I'd like your feedback on a couple topics: Search, Subforums, Banner Ads

Bandwidth is probably the single most expensive thing you have to pay for every month.

Search queries take up bandwidth. And one of the most server intensive features out there. Limiting search to manufacturer forums, buy and sell forums for non paying members would be best.
If you have a photography forum, photos take up bandwidth to access if hosted here.

Whatever takes up the most bandwidth are the features that members should pay something to enjoy.

Frankly don't like ads, but if you get a good deal [and they don't look like something out of a times square billboard ] and it pays the bills, go for it.
 
If the search works well and is alright for nonpaying, I'm fine with it.

Ads for nonpaying is also fine with me... As long as they weren't flashy and huge. Text ads are nice. I just saw that about 1/3 of the traffic right now is guests (which would see ads?) and about 1/2 of the members are nonpaying. all of these people can help pay for the site to stay up better, go for it.
 
Kevin, I think banners for non paying members is a great idea. Should have done that years ago.

As people have stated; the search funcion 'as is' is frustrating. Switching to a new search engine would be great.

Thank you for all you do to support this community.
 
As far as subforum suggestions, I like what we have. Especially the wilderness and survival.
You said you've gotten requests for a cooking sub forum..If it consisted of favorite hunting camp / fishing camp / camping recipes I think that would be pretty cool. :cool: Wilderness foods. (has a nice ring to it) :D
I agree banner adds only to registered users. If they like the site, don't want banner adds, and want to support a great site like Blade Forums, then ante up. Thanks, Spark.
 
Mike G said:
Kevin, I think banners for non paying members is a great idea. Should have done that years ago.

As people have stated; the search funcion 'as is' is frustrating. Switching to a new search engine would be great.

Thank you for all you do to support this community.
Click to expand...

+1 as to all the above.
I thought Pirate's Cove was the barbie forum? :D
 
Mike G said:
Kevin, I think banners for non paying members is a great idea. Should have done that years ago.

As people have stated; the search funcion 'as is' is frustrating. Switching to a new search engine would be great.

Thank you for all you do to support this community.
Click to expand...

+1 as well.

I love this site and getting into the black will ensure it stays running for another 12 years. Being a paying member should have perks, not seeing ads is a GREAT one for me personally but overall, whatever you need to do to keep the site up and make it faster is good with me. (sometimes I feel like I'm back on dialup :D )
 
dawsonbob said:
Spark, I detest banner ads and pop-up ads (and I'm in the ad biz — go figure). Having said that, I also have to say that they're simply a fact of internet life nowadays. I like the idea of them being only visible to registered members. Those of us with paying memberships support the site one way, and registered users can support it another.

To all that you've said, I say go for it: all the way!
Click to expand...

I visit this site every day.
I am just a basic paying member, but I am happy you have given me a chance to give an opinion.
I am very glad this forum is available and I will support this site as best I can.
Banner ads for those who visit and haven't paid some dues are not unreasonable. I too dislike them, but I can tolerate the pop ups that are unintrusive. If a dislike for them prompts someone to commit to a paid membership all the better for all.
Do what you must to keep this forum going.
It will be hard to chase those with the addiction away, (such as myself).
Thanks for what you do.

CP
 
Mike G said:
Kevin, I think banners for non paying members is a great idea. Should have done that years ago.

As people have stated; the search funcion 'as is' is frustrating. Switching to a new search engine would be great.

Thank you for all you do to support this community.
Click to expand...

+1:thumbup:

But i do think you should keep search limited to paying members
 
The idea of banner ads for non-paying members is definitely OK with me.

Additional subforums are OK too IMO. As long as they don't become overly divisive
due to the very nature of their subject matter.

And I think a dedicated search feature is a good idea.
One reason: it makes the site more valuable to all of its users/visitors.
 
Spark,

Could you further explain what you mean when you say that switching to Sphinx would take away the ability to "search by last post time"?

I don't see anything wrong with having banner ads for non-paying members. One thing to consider though is that the flash ads are a real pain for those on dial-up and that there are still people out there who can't get anything else.
 
1. Banners. I don't mind a few banners. I would suggest a scale system.
a. Platinum/dealer/knifemaker/Mods (or something similar, not sure how much dealer/knifemaker dues are offhand) members see no banners.
b. Gold see a few banners.
c. Basic see a few more the Gold.
d. Non-paying see em all and pop up pics of Roseanne Barr.

You do what you need to do to pay the bills.

2. Search. Under Search -> Add a link to the free google search maybe so you hear less complaints from the non-paying members. Otherwise, let paying folks use a better/upgraded search function with filters, etc.

3. Subforums. I admit I'd like to see a "Good deals" subforum like cpf has. Let users (not dealers since they have a forum already) post details on "deals" they think they have found. Notice I didn't say links to cut down bandwidth.

Other forums...I think we have most covered but we can always lock or delete them if needed.

4. I wish folks wouldn't edit out the prices of knives when they sell them on the forum. It would be nice to have a reference of prices on knives that have sold in the past.
 
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Like many others, I loathe ads however since only non paying members will see them that's fine, especially if it helps to keep BF alive and working well. In any case, I can block them even if they weren't restricted to the non payers. :)

I would tend to keep the search for paying members only, more incentive for those that want it to get a paying membership.

As for more sub forums, I can't immediately think of any I would want however I have no problem with any being added. After all I don't have to administer them. :)
 
gazz98 said:
1. Banners. I don't mind a few banners. I would suggest a scale system.
a. Platinum/dealer/knifemaker/Mods (or something similar, not sure how much dealer/knifemaker dues are offhand) members see no banners.
b. Gold see a few banners.
c. Basic see a few more the Gold.
d. Non-paying see em all and pop up pics of Roseanne Barr.

You do what you need to do to pay the bills.

2. Search. Under Search -> Add a link to the free google search maybe so you hear less complaints from the non-paying members. Otherwise, let paying folks use a better/upgraded search function with filters, etc.

4. I wish folks wouldn't edit out the prices of knives when they sell them on the forum. It would be nice to have a reference of prices on knives that have sold in the past.
Click to expand...


I think the above statement are very good and fair to everyone.
 
Spark,

Thank you for not only continuing to strive for site improvement, but also for seeking our input on this. :)

Search... Maybe I'm used to springing for a Platinum membership here, but that's because I feel that it's worth it to support a site I enjoy so much... But $10 for a basic membership is really not a lot to ask at all for those wanting access to the search feature, especially considering what many of us spend on knives & knife related items after learning about them here. Maybe as a compromise, a limited search might be the way to go if this is an option...something like the General Discussion Forum, Service & Support and the Exchange for registered users, and the full feature search option for those who are willing to purchase a Basic membership & up. Just a thought.

Banner ads... Hate 'em...but for free accounts, why not? Again, a minimum of $10 a year to not see them is certainly asking very little. I know that it'll certainly keep me springing for a paid membership yearly if this means I won't see them! ;):D If the site needs to raise money, then this would be a good way to go about it.

New sub-forums... I agree with you on this not being the EverythingUnderTheSunForums, but a few new ones that are somehow related to knives or this site in some way might be fun and informative. I'm looking forward to a photography forum, myself. :)

Also... If you find that you have the room, after the move and once things are settled, a larger PM box scaled per level of membership would be most appreciated if it's possible. :)

Thanks again, Kevin! :thumbup:
 
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Ads , why not , I wont see them , I have adblock & flashblock on.


Please Spark , gimme the search back !


1234,,,,,:)
 
Random comments -

I love BF, and click on it many times a day as I am working on the computer. While I am somewhat of a tightwad, I am happy to drop $50 a year for the family-friendly flavor of Platinum. Thanks Spark again for implementing that after I whined about it. Much appreciated.

New forums? Why not. Places like glocktalk have gotten very big, and useful, doing that.

Banner ads - I honestly would not really care to be paying $50 to see banner ads. For non-paying members, it seems perfectly fair and reasonable. If paying members can avoid them, that is.

Continued luck with the site -

cheers
me
 
Improved search function is a very good thing. Helping that out with a link to the “free google search” or upgrading the function to even non-paying members might help bandwidth by reducing the number of new threads being open to rehash the same thing for the millionth and 1st time. I quit using the search function as a paying member because it sucks.
Non-paying members seeing ads sounds like a plan to me. As a member I wouldn’t mind seeing discrete ads from fellow members so long as we can find a way not to abuse it mainly because I’d prefer to buy from members than non-members.
New forums definitely a food and a photography forums should be added.
Let’s not forget the berryblab app!
Thanks,
Ray
 
I as a basic member right now can say that not everyone is buying a membership just to search, especially when you have people who post up the link to the google blade forum search. I was given that link a long time ago and I have only used it once.

As for advertisements I so go ahead and put them up for non paying subscribers to see. That will help get people to buy memberships.

I am going to buy a membership as soon as I can afford it. Also buy a name change!

That might be another thing that turns people off is the fact you have to pay to get your name changed.
I changed my user name at 4 other sites the same day I found out I had to pay for it here, This is the only place I have ever seen that charged for a name change. I understand that is the policy of this site and I will buy my name change as soon as I have funds but I am just saying that it might be a turn off to alot of other people.

As for the sub forums, go ahead and put them up, if they do not get enough traffic shut them down, It might bring in more people to have a few more options of places to visit.

Thanks for listening
Ernie Swanson
 
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