ads in every thread?

[lykan]

Would anyone be opposed to a RCNT benifiet auction?

Instead of selling the item on ebay, we could list it here (users only)

Say like I have an old Futaba FX10 I could state the details, put it up for auction with a starting price of $10, highest bidder gets the item, and they pay-pal RCNT instead of the seller..

Nothing business like at all, just completely a donation sale buying the item with the notion of the proceeds going to RCNT instead of in the sellers pocket.

OIf not like Eddy said we could aution the items on Ebay.. I just see more enthusiasm if the item is listed here. I wouldnt be a monthly thing but it would bring in some funds from time to time.

 

[joneser4u]

the F/S forum would die!

 

[kwong2001]

First I'd like to say the problem here is NOT bandwidth. In fact we have 500GB of bandwidth available and only using about 40GB. So saving bandwidth is not the issue. The problem is the money to pay for the kind of server RCNT needs, right now the way RCNT is hosted is on a Virtual Private Server which is nothing more but a nice fancy server that's shared with a number of other people, thus everyone is using the same computer. We're quickly getting to the point of needing our very own server. This way instead of sharing a 2Ghz machine with a few dozen other sites, we're getting 100% of the system resources ourselves. Then again that cost money and isn't nearly as cheap as our current bill (even though $150 a month isn't to cheap). Anyways it's not really a bandwidth problem anymore, but something more.

As for making some features a subscription based we could do all of the following:

Avatar
User Title
Additional forums
Gallery
For Sale Forum

However I'm not to sure about the attachments and signatures. I'm also not sure how well the For Sale forum would do making it a subscription based forum. Something to think about and maybe try out for sure, I'll look into what I can do to something like this up.


-Michael

Okay, this post might be WAY far off from my understanding of hosting and servers (i'm a n00b).

But this's my understanding on hosting and all that jazz, you register a domain, then you must find a hosting company and run it off of their server. Their server runs multiple accounts, could be slow, or could be fast. Some people host their sites from servers in their house/

Now, if i'm correct, how much would it cost to just build your own server and run it in your house? It might kill you in the shortrun, but in the long run, you'll save a bunch.

 

[msly]

the F/S forum would die!

I agree. With Ebay out there the F/S would certainly die. But the other options sure seem like a way to drum up funds. DarthRacers price plans sound reasonable on a yearly basis. If enough contribute it would be a cakewalk to get the money. If only the same people kick over and over well I am not sure if we could make it work.

sLY

Okay, this post might be WAY far off from my understanding of hosting and servers (i'm a n00b).

But this's my understanding on hosting and all that jazz, you register a domain, then you must find a hosting company and run it off of their server. Their server runs multiple accounts, could be slow, or could be fast. Some people host their sites from servers in their house/

Now, if i'm correct, how much would it cost to just build your own server and run it in your house? It might kill you in the shortrun, but in the long run, you'll save a bunch.

To run it from your house you would have to have a pipeline connected to the internet much like an ISP does. The monthy cost would be out of control.

sLY

 

[WoodiE]

msly - Eddy does bring up a good point making the FS open to view and buy items and charge to post, however I agree with you in I think the FS should remain free. I've thought about doing something similar to ebay or RCU however I just can't seem to talk myself into it. I like what we have now.

But this's my understanding on hosting and all that jazz, you register a domain, then you must find a hosting company and run it off of their server. Their server runs multiple accounts, could be slow, or could be fast. Some people host their sites from servers in their house/

Now, if i'm correct, how much would it cost to just build your own server and run it in your house? It might kill you in the shortrun, but in the long run, you'll save a bunch.

Good idea and I'd love to have my server within my reach at any given time, that would be awesome. However you hit on one thing and that's price. The cost to build a server for RCNT would be pretty high, most decent web servers start about $1,000 from there you would need some kind of very fast connection (no cable or dsl won't work). A solid T1 would be great, maybe more then plenty however when I priced a T1 about a year ago they where running about $1,000-$1,500 each month. I could get what they call a fractional T1 but even if it cost 1/4 of a full T1 that's still at least $250 each month - that alone is more then what we're paying now.

Then you add other things such as:

Security - paying a network center that is properly guarded from theft is much better then coming home to find your only server stolen.

Redundancy - how many times has the power been out at your place because of a storm or someone blew a fuse. Now you've got to by some kind of system that will allow the home server to maintain power even when the main power is cut off. Along with power, redundant internet connection. What happens when our new T1 line goes out for whatever reason. I think we've all had our internet connection not working at one point or another, but when the servers only line to the internet is dead so is the site. So now you can plan on doubling your internet connection costs regardless of what you go with.

Natural Disasters - while not very common but happen nonetheless an apartment isn't the safest place for a server when it comes to ND's. All major network centers are in buildings that are made to withstand a ND to some degree.

Hardware - Being a computer tech myself I'm fully aware that computer hardware does and will fail. Building my own server means I am now in charge of my own hardware, if a hard drive or any other piece of hardware goes out I have to buy a new one.

By renting a dedicated server all these problems are taken care of for me. As long as I pay the bill each month, the network center will make sure my server is up and running to the best of their ability. If something goes out then they fix it and they are out the cost, I still pay my same month to month bill.


Again for now we'll see how the ad box goes, if it really helps the site then we'll keep it around and maybe change a few things here and there. As for the contributors - I think it's time to overhaul that group and maybe change it to a subscription based user group with the added features Eddy and a few others have already pointed out (minus the paid FS forum).


-Michael

 

[dougc]

yea I dont think I would pay more the 20$ a year of any of that stuff. I think everyone would go for package 3 I know thats how I would do it. Aslo paymeny plans should be worked out for those of us that dont like paypal... like money orders.

 

[Rolex]

What ads? I've already gotten used to seeing them there. Only one of them really bothered me, and that was for Dunkin' Donuts. Wow, what a craving that caused.

 

[flash]

What ads? I've already gotten used to seeing them there. Only one of them really bothered me, and that was for Dunkin' Donuts. Wow, what a craving that caused.

hmm- i missed that ad, but i would like to thank you for bringing it up. now i have the crave too! man this sucks.


personally i dont mind the little ads. at least we dont have to take .2 seconds to close them out- just scroll on by. i think its all in what ya get used to seeing. it caught my eye at first but now i hardly notice it.

 

[fisherman]

Really the ads dont bother me at all you could add more and i would still be fine i mean jsut as long as they arent moving and stuff ill just scroll on past them. I mean I'm still learning abunch more than not getting on this site. Also if i had to pay to use this site i wouldnt be on here, not cuz i dont want to its my parents they wouldnt let me pay for the site their just that way and my moms already hates the hobby.

 

[robmob]

I believe just scrolling by the google ads does not help the site. You actually need to click on a link in order for RCNT to get any $$. Everyone should give the google ads a few clicks a day. Doesn't take much time and really helps out.

 

[flash]

i almost asked about that as i didnt know. ill donate some clicks.

 

[fisherman]

before i even read your post iv clicked on like two or three i kinda like them, not ot be nosy or anything but how much are those things bringing in for you woody? Heck I'm always looking for a good place to buy some good nitro parts,lol.

 

[WoodiE]

fisherman while I have never had any problems letting people know this info I unfortunately can not reveal how much is made from the Google service. Below you will find section 7 from the Terms of Service that Google requires each website to agree to. I've underlined and made bold the part that states that this info can not be disclosed.

7. Confidentiality. You agree not to disclose Google Confidential Information without Google's prior written consent. "Google Confidential Information" includes without limitation: (a) all Google software, technology, programming, specifications, materials, guidelines and documentation relating to the Program; (b) click-through rates or other statistics relating to Site performance in the Program provided to You by Google; and (c) any other information designated in writing by Google as "Confidential" or an equivalent designation. It does not include information that has become publicly known through no breach by You or Google, or information that has been (i) independently developed without access to Google Confidential Information, as evidenced in writing; (ii) rightfully received by You from a third party; or (iii) required to be disclosed by law or by a governmental authority.

-Michael

 

[fisherman]

Thats fine i dont care deffinitely dont want to know if its going to get you or the site in trouble. Thanks for the info hope these advertisments help out the funding for the site.

 

[1meathead]

can you do somthing like this but add the avatar and stuff also for the fee?
http://www.reefcentral.com/premium_membership.php
I think it would help

 

[Rolex]

This site is the pits. WoodiE actually pays ME to be here. The only problem I have with that is a clause in my contract that requires me to sign on just to read all the crap the rest of you guys post.
I tried getting out of my contract, but the next morning the rest of the moderators showed up at my door and beat me severely. It's not easy to type with 3 broken fingers on each hand.
I learned my lesson. I'll stick with the contract and continue to show up here.

 

[CntCtchMe]

Ok this may be a stupid question but woodie said he can monitor the number of times an ad is clicked on, does this mean every time someone clicks on and ad woodie gets money for it?, if so it wouldnt be hard for us to once in a while click on the ad and make him a few cents

 

[FastEddy]

does this mean every time someone clicks on and ad WoodiE gets money for it?,

That is exactly what it means, and exactly what everyone should do. Even better yet is to purchase something from the advertisers if you like what you see.

If you look at the ads they are dynamic. Threads that talk about Air Brushes should have ads that feature Air Brushes. The same goes with T-Maxx or any other KEY WORD that Google recognizes.

I click on them and have seen some great stuff. Take a little extra time and look at what the advertisers have to offer.

 

[WoodiE]

Ok right now I'm working on re-doing the contributors group which will be a subscription based program which all current avatars will be removed as well as sigs. Those of you that want them will have to be a supporting member, unfortunately that seems to be the same thing most large forums are using. Not only to support the site, but also increase performance within the site.

However I'd like your input on what to do about the gallery!? I'm considering also making the gallery a supporting member perk as well, in doing so what do you guys think should happen to the current gallery, should we delete all current images in the gallery and just re-do it as a whole. Right now we have about a dozen or so sections and really only one or two being used so should we greatly reduce the amount of sections? Do we allow movies to be uploaded with the new gallery?

Any input on the galleries future is greatly appreciated, thanks!


-Michael

 

[Lessen]

I think it would be easiest to delete the entire gallary and rework it. Also, I agree with cutting down the sections in the gallery. Maybe having only user gallery's. If a person wants to see pics of Savage's then they should just do a gallery search for "savage" as there is a place for a description when you upload anyhow. I see no need to have a savage gallery if you can create one simply by searching. The problem is that a lot of people don't put descriptions with there pics. maybe make a description mandatory upon upload???

Also, I think the lottery's should definately be limited to subscribed users. That is a MAJOR perk that only contributing members should be allowed to participate in. Also, about the lottery, I understand that it's not a moneymaker but I feel that it could be if the format is changed. Right now the lottery is not geared to make money. In fact it's not really a "lottery" to begin with. It's more like a raffle. I think the lottery could be much more succesful and yield a quicker turnaround if it was set up more like a "lottery". 1st, the tickets could possibly be a set price for every lottery, and hella cheap. Like $1.00 - $1.50 each. 2nd, no limit to total tickets sold and obviously no limit to tickets sold to any one person. 3rd. a set time constraint, for example... ticket sales begin at 8:00 a.m. 01/03/05 and will end at 9:00 p.m. 01/07/05. Winner announced 01/09/05 between 5:00 & 8:00 p.m. Obviously the choice of prize will make a drastic difference in the tickets sold but that's been a part of this from the get green. I think we all know that MT's and buggies are the big interest here. But I really think that having a low ticket price will prompt more people to spend more money on the lottery. In the current setup I can spend $25 on 3 tickets, with a real lottery setup if I spend $25 I could a dozen or two. In the whole scheme of things my odds wouldn't be any better because a lot of peole would be doing the same thing but it's really more of a mental thing. It just feels like you're chances are better, I think it would make it more fun actually. some people buy 1 ticket in a real lottery but a lot of people spend $20 every Wednesday. Hell, my wife always buys instants in bunches of 10. And how many of those big winners only bought 1 ticket.?.?. Realistically, you could probably hold a lottery sale to about 2 weeks, you do a good job of updates on ticket sales but I just think that if you're say there are 148 tickets sold vs. 26 the large number is gonna spark stronger interest to stay in the game. Just my