I'm not sure I'd commit to having a 'master plan' but there is a vision. The original premise for this house was to provide a place for the North Georgia riders group to coordinate weekend rides and interact in a less restrictive environment. It grew into a kick back, have a drink and shoot the breeze with like minded riders, self governing place to hang out. Then hardware failure in 2012. Reborn in late 2012 utilizing the open source phpBB platform and cloud hosting with Dreamhost.com. I have always retained the mindset Jason and Dom had with running things here - minimal oversight and reliance on a self governing mentality. I think we've done a pretty good job with that.
I like how Uncle Hud put it -
Recently, there's been some changes - enhancements & discussion about improvements. The FJRiders.com Calendar contest had a 2nd successful year. Development of the landing page and storefront are additional updates to ensure the site if sustainable. Tim has been a tremendous help in running the calendar contest and putting up with my constant questions. William (Calimus) is still active in the background as well, approving new members as needed. I appreciate their help beyond words. There have been many emails and PM's with offers of help - signs that this lowly little community will survive and thrive in the coming years. If we don't continue to evolve and grow this community, it will wither and die - and I'm sure no one here wants to see that."FJRiders is a widely-dispersed gaggle of friends, who share an interest in FJRs and long-distance riding.
The mindset with the "no B.S." zone(s) is to make management of some things easier on me. The license plate frame thread, for instance; I need to know that posts there are either new orders, questions or concerns about orders - I needed an efficient way of making sure I didn't miss anyone's question or issue to ensure problems are resolves quickly. Scrolling through 3 pages of man-love posts was not going to help that process at all.
There is also conversation happening about a tech library - a place where tech articles are posted and available to members as a resource. It makes sense to not have side conversations in those topics. One thing I remember when I brought home my first FJR and joined the community is how most newbie questions were answered with some version of a "LMGTFY" response that made me not want to ask a question. My vision for the tech library is a place where someone new to the bike or group can ask even the most basic question and get a helpful response, not the "why didn't you google that you idiot" chatter.
I'm not going to make the entire place a "No B.S." zone and I'm not interested in the minions either. If I really wanted to develop this into something, I'l make it a pay-to-post site. Just think, I'd be able to retire with how much some of you post during the day, "If I had a penny for every time..."
And KJ nailed it - it's about tact - how you talk to someone. There was a time in my life that I was not a pleasant person to be around most days (if you were to talk to any of my Marines). My career at the time demanded it at times. That person still exists, in the shadows - I prefer to be the (mostly) easy going and relaxed person I see in the mirror today. I'd prefer to ask folks, not tell them. A nudge in the form of a warning from the moderator panel is just my way of saying, "think about it please". The "Ban Hammer" is a tool in the box, but I don't see ever needing it here, because everyone is on board with the self governing environment we have here.
Asking for help with the bills has been hard for me. The costs are minimal, in the big picture, but there is a cost. There has been a huge outpouring of offers to donate and help. The license plate frame project is a huge step in the right direction to making the forum self sustaining financially. I am also working on another run of stickers and hats. I'm open for suggestions as well - t-shirts, etc. With the storefront functioning now, it helps automate the process some. If needed, I can create an item that is a "donation". At this time, I want to keep donations connected to a product.
There. that's all I have for right now. I'll leave you with this; as the season opens up and we start to gather and embrace the 2 wheel passion we all share - remember those who are not with us this year; share a story and raise a glass or bottle in their honor; take a minute to shake the hand and say hello to everyone standing in the parking lot or lobby or garage. Be there for each other. Go Ride!!
Wayne
Post by wheatonFJR » Wed Apr 11, 2018 6:38 am
I have no problem with No B.S. forums. None at all. In fact I welcome it....as long as there is the big red banner at the top. HMFIC has been pretty clear where the no BS is going to occur...from the history here, it's pretty clear he has a vision of this place that I agree with. I know that I like joshing around...but I don't want to ruin someone's thread asking for specific help, or whatever...even if I have done that in the past.
by Redfish » Wed Apr 11, 2018 5:55 am
I hate to type this but...
It suddenly hit me why we have the new Rules mandating no B.S. in certain technical sections. I personally don't like it and would like to have a little leeway but dammit we can all steer a thread into some unexpected directions. As I read through these posts I can't even remember what we started discussing.
I am thinking that when/if the Other Forum dies our resident Marine will reveal his Master Plan for Forum Domination. He will effectively have a monopoly and can force us to do whatever he wants.
He already has this live emoji depicting our future here at FJRiders:
by Top_Speed1 » Wed Apr 11, 2018 7:57 am
This BS insertion is never-ending and on-going in all of them. Some more strict than others, but in all honesty, NONE are even close to what the FJRforum was. I've never seen anywhere (nor even heard) of the disciplinary tactics that were used over there. I mean really; stand up in class and write out on the chalkboard that you'll never break rule 104B sec A..... and, 100 times over!. And then have to praise the teacher on how right he/she was and how wrong you were.
It's all about tact (adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues).
There's certain ways to deal with rule violators, but also remembering that we are all adults (I think lol) and we are in reality within a motorcycle community... you know, the ruff-tuff guyz!
I'm all for keeping tech threads Non-BS.
But when Wheatie forgets and has a Bush's baked bean moment (aka brain fart), maybe a simple door knock or two would be much more "tactful" than the gas chamber. (catch my play on this? hehe)
