Author Topic: Is it time for a change ?  (Read 3089 times)

Offline ST2UP

  • The Pockey Poker ;)
  • Administrator
  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5596
  • Thanked: 1312 times
  • Guyra - NSW
Is it time for a change ?
« on: June 13, 2020, 09:38:28 PM »
Our annual subscription to pay our Web Hosting service is nearly due. We have been with this company that is owned by a long term OzSTOC member for about 7 years. They have always provided the service we require and are quick to respond to outages and changes etc.

The annual cost is $700.

We have a very generous offer from another long term member who provides Web Hosting to host our clubs Website and Forum for free. Very generous offer I’m sure you will agree.

When the time of year arrives I go cap in hand on the forum to ask for your lazy few dollars to keep us afloat and able to pay our hosting invoice. Generally we end up with 25% to 50% over our hosting needs.....only once we fell short and Pockey and I covered that one.

We use the additional few dollars for covering other costs the member doesn’t tend to see I.E National Rally guest speaker costs, OzSTOC prepaid phone, purchase of shop supplies, business cards for you to handout etc.

While the shop use to make a few hundred dollars a year to help towards the clubs bits and pieces it has died off dramatically. I believe this is due to not often used quality products that don’t need replacement and a big down turn in new membership, and those couple that do join each month don’t usually purchase from the shop. The shops profit since the beginning of this year is less than $20 with a couple of thousand worth of merchandise in stock.

So if we move to a free Web hosting provider, how can I in all good faith go cap in hand to members for a few dollars each year from those who are prepared to assist for services that you don’t necessarily see if we move to a free service provider of our forum and website.

So my question is stay as we are and put a few dollars in still as we have OR change providers and still throw in a few less dollars for the incidentals.

What’s your thoughts ?? Vote in the Poll.

Cheers
Chris    



IBA #64116   FarRider #660   Ulysses #56339

st2up@ozstoc.com

Mbl: 0428792425

Sighted it....Wanted it...Chucked a fit...GOT IT !!!!
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, Scarlett Thunderbolt, Jdbiker, ruSTynutz

Online CallMeSteve

  • Steve, Ruth and STrudel
  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 828
  • Thanked: 470 times
  • Eatons Hill, Brisbane.
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2020, 10:18:30 PM »
I think we can all accept that there are many costs in running this awesome club apart from the big ticket item of the web hosting. It’s easy for us all to see the value of the web site because it keeps us all together, but any club needs to cover a range of operating costs and it’s right that these should be shared among the members.

So I see no problem in continuing to pass the hat around. It’s just a smaller hat, that’s all.
A man rides on his STeed, says “Why am I short of attention? Got a short little span of attention”.

You can call me Steve, with apologies to Paul Simon.

 :wht13

current:
ST1300 2014 Police

pre-kids:
CX500
CB900
CB400NB
CB350
1964 Yamaha YG-1 80cc

IBA #76608,  FR #1170
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, ruSTynutz

Offline Brock

  • Tardis Tech
  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 8713
  • Thanked: 1692 times
  • White is the fastest
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2020, 11:21:42 PM »
I am for moving, only because of the financial benefit. Our current provider has been excellent and is to be congratulated.
Brock
Asian Correspondent
2003 Honda ST1100PY



Ulysses #32829
STOC #8239
OzSToc # ??
Kinross WA
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, ruSTynutz

Offline Biggles

  • NatRally 2018 - Mackay
  • "Top Dog" 10000 club
  • *
  • Posts: 14026
  • Thanked: 2474 times
  • Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2020, 11:46:01 PM »
I'm for moving so long as we're not taking advantage of the person offering it for free.  I'd prefer we paid him something for his trouble and to help with his own costs, even if it's only a couple of hundred dollars.  I also agree we who benefit from the Forum should continue to tip in an annual subscription.  Do we own the stock of regalia outright or do we still owe money for that?  Obviously the "club" should own its shop's stock, and any excess funds be used to offset any debt.
Maybe there could be a reminder to those who attend RTEs that club regalia is available and it's good to be identified as a member.
For the modern man who lives in the city, riding a bike might be one of the only ways to escape the humdrum monotony. To take off and ride. To be both at one with nature and one with the bike. To feel masculine. Adam Piggott

OzSTOC #16  STOC #6135  FarR #509  IBA #54927
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, Scarlett Thunderbolt, Jdbiker, ruSTynutz

Offline StinkyPete

  • Defected to a BMW
  • NR2016 Group
  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6533
  • Thanked: 2946 times
  • Blackwood, SA
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2020, 07:31:41 AM »
I also support the change to the free providor.   In a small club running on a shoestring, a $700 pa saving is consderable.   That being said, we should continue to have the annual call for donations, so that we can have a small reserve.  Is it appropriate to name the current providor, so that ordinary members could express their appreciation, as I know there have been a few times they have gone "above and beyond"? 

I really appreciate being part of this group, which works together to support our mutual love of travel & motorcycling, and through OzSTOC I can go anywhere in this vast country and still be able to meet with friends.  ++
IBA #59146   OzLapper 2012 & 2019

Yamaha XS650  (The Black Wobbler)
Yamaha XJR1300 (Rocket Ship)
Honda ST1300 (Beautiful Bike)
BMW R1200RT (Technically Perfect)
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, johnnyYTED, Scarlett Thunderbolt, ruSTynutz

Bodø

  • Guest
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2020, 07:46:21 AM »
I make an annual donation, often before the call goes out.  I get a lot from this forum and agree with the sentiments expressed above from Biggles and Stinky Pete.
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, ruSTynutz

Offline hobs

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 256
  • Thanked: 55 times
  • ST Legend
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2020, 07:55:28 AM »
I agree with the previous comments. I very much appreciate the invaluable information and experiences gathered on this site.

Cheers,
Hobs
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, ruSTynutz

Online Nigel

  • Legendary "1000 Club" Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1367
  • Thanked: 475 times
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2020, 08:27:35 AM »
As the site was set up by a club member, I`m more than happy to make an annual donation, which I have done, since being a member.
I don`t expect something for nothing, that said, getting something for nothing isn`t always the best way to go either.
Status Quo for me. :thumbsup
Introducing My 2007 BMW K 1200 GT
Avoid Disappointment, Expect the Unexpected.
Nigel               0447333268
Mooroolbark But its a secret.
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, Jdbiker, ruSTynutz

Online Shiney

  • Dave
  • Global Moderator
  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6707
  • Thanked: 2319 times
  • RTE Coordinator - Strathpine, QLD
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2020, 09:59:52 AM »
I also support the change to the free provider and believe that the annual call for donations should continue :thumbs

When the club has excess money we can try out new products for the club (or for the shop) and cover the cost for a prize in the occasional little competition/giveaway :thumbsup
My Ride: 2023 ST1800   :thumb
OzSTOC #104   STOC# 8512   IBA # 59142
Find me in The Who's Who of OzSTOC!

I like shiney things :grin
One of the Dave, Dave, Dave and Duncan crew 8)
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, ruSTynutz

Offline Skip

  • Legendary "1000 Club" Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1237
  • Thanked: 247 times
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2020, 10:02:05 AM »
I also agree with the sentiment expressed by Biggles and StinkyPete. Regarding shop stock, once members have what they want, then turnover will dry up I guess and if new members aren't buying or if new membership is declining. Whatever decision is made Re: Web Host, I think we should still pass the hat around every so often. Administrators should not have to put their hand in their own pocket to meet shortfalls. They all are so giving with their time. I also think that if there is a shortfall, come back to members and let us know. 
'15 BMW R1200RS
Getting wind in my hair while I still have some.
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Shiney, Wild Rose

Online ruSTynutz

  • NR2024 Rally Team
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4431
  • Thanked: 2791 times
    • "Destined to Drive" Driving School
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2020, 11:44:45 AM »
I also think we should go the free option...assuming we get similar service. :thumb

I'd also support Biggles suggestion of slinging them a few hundred bucks.

I guess my only concern is, if for whatever reason it didn't work out would we have the option of going back or have we then burnt those bridges?

I'm more than happy to make an annual donation, regardless...

Oh, and I do like Shiney's idea of perhaps trying out some new products for the shop if we have excess cash.


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, Langers

Online Langers

  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 740
  • Thanked: 448 times
  • 2008 ST 1300 (sold) 2018 V-Strom 1000
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2020, 12:23:52 PM »
Rusty has summed up my thoughts in a nutshell.
FarRider #726
Mobile: 0418 817 851
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, ruSTynutz

Online Williamson

  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 5062
  • Thanked: 2200 times
  • ST Legend
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #12 on: June 15, 2020, 07:04:55 PM »
Rusty has summed up my thoughts in a nutshell.

Summed up my thoughts, and now I'm worried.

Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose, ruSTynutz

Offline ppopeye

  • RTE Coordinator
  • Legendary "1000 Club" Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1588
  • Thanked: 567 times
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #13 on: June 15, 2020, 08:47:52 PM »
Another vote for the lower cost option. As suggested above some payment to the host would be fair as well.
It is a bit hard to continue a relatively large amount if it can be done for a lot less. Then the stock in the shop is not such a liability. I am happy to chip in each year as it appears are many others.


Considering the friendships started and information available on the forum it is an invaluable resource and well worth some dollars each year.
ppopeye

I never ride faster than my angel can fly!

2005 Red ST1300
2012 Red GL1800

Bikes I've had
Yamaha 500
Honda450
Honda CL175
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose

Online ruSTynutz

  • NR2024 Rally Team
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4431
  • Thanked: 2791 times
    • "Destined to Drive" Driving School
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #14 on: June 15, 2020, 09:38:56 PM »
Rusty has summed up my thoughts in a nutshell.

Summed up my thoughts, and now I'm worried.

You're worried???  :o

I'm not used to people agreeing with me...You lot are gonna ruin my reputation!  :rofl


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose

Offline johnnyYTED

  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2234
  • Thanked: 832 times
  • STranger 1100 n BEEstY 1330cc
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #15 on: June 16, 2020, 10:48:11 PM »
 :dred11 :blk13 :Spyder
I can see the benefits in change for cost benefit and I will continue to make my donation to support my OzSTOC family notice board. :Blow
Is it time to rattle the can, I havent been involved much lately.
Picton  if it doesn’t flood higher than previous times.
mobile 047 4488 436 
IBA#59147, FarRider #732
STranger 1998 ST1100, x Police
STrangler ST1300 2007 Charcoal Grey.
BEEstY 2017 Can-Am Daytona 1330.
maybe something with a little extra
:dred11 :Spyder
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, Wild Rose

Offline Scarlett Thunderbolt

  • Walkerston Qld
  • NatRally 2018 - Mackay
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 490
  • Thanked: 397 times
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #16 on: June 17, 2020, 08:51:57 PM »
  We're happy to continue to support OzSTOC next time the cap is handed around... Agree we need to move to a new Web Hosting and we also agree with Biggles that we should "... prefer we paid him something for his trouble and to help with his own costs, even if it's only a couple of hundred dollars..."  Cheers, John&Kate.
John, Kate & Miss Scarlett
Candy Red ST1300
 
The following users thanked this post: Wild Rose

Offline Shillas

  • SA NatRally 2022
  • Legendary "1000 Club" Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1977
  • Thanked: 1250 times
  • Better Red than Dead
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #17 on: June 18, 2020, 09:48:34 AM »
Never know what's around the corner, so I'll continue to contribute to ensure that we have this network, regardless of who hosts the site.
Shillas :13Candy

CB 125 - long gone
RD 200 - long gone
CB 250T - long gone
XJ 650 - reasonably long gone
XV 750 - reasonably long gone
VN 800 - gone
ST 1100 - recently gone
ST 1300 - In the garage
 

Offline ST1100_GREG

  • STarter
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 136
  • Thanked: 38 times
  • Tassie
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #18 on: June 28, 2020, 02:28:58 AM »
"You never know what's around the corner..."

The current provider is an organisation that is successful and profitable (read continues).

I too appreciate the offer however am concerned about continuity. If the person making the offer leaves the planet who will continue to host the forum? The current provider seems reliable in this regard.

Being an (X IT professional) who still manages a site for a local community group the hosting is done on a commercial site for continuity @ $420 per annum. The site is a WordPress site for free.

If the offer is on a commercial site then accept otherwise I vote stay.

:my$2

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

Offline STroppy

  • STroppy (Terry - the name on the TeeShirt)
  • RTE Coordinator
  • Legendary "1000 Club" Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1860
  • Thanked: 736 times
  • CountryMember! Mob 0412499625
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #19 on: June 28, 2020, 06:39:34 AM »
"You never know what's around the corner..."

The current provider is an organisation that is successful and profitable (read continues).

I too appreciate the offer however am concerned about continuity. If the person making the offer leaves the planet who will continue to host the forum? The current provider seems reliable in this regard.

Being an (X IT professional) who still manages a site for a local community group the hosting is done on a commercial site for continuity @ $420 per annum. The site is a WordPress site for free.

If the offer is on a commercial site then accept otherwise I vote stay.

:my$2

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

Don’t the same points apply to the current provider?
Terry, Canberra 0412499625
Ulysses #22354, FarRider #761
Current bikes 2013 Triumph Trophy SE, 2008 ST1300
Previous bikes1948 Triumph Tiger 500 Twin - sprung rear hub, 1963 BSA Bantam 175, Yamaha 75cc & DT250, Honda ST1100, 400N & CX500 sports, BMW K100RS & K100 LT, Harley Electra-glid
 

Offline ST1100_GREG

  • STarter
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 136
  • Thanked: 38 times
  • Tassie
Re: Is it time for a change ?
« Reply #20 on: June 28, 2020, 06:57:09 AM »
STroppy that's what I'm saying. They are a commercial business running a profitable site. With over 200,000 forums. They are not likely to disappear overnight. If the offer is for a commercial entity running the site then yes. BTW I read that it could be difficult moving the historical forum data out of Tapatalk.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy