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MaseratiForumSiteInformation Annual Round-Up MaseratiForumUK (2009)

Annual Round-Up MaseratiForumUK (2009)

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17/2/2010 16:02:48  

Posts: 397
Since: 16/10/2008
Region: UAE/MiddleEast
Status: offline 		Annual Round-Up MaseratiForumUK (2009)

Dear Members,

Hope you are all well. The last 12 months has seen a lot of activity behind the scenes, and I feel duty bound to fill you in, before the new site goes live. The past 12 months has seen some new features, which have proved a success, and some other features which have not, and hence fallen by the way side. This is all part of evolution I feel, and one must never be afraid to try different things. Otherwise we would all still be living in caves  But equally, one must respect tradition, and I have done my best to do so. Hence I have tried to evolve, as opposed to revolutionise, the site.

I am not a web designer. Far from it. But I do consider myself to have a fair eye for detail. However, any modifications to the site, visual or in the back end, or ads that we make for the sponsors who can’t provide their own, I have to pay for, out of the sponsorship revenue. We have had sponsors on the board for a year now, and all the funds raised have gone towards a) site maintenance and rebuilding and b) re-cooping my original purchase outlay, which will be completed this month. Nevertheless, I do believe the administrator of a fantastic site such as this, needs more than mere IT skills, while being impartial to all parties.

I had the site spruced up in early 2009, and it met with your approval. Thank you for your kind words at the time. In keeping with my desire for ongoing development, I attempted to have the site rebuilt in April 2009 on a more modern platform, allowing a host of new features. But unfortunately the web company failed to deliver what we wanted, and we had to part ways despite having to come to a financial settlement, and ending up with an unusable 2nd site, and solicitor's fees. Ouch. But that is the way of the world sometimes unfortunately. A few members offered to help out with the site redesign, but for the sake of impartiality I did not feel that allowing another member access to the backend (where everyone’s personal details are stored) would be prudent. Especially with the data protection laws in the UK. Working in the securities sector myself, I can assure you of the upmost discretion and care when it comes to such matters. In fact, the forum was immediately subject to repeated site/server attacks after I took over, if you recall, and I moved immediately to up the site and server security. Thus far, no issues have re-occurred on that front.

To improve the look and feel of the forum to a standard that is in keeping with the image and style of the Maserati cars we so love, the evolution theory again, one has to put in a tremendous amount of effort (i.e. time and money) into the web/graphic design, and project management side of things. The reality dawned on me circa September 2009 that I was back to square one in terms of rebuilding the site, as the summer’s re-launch site failure set my plans back massively. So, I took the opportunity to create something even better. I was advised it would be prudent to evolve the current platform, and that is what I chose to do. Howvever, due to the age and complexity of the current platform, that has proved costly. That project has neared the first phase of completion and should be live any day now by March 2010. Let’s call that forum evo1.

Shortly after the site goes live we have a number of other features planned that will create forum evo2, you could say. It will have taken a year all told, but it will be worth it I can assure you. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the delays, and thank all those who have displayed eternal patience while we got things up to this new spec.

Now the question you may be asking is, why? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. My answer has been mentioned already and is a simple one – evolution, my friends, evolution.

Q. Why the need to amend the site?

A. Firstly, I want the site to be easier to navigate, and post on. I believe this is why a good number of the many ‘guests’ we have viewing the site don’t post at present. But I know you Maserati owner guests (non-posters) are out there based on the feedback that you are using the sponsors to look after your cars.

Secondly, when I took over the site it was very ‘Southern’ orientated. Which is not so handy if you live past Watford and own a Maserati I wanted to create a nationwide support system for owner members, and to encourage more prospective owners to try a Maserati. There are a good many ex dealer trained/experienced mechanics who have left to set-up their own garages but have no representation in the Maserati community, who are more than capable to look after a Maserati, 3200GT on. As genuinely brilliant as Emblem Sportscars are, some people are not able to drive 200+ miles to them to service their cars, and that was keeping potential owners away from the Maserati marque. Hence the need for extra service options, of a suitable standard, in places like Scotland etc. I spend a large amount of time vetting potential service providers for the forum members. These alternative techs are not unknown quantities – they have the Maserati SD equipment, vast Italian supercar experience, and/or factory training to keep your Maserati on the road. They just had no promotion. Slowly, and steadily I have been getting these guys on board, and its ongoing believe me. There have been some real success stories, like MP Supercars in Scotland, and there will be a few more. I have tried to keep sponsors geographical, which encourages financial investment in the lastest Maserati diagnostic machines and tools etc and thus far it has worked well, with some great member feedback. We have now built a real network of forum-friendly Maserati Independents throughout the UK, and that is surely a positive thing for potential owners, as we see used cars drift all around the UK now finding happy homes and owners. Nevertheless, sponsors are bound by a 3 strikes a year and out policy. (This is the most effective and fair way of regulation in my opinion).

A recent testimonial I received from Autofficina:

Hi Brian,

Thank you very much for the invoices and receiving one today prompted me to reply to your earlier email about the forum.

... the presence of Maserati’s has definitely increased over the last year or so.

Whenever I get to speak to any of our clients who bring Maserati’s in I always ask them how they found us and it 99% of the time it is via the forum as most people are looking for recommendations for good work and reliability and of course price comparisons.

To compare the forums you mention, I would say, confidentially of course, that your forum generates a lot more enquiries. I personally think it is easier to use and to search for specific things.

I did notice a bit of a negative remark made about us but thankfully it seems to be a “one-off” and hasn’t affected our relationship with any owners. It is upsetting to read these things and of course I am sure most people realise that there are two sides to every story!!

Good luck with the new site.... I’m not sure if you say in the sponsor section about mentioning Maserati Forum when calling, but it would help if they did.

Kind regards

Helen

Before I approached Autofficina to join the forum, and work with the members, they had little representation in the Maserati community, despite employing some of the best Italian supercar engineers in the UK with experience of the modern Maseratis. So, London Maserati forum owners are now happy, and they are happy. But ultimately, having an independent service centre close to central London will encourage more potential owners to move across from Aston Martin, Jaguar and Porsche and sample the delights of the Trident. Win, win. And so on and so on. I just need to find a Maserati friendly mechanic/garage near Newcastle now with an SD machine and relevant experience, and we’ll be getting there. If not, we’ll have to work with one to encourage them to invest in the training and machinery. The Newcastle members cannot keep driving to Leeds or Scotland for servicing.

At present, Bill McGrath does not wish to sponsor the site due to their current workload - no problem. I respect their wishes. We’ve entertained SB Race Engineering in Hertfordshire on the understanding they look after the members needs in those areas in that case. They are more than qualified to. However, as always, I did have to track down one of Stuart’s old employers and Maserati customers for Maserati references before I could give the green light. I am currently working on Roberto’s ad to get the excellent Grimaldi Engineering set-up for the Essex and East regions to increase his exposure to the guests who don’t read all the posts. Etc, etc. Incidentally Rob was one of the first sponsors we signed up but he has been just too busy to co-ordinate the media side of things, so I have stepped in to help out. However, this does all take up a huge amount of time, and a fair bit of money, to co-ordinate. We also offer a subsidised/free support system in these recessionary times for companies of varying sizes who can offer support to the members. Example, I offered forum subsidised sponsorship to the brilliant David Askew but he politely refused, as he said he was more than busy with his current workload, and was worried exposure on a forum of our size would overload him with more enquiries than he could cope with. Nice guy is David, and Tyson the cat

Thirdly, my main motivation when I took over the site was to promote the entry, ease and longevity of Maserati ownership. I believe the above point helps that, but equally I want to continue to do my bit to increase enjoyment of the Maserati lifestyle. Hence, when the new site is live, I will be spending more of my time writing buyers guides, employing a part time dedicated web-designer (not cheap), putting together model reports and data, updating reports on the Maserati racing programme, building a far superior classifieds and news site, working with the sponsors to create technical guides, purchasing licensing rights for magazine articles, photos, etc., and partnering with journalists etc to really create a true UK Maserati portal site, updated and regulated daily, with a mine of information for us UK based Maserati fans to enjoy. That is where the sponsorship funds will be going for the foreseeable future, not into my pocket, and I believe it is a worthwhile endeavour. We are already running on fumes budget wise, but we can’t just rely on the posts of a few hardcore members to keep our Maserati fix fuelled over the coming years 

On a separate note, at present I have the majority of Maserati trade cars for sale listed on the forum to make it easier for members to compare prices and specs, and it has proved quite successful with members. This is a service we have executed manually, not with a computer programme, as it is quite complex and has taken an age to perfect, as sometimes even the main dealers don’t list the cars correctly (the QP V gearboxes/specs really are a minefield). Naturally this is time consuming and human labour is costly, but the mails I have had thanking me for the displays from members who have purchased their ‘dream car’ proves it works. We do not charge dealers for this exposure/service. When one reads the following, it makes it all worth it though, I must say: http://www.maseratiforum.co.uk/tm.asp?forumid=122&m=48441&mpage=1&key=&#49307

   In order to achieve all the above we need harmony in the community. Not always so easy with 2000+ members. This has been my first year as administrator of the board, and managing all the members and sponsors has proved an interesting and fulfilling experience on the whole, as I have watched the site membership grow rapidly. Dealing with 99.99% of you, 99.99% of the times has been a joyful and rewarding experience. Yes, there have been some mistakes, I am human after all, but I believe the experience has made me a better administrator, of a better forum, for it. As always, if you have any queries about the site, or have any suggestions, please feel free to e-mail me with your thoughts and questions.

I typically operate a 3 strikes and out policy (with warnings, naturally) for members and sponsors. This, on the whole, works well. The longevity and enjoyment of any online community is down to the way it is shepparded, and as such that role falls to me. Subsequently, I have made a number of decisions these past few weeks. With the 3 strikes and out policy we have parted ways with some sponsors and members (with one inviting me to revoke his membership) not because they wanted to create a league table, or passed negative comments about other businesses/members, but because I felt their words/actions seemed to create mistrust and ill-feeling throughout the community, unnecessarily. Their words and actions actually serve to scare off potential owners to the marque, in my humble opinion. I am also fully aware of the costs of running and purchasing these cars, and do not wish to see anybody ripped off, but I do feel that there are ways and means to help people, and I don't feel their methods were always in keeping with that. I felt they were a disruptive influence, not necessarily intentionally granted, and for the sake of the forum felt we had to part ways. I am sure they are nice enough fellows, but I just could not regulate them outside the 3 strikes rule. However, I am no dictator, we all make mistakes (including me) and I bear them no ill-feeling and following the cool off period (3-4 weeks), if they wish to participate in-line with the forum guidelines, they are most welcome to (I have contacted them personally with the invitation). But the guidelines and rules will not change, as they are there for our safety, enjoyment, and longevity of the board.

Thank you for your opinions and support as always as we enter this new era for our beloved forum (new site live soon hopefully in the next 2 weeks). Rapid membership growth brings with it its own set of problems but we'll get there, better and stronger. If any member is genuinely not happy with my leadership or plans for the future direction of the site please do let me know. With your continued support I guarantee I will continue to give blood, sweat, tears and financial support, to ensure we go onto bigger and better things. Maserati is where it is today through evolving and improving, and I believe this forum needs a similar, albeit appropriate, approach.

I have your best interests at heart as always, so please do not hesitate to contact me with any queries that you may have, and please do look out for the updated site and the Maserati quiz, shortly.

Best Regards to you and your families,

Brian Telford

< Message edited by Birdcage -- 27/2/2010 18:11:13 >
17/2/2010 18:09:57  

Posts: 182
Since: 14/11/2008
Status: online 		Brian

Thanks for the update - some interesting background information there.

Many of us find the forum invaluable, informative and entertaining and you certainly play a large part in that with the (often unseen) behind the scenes work.

Many thanks for past and future efforts.

Dave

_____________________________

2006 Gransport Spyder
Alfa Mito
17/2/2010 19:41:33  

Posts: 77
Since: 13/10/2009
Region: Newcastle upon Tyne
Status: offline 		Hear, hear!

This forum's been invaluable in helping me work out what to be looking for when buying a 3200, what to be looking out to avoid, and ultimately in helping me find my dream car!

So thanks, and keep up the good work!





_____________________________

Chris
17/2/2010 21:13:00  

Posts: 696
Since: 25/5/2008
Region: Essex/Herts Border
Status: offline 		Everything that's done to promote the marque is always good to improve the used market value and as long as the new prices keep high the exclusivity will remain.
The work that you've done Brian is appreciated.
I'm looking forward to see the launch in March.


_____________________________

05 4200 CC
17/2/2010 23:32:53  

Posts: 555
Since: 9/3/2008
Region: Vikersund, Norway & Ashford, Kent
Status: offline 		Brian

I don't post very much anymore as I'm falling out of love with Maserati, I don't think that statement deserves a strike however as honesty from members should be paramount. I can sum my feelings up with a small example, when driving away in my Coupe last July I noticed that there was no Alcantara or leather roof lining, just some crappy industrial s**t that wouldn't do a Peugeot justice, I damn near passed-out in disappointment. Discovering the rest of the car has produced much of the same emotions.

But hey, if you realise you mistake after 800 miles at least the dealer will offer you about half of what you paid for it. 

I am tempted to drive my Coupe to Modena this summer, grab one of their number by the neck and force him to test my car and then explain to me why it's so rubbish at almost everything.
 
 







18/2/2010 0:00:58  

Posts: 4164
Since: 5/6/2007
Status: offline 		Lot of  good  positive stuff has happened over the year Brian    , and some negatives aswell        ,  for me  its still far  to complicated  and stretched out when it needn't be, thats why ive found myself getting increasingly bored ,  and to be honest 3/4 of the headings aren't used  more than once a month approx to warrant being in place or atleast  intergrated  , the relative  vehicle  tech sides    need to be catalogued better  as its still a nightmare to find stuff   and i like to think i know my way around the site   so it must be increasingly difficult for any new commers . Hope the revamp  goes some way  to making it easier to navigate  ,

Appreciate that your having taken the site into so called "evolution"  and now  fully reliant upon  sponsorship       have you ever really asked the members what they wanted          i fear not, well     well  i know not        you may well get an answer that  you  wouldn't agree with ,    your  ideas and future plans , have steered the forum  to be in more in  favour of the sponsor over the member  and this will always be an area where we will have to agree to disagree,

Born out by the fact that members were giving diverse reports on ADG and Giallo long before they were terminated as sponsors allowing 2 more new commers to get stiffed (shall we say ) unnecessarily ,and   thats what happens when you rely on sponsorship   , The poor buggers that wanted to air there stories/tales of woe   get reprimanded  shortly after ,   Sorry i dont see this as progress , thought the idea of an independent  forum   was to be on the side of its members ,  but now unfortunately its been turned   into a money making business machine  producing from what i can gather around £20k a year   its no longer independent and for it members   by the  sheer  fact  that i and other members have their threads/posts  removed   sometimes unfairly proves my point

Be interesting to see if this post  stays as is , it may well encourage others to be a bit more forthcoming about what they would  really like



regards  An unbiased   lozcb



      

 

< Message edited by lozcb -- 18/2/2010 0:04:30 >

_____________________________

Old pompous spods current stable
52 plate 4200 cc Lowered Tubi's and full GS body kit,steering wheel and rack
55 plate 4200 cc Gransport Full Larini system,AP Racing big brake upgrade ,more stuff pending

18/2/2010 1:00:22  

Posts: 397
Since: 16/10/2008
Region: UAE/MiddleEast
Status: offline 		Hi guys,

Thank you for your feedback: both good and bad. Please do keep 'em coming so we can decipher singular opinion from general mass opinion, and move forward from there. So long as we can get a general consensus, that'll be great.

It's a fact of life that you can't please everybody all of the time, but so long as I can please most of you, most of the time I believe I would have done a good job. Through reading all of your comments it will become clear if that is the case or not.

I have only ever locked, edited, or removed a post/thread for legal reasons, or to avoid prolonging any undue stress that may be being caused to a member through another members actions, or to quell a brawl between 2 or more members that threatens to upset the whole forum. Thankfully I can count such instances on my hands despite us having 2000+ members, with many posts being made daily. I apologise if that does not agree with some, but I believe that to be a fair and logical rule of thumb.

If you wish to get a more complete picture of why some sponsors are no longer with us, why I saw fit to allow them on, and the measured way in which those cases were dealt with I recommend you do a search of the forum. The matter has been covered at length. This is not a site 'just for the sponsors', far from it. When I took on the site I clearly stated that my goal was to aid, ease and improve Maserati ownership in the UK, and thereby avoid used prices slipping into the gutter, through helping create a larger, quality, support network for Maserati owners all over the UK. I believe we need quality sponsor representation to achieve that. I would like to see the price of used Maseratis rival those of the European mainland where the market is buoyant, and I believe we are getting there. Who wants to buy a used 3200GT, lose 5k in a year in value, and then struggle to sell it. No-one, surely? And we have left those dark days behind thankfully.

When I took on the site the membership was relatively small, and during my stewardship it has rocketed, with an unusually large number of 'guests' viewing the site now too. Logic would suggest that I and the majority of members are doing something right. Nevertheless we always look to improve, and all comments are noted and appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Brian

ps. Evoluzione, you need to sample a QP V auto my friend to restore some of the faith

pps. The current 'Technical' Section navigation issues have been dealt with by the new site. Which also features a shorter Homepage listing which will ease navigation, and post tracking.

< Message edited by Birdcage -- 24/2/2010 18:35:31 >
18/2/2010 10:09:00  

Posts: 17
Since: 16/3/2009
Region: Surrey/Hants border
Status: offline 		Ditto, I agree with Brian, Lozb

< Message edited by Adam -- 19/2/2010 16:17:53 >
18/2/2010 11:11:19  

Posts: 1677
Since: 22/12/2006
Region: Chichester, West Sussex
Status: offline 		Ditto Lozb

Whilst I can understand your situation as mediator between Users and Sponsors is a difficult one, I, as many others, feel that the forum going down this commercial route is a bad thing.

Prior to you purchasing the site and taking it down this above route, the site was geared for the user, not the sponsor which at the end of the day, is what we all want.

The debacle with Giallo and ADG leaves a bitter taste and only highlights the sites current direction. Coupled with the exclusion of some members and friends who for what I can see, did no wrong, only to let the instigators off scott free.

Myself and other members have offered, free of charge on numerous occasion to get involved and bring back a little of that community spirit, to which you have declined. Needless to say, those offers have been channeled elsewhere and fear that this could be the final nail in the coffin for maseratiforum.co.uk

The above is only my true feelings, and the feeling of the core of this community and trust you see my post as an open and honest summary, as you have requested. Ok, the forum does have many positives that I have not touched on, it is an invaluable resource, but a resource supplied free of charge by your core members, something worth remembering.

Matt/Conaero
18/2/2010 11:55:15  

Posts: 555
Since: 9/3/2008
Region: Vikersund, Norway & Ashford, Kent
Status: offline 		Brian

I got in late and was somewhat grumpy last night, did not mean to hijack your excellent thread with silly hokum. My relationship with Maserati has cooled considerably in the past couple of years and I am edging ever closer to Bentley or RR ownership, the GranCabrio may sway me but as it's a £110k motor now, with options it is moving dangerously near top-end prices. Sit it next to a four year old Phantom and I'd be hard pressed to chose the latina. 2004 Arnage Ts are also cracking value right now and I am drooling at the mere thought of having one. A Quattroporte is still on the cards though and after my midnight wailing I've been approached by a forum member that may be willing to do a swap.

I still think the site is excellent, I will endeavour to come up with some constructive advice as soon as I have the time, re-locating to SE Asia once more so barely have time to catch my breath at the moment.

All the best

< Message edited by Evoluzione -- 18/2/2010 14:44:30 >
18/2/2010 13:42:50  

Posts: 397
Since: 16/10/2008
Region: UAE/MiddleEast
Status: offline 		Chaps,

I would have to assume that member Conaero has set up another forum, based on his comments above. I would like to take this opportunity to say that I bear no ill feeling what so ever to the member(s) who have chosen to create the other forum, participate in the other forum solely, or participate in both forums. Variety is the spice of life and I wish all parties well, as always.

My only request is that they do not use this forum’s pm or e-mail facilities unfairly to solicit as that would be somewhat unkind.

I wish Conaero the very best with his new project, and would advise all members to help him where possible, as it is a small community and a civil war serves no purpose. In fact, a wider shared spread of information is a good thing.

This has been my first year as admin of the forum, and I will use the lessons learned to improve things as best I can.

All the best,

Brian

< Message edited by Birdcage -- 18/2/2010 14:54:27 >
18/2/2010 14:18:48  

Posts: 4164
Since: 5/6/2007
Status: offline 		oops 

_____________________________

Old pompous spods current stable
52 plate 4200 cc Lowered Tubi's and full GS body kit,steering wheel and rack
55 plate 4200 cc Gransport Full Larini system,AP Racing big brake upgrade ,more stuff pending

18/2/2010 20:14:13  
 

Posts: 575
Since: 29/1/2007
Status: offline 		I personally don't see what all the fuss is about, the site is owned and operated by Brian, and it's his responsibility to ensure that it does as he intends, if people don't like it then there's a really easy solution..... don't join, or stop contributing.

I have the very same conversations nearly every day about people that don't like certain things, my stock answer is, well if you don't like it, you don't have to be here, this forum is not holding anyone family to ransom.

I think the forum has grown over the year and so have some of the members, yes there are discussions but sometimes people take this stuff too seriously, guy's chill out. no one dies because you said something that was wrong. think, if we were all sitting in a pub discussing this would it be quite so heated?

anyway, Brian, keep up the good work, although I've just sold my Granturismo, I keep a watchful eye on this forum till I get my perfect QP again.

flame me if you like, comment if you please, I don't care, I'll get over it. no one dies today! (I have to say that everyday)
18/2/2010 21:07:14  

Posts: 105
Since: 30/11/2009
Region: Loughborough.
Status: offline 		Hi Brian,

Congratulations on what must generally have been a pretty thankless task. I'll look forward to seeing your developments over the coming weeks and months.

In response to your message, I hope you'll allow me a few observations from the perspective of a relative newbie and recent 'shareholder'.

I've 'lurked' around in the guest area for about three years now and purchased my car a couple of years ago. I've found the forum, and continue to find it invaluable. My time in the shadows allowed me to put the owners in context with their cars, with each other and with Maserati in general. It did however take me some time to learn the unwritten rules before joining up, which I finally did last year. Is this in itself worthy of consideration, as I know I've not been the only long-term 'lurker'?

In my observations before joining, and in my active participation since joining, I must say that any forum guidelines seem to have had little or nought to do with it's day to day activity? The threads are generally the result of informed, friendly, passionate and inquisitive dialogue between owners, prospective owners and fans, Topics and responses are good, bad and only very occasionally ugly. Curiously sometimes the ugly or uncomfortable are the most interesting to read. Does this show the guidelines to be about right, or does it show them to be largely unnecessary? Are the unwritten rules of etiquette quite adequate?

That this forum generates sponsorship is illustrative of your fine effort and research, along with the relatively small and tight-knit world of the Maserati owning fraternity, however I hope it won't be forgotten that this is a mutually dependent, but rightly unequal relationship. Let's not forget who it is that pays who, which is where there should be (and I trust there is) a bias towards the needs of all the participants of this forum.

You mention there are now about 2,000 members of this forum, and about half again as guests? I won't hazard a guess at the number of regular participants. With this in mind, and thinking particularly of the function of a forum, I must disagree with your comment regarding the usefulness of shared administration. You quite plainly strive for fairness, however how, in such a unique position, does one set the balance of fairness and impartiality with a continuously growing and changing fraternity? A small group of (not necessarily) like-minded individuals with the time and passion to assist you and to represent the users of this forum has, in my opinion, to be a step forward, as would a topic dedicated to 'member feedback'.

I hope you will accept these comments in the spirit in which they are presented.

With regards,

Miles.







_____________________________

2004 Maserati 4200 Coupe Cambiocorsa.
19/2/2010 1:46:26  

Posts: 397
Since: 16/10/2008
Region: UAE/MiddleEast
Status: offline 		Hi all,

To answer the points raised:

- A feedback section/thread to be added on the next version of the site.

- A clear set of rules/guidelines to be featured in one place on the new site.

- While there are guidlines regarding 'name and shame' scenarios in place they are preceded by a 'common sense' rule hence many, many threads are live that do namecheck third parties in a negative light. I only step in when a thread is totally one sided with little evidence, and hence the threat of legal action is looming large. (And these I can count on one hand, thankfully). I recently had to remove a couple of a member's posts (after discussion with all parties) as a non-sponsor vendor felt me/the site liable as publishers of 'libellous material'. With the posts removed that then leaves the poster open to litigation. Is it really worth all parties going to court? Life is too short. Nevertheless, threads/posts are only locked etc. following discussion with all parties. Sponsors, as well as members, are bound by a 3 strikes and out policy (following due dilligence and research). Two of the sponsors who are no more (mentioned previously) still have a loyal following on this board, one in particular, and are highly regarded by certain member customers, and that fact must not be overlooked either, and those member's views should be respected also.

I genuinely believed that due to the high praise that did, and still does, exist on this board from certain members for those 2 companies, having them on the forum would encourage a better understanding by them for the needs of every type of modern Maserati owner, while helping us to seperate the myth from reality. And I made this clear at the outset to certain members. Alas things did not work out, but I am not ashamed of trying to make things better. If that strategy failed that is a sad thing, but for a few to use it as a stick to beat me and the other sponsors with is unfair I feel. I sincerely believe that our current sponsors are proven good guys, and the testimonials on here from members backs that up. Yes, there are negative critiques for them posted too on the odd occasion but a) that is a fact of life and b) those posts are still live where possible. Every business will have an unsatisfied customer from time to time. We turn away as many parties as we accept as sponsors. But I say again, the 3 strikes rule is still there for all, regardless of stature/reputation, meaning no party will be allowed to hide behind the no name and shame rule. Ultimately look how the law of our land works - there are due checks and balances and procedures. A few suggested a dealer league table as a better solution, but as I have stated before that is not something I can regulate as I have mentioned previously at length. The issues with such a system were discussed previously and only a handful of members (7 if I recall) out of 2000+ were prepared to hand over their personal details to facilitate, and avoid abuse of, such a system. Hence, for legal, administrative, and management reasons we are not going to have a ratings board on this Forum. What makes me chuckle is the fact that one of the two members on this thread (who clearly disagree with me) was/is a fan of one of the former sponsors, whereas the other individual cannot abide that sponsor.

- There is a small group of members who I liase with regarding certain site decisions, which includes long standing/medium/short term members. However, to execute every single decision via commitee does not always work I believe, and I have never hidden that view.

- This site is not a 'money making business machine...producing around £20k', as one member put it. A 'business' typically needs to generate a sizeable profit, regardless of turnover, after costs. Even IF the site turned over £20k that would not be £20k profit. Lets say, for arguments sake, after costs the profit was £8k p/a ... there are easier, less stressful, ways to make £8k I think we'll all agree Yes, if I ceased all site updates, scheduled future updates, sales data uploads, there would be profit there, but I will not cease paying to add new features and data for the forseeable considerable future, so it is a moot point. (Apologies if the above sounds patronising or obvious. Owning Maseratis naturally many of you will be businessmen). Naturally, there is an argument that can be made that the minute this site started turning over funds from sponsors, regardless of little/no profit, it became a 'commercial entity' technically. But that still does not mean the site is just 'for the sponsors'. Far, far, from it as I have outlined previously. Surely, if the best Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus etc forum sites on the web have a happy balance between circa 20 relevant sponsors and thousands of members then we can too? Furthermore, many of those sites will actually feature distracting, obscure, randomnly generated Google ads to generate revenue, something which I will never allow here.

- Before I will allow a member to become a fellow moderator or to help out with the site, with access to other members' personal and confidential details, I need to have known them on a particular level for a set amount of time, for obvious reasons. At present that is not the case, as kind and as appreciated those offers of help are. That is not a slight on their integrity, but I have to play it safe and err on the side of caution on such matters. Furthermore, hosting the site on server space belonging to (and paid for by) another member's work client, as per one offer, was not something I was comfortable with for obvious reasons. Again, the offer was gratefully recieved, but if politely refusing such offers makes me a baddie to some, then that's unfortunate.

- Following disputes, certain members I can have dialogue with off the forum however argumentative they are on it, and reprimand them in certain ways. This reduces the need for the temporary ban button. With some, when the dialogue breaks down I am left with little alternative option, as harsh as that may seen. Yes some members were temporarily banned for 3/4 weeks, another offered to revoke his membership which I temporarily accepted, but equally other members offered to quit posting after dialogue with myself about their antagonistic behaviour. (All these members I can count on one hand). But just because I do not hit the temporary ban button, which is always a last resort, does not mean action has not been taken. That does not constitute me letting off certain members 'scott free', as one member put it.

- To those members who have offered to represent the forum at certain meets and events etc thank you very much. Respectfully, it would be better for me to work with those members who I can have an easy dialogue and understanding with, to help co-ordinate things better. As discussed I will deliver promotional materials to you for distribution, in keeping with the look and feel of the Maserati brand and the newer site, once the new site updates are out of the way. Please kindly bear with me. (Thank you Safrane for your kind words of praise and assistance, you are a gent sir )

- As saddening as it is, I can understand certain members wishing to move on, as much as I would like them to stay. When they joined this forum, it was somewhat different to what it is now. If one were to visit their local, and find the bar under new management with a new crowd coming in, naturally that changes the dynamic. And naturally, one thinks about moving on. It's really, really sad when that happens, but in some cases understandable, however hard one tries. The new site will bring some of the old feel back but that won't be possible 100%.

The aim of this somewhat lengthy post is not to incite, or irritate, but merely to explain my thinking behind certain actions, to all the queries/suggestions made above, as best I can. I can't add any more really, so if I leave it at that to avoid repetition, or the thread becoming the length of an Eastenders omnibus please don’t think me rude . At this point I would rather use this opportunity to usher in a new era for the site, and concentrate on more important things in life. I intend to take a more laid back approach to the forum, concentrating now on other areas of the site, and hopefully we will all find a happy medium and end up with an even better product for the Maserati community.

All the best.

Regards,

Brian

< Message edited by Birdcage -- 27/2/2010 15:00:32 >
19/2/2010 10:23:46  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline
Dear Brian and fellow Forum Members,

Although being a recent member of this forum, I believe I have a fairly extensive experience with car-related internet fora.

Thank you Brian for all the hard work you've put and will continue to put into the site and thank you to all the forum members who via their contributions make the site a source of precious information (and also, banter and good-humoured fun).

The fine balancing act between forum moderation and strategy and actual content provision is one that makes or breaks a forum. No solution will make everyone happy.

The "take it or leave it" approach mentioned a few posts above doesn't quite work when members have been contributing to a forum for a long time with valuable input as the embedded value of the forum is also partly through those contributions.

I'd say the feedback section would help a lot improve the transparency of the forum. I would also say that perhaps having a "wise council" of forum members, not necessarily moderators, could help ease some of the burden off your shoulders Brian and offer more points of contact to the general forum community to discuss specific points.

Lastly, one area where a couple of car fora I am a member of has been quite successful is a tie-in with the marque.

Brian, I'd think if Maserati were to lend an official hand to the forum, either using it as a marketing and discussion portal and/or as a source of customer feedback, it would be fantastically received by all members.

_____________________________

1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
19/2/2010 10:55:25  

Posts: 143
Since: 6/11/2009
Region: Rutland
Status: offline 		Have I missed something here? Is there anything fundamentally wrong with the Forum? Ok, I'm fairly new but I've found the site informative and entertaining. I realise we have to be careful when criticising Service Providers but good outfits will always get recognition. Surely we can make our views known on the right side of the law!
The Maserati world is small compared to other marques so I think we should be singing from the same hymn sheet whilst still recognising different points of view.

John
3200GTA
19/2/2010 11:55:42  

Posts: 4164
Since: 5/6/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: BigFoot


Dear Brian and fellow Forum Members,

Although being a recent member of this forum, I believe I have a fairly extensive experience with car-related internet fora.

Thank you Brian for all the hard work you've put and will continue to put into the site and thank you to all the forum members who via their contributions make the site a source of precious information (and also, banter and good-humoured fun).

The fine balancing act between forum moderation and strategy and actual content provision is one that makes or breaks a forum. No solution will make everyone happy.

The "take it or leave it" approach mentioned a few posts above doesn't quite work when members have been contributing to a forum for a long time with valuable input as the embedded value of the forum is also partly through those contributions.

I'd say the feedback section would help a lot improve the transparency of the forum. I would also say that perhaps having a "wise council" of forum members, not necessarily moderators, could help ease some of the burden off your shoulders Brian and offer more points of contact to the general forum community to discuss specific points.

Lastly, one area where a couple of car fora I am a member of has been quite successful is a tie-in with the marque.

Brian, I'd think if Maserati were to lend an official hand to the forum, either using it as a marketing and discussion portal and/or as a source of customer feedback, it would be fantastically received by all members.





Have I missed something here? Is there anything fundamentally wrong with the Forum? Ok, I'm fairly new but I've found the site informative and entertaining. I realise we have to be careful when criticising Service Providers but good outfits will always get recognition. Surely we can make our views known on the right side of the law!
The Maserati world is small compared to other marques so I think we should be singing from the same hymn sheet whilst still recognising different points of view.

John
3200GTA








Great to see some are singing from the same Hymn sheet , thought it was just me and a few others ,  exactly  my point  raised,    I can see where   robbie is coming from  as he  sees it , Its Brians business  and Brian can see fit to choose and direct  his forum  in any way he pleases  

All due respect to Robbie    but  thats a knife edge approach    which could cause many that are now aware of it to jump ship   is that really what we all want

The rapid growth of the forum is down to a few but very important factors  which has made this forum stand apart from many other similar forums ,

The first being the price of Maserati's(  supercars in general )   now more affordable to a wider fraternity

Secondly  the friendly and welcoming nature of present and potential maserati owners/forum members   we are a breed apart that has always been abundantly clear from day one when i joined

Thirdly the very helpful information  database, and  quick responses to questions/problems  posed by newcommers  and current members


Worth noting that from where i see it ,  of the 3 above, 1  is down to market forces  and  2 and 3  the some total of its members   not the owner/administator , whilst recognizing that Brian is  the   one providing the space for this to happen , without the central core  members contribution it would not be the place it is , hence the occasional concern that it would be nice to have some sort of input  as to its direction and its bias in favour of it members      something which untill now has been completely off the agenda  and  completely under control of the owner/administrator       So any new bias towards a  member  focus rather than a sponsor bias   has to be a good thing  , hard to reach an equilibrium  but unless one tries   we'll never know

regards loz  






    



_____________________________

Old pompous spods current stable
52 plate 4200 cc Lowered Tubi's and full GS body kit,steering wheel and rack
55 plate 4200 cc Gransport Full Larini system,AP Racing big brake upgrade ,more stuff pending

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