IMPORTANT UPDATE!
I appreciate all your ideas and I would like to share some additional thoughts and plans. Please make sure to read my previous update below in this thread!!!
We are in the midst of the transition period, which will probably take another week or so. I am listening to all your thoughts and ideas and it is wonderful to get to know you. Some of you have contacted me directly with offers of help. It means so much.
There is no question that some changes need to be made. We will start with a software upgrade and, as discussed with Jack and Bob, we may go with the Cloud version. This is going to be a major undertaking. We really don’t have much choice, as the longer we run on older software the more incompatible we will become with the world updating around us.
As far as design changes, there will be no “revolution” but the look of the website will change based on the newest version of the same platform. We will be doing some customisation, of course. Again, we don’t aim at “revolution” but some change is inevitable. Making any changes, especially to such an iconic site which you have enjoyed for so long, are not always easy. I know that. I have my own routine on my computer and I really dislike upgrades. It changes my flow and I need to learn the new way, something I don’t have time to do. It is often the case that once we go through the changes, once we learn this “NEW” way, we actually enjoy it. My objective is to allow access to the platform from mobile devices using apps as well.
We need to do this for two reasons. First, as I mentioned, we have to upgrade to a newer version. Second, more importantly, WE HAVE TO ATTRACT NEW USERS otherwise, as a platform, we will fade away. I am well aware of the risk here. Once we have new and younger members, the dynamics might change on the forum but I am sure we, as a community, can deal with it. To stay alive, we need to grow or, at least, not to lose members.
As stated in my previous post, we won’t go with a subscription option, but some ideas mentioned here could be introduced at some point, for example, a fee for commercial entities operating on the site or/and a small fee for gear sale postings.
As mentioned, especially at this initial stage, your help will be crucial. Soon you will find a DONATE button on the right side of the page so we would appreciate your support, especially in these early days.
I am in touch with Jack and Bob and I am sure they will share their advice and thoughts as they can. There is no question that they “feel” this community much better than I do at the moment, so their opinions carry extra weight in our decision-making process.
In short, thank you so much for all your ideas and unwavering support. I am listening and taking notes! Lots of work is going on behind closed doors and significant human resources are being put to work here.
Warm Regards and until the next update,
Cheers, Olaf