Is gt40's important to you - let us know your thoughts

[Ron Earp]

Hi Team,

Just a quick update, we've raised $750 since Keith put out the call, thanks much.

When we get enough money for the "new" forum we'll also put some thought into the supporter status. Don't worry, current status' will be honored but maybe we have a "Members Only" section or similar. We need a way to over the yearly costs of keeping the forum up and running which I'd estimate around $2000 to $2500 if occasional maintenance is outsourced.

Bottom line is if you like the place then donate a small amount of cash. While it's free to use all you want, it costs some funds to keep going.

Admins, we'll need a plan regarding the SPF and RCR forums. The threads there will need to be absorbed back into the regular forums. I haven't had time to chase vendors up, just sent an email to them a few weeks ago, but I don't think the manufacturers are interested in those subforums plus they know when renewal time is. I'm reindexing those forums right now which is a good idea to do to sort out errors before we dismantle.

Looking forward to 2018 with a fast, responsive, and new software package. I'll check back in later in the week with updates but I'm slammed with work and just don't have time to sort details right now.

Ron

 

[Keith]

HALF WAY THERE! Good effort, but we have a bit to go yet.

If you are not yet a supporting member, memberships start at just $35 per year and up. Please consider giving your support to keep this valuable resource going. Go here:

http://www.gt40s.com/forum/payments.php

If you would like to contribute an amount outside of the membership system starting at $5 and upwards via Paypal, please go here:

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]-->[email protected]

Now I know that a couple of you out there donated 3 figure sums, which means that still not enough people are getting into the spirit of this drive. So please, in order to keep this going, donate today. Thanks..

We now know that it's Ron's intention to keep the Paddock but I think there will have to be some new rules if not new discipline. Personally, I detest the poltical BS that's been flying around the Paddock for the past year and as it's mainly US orientated, as a foreigner, it's difficult for me to know where the limits are. I personally intend to lobby Ron for a ban on Politics & Religion and the decision will be for him alone.

In the meantime PLEASE CONTINUE TO DONATE TO THE FORUM!

Thanks...

 

[Tom Democko]

Keith, I support your suggested changes to the Paddock. Good luck convincing Ron.

 

[Doug S.]

...and now for a different viewpoint:

I read the technical forums on a daily basis and contribute what little I can there, but until I find Blackbeard’s burried treasure it is pretty obvious I’ll never own a 40 replica...but I do own a voter’s card and I do enjoy political discussions, so I would definitely miss the Paddock’s Politics thread...never do I read the Religion thread, though.

I try not to use vilgarity and address those who join in our political discussions with respect and dignity...they are entitled to that regardless of whether or not our opinions differ!

I see no reason why the Paddock’s Politics and Religion threads cannot be maintained...perhaps with some new rules regarding abusive or vulgar language??

Cheers!

Doug

 

[Howard Jones]

I sorry I missed this thread. Sent in another gold thing. How about we put all the non GT40 build threads in the wings wheels and keels, or a "other mid engine builds'" thread.

As an aside. The next time we need some money for the site, please post "support needed" thread. I already knew how much GT40s means to me so I didn't read that one.

Ron if you need some NSA silent benefactor help beyond the gold member thing send me a email. I will help.

I didn't post on the paddock for quite a while until lately. I can see how the US based political discussion could be off putting for the rest of you all. So.......I will NEVER post a political comment again in the paddock. It has however provide very interesting threads in the past concerning aircraft incidents, pretty lady's on bikes, and other scientific discussions. Keep it.

 

[Mike]

I see no reason why the Paddock’s Politics and Religion threads cannot be maintained...

Maybe because this is a car site and there are a plethora of sites dedicated to shrill political tripe? I am quite certain there are many people on here today that would be sharing great conversations about GT40s had they not read that another supported Trump or Clinton and now cannot stand that person. Politics is divisive now matter how many times people pretend it is not.

 

[Mike Pass]

Gone Gold. Hope this helps.
My vote is for no politics in the paddock and also paddock for site supporters only. Remember when it used to be edifying and interesting?
Cheers
Mike

 

[Doug S.]

Maybe because this is a car site and there are a plethora of sites dedicated to shrill political tripe? I am quite certain there are many people on here today that would be sharing great conversations about GT40s had they not read that another supported Trump or Clinton and now cannot stand that person. Politics is divisive now matter how many times people pretend it is not.

There’s plenty of traffic to justify its existence, Mike...I’d point out that the owner of the forum says there will always be a paddock section and suggested in no uncertain terms that if the political content disturbs you, just don’t read it.

Cheers for Ron!

Doug

 

[Mike]

I don't read nor will I fund it.

 

[Randy V]

I don't read nor will I fund it.

Mike - Just chill please. The Paddock is here because it was requested to remain by the majority. You are a participant in the Paddock of your own chosing. So am I and a number of others. We appreciate your support here....

 

[Chuck]

Just sent my contribution. Got to keep this site going - a visit is a great diversion from daily reality.

Keep the build blogs going - not just GT40s but other period cars, wide body Ford GT, SLC, etc. The tips and tricks are transferable and valuable to builders.

Okay, we can leave out the Shelby Cobra crowd - they have their own site

Chuck

 

[Jac Mac]

Okay, we can leave out the Shelby Cobra crowd - they have their own site

Chuck

Without a paddock and/or political forum, to do so incurs the wrath of Jamo just sayin!

 

[Mike]

I am chill and it's the politics not the paddock and I believe the majority would prefer it not to be part of this forum.

Mike - Just chill please. The Paddock is here because it was requested to remain by the majority. You are a participant in the Paddock of your own chosing. So am I and a number of others. We appreciate your support here....

 

[Doug S.]

I don't read nor will I fund it.

That sounds like cutting off your nose to spite your face, Mike :thumbsdown: !

Is there REALLY nothing of interest or benefit to you in the other areas on the forum?

As for not reading the Paddock...there are other areas on the forum that I never read, and yet I am not refusing to help fund the website just because I don't read those specific forums...aren't you being a bit shortsighted here? Talk about throwing out the baby with the bath water!!!

Couldn't you just NOT press the link to the Paddock and/or choose NOT to read the political content and enjoy the threads on the Paddock that do interest you? That would seem to be the rational solution.

Of course, you could just take your digital presence to Club Cobra...jac mac is right, Jamo allows ZERO political content there and isn't the least bit reluctant to deliver a "ban" to those who don't follow his directions to stop posting political stuff.

Without a paddock and/or political forum, to do so incurs the wrath of Jamo just sayin!

Cheers?...nope!!

Doug

 

[Bill Dietz]

Just donated, odds of me getting a GT are slim, but I love the information here of the originals and replicas.

 

[Dr. Bob Woods]

I just upgraded to Gold.


-Bob Woods
Tornado GT40 in Texas

 

[Keith]

Thanks everyone for their efforts. Comment regarding a specific "Support Needed" noted. Might shift everything to a more appropriate heading later.

Regarding Politics & Religion. I personally have never minded reading other people's take on these subjects as I am always willing to learn new stuff, but I am appalled at the hatred and insults that have been bandied around and I'll be damned if I want to continue being associated with it. As someone rightly pointed out, there are better forums if you want to get brutal.

The whole world is going to hell in a handcart and it would be nice if a little corner of the internet could exhibit some old fashioned sanity and my hope was always that it should be GT40's and the Paddock. I recognise that the concept of free speech is enshrined in the US Constitution and I would completely support that until or unless it steps over the line of simple civility and respect for other viewpoints. Naturally any form of religious & political extremism sheltering under the broad blanket of "freedom of speech" should not be tolerated either.

AND IT'S GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH BEING POLITICALLY CORRECT!

I'm fed up to the back teeth with being labelled thus if a request for moderation is made.

It's too not much to ask surely? If it is, then either you or I don't belong here.

Finally, this appeal is not about the darned Paddock, it is about GT40's surviving as a unique site and a massive resource. Ron has avoided commercialising the site or to use a popular YouTube term "Monetizing", and it's this which gives GT40's it's unique community flavour,

So, please, if you haven't already, donate via either:

http://www.gt40s.com/forum/payments.php for formal forum membership,

or:

Via Paypal for other "off-piste" amounts :thumbsup: [email protected]

 

[D. Nye]

I read this forum almost every day and want this site to continue. Upgraded my membership to Lifetime Premier. Hope that helps,
Don

 

[Doug S.]

Good on ya, Don!

Thanks!

Doug

 

[Randy V]

To all the contributors here.... Thank you very very much!