[SEL] Low amount of messages

[bill at antique-engines.com]

I run http://theamcforum.com <- our intro page, then our forum pages -> 
http://theamcforum.com/forum

It does take time and effort and you need moderators, but we have typically
over 200 members visit each day and many times that in guests poking
around.

We're going to grow with a downloads area for documentation, etc. and
already have an area where the historians can post scans of original
factory bulletins, etc.

It's gone so well that last year Edelbrock asked if they could advertise on
our site, but alas, Edelbrock is now laying off and dropped the advertising
bit.
We have safeguards in place, such as email confirmation for activating
accounts before they can post. I still go in and delete several dozen
unactivated accounts each month, but spamming has been minimal, and a
couple of the mods are quick on the trigger and kill spam as fast as it
appears. We also have a 10 regular post minimum before members can post
anything for sale. Stops the drive-bys looking for free advertising.

Takes a couple hundred a year for hosing as it's ASP and SQL based and we
do use over 20gig a month bandwidth. The forum software I got lucky on and
got in on a special - one month only, free lifetime upgrades.
It includes image and file uploading abilities (want to post a photo,
upload it right to the forum)
It will also display embedded youtube, etc.

I'm looking toward an upgrade in the next few weeks, newer version with
even more features.
May even add a chat feature. but this all takes time and dedication, and if
something goes amiss, you or someone you trust needs to be available! If it
ain't up 24/7/365, folks get a bit irritated.

Bill

On Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:34:29 +0000, Listerdiesel <listerdiesel at gmail.com>
wrote:
> 2009/2/18 Kangas, James G. <james.kangas at timken.com>:
>> I wonder how hard it would be to make the change to allow pictures ?
>>   Jim K.
> 
> Pretty difficult, Jim.
> 
> The reason that Internet Forums have become so prevalent is that you
> can get the software and hosting for less than $200, with yearly
> renewals of about $50. That gives you a very comprehensive package
> that covers almost all your needs, which is why it is so popular.
> 
> The email list software is much simpler and is basically a relay
> mechanism that forwards out all emails that come in from the
> subscribed members.
> 
> We run Vbulletin on the UK Engine Forum, it's $180 to buy and gives
> you free updates for a year. The ATIS forum is based on that, although
> Spencer hasn't updated to the latest software release.
> 
> Smokstak is also based on similar software, it looks like Vbulletin
> but may be one of the others.
> 
> Forums take a lot of running and admin effort, you have to watch for
> spam registrations, sort out the flame wars etc etc., but we have a
> core block of young guys that enjoy their engines, and I do like to
> encourage the youngsters to get into the hobby. Email lists are almost
> self-running, not a lot of maintenance is required.
> 
> There's also an newer setup called ProBoard (www.proboard.com) which
> is free but they place adverts on the forum pages, which I personally
> don't like.
> 
> Peter
> --
> Peter A Forbes
> Email: listerdiesel at gmail.com
> http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel
> http://stationary-engine.co.uk
> http://www.oldengine.co.uk
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