend to defend your trademark in court.

Actually I think a name change would create more interest.

Let's call it Fast Cars, Naked Women and Guns.

[DAB]

I like the small crowd we have. Get a ten fold increase and I’ll get banned again.

[Aerovette]

If the name changes and we promote etc. to gain a ton of new members, it would seem easier for us all to just pick a new place to go hang.

It won't be the Barn anymore either way.

Just my .02

[SnikPlosskin]

If the name changes and we promote etc. to gain a ton of new members, it would seem easier for us all to just pick a new place to go hang.

It won't be the Barn anymore either way.

Just my .02

Good point. But that is the path to sustainability. I’d strip the site down to OT and Corvette talk. I would also aggregate a huge library of Corvette Tech articles. Links to pre existing content.

Have rules. Ban people who are dick heads or trolls. We were all friends at CF and there were tens of thousands of members.

Make it so it attracts quality people. That’s part of making it a paid site. Make the tech resources for paying members. Limit PMs to zero for free members and unlimited to paid.

Ads for free members. Ad-free for paid members.

[FasterTraffic]

Actually I think a name change would create more interest.

NotJustVettesBarn

[SnikPlosskin]

NotJustVettesBarn

Granted the name ain’t great.

[DAB]

I was at CF a long time. Attended Cruise In 1 and 2.

Some idiot banned me for posting the name of this forum.

Quality?

After I donated a cutting board that auctioned for $400 for their pet charity.

Save me the “good folks” speech.

[99 pewtercoupe]

Lets face it folks, there are less than 50 people here that make up 90% of the posting. How many people have joined here in the last year that are regular posters??? How many people that were regulars over the years have disappeared for one reason or another. I know that there were a lot more regulars when I joined.

We are not going to get advertisement revenue even if we want it. We have a very small social club that most of us are very comfortable with but it really has next to nothing to do with Corvettes based on the posting activity. People create accounts and then don't participate because there is next to zero Corvette content on this site

I think we are looking at a situation where it either becomes a pay to be a member site or it dies. Some of us have paid dues (Barn Stall ownership) for years. If 50 people all paid that rate, we should be able to cover the hosting fees, etc. If most people don't feel up to that then lets just pull the sheet over the body and say goodbye

[Bill]

NotJustVettesBarn

#VetteBarnsMatter

We could probably get a grant from George Soros to fund the whole thing if we all promise to hate America.

[NCC-1701]

Has anyone talked to this sites owner on what he plans to do. Why has he not come on here and officially notified us that he plans to shut down and if so what do we need to do to keep it running if he lets us..

I think as stated above there is basically no corvette talk on this site to generate interest to people as to what the site should be about so just PM your friends on here your phone numbers and call it a day for this site. I go over to the corvette forum basically if I have something I want to learn about but I hardly post there because of too many trolls over there that like to be constantly controversial and start sh!t and it gets old quick. If it was me I would start a new forum site called the Off Topic Forum that way it is a social forum for all people.

[Rob]

Has anyone talked to this sites owner on what he plans to do. Why has he not come on here and officially notified us that he plans to shut down and if so what do we need to do to keep it running if he lets us.

I posted this in another thread.

From Gary -

OK folks the time has come for me to do something with The Barn. I cannot support the cost of maintaining this site any longer. Between now and the end of the month I will entertain any reasonable offer for the site. If, I do not receive any offers or cannot work out a plan to keep this place going I will be shutting it down on April 1, 2018. You can contact me at [email protected] with any offers or suggestions.



I have spoken to a few people about purchase and those that I thought might be interested weren't. I am all for saving this site but I am not in a position right now to drop any coin at this time. For those interested, I highly encourage everyone to work together to come up with a solution for our future. Gary is a reasonable guy and by keeping this site running for all of us is proof of that.

If you are interested in being a part of ownership/taking over, as it appears in this thread, everyone needs to get together to discuss what steps to take next,.

-Rob

[MrPeabody]

I posted this in another thread.

From Gary -





I have spoken to a few people about purchase and those that I thought might be interested weren't. I am all for saving this site but I am not in a position right now to drop any coin at this time. For those interested, I highly encourage everyone to work together to come up with a solution for our future. Gary is a reasonable guy and by keeping this site running for all of us is proof of that.

If you are interested in being a part of ownership/taking over, as it appears in this thread, everyone needs to get together to discuss what steps to take next,.

-Rob

Not recently, but in the past I have PMd Gary many times to discuss something that I thought was important to me. Apparently it was not important to him because he has never answered me. I also have never seen him post here. Although I'm sure he exists, I have never seen any evidence of it.

Depending on who ever else is interested, I would be open to being involved in a group ownership of the site.

[GentleBen]

While I have no desire to own the site I am willing to throw some money into a pot for group ownership. I would guesstimate that I would be willing to put in $100/year if that can be of use.

I do not have either the technical skills nor the desire to manage the forum so if we do save VB we would be dependent upon someone to maintain it.

On the other hand, if we do nothing and Gary shuts it down then some of the good things that we have done (Christmas in the Philippines / Typhoon recovery / GTMS sponsorship / Banners at the Museum) also go.

[VITE1]

While I have no desire to own the site I am willing to throw some money into a pot for group ownership. I would guesstimate that I would be willing to put in $100/year if that can be of use.

I do not have either the technical skills nor the desire to manage the forum so if we do save VB we would be dependent upon someone to maintain it.

On the other hand, if we do nothing and Gary shuts it down then some of the good things that we have done (Christmas in the Philippines / Typhoon recovery / GTMS sponsorship / Banners at the Museum) also go.

:iagree:

[Nox]

While everyone is trying to decide, you could always go to a *free* turnkey forum site such as Network54 (network54.com) and simply start up an interim forum. I ran a full fledged forum there for several years before I went to the VBulletin format. It’s free and it would allow people to stay in contact and even interact while you all decide what you want to do....

Not saying you have to do that, but it seems like the clocks ticking and you have no plan.

[Will]

sell it to an aggregator like IB

Hellllllllllllllllllllllll no.

This is one of the few remaining places I can hang out and exercise free speech.

Those idiots banned the word "Nazi" at Corvette Forum because they were afraid of the liberal mob labeling the site as being right-wing or alt-right. No joke, if you're trying to have a conversation about Nazis over there you get **** now and confused readers.

[mrvette]

Hellllllllllllllllllllllll no.

This is one of the few remaining places I can hang out and exercise free speech.

Those idiots banned the word "Nazi" at Corvette Forum because they were afraid of the liberal mob labeling the site as being right-wing or alt-right. No joke, if you're trying to have a conversation about Nazis over there you get **** now and confused readers.

So type it /zi clean enough.....

:rofl:

[Black94lt1]

Based on this quoted below it appears to be financial, for those that know Gary can you confirm this? Is so is he willing to keep it going for another month or two if we can come up with the funds?

I'll be this first to admit, I'm not a barn stall owner, but when I joined I don't think I truly understood it and should I have asked, sure, but I didn't. Am I willing to buy one, sure now that I know that it is truly meant to keep this place afloat.

I don't have the time to take on the ownership, but even with some impending employment issues in my household I am more than willing to contribute financially to keep the site up and running.

"OK folks the time has come for me to do something with The Barn. I cannot support the cost of maintaining this site any longer. Between now and the end of the month I will entertain any reasonable offer for the site. If, I do not receive any offers or cannot work out a plan to keep this place going I will be shutting it down on April 1, 2018. You can contact me at [email protected] with any offers or suggestions."

[DAB]

tech free me just did a little poking around, and found several places that let you create your own discussion forum. either for free with ads, or for a modest monthly fee without ads.

one example is this, for $19.95/mo, no ads, no limits, no censor (hot damn).

https://www.createaforum.com

that's about $240/year to basically duplicate this place in content.

:type:

[Sea Six]

If Gary agreed to a price, could we move this forum's archived posts, member accounts etc over there too or would it just be a fresh startup?

[DAB]

If Gary agreed to a price, could we move this forum's archived posts, member accounts etc over there too or would it just be a fresh startup?

if he's willing to sell control of this place, then all content would remain. if we have to start fresh, then we have to start cold. no biggie, we'll have at least 2 posts by Spence by day 3, and all will be well.

for those who want tech related stuff about corvettes, this is not the place. CF has what you want. if you can stand the idiots there.

i'm perfectly willing to start up a new place, initially on my own dime. as noted above, you can do that for about $240/year. Dixie has already posted that migrating this place to a cheaper server would run us about $500 for year 1.

money wise, since most of us are cheap, starting afresh makes the most sense.

we can call it anything we want, and we have the rest of the month to get folks to migrate over.

so with all that in mind, i don't see the point in paying to obtain control of this place. now, if decisions were made in the past that have created un-needed expenses, it's time to cut those losses and go where it is affordable to continue this little group.

so with that, i hereby rescind my prior offer of $500 to buy this place. as Pete noted as well, a website that has no income is worth zero.

:type: :DAB:

[Sea Six]

I actually went back through a few pages and counted about 35 members who are actually recently posting here.

There are a few more who pop in less frequently, some as little as about once or twice a year. It would be nice if we could keep their memberships open but if it means having to buy the place, well, nobody seems interested in paying for it, I guess they are out of luck.

Is it possible to send a "we're moving to NewVetteBarn.com" email to every member's address? That way at least they have a link to us. I'd bet there would be at least a few who would come check us out just out of curiosity.

[StaticCling]

I appreciate this forum, and I get the fact that it costs money to keep it going, but realistically, what is this place worth? If anything? It's not generating any income, and herbertly because of that, it's going to be difficult to find anybody to buy it.

(FYI, I don't use the word frankly, I don't like it. I use herbertly instead)

[Sea Six]

*Herbertly

[StaticCling]

*Herbertly

typo. Thanks for understanding and helping out. :kimblair::seasix:

[Norm]

I'm in to help out, a final tally and cost yet? Or did I miss that, or has no decision been made? Where are the financial jailhouse lawyers here? :D

[MrPeabody]

I'm in to help out, a final tally and cost yet? Or did I miss that, or has no decision been made? Where are the financial jailhouse lawyers here? :D

So far it appears we are deciding how much to pay for something that is worth absolutely nothing.:yesnod:

[FasterTraffic]

So far it appears we are deciding how much to pay for something that is worth absolutely nothing.:yesnod:

So now we're in government?

[MrPeabody]

So now we're in government?

No. In government we would be deciding how much everybody but us is going to pay, while only we reap the benefits.

[FasterTraffic]

So far it appears we are deciding how much to pay for something that is worth absolutely nothing.:yesnod:

No. In government we would be deciding how much everybody but us is going to pay, while only we reap the benefits.

As far as government is concerned, I'd argue that those two statements aren't mutually exclusive.

[Will]

Sea Six, I'VE GOT IT!!!

You and I can purchase the forum, 50/50 split, and then immediately take it public by offering VBBSs or "Vette Barn Backed Securities" for sale.

However, we will NOT offer these asset backed securities for sale to the general public, instead we will offer them to a handful of selected posters who will be part of our immediate "downstream." We will put a portion of the proceeds into maintaining the forum, and take the rest as profits.

These initial buyers will then also have the right to turn around and sell new VBBSs to further investors, who will become part of their "downstream." Again, a portion of the proceeds will go to funding the forum, with the rest being split between the initial investors, and us. And so on and so forth.

We can leverage the VetteBarn name and combine two of the most revolutionary and profitable business models of the 20th century together in one package!!! The ingenius and creative financial instruments that helped create a massively profitable real estate and mortgage-backed securities bubble, and the ingenius multi-level marketing strategies that made the founders of companies like Amway filthy rich!!!

[Bill]

Sea Six, I'VE GOT IT!!!

You and I can purchase the forum, 50/50 split, and then immediately take it public by offering VBBSs or "Vette Barn Backed Securities" for sale.

However, we will NOT offer these asset backed securities for sale to the general public, instead we will offer them to a handful of selected posters who will be part of our immediate "downstream." We will put a portion of the proceeds into maintaining the forum, and take the rest as profits.

These initial buyers will then also have the right to turn around and sell new VBBSs to further investors, who will become part of their "downstream." Again, a portion of the proceeds will go to funding the forum, with the rest being split between the initial investors, and us. And so on and so forth.

We can leverage the VetteBarn name and combine two of the most revolutionary and profitable business models of the 20th century together in one package!!! The ingenius and creative financial instruments that helped create a massively profitable real estate and mortgage-backed securities bubble, and the ingenius multi-level marketing strategies that made the founders of companies like Amway filthy rich!!!

Now where have I heard something like this before? Oh yea:

Enron and the Raptors (http://archives.cpajournal.com/2003/0403/features/f042403.htm)

[Will]

Holy shit, I just had another epiphany!!!

All VBBSs sold must be purchased with a new crypto-currency, VetteBarnCoin, that we can create!!! We'll come up with our own proprietry algorithim, mine half of the possible minable VBCoins for ourselves, and then launch the crypto-currency at the same time we begin offering VBBSs. After using VBBS sales to get the ball, or VBCoin as it were, rolling, we can then push VBCoin as a crypto option in the general public sphere to compete with the likes of etherium, bitcoin, etc.

[Will]

Someday I'm going to print out my post history from this site, attach it to my resume, and FedEx it to Goldman Sachs.

[Bill]

Sea Six, I'VE GOT IT!!!

You and I can purchase the forum, 50/50 split, and then immediately take it public by offering VBBSs or "Vette Barn Backed Securities" for sale.

However, we will NOT offer these asset backed securities for sale to the general public, instead we will offer them to a handful of selected posters who will be part of our immediate "downstream." We will put a portion of the proceeds into maintaining the forum, and take the rest as profits.

These initial buyers will then also have the right to turn around and sell new VBBSs to further investors, who will become part of their "downstream." Again, a portion of the proceeds will go to funding the forum, with the rest being split between the initial investors, and us. And so on and so forth.

We can leverage the VetteBarn name and combine two of the most revolutionary and profitable business models of the 20th century together in one package!!! The ingenius and creative financial instruments that helped create a massively profitable real estate and mortgage-backed securities bubble, and the ingenius multi-level marketing strategies that made the founders of companies like Amway filthy rich!!!

The only assets here you could bundle together that would be worth anything are my posts, just saying.

[Rob]

Someday I'm going to print out my post history from this site, attach it to my resume, and FedEx it to Goldman Sachs.

only thread of mine that is gold would be my Costco trip :rofl:

[snide]

only thread of mine that is gold would be my Costco trip :rofl:

And you bought new socks on the next trip to Costco, right? :funnier:

[Black94lt1]

if he's willing to sell control of this place, then all content would remain. if we have to start fresh, then we have to start cold. no biggie, we'll have at least 2 posts by Spence by day 3, and all will be well.

for those who want tech related stuff about corvettes, this is not the place. CF has what you want. if you can stand the idiots there.

i'm perfectly willing to start up a new place, initially on my own dime. as noted above, you can do that for about $240/year. Dixie has already posted that migrating this place to a cheaper server would run us about $500 for year 1.

money wise, since most of us are cheap, starting afresh makes the most sense.

we can call it anything we want, and we have the rest of the month to get folks to migrate over.

so with all that in mind, i don't see the point in paying to obtain control of this place. now, if decisions were made in the past that have created un-needed expenses, it's time to cut those losses and go where it is affordable to continue this little group.

so with that, i hereby rescind my prior offer of $500 to buy this place. as Pete noted as well, a website that has no income is worth zero.

:type: :DAB:

This is beginning to sound like the solution, I’m certainly in financially and can help wherever needed

[lspencer534]

if he's willing to sell control of this place, then all content would remain. if we have to start fresh, then we have to start cold. no biggie, we'll have at least 2 posts by Spence by day 3, and all will be well.

for those who want tech related stuff about corvettes, this is not the place. CF has what you want. if you can stand the idiots there.

i'm perfectly willing to start up a new place, initially on my own dime. as noted above, you can do that for about $240/year. Dixie has already posted that migrating this place to a cheaper server would run us about $500 for year 1.

money wise, since most of us are cheap, starting afresh makes the most sense.

we can call it anything we want, and we have the rest of the month to get folks to migrate over.

so with all that in mind, i don't see the point in paying to obtain control of this place. now, if decisions were made in the past that have created un-needed expenses, it's time to cut those losses and go where it is affordable to continue this little group.

so with that, i hereby rescind my prior offer of $500 to buy this place. as Pete noted as well, a website that has no income is worth zero.

:type: :DAB:

Do I need to start posting more? Just trying to help....

[bsmith]

Holy shit, I just had another epiphany!!!

All VBBSs sold must be purchased with a new crypto-currency, VetteBarnCoin, that we can create!!! We'll come up with our own proprietry algorithim, mine half of the possible minable VBCoins for ourselves, and then launch the crypto-currency at the same time we begin offering VBBSs. After using VBBS sales to get the ball, or VBCoin as it were, rolling, we can then push VBCoin as a crypto option in the general public sphere to compete with the likes of etherium, bitcoin, etc.

What's the conversion rate for BarnBucks to VBCoin?

[GRN ENVY]

All good things come to an end.

Met some good people and had a hell of a time over the years. Sad to see it go.

:kimblair:

[04 commemorative]

It will be sad but who in their right mind would pay anything for something that has no value ?

[snide]

It will be sad but who in their right mind would pay anything for something that has no value ?

Who says Clark is in his right mind?

[PortDawg]

I posted this in another thread.

From Gary -





I have spoken to a few people about purchase and those that I thought might be interested weren't. I am all for saving this site but I am not in a position right now to drop any coin at this time. For those interested, I highly encourage everyone to work together to come up with a solution for our future. Gary is a reasonable guy and by keeping this site running for all of us is proof of that.

If you are interested in being a part of ownership/taking over, as it appears in this thread, everyone needs to get together to discuss what steps to take next,.

-Rob

Weird, I got smacked for posting the same damn thing...:issues:

[NCC-1701]

HOW MUCH DOES GARY WANT FOR THE NAME...:bigears:

[Sea Six]

I'LL SELL YOU THE NAME "CLARK" FOR A HUNNERT FIDDY...



:bigears:

[NCC-1701]

The Clark barn...

[Bill]

The Clark barn...

I just made a deal for the Clark bar concession here. You want a Clark bar, youse gots ta go through me.

http://ep.yimg.com/ay/candy-crate/clark-bar-2.gif

[Bill]

I'LL SELL YOU THE NAME "CLARK" FOR A HUNNERT FIDDY...IT'S EASILY A TREE FIDDY VALUE!



:bigears:

:iagree:


Edit: This page 3 post is for sale, all reasonable offers will be entertained. Your message could be here!

[DAB]

:iagree:


Edit: This page 3 post is for sale, all reasonable offers will be entertained. Your message could be here!

$1 of barn bucks.

[99 pewtercoupe]

Seriously....has Gary given any indication of what he considers a reasonable amount?

[Bill]

$1 of barn bucks.

Pssshhhht. I don't accept volatile currencies like Barn Bucks.

Please, all offers should be made in Venezuelan Bolivars, Zimbawe Dollars, or WillCoin.

[DAB]

Seriously....has Gary given any indication of what he considers a reasonable amount?

previously, it was reported that he wanted $5,000.

[Bill]

previously, it was reported that he wanted $5,000.

Five thousand dollars? What the Hell he think he got? ChelseaClinton.com?

[Jeff '79]

15144

[99 pewtercoupe]

previously, it was reported that he wanted $5,000.

If that is true, I want some of whatever he is smoking, drinking or whatever

[DAB]

struck me as about $5,000 too high.

options seem to be "shut it down and leave us all to sort things out on FB", or "hand it over to X, and let them deal with the ongoing costs"

i'm thankful Gary created this place for us CF outcasts to gather and play. but if we had to, we could create a similar place pretty easily and quickly and cheaply (as i've noted above).

but looking to cash out? sounds like how CF went downhill when the founders sold out to IB. took their money and ran.

[StaticCling]

If that is true, I want some of whatever he is smoking, drinking or whatever

I don't wanna be a dick or nothing, and I'm sure this place is worth something, but that seems a bit steep quite herbertly.

[Sea Six]

I don't wanna be a dick or nothing, and I'm sure this place is worth something, but that seems a bit steep quite herbertly.

Can I be Frank with you?

[DAB]

Can I be Frank with you?

Shirley

[Sea Six]

:iagree:


Edit: This page 3 post is for sale, all reasonable offers will be entertained. Your message could be here!

Could we maybe collectively lease it with an option?

[Hoog]

So...what day is the Barn shutting down?

[NEED-A-VETTE]

What's the conversion rate for BarnBucks to VBCoin?

...

[Strats-N-Vettes]

Could we maybe collectively lease it with an option?

Owner finance seems fair.

[JRD77VET]

When you folks figure out what's going on, I can help out a little bit financially.

Hope something can be figured out to keep the group together :cert:

Jeff

[bsmith]

:iagree:


Edit: This page 3 post is for sale, all reasonable offers will be entertained. Your message could be here!

I was banned at CF for making an avatar that said "this space for rent" when IB Dale'd the forum.
They said I instigated the protest. :lol:

[Datawiz]

Money is NOT the issue. Someone please step up to be the admin. That's all we need. Dixie???

[99 pewtercoupe]

Money is NOT the issue. Someone please step up to be the admin. That's all we need. Dixie???

Agreed, we need someone that knows at least something about running a site.
Looks like we have enough folks ready to commit on the money

[PortDawg]

I got an email that said Port Dawg had tagged me in a thread about an important message about the future of the Vette Barn.

Clicked the link and it said No Thread Specified, which tells me that the thread had been deleted by a moderator.

Also, in the past couple of weeks I've sent PM's to Y2KVERT4ME, and all have gone unanswered, which is very unusual.

Da faque's going on?

:toetap:

Some day, over a beer, I'll tell the story...

[Bill]

Some day, over a beer, I'll tell the story...

http://www.beership.com/image/cache/data/shiner-500x500.jpg




:waiting:

[Rob]

Money is NOT the issue. Someone please step up to be the admin. That's all we need. Dixie???

I am here, I have talked to Clark on the phone and told him I was available to admin

[Sea Six]

I still have not heard back from my offer emailed to GB.

Wonder if it's an account he checks very often?

[OddBall]

Clark, I hope you can pull it off. I wish I could help, but I simply can't right now. That hurts more than I can say.

[Sea Six]

No problem, OB.

Everyone is currently welcome to post here whether they contribute financially or not.

If I get this place, that won't change.

[04 commemorative]

Clark, I hope you can pull it off. I wish I could help, but I simply can't right now. That hurts more than I can say.

Same here but will try :seasix:

[StaticCling]

I am here, I have talked to Clark on the phone and told him I was available to admin

:seasix:


I would volunteer for it too, but I honestly I don't have the skills necessary/not qualified.

[Black94lt1]

:seasix:


I would volunteer for it too, but I honestly I don't have the skills necessary/not qualified.

So instead you will be a moderator over at CF :D :lol:

[StaticCling]

So instead you will be a moderator over at CF :D :lol:

:Jeff '79:

[PortDawg]

http://www.beership.com/image/cache/data/shiner-500x500.jpg




:waiting:

And you picked the correct one...

[Aerovette]

Anyone wishing to friend me on facebook, should the Barn actually implode, please PM me so I can add you.

I'm a Conservative. Not hardcore, but enough that snowflakes need not apply. Know this before you PM. :D :Jeff '79: :cert:

[Bill]

No problem, OB.

Everyone is currently welcome to post here whether they contribute financially or not.

If I get this place, I will crush my enemies. See them driven before me. And hear the lamentations of their women.


:iagree:






:ohnoes:

[Mike Mercury]

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/957/661/043.jpg


http://orig12.deviantart.net/5185/f/2016/355/6/f/1gagys_by_zelgadisgw-dascclu.jpg



https://civilwartalk.com/attachments/d50cf96e521df468946c2c0db31be2df63badb08aaa8cf9eaa4816fb6e1db519-jpg.125669/

[Sea Six]

:iagree:






:ohnoes:

I don't wanna hear Lamentations.


Now. Song of Solomon... THERE'S a nice story.


::woohoo:

[NeedSpeed]

It's costs very little to run a site like this.

As some of you may recall, I started BannedCampForum.org when TV (Crowe) gave up on banned camp and wouldn't give up the name. I ran that place off my personal PC with an internet connection I was already paying for. Seems we're in a similar place now with VB. That lasted about 7 years, but activity dropped so low I gave up on it (though we have a FB group now)

Truth is, it's hard for forums to compete with social media outlets.

Having just seeing this, I'd give a takeover some thought, though I couldn't justify spending much money on it outside the cost of the URL and basic hosting.

[04 commemorative]

Lets go out with a bang in the behind the barn forum :seasix:

[carlton_fritz]

If this moves, just somebody post it on the FB group so I don't get lost. Thanks

[lspencer534]

Anyone wishing to friend me on facebook, should the Barn actually implode, please PM me so I can add you.

I'm a Conservative. Not hardcore, but enough that snowflakes need not apply. Know this before you PM. :D :Jeff '79: :cert:

What's your name of FB?

[Thunder22]

What's your name of FB?

https://www.facebook.com/TheVetteBarn/

[Black94lt1]

https://www.facebook.com/TheVetteBarn/

I never knew that existed

[SnikPlosskin]

While everyone is trying to decide, you could always go to a *free* turnkey forum site such as Network54 (network54.com) and simply start up an interim forum. I ran a full fledged forum there for several years before I went to the VBulletin format. It’s free and it would allow people to stay in contact and even interact while you all decide what you want to do....

Not saying you have to do that, but it seems like the clocks ticking and you have no plan.

This.

Or you can easily create a private Facebook Group and get the same functionality for free. Except for anonymity.

or lots of options here:

https://techcrunch.com/2013/04/05/goodbye-ugly-forums-moot-is-a-flexible-and-modern-platform-for-online-discussion-and-its-free/

[FasterTraffic]

I never knew that existed

I think Facebook has been around for a while :shrug:

[MrPeabody]

I figured many here were spending time with each other on Facebook, because lots of people here seem to know each other's first names now. That was a rarity a few years ago. Same thing is going on over on CF.:yesnod:

[Bill]

I figured many here were spending time with each other on Facebook, because lots of people here seem to know each other's first names now. That was a rarity a few years ago. Same thing is going on over on CF.:yesnod:

I don't use facebook because I don't want anyone to know my name.

:dance:

[MrPeabody]

I don't use facebook because I don't want anyone to know my name.

:dance:

Yeah, but there's lots of people named Bill Daniels. Probably even in your own town. So you still have some anonymity.

To the best of my knowledge, and after ten plus years of my wife's researching our family histories, I am the only person in the United States with my name. And if you googled it, you would find nothing except references to it on Ancestry.com, and no pictures. I'd like to keep it that way.

[Aerovette]

I figured many here were spending time with each other on Facebook, because lots of people here seem to know each other's first names now. That was a rarity a few years ago. Same thing is going on over on CF.:yesnod:

I don't want Facebook George to mingle with VetteBarn George.

Seinfeld: Independent George (HD) - YouTube

[FasterTraffic]

I don't use facebook because I don't want anyone to know my name.

If anyone should be paying for VB's new home, it seems like it should be you.

Bill Daniels - Wikipedia

[BADRACR1]

Okay, I just read through both threads about this. I think when I joined I was number 110 on the member list. Haven't been posting as much the last couple of years (between grandkids, work and health issues) but do check in every couple of weeks. I would hate to see it go. I have no concept on how to run the site but would contribute towards a purchase and could do a yearly membership.
After all, this is the only place I have my own emoji!:BADRACR1::BADRACR1::BADRACR1:

[StaticCling]

Gene's retired, why not turn over the reigns to him? He seems like a perfect fit to run this place. He even can't spell, kind of a bonus. :island14:

[FasterTraffic]

Gene's retired, why not turn over the reigns to him? He seems like a perfect fit to run this place. He even can't spell, kind of a bonus. :island14:

This is (allegedly) a Corvette forum. Being retired doesn't seem like an exclusive club.