FML

[HolyMoly]

Hey RD....where's my free t-shirts?

 

[Tom Brown]

You should be ok. The specific forums wont be accessible to the public, that includes any web crawlers.

For what it's worth, I don't think it's a good idea to divide the site between paying customers and general area. It's the beginning of the end, IMO.

To solve the immediate problem, I'm in favor of throwing down a little cash. If a couple of dozen of us throw in a little bit, e could solve this problem without working up a sweat.

I'm in for $50.

 

[Tom Brown]

PM me an address or post a PayPal account.

 

[harleypauls]

I'm in for $50.

Yeah, but that is like...what..... $3.50 in American Money? ... lol :skull

 

[Tom Brown]

Yeah, but that is like...what..... $3.50 in American Money? ... lol :skull

If I were to pay in Canadian money, it would be $50.41 USD.

You know... it's funnier when the Canadian dollar is valued higher than US currency. :thumbsup:

 

[whiteworks]

Let me get this straight,

1. you wanna charge for an adult content section.
2. this section will have no professional content.
3. content will consist of somebodys brokeback wife or girlfriend thats cool with sporting her goods on the internet. (no offense if thats your thing)

Um Yeah thats gonna work:bash:

 

[HolyMoly]

I don't think RD minds.....if you read between the lines....at $2k a month costs....he is still netting $2K in profit. :thumbsup

 

[HolyMoly]

Let me get this straight,

1. you wanna charge for an adult content section.
2. this section will have no professional content.
3. content will consist of somebodys brokeback wife or girlfriend thats cool with sporting her goods on the internet. (no offense if thats your thing)

Um Yeah thats gonna work:bash:

Kind of sounds like that other site....only RD wants to charge. He could point the HotBoat domain to the new section!

 

[JBS]

Maybe take a Tip from California and start a fine system

It will work better than infractions:thumbsup

 

[C-2]

As TB mentioned, just put up a "donate" paypal link like the zillions of other freeware content providers/bloggers do. That way people can contribute whenever they can, and whatever they can. If you need more money raised, put out a reminder post every month.

 

[shintoooo]

I say you start a "CALL-OUT" section where people can go and call each other out for cheating etc....


I would pay for that

 

[Nord]

Overhead is a bitch. Kind of a small price to pay when you aren't paying rent, workmans comp, insurance etc.

 

[Tom Brown]

Overhead is a bitch. Kind of a small price to pay when you aren't paying rent, workmans comp, insurance etc.

... so you're saying, instead of whining about it, Dave should focus his attention on selling a few dozen extra pair of boots?

 

[Nord]

... so you're saying, instead of whining about it, Dave should focus his attention on selling a few dozen extra pair of boots?

That's exactly what I was trying to say Brown Maybe replace boots with RDP T-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.......

 

[rivermobster]

GETerDONE...

https://cms.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/?...eveloper/e_howto_html_donation_buttons&bn_r=o

 

[RiverDave]

I'm in for half a dozen shirts to help the site...Dave, I bet you can raise a few K if you did it right...I am betting that most would be willing to contribute..

We already do that.. LOL And we already count on profits from shirts to go towards other avenues etc.. We could expand on that, and god knows we haven't been up to date on our shirt program.

Hey Dave why not put up a link to enable the ballers and generous types to throw in (donate) some coin via PayPal or even a credit card? If you make it possible for people to chip in they just might.

Meanwhile, sell your gear at a profit to help cover your costs. And always keep the RDP store open

Answer these 2 in 1 response

As TB mentioned, just put up a "donate" paypal link like the zillions of other freeware content providers/bloggers do. That way people can contribute whenever they can, and whatever they can. If you need more money raised, put out a reminder post every month.

RDP is not a charity, nor will it ever be. If traffic is good and profits are down, then we re-evaluate where the $$ is going, and how to make more. This was just a suggestion to regain and improve profits.

A lot of members have historically asked for an uncensored section.. I'm surprised in this thread, now all of a sudden most are saying don't do it?

If that's the consensus, then we'll not do it.
I will not take anything away from the current membership as well, I have never felt you should have to pay for a message board. If I do anything, I'll add something that doesn't exist here yet, or increase a capability etc.

Let me get this straight,

1. you wanna charge for an adult content section.
2. this section will have no professional content.
3. content will consist of somebodys brokeback wife or girlfriend thats cool with sporting her goods on the internet. (no offense if thats your thing)

Um Yeah thats gonna work:bash:

Truthfully Dylan, this was just an idea.. I hadn't really planned on going into the uncensored section (to busy with other stuff) so I didn't really give a shit what MMD posted in there.. LOL

I don't think RD minds.....if you read between the lines....at $2k a month costs....he is still netting $2K in profit. :thumbsup

"FF" Fuckin Frank..

Maybe take a Tip from California and start a fine system

It will work better than infractions:thumbsup

Brown would owe me 10K in the 1st week.

I say you start a "CALL-OUT" section where people can go and call each other out for cheating etc....


I would pay for that

Shit that's not a half bad idea..

Overhead is a bitch. Kind of a small price to pay when you aren't paying rent, workmans comp, insurance etc.

You're mistaken, I do pay rent, overhead and all the bitches that come with it.. LOL RDP does have an actual head quarters ya know, and it ain't free.. albeit split between businesses.

 

[HavasuHank]

dumb question here, but if you were to get rid of some sections that don't get much traffic/use, would that free up some $$$?

 

[Cole Trickle]

As I said, its just something that is being considered. If you have a better idea then lets have it.

I have some ideas.....:skull

I love Dave and Stacey and want to see nothing but the best for them.

I think this site has alot of flaws along with a shit ton of positives.

We all come to this site because it feels like family.I have met countless good people through the boards and would consider a bunch really really good friends.

1. This site is never going to be what Dave wants business wi$$e. The boating community is too small and wide spread and most of his advertisers are hanging on by a thread.

If he wants it to suceed and provide a decent little income for his family he needs to run it like a business. Advertisers can't be friends and get a bro deal. Everyone needs to pay a set amount and pay on time.......The barter deals are not income

Maybe have a couple different levels of advertising

Silver - Small little link
Gold - small link and a rotating banner on the top
Platinum - Small link,rotating banner and there own section to offer specials and show builds,new products,etc..(They would need to be involved)

2. Most of the advertisers don't engadge the members the way they should.CP,Dana seem to be improving and the car guys do a barely O.K. jobfrom time to time(Very few deals,group buys,cars of the week,etc...). The other people/companies don't seem to get it and as far as I'm concerned all they want is an icon on a popular site? I have to say for the most part the advertisers on this site are the worst I have ever seen on any of the car,truck,jetski websites.

PS...For the advertisers

If there is no benefit to buying from you by being a member of this website and I can get the same product for cheaper elsewhere why should I buy from you? Perhaps a price match and a T shirt on all orders over $100? (I don't pay retail........)

3. I know Dave is going to hate me for this (I still love you) and I will say it eventhough others have exspressed the same feelings. WTF was so special about the reinventing the wheel thing you did with the Russians? I know about the front page and the FB connect and to be honest it did exactly squat for me.

4. Skip the porn or nudie section.

I would create different membership levels and charge accordingly.

Standard - Free

Premium- $10.00 year allows you an avatar and the ability to view and post a limited amount of pictures.(If you won't pay $10 you suck anyways)

Platinum- $25.00 year allows you an avatar, unlimited picture storage and viewing, Your allowed to post 20 classified adds in a calendar year and you can view all classified adds. (The lower levels can't look at spam or post links to for sale adds)

Platinum plus- $50.00 allows for a bigger avatar,unlimited picture storage,unlimited classifieds,a limited edition RDP Tshirt/2 coozies

Platinum Pro- $100.00 allows everything mentioned above plus a RDP hat and the ability to have a signature with your business link in it. Being part of this club will also invite you and a friend to an annual party at Roc's grill (discounted hotel rooms will be arranged)where the sponsors will chip in for food,drinks and donate a bunch of swag via drawlings......You can also purchase extra raffle tickets for prizes and proceeds will go to the site.

You can also still do the trip to the nautical once a year for members that are platinum and higher members where RDP members once again will enjoy discounted rooms and food/drink specials.

I would invite all premium and up members to the bbq where they will get free food and drink if they bring a side dish.

These were just some quick ideas......:blah:

I would be good with the $100 deal tommorow and would donate prizes to both events

BTW....I am avaliable for consulting

 

[Tom Brown]

We already do that.. LOL And we already count on profits from shirts to go towards other avenues etc.. We could expand on that, and god knows we haven't been up to date on our shirt program.

Think about this, Dave: A t-shirt subscription

As well as the option to buy individual shirts, subscribers could sign up to buy every shirt in the series. Every 6~12 months, you cook up a graphic and the subscribers are already pre-sold on that shirt issue. It would help you understand how many shirts to order and it would give you some incentive to crank out original graphics.

Brown would owe me 10K in the 1st week.

JBB clicks on my infraction button like a 45 year old woman working over the speed control of her personal toy.

 

[460]

Whats another 20 a month. I mean really, just saying

 

[C-2]

RDP is not a charity, nor will it ever be. If traffic is good and profits are down, then we re-evaluate where the $$ is going, and how to make more. This was just a suggestion to regain and improve profits.

.

Who said anything about charity?

Tons of ebook autthors and software sellers use a donate button TO GET PAID, under the theory if somebody appreciates it, they'll pay for it. As opposed to charging a straight fee WHICH THEY MIGHT NOT BE HAPPY WITH, AND NEVER SUBSCRIBE TO.

Seems to work since more and more content providers are doing it:

http://adage.com/power150/

 

[Tom Brown]

Whats another 20 a month. I mean really, just saying

Oooooo... look at me.... I'm a Parker baller.

 

[rivermobster]

Cole Trickle for marketing director...

:bowdown:

 

[JBS]

I have some ideas.....:skull

I love Dave and Stacey and want to see nothing but the best for them.

-----------------------------------------------------------
BTW....I am avaliable for consulting

There are some good ideas here:thumbsup

 

[sdpm]

Just make this a "Non Profit" site like NHRA, Nascar as well as many others and you will be living large!

 

[Wmc]

Is it from all the HOTBOAT.com traffic???

 

[Rvrluvr]

I have some ideas.....:skull

I love Dave and Stacey and want to see nothing but the best for them.

I think this site has alot of flaws along with a shit ton of positives.

We all come to this site because it feels like family.I have met countless good people through the boards and would consider a bunch really really good friends.

1. This site is never going to be what Dave wants business wi$$e. The boating community is too small and wide spread and most of his advertisers are hanging on by a thread.

If he wants it to suceed and provide a decent little income for his family he needs to run it like a business. Advertisers can't be friends and get a bro deal. Everyone needs to pay a set amount and pay on time.......The barter deals are not income

Maybe have a couple different levels of advertising

Silver - Small little link
Gold - small link and a rotating banner on the top
Platinum - Small link,rotating banner and there own section to offer specials and show builds,new products,etc..(They would need to be involved)

2. Most of the advertisers don't engadge the members the way they should.CP,Dana seem to be improving and the car guys do a barely O.K. jobfrom time to time(Very few deals,group buys,cars of the week,etc...). The other people/companies don't seem to get it and as far as I'm concerned all they want is an icon on a popular site? I have to say for the most part the advertisers on this site are the worst I have ever seen on any of the car,truck,jetski websites.

PS...For the advertisers

If there is no benefit to buying from you by being a member of this website and I can get the same product for cheaper elsewhere why should I buy from you? Perhaps a price match and a T shirt on all orders over $100? (I don't pay retail........)

3. I know Dave is going to hate me for this (I still love you) and I will say it eventhough others have exspressed the same feelings. WTF was so special about the reinventing the wheel thing you did with the Russians? I know about the front page and the FB connect and to be honest it did exactly squat for me.

4. Skip the porn or nudie section.

I would create different membership levels and charge accordingly.

Standard - Free

Premium- $10.00 year allows you an avatar and the ability to view and post a limited amount of pictures.(If you won't pay $10 you suck anyways)

Platinum- $25.00 year allows you an avatar, unlimited picture storage and viewing, Your allowed to post 20 classified adds in a calendar year and you can view all classified adds. (The lower levels can't look at spam or post links to for sale adds)

Platinum plus- $50.00 allows for a bigger avatar,unlimited picture storage,unlimited classifieds,a limited edition RDP Tshirt/2 coozies

Platinum Pro- $100.00 allows everything mentioned above plus a RDP hat and the ability to have a signature with your business link in it. Being part of this club will also invite you and a friend to an annual party at Roc's grill (discounted hotel rooms will be arranged)where the sponsors will chip in for food,drinks and donate a bunch of swag via drawlings......You can also purchase extra raffle tickets for prizes and proceeds will go to the site.

You can also still do the trip to the nautical once a year for members that are platinum and higher members where RDP members once again will enjoy discounted rooms and food/drink specials.

I would invite all premium and up members to the bbq where they will get free food and drink if they bring a side dish.

These were just some quick ideas......:blah:

I would be good with the $100 deal tommorow and would donate prizes to both events

BTW....I am avaliable for consulting

a lot of real good Ideas here:thumbsup

 

[RiverDave]

I have some ideas.....:skull

I love Dave and Stacey and want to see nothing but the best for them.

I think this site has alot of flaws along with a shit ton of positives.

We all come to this site because it feels like family.I have met countless good people through the boards and would consider a bunch really really good friends.

1. This site is never going to be what Dave wants business wi$$e. The boating community is too small and wide spread and most of his advertisers are hanging on by a thread.

If he wants it to suceed and provide a decent little income for his family he needs to run it like a business. Advertisers can't be friends and get a bro deal. Everyone needs to pay a set amount and pay on time.......The barter deals are not income

Maybe have a couple different levels of advertising

Silver - Small little link
Gold - small link and a rotating banner on the top
Platinum - Small link,rotating banner and there own section to offer specials and show builds,new products,etc..(They would need to be involved)

2. Most of the advertisers don't engadge the members the way they should.CP,Dana seem to be improving and the car guys do a barely O.K. jobfrom time to time(Very few deals,group buys,cars of the week,etc...). The other people/companies don't seem to get it and as far as I'm concerned all they want is an icon on a popular site? I have to say for the most part the advertisers on this site are the worst I have ever seen on any of the car,truck,jetski websites.

PS...For the advertisers

If there is no benefit to buying from you by being a member of this website and I can get the same product for cheaper elsewhere why should I buy from you? Perhaps a price match and a T shirt on all orders over $100? (I don't pay retail........)

3. I know Dave is going to hate me for this (I still love you) and I will say it eventhough others have exspressed the same feelings. WTF was so special about the reinventing the wheel thing you did with the Russians? I know about the front page and the FB connect and to be honest it did exactly squat for me.

4. Skip the porn or nudie section.

I would create different membership levels and charge accordingly.

Standard - Free

Premium- $10.00 year allows you an avatar and the ability to view and post a limited amount of pictures.(If you won't pay $10 you suck anyways)

Platinum- $25.00 year allows you an avatar, unlimited picture storage and viewing, Your allowed to post 20 classified adds in a calendar year and you can view all classified adds. (The lower levels can't look at spam or post links to for sale adds)

Platinum plus- $50.00 allows for a bigger avatar,unlimited picture storage,unlimited classifieds,a limited edition RDP Tshirt/2 coozies

Platinum Pro- $100.00 allows everything mentioned above plus a RDP hat and the ability to have a signature with your business link in it. Being part of this club will also invite you and a friend to an annual party at Roc's grill (discounted hotel rooms will be arranged)where the sponsors will chip in for food,drinks and donate a bunch of swag via drawlings......You can also purchase extra raffle tickets for prizes and proceeds will go to the site.

You can also still do the trip to the nautical once a year for members that are platinum and higher members where RDP members once again will enjoy discounted rooms and food/drink specials.

I would invite all premium and up members to the bbq where they will get free food and drink if they bring a side dish.

These were just some quick ideas......:blah:

I would be good with the $100 deal tommorow and would donate prizes to both events

BTW....I am avaliable for consulting

Interesting Take Brandin and I'll think about that.

I would never consider taking away anything from the members that they already have though.. (avatars, biz sigs etc..)









so where the hell are all the guys that were telling me we need an uncensored section? There was a pile of them 6 months ago.. and now not one peep?

RD

 

[460]

Oooooo... look at me.... I'm a Parker baller.

I just have cool friends tom. Im broke

 

[C-2]

Who else was a PAYING member of HotBoat?

Way back in the day:thumbsup

 

[RiverDave]

Who else was a PAYING member of HotBoat?

Way back in the day:thumbsup

<---- was not. LOL

RD

 

[Froggystyle]

Who else was a PAYING member of HotBoat?

Way back in the day:thumbsup

<----- Was

 

[Tom Brown]

Whats another 20 a month. I mean really, just saying

<----- Was

The money trail leads straight to the jet guys, Dave. Keep that in mind with your marketing effort.

 

[whiteworks]

The site is obviously a work in progress and has come aways since the begining. Yes it has lost some of its "cool factor" with growth and thats how this shit works. However the biggest flaw is that this site is way to focused on a 17 mile stretch of water, there are alot of places to boat in this country and the world for that matter. The snobish vibe about custom boats is very close minded as far as a business model. there are a ton of boat manufacturers out there that this place does absolutely zero to cater to, examples being wakeboard boats, fishing boats, bayliner type boats ect... As well there are major players in the marine related industrys, West Marine, Bass pro shops, overtons ect...Water sports such as skiing, wakeboarding, tubeing ect... And thats just boats, the offroad shit is huge, why is it that there are no dealerships here yamaha, kawasaki, suzuki ect... Aswell as offroad assecories. This place is about an active lifestyle and cool shit with motors. I say drop the add rates and load up the roster with advertisers and promotions you wanna make some money your gonna have to get out there and blow this shit up, the potential is endless but its not just gonna happen.

"RDP it pays to be a member" you make that happen and you got something you can take to the bank.

 

[paradise]

I would say getting promotions for paying members would be what makes it worthwhile like WW said above...

 

[Kleptow]

Here's my 2 cents.

Spend some time looking for your own media ( friend of mine did this and found a office that had a dark DS3 in it, he was able to turn-up for pennies on the dollar) then purchase your own hardware.

 

[whiteworks]

I'd like to retract my previous statement, I am very much looking forward to paying 10 bucks a month to see someones old lady spread eagle in the adult content section.

 

[mjc]

so where the hell are all the guys that were telling me we need an uncensored section? There was a pile of them 6 months ago.. and now not one peep?

RD

There is so much free porn out there I see no need to come here for it. I go to IMPALASSFORUM and they have an uncensored section that you have to get a password form the admins to get into. Never been much there except some links to other sites.

 

[djunkie]

I say we have a 50/50 raffle. :thumbsup

 

[Earl-Bob]

I'd like to retract my previous statement, I am very much looking forward to paying 10 bucks a month to see someones old lady spread eagle in the adult content section.

LOL Thats what I'm talking about stick to your guns.
I,ve seen some other boat site that have a "playground" after about 15 min I was done....I mean i was finished...er well you know.

 

[Nordie]

I would say like a magazine subscription...i would create a simple "gold" member system! and offer incentives, like a magazine subscription theres always that free t-shirt gimmik! It works like a charm...I would vote for the gold memeber package going for lets say $50 a year! if you offer a good incintive they will come! I would definately cap the amount of pictures a normal person can load vs a gold member! I know myself i see the incintives and i would kick down the cash! at $50 a year its a small price to pay! keep it simple, also this wouldnt really bother the non paying members...also maybe your advertisers will kick down better offers to the gold paying member as well...if im not mistake i dont think your advertisers are really paying you assinine amounts of money!

 

[73hondo]

how many people go to said unknown river site to read the topics or see if the tits of the day thread has been updated ??? just saying

 

[rrrr]

.

I'm thinking jet boat raffle....460 donates his boat, and RDP can sell chances on it for 20 bucks each. No, ten bucks. OK, five?

 

[Cole Trickle]

The site is obviously a work in progress and has come aways since the begining. Yes it has lost some of its "cool factor" with growth and thats how this shit works. However the biggest flaw is that this site is way to focused on a 17 mile stretch of water, there are alot of places to boat in this country and the world for that matter. The snobish vibe about custom boats is very close minded as far as a business model. there are a ton of boat manufacturers out there that this place does absolutely zero to cater to, examples being wakeboard boats, fishing boats, bayliner type boats ect... As well there are major players in the marine related industrys, West Marine, Bass pro shops, overtons ect...Water sports such as skiing, wakeboarding, tubeing ect... And thats just boats, the offroad shit is huge, why is it that there are no dealerships here yamaha, kawasaki, suzuki ect... Aswell as offroad assecories. This place is about an active lifestyle and cool shit with motors. I say drop the add rates and load up the roster with advertisers and promotions you wanna make some money your gonna have to get out there and blow this shit up, the potential is endless but its not just gonna happen.

"RDP it pays to be a member" you make that happen and you got something you can take to the bank.

Some good points....

I think going nationwide might be a little tough considering the business model (you never know) but there is a ton of people that should/would be intrested in advertising in the so cal/parker/havasu area.

Parker Yamaha
Terribles gas station/car wash
Dirty Deeds
White works custom wood work/shutters
Ace hardware
local resturants
Rocs firehouse
Walts
Berts cycles
etc....

The dealerships could have no haggle pricing and the resturants could offer a 15% off deal to paying members.

The sky is the limit.....be creative and don't worry about hurting the feelings of users and people that wouldn't support the site anyways

 

[460]

.

I'm thinking jet boat raffle....460 donates his boat, and RDP can sell chances on it for 20 bucks each. No, ten bucks. OK, five?

Which one as both of them are torn the fuck apart

 

[shintoooo]

A Cop and Fireman bashing section would being in some $$ also

 

[rrrr]

Which one as both of them are torn the fuck apart

The one with the velocity stack on the carb.

 

[460]

The one with the velocity stack on the carb.

Well then im out.

<<< ditched that stack 2 years ago

 

[RiverDave]

Ok I get it guys.... Used to be one lone voice in the crowd saying no porn, with everyone else saying I'm an idiot..

My how times have changed. NO PORN.. got it.

We will probably expand on Cole Trickle's and WW's ideas.

I do not want to take anything away from the members that they currently have.. I do like the idea of adding to it though, I.E. discounts from vendors etc..

RD

 

[460]

The market is out there. People will always have toys just need to capture the whole market. Fishing, off road, every aspect possible. Go after everything