Really Eugene? You can't get to the PM system as a guest?

I've been okay with the changes so far, including the gearswap changes, but I think restricting the PM system is a little excessive IMO. Makes communication on gearswap threads, and general threads (to avoid thread drift) difficult. Sorry buddy.

I can PM you, but I don't see a way to PM non members. Can you PM me?

It was the SoCal trip thread that got me to check because I was trying to make a contact list for everyone that said they were interested. I posted one list already, but I was going to post a second list with the link required to PM each person. That's when I discovered that I could not PM non members. I was on the verge of getting another membership, but this irritates me enough that I changed my mind.

Eugene, I can pm you. The problem is, most people that are BPL guests don't bother to set up their PM systems. For example, if they don't setup a personal email address that's associated with the BPL PM system, than you can't PM them. It's a very common problem. It's caused quite a problem for many in the past.

Everybody setup your PMs! and Happy New Year!

Okay, my mistake. I jumped the gun. I can see that guests can be PM'd. I must have unluckily tested a couple non members that didn't have their PM's set up, or I made a mistake in my scripting...

Yep, it was a mistake in my scripting.

Edited by leaftye on 01/01/2012 00:09:00 MST.

nm

Edited by jshann on 01/01/2012 05:29:48 MST.

I didn't read every comment in this thread so if this has been mentioned already, I agree with whoever said it.

In regards to "the cost to keep the site up and running": Mountain Project has been up and running since 2000. And it has always been free. No annoying ads posted to the bottom of forum posts, no annoying pop up ads. No need for people to give a percentage of what was paid for their used gear to the site. And if you've spent some time on Mountain Project, there is A LOT more content on there compared to here.

And take this for what it's worth...I would love to see a spreadsheet of the costs it takes to keep the forum going along with how the money received for $25/year and the $110/lifetime memberships are being used, specifically towards forum and site maintenance.

Edited by rps76 on 01/14/2012 13:55:09 MST.

BPL is not a non profit.

Mountain Project ....
This ?
http://www.mountainproject.com/
Franco

Yes, that mountain project. Your point?

Not just mountain project, but there are MANY forums that are free and have been for years and years.

Personally, I'd pay for having the ability to completely delete my account.

Guess you haven't gone "poof" yet:) (as you mentioned in another post)

There's more to BPL than the forums, as others have said. Hammockforums.net (another great site) gets similar "help" from donations. For enjoying my
time in the woods, this site has made a huge difference for me. Worth every penny for some, not for others. Just like individual pieces of gear.

I'm not familiar w/the site you referenced but I'll check it out.

>"Mountain Project has been up and running since 2000. And it has always been free."

And there were four ads on the home page when I just looked at it.

>"No annoying ads posted to the bottom of forum posts,"

Huh? You don't like text lines at the bottom of a forum post but prefer scrolling color ads at the upper-right corner of the forum? Scrolling? Color? That's better? I suppose it's better because it probably brings in more revenue, but I personally find it more distracting.

There's such an ideal solution for those who want their web content free, ad-less, and high in quality: Do their own site, themselves. Set it up however they want. Put as much of their own time and money into it as they want. And maybe, it's such a fantastic idea AND implementation that, like Wikipedia it can always be free and ad-less or like Khan Academy it can wean itself from ads.

I've been on BPL for a month and added 10,000-15,000 words. Some chaff like this, but most of it content on stoves, fuels, design, mods to gear, etc. Contributing, well, contributes something of value, IMO. Whining, not so much.

>"I would love to see a spreadsheet of the costs it takes to keep the forum."

And I'd love to see Exxon's detailed budget documents. Not that I'm a shareholder, employee, auditer or regulator. I'd just like to see them. Right.

RPS76
Yes, that mountain project. Your point?

I think your question well explains how you see things, or how you don't...
Pretty obvious that Mountain Project is a site sponsored by the gear advertised in it.
What do you get on the FRONT page or when you click on deals ?
BTW, click on the iPhone/Android link and you find this comment in the FAQ ;
FAQ


Why isn't it free like the web site?
Mobile App development is hard, never-ending work, the app has no ads (which is how we support the web site)

took me less than 30 sec to find that out.

Would you care to name another site that has detailed information and is add free and or does not ask for donations ?
Franco

Here is the bottom line. Ryan Jordan owns the site. He is aware of what people think. It doesn't matter what we think, we are free to participate and free to leave. Whatever decision Ryan makes on this and other issues determine the future of BPL, we will not make this decision. It is his decision alone and he can take into consideration what the members (paying or not) think, but ultimately the final say lays on his shoulders. There is no need to continue this thread, as Ryan has plenty of feedback.

-- says "Personally, I'd pay for having the ability to completely delete my account."
Quit posting and you will be lost by the wayside in no time. Geez you've only been here nine months. Go away. Nobody is forcing you to post.
I would have PM, but you don't want to be enough of a part of this group to even give us the chance to ream you out in private.

I've notice that the people who have raised the most stink about this whole subject are people who I have never heard of for the most part outside of gearswap.

PM me I'm accessible.
Ryan will do what he wants. That has been true for the 10 years or so that I have been here.

well that stinks. i was gonna post a sale item.. but no!
hmph.

"Personally, I'd pay for having the ability to completely delete my account."

I noticed the "Gone fishing" placard in your avatar. Does that mean you're willing to pay for a fishing license? Or should that be "free" as well? Where do you draw the line between free services and ones you are willing to pay for?

I really hope the new guy who is debating on whether or not to pay for a membership looks at this thread. Hopefully they will see that unless you are kissing the a**** of the forum moderators and/or the owner of this site, you will be sh** on. God forbid someone says something "bad" on here.

I could understand if I was a non-member and posting my comments but I am a member and to be honest, the articles and the gear swap thread isn't enough to justify paying for a membership.

As for paying for a fishing license, no, I get it for free for being a veteran. You're welcome for helping you keep your right to bash someone for expressing their opinion you elitist scum.

As for me not being an active participant on the forum...do you find it strange that there are soooo many people with sooo many posts on a BACKPACKING site? Interesting how the outdoor world spends so much time on the internet.

Edited by rps76 on 01/14/2012 19:20:25 MST.

Wow. More entitlement mentality. I applaud our service men and women, just like applaud all police officers and firemen who put their lives on the line for us daily. But...free fishing licenses....and attitude... I am fairly certain that your service has nothing to do with my ability to post on this forum.

Edited by BER on 01/14/2012 20:38:35 MST.

RPS 76
Given your anal fixation, it is no wonder you talk a load of crap.
I am still waiting for you to tell us what forum there is that is ads free, non sponsored and has no membership free either.
If you can't do that then don't open your mouth and let whatever comes to mind come out, cause it smells just like the other stuff.
As for kissing Arse , read the comments on the Stagnation article. Most there are members and not that many agreed with Ryan.
Franco