ADMIN: Web Site Too Successful - Contributions May Be Needed

[Mark Yashinsky]

This site has sent a bit of business their way. They have created many products, specific to CD's.
If you start charging membership, does that mean you have to be a member to post to the board??? Their is the core group that constantly post, then their is the ones farther out that skim, but dont post unless they have a problem (infrequent). Might drive people away, if the price is too much, or too much of a pain to send in money. What about Robinhood??? Got them on the front page, already.

How about having the winners of the Rendezvous Races pick up a month of operation (yeah, that includes you, #1). (Just joking here).

[Bill]

FWIW & IMHO, no banners PLEASE????

Bill
S/V Rhapsody

Catherine and Walt;

I'm quite sure that raising the funds for the continuance of this board will be no problem as all of us realize how valuable this board is. Many people have websites, both personal and commercial, that have the costs defrayed, either partially or totally, by allowing commercial banner ads on their site. Its a thought. This board gets a 1000 hits a day if memory serves. Perhaps marine industry companies like West Marine or Boat US would like a banner with a direct link to their URL. 3 companies at $35 a month (a pittance for a board that deals in "old boats" that always need something) would raise the $105 per month. I don't think the users of this board would be too upset if the pristine appearance of the CCDOA site was altered by a few small banners considering its purpose. It might, in fact, be easier to manage "bookkeepingwise" than some arrangement to have willing participants contribute. I've never gone the "banner route" so I don't know if there are any glaring pitfalls that would make the suggestion unsuitable for our purposes. As I said, its a thought.

Warren Kaplan
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27 #166

cd25d@rhapsodysails.com

[Michael Heintz]

Mark,

Just a month........ As Captain Stump continues to use his # 1 title, so should he subsidize this board It might change my strategies for next year.

( Mark, you must have known this would prompt a reply from me )

Michael Heintz
Captain Commanding
Macht Nichts
Racing Sloop CD 30 MK II



M zenith@aol.com

[Don Sargeant]

Folk,
I have to believe that the users of this BBs can EASILY afford to support its existence and those who don't want to contribute shouldn't have to (a la public TV). We've had a free ride for a long time now and I personally have gotten so much out of it (and hope I've added a little) that I'd be delighted to pay my way. BUT I don't want to see commercial advertising on it. PERIOD.
Don Sargeant
~~COQUINA~~
CD25D #189
Greenwich Cove

Mark,

That's $70 in addition to what's already being paid out of Walt's pocket. The current ISP limits our account to 50MB of disk space and the number of "requests" is limited to 200MB/day and 2000 hits/day. For the site to continue we'll need both additional disk space and an increase in the allotted number of "hits" to the site. This will cost us. Both Walt and I are exploring the options that are available to us. We'll keep you posted.


Cathy
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
CD32 Realization, #3
CCDOA Assistant Webmaster

Walt, you said your ISP wants an "ADDITIONAL" $70 ($105 total) or do you mean the monthly rate is GOING to $70??? Do you get any additional services by going to the "commercial" account (more server space, better response to site complaints, etc)???

[Mark Yashinsky]

[Mario]

I'm curious about the number of members in the CDSOA. Any idea?

As expensive as marine equipment is, we sailors shouldn't balk at kicking in an extra bit of cash each year for the privilege of sharing information. Our annual dues are probably the cheapest marine-related item or service we have. So, adding some extra to our annual dues seems fair.

I suspect that sailors in general are pretty tech savvy and that as ubiquitous as personal computers and Internet accounts are, the majority of CD owners who are members of CDSOA would use the web site.

The idea of commercial sponsors and/or advertisers makes me nervous. It brings a whole new level of complexity and editorial decision-making to the already complicated job of managing a web site.

Mario



capedory252@aol.com

[Ken Cave]

Walt:

We are working on it-and are finding new Cape Dopy Owners in the northwest that really love this site! This is really the social and information gathering of all the Cape Dory owners as well as the future owners who are presently looking for their dream boats!!

Thanks to you, this is probably the most successful site anywhere, with much needed information from those who care about their boats.

I really don't believe that annual dues would be a problem to keep this site and the Cape Dory Association going in its present state.

Thank you again for all your work in making this site the best,and most usuable one out there!

Ken Cave



bcave@whidbey.net

[Walt Bilofsky (Webmaster)]

Do you get any additional services by going to the "commercial" account (more server space, better response to site complaints, etc)???

Yes, we get lots more server space. We have also been moved to a faster server. Hope you can notice the improved response - I certainly do. As far as response to complaints, we'll have to see. But they have been treating me very nicely during this process.

- Walt



bilofsky@toolworks.com

[Mike Thorpe]

Walt,

Add my name to list for contributions.
Mike Thorpe
44 Constance Ave.
West Yarmouth, MA 02673
Tel. 508-384-9514





mthorpe@capecod.net