Gentle Reminder.

[Tom Miller]

Sam,

JeffreyShronce is a patron. I don't think there's anything to worry about.

OK, that was pretty funny.

Jeffrey, you've probably brought more deals to more people here than any one other person -- and, if you like to think of it as a contest, that's fine by me.

But, I seem to recall jumping on an amazing bargain posted by someone who made a grand total of 2 posts to BT3Central. That's one data point, but I think it's enough to show that some more investigation may be in order.

Secondly, will non-members begin to post bargains to non-restricted forums, either on purpose or unknowingly? Will members feel we need to police such "bargain alerts"? That could become a headache real quick.

I certainly see the argument for restricting the BA's to members, but I think I'm leaning towards Sam's initial gut reaction. I think we build a better community by asking people to support something that they find useful, rather than restricting content until folks pay up.

Furthermore, I wouldn't expect anyone to pony up $$ for membership until they've been around for several months to see how the place suits them. I wouldn't want to miss out on any of their BA's during that time.

Regards,
Tom

[BrazosJake]

I'm no patron, though I should be (ok where do I go?). I've outfitted my home shop via this forum and post when I see a bargain, though I have other things to do than be a tool day trader.

I'm in agreement with a patrons-only policy.

I have to admit, I've been bad and not visited the other forums much lately.

So what was the post that started all of this, anyway?

[LarryG]

Will "locking down" the BA forum reduce the number of bargains posted? Will it cause some good deals to be missed because someone wouldn't want to pay to post something they found?

Valid questions. But as Greg mentioned in his OP, most of the BA posts seem to come from patrons anyway. At least that's my perception, too. Most of the posted deals aren't that difficult to find ... if a non-patron runs across it, odds are good that at least one patron will, too. I personally have lost count of the number of deals I've found on amazon.com, only to come here and find that someone else has already posted it.

One thing it would do is virtually eliminate the spam problem in that section. Of course, the spammers would probably just go to some other section to ply their evil trade ...

[Sam Conder]

From those for or against? Hmmm...Since you've clearly indicated you'll be following the thread, why wouldn't they post here instead?

A little of both. I have to respect peoples' choice to communicate privately on matters like this. For some, they don't want their status on the forum to "sway" the thinking of others, etc. Other just don't want to "raise a rukus".

No big whoop.

[Ken Massingale]

Sam,

JeffreyShronce is a patron. I don't think there's anything to worry about.

Greg, someone has definitely pee'd in your Post Toasties today!! ;-D

[Ken Massingale]

A question that just popped into my head...

Will "locking down" the BA forum reduce the number of bargains posted? Will it cause some good deals to be missed because someone wouldn't want to pay to post something they found?

Probably somewhat, but it would also help seperate the chaff from the wheat. I see quite a few posts that aren't available to everyone, ie, local deals, Craigslist, etc.

[Stormbringer]

A question that just popped into my head...

Will "locking down" the BA forum reduce the number of bargains posted? Will it cause some good deals to be missed because someone wouldn't want to pay to post something they found?

Sam,

JeffreyShronce is a patron. I don't think there's anything to worry about.

[Stormbringer]

That is a compelling point, and you are not the first to mention that. It's amazing the "firestorm" of PM's to me this thread has caused.

From those for or against? Hmmm...Since you've clearly indicated you'll be following the thread, why wouldn't they post here instead?

[Sam Conder]

A question that just popped into my head...

Will "locking down" the BA forum reduce the number of bargains posted? Will it cause some good deals to be missed because someone wouldn't want to pay to post something they found?

[Sam Conder]

...but look at the diservice being done to those that support the site by not being able to score deals that other patrons have posted.

That is a compelling point, and you are not the first to mention that. It's amazing the "firestorm" of PM's to me this thread has caused.

I am glad this discussion is on. Keep it coming...

[Stormbringer]

well, there is plenty of information in all sorts of forums on this site,

Exactly! The wealth of information provided there should prove much more valuable than a discount on tools for those whose intentions are legit.

Sam, your a good guy, and your intentions are well respected but look at the diservice being done to those that support the site by not being able to score deals that other patrons have posted.

EDIT: Oh, BTW, I'm not making these suggestions because I'm a disgruntled member who missed out on the good deals. I've actually been one of the lucky one's who've been able to score the deals I wanted pretty successfully. I just feel that those that those that benefit should return the favor, however large or small. You know, one hand washes the other?

[Ken Massingale]

As much as I agree with Sam's concerns, it is obvious that Bargin Alerts usually shows being the busiest.
And, it's also obvious that deals posted for members are utilized for profit by, IMO, a not-so-small number of forum visitors, and members too, I am sure.
The Bargin Alerts section is mentioned often on numerous other forums as a place to go check for deals.

Despite having the same concerns as Sam, but due to obvious 'misuse' (not the word I'm looking for) of the BA section, I think Greg's suggestion has enough merit to be seriously considered.

[AAJIII]

A Kick In The Butt Reminder

Greg has a good point, and yes some of us, me included need something more than a gentle nudge.

I always have good intentions but somehow just never make the time(by the way it took me only aobut three minutes) to make the donation to this great site.

So every one who has not donated, click on the link above and show all of these people who give their time and resourses to this, THE BEST FORUM ON THE INTERNET!!!!!!!!.

al

[wdreamsmaycome]

well, there is plenty of information in all sorts of forums on this site, however the 'bargain alerts' does seem like something so time-limited and economically beneficial that IMHO it'd make a lot of sense to make this patron-only.

[Sam Conder]

It's not just my site but... Remember, a "founding principal" of BT3Central was the free transmittal of information and ideas. There is just something about limiting the information contained herein that rubs me the wrong way. I don't mind making certain "perks" (add-ons) a benefit of contributing, but I don't know about withholding part of the community.



I'll cogitate and watch the discussion closely...



As a side note, I can restrict access to any "forum" in just a few mouse clicks. It would take less than 2 minutes.