| Author |
Message |
kneeslider
Samba Member
Joined: March 23, 2016
Posts: 3
Location: UK
|
 Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 10:13 am Post subject: 356 Registry Forums |
 |
|
Hi all,
Just a quick heads up, but I have noticed that the 356 talk forums over on the Registry website now appear to be locked down and unavailable to read. Ditto for the Technical articles.
I am not a paid up Registry member, as I am based in the UK. I am however considering joining up.
Its just a bit salty to have to cough up for something now that used to be free. Ho Hum! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
MoPor
Samba Member
Joined: December 03, 2010
Posts: 292
Location: Canada
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 12:59 pm Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
They want you to pay to support their magazine whether you want it or not. That's where a good deal of the money goes.
_________________
Matt
'58 356A coupe
'00 Boxster S |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenn 
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 76897
Location: Sneaking up behind you
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 1:33 pm Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
I used to be a moderator on the 356 Registry and after voicing my opinion that they should NOT make it a pay site, I was thanked for my previous service and told I was being given a vacation from my moderating duties.
At that time I asked for a refund of my membership and received a check a few days later. I then found my user access was revoked.
Thanks for nothing.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Loren
Samba Member
Joined: January 10, 2004
Posts: 1700
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 8:42 pm Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
| I should send them a thank you letter. You are a great contribution to the Samba! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lind
Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2000
Posts: 9913
Location: idaho
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 6:28 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
I am a member, although I don't spend much time on their forums. I logged in and found the announcement quoted below. I love their newsletter, as it has incredible information. Their online resources are good too. The paywall kind of sucks for the cheapskates out there, as some people seem to think that everything on the internet should be free or at least easy to steal.
| 356 registry site wrote: |
Hi Folks
As part of our initiative to increase Registry membership, especially among non-member owners, the Trustees endorsed changing access to some sections of the website as a way of encouraging non-members who truly enjoy the site to join and receive full member benefits. The Registry website contains a wealth of valuable information about 356 Porsche's and literally all aspects of the club. Up to now, non-members have had substantial access to many features of the site, including the Talk Forum, Classifieds, and everything on the Resources page - including member’s cars. As part of our initiative to increase Registry membership, especially among non-member owners, the Trustees voted to tighten the limits on non-member access as a way of encouraging those who truly enjoy the site to join up. Non-members will still be able to see Talk Forum post titles, Classified listings, Resource article titles, and more because we want to show them what is available with full access by joining our club.
Thanks
Curt |
_________________
.
Wanted:
Idaho VW license plate frames or other dealership items.
VWoA literature and early dealership or distributor literature/pictures/information
. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 76897
Location: Sneaking up behind you
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 6:52 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
Printing cost is most likely the biggest expense so if they went to a online pdf version they wouldn't need so much income. Charging for forum access is to subsidies the printed magazine.
And the value of the forum is provided by its members which don't get paid. Kinda like college sports.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lind
Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2000
Posts: 9913
Location: idaho
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 7:10 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
| Glenn wrote: |
Printing cost is most likely the biggest expense so if they went to a online pdf version they wouldn't need so much income. Charging for forum access is to subsidies the printed magazine.
And the value of the forum is provided by its members which don't get paid. Kinda like college sports. |
Why don't you login and tell them as much? Better yet, join the board of directors and tell them in person. Oh yeah, you took your ball and went home. (they did give you a refund)
I am happy to pay my dues, and I get plenty of good information for it. I also don't mind paying to get into VW shows, etc. Some things are free, but most things cost money for someone.
This might be a case of getting what you paid for....
_________________
.
Wanted:
Idaho VW license plate frames or other dealership items.
VWoA literature and early dealership or distributor literature/pictures/information
. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 76897
Location: Sneaking up behind you
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 7:30 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
I was a paid member and when I voiced my opinion I was asked to leave. I guess you missed my previous post.
They don't want to hear anyone that disagrees with them. So they can kiss my ass.
And I still get quite a bit of business from the 356 crowd so personally i'm not missing it.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lind
Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2000
Posts: 9913
Location: idaho
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 7:37 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
| Glenn wrote: |
I was a paid member and when I voiced my opinion I was asked to leave. I guess you missed my previous post.
They don't want to hear anyone that disagrees with them. So they can kiss my ass.
And I still get quite a bit of business from the 356 crowd so personally i'm not missing it. |
I am sure you were quite polite to them before they revoked your moderator status. Likewise, I am sure they miss your contributions. Their loss.
_________________
.
Wanted:
Idaho VW license plate frames or other dealership items.
VWoA literature and early dealership or distributor literature/pictures/information
. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 76897
Location: Sneaking up behind you
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 7:44 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
| Lind wrote: |
| Glenn wrote: |
I was a paid member and when I voiced my opinion I was asked to leave. I guess you missed my previous post.
They don't want to hear anyone that disagrees with them. So they can kiss my ass.
And I still get quite a bit of business from the 356 crowd so personally i'm not missing it. |
I am sure you were quite polite to them before they revoked your moderator status. Likewise, I am sure they miss your contributions. Their loss. |
Actually i was, they got rid of the entire moderating team since we all agreed. Barry Brasco was one and a very long time member and included in the purge.
Just like the present administration, when you're disagree they get rid of you and put in YES men.
Some people don't want to hear the truth.
Don't care what they think, still get private emails from members and am happy to help.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jon Schmid
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2012
Posts: 2038
Location: Southern California
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 1:39 pm Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
| Quote: |
Actually i was, they got rid of the entire moderating team since we all agreed. Barry Brasco was one and a very long time member and included in the purge.
Just like the present administration, when you're disagree they get rid of you and put in YES men.
Some people don't want to hear the truth.
Don't care what they think, still get private emails from members and am happy to help. |
Yeah, I was surprised when you and Barry "left." I met him some years ago--real nice guy. I'm glad I have access to both sites--the number of people (me of course excluded) that know squat about 356's is diminishing--we need more sources of quality information, not fewer.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Wiggy
Samba Member
Joined: April 17, 2003
Posts: 6601
Location: Downingtown, PA
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
saddlesore1
Samba Member
Joined: November 20, 2006
Posts: 548
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2020 7:13 pm Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
I was a member over 20 years ago for over 10yrs and still can't bring myself to join again
Same played out message of arrogance and miss appropriations of funds. I hear of all the new guys coming in (old awesome guys with wisdom and sense of self have passed on , God Rest Their Soles) only to be replaced with young egos because they own a Porsche (said as Thurston Howel III).
HA,,, what's the difference between an cactus and a Porsche Owner??
Regards,
happy T5b owner. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lind
Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2000
Posts: 9913
Location: idaho
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 6:17 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
I don't really care about the club politics or how they spend their money. They have a good resource for online information, their magazine is well done, and I am happy to pay for it. I knew going in that the majority of porsche people are not my kind of people.
_________________
.
Wanted:
Idaho VW license plate frames or other dealership items.
VWoA literature and early dealership or distributor literature/pictures/information
. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
badsix
Samba Member
Joined: November 22, 2007
Posts: 228
Location: coos bay or.
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2020 7:39 pm Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
| Lind wrote: |
| I don't really care about the club politics or how they spend their money. They have a good resource for online information, their magazine is well done, and I am happy to pay for it. I knew going in that the majority of porsche people are not my kind of people. |
They are having problems over there right now and your good resource for information is dwindling as more of the old knowledgeable people are bailing out, maybe you should get involved.
Jay D. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jacks
Samba Member
Joined: July 15, 2006
Posts: 2347
Location: San Clemente, Ca.
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 1:02 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
I would once again share my hard earned 50+ years of experience on 356 on their forum, but this knowledge cost me dearly, and I am not willing to pay them money for the privilege to do so. 
_________________
Jack Staggs
Actual name |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 76897
Location: Sneaking up behind you
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 4:46 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
| Jacks wrote: |
| I would once again share my hard earned 50+ years of experience on 356 on their forum, but this knowledge cost me dearly, and I am not willing to pay them money for the privilege to do so. |
Thanks for putting into words what I was thinking.
The information in the forum is not theirs, the members share it for free... just like theSamba. I'm sure if people cam here they would be welcomed with open arms and not requests for money.
They treat the forum as a cash cow and use it to support the magazine and other expenses. If I remember correctly there was a call for a transparent accounting of the expenses uncured by members of the board.
I don't know if that ever happened.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lind
Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2000
Posts: 9913
Location: idaho
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:21 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
| badsix wrote: |
| Lind wrote: |
| I don't really care about the club politics or how they spend their money. They have a good resource for online information, their magazine is well done, and I am happy to pay for it. I knew going in that the majority of porsche people are not my kind of people. |
They are having problems over there right now and your good resource for information is dwindling as more of the old knowledgeable people are bailing out, maybe you should get involved.
Jay D. |
I know very little about porsches, so there is very little which I could contribute. I do know a lot about VWs, and contribute it freely to this site, and have people contact me directly for info frequently, which I happily share. I also write a monthly column which you have to pay a bit to read.
I would prefer that everything be free, but its just not always possible. Many people are total cheapskates who won't pay for anything if they don't have to. The porsche registry forces people to subscribe to their magazine to get all their resources and benefits. To me its worth it. I am entertained and informed for not a lot of money. I don't mind supporting for-profit enterprises, and actually prefer that someone makes some money on things so that there is that much more incentive for them to continue.
how many of you subscribe to a VW magazine?
_________________
.
Wanted:
Idaho VW license plate frames or other dealership items.
VWoA literature and early dealership or distributor literature/pictures/information
. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 76897
Location: Sneaking up behind you
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:38 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
| Lind wrote: |
I would prefer that everything be free, but its just not always possible. Many people are total cheapskates who won't pay for anything if they don't have to. The porsche registry forces people to subscribe to their magazine to get all their resources and benefits. To me its worth it. I am entertained and informed for not a lot of money. I don't mind supporting for-profit enterprises, and actually prefer that someone makes some money on things so that there is that much more incentive for them to continue.
how many of you subscribe to a VW magazine? |
Does theSamba count as a for-profit enterprise? The gold star tells everyone you value this place.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/premium_membership.php
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jacks
Samba Member
Joined: July 15, 2006
Posts: 2347
Location: San Clemente, Ca.
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:53 am Post subject: Re: 356 Registry Forums |
|
|
Well, the 356 Registry operates as a “non profit” organization for tax purposes. It seems that the only one there making any money, and a fair bit at that, is the publisher of the magazine, who operates under contract. Huh...
_________________
Jack Staggs
Actual name |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
