Are sellers taking over this forum?

[Cyclezee]

and it will be perfect if it comes with a 10 year battery warranty, cost £500 spreadable with 12 interest free instalments, will be abailable thoughout off licence stores round the corner and for additional £4.99 will have your name engraved on the frame.

and lastly if you buy one you get another one free so the wife is happy too

all the best
Andrew

And here it is


The only thing you would have to do is change your name to BMC Blast01, the battery will still be a battery in 10 years time (it won't work, but that is a minor issue), Oh and 12 installments of £500, it's a deal Did I get all that right

 

[Caph]

It is the commercial funding of the forum that makes it possible

That is absolute rubbish.

I participate in several forums, some profit making with costs to run them, some non-profit making with no costs involved and in all cases it is the members that make the forum, not any commercial funding.

If what you said was true then zero cost forums could not exist without funding. They do, and they are very successful.

If Russ wants to make some money off the back of this then fair enough, I suspect some other forum members myself included would happily move this over to WebFusion and pay the £6 a month if Russ wouldn't/couldn't continue.

I don't mind putting up with the sales posts of trade members but I take offence at being told we owe you a debt of gratitude.

 

[flecc]

If Russ wants to make some money off the back of this then fair enough, I suspect some other forum members myself included would happily move this over to WebFusion and pay the £6 a month if Russ wouldn't/couldn't continue.

Experience has shown that this model of website funding doesn't work well. For "some" read "very few". In such a small membership forum such a move would probably be terminal.

 

[squimlet]

as a total newbie to this form i have found that everyone including vendors have been very helpful. i know on other forums i have been on vendors are not openly allowed to advertise their wares

 

[Cyclezee]

That is absolute rubbish.

I participate in several forums, some profit making with costs to run them, some non-profit making with no costs involved and in all cases it is the members that make the forum, not any commercial funding.

If what you said was true then zero cost forums could not exist without funding. They do, and they are very successful.

If Russ wants to make some money off the back of this then fair enough, I suspect some other forum members myself included would happily move this over to WebFusion and pay the £6 a month if Russ wouldn't/couldn't continue.

I don't mind putting up with the sales posts of trade members but I take offence at being told we owe you a debt of gratitude.

OK Caph,

You disagree with what I say that is fair enough, but I think you would agree that the Pedelec Forum would not be what is today without advertising revenue. Your point about and WebFusion, how many members would be willing to pay £6 per month for something inferior, when they could have this for free?

 

[b0331e]

I think generally this forum has the right balance. It must be very frustrating being a dealer having to put up with so many dithering members asking the same questions over and over again ... and those post where someone wants a bike for onroad/offroad/underwater with variable frame sizes so it can be ridden by various members of the family and the old granny who lives next door - oh yeah .. and it HAS to have a throttle (preferrably red)

Dithering members rubbish.......

It's a buyers market, if my needs are that granny has to ride it on a Thursday, or that a computer controlled voice will tell me that am pedalling to fast, well if I got the MONEY then THATS what I WANT, and if, MR TRADER MAN you can't be bothered I will go to someone that is bothered, they will get my MONEY along with all the the people I happened to recommend him/her too.
So traders nurture your ditherers, 8 times out of 10 a ditherer will go with the trader who has patience with their dithering, believe me I know, coming straight from a ditherer (gosh am using the word Dither alot).

Also I would love to know what you traders talk about in your private forum???????? what are the subject matters????? do you banter about the ditherers????

You are all laughing at 10 year warranty dream, well when Electric bikes become common place in this society, and MR YEN is hungary for profit, we will see who is laughing then, you do the sums, sitting there all self righteous because you think you know the ebike world....

Now ladies and gentlemen I am not having a dig at the traders on this forum, they have been a wealth of information, sometimes they tend to waffle off subject but there cool enough to return my calls/emails. In my humble opinion the answer to the question 5 pages ago will be NO they are NOT taking over this forum. And they have every right to plug their goods. IF their goods are crap write about it in the forum SIMPLES...

thanks all,
my morning rant is over,
have a nice day

B0331e, Ditherer number 1

 

[NRG]

Hmmm, well my tuppence worth: Its a two way street IMHO.... Trade participation is welcome and does input revenue into the site, in return Trade members get something: They get to advertise and promote their products, I would suggest their primary reason for being here. Financial contribution to the running of the forum would be secondary.

However, Its the help, information, knowledge, questions, jokes, general chat etc. Freely given by the none-trade membership that forms the heart and life of any forum...without the general membership the forum would effectively cease to exist no matter how much advertising revenue was input there would be no reason for Trade members to be here.

The general membership in return gets access to Trade members willing to participate on an open forum. They can ask questions, query products, ask for and receive support etc. Even challenge and hold trade members accountable for whatever reason...where else would we get this sort of access to the Trade? I think, all in all, its a good balance.....

 

[flecc]

The electric-assist bike world consists of the customers who ride them, the traders who sell them, the manufacturers who make them and the legislators who control their use.

Ideally they would all be represented in here as members or associates.

 

[Cyclezee]

Dithering members rubbish.......

It's a buyers market, if my needs are that granny has to ride it on a Thursday, or that a computer controlled voice will tell me that am pedalling to fast, well if I got the MONEY then THATS what I WANT, and if, MR TRADER MAN you can't be bothered I will go to someone that is bothered, they will get my MONEY along with all the the people I happened to recommend him/her too.
So traders nurture your ditherers, 8 times out of 10 a ditherer will go with the trader who has patience with their dithering, believe me I know, coming straight from a ditherer (gosh am using the word Dither alot).

Also I would love to know what you traders talk about in your private forum???????? what are the subject matters????? do you banter about the ditherers????

You are all laughing at 10 year warranty dream, well when Electric bikes become common place in this society, and MR YEN is hungary for profit, we will see who is laughing then, you do the sums, sitting there all self righteous because you think you know the ebike world....

Now ladies and gentlemen I am not having a dig at the traders on this forum, they have been a wealth of information, sometimes they tend to waffle off subject but there cool enough to return my calls/emails. In my humble opinion the answer to the question 5 pages ago will be NO they are NOT taking over this forum. And they have every right to plug their goods. IF their goods are crap write about it in the forum SIMPLES...

thanks all,
my morning rant is over,
have a nice day

B0331e, Ditherer number 1

Hi Bobbie,

You dither all you like, that is your prerogative.

Some might call it indecision whilst you gain knowledge and find out what is best for you. I know, I was in that position for almost 4 years, dithering and trying almost everything available to find the best bike on the market that suited me perfectly.

Several times I thought I had and rated them as the best bike I had ever owned, which at the time was true.

Then I thought I should buy a non-powered bike I really like and fit a conversion kit, so I did and for while I was happy with that. Then I thought how about a trike I really like and fit a conversion kit that I really like, so I did and for while I was happy with that. Then I thought I like this so much, I am going into business and I did and I converted a bike that I really liked even more than the previous one and fitted a conversion kit that I really like. Now I am looking for a bike that I really like even more than my current one to fit the conversion kit that I really like.
Guess what I will be doing when I have done that?

Oh, and to let you all in on a little secret, click on this link and you will see exactly what the Traders talk about in private Pedelecs Electric Bike Community - Trade

 

[JuicyBike]

Is the forum is taking over the dealer?

I have to admit I use this forum far more than contribute to it. I gain as much technical knowledge as I can to manage my (Juicy Bike) business safely and efficiently; I try to identify trends and issues in order to take advantage of wishes and desires; I keep an eye on competitors (non- Juicy Bikes). And I try to sell our (Juicy Bike) wares, mainly by using the advertising space to the right but often, unashamedly, suggesting people take a little look at what we (Juicy Bike) have to offer - but only when I think it is appropriate.

I try to mention Juicy Bikes as often as I can.

But overall I consider I am a consumer more than a contributor. Perhaps I should start a thread asking if the forum is taking over the dealer? I would hate to think of being excluded.

We've all been harassed by brow-beaters whilst quietly browsing and pondering a purchase, and I often find it a real turn-off when a salesperson accosts me. At our shop I encourage the (Juicy Bike) team to be as discreet as possible and respect shoppers’ right to a little privacy. We’re genuinely keen for people to leave with at least a little more knowledge about electric bikes, or having completed a test ride to tell their mates about.

But it has been the case that a customer has left our shop disgruntled that we never approached or enquired if he needed help. Man! Sometimes you can’t win!

It is true that everyone has their own idea of what good service should be and what constitutes brow-beating. We’ll never get the balance right for everyone using these forums to be completely happy with the dealers’ intrusions.

But I, for one, am more than satisfied that I get a great deal from this forum, from all members… …especially those with Juicy Bikes.

 

[muckymits]

I am helping a friend out that owns a small local bike shop, it looks like things are just taking off on County Durham for ebikes. I dont want to join as a trader as we dont know how things are going to go, so on here to learn a few technical things and to watch the trends and the pit falls.

The Giants will stay but need a slightly cheaper line and that is a big problem, what to get? So as we get sorted out will join as a trader and put something back in.

Keep the format as it is, it works well.

 

[JuicyBike]

I am helping a friend out that owns a small local bike shop, it looks like things are just taking off on County Durham for ebikes. I dont want to join as a trader as we dont know how things are going to go, so on here to learn a few technical things and to watch the trends and the pit falls.

The Giants will stay but need a slightly cheaper line and that is a big problem, what to get? So as we get sorted out will join as a trader and put something back in.

Keep the format as it is, it works well.

Hi MMits
It would be a pleasure to supply you. We have no dealers in your area, and plenty of enquiries from prospective purchasers to pass on. Have a look at our range and give us a call.
Good luck!

 

[banbury frank]

Hi muckymits

As a trade member I can recommend Juciybike for there bikes an conversion kits




Frank

 

[Caph]

how many members would be willing to pay £6 per month for something inferior, when they could have this for free?

I'd like to assume you are deliberately missing the point for humorous effect but I suspect you just don't get it.

It's £6 a month. Period. Not £6 a month for every member. Just £6 a month. That's for unlimited bandwidth for multiple sites, not just this one.

I would happily pay the £6 a month to have a site that I could make more than £6 a month from in advertising without having to allow commercial postings. It's not rocket science (or maybe it is for some).

You pay your advertising fee to make money and by god you take full advantage of that fact.

 

[Cyclezee]

I'd like to assume you are deliberately missing the point for humorous effect but I suspect you just don't get it.

It's £6 a month. Period. Not £6 a month for every member. Just £6 a month. That's for unlimited bandwidth for multiple sites, not just this one.

I would happily pay the £6 a month to have a site that I could make more than £6 a month from in advertising without having to allow commercial postings. It's not rocket science (or maybe it is for some).

You pay your advertising fee to make money and by god you take full advantage of that fact.

Hi Caph,

OK, I confess I am not a rocket scientist and did not deliberately misunderstand your post. I did not fully appreciate or understand the point you were making.

You are clearly not happy with quantity and content of my posts, therefore, might I suggest that you ignore them in future.

I only started Cyclezee in March of this year and I think you will find that the frequency of my posts has if anything reduced since becoming a trade member.

As I said previously, 40% of hits to my website come via the Pedelec Forum, but the the vast majority come from elsewhere, mainly mainland Europe. I also get more business from Europe than the UK.
Bearing this in mind, I am reviewing whether it is worth continuing to be a trade member and instead to focus on advertising elsewhere.
My reasons for going into this business were not to make loads of dosh, contrary to what some might think the electric bike world is not a cash cow waiting to be milked. I have invested what is for me a considerable amount of money and time to get Cyclezee going and it will a long time before I turn a profit. Fortunately, this is not my only source of income.
Over the last four years, electric bikes have become a passion and I am doing what I do because I love it.

 

[banbury frank]

Hi John

DITO

Frank

 

[NRG]

It's interesting to read that the Endless-Sphere membership have stuck two fingers up at commercialism and fought off a commercial take over of the board.....so it can be done...

Endless-sphere.com • View topic - A Summary Letter for the ES Community

 

[Mussels]

I'd like to assume you are deliberately missing the point for humorous effect but I suspect you just don't get it.

It's £6 a month. Period. Not £6 a month for every member. Just £6 a month. That's for unlimited bandwidth for multiple sites, not just this one.

I would happily pay the £6 a month to have a site that I could make more than £6 a month from in advertising without having to allow commercial postings. It's not rocket science (or maybe it is for some).

You pay your advertising fee to make money and by god you take full advantage of that fact.

I understood what you were saying before but I think you are wrong, there's no such thing as unlimited bandwidth and busy forums can cost a lot to run. I'm not sure I would count this as a busy forum but I don't have the viewing figures.

As for the original question there is quite a bit of blatant selling going on, I don't particularly like it but I think the newbie sellers that generate it bring a lot else to the forum. It's not a bad thing for buyers as they are being put in touch with customer orientated sellers, when business picks up for those newbies they will be too busy to post on here as much and other startups will replace them and keep the forum lively.

 

[Caph]

John, I actually don't think you post too much. It was just your post that intimated that the advertising kept the site going that aggrieved me.

The £6 a month on WebFusion is for, and I quote, "UNLIMITED Web Space & Traffic. Unlimited traffic, Welcome infinite traffic to your site without excess bandwidth charges". I'm a computer programmer and I operate several accounts with WebFusion so I know what I'm talking about.

Anyway, I think I came across overly aggressive and I apologise for that. My only defense is that I believe the input from average Joe on this board is priceless and is more important than advertising revenue. That's not to undermine the importance of seller's presence on this board which I believe is a positive thing.

 

[electric_avenue]

The £6 a month on WebFusion is for, and I quote, "UNLIMITED Web Space & Traffic. Unlimited traffic, Welcome infinite traffic to your site without excess bandwidth charges". I'm a computer programmer and I operate several accounts with WebFusion so I know what I'm talking about.

I don't agree with you on this. There is no such thing as unlimited web traffic. What they mean is, they won't charge a premium when you pass a certain milestone, which is what happens with limited traffic sites. However, at busy times this type of server nearly always becomes overloaded and slows down resulting in a poorer service for users.
However this site will be very low traffic in internet terms and the price you suggest would probably get a limited bandwidth service that would be entirely adequate and run at good speed all the time.