One More Try - Looking for help

I have been wanting to help support this forum financially for some time. I would even be willing to up the subscription to a monthly bill to make it worthwhile for the moderators. Saving this forum is crucial and I'm willing to help any way I can. Thank you, Todd, for making the decision to preserve and promote it.

I have felt the same anger over the political thread, and am guilty for having briefly contributed to its running length. We are a passionate bunch, as is evidenced by the crazy contraptions we fly. And these past months have been a polarizing time among even the 'normal' people. Venting was bound to happen. Yet here we are, working together to protect this valuable resource.

Brian
 
I'm in. How can I pay?

In Denmark we have only a Gyrocopter Union - no club.
But I'll promote the site in Denmark and Sweden.

Best wishes,
Erik
 
Thanks for reconsidering Todd.
I think I second Kai’s position that ask for subscription from people who want to post. Keep viewing public and free.

I would offer help moderating but as I said before I think my politics and religion both are better than others so ... I doubt I could be fair :). I represent a kit manufacturer and it’s not appropriate position for me. But I do believe besides jokes politics and religious discussion does not belong on Internet forums meant to promote a different passion. In person most of these guys would never say such things to each other discussing the same subject.

Hope you’ll choose good neutral people. Having 3 or 4 moderators is good because severe actions can be agreed upon by a majority. Simple moderation like removing some posts or giving a week's worth of timeout can be handled by a single moderator.
Best
 
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Smack,
Perhaps consider a 'daily limit' for posts?
A software-enforced 'time out' might be good for a cooling-off period.
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there isn't always a technical solution for a human problem.
Let's make it a rule that people in general but especially forum members are to be treated with respect. I don't need a political section, the internet is big enough for that already, but I would like to have an off-topic section where we can post general things and questions, jokes etc. without having to open a new section every time and have the structure frizzle out.

Kai.
 
I like the $20 membership idea. My thought would be not just to remove ads, but to allow only those subscribed to post (while still allowing non-member visitors to view everything). Anyone who has a true interest in rotorcraft would find the cost de minimis, but it will discourage most of those who seem mainly interested in "other" topics (which I think ought still to be allowed, in some form). Just my 2¢. Or $20 ☺️
 
ToddP said:
I should know better than make posts when I'm angry.

In case you hadn't figured it out, opening up the forum and finding a 100's of posts long thread about politics really pissed me off.

That said, I also know its on my shoulders for not moderating like I should.

Like many have said, I firmly believe this forum has saved some lives. It would be very unfortunate to lose this body of knowledge.

So, let's give it another try.

For the forum to continue and be a viable resource, we need to:

1. Get some moderators
2. Increase traffic and post counts
3. Generate some revenue so it covers the expenses.

In order to make these things happen. I'm looking for;

1. Moderators. I would like to find 3-4 people who are level headed and can apply the rules of the forum. In addition, I want the moderators to also be active in the discussions and work to promote great discussions through their own forum posts. If you are interested in becoming a moderator, please send me a message.

2. There was a time when we would have over a 100 posts a day about gyros and flying. A strong vibrant community will only make this forum better for all. I want to find 1-2 people that will work to promote the forum not only here but in other areas of the internet driving traffic to the forum. Someone who understands how to manage a facebook page, post on reddit #aviation sub channels, post ads on barnstormers or any other avenue that would get new people interested and involved in this sport and the forum. If you're interested in tackling this project, send me a message.

3. The forum is surprisingly affordable to operate but it still has bills. The current hosting / administrator specializes in running Xenforo forums and does an excellent job. We have had zero reliability or speed issues since switching to them. Their bills are about $1,400 / year. There are a few other things like software support but the total cost is less than 2k per year. Don't bother telling me about using cheaper options, I've used a few of them. They suck.

I am going to send an e-mail to the administrators about adding advertisements to the forum to drive some revenue. I will also look at having the option of a $20 annual subscription that would turn off all the advertisements. If you have some feedback on this proposal, send me a message.

Finally, thank you to those that have reached out and offered their thanks and support. You messages and posts are what has caused me to have this change of heart. You are appreciated.

We've got some work to do. Who's in?

Todd
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Thank you Todd. As a new gyro pilot I find this forum extremely informative. I would be willing to help however I can.
 
Looks like you have enough volunteers for moderators, so feel free to sideline my offer to maderate, I meant moderate. Subscription to post, free to lurk, seems like a good combo. Much prefer to subscribe than to endure adverts, but adds could be kept in mind if the subs don't cover costs.
I don't fly anymore, but the sub is worth it for the gyro-social contact and entertainment.
 
I forgot:
I'll help where I can. This forum is invaluable to me, both as a knowledge source but also for companionship.

Not being a native english speaker I don't think I could qualify as moderator. But I do have the time.

Having an Auto-Gyro MTO Sport 914, retrofitting it with new carbon prop (mounted) and carbon rotor (arriving March 1st).
Starting schooling this spring in my own gyro.
And building a Gyrobee with Skywheels rotor and Rotax 503.

I have been annoying everyone in sight with questions for years, so if some of it
has rubbed off on me, I should be able to regurgitate it to another newb.

Cheers
Erik
 
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There is nothing wrong with posting if it is relevant. Setting limits to liking, replying and new posts just get closer to censorship. Who makes decision on what is too much? I think only the political posts drive the behavior you are mentioning, and the other rants can be shutdown or controlled by good moderation.
 
rcflier said:
Not being a native english speaker I don't think I could qualify as moderator.
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As if anybody could tell that from your posts . . .

we have many American members whose English is certainly no better than yours, and for a long time we had at least one Australian whose patois (and spelling) was anything but standard, yet we liked him anyway.
 
Some of the other aviation forums allow members who donate have access to member only topics, and they also send out calendars at end of the year made up of photos the forum members take of their aircraft and adventures. I like the idea of members only topics such as specific adventures or taking about other topics that may not want open to general public. Also send out more calendars or other trinkets (Hat or cap) based on the level of donations. I’m all for donating annually and $20 would be good minimum level. Having members only topics also allows for general public posting to open areas.

I can throw my name into list offering to help on forum and/or moderation.
 
.
.
Lets face it ... now that the political thread is shut down , the need for moderators is minimal ... except for spammers and such.
.
.
 
wolfy said:
Good for you Todd, thanks mate.
I frequent a few forums, and this one being free of adds is a breath of fresh air.
If it has to be with adds so be it, but I would be more than happy to pay that small annual fee to keep the forum as it is and to lighten your financial load.
Just a random question Todd, are you still an active gyro pilot?

wolfy
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I haven't flown my gyro in a dozen years. It's a nice single seat dominator that's collecting dust. Who knows, as my working life slows down I may find time to fly the gyro again. I do fly an RV9 that I'm a partner in but even find myself not flying that as much as I should.
 
Martin W. said:
.
.
Lets face it ... now that the political thread is shut down , the need for moderators is minimal ... except for spammers and such.
.
.
Click to expand...
Oh you might think that but I'm guessing you've never lived through the great horizontal stab or flying in downwind conflicts. I promise you, after running this forum for over 17 years, people will find something to argue about and they can't keep themselves from turning nasty at times.
 
WaspAir said:
and for a long time we had at least one Australian whose patois (and spelling) was anything but standard, yet we liked him anyway.
Click to expand...
Yes, I loved reading his posts. Spelling strangely was kind of a brainy hobby for him. I do miss him.
I also hope Chuck Beaty and Doug Riley will be here forever... Deep wells of experience and knowledge
for one who wants to build.
 
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Yup Birdy was a real colourful character, who was a great stick and pretty smart with it.
 
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