Question for You: What features would you like to see?

[King Guitar]

A few thoughts on Rig-Talk.com and the future of the forum.

As many of you know I took stewardship of the forum from Chris and Bob last month. I plan on building the site further and adding members, manufactures and features to make rig-talk.com, one the premier music gear discussion forum on the web.

I will be contracting with a system engineer to help add features and expand the site and upgrade our server, logo and skin.

I will continue to add premier manufacturers to the site to give you guys access to the best ears in the business.

Of course I will need to generate revenue to help offset the expenses so I will be adding a "VIP Supporting Member" option that will involve a nominal annual fee ($50) and will afford the supporting members special access to board features, give aways and the ability to start new threads in the revamped classified section.

You DO NOT need to be a supporting member to be a member of Rig-Talk.com and continue to enjoy the site, it is optional and in my opinion, if you spend any amount of time here will be something you will want to do for the added benefits of being a VIP Supporting Member and to help keep our place around.

My Question for you guy's is?

What features would you like to see implemented on Rig-Talk in 2009?

Please try to keep this thread on point and post up what you like and what you don't like, so I can get some additional ideas to improve the site and your experience on it.

 

[broknstuff]

So only paying members will be able to start threads in the classifieds (like TGP)?

If that's the case, I'd like to suggest that regular members still be allowed at least a small number of threads in the classifieds (X amount/every 6 months or year) and supporting members be unlimited.
That, or maybe have one thread where all regular members can post an item for sale/trade as a single post within that mega thread (and those interested would reply PM), while only supporting members have the ability to start their own threads, so their add gets more visibility.

As for a way to generate revenue, I wouldn't be against having a non invasive, non-pop up advertisement. I think HRI does a great job of that. The ad is made to fit within the boarders very tastefully.

 

[guitarslinger]

I wouldn't mind paying, but $50 seems steep since TGP is something like $24 to post in classified.

Would the $50 be annual, or a one-time thing?


I would love to see thread previews when I put my cursor over the topic.

I would like a new tab to open when I click a link. Why does it navigate away from the page?

I would like to be able to hit refresh in the forum instead of clicking the topic link at the top of the page.

I would like to see a VHT forum here if possible.

 

[JTyson]

I'd pay it. When you start talking about bringing in software people, and engineers to help things progress forward, and streamlining the forum, I'm sure that dosen't come for free. R-T has an open canvas to be better than its ever been, and I appreciate that you want input as to the direction it should go. I'll be honest, I'm happy with the way things are going, but I haven't given much thought into what should be changed or added, but I will think on it. I'm an idiot when it comes to computer stuff, I dont even know how to post sound clips (yet) but I'm learning. My point is, I dont even know where to start as far as suggestions for the logistical side of the operation. I'm still fumbling my way around. Computers have only been available in Alabama for the past year Some of the things I would like to see added have already been done, like the product review section. I'll think on it - Jim

 

[Hey_bert_whtcha_doin_bert]

Fifty bucks is kinda steep. You're talking to a guy that's living paycheck to paycheck and is plauged with a fetish for music and quality gear... so much so he sold a car for god's sake to get his main amp and help with getting his band's merch going.

Having said that, if you could have an option to break it up quarterly to 12.50, I could do that. Fifty is just too much at one time, not that I wouldn't have it, just never usually at once. Fifty bucks is like my gig gas and string money every month, I usually save up(talkin' 20 bucks a month, it goes very slow) or wait for income tax to buy new gear and sell something off to fund the new. I just don't have it at once. I would hate for that to impede my ability to list something up for sale so I could get a new piece of gear or trade. So I don't like that idea either, unless you did something like broknstuff suggested, I only use it 4 times a year or so.

I don't really know what you could do to improve? What else could you possibly need for a bunch of guys talking about gear? Any manufacturer forums are always a plus because of the ability to direct questions better.

So far doin' a pretty good job as is . Anything else is just flash or being picky.

 

[ratter]

I like the idea of a pay-to-play classifieds section, in general. But one of the reasons that it works for TGP is that their classifieds section gets a TON of traffic. It's worth it to pay their fee. It had to build to that point over a few years. I think it might be premature to ask folks to pay to use what is still a very small/isolated classifieds page. Once it grows, then...

I think if you just solicit donations, you might be surprised at what you get. I know that myself and probably many others would gladly put up a few bucks for the sake of the forum, totally aside from the classifieds idea.

 

[JTyson]

I think if you just solicit donations, you might be surprised at what you get. I know that myself and probably many others would gladly put up a few bucks for the sake of the forum, totally aside from the classifieds idea.[/quote]
I totally agree

 

[King Guitar]

Hey Guys,

Thank you for all of the replies and please keep them coming. Do not get hung up in the Supporting Member/Classified thing above and please wait till I present them officially to make a decision if it seems worth it to you.

There is going to be more to the Supporting Membership than just contributuing to usuing the classifieds. I have plans for special forums for the supporting members, q&a sessions with makers and artists, expanded mailboxes, Rig Talk sponsor ship of Amp Fests to try gear etc...

From, the feel of the couple of posts here I am getting the message you would like two supporting member options. A lower price version that still allows classifieds and and a more robust "top shelf" version, similar to the Silver and Gold Supporting Memberships at TGP.

I will work on it but also remember this when you are thinking about it.

If you come here all the time like I did and do and get to absorb the knowledge of the best builders and makers in the industry, the most knowledgeable forum users around, is it worth the price of a guitar cable or two to have full access and support the growth.

To me the the answer is always yes on forums I enjoy and No on crappy dead end forums.

You will have to decide if it is worth it to you, either way is cool but we are not talking about allot of money here for a full year.

I am not a fan of the solicit donations model. One, it makes me feel like a begger and two, I think for what you get here it worth the price of a couple Pizzas every year. Maybe I am wrong, we will see.

Remember the reason Bob & Chris sold was there was too much work, drama and expense to justify doing it anymore as a public service.

Enough about that what other features would you guys like to see?

 

[King Guitar]

Thanks for the replies. As I said before becoming a supporting member will be totaly optional and not a requirement to be a member here. You just get some perks if you support the site simple enough. I knew I should of bought a porn site instead

 

[King Guitar]

Thanks for the replies. As I said before becoming a supporting member will be totaly optional and not a requirement to be a member here. You just get some perks if you support the site simple enough. I knew should of bought a porn site instead

You can have a porn section that is open to members...

Great idea, Dave, ok, we will have a section for Adults Only Posts on the inside that we could never get away with in the regular forum.

 

[mrp5150]

We had a NSFW forum before, but for some reason Thump and Bob got rid of it.

 

[Digital Jams]

A guitarslinger / Digi Jams 80s forum with full blown hookers and COKE machines in the lobby

A new window when you hit a link would be cool.

I have a feeling that the classifieds get more views than some think and yeah I like like the pay to make dough here thing.

 

[CharFace]

We had a NSFW forum before, but for some reason Thump and Bob got rid of it.

NSFW Forum FTMFW

In other news,


I am quite alarmed that someone deleted my earlier, off-topic, smart-ass post in this thread

 

[King Guitar]

We had a NSFW forum before, but for some reason Thump and Bob got rid of it.

NSFW Forum FTMFW

In other news,


I am quite alarmed that someone deleted my earlier, off-topic, smart-ass post in this thread

That was me by mistake, feel free to re-post the smart assery

 

[jlbaxe]

you can have 4 levels with perks. "BRONZE" starting at $10. allows you to post classifieds and all the other stuff you can do "NOW" If you are not "bronze" then you can only browse/no communication.
"Silver" $20 "GOLD" $35 and "PLATINUM" $50 You would have to figure out what each level would include as perks and each one have a special symbol that would go next to each supporting member to show there level.

Might help if with the manufactures they could offer a discount code/coupon to "Platinum" members.

Some will go with Platinum just for the status symbol,others to post a classifieds $10 is cheaper than Evil Bay. Or maybe allow 4-6 classifieds a year free as a "Standard" member. I understand change but this will allow people some flexibility as to what they can afford or want. Also allows new potential members to post in the classified bringing more gear into the group.
Im working on other ideas

 

[guitarslinger]

A guitarslinger / Digi Jams 80s forum with full blown hookers and COKE machines in the lobby

A new window when you hit a link would be cool.

I have a feeling that the classifieds get more views than some think and yeah I like like the pay to make dough here thing.

I'm totally in. Can we have like a custom neon pink/neon green layout in that forum?


Must use at least 6 spaces of rack gear to post.

Most own at least two neon coloured guitars to view.

 

[King Guitar]

you can have 4 levels with perks. "BRONZE" starting at $10. allows you to post classifieds and all the other stuff you can do "NOW" If you are not "bronze" then you can only browse/no communication.
"Silver" $20 "GOLD" $35 and "PLATINUM" $50 You would have to figure out what each level would include as perks and each one have a special symbol that would go next to each supporting member to show there level.

Might help if with the manufactures they could offer a discount code/coupon to "Platinum" members.

Some will go with Platinum just for the status symbol,others to post a classifieds $10 is cheaper than Evil Bay. Or maybe allow 4-6 classifieds a year free as a "Standard" member. I understand change but this will allow people some flexibility as to what they can afford or want. Also allows new potential members to post in the classified bringing more gear into the group.
Im working on other ideas

Thanks! You make allot of good points here. I want this to remain a very inclusive, cool, pro type site and this format may be a good solution.

 

[Val]

Hi....I'm new here. I like it as is, but majority wins. As for porn....NO, NO, NO....obviously you have no clue as to what problems that will bring to the members nevermind the site and I don't want it. I will not be a member if porn is introduced to the Rig-Talk website....Sorry. I like everyone that I've been involved with here and feel that porn should not be warranted here. That's my feelings....Sorry.

 

[King Guitar]

Hi....I'm new here. I like it as is, but majority wins. As for porn....NO, NO, NO....obviously you have no clue as to what problems that will bring to the members nevermind the site and I don't want it. I will not be a member if porn is introduced to the Rig-Talk website....Sorry. I like everyone that I've been involved with here and feel that porn should not be warranted here. That's my feelings....Sorry.

Hello Val,

Welcome to RT, Sorry to make you feel uncomfortable, please rest assured we are just joking.

 

[jlbaxe]

How about a section for Recording Q and A, Ideas, could also be listed by Brand of Digital or analog Equipment, Tascam, Fostex, Roland/Boss, Misc. ect.