[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Important PSUBS Info - Please Read



Frank,

I went ahead and signed up on the membership page, more to get the funds transferred than anything else. I took all the discussion threads available, so whoever sends whatever, I can respond or delete, as usual. I really do think this will be a pain to deal with. Sure, I'm a life NRA member, an MTS member, a DSPA member, a card carrying Libertarian, a Harley Owners Group member and so on, but guess what? There is one mail address each for those folks, and none of them are open forum discussions like psubs (although they all offer some variation of it). Regardless, it is disengenuous to compare us to that sort of web site (except for the membership argument). Otherwise, it's apples and oranges.

That said, where I worked always said that it was their game and their rules, and if I wanted to play, then the choice was mine. Ain't nobody listened to me then, and they ain't'a listenin' now. So, I'll try to play. If it gets to be too much, then maybe we can and should do something else. Keep in mind, the public forum won't change. Let's just keep using that. Then if Jon or somebody wants to sidetrack something onto the specialty forums in the Members Only Club, then we can do that, too.

The idea is to tailor the threads toward whatever we're interested in (1 atm, ambient, research, etc.). Personally, I'm more or less interested in it all, and anyway, it's worthwhile getting a little money xferred over for all the hard work done keeping this free-for-all on line. I like the site, and appreciate it, so will try to support the structural changes. What I think about it has no bearing. I wasn't asked, and it's their game. We play or not--it's up to us. I think psubs serves a real purpose, whatever they do to it, so: To psub, or not to psub. That is the question. And it isn't any kind of question--not really. We're doing some good here, having some fun, and there are submarines working out there that might not be if it wasn't for this forum. And more coming. That's all good.

Best Regards,
Vance


-----Original Message-----
From: ShellyDalg@aol.com
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Sent: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:50 pm
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Important PSUBS Info - Please Read

I'm with Vance on this. Don't fix what ain't broke. If psubs needs money, just ask for donations. I'm willing to kick in, but splitting the discussions into separate areas will just be a pain. I could never have gotten where I'm at on the sub without the help and friendship from the group. I would be in favor of having a "club" with stickers and pins, and maybe discounts from suppliers or whatever, but why change the mail format? The concept of being "members" would be seen as a good idea to some, but having a preferred status as a "member" doesn't require a separate mail room. This group is really very well known, and I think one of the main reasons for that is the openness of the group. People from all over the world visit and read this stuff. Many are just curious, most will never actually build their own sub, but the site inspires people to dream. As for different subjects like ROV's, I'd like to see more of that, but again, why have a separate list. The subject line takes care of that. Now, if there's too much useless fluff contained in any thread, maybe you could lay down some specific guidelines for naming the posts or something. 
As far as having your own "spot" on the site with photos, that's a good idea and is worth paying for. Membership can have specific benefits without adding exclusivity.
Keeping this thing open and "loose" is a good thing. I'm sure it takes a lot of work to maintain the site, and Jon and Ray should be compensated for all that work. Maybe some fundraisers or marketing of the psubs name could provide some relief. Jon and Ray "own" this site, and should profit from it. Remember the Pat Regan thing? it started to get exclusionary, and suffered as a result. I'd like to see the psubs site grow but let's keep it simple. Frank D.   


A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!