So, where do we want to go from here? What kind of bbs is everyone intrested in, and does anyone have any ideas how to pay for a new site? I'll be more than willing to (help) run a new site, but I cannot afford to pay for one. I'll admit that I don't know too much about web development, but I do have a background in computers (degree in CIS, a network admin certificate (from a college, not a 3 week class)), and do some VB programming at work, but I know that I'll have a lot of learning that I'll need to do, which is ok by me.
I for one would like to have a BBS with an intergrated front end, (like MINI2, NAM, SOMC, etc..) and would also like to have user galleries. Depending on how things work out, galleries could always be manually uploaded, and linked to in a message thread, would would be easier to set up but less user-friendly at the same time. I've already had one offer to use their web server (thanks to Paul from SOMC, who also offered to help with the initial setup), but of course, with the server status being totally out of our hands, that's a situation to think about. There are quite a few free bbs programs out there from the simple (yaBBS) to the complex (GeekLog), which would mean that we would still have to foot the bill for a server. There are also services, some free (like this very one), and some that cost some cash (like the paid version of this one). The nice thing about the hosted services is that setup is already taken care of. The bad thing is that we're stuck with what they offer, which very well might mean no real server space.
So, what is everone's take on the matter at hand? What are your ideas and suggestions of where we can go from here? What time / money / skills can you donate to the cause?
I'm definitely willing to contribute some $ to this, and to work on fundraising through T shirt & static cling sales. Also would be great to have some type of donation setup (through Paypal if needed) so people could contribute small amounts to keep it going.
A gallery would be great, but even a basic message board is useful for the day-to-day communications for Mini owners around the area. I'm still not sure I know what 'integrated front end' means, but will do some research.
This helps a lot to keep the ideas flowing! (Though I'm willing to pay to keep the flashing ads away!)
Cool, I've wanted to buy club merchandise for a while (don't forgot mugs!)...
Re: Gallery: Like I said, it could always be manually done, and really, is probally left as something to add in the future...
Re: Front End: For example, if you go to NAM or MINI2, the front page is not a 'spash screen', but a page with information about what's going on in the forums. Of course, that could always be manually done also, and the more I think about it, the better off it sounds that we should add that on the future wish list also.
If you just want to keep it here (with a more personalized URL), you can check out the info at the bottom of the main page. It does come with some extra features that we don't get now (broadcast e-mail, custom avatars, personalized url, NO FLASHING ADVERTS!). It would make things much easier, because instead of setting up something new, we could just keep improving on what's already here, but I think we would still want a splash page in order to keep getting new traffic (and new members).
It seems easier to just keep using Sparklit's Activboard service. The last thing we need is yet another message board shake-up. If we purchase 'Gold' stauts, we will get a custom URL (for example, www.MINICLUBOFWNY.activboard.com), no adverts, the ability to customize the messageboard more, and other bells and whistles. It's only $4.95 a month for the level of service that we would need, and anyone can contribute using the 'Community Funding' link on the main page of the forum.
That being said, what else would you like to see, forum wise? TV? Music? Movies? Politics (National & Local)? Video Games? This is your club, and your forum, what do you want to see on it?
Hmm, politics could be scary! I've seen flame wars over brake dust (not on our board though), so I can only imagine what could happen!
Maybe it would be good to have regional sections, and a 'I spotted a Mini' thread where people could see who their neighboring Minis are. I've seen a few sites that have Google maps where people can list their location (or approximate location, for the security conscious).
This time of year, I think the biggest discussion will be in snow tires!
