Just wanted to say Hi.

[svanarts]

Hi Scott, and thanks for the welcome. You know, on the other site, you can log-on at virtually any time of the day or night, and see a posting that has appeared within the last 5 minutes. What do you think we can do here to attract viewers and excite this audience?

That's a question for the chief. I'm just a flunky.

However, here's a posting I wrote about this BBS a while back that I think kind of sums RivetBangers up:

The other forums remind me of a busy, towered airport. Lots of important people doing important things (arguably.) Lots of business, lots of things happening.

Rivetbangers is that quiet, rural airstrip with friendly people and an airport dog. There isn't a whole lot of activity but it's peaceful and folks will lend you a hand without a whole lot of lecture and telling you why you're doing it wrong. We have much less chest-puffage here.

I must admit, I like it just the way it is too. But then I'm a country airport kind of guy.

The whole thread is here and is a great intro to what this place is all about: http://www.rivetbangers.com/forums/view ... 97&start=0

[Spike]

I have spent lots of time thinking about that. We have passed magnets and things out at Osh, tried to create links where we can, etc. When we first started it became apparent that some establishments don't like competition and I had a very difficult time getting the word out.

I am very happy with were we are as a family, and it has definitely gone in that direction. At some level we really rely on word of mouth, etc. I am open to ideas though I don't have a desire to sell add space, etc. As such generally any giveaways, advertising, etc, comes out of my pocket which is not conducive to getting my own project finished.

I did come very close to getting ad space in the Osh program 2 years ago but couldn't bring myself to write the check, etc.

If you have suggestions on how to bring more people in I am very open to hearing them.

Thanx again for the support, you guys really make this place.

John

[TomNativeNewYorker]

If you have suggestions on how to bring more people in I am very open to hearing them.

Have pictures of bikini beauty models holding bottles of 'girly beer'!

[Spike]

Have pictures of bikini beauty models holding bottles of 'girly beer'!

But didn't we already do that?

[weezbad]

Have pictures of bikini beauty models holding bottles of 'girly beer'!

But didn't we already do that?

no that was chad....

[captainron]

How about sneaking more mentally-challenged moderators into the other sites to drive people out?

[Spike]

hmmm, that other site typically isn't even on my radar. Sorry I can't help you out there.

[RVNewsletter]

Hi Scott, and thanks for the welcome. You know, on the other site, you can log-on at virtually any time of the day or night, and see a posting that has appeared within the last 5 minutes. What do you think we can do here to attract viewers and excite this audience?

I think the problem is pretty obvious. When people want an answer to a question, they go to the "other forum" to get it because they know they will. Thus, it builds up a database of answers over time.

Rivetbangers ends up more of a classic social networking site.

The RV List is pretty much dead and buried now, because everyone goes over to "the other site" to get the questions answered.

I'm not sure what the solution is, but quite often I do see peole who regularly post here going over "there" for the construction questions. So I guess, now that I think of it, the solution is kinda obvious.

[Spike]

Very true. At some level it is down to us to keep it active and post building questions, etc. An idea on how to encourage people to do that more is something that I sometimes struggle with. Admittedly I don't post enough either. Though, with the wings almost done an the fuse on the way I hope to have lots more questions shortly

[lancef53]

I am planning on asking lots of questions this winter, (or whenever I finish harvest. I hope to have a very busy winter building my 8, I have lots of pieces that need to be attached to each other.

I am ashamed to admit I have had my QB fuse and finish kit sitting untouched since the beginning of July, with no time to work on it

[svanarts]

And I hope to post a trip report soon. One of those "keep pounding them rivets" stories. If'n the kids aren't sick this weekend and the weather holds out.

[RV9inIowa]

It's gettting crazy over there.. first a move to buy the founder a tail kit, now a move to buy one for a kid, or not the founder, or some such. Calls for threads to be deleted, etc. I haven't been paying much attention over there recently (flying my Skipper, building my RV) but the tone has sure changed. I entirely missed the situation that got the OP banned - but it seems like this sort of thing is on the increase. Maybe its due to the stock market?

There is sure a lot of drama going on - I live with 3 girls so I get enough of that at home. I'm glad this board is the way it is... don't change anything!

I'm headed out to the shop - the top fuselage skins are almost ready to go on.

[Spike]

Buying the founder a tail kit 'eh? Interesting. It must be nice. You guys can pay for my fuse kit if ya want

Just kidding. I wouldn't take it if you tried....

[cjensen]

It's gettting crazy over there...

I'll probably get flamed for this, but can I ask why so many of you/us/me/we/them/whatever care? Seriously. Rivetbangers and VAF are COMPLETELY different places, and there is no need to compare the two.

Guys, whether or not you agree with me, Doug is a good guy. There are people on his forum that make things difficult over there at times, and several moderators that take advantage of whatever power they think they have. VAF is HUGE. I would imagine that at times, it's quite the headache for Doug, even dealing with some of his moderators.

It's not that it's getting crazy over there, it's just BIG. I feel I've received a TON of value out of BOTH sites, just differently. I am not ashamed to admit that I took part in the donation for Doug for his -3B, nor would I have any problem whatsoever in donating anything to you Spike (even though you wouldn't take it ). The value of Doug's site IS it's size. The value of Rivetbangers, is IT'S size.

I like VAF, but I feel at home here at Rivetbangers. VAF is my "work", you guys are my "family".

There is no reason to compare the two...

[Spike]

My few times talking with Doug he was very pleasant. I don't see any reason why you should get flamed Chad.

To each his own Both site have been very successful, in somewhat different ways. That tells me there is a market for both.

[RV9inIowa]

I'll probably get flamed for this

Chad - you shouldn't be worried about getting flamed, after all this isn't VAF (just kidding)

Seriously, I would never intentionally flame you (or anyone else) and your point about not comparing the two sites is completely valid. VAF is awesome for technical info (except no one can answer my O-235 question) but for some it isn't a place to hang out in. When I started building my 9A, I innocently posted a nosewheel question, not really understanding the whole situation. One of the old timers there posted his opinion that I should clearly not suited to build an RV. I never appreciated that too much, and I'm glad that wouldn't happen on RB.

I hope no one misunderstood my post - I certainly don't care who donates what to whom on VAF or on RB. I'm even up up to donating something to Spike! What do you need Spike? I might have some brake springs left over from the group buy!

[weezbad]

oh well i guess this is as good a spot as any to jump in

chad your right on the money

Spike, if we did some arse would want us to give it to someone else.
i posted on the "lets buy a kid a plane not doug " thread to delete it. it was rediculous to reappropriate the good will of the VAF community.

i think what they are doing for doug is cool. once you get to this age there isnt much poeple can give you in the way of a gift that you will really ever use or get excited about like a little kid. (man i miss that ) i simply tell my wife "if you cant get me a airplane, corvette, or something similar, then a card and a kiss is fine.."(which is really all i want anyway ) .i mean really, anything else is just a nick nack thats gonna take up space. i got enough friggin underwear and clothes already Too many token gifts out there and the peple getting rich selling "stuff."
I do think its great that someone is going to get such a cool gift...at this age, 41, we dont get much in the way of Good suprises anymore.


i dont donate to dougs site, i didnt donate to his 3b project . i think both are cool. (I wanted to donate to the 3b but its against my personal policy)
As long as its a donation i wont pay it. i donate to charitys not peoples hobbies or "jobs".
The word donate to me means NOT for profit but to benifit a real and substantial need. the donation was started under the premise it was for kids college funds..thats not my problem. i made provisions for my childs college before he was born. long before i started building because that was my personal priority.I think a Family should put a childs education way ahead of a hobbie. hoping donations will make up fo my selfishness is quite foolish..he won the 1 in a million on that gamble. i wouldnt suggest trying that one again.

When Dougs site goes to being a pay site, and i am sure it will soon, i will pay. i dont mind paying but i wont fool myself or you by saying its a donation. He's been moving that way at a snails pace and it is becoming more obvious every day. in short doug's place is first class. he has done very well for himself and VAF. i have no intent to bring harm to it. are there some jerks over there? sure there are but then they are everywhere...i simply dont see anyreason to think there is any sort of rivalry between the two.

if any part of this post is offensive i appologize it isnt meant to offend.
this part may offend some however. the rules he has set for who should not pay, are in and of themselves offensive.

[Spike]

William, your posting of your thoughts are fine. To the contrary, they are specifically one of the things we wanted to foster when we created this place.

[dons]

There is no reason to compare the two...

No flames from here, well said Chad, I feel the same way.

I found VAF before RivetBangers, registered at both, but decided to do my posting here.

[svanarts]

I will happily accept any donations Spike doesn't want. Of course it won't go to building an RV but being family you all shouldn't mind that.

Oh and I agree, Doug is a very nice guy. He has always tried to help me out. I just wish he would work harder to discourage the Doug-worship that goes on.