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Z Factor

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Everything posted by Z Factor

  1. Z Factor
    Well on the pop ups we can agree. However many popular forums use advertising like we have in the upper right corner which is really not an imposition. Furthermore, some forums generate a lot more revenue than could ever be collected in membership dues, especially from growing forums. My goal is obviously not to stir the pot, but rather make a reasonable observation as to what might happen if the site goes to a membership fee to post. Personally I know that forums that go this route wind up losing members(the silent majority), even if the vocal core guys remain. Trouble is that the forum will not get as many new members. I would bet that many of us would not have gotten familiar with this site had there been a membership fee needed to participate. So hopefully my suggestions will not be in vain because while I do not frequent the site as often as the regulars, I do value it along with the nice posters I have interacted with. Regardless of how this turns out, I still think sending out a forum wide email asking for donations to help Don out is in order. Lets face it, Don has sent them out on behalf of other riders in need, so why not do the same for him? I know that other moderators and administrators can send out the requests provided that the settings allow them access. So I think one of them should take the suggestion and run with it. `
  2. Z Factor
    I do not want to take this thread off topic, but I will set the record straight because this statement has already been assumed to be accurate by another poster. Jack, you must have forgotten that I was in the hospital, hence the reason I did not get back to you. As things turned out I ordered and payed for the brace after I recovered, and you sent a quality item that I was satisfied with. So I see no reason to have brought this matter up within the context of this thread, as it is irrelevant to the subject. ---- Without addressing specific posts directed toward me, I think Don can benefit from the different posts/opinions expressed in this thread to make a more informed decision. My suggestions are borne of some experience regarding internet forums and how membership either grows or diminishes. For instance, the Corvette Forum is one of the largest on the web. It started just 10 years ago or so, and was recently sold for mega bucks. They have an upgraded level that is paid, but most members participate for free. The site generates it's large sums of money via advertising, and that is the reason it was bought recently from the originator who was equivalent to Don. Granted the demographics and financial resources of the different sites posters exist, but there is no reason why this site with an active membership could not generate more revenue via advertising. However if the hits to the site diminish(for whatever reason/s), so to will the ability to generate advertising dollars. I will take the time to contact Don via PM and make a few other suggestions for him to consider. If I didn't care, then I would not be investing the time to even render an opinion. I have benefited from the site even though I only visit in spurts, and would like to see it remain strong in the coming years. `
  3. Z Factor
    Here is my suggestion. I come to the site occasionally(twice this year including today), and I am sure I represent a small but decent % of the casual visitors. So while I have no problem with the idea of having a paid membership to a club for which you get some benefits, charging for access to the forum may not be the best way to go about it. For the rare forums that charge a fee, they have upgraded features such as expanded email capability, larger avatars, membership level designation, etc., while still allowing anyone interested in using the site access. Most forums also allow advertising to generate revenue to help defer costs(I see a banner so this one must be doing so). The more members online in a given day allow the sites owners to charge more for advertising. However an across the board fee that everyone must pay to log on and participate will deter new people from becoming users of the forum and have a long term negative effect in bringing in new people. So while I have no problem making a personal donation to Don to help him through this rough time, I think having a mandatory, yearly membership to use the forum is a mistake. Yes the proposed yearly cost is low, but many of us already pay multiple yearly membership fees to several clubs(with benefits like a yearly tee shirt, discounts at club events, etc.). I hope this opinion does not ruffle anyones feathers as my goal is not to rain on the parade. I hope it is taken in the spirit in which it is intended, in the hope to find an alternative to the forum usage fee. Maybe a fellow administrator or moderator can send out a site email donation request for Don(which may generate more money anyway), just like those we receive periodically from Don to help other members in need? I would think many people including myself would support that more. `
  4. Z Factor
    Any links to those auctions to get an idea of market prices for future purchases?
  5. Z Factor
    Aside from a specialists for her cardiac issue, make sure to ask your admitting doctor for a consult from an infection control physician. They specialize in preventing and/or treating systemic infections which can be life threating. May God watch over your wife and your family.
  6. Z Factor
    I've been away from the computer for a week, but I'd also like to be added to the list.
  7. Z Factor
    Interesting fix.
  8. Z Factor
    Hello Lyle, May God be with your mother and family during this difficult time. http://images.corvetteforum.com/images/smilies/Angel_anim.gif You have probably already heard this from doctors, but since cancer runs in your family, everyone including you should be regularly screened, and you should have your family take preventive steps to help avoid getting it. Needless to say diet is a key factor, along with regular exercise. Be strong for your family, and good luck.
  9. Z Factor
    As bad as the damage to your VR might be, thank God you are not more seriously hurt, and that no one else was injured. Your wounds will heal for you to ride another day regardless of what condition your VR is in. If this one is beyond repair, look to get another one in great condition. The main thing is you are still in one piece.
  10. Z Factor
    Many years ago before the advent of the cellular phone I used the CB to call in a accident I happened upon. Whomever answered said they would contact the police, and sure enough the state troopers were there within 5 minutes.
  11. Z Factor
    Thanks for taking the time to do the write up with pictures.
  12. Z Factor
    Well you don't have to be a tech whiz to set up the following. Get a cheap MP3 player (they hold a ton of music) and then buy a MP3 FM Modulator like the one I recommend in this thread. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=17694 It runs on two AAA batteries when not plugged into your car's cigarette lighter, so it is totally portable and will work with any FM radio. The sound quality is very good, and if you get a cheap MP3 player, you will have spent less than $75.00 for an easy to use alternative to the CD set up you are considering. CD's hold what, 14 songs per disc? An MP3 player is tiny and can hold thousands of songs.
  13. Z Factor
    To me having a reverse gear is for older riders, but I think I would need one with that contraption.
  14. Z Factor
    A lot depends on what you like sports wise. XM has MLB and NHL which I don't believe Sirius offers. However the fact that they support a platform for Howard Stern is enough of a reason for me to stick with XM.
  15. Z Factor
    The code I used for the XM deal is zwinback
  16. Z Factor
    I am 6' 7" and never felt uncomfortable on my 87 VR. I guess it is something you adapt to since I have a ZR-1 Corvette and a 300 ZX. While they are not as spacious as an SUV, I still love driving them. So unless this person is picky about such things, I'd think he could be very comfortable riding a 1st Gen.
  17. Z Factor
    While I can see your point in the OP Freebird, I do find it somewhat amusing that you can get so worked up about someones political views that you would lose respect for them. I have very good friends whom I respect that have different political views, and it has not hurt our friendship in any way, shape, or form. My respect for them is typically based on their friendship and trustworthiness, and the way they conduct their lives. So if they are a good family man/woman, give their time to help others, and strive to be good American citizens, they will remain my friends regardless of their political views. Granted we might rib each other now and then when someone we voted for does or says something stupid, but I still like and respect them. I to have strong political points of view, but I have been influenced by others whom I respect that point things out that I was unaware of. So while I may not change my core beliefs on some hot topic issues such as abortion, gun ownership, death penalty, etc., I can still be influenced on other issues. All that said, it is your site and you can choose to make any rules or regulations you care to. I respect your right to do so even if I do not agree. `
  18. Z Factor
    You would be real old if you were around to see his Father lose the World Heavyweight Title to James Braddock.
  19. Z Factor
    That seems like a very good price for a helmet with so many features. `
  20. Z Factor
    That picture is kind of small to determine what the paint looks like. However according to the aforementioned color chart, these were the choices in 1983; 1983 black TK Sparkle crimson ( single color ) 1983 red TK New Ruby Red/ Romanesque Crimson 1983 gold TDK Alluvial Gold/ Silky Gold
  21. Z Factor
    ` guys, post those pictures of your bikes and/or scans of brochures.
  22. Z Factor
    I see your point. These also have the speakers, mike and connecting cables that plug into the bikes sockets. So while the look is not essential, it does seem like a waste to through them out.
  23. Z Factor
    I actually have other skid lids, it is just that these are color matched to the bike. So while I have better up to date ones, I'd like to refurb these if it is possible.
  24. Z Factor
    I have matching helmets with microphone headsets that came with the VR. However they are getting a little worn and the foam is starting to deteriorate. Is it common to refurbish their innards, and if so who typically does that type of work?
  25. Z Factor
    Indeed His story is immortalized in both the Nova special, and book, Cancer Warrior. What made him stand out among other researches is that he was a surgeon, and came up with an idea most of the established medical community treating cancer scoffed at. They basically told him to stick to surgery, not dabble in things he did not specialize in. Despite the ridicule he got from most circles, he believed he was on to something and dedicated his life to pursuing it. Now there are several specialties fields in cancer treatment because of him. While many tend to focus on entertainers because of the media and our current culture, this man was a truly great person deserving of our respect and admiration. In the long run he will have saved countless lives from cancer.
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