Taking a breather

[nxski]

Would it be at all possible for these indifferences to be sorted out 'behind the scenes'. That would allow the rest of us lemmings to continue using this site according to Thomas Gray's saying, "Ignorance is bliss."

I've never seen a forum with such an unprofessional air as Delica.ca has right now.

[RichD]

Jesse has been a long-term valuable contributor to this forum, and his absence would clearly missed by many (as this thread gives testimony to). I hope that his breather will be a brief one and have invited Jesse (as well as others directly connected to this episode) to call me directly to discuss.

It is clear that a significant issue to many relates to striking the correct balance between commercial interests (dealer posts for vehicle sales in particular) and those users who are not currently in the market and therefore have no interest in these postings.

It is important for Delica.ca to continue offering information on vans for sale (new users come here specifically to research what vehicles are available). However, it has also become apparent that the current system (regular thread posts for individual vans) is less-than-optimal for many reasons. The recent announcement that sales threads will be moved over to Delica Trader (and removed from View Active Topics) is specifically aimed at improving this situation.

My reaction to this post is: WHO ARE YOU? Never seen you at a meet. I'm sure you are a nice guy, but from this side of the screen you seem like the Queen of Delica Canada. You are a distant monarch who visits once a decade but owns the whole place.

<sarcasm>Thank you for asking the community how we felt about monetizing the forum for your own profit.</sarcasm>

[dfnder]

First of all I would like to say that it is a shame that we are losing a few people and that they are valuable contributers. We are all valuable as members but there is a minority that consistantly provide exceptional material.

To recap...

- on one side we have a forum which has evolved over time - in form and a little in function. For me and possibly those running this forum, it would mean a lot of work (not for someone trained) to maintain. After a few years of running it would be nice to recoup some of the yearly costs and to make the time invested not so daunting.

- another view is that the pristine forum has been corrupted by advertising, multiple posting and sketchy decisions.

Accusations have been launched from various angles and parties and I would like to address a few.

I saw a post from an advertiser/multiple postee here claiming foul over complaints about their postings. You know that I have heard Jesse recommend all the major players/suppliers including Rising Sun and I believe his views on the postings are not a personal agenda but rather a personal view on the esthetics and role of the forum.

You know a few weeks ago I was at CVI for some work, Christine and a few members happened to be present. After a day of chatting, lunch, more chatting, shuttles by Christine I started calling Christine the Delica Ambassador. I surely hope that her posts were deleted in error. Thanks again for all your help Christine and thanks also to Butch and Edwin for getting me up and running.

Personally I feel that the decision to not post sales into the "view active topics" area is a postive one but it is a reactionary move. Actions currently being made by the management seem ill timed and not thought out, reactionary. In most cases members can understand and accept decisions that are against their views - if those decisions are made after discussion or with a semblance of logical progression. It doesn't necesarily matter what news comes down the pipe but it certainly matters how it is delivered and that is one area this forum is in dire need.

Management - why not ask for some help from the members, form a small group of people to work things out. I suggest stating what money goes where - maybe a percentage to an outing and the rest to help out with costs. Set out something for the moderators, how they are added and how they can have their status nixed etc. Maybe a criteria for what posts can be deleted etc.

Remember to treat others how you would like to be treated

cheers, Peter

[thedjjack]

Would it be at all possible for these indifferences to be sorted out 'behind the scenes'. That would allow the rest of us lemmings to continue using this site according to Thomas Gray's saying, "Ignorance is bliss."

I've never seen a forum with such an unprofessional air as Delica.ca has right now.

Unfortunately this is pretty normal for a forum if it is run by one or two individuals that it starts to blow up from the inside out. examples:

Schoolies original form (for school bus campers) blew up after the membership got tired of the start up guy of the form getting corrupted by power and not listening to the membership and deleting post by major members and slowly banning those that went against him.

The Jeep FC150 and FC170 forms have two or three due to same power issues and people breaking off and starting new forms.


Unfortunately I think Delica.ca will fail if the administration fails to:

1) get a few more people with administrative power and voting
2) the newer larger administration will need to balance membership and advertising

I can think of 3-4 people who should be administrators for this website and club. It has grown and unless we grow the administration grows it will split up. Already we are losing major contributors. We have some of the most computer savvy computer people among this group, yet they have no control over the website??? It is only a matter of time until there is a new form out there and the membership splits. Yes I am thankful to Mark for setting up the sit and putting time into it. I have no problem with Mark taking some of the profits, sure, but unless there is changes at the top it will start to lose its base and the it will fail.

[psilosin]

The obvious solution is to make me supreme moderator and I'll just kick-ban everyone who has never seen and loved the 80's TV show Manimal...because if you haven't seen and loved the 80's TV show Manimal then you are a loser. Simple, Easy and Fair.

[jessef]

jesse i hope some of us who value your input and expertise can still maybe contact you via email.

By all means.

Anyone, feel free to contact me via email : jfarsang@gmail.com

Cheers guys

[FredVenne]

Group hug?

Sorry could not help it...

Better that then "Aaaah get along you bunch of wimpies"

Could not help it for that one too...

I love you guys...

Sound like my last drunken night...

[RichD]

Group hug for sure.

[dfnder]

Well it seems that the "for Sale" is back in the "view active topics". Although at times it is nice to see what is selling, I am a regular browser and it is somewhat annoying. For someone who checks daily (sometimes more) "view active topics" is nice to be sure you don't miss anything and getting 'flyers' everyday on your doorstep... well you know. I know I am rehashing but for someone that is looking to buy it is easy enough for them to go to the for sale section as I suspect non regulars looking to buy would not even notice the 'active' button.

[mark]

Its also quite easy to click through to Falco's recent announcement in the Vehicle Sales Section which clearly sets out the timeline over which the transition to Delica Trader is scheduled to take place...

[jessef]

Thanks for the emails guys. I've been persuaded to jump back in. Hopefully, things will change.

I'll continue to do what I've been doing. Being part of the community, contributing to the delica community and above all else, enjoying the delica community.

[nxski]

Nice to have you back

[jessef]

Nice to have you back

Roger that

[madmazda]

woo hoo glad you won't let one or a few posters dissuade you from giving us your wealthy knowledge..... Don't want another GREEN 1... By the way where the hell is green 1 haven't seen him at any of our meets in a while.....

[jaggedfish]

Jesse,
I am very glad to hear of your decision to return. Your knowledge and input is greatly appreciated and, doggone it, I like you... in a manly-like way... Seriously, welcome back and I look forward to your feedback and postings of your adventures.

Cheers!
Ian