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  View original topic: General Site FAQ
EverettB Thu Jul 08, 2004 12:18 pm


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General FAQ for TheSamba.com

Who is authorized to represent TheSamba.com?
Everett Barnes everettb@thesamba.com or Jen Barnes jen@thesamba.com are the only people who speak for the site.

How is it possible that one guy can run a site this large that is constantly updated?
I used to post every addition myself but as the site grew I started to automate different functions. A few visitor uploads must still be approved but I usually just spend most of my time answering my e-mail, deleting non-VW ads or duplicates, and working on ways to improve TheSamba.com.

How do you create/modify your web site?
I use Front Page and Notepad. I got Front Page for free and it works for me. If you are looking for a product, go to web pages you like and ask them what they use.

Can I buy or see the source code for the programs on your site?
The code is not for sale. If you have a specific question, I will do my best to help you.

How is TheSamba.com funded?
The site is paid for by Banner Ads, Samba Stuff sales, Donations, and Classified Ad upgrade options such as Featured Ads, Bold Text, and Additional Pictures. I plan to keep the site free to VW enthusiasts as long as these sources of income pay for the site.

I can't afford a large donation, sorry.
Donations are voluntary and much appreciated. 1% is a guideline for car sellers, you are welcome to send any amount, most of the donations I receive are around $10 to $15. Some cars sell in one day, some ads run for a year. Consider the time and money advertising on TheSamba.com saves verses running ads in the newspaper, Auto Trader, or eBay. Last time I checked, it was $80 to sell a car on eBay! Even $1 is appreciated.

How many people visit TheSamba.com every day?
Please visit the Advertising page for the latest statistics.

Where is the appropriate place on TheSamba.com to publicize another site?
You can post a link to your personal page in the General Forum or the Links page. If it is a VW related business, please post it here. Post a link to your VW club in Clubs. Post a link to upcoming VW shows here. Non VW-related items are not allowed.

What is a Samba?
Samba is the term used for the 23-window Deluxe Bus in Europe. It was also the name of my dog, Samba.

Does TheSamba.com sell T-Shirts?
Yes, visit our Products page to order Shirts, Posters, or Free Stickers.

I just registered, why can't I login?
First check that you are entering the correct username and password. If they are okay then you either didn't receive or didn't read the automated activation email. Activation is required to reduce the possibility of users abusing the board anonymously. Please do not create another account, contact Everett at everettb@thesamba.com to activate your existing account.

I can't remember my password!
Relax, go to the login page and click "I've forgotten my password". While your password cannot be retrieved it can be reset. Expect an automated email giving you a new password. After you login, you are free to reset your password in the Profile screen.

How do I add a Stolen vehicle notification?
Select the Stolen vehicles category when you add a photo to the Gallery.

I can't find (fill in the blank) on the site, where is it?
The tab bar at the top of the site is for navigation. There are six main sections: Home, Classifieds, Gallery, Forums, Community, and Archives. Clicking on a tab will change the sub-heading bar underneath to reveal the topics under that section. For instance, clicking on the Community button will reveal your choices to be Shows, Clubs, Links, Businesses, and Feature Cars. Take a few minutes to click through all the choices and you will see where everything is located. Use the Search located under the Home tab if you are still lost.

You didn't respond to my e-mails/pictures! Why?
If you have sent me e-mails and/or pictures and I haven't got back to you, that most likely indicates that your return e-mail address was invalid and I was unable to contact you. Please check your "Return-To" address in your e-mail program and resend your note(s) to me. This happens at least 1-2 times per week. Thanks!

I got a virus from "everettb". Why?
It is not from me. Some of the newest viruses will steal email addresses from your address book or from the last site you visited and them use that as the "From" address. If you want to see who the email is really from use the "View headers" command on the email. Any valid emails from me have a from address of "Everett Barnes". Visit http://www.norton.com for more details.

Why am I getting "pop-up" ads on TheSamba.com when you say there aren't any?
This site does not allow pop-ups. There are several possible reasons. You may have visited another site which launched pop-up windows in the background, or some web pages trigger pop-ups when a user leaves that site. When you came to TheSamba.com, the windows may have become visible. Or, some free programs include other programs when you install them. These secret programs can show pop-ups at random intervals or based on anything you type on a web page. To prevent Spyware and other viruses, it is important that you keep your Windows updated to the latest version: http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

Can I get a copy of the VW Facts on the Home Page?
Currently, they are not available. Sorry.

Where can I find parts?
Check out the free Business Directory, go to VW shows for the swap meets, search the Classifieds on my site and others on the Internet, check eBay, contact VW stores listed in VW magazines, or join a VW club.

How much is this Bug/Bus/Type 3/Ghia worth?
It is difficult to estimate value without seeing a car in person. The value of a vintage VW depends on a lot of things - location, condition (rust, etc.), and rarity. I suggest looking at comparable cars in the Classifieds.

Where can I get a Birth Certificate for my VW?
This thread has the information.


Everett Barnes
Administrator - Webmaster
TheSamba.com



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