Paid membership, What would you want ?

[Justin]

After a few questions have already been raised over this, for your yearly membership what would you want ?

I dont want a list that says Discount, that goes without saying, you have that now, but what would you want for say an annual £25 membership fee ?

I will be taking these into account when setting it up so please post away ;)

[markt4]

stickers lol
wobbly to wash my car
what about some sort of vadis?? online for us

[Justin]

Ok, discount and stickers will be included, keep em coming :)

[Tomcat]

Monthly or bi monthly new letter with feature cars, how to's.

[Andrew]

With the mini one we get:

- Quartely magazine
- Membership card
- Stickers
- Pens
- Discounts
- Regular members only meetings
- We pay about £20quid a year

VOC is a good example to think about too.

I would be looking for some value above and beyond. VADIS type access would be cool (legit). Maybe some closer ties to Volvo and see what benefits that could bring ?

[Tomcat]

If this is heading towards being a "Proper" club can we have some club regalia, such as T shirts, caps, stickers etc..?


Legit Vadis access is a really good idea.

[01c70t5]

Umm... Key Rings!

Easily pleased :insane:

[Andrew]

We could easily produce a monthly or every quartely ezine. I've a fair bit of experience in this area and would be happy to help.

[Redbrick]

Well I am suprised! Congratulations to the both of you- good effort :)


Cheap insurance- like the VOC. Had to supply my VOC number to get a discount at Adrian Flux.

A tie in with Shell Optimax... special Pluspoints card with more points for example- I don't know, just an idea.

Discount at dealers like with the VOC card. Shouldn't be too hard if we are properly linked to Volvo UK.

Discounts on new cars (when I win the lottery)

Logo'd clothing, caps etc.

Not sure about a published publication- my VOC Driver mag normally goes straight in the bin- not a great caravan & 240 lover! Might be hard trying to fill a quaterly mag with anything decent on a regular basis. We are more web based after all.

A more structured calender of meet ups, summer BBQ's, 1/4 mile events.

Would we be then a profit making organisation, I assume we aren't already- or am I being nieve?

Sure there are more, just can't think of any more at the mo.

[swordy21]

Yeah - What he said ^^^^^^^

Discount breakdown cover as well.....Not that Volvo's ever breakdown.

[JUDGENINJA]

Some forums restrict access to too many threads un-paid members. I think the forum should be "access all areas" to advertise the advantages of being a fully paid up member.

If however if things change over tim and a private area seems to be the way to go I would only like to see one or two sections restricted access...

one suggestion...
Member discount section - the finer details of any offer companies have made to paid up members. If it was possible I'd like the thread headers readable so Non-members can see the advantage of being a paid up member..

I think basically if at the end of a year all members feel that their membership payment has been value for money... then you've done your job well.....

PS - I've already saved around £50.00 for just being a member here from various places......and that was for free

also......I WANT FREE Track days....he he...(oh and that C30...)

[BlackBeast]

- Welcome pack
- Membership card
- Top quality Annual gift
- Free email account
- Club Tax disc holder
- Group Buy section

[arbee]

I think there a lot more attractions to a club than discounts - although always welcome!
AFAIK to become a club as such is a fair bit of work from my experience with other clubs - what with liability insurance, red tape etc.
Regardless of its status, I defo welcome the idea of the club/community growing, and I for one would happily pay a contribution to help with the running of the site, VB board upgrades, server subscriptions etc.
I have used forums with 'member only' areas and they are rarely that popular, the beauty of these sort of open forums is the accessability everyone has, it helps so much with the build up of information and sharing knowlege etc. Same with publications, a lot of effort and expense for normally what is a bit of a naf pamphlet at best! A monthly newsletter is a good idea but this is best circulated via email IMO
Personally, I would like VT5 to become more involved in events, whether they be 'classic car' type things or the more yoof orientated events like Trax. The T5 sits happily in either camp IMO! A bit of funding from membership certainly helps with things like banners and flyers etc and can give the club/community quite a professional (yet friendly :) ) apperance quite cheaply.

My 2 peneth worth! :)

[mraldonnelly]

Everything everyone else has said - they're all good ideas.

On the sticker theme, how about one of those high level brake light covers - do folks think they're crap or good?

If the monthly / bi-monthly / quarterly publication isn't in paper form then it should be in PDF format so it can be printed for reading at a later time offline.

[racer]

Good list so far.

I'd like :-
On line vadis for members. (That's a great idea!)
How to documents in an on-line .pdf library which members can add to.
Regular meets - Regional Wobbly Barbie sort of thing.
Polo shirts etc.
Insurance - OK it's a discount thing, but it's one worth getting!!
Car stickers, obviously.
Days out. For example :-
Track day where you can take passengers round.
VT5 goes to the WTCC race at Silverstone.
Tour round Kalmar.
...and so on


Reading that again, I now realise that the concept of a "Wobbly Barbie (tm)" may give some people nightmares. As may "Wobbly Ken (tm)".
Sorry. ;)

[neurocache]

i dont think i would be able to stay a member if there was a charge. not that its not worth it but i always seem to have a balance of zero. i bet you all find it strange that i am from the US and prefer this forum to volvospeed. I love you guys and nobody bad mouths each other here, but if it comes down to restricted access i guess i'll have to come up with some money from somewhere, the wealth of knowledge is definitely worth it. even so, it would probably be too much trouble for justin to ship internationally and i wouldnt want to cause him any worries. i suggest if threads do become restricted, offer a basic package for members like me that includes only forum access. i hate to seem like a cheat but this is my reality )=

[Mrsmopp]

i dont think i would be able to stay a member if there was a charge. not that its not worth it but i always seem to have a balance of zero. i bet you all find it strange that i am from the US and prefer this forum to volvospeed. I love you guys and nobody bad mouths each other here, but if it comes down to restricted access i guess i'll have to come up with some money from somewhere, the wealth of knowledge is definitely worth it. even so, it would probably be too much trouble for justin to ship internationally and i wouldnt want to cause him any worries. i suggest if threads do become restricted, offer a basic package for members like me that includes only forum access. i hate to seem like a cheat but this is my reality )=

You wont "have" to be a paid member to view the forum, post etc but there will be added extra's (like the discounts which, like you say, wont really apply to you) we wont be pushing anybody out :)

x

[TangoDeltaSierra3]

Discount on all parts & servicing rates, proper club banner, colored gloss flyers, dealers to refer new buyers to the site officially, proper decent merchandising, might have a decent contact for that actually, oh and a good discount on regional track events, ie Cadwell Parl, Anglesey, Croft for example.

[neurocache]

that's good to hear. i think it would be neat though if there was more than one "package" so that members like myself could get things like the ezine and maybe small things like stickers at a relatively lower price considering larger items and discounts won't apply to me. i'd gladly come up with money (=

[BlackBeast]

Silver and Gold packages? Or to make it Volvo-relevant T5 and 'R' Packages :)

[volvotuning]

I think there should be 3 types of membership -

1. Free - Access to forum as is.
2. E-Membership - Access to online mag, and other extra online stuff
3. Full Membership - Access to everything, plus real world goodies etc.

Adam.

[TangoDeltaSierra3]

- Welcome pack
- Membership card
- Top quality Annual gift
- Free email account
- Club Tax disc holder
- Group Buy sectionOr cut the gift, cheap gimmicks such as pens, tax discs etc and make it a tenner!

[Al115]

I like Adam's take on it. The Forum should always be open-access, IMHO. We've got quite a community here.

[Justin]

I'm with Adam too, thats a damn good idea.

Some good ideas, however the whole Vadis thing is a NO NO.

Besides its obsolete now anyway. Keep them coming ;)

[Assasin]

- Welcome pack
- Membership card
- Top quality Annual gift
- Free email account
- Club Tax disc holder
- Group Buy section
Quote from BB

Sounds good to me, i wouldnt have different membership levels personaly it may cause a rift lol

TBH no matter what you get for paid membership is a bonus, as this sites monetary costs must outweigh its income... and if not the time spent by the mods does for sure..

Just the sticker then please ( not a tacky one though, my last club one sucked!!) :pants:

[boombang]

I have been a member of PSOOC for some years and they offer:

free entrance to national annual event (Pugfest)
stickers
tax disc holder
discounts
group buys
product tests
discounted events and track days

[fireclown]

cappacino would be nice. even a decent meet somewere. big barb at a track event. i could bring the burgers.

[Matt30462]

A National Annual (subsidised) meet-up. Everyone getting together at a caravan park or such, on a pre-designated date for Volvo/Driving related activities. Take the whole weekend to play and even take the opportunity to help members tackle pet projects. All pile in for a few jars and a bit of entertainment at night, best car in show comp, best mod, glamourous granny, knobbly knees, 3 legged race, fancy dress, donkey derby...........Help my pills are wearing off.......................Doc! Doc! Doc! :insane: :nut: :help: :hbomb:

[Wobbly Dave]

The wobbly BBQ will still be in effect?? If you want??

I wanna see a Club shop with both Volvo and Club based merchandise. More promotions and competitions for members. Club car of the month. An annual weekender, hopefully around a track based location. Access to great discounts & more suppliers, including performance sympathetic insurers.

[fireclown]

im only 10 miles of cadwell. know some folks there.

[dublint5]

once membership is not to high would gladly pay even just for how to section
and being able to get advice before and after car goes to garage
:bow_kneel

[racer]

> im only 10 miles of cadwell
Off topic, but...
15th and 16th July (provisional dates ATM). Come and meet Pongo the Nova !

[andy l]

a lot lol

[Murphy]

yeah

[volvotuning]

Good list so far.

I'd like :-
On line vadis for members. (That's a great idea!)
How to documents in an on-line .pdf library which members can add to.
Regular meets - Regional Wobbly Barbie sort of thing.
Polo shirts etc.
Insurance - OK it's a discount thing, but it's one worth getting!!
Car stickers, obviously.
Days out. For example :-
Track day where you can take passengers round.
VT5 goes to the WTCC race at Silverstone.
Tour round Kalmar.
...and so on


What and where is Kalmar? Is it a museum in Sweden? How much would such a tour cost?

Adam.

[Justin]

We will be internet based only for now, ie no publications like a magazine, however email is possible of course. There will be the usual goodies one would expect, pens, membership card, etc, Vadis will not be available to you period!

Volvo no longer use it anyway.

I was looking for some different angles on this, keep them coming please.

[Andy]

Well seen as Volvo now use Vida (online volvo system) can we not have a peep of it?? hehe :P

[volvotuning]

Well seen as Volvo now use Vida (online volvo system) can we not have a peep of it?? hehe :P

You can! But you have to subscribe to it - basically it's an online internet service.

Adam.

[madness]

its now vida - and you dont want to see the costs !!!

justin, dont know if the chatroom costs anything but if it does, i would question it's amount of use against cost.

[Andrew]

I think as long as you get the basics right then anything else will be a bonus:

- Welcome pack - membership card/no, stickers, pen, direct debit mandate etc etc

- Discounts for members - sort of done now but we should have to give our member number and you provide a way of verification through the site for suppliers

- regular meets: hard to do this one I know but perhaps set up regions like VOC with co-ordinators for each meeting and have a regular day for a mini-meet - so first sunday of the month or something similar - this works really well in a lot of clubs. Also have a yearly complete member gathering and have 1 region host the event each year ?

- email address - perhaps have a subdomain so my email would be andrew@member.vpcuk.org or perhaps mods could be <username>@staff.vpcuk.org, easy enough to do. Limited size mailbox should be easy enoug to offer.

- personal web space? perhaps www.vpcuk.org/member/andrew - small space for me to put some pics and other bits and pieces - some bods here find it hard to host such things.

- Ezine/Newsletter - this could be as little as 4/5 pages each month in pdf format, car pics, members letters, site developments, forsale etc. This is good for readers who don't always get the time to log in and can be sent out via email and back issues hosted on the site. This ezine supports the site not takes members away etc. Easy enough to do this I feel.

This to me are the basics.

[Bakey]

I dont want a list that says Discount, that goes without saying, you have that now, but what would you want for say an annual £25 membership fee ?

Moppy's telephone number!!!!

:saythat:

[racer]

> What and where is Kalmar?

Southern Sweden, its the plant Volvo opened in 1975 where they built cars with small groups of people building a whole car, rather than the traditional production line method.

Failing that Torslanda in Gothenburg (think that's spelt right!) which is the largest Volvo plant.

Hopefully a tour would be FOC to VPCUK under the new "alliance". OK, it's not a cheap trip as it involves ferries etc, but I reckon a good few people would be up for it.

[Mrsmopp]

Moppy's telephone number!!!!

:saythat:

ROTFLMSO!!! :rotfl: :o :Handshake

x

[markt4]

a yearly prize draw...free rica at volvo tunning

[Wobbly Dave]

Designated Charity/Charities and fund-raisers. Spread the OVLOV.

[MattB]

Not wanting to appear lame, but my thoughts have been covered in the above posts - well some of them anyway!

My VOC membership recently expired and I have not as yet renewed it. This is not due to any foul play or a disatisfaction with the VOC, but I did not find the membership to be of great use to me. To be fair to the VOC, I only ever logged on to the forum as a guest - maybe 1/2 doz times throughout the year - namely because I was on here the rest of the time! :hidesbehi

This site, however, has been exciting, informative and inspirational. I am both very greatful and pleased with the help, support and community atmosphere and look forward to the future that Justin and Moppy etc are busy creating.

[GATHY]

£25 ...id rather join the taliban... rip off britian strikes again lol

[signia]

lots of good ideas so far.
Particularly about hosting space for pictures, perhaps people could pay more depending how much space they need etc?

Showing my true mental age now, and no idea of real costs of doing this in bulk, but what about a small model volvo?

Just a thought and might be too "out there", but perhaps now as vpcuk, we could have a "store" section of the site to buy volvo/vpcuk branded goods - not a freebie exactly for our annual fee, but if the fee would enable something like that to happen, I'm sure people would use it.

[Crazy Eddie]

Maybe a list of our own companies which we could then give discounts to fellow members :)
Only a thought but I know I would rather give my cash if I needed a plumber for example to a fellow member than a complete stranger that will rip me off anyway :)

[markt4]

Designated Charity/Charities and fund-raisers. Spread the OVLOV.

thats spot on..im in for that

[Engineer]

£25 ...id rather join the taliban... rip off britian strikes again lolLife time membership's a bit short though mate. :slap:

[Kent Canary]

I think Adams idea is good. The thing that appeals about the forum is the ability to post and receive advice from a friendly set of people and its free, becuase its a community.

A paid for site is appealing to the core of people that would get something from it - but you get what you pay for, so I think it would have to get something over and above the forum benefits to allow membership to pay off. If its 'novelty' items, Im sure there would be enough people to pay for a run of branded tax discs, or key rings, to meet demand as and when.

The tie in with Volvo is smart. It allows recognition with and reliance on the brand.

The move to Volvo Performance Club is interesting. There are those (like me) that arent particularly interested in performance modifications but keen to learn and share knowledge about the cars for which we love and are enthusiastic for.

Equally the social meets are a bonus when and if people can make them. There is either a good demand for these or some difficulty in amalgamising a movement but Ive enjoyed the two ive been to and met nice people.

With paid membership it has potential to have a tiered system and by definition exclude those below it. But if it has the demand then fair enough. Im not sure I would pay for 'membership' but equally I appreciate people are giving their time and a service for which I could enjoy the benefits.

By the way would there be a demand for some kind of Podcast / Videocast with updates, news or how to guides with pictures which iTunes could play with Audio Commentary. Id be able to assist with that.

Just my tuppence worth!

Keep yew a troshin'

KC

[Andrew]

With all these new areas of consideration I think Justin is gonna need some new mods to cope with all the new areas :P

[Bakey]

Sorry about the earlier rather random post mrs! :remybussi

But i did start thinking about this thread and had a few ideas that may be worth a mention.... (and No, before you ask it didnt hurt!)

Members getting their own "Blog" space..... payed up members get so many MB of webspace to upload whatever they want really (within reason), not just pictures. Each member has their own area to upload images/files, blog about whatever they want from 'how quick their volvo was at the last santa pod meet' too 'how much sky telly boils your pish with the amount of adverts they show!', promote their own businesses, you name it.

Each members avatar links to their own blog space, the more posts you make on the forums the more chance you have of people seeing & reading your blogs.

Ov-Blogs ! ! ! ! :anmflower

Might be way to hard to administer for all I know but i'm sure the two of you could make it work with the help of the super mod's and it gives people something to show for their £25 other than an "I joined the VPC.co.uk and all i got was this lousy bumper sticker!!!" ....it also means you dont have to lock down parts of the forum or create "Members Only" areas that only ever serve to annoy the hell out of non-members

[Vikingxc]

I would like to see bigger avatars for the paying members and a bigger vb garage photo allowance and i love Bakeys idea Ov-blogs fantastic

[Murphy]

Has there been any mentions of sigs ? Only paid members can have sigs !?!? I know Pug sports club have that policy :D

Drew

[01c70t5]

And avatars?

[arbee]

Has there been any mentions of sigs ? Only paid members can have sigs !?!? I know Pug sports club have that policy :D

Drew


I quite like this sort of idea as it identifies those who are financially supporting the club without making things inaccessible to others who are still able to/browse post as before. One forum I use gives the option for established members to change the text beneath their user name - as in Wobbly's 'Wing Commander' tag :)

Also on a similar vein, I would like paid up members to get a bigger pm allowance. Little things please little minds!

[S60D5]

If I was paying £25.00 a year, I would want the following.


- Discount on parts & servicing at Volvo. Not just the odd couple of dealers here and there, but ALL dealers accross the UK. 10% discount on a £400 service would, obviously, pay for membership alone before anything else. VOC have this already so shouldn't be too hard?

- Discount at selected specialists accross the UK, with a wide enough scope that all members have access to a discounted specialist within, say, a 50-60 mile radius. Shouldn't be too hard but would require some leg work!

- Discounted insurance through a decent broker.

- One or two "official" Club days per year in the summer with properly organised events tied into Volvo somehow. Like a motorshow of sorts, but on a small scale and limited to Volvo's.

For me, the discounts are the key. I couldn't care about pens (I'd lose them), t-shirts (I'd never wear them), mugs or other "free" gifts which would probably end up in the back of a cupboard or in the bin!

I've yet to join the VOC as a paid member, but my main dealer offers me 10% on servicing (labour and parts) so I will save the membership fee alone just on servicing - thats before I buy any parts or have any work carried out on the car!

[Babybadger]

I would like to see on here:

1) Discounted Insurance for definite.
2) A detailed 'how-to' section that deals with photos and even video podcasts.
3) Discounted tyres through one of the major distributors (imagine 20% off)and parts from main distributors - some of which is already in place
4) Discounted Oil changes from major guys like ATS or Halfords or even VOLVO
5) Charity stuff is a superb idea.

If we could at least 2 of the discounted stuff it would be worth much more than 25 quid to all of us.

[audimadmike]

A change in my cicumstances has forced me to consider selling the T5 as its not serving any real purpose. I enjoy the forum and if I'd had to join previously would consider that the info/help received was probably worth about £25. I've also had plenty of free advice from my local dealer and I've only used them once.
Other forums I'm on are also suggesting payment and although £25 fairly cheap, times it by 4 and its starting to get expensive.
I have given a small donation the the VW Corrado forum because I broke up a Corrado and sold loads of bits on the forum free of charge.
They take Paypal donations.

If I sell my car, being on this forum (which is the best so far) would be purely for fun and I would not pay to join.

Mike

ps. I've been out of work for nearly 4 months but started new job this week.
I'll still regass your A/C system for £30, if you drive to me.

[race-tune_Jezzi]

While VIDA is a web based system, it should be pointed out that it costs £3600 per year plus VAT per console! Besides the price, its not very informative without spending a vast amount of time learning how to use it!

The use of remote com port software could enable software downloads to anyone that has a VCT2000 module but doesn't want to pay for VIDA. Just a thought!

[John]

How about a proper discount at dealers and a select band of suppliers, monthly newsletter, organised meets at a local and national level, cap and tee shirt, key ring and sticker and a week in the Bahamas all for £20.00 :B_steerin What ever you decide count me in, a paid membership base will certainly put the forum on a more serious and stable level.

[BlackBeast]

I would like the Modification forum changed into 3 forums, Tuining, Exterior and ICE, this means that it isnt all piled into one forum and you can easily find threads. Also a Group Buy forum. Any chance?

[Babybadger]

Luncheon Vouchers anybody?

[shiney]

Whilst it involves a level of honesty, I think you could ask for a 10% commision payment on things sold on the site to a value of £50, 5% commission on items sold to the value of £500 and anything over that figure, charge a 2% commision.

Set up a paypal donation acount and ask members to contribute as little or as much as they can afford. Send them out a sticker and give them the status of 'site contributor' in the same way as you give out status to moderators etc.

Also, try an encourage people who save hemselves a huge garage bill to give a little back in the form of a donation, rather like the PDSA do.

[phil]

I like the idea of still having a free level of membership with access to the forum.

Maybe next level should allow discounts of free access to the special events access where non members would be encouraged to come and then join up if they like.

Especially a members 'tent' hopsitality at small saloon car race meetings, track days, nurburgring trips, museums, diplays etc etc with discounts to members

this would encourage more members who would get hooked and then pay up to join for more features and would allow the casual user to still get help.

[philt6]

any idea on a price yet

[markt4]

ive just been on the primera owners site and if you dont pay their £25 annual fee all you can go on is the general message board...that is total :pants:
i even put on the general forum that i would give the lowerd springs on my gt to any 1 who had the original springs and it was deleted!!!
dont know which way yous are going to go on this site , but i dont think ill be visitin the primera site much more!!!
i belive the forum should be open to all on here,, but i would still pay the fee here as im not planning on selling the t4, i was thinking of maybe having 1 section for paid up members,,,but then what is the point...what could you fill it with??? most on here if funds are available most will contribute,but i belive the forum must be kept open for all

[markt4]

[QUOTE=shiney]Whilst it involves a level of honesty, I think you could ask for a 10% commision payment on things sold on the site to a value of £50, 5% commission on items sold to the value of £500 and anything over that figure, charge a 2% commision.


that is a good idea...ive allready told justin that if i sell any car because of this site i would donate £20 to the club

[Bison]

I think it's a really great idea to have a paid members area but for £25 I would want a lot. I only payed £20 a year in the LEXUS owners club and that is for right posh snobs with lots of money!

Definates!
- Membership card (This is a must!! In the Lexus Owners Club we had lovely black plastic credit card style cards with LOC Gold Membership on it)
I think the people who pay should be classed as Platinum Members and have a Silver/Platinum card. I could design one if you want!!

- Stickers decent ones that only stick the letters to the windows! not the clear vinyl as well.
- Pens
- Discounts (Members only specials)
- Platinum Members only lounge!

Bison

[LeeT5]

Yeah - What he said ^^^^^^^

Discount breakdown cover as well.....Not that Volvo's ever breakdown.

If you want discount on breakdown cover then come talk to me, i am an AA patrol and obviously have access to those sort of discounts. How about FREE joint membership for example!!!! :)

[LeeT5]

I would like to see on here:

.....
4) Discounted Oil changes from major guys like ATS or Halfords or even VOLVO
...

If we could at least 2 of the discounted stuff it would be worth much more than 25 quid to all of us.

Firstly, who in there right mind would go to ATS for an oil change?
Secondly, Halfords dont do oil changes anymore because the AA sold all the workshop premises last year.

Nice ideas tho, preferably get servicing done at good specialists or main agent. Wouldn't want some spotty oik crawling all over my T5 thanks in his/her greasy overalls putting oil in the washer bottle.... :slap:

[LeeT5]

For £25 p.a. I would like:

At least 20% off parts, servicing at main agent and recommended specialists.
pens, keyrings, quarterly glossy magazine with tips, tricks, how to's etc etc inc photos.
insurance discounts.

Lets not be greedy...that'll do for me thankyou.

Oh yeah 25% off decent tyres at say... ELITE in Rainham, essex.

[RPM]

In my opinion (don't shoot me),

I don't belive that paid membership to a national club generally has much to offer, unless it is sponsored.............

You cannot give the benefit of local offers,

callenders are ok, but pens, and keyrings loose novelty after a while...........

I think if the monies have been suggested as support for the forum then the Webmaster should advertise for donations. With incentives of course........

Maybe restrict the volvo gallery to those members who have offered a donation, allow these members bigger avatars............etc

Before anyone has a go, I fully apreciate that a group of people keep this forum running smoothly for no financial gain (for some there will be a cost) and I offer my appreciation in being included in the useage of the site.

Knowing what is involved in creating, updating and running a forum I would be one of the first in the line to offer such a donation.........

Regards.

[Justin]

Thanks all for your thoughts, all of these will be taken into account when we decide what to do, UK server move was the first step, now we can slowly start adding stuff and hope to implement the membership scheme by the summer.

Its been a busy year so far so things take time guys, i will however keep you fully updated.

To highlight what RPM has said, the mods spend on average 3 hours a day each moderating this site, keeping things tidy and offering help to you all, i spend hours daily reading almost every post and even though i dont post as much as i used to i am always lurking about.

The site costs me money every year, i really dont care about the financial side of it though, its a pleasure to do it for you lot, especially when i come home and see what my other family has been upto all day (the members)

Kevin is a pillar of support to me and without him the site wouldnt happen tbh, his skills and knowledge far exceed mine and you can bet your ass if anything goes wrong he will work through the night 24 hours+ to get us back up. He has in the past FYI.

So, slow and steady wins the race, Rome wasnt built in a day, bare with us ;)

[Babybadger]

That's it! I wanna see FREE ones to use on arrogant BMW drivers! :wallbash:

[DONKEYT5]

I think that its a fantastic idea, and may even attract more members to the forum too.
I believe that we should all recieve
sticker(s)
membership card
dvd, from past meets?
quarterely magazine
i think there should be comps in the mag only accesible by members with exclusive prizes, eg a day at vt...etc etc
privileges with membership card, eg discounts.

[Baj]

My tuppence:
Things that cost money are:

webspace and bandwidth so members blogging space, emails etc will just put the membership cost up for the benefit of relatively few people (who here would really write a regular interesting blog?)
Freebies and shiney things Wooo! Keyrings! My keys are covered in them. I dont need another. Again, puts up membership costs for things you dont really need. Not to mention the amount of time it will take Justin and the others to organise.

Whilst this site does undoubtedly cost money to run I think if more than 10 people are needed to sign up @ £25 to cover it you may need to look at rehosting (let me know- I could probably sort something). Make a few more people mods if it is taking up too much of your life

Things I would like to see:

So supposedly we have some sort of thing with Volvo? I would like to see something come of this other than the ability to write the word 'Volvo' without being sued.
The ability to find the part number of the thing I need easily would be really nice.
Parts discounts go without saying, as do servicing and other associated (INSURANCE! INSURANCE! INSURANCE!) discounts.
MAybe something that will benefit driving skills like links with IAM etc
I accept a membership card is good, provided it can actually be used for a purpose other than scraping ice off the windows and a decent sticker (yes to proper stickers with seperate letters)


Some of you seem to have money falling out of your pants and to you £25 is nothing much compared to deciding which new model you should buy this year and whether it will match your kids ponies.
Some of us seem to work full time, run our own webdesign companies in the evenings and weekends while trying to renevate our house in the slums in a bid to move somewhere where the car wont be stolen and still seem to be overdrawn all the time. For me, I mean, them £25 is yet another additional cost, possibly for a load of tat I, I mean they, dont want and a few things I/they do.
(I dont have a problem with some having oodles of spare cash - That is they way life is, just think of those that dont. I chose to be a graphic designer. I enjoy it but a YTS IT monkey earns more than I ever will and I am pretty high up in my field. )

Plus organised trips to some obscure small racetrack in the outer hebredies isnt much use to those from overseas.

[T5ER]

A private section were we can post our discounted prices to those members who have a discount code and group buy prices i could compile a list of 850R bumpers painted,70 series R bumper,service kits accessories,auto gearbox oil coolers,brakes and so on even alloy wheels.But these will be unavailable to guests who are viewing the site just to members who have paid there membership

BY THE WAY CAN WE HAVE SOME MORE OF YOU GETTING YOUR DISCOUNT CODES PLEASE

[tr03bor]

Just wondering if this is still going ahead? i think its a brillant idea, as long, most members sign up. say 100 members (hopefully more than that would) sign up for £30, that would mean the club has £3000 for the year to spend on webspace, stickers ect.... if hardly anyone signs up it wont work will it??

Membership card with a member number could be used for discounts rather than having to email someone

but imagine what could be done with the money, spend some on advertising and in return more members more money ect...

maybe have different bands of membership eg...

Bronze £5
Silver £10
Gold £20
Platium £30

then the higher you membership the more you get?? I think some people would be more likey to spend £5 on a one off that doesnt use the site much than say £30.

theres my pennys worth:D