MO goes Subscription
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Wow, subscriptions are going well, thanks to everyone for being so cool! I'm starting to have faith in humanity again ;-)
Although Authorize.Net has been going up and down all day. As the largest credit card processor online, you'd think they'd have it sorted out by now. Of course, I'm sure they're sitting there saying "yeah, MO FINALLY went subscription, less F with them a little."
Thanks to everyone that tried to subscribe, got timed out and said they'd come back later. It's funny, but when people actually pay for something, they seem to appreciate it more (and be more polite).
Although Authorize.Net has been going up and down all day. As the largest credit card processor online, you'd think they'd have it sorted out by now. Of course, I'm sure they're sitting there saying "yeah, MO FINALLY went subscription, less F with them a little."
Thanks to everyone that tried to subscribe, got timed out and said they'd come back later. It's funny, but when people actually pay for something, they seem to appreciate it more (and be more polite).
Joined
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29 Posts
As far as I'm concerned, MO is at least as good as any of the paper mags out there, and a buck a month sounds reasonable to me.
Can you share with us any of your planned improvements for the site in the months to come?
One idea: have an easy to read reference chart for specs on different bikes, like some of the print mags do. So you can look up 0-60, 1/4 mile, top speed, MPG, price, and whatever else for all the bikes you've reviewed.
And how about doing like MC News does and including price and time estimates for typical maintenance tasks on the bikes?
Thanks for the cool site.
Can you share with us any of your planned improvements for the site in the months to come?
One idea: have an easy to read reference chart for specs on different bikes, like some of the print mags do. So you can look up 0-60, 1/4 mile, top speed, MPG, price, and whatever else for all the bikes you've reviewed.
And how about doing like MC News does and including price and time estimates for typical maintenance tasks on the bikes?
Thanks for the cool site.
We tried for years in the past through the "MO Database" to do spec charts (although with cursory specs like weight, seat height, etc.), and it
was quite popular. Then, I learned SQL and found real databases, so we're going to dump all that flat-file data into a real DB and add the items you mentioned. The things I like to see are MPG, MSRP, displacement, and 1/4 time, so those will weigh in heavily.
Integrating subscriptions into our content management system (which we did from scratch since
we can't ever swallow spending big bucks on a software packages) took much longer than I thought, and when it was done, new features like forums and the auction system didn't integrate well, so I'm going to work on those next, as they're disabled now.
What we really need is a forum where people can leave ideas and vote/rank the ones that are there, and we can just go down the ranks of popularity and implement features.
The idea is that community services like forums, clubs and (users') picture archives will be free, and original content (features, shootouts) aren't. That way, we can still increase our hits AND be a "subscription" site.
The next big improvement is to hire an editor, though! More content...
was quite popular. Then, I learned SQL and found real databases, so we're going to dump all that flat-file data into a real DB and add the items you mentioned. The things I like to see are MPG, MSRP, displacement, and 1/4 time, so those will weigh in heavily.
Integrating subscriptions into our content management system (which we did from scratch since
we can't ever swallow spending big bucks on a software packages) took much longer than I thought, and when it was done, new features like forums and the auction system didn't integrate well, so I'm going to work on those next, as they're disabled now.
What we really need is a forum where people can leave ideas and vote/rank the ones that are there, and we can just go down the ranks of popularity and implement features.
The idea is that community services like forums, clubs and (users') picture archives will be free, and original content (features, shootouts) aren't. That way, we can still increase our hits AND be a "subscription" site.
The next big improvement is to hire an editor, though! More content...
Colorado_F4,
Thanks for the love. And in response to your query, we'll try to get more detailed perormance data for our readers, just as you've requested. And as for other improvements, we're going to hire a well-known editor in the very near future. Still, I think the biggest improvement will be more content. It will be diverse, too. We'll be able to do better (and more) comparisons and even bring some of our readers into the process.
Remember, this is now YOUR MO, too.
Again, thanks to EVERYBODY for your support. This is a new year, a new look, and a new (and better) MO.
Thanks for the love. And in response to your query, we'll try to get more detailed perormance data for our readers, just as you've requested. And as for other improvements, we're going to hire a well-known editor in the very near future. Still, I think the biggest improvement will be more content. It will be diverse, too. We'll be able to do better (and more) comparisons and even bring some of our readers into the process.
Remember, this is now YOUR MO, too.
Again, thanks to EVERYBODY for your support. This is a new year, a new look, and a new (and better) MO.
As you can tell by my user name, the new comparo is of great interest. Since you didn't rank the GS first, see ya
Just kidding! I enjoy the site and was a charitable contributor when last asked, so I'll do it again. I would appreciate more Dirt coverage though.
Take it greasy
R1150GS
Just kidding! I enjoy the site and was a charitable contributor when last asked, so I'll do it again. I would appreciate more Dirt coverage though.Take it greasy
R1150GS
Keep the advertisements discreet!
While reading the Arai story below, your new-and-improved site popped up a spinning Buell Firebolt, complete with audio, that didn't merely annoy me, it followed me as I scrolled down. If advertising interferes with the content I pay for, you won't be getting another penny from me.
While reading the Arai story below, your new-and-improved site popped up a spinning Buell Firebolt, complete with audio, that didn't merely annoy me, it followed me as I scrolled down. If advertising interferes with the content I pay for, you won't be getting another penny from me.
Joined
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134 Posts
I was wondering when things would start to change, and here it is. I like the format and the new features. More content is always a good thing, as is the increased sense of interacton and community.
I'll resubscribe to support the effort, but I forgot when we paid up last year. Do you let us know when our subscription expires?
And Hell yes you should be trying to make a profit. This is America, for crying out loud. Good luck and keep up the good work.
I'll resubscribe to support the effort, but I forgot when we paid up last year. Do you let us know when our subscription expires?
And Hell yes you should be trying to make a profit. This is America, for crying out loud. Good luck and keep up the good work.
To MO-
First of all, GREAT site! I visit this site daily (OK, a few times daily!). I will most definitely pay the $$$. My only question is what will be the difference between the information that a 'subscribed' person will have over an 'unsubscribed' person - or will you have to subscribe to get any information at all? Just wondering. I'll definitely look forward to those bike stats you will be posting (summary page). Thanks again and keep up the great work!
First of all, GREAT site! I visit this site daily (OK, a few times daily!). I will most definitely pay the $$$. My only question is what will be the difference between the information that a 'subscribed' person will have over an 'unsubscribed' person - or will you have to subscribe to get any information at all? Just wondering. I'll definitely look forward to those bike stats you will be posting (summary page). Thanks again and keep up the great work!
I like the new format. Very nice. I donated some time ago. I don't remember when. What's the "its time to ante up again" mechanism? Is there some warning? Print mags send out their endless reminders. Will yours be the e-mail variety? Is the term one year, more? After the term, does access just shut off or is there a grace period? If I have tired of my login name, can it be changed? I couldn't (in a quick glance) find these answers. What say you?
Bill
Bill
Re: Keep the advertisements discreet!
If you subscribe at $24.94 or higher, you won't see that ad, or any others. Although it's taking some time to implement site-wide, we're quickly removing the ads for such subscribers.
Conversely, the Buell ad was a premium buy. I'm sick of not having the capitol to take MO where it should be (and not having enough staff so I don't have to work until 3:00 AM), so, I guess you get to pick your poison now ;-)
If you subscribe at $24.94 or higher, you won't see that ad, or any others. Although it's taking some time to implement site-wide, we're quickly removing the ads for such subscribers.
Conversely, the Buell ad was a premium buy. I'm sick of not having the capitol to take MO where it should be (and not having enough staff so I don't have to work until 3:00 AM), so, I guess you get to pick your poison now ;-)
We're resetting all past donators today to have a full year going forward. So you shouldn't have to do anything.
When you get within a month of expiring, we're sending out e-mails asking you to re-sub via credit card or snail mail check.
Many new community things are coming up now that I've gotten the subscription code working well, although dealing with Authorize.Net outages like this morning aren't handled well -- we've been using them for years, and I think this is the first time they've been unavailable for an extended period. We lost about 100 subscribers, hopefully they'll come back later (which seems likely as most e-mailed in nice letters that it wasn't working well and that they would be back later).
When you get within a month of expiring, we're sending out e-mails asking you to re-sub via credit card or snail mail check.
Many new community things are coming up now that I've gotten the subscription code working well, although dealing with Authorize.Net outages like this morning aren't handled well -- we've been using them for years, and I think this is the first time they've been unavailable for an extended period. We lost about 100 subscribers, hopefully they'll come back later (which seems likely as most e-mailed in nice letters that it wasn't working well and that they would be back later).
The plan is that all original content is subscription, and all the news (like here at news.mo) and community services are free.
The chat server is free, too, although there's no longer any way to register without paying yet, I'm working on that. The new registration process I wrote is slick, so I'm removing the credit card stuff to make it a one-step process to register and get your password -- I hate online registering, so I think it's important that it's as easy as possible.
So, if you're just cruising around to interact with other bikers, it should be free. But if you want access to the latest content about the latest bikes, it'll be subscription.
The chat server is free, too, although there's no longer any way to register without paying yet, I'm working on that. The new registration process I wrote is slick, so I'm removing the credit card stuff to make it a one-step process to register and get your password -- I hate online registering, so I think it's important that it's as easy as possible.
So, if you're just cruising around to interact with other bikers, it should be free. But if you want access to the latest content about the latest bikes, it'll be subscription.
Changing MO Usernames is on the way, and a good idea. I like to change mine, it's nice to be able to when you get sick of the bike you tagged into your username and sell it.
Reminders will be via e-mail, a month in advance, and the subscription time is one year, though we're thinking of having a one-month for $3.95 option.
Accounts stay around, but you just won't be able to read subscription stuff if you let yours expire, though you will be able to get everything else.
Reminders will be via e-mail, a month in advance, and the subscription time is one year, though we're thinking of having a one-month for $3.95 option.
Accounts stay around, but you just won't be able to read subscription stuff if you let yours expire, though you will be able to get everything else.
Knew it was coming - will pay - worried it may kill the site though with MCN and the like not being subscription..
I think you will need to do more bike tests though and have daily updates.
Good luck guys
BTW. Ride the adventure tourers for 10k (or 20 - or 50) and then tell me the GS isn't the best adventure tourer.
GS rider Grappelli...
I think you will need to do more bike tests though and have daily updates.
Good luck guys
BTW. Ride the adventure tourers for 10k (or 20 - or 50) and then tell me the GS isn't the best adventure tourer.
GS rider Grappelli...
Joined
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27 Posts
Subscribe, HELL NO!!!!!!!! I've been reading your half-assed reviews for some time now and couldn't imagine actually paying for it. If I wanted to pay for a web site I would spend my money on porn. Don't your advertisers pay for this site anyway? Are you going to totaly do away with them? I doubt it! I think my $12 would be better spent on any number of moto mags. For the same price your trying to swindle from your readers, I can have a 100 page (or more) magazine in my hands every month, full of excellent articles and photography. You guys sure do have the nerve!
___________NATHAN________________
___________NATHAN________________
Money Well Spent
Congrats to MO for going subscription. I have no problem paying for a quality service, and MO is a high quality, informative and fun site. $12 a year? Hell, I blow that on drinks after work. Daily. No sweat.
The spinning Buell ad is cool. The first time. But I don't like it following me down the page. Enough already.
By the way, my site is free (and always will be). I don't sell anything on the site, so I'm not shilling here. Hope you all take a look after sending MO a well-deserved 12 bones. The new look is great, keep the content coming.
Bill Roberson
Creator, www.greatoldbikes.com
Congrats to MO for going subscription. I have no problem paying for a quality service, and MO is a high quality, informative and fun site. $12 a year? Hell, I blow that on drinks after work. Daily. No sweat.
The spinning Buell ad is cool. The first time. But I don't like it following me down the page. Enough already.
By the way, my site is free (and always will be). I don't sell anything on the site, so I'm not shilling here. Hope you all take a look after sending MO a well-deserved 12 bones. The new look is great, keep the content coming.
Bill Roberson
Creator, www.greatoldbikes.com
Oh dear, a pity. When you first proposed this I told you I wouldn't be subscribing, but I did say that I'd be happy to open my wallet to a micro-billing scheme, and I even suggested one to you. Well, you've done what you always planned to and gone subscription, and I'll do what I always planned to if you did and walk away. It's been fun, but not enough fun that I'll pay a subscription to read it.
Ciaou!!
Ken Haylock
Ciaou!!
Ken Haylock
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