Author Topic: Prognostications on STN (Read 32195 times)

Rincewind · « **on:** November 12, 2013, 09:21:43 AM »

Just wondering what people are expecting will happen to STN with the new VerticalScope ownership. I had previously experienced what happened to Triumphrat.net when Shawn was bought out by VS - it became wall-to-wall ads, lost some functionality with the photo albums, and seemed to get a fair amount of other bike and non-bike related cross-posting spam posts. I stopped visiting there often so I'm not sure what all else was effected. Honestly I enjoyed STN most for its independence.

I use ad-block, so the extra ads or audio ads on STN are not seen. I haven't really noticed much other changes on STN. If it remains as it is, then the new ownership does not seem like a big deal. If the Tapatalk mobile software gets replaced with the paid Motorcycle forum app, that will be annoying.

Cue the doom-and-gloom and naysayer posts.

garry · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2013, 09:30:24 AM »

Quote from: Rincewind on November 12, 2013, 09:21:43 AM

If it remains as it is, then the new ownership does not seem like a big deal.

^^^ This

Perhaps having "Plan B" available will minimize the changes as it wouldn't take much to have the STN core members all migrate here and render STN a ghost town.

bluepoof · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2013, 09:55:34 AM »

Quote from: Rincewind on November 12, 2013, 09:21:43 AM

I use ad-block, so the extra ads or audio ads on STN are not seen. I haven't really noticed much other changes on STN. If it remains as it is, then the new ownership does not seem like a big deal.

+1. I don't use Tapatalk so that doesn't bug me either. I guess I'm just not too bothered so far at all.

But I like being here, too, because it gives me another place to dick around on the internet instead of making lunch for my kid. Parenting win!

CosmicCowboy · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2013, 09:56:28 AM »

Stromtrooper didn't change much, other than tiered memberships. I have no idea what an upgraded membership gets you. Then again, I run adblock so don't see ads anyhow.

FJR1300 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2013, 09:57:52 AM »

Quote from: garry on November 12, 2013, 09:30:24 AM

Quote from: Rincewind on November 12, 2013, 09:21:43 AM
If it remains as it is, then the new ownership does not seem like a big deal.

^^^ This

Perhaps having "Plan B" available will minimize the changes as it wouldn't take much to have the STN core members all migrate here and render STN a ghost town.

I hope this is the case and I know Dwayn is aware of our site, so hopefully it keeps ST.N in check.

Prubert · « **Reply #5 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:00:25 AM »

It sounds like ST.O the ST.N bomb shelter.

Aren't we a bunch of doomsday preppers!

Rincewind · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:02:02 AM »

Quote from: FJR1300 on November 12, 2013, 09:57:52 AM

Quote from: garry on November 12, 2013, 09:30:24 AM
Quote from: Rincewind on November 12, 2013, 09:21:43 AM
If it remains as it is, then the new ownership does not seem like a big deal.

^^^ This

Perhaps having "Plan B" available will minimize the changes as it wouldn't take much to have the STN core members all migrate here and render STN a ghost town.

I hope this is the case and I know Dwayn is aware of our site, so hopefully it keeps ST.N in check.

Somehow I think Dwayn doesn't care. He is likely a Deist type admin, as long as the ad revenue continues to flow. I wouldn't expect this site provides us, as users, any leverage whatsoever on what happens to the main ship.

FJR1300 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:04:56 AM »

Fewer page views, less revenue... so there is hope.

As far as things not working. I sent him a message about the Spell Check feature not working. Because I'm familiar with this software and I know they moved ST.N to a new server, I offered some troubleshooting tips. No reply back and the feature still doesn't work.

steve.ski · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:11:01 AM »

Many of the old schoolers will find other places to hang out (hopefully a bunch of them here), but ultimately the old site's membership numbers will stay status quo.

Honestly the additional ads don't bother me, but the audio assault makes me leave right away. I don't know how to change the settings (yet), but hopefully if I can get that sorted it will alleviate the problem.

I'll bounce between both, too much content there to ignore. As this place grows, membership will follow.

Here's to adding compelling material to this site huh?

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:12:46 AM »

I haven't had any positive experiences with VerticalScope sites. I think for profit forums always have the same pressures leading to the same endpoint, sadly.

Rincewind · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:20:59 AM »

I turned off Adblock to see what it was like. Ugh, I hate when ads are served within people's posts as links on their words, or as links embed on top of their images. $:-\$

It's nice to see that, as a former "contributor" on STN, the ads are still blocked without adblock, as per UFO's original setup. But who knows how long that will last.

mxvet57 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:28:32 AM »

Quote from: FJR1300 on November 12, 2013, 10:04:56 AM

As far as things not working. I sent him a message about the Spell Check feature not working.

So it's not just me.

No comments from the peanut gallery.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #12 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:32:33 AM »

Quote from: mxvet57 on November 12, 2013, 10:28:32 AM

Quote from: FJR1300 on November 12, 2013, 10:04:56 AM

As far as things not working. I sent him a message about the Spell Check feature not working.

So it's not just me.

No comments from the peanut gallery.

You're making it too easy.

or should I say "your makeing it to easy.

FJR1300 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:35:47 AM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on November 12, 2013, 10:32:33 AM

Quote from: mxvet57 on November 12, 2013, 10:28:32 AM
So it's not just me.

No comments from the peanut gallery.
You're making it too easy.

or should I say "your makeing it to easy.

mxvet57 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:40:09 AM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on November 12, 2013, 10:32:33 AM

Quote from: mxvet57 on November 12, 2013, 10:28:32 AM
Quote from: FJR1300 on November 12, 2013, 10:04:56 AM

As far as things not working. I sent him a message about the Spell Check feature not working.

So it's not just me.

No comments from the peanut gallery.

You're making it too easy.

or should I say "your makeing it to easy.

I can take it like a man.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #15 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:42:25 AM »

Quote from: mxvet57 on November 12, 2013, 10:40:09 AM

I can take it like a man.

In the bed of a truck?

HipGnosis · « **Reply #16 on:** November 12, 2013, 07:48:46 PM »

Quote from: FJR1300 on November 12, 2013, 10:04:56 AM

Fewer page views, less revenue... so there is hope.

explain, please

FJR1300 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 12, 2013, 08:00:58 PM »

Ads pay on views and clicks. Less viewers. Less views. Less clicks.

cultureslayer · « **Reply #18 on:** November 12, 2013, 09:21:17 PM »

I guess I'm just a little bit hurt that Neal sold the thing at all. With the contributions I thought it was more of a community owned site and he would hand the key over to another member when it was time. I've run forums in the past and the cost to keep them going is very minimal. So I'm not interested in heading back for that and because of the other forums I've seen ruined when they were commercialized.

CLAY · « **Reply #19 on:** November 12, 2013, 09:24:29 PM »

Quote from: Rincewind on November 12, 2013, 10:20:59 AM

I turned off Adblock to see what it was like. Ugh, I hate when ads are served within people's posts as links on their words, or as links embed on top of their images. $:-\$

It's nice to see that, as a former "contributor" on STN, the ads are still blocked without adblock, as per UFO's original setup. But who knows how long that will last.

This. I don't see any major changes, but who knows what the future brings. Other than a gentlemen's agreement, I wonder if there's anything keeping them from doing whatever they want?

As long as I don't see anything different, I'll hit both.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #20 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:06:25 AM »

Don't know if you saw the answer to my questions about linking to other sites, (I found a lot of good RR on ADVrider via ST.n) and less than glowing product reviews.

*** I was going to quote it verbatim, but it seems as though all those posts have been removed.***

But basically it said if it was a review that deemed "valid" and it depended on what the content was on the link (competing RR are not allowed? Moto content not allowed?)

Part of what I like about the other place was that if a piece of crap was called out as being a piece of crap, you could do it.

Edit: Two threads with same name threw me. It was there. "You can review any item you want. As long as it is something you actually have a valid review on. Posting links to other forums would all depend on the context."

With a corporate sponsor, there is a level of 'trust' that is gone.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #21 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:10:16 AM »

Huh. Only two replies? Am I reading that right?

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,81082.0.html#.UoN5-PNOlaQ

EDIT: yup, there are two threads, I was looking at the wrong one.

Scratch · « **Reply #22 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:12:04 AM »

Quote from: Max Wedge on November 13, 2013, 07:10:16 AM

Huh. Only two replies? Am I reading that right?

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,81082.0.html#.UoN5-PNOlaQ

The longer thread is in 'General'.

FJR1300 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:24:32 AM »

Here's you go...

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,81074.0.htm

The other one was locked down and only the Moderators were able to post.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #24 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:26:43 AM »

Edited my responses to show that.
Thanks.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #25 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:28:52 AM »

Quote from: Scratch on November 13, 2013, 07:12:04 AM

Quote from: Max Wedge on November 13, 2013, 07:10:16 AM
Huh. Only two replies? Am I reading that right?

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,81082.0.html#.UoN5-PNOlaQ

The longer thread is in 'General'.

I'm surprised a Mod hasn't moved it to the appropriate sub-forum yet.

Scratch · « **Reply #26 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:30:45 AM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on November 13, 2013, 07:28:52 AM

I'm surprised a Mod hasn't moved it to the appropriate sub-forum yet.

They're all over here.

FJR1300 · « **Reply #27 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:31:00 AM »

I see there's another thread about the audio ads, so they must be there to stay.

I know I'm now muting the speakers when I go over there because I woke up the wife the other night.

Scratch · « **Reply #28 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:31:50 AM »

Quote from: FJR1300 on November 13, 2013, 07:31:00 AM

I know I'm now muting the speakers when I go over there because I woke up the wife the other night.

And then what happened?

FJR1300 · « **Reply #29 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:35:39 AM »

You don't want to know and I'm not telling.

Scratch · « **Reply #30 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:38:12 AM »

Quote from: FJR1300 on November 13, 2013, 07:35:39 AM

You don't want to know and I'm not telling.

"Turn up the Eagles the neighbors are listening..."

Cablebandit · « **Reply #31 on:** November 13, 2013, 07:46:20 AM »

Quote from: Scratch on November 13, 2013, 07:31:50 AM

Quote from: FJR1300 on November 13, 2013, 07:31:00 AM
I know I'm now muting the speakers when I go over there because I woke up the wife the other night.

And then what happened?

She rolled over yelled "effin' cops!" and kicked him in the nuts.

CLAY · « **Reply #32 on:** November 13, 2013, 08:23:39 AM »

FJR1300 · « **Reply #33 on:** November 13, 2013, 08:29:25 AM »

I was just talking to another ST.N'er and they brought up an interesting post that I'm sure many people haven't seen.

Quote from: stnadmin

I have been interested in many motorcycles in the past but have not pulled the trigger on any of them . Therefore I do not ride.

Dwayn

Scratch · « **Reply #34 on:** November 13, 2013, 08:40:55 AM »

Quote from: FJR1300 on November 13, 2013, 08:29:25 AM

I was just talking to another ST.N'er and they brought up an interesting post that I'm sure many people haven't seen.

Quote from: stnadmin
I have been interested in many motorcycles in the past but have not pulled the trigger on any of them . Therefore I do not ride.

Dwayn

I knew the answer before I asked the question.

marc11 · « **Reply #35 on:** November 13, 2013, 08:44:41 AM »

I have had a couple of boards go commercial and as said here, it just became an ad fest, with layers of ad pages, pop ups and ungodly amounts of spam. Some of it I still get and have no way to stop that I can fine...I am pointing at YOU Ducati.ms.

My bigger concern with these commercial boards is what they do with the information the get from the various posts, who it is being shared with and for what reasons. For that alone, I would prefer not to post on commercially owned boards as much as possible. Bad enough Google knows more about me than I know myself...

FJR1300 · « **Reply #36 on:** November 13, 2013, 08:46:06 AM »

Quote from: Scratch on November 13, 2013, 08:40:55 AM

I knew the answer before I asked the question.

I didn't know and I'm sure a bunch of others had no idea either.

That brings up a new question, why would you own a forum about motorcycles if you don't own a motorcycle?

Scratch · « **Reply #37 on:** November 13, 2013, 08:48:13 AM »

Quote from: FJR1300 on November 13, 2013, 08:46:06 AM

Quote from: Scratch on November 13, 2013, 08:40:55 AM
I knew the answer before I asked the question.

I didn't know and I'm sure a bunch of others had no idea either.

That brings up a new question, why would you own a forum about motorcycles if you don't own a motorcycle?

He's just a company employee doing a job. I'm surprised he hasn't introduced the other members of the VS admin team yet.

http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?375401-Community-Support-Team&p=4465897#post4465897

http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?365833-The-new-owners-and-contact-of-the-board&p=4343705#post4343705

Max Wedge · « **Reply #38 on:** November 13, 2013, 08:58:08 AM »

Quote from: Scratch on November 13, 2013, 08:48:13 AM

Quote from: FJR1300 on November 13, 2013, 08:46:06 AM
Quote from: Scratch on November 13, 2013, 08:40:55 AM
I knew the answer before I asked the question.

I didn't know and I'm sure a bunch of others had no idea either.

That brings up a new question, why would you own a forum about motorcycles if you don't own a motorcycle?

He's just a company employee doing a job. I'm surprised he hasn't introduced the other members of the VS admin team yet.

http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?375401-Community-Support-Team&p=4465897#post4465897

http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?365833-The-new-owners-and-contact-of-the-board&p=4343705#post4343705

OMG, that unholy mess is what I feared. Roll-over ads, etc... etc... and the same non-riding moderator/admin.

Rincewind · « **Reply #39 on:** November 13, 2013, 11:31:39 AM »

It reminds me of the Harley CEO that doesn't ride.

It's interesting to see the ORG's rapid growth. I hope that it doesn't get hit with copyright infringement by the new .net owners.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #40 on:** November 13, 2013, 11:36:52 AM »

Quote from: Rincewind on November 13, 2013, 11:31:39 AM

It reminds me of the Harley CEO that doesn't ride.

It's interesting to see the ORG's rapid growth. I hope that it doesn't get hit with copyright infringement by the new .net owners.

I'm not sure they could. There are plenty of variations of sporttouring.whatever on the net.

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #41 on:** November 13, 2013, 11:41:20 AM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on November 13, 2013, 07:28:52 AM

I'm surprised a Mod hasn't moved it to the appropriate sub-forum yet.

And which forum would that be, oh wise one?

Cablebandit · « **Reply #42 on:** November 13, 2013, 11:42:54 AM »

Announcements seems appropriate.

Veefer800canuck · « **Reply #43 on:** November 13, 2013, 11:51:42 AM »

I just went to VerticalScope's main website, and as expected, it's ALL about the ads:

(Oh, and their tagline? "Driven by Enthusiasts" [with a non-riding Admin on ST.n])

Veefer800canuck · « **Reply #44 on:** November 13, 2013, 11:58:00 AM »

Ugh, one of their properties is R1-forum.com, and I just looked at it. MASSIVE left hand AD sidebar all the way down the forum topic listings, and a HUGE "Platinum Forum Sponsors" section, which is really just populated by dealers and parts resellers clamouring for your business.

Scratch · « **Reply #45 on:** November 13, 2013, 11:59:03 AM »

Some here will recall the flap when they bought Sportbikes.net.

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #46 on:** November 13, 2013, 12:01:55 PM »

Which was the end of my time at SBN

bomber · « **Reply #47 on:** November 13, 2013, 03:30:53 PM »

Am I all alone in not getting why some folk's feelings are hurt?

I hope that Net stays the essentially the same, but, hell, it isn't the same as it was when I joined, so expecting no changes in the future seems, if nothing else, naive.

bubba zanetti · « **Reply #48 on:** November 13, 2013, 03:40:18 PM »

Quote from: bomber on November 13, 2013, 03:30:53 PM

Am I all alone in not getting why some folk's feelings are hurt?

Not at all. Change is inevitable and I am very surprised Neal hung in as long as he did. These forums are like herding cats, roping and then branding them. I will be interested in how that is handled here in the medium term.

The future? Less post there and more ads while here, more asshattery and less ads. Kind of a lose, lose in some respects I suppose. My main interest these days is in ride reports, destinations and gear and will migrate with/to any group who post more of that information.

Scratch · « **Reply #49 on:** November 13, 2013, 03:47:24 PM »

Quote from: bomber on November 13, 2013, 03:30:53 PM

Am I all alone in not getting why some folk's feelings are hurt?

I hope that Net stays the essentially the same, but, hell, it isn't the same as it was when I joined, so expecting no changes in the future seems, if nothing else, naive.

Oh, I'm sure we'll be spending time on both forums.

Like lovelorn souls, skulking furtively back and forth between new flames and ex-spouses.