Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2008 0:23:58 GMT 10
Jenni and I are disappointed with the way the forum has been going over the past few months, and honestly, have been at a loss of how to handle the situation.
We have in many ways created a “monster”, that has now "turned on us". It has caused us much grief, and strained our relationship.
We have lost one good WA friendship, and now quite possibly another, following events on the forum last night.
Respect for myself has been lost from some members, ……..we are aware of detrimental PM's against us going to & from members,……. I have been accused of being a "dictator"……. and have been called a "site Nazi".
I am only guilty of trying to run an interesting discussion forum on the subject of vintage caravans. Sometimes I maybe irrational, or aggorant, or I may piss people off by deleting their posts, or whatever, but at the days end, I'm just trying to carry out what I believe has to be done to achieve the objective set 4 years ago.
My objective is the same now as it was then, to share vintage caravanning stories & pics with others, and use the forum to help each other with projects, and to act as a "notice board" for runs / events / etc. This is not to say that it has to be boring or sterile......... humour and personality are always something to share.
I personally carry the legal liability for this forum, …….I signed a two page legal agreement document when setting up the "proboards forum". I can be sued for what is said on this forum. Sometimes, what I do, may seem irrational, or arrogant, and, what I say maybe misinterpreted. It is dissappointing that it is not understood there is always a valid reason for what I do, and I assure you it is always in the best interests of the forum and members.
Contrary to what one of our members recently inferred via this forum, I don’t expect accolades for having started this whole show, however I do request respect & support for what we’re trying to achieve …..I don’t expect to be made a fool of, and have my reputation run into the ground. This goes for our other staff members as well.
I am also forever conscious of who’s watching this forum, magazine editors for instance, if we carry on like “morons” we cannot expect to get interest or support from these sources, we can expected to be treated like a group of “morons”.
Please remember what this is all about............ It’s about vintage caravans, and the cars that we use to tow our vintage caravans, and the runs and events and touring holidays we do with our vintage caravans.
Jenni & I are going to take a break, and put this forum into "maintenance mode" as at 10pm WST 9th July 2008. We are going to clean it up, possibly redesign it, and relaunch it at 7pm WST on its 4th anniversary, July 25. All historical data & posts will be carefully maintained.
Hope to see you all then.
Mark and Jenni
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Post by atouchofglass on Jul 9, 2008 6:58:19 GMT 10
Greeting Mark and Jenni As one of many active members that have enjoyed and regularly commented in this forum, let me say that I am truly sorry to have in any way contributed to the issues you are both grappling with. Your motives in starting this forum were as you stated to promote vintage caravans and caravan history in Australia. Not some ego trip It seems some have been over zealous or overly opinionated in their posts..... lets hope this reality check is effective and we all collectively pull our socks up Take a break and we all hope it works for you after that .... make the changes that suit you both so the site is sustainable The Web would be a much lesser place without vintage caravans as a website I for one have learnt much and enjoyed many good laughs over the past few months since joining V Vans. Its nice to know there are others out there in this wide brown land that share my affliction of vintage van obsession ;D Keep up the good work and see you after the 25th ;D ;D Atog Glass freak
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tonyh
Full Member
"Dolly" 1967 Riviera
Posts: 256
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Post by tonyh on Jul 9, 2008 8:09:10 GMT 10
Hi Mark & Jenni, I don't know all that has happened and I am saddened by your grief. I think you have done a magnificent job creating and running this site and my day would be not as bright without it and the characters that it has within it. I have not yet had the opportunity to meet you and the others on this site and when I finally get on the road and get to meet you face to face and shake your hand for introducing me and others to another world of fun away from the hustle and hassle of "normal" life. Have a good break and I hope that whatever has been done or said can be resolved and put in the past and move on to a better future. I wish You and Jenni all the Best, Thanks again, and see you on the 25th. Yours in our Vintage Van Obsession ;D tonyh
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Post by JBJ on Jul 9, 2008 8:19:36 GMT 10
Hi Mark & jenny,
I sympathise with the dilema you've been pushed into.
I know of the problems & communications, & I've kept out of that side as much as possible. Human nature can be very bitchy at times, & also very soul destroying.
I for one would hate to lose the forum.
I went thru all of my posts after I offended a few people just before Mt Gambier, & I deleted every one that I felt could have offended or upset someone, basically everything except those related to events & my vans. Its too easy during moments of alcohol, anger or whatever, affected thoughts to post things without realising how stupid they seem to the rest of the world.
The upside of what your doing is that it might make some of the contributors, including me, realise that a bit more thought should be put into their postings.
Its up to you guys what you do, but it would certainly make the vintage caravanning movement (as it is ) die if you closed the forum. It will survive to an extent, but it will be very difficult for those of us in the bush, without belonging to an organised group .
And that would be a shame, because basically a hell of a lot of people have a lot of fun, have made lots of new friends, & are seeing parts of Australia they wouldn't see without Vintage Van events to attend.
Hope you enjoy your break.
Jailbarjuice & Boots
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Post by Geoff & Jude on Jul 9, 2008 9:17:00 GMT 10
hi mark and jenni
we'd like to agree with what has been said by jailbar, tony and atog in previous posts regarding the temporary forum closure.
during the couple of years we have been involved with vintage caravaning, we have formed numerous friendships and gained a huge amount of knowledge through the forum.
what has to happen has to happen, but please know that you have our support and we look forward to being part of this movement for many years to come.
would it be possible for you to explain to us what the effects of being in maintenance mode will be during the closure.
can we still log on, post, post as guests, pm etc.
see you again on the 25th.
geoff 'n jude
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2008 9:50:19 GMT 10
Hi Mark T Your comment.... "We are going to clean it up" May i suggest that you dont use too much soap... there needs to be a balance of "Good Bacteria" and "Bad bacteria" for the forum to be Healthy. Re the legal document you had to sign .. Rub your name off it and send the bloody thing over here... i'll sign it. They can sue me all they like if they want to. It would be a pretty spineless individual that would sue someone for slander or defammation over comments made on a website.. They arent gunna get much out of a bloke with the arse out of Levis... my wealth is in the fellowship formed over the past 4 years on this forum... cant be measured in dollars and cents or extracted from me by legal action.. "The history section will be well maintained" Almost sounds like the rest of the forum will be subject to random slaughter.!!!!!!! A lot of people may not be aware of it but.... There is 4 years worth of history in the posts on this forum. Its interwoven in just about every section. It has been created by the input of vintage van lovers from all over Australia and overseas.... Can i offer a word of advice: "use the knife wisely when your culling. Think twice.. cut once". Reddo
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lulu
New Member
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Post by lulu on Jul 9, 2008 10:02:10 GMT 10
geoff n jude From when my friends website is undergoing maintenance, you can't see the website at all. The page usually says.. website under maintenance, please visit again shortly not sure if it works like that on all websites when in maintenance mode though. Mark & Jenni You guys have done a brilliant job with this forum. I totally understand this decision and support you 100% and feel with the forum closed for a while, will make the tossers re-think their attitudes before posting anything nasty again, when it's starts back up. What it comes down to is it's your site, your rules..period!On your re-vamped vv site (which I'm excited to see) there should be an "off topic" section for all un-related vv discussions, as I've seen this in most forums and it seems to work very well. Basically people can talk about anything in there and you can move posts to that section if it's not vv related. Plus some set guidelines and rules will help you and make it clear to those that join, what is and isn't acceptable. Sounds like you're going to have to spell it out for people as common sense is lacking. Thinking about all you do in here, it's like having a business to an extent. You wouldn't go to the manager/owner and say half the things that have been said in here. You are not a forum nazi, you are the boss who simply wants to run his company the way you see fit. If anyone doesn't like it...leave! I'm glad it's not closing down for good because without this place I wouldn't have found my van, very good info, supplies & most of all good friendships. Goodluck with it all and please shoot Ro & I an email if we can help in anyway. Huggles Lu
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Post by Administrator on Jul 9, 2008 10:53:48 GMT 10
Please note the proboards forum "maintenance" mode totally disables all functions of the forum for members......ie posts, replies, PM's.
Only staff are able to access the forum in maintenance mode.
Admin
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Post by scootman on Jul 9, 2008 11:07:29 GMT 10
All good. I will be lurking here reading and waiting like I do every day. Scoot
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fibrelass
Junior Member
Used to have more money than brains..now have neither!
Posts: 97
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Post by fibrelass on Jul 9, 2008 11:27:03 GMT 10
Dear Mark, Thankyou for the VV forum..I am not yet aware of posts that have caused your concern, but I just wanted to tell you that I read some posts on the thread every day..constantly look up different brands in the history section..and generally thoroughly enjoy all the information available, as since buying one van last year, I now have four vans and two trailer campers..! It will be a long wait whilst the site is down..I send my thanks and best wishes for the future, Cheers.
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Post by sportsman 1 on Jul 9, 2008 13:05:59 GMT 10
Hi Mark and Ditzy,
I look forward to the new and exciting V V forum. I love this site and all the terrific folk I have met here. My ownership and use of Myrtle are enhanced no end when I can use it in company of other V Vers and keep abreast of what else is going on in V V land.
All the best to you both and I am sure the new site will be a corker,
cheers, Leigh.
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Post by krisbee on Jul 9, 2008 13:34:22 GMT 10
jailbarjuice said The upside of what your doing is that it might make some of the contributors, including me, realise that a bit more thought should be put into their postings. lulu said will make the tossers re-think their attitudes before posting anything nasty again, when it's starts back up. I wasn't going to draw attention to this, but to be honest it kept coming back to me and annoying me, and I figured if it was doing that to me it was probably getting to others as well. Lulu, I am not doing this to upset you, but as a really good example of how the most innocent post can trigger emotions.In this case, what needs to be remembered is that we are all members , and while we don't always agree with each other, we do need to remain polite. This site has created more friendships than you would have thought possible, so lets all try to keep it moving forward. Kris.
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Post by Cruz on Jul 9, 2008 14:54:35 GMT 10
Hi, Mark & Jenni, Thankds for tje enjoyment i have gathered fromthis great site i have enjoyed all the info and interaction with other members.I have tried not to notice some of the lesser momment on the site as the rest of it is great and some BS is allways good .Anyway thanks again for your work look foward to being back on line soon Best Wishes Cruz
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Post by andrew on Jul 9, 2008 17:14:53 GMT 10
G'day mark and jenni I'm a bit like tonyh and don't know what has been going down. I have only been reading the general section for a bit over a month. I usually stay in for sale, members photos and technical stuff. I've been a member for a bit over 2 years and I love the site. It is really the only reason that I turn the computer on. I look at it at work in smoko and lunch but can't login there so I do at home but I'm on most days though I don't say much. But I feel that I must say this:
I think this is a great site full of great members. You should be congratulated for starting it as it has brought vving to the fore and given people a good hobby of saving some of our motoring history and bring lots of vans back from the brink of extinction as well as giving them the oportunity to meet like minded people. There aren't too many days go by that Jacqui and I don't talk vans and alot of the members are house hold names and the world would be a poorer place without this forum
Enjoy your break, all the best and like many others I'll be waiting for the 25th Regards Andrew
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mpower
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by mpower on Jul 9, 2008 17:36:12 GMT 10
G'day Mark and Jenni,
Thanks for everything to date, you've certainly set up a great site and looking forward to a re-start soon.
Good Luck
Mark and Maureen
Bendigo
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Post by exocet on Jul 9, 2008 18:16:22 GMT 10
Hi Mark and Jenni, thank you very much for the last coupla years, my wife and i have thoroughly enjoyed your forum, look forward to many more years of the same. I think as forum members we need to be more respectful, polite and.......... humble to each other, but don't forget the laughs, i reckon Atog gets the vote for being the funniest, but of course there are many more characters as well, and its been great fun participating and spectating, looking forward to the 25th. Thank you.
Exocet
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Post by atouchofglass on Jul 9, 2008 18:19:40 GMT 10
Greetings all.... again Having read all the above posts to this thread perhaps we all begin to see just how important this site is to us By extention that means the mental health and good feelings of those that run it come into play.... Yes Mark and Jenni you are definitely appreciated and the silent majority have now started to speak ..... the vocal minority... some of which has caused this issue are passionate if not mislead by their own feelings So sit back. take a break and feel good about what you have done... you both deserve it Atog
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Post by bradngem on Jul 9, 2008 18:39:30 GMT 10
Thanks Jenni and Mark.....do what needs to be done, best of luck with it all... see you after the 25th July, regards Gem and Brad
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Post by santa28a on Jul 9, 2008 18:43:01 GMT 10
Hi Mark, There is only one other forum that I regularly visit ( along with some other members here) and although it is an Aussie site it is now based in the USA due to threats of litigation. In over 30 years involvement in Hot rodding I have never enjoyed the company of people as much as those I have meet on this forum I have meet such "eccentric", if thats the right word, characters as Reddo, and such down to earth people as Dosse, Earlee,and Boblor and their lovely wifes, and renewed friendships with Jailbar and Boots. We all are inflicted with the "vintage caravan disease" and even though we may be a restorer or a hot rodder or even a holden fan at heart we all get along like we are all old friends I was introduced to this site by my bank managers wife, 54chevygirl, and if it was not for this wonderful site I would not have discovered that there is more to our"motoring Heritage" than what the car clubs can offer. PLEASE do not "kill off" what to date has been the perfect recipe I for one will be waiting in anticipation for the return on the 25th July................................ Hoping not to go through withdrawls....................... May have to book into "reddos shed of invention" for a top up of vintage van culture and humour ;D ;D ;D ;D Cheers, Steve.
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bobt
Full Member
"Ugly as Sin"
Posts: 455
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Post by bobt on Jul 9, 2008 19:48:48 GMT 10
Dear Mark and Jenni
I have been watching your site ever since you took possession of Joker 2. What you have achieved with this forum is admirable.
I look forward to your return
Regards
Bob
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Post by Daggsey on Jul 9, 2008 19:54:02 GMT 10
Gives us all a chance to get our tax returns completed . Daggsey
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2008 20:23:15 GMT 10
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Post by skyline59 on Jul 9, 2008 20:32:21 GMT 10
G'dday Mark & Jenni, i hope you have a well earned break. I like many others on this forum certainly appreciate what you have both done for vintage caravaning around" AUSTRALIA" through this forum. You both need to be congratulated because through this forum people have communicated with each other about their hobby/passion, there have been get togethers & just as important as the caravans "friendships" have been made. I look forward with great excitement to the 25th of July, kind regards Brett
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Post by earlee on Jul 9, 2008 21:01:14 GMT 10
hey markT and jenny. i can understand your dilemma, mainly because i would not have had the guts to start it anyway !! so do what you have to do - but please count me in - otherwise i will have no friends ever!! lookin' forward to pottsville and coledale. regards earlee
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Post by Daggsey on Jul 9, 2008 21:05:49 GMT 10
Probably a bit late now, but this thread from the FE-FC forum is very interesting and timely...... fefcholden.org.au/forum/index.php/topic,13607.0.html Seems we're not the only ones with problems Daggsey
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