Ads on the forums...

[Andy R]

My goal is to create a way to allow "contributing members" to hide a portion of the ads (mostly the graphical ones). My idea is to bring back a user reputation system (like Karma) and then allow members who earn good reputation points the ability to trade in their points for an interface with less banners, more storage space on AirstreamPhotos.com and access to a private "Contributing Member's Forum", plus other features yet to be determined.

In an effort to accomodate the members that use the site to research but don't contribute much (lurkers), I'd also like to offer the "contributing member" benefits in exchange for a small donation.

My theory is that those of y'all that post quite often already know where you're going to get your merchandise, etc. You're in tune with the Airstream pulse and generally know what is available and from where. Therefore the ads just get in the way. The point is to transfer knowledge, not to look at ads.

The ads are great for vendors looking for exposure to potential buyers of new Airstreams, casual Airstream enthusiast, and owners of vintage units needing goods for their restoration, etc... Which makes this model seem like it will work out great!

So I will be working towards the goals above to help steer us back to a streamlined interface designed specifically for knowledge transfer.

Your thoughts?

[flyfshr]

Andy,
I think this is a GREAT idea! It would offer incentives for lurkers to contribute and a way for the members with alot to share the ability to earn something of value. Originally, I thought from your post title, you were going to have a place for folks to post ads of their trailer for sale, a classifieds section. There might also be something to this idea as well.

FF

[Andy R]

Originally Posted by flyfshr

Originally, I thought from your post title, you were going to have a place for folks to post ads of their trailer for sale, a classifieds section. There might also be something to this idea as well.

FF

Classifieds are in the works. As well as a new "review" section (trailer parks, campgrounds, appliances, brake controllers, etc). Plus more... so much to do, so little time...

[tin can luv]

This sounds like a great idea...Look forward to seeing how this progresses.

Thanks Andy!!

Ron

[Stefrobrts]

That seems like good ideas. I'm not sure I like the contributing members forum idea, because it would end up hiding some threads from non-contributing members, which doesn't seem right.

Personally, I get more out of this forum than any magazine subscription I have, so I'd be happy to pay some cold hard cash towards it's maintenance and upkeep. It's nice if you can keep it voluntary, so we continue to get input from those who may not use the forum as much, but still occasionally have something useful to contribute. I'm thinking of many of the older WBCCI folks who have a lot of experience, but don't spend as much time online as some of us do, and so don't visit often.

The ads don't bother me too much. I have other places I regularly visit that pop up vendor ads everytime you click on a thread. THAT'S ANNOYING!

[JohnG]

Good Idea..........Gets my vote.

[Rog0525]

Sounds good to me. I like the idea of a separate classifieds section especially if it doesn't require membership. We all know that a good many of our "members" are folks who signed up just to post a one time ad. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. I've done it myself on other sites. Problem is the once only posters become deadwood in the membership roster.
I gotta agree with Steph, the ads don't bother me either. Do what you gotta do to cover your expenses Andy, I wouldn't even mind if you found a way to turn a worthwhile profit without discouraging new membership. All you have done so far is create the best Airstream info sharing site on the web.
Thanks for a job well done.

[JohnG]

A section for campground reviews and perhaps photos listed by state.

This may help us to decide where we might want to saty at when we take out on a new adventure.

I know I have pulled into campgrounds that are built on a hillside only to pull right out again. It's a real hassle to camp on the side of a hill.......

[garry]

Just wondering if everyone starts at zero or will you go back and retrieve the old karma from history files ?

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

...Personally, I get more out of this forum than any magazine subscription I have, so I'd be happy to pay some cold hard cash towards it's maintenance and upkeep. It's nice if you can keep it voluntary, so we continue to get input from those who may not use the forum as much, but still occasionally have something useful to contribute...

I'd like to think I contribute useful stuff to the forum, but none the less, I could easily contribute moolah to keep the website in good shape.

Tom