Forums vs. Central

1985air345 · 03-16-2002, 04:01 PM

It seems that AirstreamForums has surpassed AirstreamCentral as far as activity. There are more posts here at least regarding motorhomes. It is many of the same folks on both sites.

I do like the e-mail notification of responses that Forums does. I haven't seen if Central does the same.

My original question remains. How is the Forums owner going to cover the cost of this site? Are fees in the future? Different site, same problem.

PeterH-79MH · 03-17-2002, 07:16 AM

Kenny at airstreamcentral made us believe that he was paying for first class hosting and data back-up. I supported the donation set-up upon that believe.
Fool me once....
Andy (organic hosting) has repeatedly stated that this site will remain free. He has a professional set-up, with a powerful data backup in place.
As membership and activity increases, advertisers will come. So, we may have to put up with a few banners. So what?

ALANSD · 03-17-2002, 10:26 AM

if I may speak for the site developer...Also realize that Andy is in the computer/internet business. The Airstream interest is his outside passion. He is not into the sales of Airstreams or such, and he is working on protecting the future of this site with developing connections to other related organizations.
Unfortunately I saw the handwriting on the wall for Central, and it has already appeared to lose a lot of its support. With all the information that is out there to share these places are so important...The Yahoo Airstream Groups also don't get a lot of posting other than AirstreamList which gets mostly the same people over and over, not to says that's a bad thing, but it doesn't have as much to offer as this site.
I jumped on this at the beginning and hope to be able to help it grow and stay alive.
Thanks to al l those who participate and are involved>

JW84345 · 03-17-2002, 11:47 AM

Fred,

I share your concern. I've seen ASCentral Wax an Wane twice. This site is nice with some great new features but predicated on one owner's generous support. Ideally a forum should be owned and managed by the interest group as an organization. It would be nice if the WBCCI or one of the regions could do so. Perhaps the yet unformed AS Motorhome ASSN will someday take the lead. I think the VAC has it right.

Unfortunately Kenny's move to seek donations to support Central was not clear for tool long a time. The uncertainty was damaging to the site. Add the data loss, devastating in itself and compounded with horrific ill timing, no wonder for the disillusionment. I still monitor AS Central and contribute to it, as I do the list groups, especially the VAC list (having duo airstream interest). For now the ride is fine and this forum is yet another fine site with extra nice features. Hats off to Andy (and Kenny) for their dedication and effort supporting US.

Jim