State of the Site [Archive] - The PC Guide Discussion Forums

ixl

08-26-2001, 01:08 PM

Hi folks,
After much consideration, I have written an editorial called State Of The Site (http://www.PCGuide.com/art/state0109.htm).
I think some of you might find it interesting to read, so I am putting this point on the forums (and posting it here in the Suggestion Box so people can feel free to respond with comments.)
Take care.

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Charles M. Kozierok
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...
Note: Please reply to my forum postings here on the forums. Thanks.

ranchdog

08-26-2001, 05:48 PM

ixl.... Give us a http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif . Kudo's. Many websites have hit the streets. PC Guide is still cookin'. Very impressive how many posts are made in the forums from outside the U.S. The atmosphere that is held at this site is most commendable.
Hopefully we won't all be selling pencil's out of a tin cup down on the corner in the end.
Thanks doesn't cover your efforts. Bluntly, I'll say I couldn't accept a position such as yours for all the Yen in China. As I doubt if I would be allowed to take a desktop with me when they carried me off to the padded room.
Appreciation to The Maximum.

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......Indecision may or may not be my problem......
...... Kickin' A Rock....

iisbob

08-26-2001, 06:54 PM

Not yet in ANY other tech site, tech forum, have i seen anyone with the integrity you display Charles. You have gone out of your way to keep this site/forums up and runnig and to explain any problems that have come along. most Webmasters would ( and most already have ) just shut down and left some lame remark about how the downward slopping E-conomy has forced them to quit their site.

Personally i spread knowledge of this site and it's forums as far and as often as i can-and as once posted before i, and i'm sure others would agree, would be more than willing to purchase incidental items to help offset the costs of this site. I always try to side-link a few of your advertisers so they'll know someones paying attention to their ads ( your's is the only site i'll do that for ) and that is is worth their while to continue their support of you.

Hang in there! The internet is still young, and it'll be a rough road for a few more years yet; but it is what's called a " watershed " in events of the 20/21 st century, and your site is one of thousands that have laid the ground work for those to come.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." --Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

[This message has been edited by iisbob (edited 08-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by iisbob (edited 08-26-2001).]

kaos

08-26-2001, 07:24 PM

iisbob, that's exactly what I've been thinking all this time. NO other webmaster would give a crap about anyone here. And why should they? If they aren"t making $$$ then they're gone. There's nothing wrong w/ that tho. I think you're a little old school,Charles, you care more about this site and helping us, than you do for yourself. I was just complaining about the athlete changing from the men like the '76 Steelers to a bunch of little boys that only care about $$$. Looks like we found out where the 76 Steelers went now!
Thanks for being so honest w/ us.

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Hold my beer while I kiss your girlfriend.

Linux Freak!

[This message has been edited by kaos (edited 08-26-2001).]

Steve

08-26-2001, 08:43 PM

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif I know one thing about this site

We're one year old!! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif And gettin' better each day. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Ixl...you and Pete http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif (can't forget Pete!) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif have produced the best computer forum on the net!!!

Congratulations. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Peace and Love, brothers and sisters. Peace and Love

azonicbruce

08-27-2001, 12:19 AM

I agree with everyone. Ever since I came across this site (in search of fixing some puter problems) I have been in heaven. I know that at the click of a button I can have instant access to HUNDREDS of knowledgable people you will GLADLY lend a hand in helping me solve my computer problems, and who like to chat about life in general. I never have to worry about paying some shop $65 and hour to MAYBE solve my problem.

THIS SITE ROCKS!!!

I'm so glad you posted the article, 'cause I never realized the importance of advertising banners for websites that were free. I AM PLEDGING to click as many banners on this site as I can every time I visit (but like iisbob said: THIS SITE ONLY -it's the only site on the web that's worth the effort). MAYBE you could calculate how many hits it would take from us to support this site financially and then figure out on average how many times each person needs to click on the ads and that way we could all have a goal and give what we can.

Either way, THANK YOU for deciding to keep this site going. If, however, there comes a time where it seems like there's a dead end, the LEAST that you could do is keep the Discussion Forums, THEY ARE INVALUABLE!

Keep on Keepin' on!

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You catch more flies with honey, than with a rifle!

ixl

08-27-2001, 10:55 AM

Thanks everyone for your nice replies. I do care a lot about this place and the people who use it, and the kinds words are appreciated.

As I said in the piece, there are no plans at present to take the site down. There have been some drawbacks in keeping the site small, but in the back of my mind I have always felt that there would be some sort of reckoning in the out-of-control growth of the online world, and having low overhead should allow me to continue to keep the site up for a while. If and when it ever comes down to taking the forums down, I will certainly offer the opportunity to go to a contribution-based model, and I think for the forums it would work, so nothing to fear.

As for clicking on ad banner, the sentiment is noble. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif Unfortunately, mass-clicking on banner ads doesn't really do much to help the site. Most advertisers are wise to sites that ask their readers to click on ads. Also, I don't generally run ads that pay per click because after four years I have yet to see one that was worth the bother.

Now, if you see an ad here for a product or service that genuinely interests you, and you purchase it and tell them you heard about them from an ad on The PC Guide, that has the potential to help the site in the long run.

Thanks again everyone.

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Charles M. Kozierok
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...
Note: Please reply to my forum postings here on the forums. Thanks.

BigBlue66

08-28-2001, 12:29 PM

Hey Charles,

I can feel your pain. I know how hard it must be to face the facts as of late.

However, you should not feel bad about what you have to do. Just do what you have to do.

There is still a wealth of information on this site and I'm sure the forum can make up for some of what's lacking with the newer technology. You've got some very good regulars on there that really know their stuff with the latest developments.

As for the forum, I will do whatever I have to do to help keep it up and running. If the forum went away, I would be lost. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif In fact, most of the time, I check out the forum in the mornings, before I check my email. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

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"Right turn Clyde!"

[This message has been edited by BigBlue66 (edited 08-28-2001).]

Diz

08-28-2001, 01:18 PM

I just want to say personally that this site is one of the top places on the web. You truly cater to the people which is something that is rare nowadays. In my short time here, I have learned so much about computers. There is a great community in the Discussions Forums where individuals are willing to assist others. You should be commended for a great job that you do. As you can see by the postings in this thread, you are truly appreciated... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Web Site Assistance Forum (http://www.mayworks.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/ikonboard.cgi)

Paleo Pete

08-28-2001, 11:11 PM

COOL!! Check out the pic...been wondering when the mini-geek would show up...teaching dad how to type already I bet http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Don't really know what to say except thanks a lot for all the great compliments. Credit is due to a lot of people, Charles and I are the ones mentioned so far, but plenty others have been here for a long time and their cooperation and support have been invaluable in making this place what it is now.

We've come a long way since I originally joined the crew, something under 500 members then I think, and at times it hasn't been easy. But for the most part it has been fun. I'm glad to see that the site and forums have gained the kind of reputation and respectability that marks us as a cut above the rest.

Thanks again for the compliments, and the continued support of all the great people who have been with us through it all. I spend more time here than I do sleeping, and I have no doubt I'll be here till the bitter end if it does come to the point Charles is forced to shut the site down.

It's been mentioned before, and I like the idea of some sort of by-products related to the site. Baseball caps, T-shirts, coffee cups...it might not be a total solution, but it might help...I wonder how many people would give their bosses PC Guide coffee cups for Christmas...Mouse pads as stocking stuffers... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Support the right to keep and arm bears.
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

geebee76

08-29-2001, 08:47 AM

Pete, I love the idea of baseball caps as I am thinning rapidly on top, (oh! alright I know the word is bald http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif
Mine could say Educated and Protected by The PC Guide http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Seriously, I concur with everything that has been said in this thread and like BB I check here before looking at E-mails.

Looking back through previous posts I read a few that suggested a voluntary contribution scheme. I think this would be the way ahead because of the very few overheads that would be involved in such a scheme.

This could be achieved by donating on a voluntary and anonymous basis with no disclosures of who had or hadn't donated.

I have just received my student grants for this college term and amongst other materials I will be purchasing the download version of this site. I am sure I speak for others that if such a scheme was in place I would certainly feel more than happy to contribute to it.

It is too much to expect Charles to continue to bear the brunt of the downturn in the Internet industry particularily with the changes that have happened in his life recently. I think that if we act now we can not only take the uncertainty about the future of the site away but continue to watch this site grow in stature within the Internet community.

Graham http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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You are making progress if each mistake is a new one!

Sig from Here (http://www.oneliners-and-proverbs.com/)

geebee76@hotmail.com

YODA74

08-29-2001, 02:01 PM

I am new to the site but i would have to say that there is no other like it in the world.no other site cares as much as this one and no other site has the hard drive for better learning and correct information.And personally I would be proud to wear a hat, tee shirt or have a coffee cup, with the PC Guide Logo on it.As i am sure any one who has visited this forum would agree.
http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

BigBlue66

08-29-2001, 03:55 PM

I'll take one of each. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"Right turn Clyde!"

kenja

08-30-2001, 12:48 AM

After my recent haircut, I can't quite get the "comb-over". So, yeah, I definitely have need of a PC Guide cap. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

bassman

08-30-2001, 02:38 PM

Well Charles,
Let me start with "Great picture!"
Secondly, I have taken my time to respond to this one, seeing how the others feel and trying to concider a few options. Here is what I think.
At 4350 registered users x 50¢ a month is a total of $2175 per month.
I don't know about everyone else but my $6.00 is already in the envalope, I just need to know where to send it. This site is worth so much more to me then that. I would gladly do more, I only used that figure to put some perspective to it.
Get a PO Box, post it here, and lets keep you where we need you.
Thanks Charles
OH YEA, don't tell us thats not what you are asking for. I am volanteering it. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

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If I tell you to think for yourself, then you're not doing it.
.
.
This is not directed at those asking questions in order to gain knowledge. That shows you are thinking.

[This message has been edited by bassman (edited 08-30-2001).]

[This message has been edited by bassman (edited 08-30-2001).]

BigBlue66

08-30-2001, 06:46 PM

Yeah hey, I'd even volunteer for more than Bass suggested. How about it Charles? Don't be shy now.

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"Right turn Clyde!"

Steve

08-30-2001, 07:51 PM

Heh heh, good photo. Bet he looks just like you. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Charles, I'd like to add my name to those who would like to contribute.
I was thinkin' a good yearly subscription rate could work well. Don't count it out. A help forum of this caliber would sell well. IMHO.

PCGUIDE apparrel is way over dooo. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif I might have to make my own. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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Peace and Love, brothers and sisters. Peace and Love

VR7DETA

08-31-2001, 10:49 PM

In Oct. of last year Charles and Pete help me install a CD-RW
and it worked the way it was suppose to and I can't begin to tell you how much that did for the confidence of a person who had only been into computers for two months.The PC Guide is my start page.Please don't let it die. Just tell me where to send my money.
Rob

pjungwirth

09-01-2001, 12:29 AM

Charles,

Thank you for creating such a wonderful site, and also for being so honest with its status. Your writings are the clearest I've found, with the most thorough, in-depth, and useful information out there. The forums are a haven of decorum and knowledge amidst so much cryptic illiteracy and turgid ranting. I'm a newcomer to the PC Guide, but already I've learned a tremendous amount. The community here has such respect, generosity, and knowledge, I feel honored to be a member (and not a little out of place at the privilege). I'm still a little reticent about posting, but it's gotten so I check the forums several times a day. "http://www.pcguide.com/forums/" is my homepage.

I would gladly support the PC Guide in any way I can. Although I hope this site continues to be a free resource to others, I would certainly contribute, purchase "stuff," or pay an annual rate.

I'd also be glad to contribute writing to the PC Guide. I confess my hardware knowledge is limited, but since my real training is in writing, I could edit submissions by others to ensure quality. (No offense you all! :-) Of course I can see all kinds of objections to this, so I fully understand if you want to keep the writing all your own. It's just an offer.

I truly hope we can all do what we can to keep this site a viable project!

Paul Jungwirth
~{:-)

ixl

09-05-2001, 10:33 AM

Hi again everyone,

Just wanted to acknowledge the recent contributions to this thread. Thanks once more for the really nice comments, offers and suggestions. I am still weighing in and assessing where to go from here.

There has been a bit of good news... things have flattened out advertising wise. I also don't at this time want to solicit contributions from people on the forums. Frankly, I wouldn't feel right taking your money; you guys add value to the site and make up for areas where I am weak. Continuing to grow the forums and the site as a whole is all I ask of you for now.

Regarding merchandise; would be fun. Won't really generate much in the way of profits, and I am artistically clueless and short on time. If someone puts together a tangible proposal I'd certainly consider it... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Charles M. Kozierok
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...
Note: Please reply to my forum postings here on the forums. Thanks.

Vic 970

09-05-2001, 05:33 PM

This was the FIRST site that I found when I had trouble with my previous PC, which everbody told me was un-repairable & to throw it away as scrap. but with the continuous & persistant advice from the discussion forums the PC was brought back to perfect health, & I gained a lot of experience & confidence, for which I will be forever gratefull.

I have since encountered several other forums (without looking) and found them to be totally lacking in comparison, in fact there is NO comparison.

I try (& mostly do) visit every day, & try to offer advice to others (as well as posting my own problems, but the point is that I have the 'How do I' page bookmarked & often don't (because of limited time) get beyond there, by doing so (not deliberately) I have missed out on the FULL advantages of the site for a long time, but more importantly I am annoyed & embarrassed that I have not helped to support the site more, (through ignorance,) Possibly there are many members like me who get engrossed in the site, deciding to close down only when their head falls onto the keyboard, with not a thought of how to support the site.

Now I'm all for getting things for free, but if this site goes down I will (like everyone else) lose a valuable asset, not to mention the pleasure that I get from it.

SO LET THE MEMBERS HELP TO SUPPORT THE SITE IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES. AND LET THEM KNOW ABOUT IT BY ADVERTISING CLEARLY ON EACH PART OF THE SITE.

this by the way is the first time that I have 'shouted' but the message needs to be heard, & I'm sure that all members are prepared to support, if they know how. And its up to you to tell them.

I do not know, How to emphasize more clearly how much the site means to so many!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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for every question there's an answer. Then a load more questions.

Regards..,
Vic.

Vic 970

09-05-2001, 06:51 PM

I have just come back to post my first critisism

I have just purchased the CD ROM version of the guide & found it incredibly difficult to do so, or to find other ways to support the site.

Your bussiness skills STINK.

Alright, I know that you've put a lot of effort into the product, which is exellent, but you do have to steer your customers to it, and make it easy for them to purchase.

Had I been on another site making a purchase I would have given up and gone elsewhere. It was only determination to support the site that pushed me on.

and do not feel that you are pushing 'support' of the site, members will make their own decisions of whether or not to purchase, but give them a chance, and treat the matter as URGENT,

I expect to see 'The PC Guide' plus easy purchase instructions on every page of the site (including the disscussion forums) plus any other ways for members to commit their support.

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for every question there's an answer. Then a load more questions.

Regards..,
Vic.

ixl

09-05-2001, 08:25 PM

Hi Vic,
Originally posted by Vic 970:
This was the FIRST site that I found when I had trouble with my previous PC, which everbody told me was un-repairable & to throw it away as scrap. but with the continuous & persistant advice from the discussion forums the PC was brought back to perfect health, & I gained a lot of experience & confidence, for which I will be forever gratefull.

I have since encountered several other forums (without looking) and found them to be totally lacking in comparison, in fact there is NO comparison.

Thanks, and glad to have you here and part of the gang.

I try (& mostly do) visit every day, & try to offer advice to others (as well as posting my own problems, but the point is that I have the 'How do I' page bookmarked & often don't (because of limited time) get beyond there, by doing so (not deliberately) I have missed out on the FULL advantages of the site for a long time, but more importantly I am annoyed & embarrassed that I have not helped to support the site more, (through ignorance,) Possibly there are many members like me who get engrossed in the site, deciding to close down only when their head falls onto the keyboard, with not a thought of how to support the site.

Part of what I am trying to say is that the forums are part of the site, and you folks are the forums. When you participate and help others, you are helping the site.

Now I'm all for getting things for free, but if this site goes down I will (like everyone else) lose a valuable asset, not to mention the pleasure that I get from it.

SO LET THE MEMBERS HELP TO SUPPORT THE SITE IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES. AND LET THEM KNOW ABOUT IT BY ADVERTISING CLEARLY ON EACH PART OF THE SITE.

I appreciate it, and I will certainly let people know if things get to that point.

Look, I think some of you are not quite getting what I tried to be explicit about in my State of the Site piece. I am NOT SHUTTING THE SITE DOWN. (Hey, if Vic can scream, so can I! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif ) In fact, this is not on the horizon. My decision to stop working actively on the site for now is a way for me to free up time to work on two other projects that I am hoping will carry me so I can get back to updating the main part of this site. That has nothing to do with the forums. I realize that that probably sounds stupid, but well, there you have it.

I promise that if and when things ever get to the point where I must either solicit contributions or take the forums down, I will let you all know so we can find a way to keep things going. Deal?

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Charles M. Kozierok
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...
Note: Please reply to my forum postings here on the forums. Thanks.

ixl

09-05-2001, 08:32 PM

Vic, hello again... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif
Originally posted by Vic 970:
I have just come back to post my first critisism

That's fine.

I have just purchased the CD ROM version of the guide & found it incredibly difficult to do so, or to find other ways to support the site.

Can you tell me what specifically was difficult about purchasing the CD-ROM? Thanks for doing that, by the way.

Your business skills STINK.

And you're not very diplomatic. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

Alright, I know that you've put a lot of effort into the product, which is exellent, but you do have to steer your customers to it, and make it easy for them to purchase.

Had I been on another site making a purchase I would have given up and gone elsewhere. It was only determination to support the site that pushed me on.

and do not feel that you are pushing 'support' of the site, members will make their own decisions of whether or not to purchase, but give them a chance, and treat the matter as URGENT,

I expect to see 'The PC Guide' plus easy purchase instructions on every page of the site (including the disscussion forums) plus any other ways for members to commit their support.

Well, at the risk of "dropping my drawers" even further, I'll reveal some more information here.

First, the matter isn't urgent. It would be dishonest of me to portray the matter as requiring immediate support from the people here when it doesn't. Revealing this would further qualify your point about my business skills. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Second, while CD-ROM sales are definitely a big help, they do not make enough of a difference to sway the viability of the site one way or the other. The harsh reality is that most people will not pay to buy something they can get for free, and the site is online for free. The only way to make it so that I can support the site from Disk Edition sales would be to take the material offline. I don't want to do that, for numerous reasons.

Finally, I do not feel comfortable pushing The PC Guide as I once did, for the simple reason that it is so out of date. Simply put, I don't feel very proud of the current state of the product.

This is not to say that I don't appreciate those who buy CDs: I do. Every one helps. I'm just saying that that is not the key to the ongoing viability of the site unless I start charging for the material that is currently free.

(The fact that I won't take popup ads is further proof of my lack of business skills... would not only earn me income, would annoy people and convince them to buy CDs. But that's not what I want to do.)

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Charles M. Kozierok
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...
Note: Please reply to my forum postings here on the forums. Thanks.

Vic 970

09-06-2001, 04:22 PM

OK, so I.m not really that angry, maybe going over the top to stress a point. I'm sure that your skills aren't lacking, but by prioritising updates etc, I feel that you may have neglected the small item of generating some income, which should recieve some priority.

When I came to this site, I happened upon it by doing a search, signed up & bookmarked the 'how do I forum'. Most of the info that I have used from the PC guide has been from links given to me from other members, which linked directly to the info required, without me having to search (nothing wrong with that)

But the link to the PC guide is at the bottom of the page which mostly we don't reach, I had to click around to find reference to the PC guide disk, then followed the links to read this & that, eventually I found the page for credit card details which prompted me to go back & find the exact details of what I wanted to order. I then couldn't find the order form again for ages.

Now the free online version is fine, but I get on the net in the evenings (as I don't want to tie up the phone line during the day) so the CD rom is ideal when I want to do something during the day.
----------------------

Possibly all we need here is a link at the top of the page, ie. "About the PC Guide" linking to a page containing a brief description, eg.

1/ "The PC Guide is provided online Free of charge"
followed by
2/ " The PC Guide is also available in an offline version, the purchase of which helps to support the site"
3/ "Click here to order"

1/ should be followed by a link to the index.
2/ should be followed by a link to details of the offline version.
3/ should be linked to the order form.

But I am no expert! this is just how I see it. As a customer I wanted to know..,
What you had to offer,
what were the differences/benefits of each version (to enable me to decide which (if any) to purchase)
and once I had decided to purchase
where to enter my name, address, and payment details

Now all the other stuff is very commendable, but having read all that, the conditions etc. when I got lost, I could have just hit my bookmark, gone back into the site, hit the link and got what I wanted.

I know that selling the disk isn't the answer to the problem, but every little helps, and by making it easy not only are you doing the members a favour, but are generating at least some finance to help support the site.

Another thing on that page might be "Consider purchasing from our Sponsors to help support the site" or whatever.

None of this is 'pushy' you ARE providing a free service, & people will make up thier own minds, but let them know what is on offer.

Finally the site is a credit, not only to yourself, but to the many members, who so obviously spend much time & effort into helping others, and I am proud to be involved.

------------------
for every question there's an answer. Then a load more questions.

Regards..,
Vic.

Samantha

09-07-2001, 05:48 AM

Charles,

I've been using the PC Guide since you first put it up 'lo those many years ago. True, it is not as up to date as it might be, but as you noted in your article, there is still a tremendous amount of fundamental information that doesn't change. When I wanted to buy some sort of UPS, I checked the PC Guide and found all the information I needed and then some. You have to get over this hesitancy you have about direct support from those who benefit from your work.

Robert Cringely wrote a column a few months ago about the idea of "tipping" Web sites. Find a site useful, entertaining, whatever - leave a tip. I see some Webmasters have picked up on the idea and now have "Tip Jar" links on their sites. I've left a few tips lately for sites that have saved me time and effort. When I needed to know something about UPS, I could have spent many hours hopping around Web sites, piecing together information from the usual superficial treatments. Instead, I was able to turn to a trusted source. That's worth a few bucks to me. I can't say that it would amount to much, but it doesn't take much to give it try. I don't know about other people, but I actually feel good being able to give something back to independent sites that have been a help.

The new baby is precious. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

S~~

bassman

09-07-2001, 11:03 AM

I couldn't agree with you more Samantha. That was sort of my whole point in suggesting a monthly or annual DONATION or TIP as you put it.
I would be very interested in seeing how this "TIP JAR" is set up and how you make your donation. I am building websites and that would be an excellent feature to offer in my designs. If posting a link here would be inappropriate(?), please e-mail me. Thanks
Charles, I completely understand your "State of the site" statements. I was not suggesting a "feed the needy" attitude but more as Samantha put it, a TIP, or contrabution that,I am even more convinced of now, your over 4000 registeres users would be happy to make.
Proud men do not like to except anything they feel they have not earned, I know. You have earned this and I would like to see you except it gracefuly http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif
If nothing else, think of it as contrabutions for a collage fund http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif
Keep in mind that this place is populated with some very talented people who could easily find an address for us to mail to http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif
There is nothing wrong with us supporting what we enjoy. This is called gratatude, so let us express it. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

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If I tell you to think for yourself, then you're not doing it.
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This is not directed at those asking questions in order to gain knowledge. That shows you are thinking.

[This message has been edited by bassman (edited 09-07-2001).]

biggmc01

09-16-2001, 11:39 PM

Whew!! Finally made it back after a couple of weeks being offline. My system died and I almost perished with it from not being able to go online. All is well now but I had to do it alone, and I really could have used everyone's help. This is truly a great site and I missed it daily. I personally support the sale of merchandise to help support the site. Fall and cold weather are coming up here in Canada and I could use a cap and a mug for my hot chocolate!

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Of all the things from my youth that I miss, I miss my mind the most.

biggmc01

09-16-2001, 11:41 PM

Samantha

11-16-2001, 12:59 AM

bassman,

Sorry, I didn't see your message before now. (I live in NY and life has been chaotic and ... strange.)

Here's (http://www.idocs.com/tags/linking/linking.html) a site that uses the Tip Jar idea. I'm re-designing a site that provided software support. I'm going to include a "Tip Jar" link in the main menu that apprears on every page, including the forums. The link will go to a page giving people a choice of easy ways to "leave a tip". I think the Tip Jar concept is particularly suitable to "help" sites and it's different from asking for donations to help support a site. With "tipping", you may well pick up contributions from people who are not necessarily site regulars, but see the fairness in making a small contribution for help received, time saved, etc.

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S~~

bassman

11-16-2001, 03:02 PM

Samantha,
I hope you and your's are all OK. I'm sure life has been very hecktic there.

As for the Tip Jar, I think that is a really cool idea. The only problem I see with this situation is, Charles is reluctant to take anything from us. I can understand his point on this for a number of reasons.
And since it would take setting up the account on his part, it may not happen.
I am really glad you got back with this because it reminded me of something I had dropped the ball on. It is very obvious that the regulars here would be MORE then happy to contribute. I will have to do my homework (hehe, investigation is more like it) and maybe we can give Charles and Pete a nice little Christmas present http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

I will be posting an E-mail addy on another post soon for anyone interested in taking part in this, to get in touch and share ideas.

Thanks

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Please let us know if what we suggest helps. This helps us help you better.

diurnal

11-19-2001, 09:02 PM

Man I just noticed this today , MAN am i slow.
I think the engine of the pc guide is the forums, i think it would be impossible to keep up to date of the newer technologies. Its just not should i say realistic. The only way to keep up to date with newer technologies is to be a part of a corporation or something.
A individual would stress and pull his hair out to keep up to date with every thing. Im not sure if its just IXL maintaining the site but if he is he doing a good job of it. Hats off Charles. Great site low memory use , fast loading.

As for business skills , not really sure about that . As I think IXL is more of a site and computer guru , than a bussiness person. So i dont care if i get a cd thats out of date and crappy. IF i was to need help i would buy a cd from a big corporation or something like that. OR get a up to date book for like 20 dollars from microsoft or something.

BUt to make a long story short i think you(IXL) should just tell us if you need support and money to keep the site up, as long as we know where the money goes to and what it is needed for. As for website building im not to adept when it comes to that. But i ll be gladly to pay some money to this site. I like the people around here, and its help me immensly. Probably saving me hundreds of dollars in repairs, so i ll be gladly to give it back. As for the TIP JAR idea, ithink it would be better than selling a cd for funds. SEEYA

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Sledgehammer will save the day!

ErnieK

11-20-2001, 05:26 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by geebee76:
Pete, I love the idea of baseball caps as I am thinning rapidly on top, (oh! alright I know the word is bald http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif
Mine could say Educated and Protected by The PC Guide http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

geebee - have'nt you heard that baldness is a sign of inteligence? It is when your brain out grows your hair http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

And yes I totally agree with everything said about those who run this site. You have made it into a place where the experts come for advice. But most importantly, you have made it into a place the the absolute beginner can come and know that he will not be laughed at or ridiculed for asking what they think are "Stupid" questions. Keep up the good work all of you.

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Ernie

ErnieK

11-20-2001, 05:36 PM

It's been mentioned before, and I like the idea of some sort of by-products related to the site. Baseball caps, T-shirts, coffee cups...it might not be a total solution, but it might help...I wonder how many people would give their bosses PC Guide coffee cups for Christmas...Mouse pads as stocking stuffers... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Pete _ I think it is a great idea. BUT! "whit aboot us oor here in Scotland"
( http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif had a sudden thought - on your next day off you could always catch Concord over to here, deliver mine, and then be back home in time for supper) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif If you decide to issue them and I cannot get one I will start to sulk and go about with a petted lip

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Ernie

geebee76

11-20-2001, 08:08 PM

Ernie I have a suspicion that you too are suffering from the "Expanded Memory" ailment, since you have come to my defence http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Diurnal Although I agree in most part with what you are saying, I wouldn't write off Charles' business skills too quickly.

I think the PC Guide site and Forums is about the best CV you could possibly ask for. Imagine a business interested in employing your knowledge and writing skills, giving this site a visit.

Hmmm! over 5000 members on the Forums and The most comprehensive and accurate PC information to be found on the Internet.

I think it is an unfortunate fact of the way we live today that it is often deemed necessary to lack morals in order to be successful. In my humble opinion, success comes in many shapes and forms. Charles, I am sure, will be very successful in reaching his goals in life.

Bassman I must applaud you in the tenacity you have shown in gathering us together to show our appreciation to Charles and Pete.
As you have so rightly pointed out this is not a case of charity but one of appreciation. Charle, Pete it is time to accept the plaudits you deserve for providing the best site and Forum on the Internet.

As mjc would say- Now that's said get back to work http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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You are making progress if each mistake is a new one!

Sig from Here (http://www.oneliners-and-proverbs.com/)

geebee76@hotmail.com