Proposition for a VIP area on DSM Canada

What do you think...is this something that this board needs?

Maybe it could be an area you cant access by simply googling the thread topic and click the link?

would you be willing to donate to the board if something like this existed?

Yes and yes!

Then we could have thread's like "don't deal with ____ motors" and NOT get in sh!t for it!

Can we have a MOD chime in and tell us if we are just blowing smoke up our asses or if this is something we can actually work twords?

I can see it turning out to be a nice little financial boost for a board that isn't seeing as much action as it used to.

There is already a VIP area on DSM Canada, and it's not just for mods.

There are 2 areas of the board only certain members can access. One is for Mods/Admins, the other is the VIP section.

Regular members cannot even see it.

No special section for Pedro eh... that's fine. I'll get my own VIP section.... with blackjack and hookers

No offence guys, but the VIP area has been around since the board was VERY young.

I really hate to burst your bubble guys. I know where you are coming from, but the more you hide from the rest of the world, the less trustworthy you become. It's an open forum, and a member driven forum.

Please, feel free to donate. This forum is not run for free and Andrew sure appreciates the donations. Feel privileged you are on this board. There have been some bad apples try and show up in the past and quickly sent on their way.

Hate to use the term, but don't try to re-invent the wheel here. It is what it is, and will be what it will be. This board is self governed, and the members make the community. Segregation only induces jealousy.

+1 for that ^

I was just kidding

How can I get keys to the VIP? I feel like I've know you guys for ever!

Dude, you've been here for less than 2 years.....

It was a joke

I know

Don't feel bad, Terry. I've been around for some 7 years and I didn't even know about this "VIP section". I knew of the mods only section, though.

you want VIP, come to my Buck and Doe!

I just have my trusty VIP sticker with my name on it stuck to my hoodie, the VIP section is where I'm at! lol

...it also has my address and phone number if I get lost so people know where to send me after a long party

Been here forever and never heard about this!

I don't like the idea that the whole board is public, but it's already been discussed and there is little chance that it will change.

Why should it be secret? Why not public? This board is a wealth of information! Why keep it all locked up? Are we that afraid of our opinions being shared freely and publicly?

I think the Technical Section, which I would say is the wealth part should be public because it may help people.
I would be more openly spoken if the General Discussion section was private, I think that's the best way to put it.

I see your point Bryan.

I'm of the perspective of if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all! I don't think we should be so censored! If you have an opinion, stand by it! The world is so influenced by what other people think of each other that integrity really falls to the wayside.

I'll be the first to admit, I'm an ass on a good day, but those who know me know I'd give the shirt off my back to help a person out.

It's like text messaging, you can never convey the other 60% of what you are saying. That 60% is non-verbal. For example, I may say "You should search before posting this blah blah blah". If you were to HEAR me or SEE me say it, it would not come off as crass as it does when it's typed!

I guess we just need more emoticons.

Exactly what I am saying 100%, I am also the same way.

I wouldn't say I am an ass though, just really honest!

Don't worry, the VIP section sees about 1 post a month , your not missing anything. The tits and ass posted in the rice thread is the most action this forum has seen all year..... Perverts

You guys are all VIP to me

But it would be nice to have a section that isn't broadcasted to the public. Like when I say sh!t like "I love blondes" and my gf is a redhead. She could log on anywhere and I'd be in the dog house till god knows when.

one day I'm going to be a somebody, I didn't know there was a VIP section either, 10 years later haha.

So.... don't post anything you wouldn't want your own grandmother to read.

As one man who loves a redhead to another: I feel your pain. Quite literally

Married to a redhead. I also feel your pain.

We're men who love dealing with something that's incredibly pretty, has gorgeous curves, that we can barely hang onto and that breathes fire under the hood and could get us killed in a moments notice.

Also, we like DSMs.


Lol, now I wonder what the Active Member to Redhead Relationship ratio is on this board.

I am going with the average of 2% redheads and dwindling as thats not a dominant gene.

We have a VIP area on mitsu-media, it used to be fun but it's lik a ghost town now. In all honesty, the more interesting stuff happened in public view and it ended up being more of a place to talk sh!t behind others backs and well, porn of course.

Ok I think we sgould have a vip area for members.. that we are alowed to post

pics of girls and dsms... swear... but I dont think we should limt it to specific members. Anyone who is a member can enter. but If you not a member .. then all you see is the tech posts and maybe a public announcement post.

I think everyone should take the time to read through this:

http://www.ca.dsm.org/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=56633#Post56633

Sounds to me like the board wants a place they can go in and break the rules.

If it's that important to you to go look at naked pictures and swear Jay, go to Toonerz.

Ryan I would also like everyone to look at the date of the post. It's been almost ten years since those rules were made, cars have changed since then and so has everything else, maybe those rules could use an update.

All I saw in that link was: "bla bla bla, don't have fun"

JK!

Actually, never occured to me what Jason said. The "VIP" room would end up being a bunch of non sense and sh!t talking behind others backs, then rarely used because convo's in the public sections have a life of their own.

BUT, on the flip side of that..sometimes a group of us want to endulge in a convo that ISN'T public. And we're not all bum buddy's enough to skype, bbm, or msn or whatever the frack it is kids are using these days.

EDIT: Now, I'm probably not the only one who has noticed this as of late. But it seems as though we're trying to "change" the board. It's format, it's abilities, trying to enhance a user's experience. One thing I know for certain is, not everyone can be pleased so easily. I realise this board is aging. And so are the members. And maybe it is TIME the website get's a face lift. I mean, who calls it a "bulletin board" anyway? It's a forum...right? I figured bulletins are for important events or reminders. Then I think about how who and how is responsible for making these changes how it affects them outside their busy life (work, marriage, kids), and think "why would they be bothered unless it was worth their time"...So to my next point. YES! DONATIONS ARE KEY if we think we're going to get anywhere changing the way things are here. Other wise, it's probably just a bunch of banter in the eyes of the powers that be.

Does my rambling make sense?

Now I ask the question, what would you want to talk about in private that you wouldn't want to be made public?

The rules were made over 10 years ago, but in reality, it's the way the board should be run. The goal is to maintain some sort of professionalism on this site.

Just because the times have changed, doesn't mean you wear shorts, flip flops and a sideways hat to work is it?

If you want a site where rules are a suggestion, then go to toonerz.

In my workplace I honestly wouldn't be surprised, IT places are very unpredictable, but I digress.

Well these days it seems the rules about selling are a suggestion.

Cursing is a daily occurrence on this board too, which I have no issues with but is a Rule.

I like this place cause it's a family, toonerz is just way too big for me to enjoy anymore, I don't even remember the last time I was on there.

By that notion Bryan, if it's like a family, picture this as your uncle's place, everyone's here but you gotta respect the rules of the house.

The VIP area is in discussion, and may very well be a way to drum up some donation to the board.

The VIP area may come with it's own set of rules I.E: If you're in here, then keep whats in here private and respect the rules of the rest of the board.

I know but what I am trying to say is right now it seems that if Bryan jumps on the couch it's ok, but if Mike jumps on the couch then he get's a slap on the wrist and then put in the barrel with the monkeys

I've been there before!

There's a little "Notify" button on the bottom right of every post. If you feel it's breaking the rules, click it. We can't see EVERY thread.

Good to know, now that might be a nice thing to put in the rules. I had no idea what that button was for.

I dont think of this a so much as a family but more of the hang out with the guys.. when I want to escape from the world of working... parenting... and ... well ... family. My wife who many of you have met is a big part of my dsm world. But this site is where she lets me go and hang out with the guys. She is not part of this club for that reason. If there were some girls here then maube she would join . But untill then its a mens club.

I like the freedom of tuners.. I dont under stand the profesionalism of a car hobby site. were her to have fun.

That's a very slippery slope to be on. Been there at MM, someone screen capped and sent a non VIP member the thread about them, it only gets bad from there and no one leaves happy.

There is ZERO way to make sure everything that is said in VIP stays in VIP, someone always ruins it for the group.

That is my experience from being an admin in a forum and honestly I wouldn't do it again, even though it made a decent income for the forum.

Hate it or love it, Change will come. It usually does. Is it time we need a new moderator to help around ? If we need another moderator in the future I vote Bryan L or Mike Eng.

Discussion is already in the works for new moderators.

We are here to come together as a group and share ideas, information and a mutual interest.

We're not professionals, but we also don't like to see verbal diarrhea spewed out on the internet.

awwww shucks!! Thanks Deep.

I don't know what I could contribute being a MOD but if the honour and privilege were bestowed upon me, I would graciously accept the position.

And if not, I'm happy the way things are. It took me a while to figure out what Ziggy was saying but I think I understand now.

As would I, I really appreciate the vote and would love the position.
Spend my day working on the computer so dsm.org is always a click away.

Did they bite and throw feces at you?

Wow, I thought it was funny but now I see that was 20 posts ago. I need to work less and play more.....

I think it's funny that the guys whom have only been around 2 years want this VIP section.
People come and go on this board. Like the guys that you see posting to every thread for 4 months straight, then suddenly dissappear.

I like how everything is setup now...
and DSM's are dead anyways... No sense in changing things for the 10 or so members that still activly post every few days.

My .02 cents

You're a little slow, like your car

The only thing dead about my DSM is it's battery .... and maybe its clutch.

I just have better things to do then spend my days on the interweb Ya loser! hahaha j/k

Ahhh...so satisfying to see a meaningful conversation about not only the evolution of the board but the type of active members.

Like I said in the title post a VIP section or something along those lines would be a welcome refresher to this board without having to alter the hard work that has not only set the foundation for this forum but has also worked so well for so many years.

I know I've only been a part of this board for 2 years but I've been into DSM's for 5 (still not long) but I can recognize a need for change or for an evolution when I see it.

It takes money to make things happen and I know this forum could make good use of any extra cash flow generated by a donation to access this area , perhaps this possible private section and some new ideas to entice more DSM'ers will definitely give this forum the shot in the arm that is so desperately needs, failure to recognize and adapt will result in new members responding to every post and leaving after 4 months...

Terry, you're missing the point. There is already a VIP area to this forum, but current members have to vote or recommend others into it. And the members that are in it, really don't post much. It's not like we've got some behind closed doors stuff going on, we do have other aspects to our lives.

If it's generating cash that you're concerned about, why not just go ahead and donate? If it's going to take something extra for everyone to get their wallets out, then this board is a waste. Why should 10-20 people be granted "special privileges" because they donated. This board itself is the privilege. To keep it going, we should donate.

You already had to have an ISP email to get in here.

What we are talking about is making an area of the board invisible unless you are a member, so all can be privileged to it.

And honestly, if it's just an area where the guys can go sh!t talk, we already have a thread for it.

I completely understand your point of view and respect it, althoe I don't fully agree.

Regardless of whether you create a special room for MORE of us serious members to express ourselves with out the over seeing eye of the 'Forum Rules' I will still donate cuz you guys absolutely do a fantastic job of keeping us connected...

Just remember this forum is about the members without them it couldn't work.

Ryan I'm curious to see the results of what we are all clamoring about.

if it has to cost money to have a vip area.... why are we wasting our money ona currant vip area that were not even part of... or even know about? I say eliminate the currant vip.. and just leave it the way it is.. other then start a post for girls with cars and swearing that could be hidden from the world were so deeply afraid of offending. We dont have to be the next 4chan... but if almost every other car magazine and webclub can do it.. why the fuk not? Were not disrespecting anyone.

I don't want people to feel left out that they don't have access to the current section. Like Rob said you're not missing anything. It's mostly just the really old school guys (people who joined in the last century) quoting Shakespeare and announcing they're selling their DSMs to buy a minivan. It saves us from having to figure out TweetBook or FaceSpace.

Speaking for myself here, not for the admins...

Reading this thread I'm not sure exactly what you guys are asking for. If I had to guess I think Terry is proposing there would be a certain section of the board that would be closed off except to "VIPs" who pay a certain fee? Others seem to be proposing a section of the board where the moderation isn't so strict? Please elaborate on the What and Why.

Almost every other car forum I browse is a cesspool of scammers and bad memes and moon talk and e-thugs hiding behind their avatars. The rules in place on this board help keep the civility well above average. But I'm probably on one extreme on the issue. There may be a point about improving camaraderie and participation in events.

I vote NO for VIP areas....

I vote YES for a single post with no rules so I can be a man with my man buddies and talk about men stuff..(sensor it if you wish)

I vote YES for democracy and the ability to vote for what we want...lol.

Meant to post this here

You say there are 3 guys running this site. I’m sure its lots of work and even harder when you don’t have time. As you stated you are in discussions for new moderators. I say we let the "People of the board" decide who these mods are going to be. Have a list of people who have time to contribute and want to help out. Then put a poll and let us members decide who we want running the board.

List of Potential new mods:

1. Bryan Lawrence
2. Mike Eng

Both these guys are willing to take on the task. Anyone else wants to run for moderator, put your name on the list.

Regarding Donations: I don't think anyone looks at the Hall of Honour page; We should have a thread dedicated to Donations, which one of these new moderators can update and keep track of.

Currently there are no need for additional moderators other than what we currently have.

I just want to clarify something here, and I'm hoping my fellow mods can back this up.

1: The rules are there for a reason. Moderators enforce those rules. Period.

2: We mods have no more freedom than regular members have. All we can do is move or lock posts and enforce the rules. The THREE admins that run this site are the only ones who can do any major member action. We aren't able to do ANYTHING other than lock or move a post. That's all.

3: Every single mod here has been on this board for about 8+ years.

I'm also with Jeff on this one. To put it bluntly (Jay), are you looking for an area where the rules don't apply? Where mods don't care about what's posted or how it's posted? I'm sure we can make that happen.

This is the reason I posted that.

My thoughts are the General Discussion area be members only and we can have a section within that for the stuff Jay is proposing, I free spirit forum if you will.

More curious as to what their experience was when they became mods, not what they have now.

I suspect if we define being a 'man' as being able to go onto the Internet and post nudes and swear, there are a bunch of 8-15 year old boys who just became men.

But moving on... Terry's original exasperation (and the point of conversation) was that a few risque pictures were removed. He has posted in a thread devoted to pictures, had censored himself to a certain degree (no nudes), and thought that the rules were perhaps a bit too rigid in that respect. Perhaps there can be two threads created, a 'General Discussion [NSFW]' and a 'Cars and Models [NSFW]', and that would largely suit most peoples needs.

I don't see the need for a 'VIP' section. Assuming that we're here for a.) car talk, b.) chatter, c.) the odd funny thing, we already have loads of forums for (a) and (c). We have a forums for (b) as well, just not allowing for the rare off-colour comment or risque picture. That doesn't need an entire section. It just needs two posts the Moderators allow a bit more leniency in (and I am not advocating for a full 'swear as much as you want/post nudes' pair of threads. Some leniency, not un-regulated).

Plus, a bunch of people will join the VIP section and start posting there. Then we'll have split the already small active membership in half: Those who want to post in the VIP (and have that privilege), and those who don't/can't. I'm not sure that's the wisest of moves.

But I suppose we'll see what comes. It was nice of Jeff to post. I'm sure he has better things cars to fix

Michael, you are right. There aren't many users to begin with. Creating this "VIP" section will separate half the dozen or so regulars here who are willing to pay to have a special section.

My only "WISH" would be to have a section where MEMBERS ONLY can post and read.

The reason for this is;

- The board experianced an issue recently in the GG/BG thread.
- We can host our smut there.
- Trash talk and profanity would probably be best confined to this area.
- No one is forced to pay to play, the entire forum in itself is come and go as you please. If you wish to participate in a thread that isn't open to the public, then this area would accomodate that.

And Deep, thank you for the vote of confidence. I appreciate it! But in all honesty, I live my life a quarter mile at a time. I'm the guy who breaks rules, not enforces them

We are car guys car guys talk more sh!t than WWE wrestlers.

PS. I miss those skirts

Just modify the join date to 1969 lol problem solved.

Mike Eng and Michael Certain both hit the nail on the head...

My conservative pictures which I should have been able to post for the rest of the members amusement were removed, I only suggested a VIP section because I had no idea a NSFW section could even exist, in this VIP section the members who are serious to contributing positive and useful information could do so un-cencored.

But wait...theres more, a VIP already exists and with only a few members aloud to access this section so of course its gonna be a dead zone.

I am willing to pay to be a part of section in this board to let lose (so to speak) and not necessarily break any rules but to communicate my ideas, warnings of scammers and of course media I feel other members could enjoy and benefit from, some thing totally off the grid and so the fly by night google searchers couldn't access with out a membership and at least a 'serious member' title next to their name.

I'm not about creating waves (althoe thats what seemed to happen) but I'm totally for evolving the board to suit todays ACTIVE members.

A section like a VIP or NSFW would of course separate the already few active members we currently have but would also allow some of us to get things off our chest while not having a overseer dictating what is appropriate for all to see.

Lets move forward out of this draconian style of control and lets make much needed changes as a collective group for the better of the group.

Cant wait to see what comes of these engaging conversations

The term VIP is a marketing gimmick anyway. Suckers (like myself) are sold on the intangible illusion that is to make you "very important".

However, on tuners, they do give you more inbox space and a few other things that aren't important enough for me to remember right now.

The REAL reason I made that donation is because I've turned to that board (just like I have here in the past), for answers and help. $40 is a bargain for the type of knowledge that comes from it's members.

I'd like a MEMBERS ONLY section... Like Mike said splitting up the 20ish of us that are always on here would be a mistake...

However because we are such a small community I think a members only section would be useful for more than just naughty girls and using the eff word. Posting here is 100% different from posting on a site like tuners... just because I've met most of you already.

ALSO Terry those picture's aint gone email themselves

Sorry Pedro, I totally forgot....BUT I sent you the pictures I found..

A VIP area only creates suspicion.

To flip it on it's ear, what if you had to pay to use this board? Would that make you VIP?

I've already donated to the board and don't expect to be VIP.

A NSFW would of been what I'm fighting for if I knew something like that exsisted...I'm not a tech guy and sorry I don't know the exact terminology I should of used, the proposition of a VIP or NSFW work section is all the same to me regardless of what its called..

if suspicion is what your worried about then your completely out of touch..

If you want in the NSFW or VIP or private 'members only section'..at least become a serious member and that would allow all of us active members to enter, this would erase any hint of suspicion..if you cant access it, you don't belong in there.

Maybe i just missed it - but for those that wanted a VIP forum, what's exactly will you post for it to have a VIP/NSFW tag/forum?

Im confused because if you're going to post a bunch of NSFW - well, you can just post it on bovis fimus, link it and tag it with a NSFW.

Or i just misunderstood all of this?

The idea is that the General Discussion would be available to members only (or serious members as mentioned by others) also that there would be an forum within it that would allow NSFW and more leniency then the rest of the board.

Ive been pushing for this exact thing in the moderator forum. Your not alone.

I'm with you on it too Rob. We need a "Members only" forum.

Great minds think alike!








Wine anyone? For that cheesy line lol

Just an idea, what if we made the non DSM areas private to members only. They exist they have nothing to do with DSM searches that others will be searching for.
NON DSM talk
Monkey barrel of nuts
those sort of areas label quite clearly NSFW or it gets blocked

I "reported" this post ya lame-o.

Just wanted to see what the "notify" screen looked like hehe

I get what you guys are talking about, but I don't know if it's necessary.

Can't you message multiple people? not sure I'm asking.

So... while we're getting fantastic mod support on a board that clearly brings us together and lets us chat/learn about DSMs/etc... This was discussed in and around the threads. But I think a great way to say we enjoy the place is to throw a few dollars Andrews way. Gonna keep it short and sweet, but I haven't given many-a-year, but I can afford the recommended $15 as a 'thank you for the many years I've been here'.

From the 'Hall of Honour':
Donations and Submissions may be sent to:

Andrew Bienhaus
371 Binbrook Road
Binbrook, Ontario
L0R 1C0

...You may send money to his PayPal account. He is registered under the email address of webmaster@ca.dsm.org, where you may also direct your questions.

Can You EMT to that Email address?

Yes.
You can EMT to that address as well.

So, a few thoughts, in no particular order.

1. I updated the rules page a bit, to include as suggested, a mention of the "Report Post" button. The page is not 10 years old, only the original post date is 10 years old. You'll notice that the edit didn't change the original post date.

2. It's not about the $$$.
If it was about the $$$, you'd have seen years worth of banner ads, and proprosals for "paying members only" sections, etc. We've been offered so many times to put ads on the site, that I've lost track.
Day one, in 1997 or 1998, there was a moral reason or code for making this site, and it's exclusive of making money, or promoting one person's vision/ideals.

3. Cost.
Yes, it costs money to run it, and yes I pay the bills.
Servers are mine, and I pay to maintain them, as well as keeping the license for the Forum up to date annually. (about $100)
Electricity is also a surprising hidden cost, I've learned lately. (keep your PC with a 500w power supply on 24/7 with something running actively using the processor for a month, and check your hydro bill!)

Donations of support to those costs, are always welcome. I'll pay it, with or without those.
IN the last number of years, the annual donation hasn't really exceeded about $100, and $80 of that is always Ziggy -- plus his other undocumented support he has provided for the Club, and the local community here.

4. VIP section?
So you can break the rules?
IMHO - post somewhere else.
We have what we have here, because we use real names, and we ask people to stand behind what they post.
I like the "if you wouldn't want your grandmother to read it, don't write it". We've had a number of folks write us when they discover that the "Internet is forever", and a google search of their name, has turned up a less than flattering posting.

But we've had a TON of people over the years, who email/post, raving about the signal-to-noise ratio here, and how much they appreciate it.
People here help each other, and part of that is because they're not hiding behind aliases, and that in turn means that they're more real.

5. Open to change.
We are, why not.
So, start a new thread with what you plan to fill this "Member's Only" non-googleable area with?
It's hard to judge, without some examples.
If it's just to curse and swear, and post porn... don't bother.


Did I cover it all?

PS: my DSM was running yesterday, was yours?

Finally, THE MAN we've all been waiting for!

Glad to see you Andrew!!

Re: #5 above,
we already have two sections on here, that are for mindless crap.
One is now hidden from anyone who is not a registered member.

Sent my first 25$ donation via PayPal

I donated a little while back too but I'm still waiting for my name to be forever engraved in the hall of fame...

Any one?

I wouldn't call it mindless crap.

The whole idea was to accomodate the active users here to an area where we can carry out conversations of whatever it is that we want, without the repercussion of it being broadcasted to the general public. The rules of this club would still apply, and we would all use our common sense to not abuse this site and it's privilege of being a member.

It's like someone mentioned earlier, having to get familiar with facespace and twithole is just a PITA when we (at least me) use this board more than any of those sites.

And being personable here has kindled new friendships for myself and I think many others. We were looking for a "comfort" zone. Somewhere where we can talk about our personal lives or what have you, and feel comfortable knowing it's just US being able to read it. Private messaging is a whole other thing I won't get into. It's fine the way it is.

And I hope you're not reading this the wrong way. I mean well here, and look forward to MANY more years of endless DSM fun with this club and website.

That's all I have to say about that!

And thank you Andrew for putting up with our non-sense thus far. I didn't know the costs that incurred to you were so high. For that reason, I will be making an annual contribution as well. I think if you are a member here and take this club seriously, we all should help Andrew cover these costs. Without him, none of this would be possible. PERIOD.

Now let's all hold hands and sing kumbya together

Bovis Fimus is now hidden away from non-members. This is your "comfort" zone, please post away!

Woot...Woot!!!

now does this mean I can bring my pictures back? you've all had time to look at them and determine if they were too racey..

Terry,
Can you send me details of how/when you did that?
I have no record...

Hey Andrew, I sent it via paypal to your paypal address..i will check again tonight to see if it cleared and if it did not then I will send it again.

Feb 14, 2013 Payment For
Andrew Bienhaus

Completed
Details Payment For Andrew Bienhaus 72H003500B546645M -$20.00 CAD

this is a copy and paste of my paypal transactions.

does this help?

Did someone intersect the money?

Fixed.
It got misfiled as spam, because it came in from Jessica...

EMT'd you some cash Andy.

Yep...Jessica my alter ego/better half.

Thanks for clearing that up Andrew