[Kidnova]

OSO? I've heard of them. Actually might have a post or 2 there. Been awhile.

Both sites are great and have their own loyal followers. Nothing bad about that either. It's like the Ford-Chevy debate. But then, I do park my Ford truck next to my Vette. Bottom line, it's ALL good to me.

Dittos

 

[Erie Desire]

Another thing, the OSO admins and patrons keep speaking of advertisers not paying up resulting in fees to the end users. This is a hoax, they charge plenty to their advertisers. In the end, it's all about making money. A business should make money, making money is a good thing. However, call making money making money, not "we have to charge you this because expenses are sooo much and the advertisers won't do their share." or "non advertisers make too much money therefore we're increasing your member fees."

I have to agree. Let's call a spade a spade here. The real reason they charge is to make money. Dont try to cover up the real reason and blame it on the advertisers. I would be ticked if I was an advertiser over there.

Just say that the OSO Gladiator is expensive to operate. Especially running it as a pace boat in offshore races.

I think they are losing membership on a daily basis.

Too Bad too. It was once a great site.

Who wants a "Board God" when they can have a "Forum Slave"

 

[sgrady]

I am going to add my .02, but I cannot imagine the cost of just the Bandwidth, let lone servers, software, etc.

I do think the members need to assist no matter if it is Speedwake, OSO, etc. I gladly will pay the membership for the chance to meet the people and get the help. Be a donor, before we lose the great sites. Speedwake graciously allows people to support in many ways.

Again my .02

 

[craig223]

OSO? I've heard of them. Actually might have a post or 2 there. Been awhile.

Both sites are great and have their own loyal followers. Nothing bad about that either. It's like the Ford-Chevy debate. But then, I do park my Ford truck next to my Vette. Bottom line, it's ALL good to me.

Me Too!!! Except the fact that I would never own a Ford!! :laugher: :laugher: :laugher:

I just don't understand why people think that they have to choose one site or the other. It's my choice and I choose to visit (and support) both sites.

Craig

 

[cuda]

Actually, advertisers should not expect to have exclusive rights to customers. Business conducted in that manner is destined to fail. Competition is good for everyone, especially the consumer. I would never expect you as a patron of Speedwake or OSO to deliver me a standard of living. Business is what you make of it, if you're honest, promote a value oriented product, and treat people with respect, the business will grow. Handouts are not good for anyone.

The world revolves around you, the customer! If a great deal comes along, review it, know the in's and out's, be confident in who you are dealing with, and sieze the day! Never be ashamed for being selective or saving money. You are the most important part of any business model.

Wow! That's refreshing perspective.

 

[GottaHaveIt!]

Somebody do a search for GottaHaveIt over there on OSO. Do I still exist?

 

[chjohn]

OKAY

These folks have flags!!!!!!

Boss
gilla
Speedwake (yeh OK)
RCHEVELLE71
Aggressor Tom
Zen_Nemo
Kidnova
sgrady
craig223

 

[32fever]

I agree with Dallas. I am a Charter member of OSO cause they wanted money to help run the site. Then, it got a little overboard. I know, I own a website.

500 classified boats. At $25 a pop, that's $12,500 per year. It doesn't cost that to run a site with a canned discussion board software (even if you own your own server). If it does, it's at the moderator's own choice (and lack of negotiating skills). They're charging so they can make money. Call a spade a spade and I'm okay with that. Lie to me and that irritates me. Note the above example includes $0 from advertisers on a site. That is in part where the problem lies. It's not worth what most moderators want to advertise. If they made it cheaper, they may get more contributors from the business end. instead of thousands per year, how about $500? What's a banner ad cost a forum moderator? Couple k's of space on a drive? OR do users not want to see 50 advertisers and only 2,3 or 5?

I think the best option is for the forums to sell things via the forum. Like, for example, if OSO or SW sold Teague stuff on the site. Not cheaper, but if they made 10% off the stuff and had a catalog on the site, would you order through SW or OSO? probably so. Supporting through a purchase you'd make anyway? Makes sense to me. Just something to throw in the mix. I'd rather see them make profit off spent dollars than try to charge users.

Mark

 

[KCHOTBOAT]

Who really cares which is better. Both may have started as a hobby however both would like to make a profit one day. I prefer OSO for certain reasons and like other things about this site. Both sites require money to run. I for one prefer both sites over HOTBOAT or Powerboat mags. I can't remember the last time I bought one of the two rags. If both sites charged $50.00 a piece I would pay it before wasting a $ on a once a month joke.

 

[KCHOTBOAT]

I agree with Dallas. I am a Charter member of OSO cause they wanted money to help run the site.

I am a Charter Member and I don't remember it that way. They asked who wanted to be a Charter member and get a two decals with your OSO name on it for I believe for $25.00 no presure and they sold all in one day.

 

[rbtnt]

GottaHaveIt - I checked the OSO member list and didn't see your name there.


I like different things about each site and I will continue to support and enjoy each one.

Jeff, thanks for doing a great job here.

 

[Caincando1]

So I go to the local boat show. Only some of the local dealers have chosen to attend. Am I obligated to buy form one of the dealers that chose to pay the money to advertise there product at the boat show. Absolutely not. Now if billy bob, form one of the dealers that chose not to attend is there dressed in plain clothes. He lurks until after he see a potential customer then quietly slips up to them and whispers in there ear what a great deal he can give them on the same boat off of his lot. Maybe it's just me but I find this practice wrong. I've been solicited by non advertising businesses on both sites by the way.

Brian

 

[Speedwake]

Caincando - billy bob is a slime bag and his behavior and actions are indicative of his character. where will be be hiding or sneaking around when you need warranty repairs on the boat you bought from him?

I agree with you 100% about this type of bahvior.

Perhaps I should start a new section on the website called "Slime Bags" and give bonus points to forum members that report people like this.

However - that said I must also take into consideration the entire reason for the existence of the forum and that is for "people to share ideas and information" and often times that information comes from dealers that are forum members.

In summary exploitation of the forum by unethical dealers looking for a free ride is often difficult to define, but as one of the supreme court chief justices said when asked to define porn... he said "I can't define, but I know it when I see it" and the same goes for dealers who exploit this place...

 

[Aqua-Holic]

Excellent idea.....will Brian get some bonus slimebag points for prompting the idea???

 

[Speedwake]

Excellent idea.....will Brian get some bonus slimebag points for prompting the idea???

no since one of the moderators and I discussed the idea months ago.

unfortunately there are very few new original ideas...

numerous people have reported these folks to myself and the moderators in the past and they've been put on notice and I do not see this as a serious problem since most people are ethical.

and besides -- should people really have to be incented to do what is right anyway? Interloping dealers that exploit this place wind up actually hurting the members by dirivng up the cost of running this place to all the members... It's in a members best interest to report these people.

 

[Caincando1]

I don't want to come across like I'm a cry baby and think that everyone trying to sell something is a crook. That's hardly the case. Nor am I going to run tadle tale on everyone. I really only have a problem with businesses and the occasional "jockey" supporting there income without paying. It gets even harder when it's not a behind the screens transaction. There are some "upstanding" members that have sold allot of stuff and no one ever says anything about it cuz of there "status" on a board. I will say the problem is much more prevalent on the other board.

I'm glad I'm not the one dealing with the problems. I greatly appreciate those that are.

Brian

 

[Aqua-Holic]

I'm glad I'm not the one dealing with the problems. I greatly appreciate those that are.

Brian,

I couldn't have said it better myself!!

Jeff,
I was joking about the slimbag points. In all actuallity I do not think it is a very good idea. Perhaps I am blind, but I wouldn't think this type of activity happens all that often Speedwake has a very good reputation around the web for honest ethical people. I am not too sure that the section mentioned would contribute to the great image you have worked so hard to create!!! Great work, it is truely appreciated!

 

[Speedwake]

Aqua-Holic.

you are correct in that it does not happen that often and typically just talking about it like this is enough to throw a little scare into the lurkers that contact members and let them know about "deals". It's the old "I can only offer you this great price because I don't have to spend money advertising" offer.

:cl2:

 

[Aqua-Holic]

It's the old "I can only offer you this great price because I don't have to spend money advertising"

Jeff,

If I heard that....I would pe PI$$ED. I have been around enough business to know that is NOT how a good business should be run. Sure they may get one or two sales being sneaky, but they probably lost 100 sales if they were honest!

 

[gilla]

Not to get biblical, but the "you reap what you sew is appropriate. What people forget is that it comes back to you in multiples. One bad deal you do a person hurts you many times over. The good deal or good act you did, often benefits you many times over-many of which you never realize they originated from a good act a long time ago. Good guys do and remember good things done by others.