Time To Renew The Site

[Thorvic]

3) I've talked to the Steve from ARC and Mike from Britmodeler and they are quite enthused about the newest version of Invision's Forum software. You've seen it for yourself and allows for quite a bit of personalization and flexibility. It's also more secure/hacker-proof from what I understand. Unfortunately it's also about US$245. If we can pool US$310 this year (renewal + forum software) would you guys be interested in converting to the new forum?

Would we be able to embed videos instead of just providing a link? If not then I would say it's not worth it.

Theres other aspects relating to the upgrade that are much more relevant then embedded videos. Its the enhanced security and better aministration tools that are the key factor, from a user perspective most will probably feel cosmetic but hopefully it will make the administration much simpler and allow a better breakdown of themes and topics.

Don't forget Tom mentioned the bandwith excedence fees, so embedding Video aint likely to be allowed unless you have deeper pockets (ARC are well sponsored and well funded - we have to make do with what we can rustle up between ourselves!)

I expect from over the 600 members listed we will get contributions from a maximum of about 50 users at most.

G

[Gervasius]

I would be more than willing to donate money and/or kits. Unfortunately, recent health issues keep me away from real modelling but this is least I can do. Money in greeting card/envelope would work?

Marko

[Howard of Effingham]

i'll echo marko's reply here because it is what i would say too.

we need to keep the name as it is and it would be nice if some kits could be sold
to help pay for the site and or have somewhere we could send a small donation
[in $ or £] to to keep her going.

trevor

[GTX]

My thoughts:

1. Stick with the current name.

2. Tell me where to send the money!  I'm in a very generous mood!

Another idea that I've been thinking of for a while (though this would be more of a longer term idea), is to develop and sell a book of our own (something along the lines of John Baxter's books) with profiles, model pics and attached backstories.  Alternatively a Calender or CDROM of similar.  The profits could be used to support the site.

Regards,

Greg

[Shasper]

Greg,

Thats not a half bad idea, I've been looking for an excuse to get really down n dirty on my writing, and this may be a good chance for that.


Shas B)

[kitnut617]

I've already PM'd Tom I can contribute but I'd like to add my vote here to keep the name as is.

Robert

[Hobbes]

While a book sounds cool, there's a significant startup cost involved if you want to do a printed version. It's virtually impossible to turn a profit with the small numbers we're likely to be talking about.

[markm70]

Hey Tom,
I'm in with the help too! B)   No name change.   I should get more active again soon, been a busy arse summer so far.

See you this fall at Dayton and Cincy,
Mark

[BlackOps]

I think the current name is perfect. You can count me in for a donation as well.

[SimonR]

I'm in for a donation. Don't care about the name!

[P1127]

Names fine, and I'm up for a donation.

[Gekko_1]

I say keep the name the same too.

I'm happy to contribute financially, Pay Pal would be a good way to do it.



Richard.

[Nick]

Keep the name as it is.
Maybe register similar names and use them to redirect people to this site?

Tell me the Paypal address so I can donate.

A book would be nice but I fear printing costs would outweigh any profits.

Nick B)  

[Radish]

Keep the name please.

I'll pay someone who does paypal, like Lance said he would.

[Supertom]

(in best Professor Farnsworth voice)

Good news, everyone!  I've renewed the site.  At the moment I billed it on my credit card.  I was initially going to create a new Paypal account for What If but then I realized I'd have to set up a new email address for it (which I can forget to check - out of sight, out of mind) and a most likely a new bank account in order to keep the monies separate.  Since this is a little too much for me at the moment, here's what we could do, if this meets your approval:

1) To contribute to the fund via Paypal, PM me and I'll send you my email address.  Mark it as "FUNDS FOR WHAT-IF" so I'll know what's what.

2) If you don't have a Paypal account, money orders will work too (cash is tricky because if it's lost in the mail...well, at least the money order is insured).

3) We can set up designates in other countries to process money orders through Paypal.  Last time we did it I think it was Thorvic or Lance.

4) I'll post the amounts I receive on the forum - I'll PM you when it's received but not say who's contributing on the reports.  

5) As I've already paid for the renewal, I will take the first $61.60 out for myself to pay the credit card bill.  Anything else will sit there for future use.  If we get $250 or more we'll discuss whether we want to use the new forum software again.

Let me know what you think.