Max users online was ...

[Peter Gariepy]

The forum continues to grow... 314 users all at once just a few weeks ago. Amazing. Over 350,000 posts. We're bigger and better than ever!

Peter

[Terry Bond]

Thats cause it was my birthday!

Terry

[1937hd45]

How many AACA members have access to a computer and know the site exists? Any plans to let this secret out to the general membership? I wouldn't bragg about this turnout, or was that a sad statment about the state of things?

[Steve Moskowitz]

Bob, I don't know what else we can do! The site is mentioned in everyone of our publications. It is discussed at roundtables, etc.! We have spent a small fortune on our servers and redesigning the site to better appeal to people. As far as participation on the <span style="font-weight: bold">forum</span> , that is another matter. I have had a <span style="font-weight: bold">lot</span> of people tell me that they were "chased" away from being a regular contributor due to the obnoxious manner and posts of some DF'ers. The moderators have tried to clean things up but it is not always easy.

What suggestions do you have to get more participation? The internet committee would love to see the site more active and more in line with helping people with restorations or learning more about this hobby. We are all ears for ideas!

BTW, I think the vast majority of our members do in fact have access to a computer. What is the "right" number that should be online at any one given time? No answers to this one but solutions happily accepted! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[stock_steve]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had a <span style="font-weight: bold">lot</span> of people tell me that they were "chased" away from being a regular contributor due to the obnoxious manner and posts of some DF'ers. </div></div>

Oh, c'mon Steve, you have to be talking about some other Forum!

Seriously, I appreciate the work that you, and Peter, and all the other moderators and online committee members, and other officials, do here, and within the AACA in general.

Please keep up the positive spirit, and the good work!

[R W Burgess]

On behalf of the moderators, thanks Mr. Mierz for the pat on the back.

Our heavy load has decreased lately. A few of the agitators have disappeared, and I keep noticing more women coming online. That's a good thing.

I keep thinking about the aging of our club, but then notice the large activity that's always happening on the Buick Forums. Most of those guys are younger than you and me, well me anyway! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Have you noticed how many new people register just to ask a question of the "experts"? That's great that we're recognized as an authority in the antique car hobby, whether all of us are or not.

This web site continues to improve with each update, and I think people are noticing. Now, all we have to do is get our members to use the other important sites within this web site. I will be involved in a Newsletter Seminar this year at Philly. A very substantial part of my presentation will be the use of this web site, and I not speaking of the forums. The forums are great as a publicizing tool, but the web site itself is very important in the operations and support of the AACA--World Wide.

Spread the Word!!!!!!!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

of all AACA Regions

[D Binger]

Peter,

This forum is bigger, but do you really think it is better?

Dan

[Guest AlK]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had a <span style="font-weight: bold">lot</span> of people tell me that they were "chased" away from being a regular contributor due to the obnoxious manner and posts of some DF'ers. The moderators have tried to clean things up but it is not always easy.

</div></div>

Steve:

I am going to have to say something here. To those people who say they were chased away by obnoxious manners and posts, what I have to say to you would fall into that range of rude, crude, obnoxious, and abrasive. and I am not going to apoligize for that. These types of people would rather watch their toe-jam grow than jump in and say anything on-line. I have viewed just about all of the forums and threads out here. Where I felt I had something to offer, I jumped in. Where I had no knowledge and/or opinion I stayed out. And if someone got a little out of hand knowledge/opinion notwithstanding I jumped down their throat. No one says that anyone has to come out here, but if someone does come out here and has a question and does not post because " those guys said something that was obnoxious" then I'm sorry to say those people would be offended if you said good morning to them. I feel you guys are doing one terrific job, I have not agreed with all of your decisions and where applicable I have said so. However it is your forum and you have to do what you think best. Two things come to mind. I just got my issue of the magazine, and while I am not going to say there was nothing there, I will say that nothing jumped out and said "HEY WE HAVE AN ON-LINE DISCUSSION FORUM THAT YOU CAN USE". Maybe I did not see it becuase I already knew about it and was not looking for it. Lastly on the misc chat forum. I really miss the old way where you could get into some really heated discussions. One of the reasons for toning it down was that the posts reflected on AACA as a whole, and I have to agree, however the heated discussions cleared the air sometimes and gave a lot of people a different perspective. There were folks in there that really ruffled my feathers, and I know I bent a few noses out of shape, but I have the requisite thick skin and mind set that I can take as well as give. So here is a suggestion and it would involve a bit of website management and ledgerdermain(magic). Instead of an open forum for misc. chats, whatabout a misc chats forum that you had to sign in for in addition to the main forum. Something that could be prefaced by "THIS IS AN ADULT FORUM AND IF YOU ARE THIN SKINNED STAY OUT OF IT" Once signed in and apprised of the content of the discussions no one can complain that it got to rough and they did not know. Since they would have to sign in for it, then they should be adult enough to handle themselves. One last note on signing in to the main forum, I really think you should require more information to be entered before you gave someone posting capability. I have gone out looking just for someones name and they don't have to put it in. If they don't want to supply some basic info then why do they want to come in here to post. Let them read by all means, but to post should require a bit more of a commitment then what I see out there.

[Dave@Moon]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bob, I don't know what else we can do!...What suggestions do you have to get more participation? The internet committee would love to see the site more active and more in line with helping people with restorations or learning more about this hobby. We are all ears for ideas!</div></div>

Steve,

Is there room in <span style="font-style: italic">Antique Automobile</span> for a column or a page devoted to a simple reproduction of a particularly useful thread? A (positive) representative thread could be reproduced each issue, hopefully with a different theme each time. One month it's <span style="font-style: italic">"Why aren't my vacuum wipers working?"</span>, the next it's <span style="font-style: italic">"What's Grandpa driving?"</span>. It might appear to be a copy of the <span style="font-style: italic">Tool Bag</span>-type features unless the posts are shown with time and date to show what kind of information turnaround is available. I think it would add to the magazine as well.

[Steve Moskowitz]

ALK,

You make some points but let me give you a different perspective. Not everyone is thick skinned like you and not everyone is willing to publicly get into the fray. Many members have expressed to me that they have looked at the forum and found <span style="font-weight: bold">some</span> of the people to make posts that were either of little value or detrimental to AACA and the hobby. They are the silent majority and the ones that every business should fear as they will "just take their business elsewhere". This is scary to me and I do understand what they have to say. Needless to say you and I are not made that way. However, there is nothing wrong with folks who "tune out". We all do that everyday with the TV shows, radio programs and newspapers we choose to view.

You and others make a point that maybe we once again need to have an article about the forum in our magazine. I will use it as at least part of my editorial in the future. Thanks for the idea!

I personally have to disagree that the people I talked to are too thin skinned. When the forum works it works well. Many people have had fun conversations, have been educated and solved problems thanks to those that frequent this site. However, there have been inflammatory, inaccurate, foolish posts at times that do not reflect well on the hobby period. It could give me pause to participate.

I also completely agree that we should require those that post to use their name and be accountable for their words. Just my opinion but it will be something that the internet committee will be looking at. There are more than one side to this issue.

The past heated discussions were usually about politics, religion and personalities. I do not think any air was cleared nor were any opinions changed! In the end, of what benefit does it give AACA or the hobby to take a chance with some of these posts. Several posts a few months ago were so far out of line that they were shocking to see in public.

Of what value to the antique car hobby, to AACA or to the other clubs that link to us is their in having a forum where you must post, "This is an adult forum......"? There must be plenty of other forums that people can participate in discussions of a controversial nature. Posting with such a strong disclaimer may send the wrong message to people about our hobby.

There is no easy way for us to handle the Misc. Chats but lately for the most part things have not gone beyond the limits we tolerate and although a few regulars would like to see it wide open, it is just too much exposure for our club.

Peter G, the committee and all the moderators do want this to be a great site and will always welcome your suggestions, however, hopefully you can understand our overriding responsibilities.

Dave your idea in one form or another has merit, I think. We will discuss and thanks for the positive contribution.

Steve

[Guest]

I was on the Poodle club forum, and they said I was talking about cars way to much.....

[Steve Moskowitz]

Nice dog and nice cars....now try and keep your forums straight and you will be much happier. Dogs on dog forums, cars on.... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Peter Gariepy]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Peter,

This forum is bigger, but do you really think it is better?

Dan </div></div>

Dan,

The whole purpose of this forum is to provide a forum for antique automobile enthusiasts to share their knowledge of the hobby? and to buy and sell cars and parts. <span style="font-weight: bold">So, to answer your question ?Is it better??? ABSOLUTELY!</span> The more people who use this forum the better? and the numbers show that the forum is being used now more than ever.

Peter

P.S. It has been suggested that this forum be restricted to AACA members ONLY. Let me respond to that with this? of the 100,000+ people who attend Hershey every year, how many are AACA members? How successful would the Hershey meet be if ONLY AACA members were able to attend?

[D Binger]

Thanks for the answer.

you said in the post above - - - -

"The whole purpose of this forum is to provide a forum for antique automobile enthusiasts to share their knowledge of the hobby? and to buy and sell cars and parts."

Then you said in the same post - - - -

"It has been suggested that this forum be restricted to AACA members ONLY. Let me respond to that with this? of the 100,000+ people who attend Hershey every year, how many are AACA members? How successful would the Hershey meet be if ONLY AACA members were able to attend? "

How can we share automobile knowlage and buy and sell parts with a bunch of folks running off a the mouth causing the folks that know the answers to leave? And also do the folks that are non AACA members at Hersahey all tell Hershey Region how to run their swap meet. I say that if someone wants to post on the AACA part of the forum, you can set it up that way. You do something simular for the rant and rave don't you? Didn't you a couple months ago make it so if a person didn't have a certain number of post that they could not get on the rant and rave part? I am sure that you could do something for the AACA part.

Dan

[Guest]

All, Poodles aside,

This forum is never going to be a AACA "board meeting".

Nor an Ebay clone, it exists to easy communication between car hobbiest, nothing more.

People decide not to chit-chat, not get "run off".

I like to help people though problems I've had in the past, like my 1950 Buick hood blowing over off the fence, and landing on the bomb sight... I remember it like yeasterday.

When I bought my 27 Buick, I broke more stuff then fixed the first year, then I got the yahoo group going, and with 190 members, we now can fix anything.

Say what you want about me, but leave "Checkers" alone.

[Dave@Moon]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> How can we share automobile knowlage and buy and sell parts with a bunch of folks running off a the mouth causing the folks that know the answers to leave? </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Don't leave!</span></span>

Those that are "running off at the mouth" are just expressing mistaken impressions that are out there for the more knowledgeable and experienced among us to debunk. If somebody starts blowing wind about the presumed failings of a car or a procedure, we <span style="font-style: italic">need</span> to have it happen here so that it can be challenged. If mistaken beliefs get pushed off to geeisntSpikeTVcool.com/forum, then they will continue to fester and become even more pervasive then they already are.

[Peter Gariepy]

"...a bunch of folks running off a the mouth causing the folks that know the answers to leave..."

Dave, the above quote is where we differ. Do some people run off at the mouth? Absolutely. Do some people leave the forum? Absolutely? Is it a major problem with the forums? Nope, not at all. The fact that 1,000s of people using this forum daily are proof of that.

Just my (not so) humble opinion.

Peter

[nearchoclatetown]

Peter, if one person logs on or checks the site twice in one day are they counted once or twice?

[Peter Gariepy]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Peter, if one person logs on or checks the site twice in one day are they counted once or twice? </div></div>

Good question!

The following graphs show the number of "Sessions" the forum and AACA site recieved for the month of Nov.

A 'Session' is defined as a series of clicks on your site by an individual visitor during a specific period of time. A Session is initiated when the visitor arrives at your site, and it ends when the browser is closed or there is a period of inactivity.

So to answer your question... yes, if someone visits the site 2 times in 1 day, then thats 2 sessions.

Peter

[1937hd45]

Peter, The way I see things that 314 number is very misleading given the fact that one member or nonmember is counted multipal times. If I flipped between eBay and this site 14 times on that day then the true number is 300, correct? This post alone has been open for 24 hours and the "AACA staff" replies total 4 and general members 7. I'm clueless as to why people don't post here, it sure gives the impression that "Antiques" are dead. I'd like to see things return to the way the hobby was in the 1970's but sadly that will never happen. Heck you can't even get people to post a reply to that topic. I'll continue to stop by and visit, but this part of the car hobby isn't my main interest anymore. If things are no longer fun it's time to move on. The staff has done a great job with this site.........the readers failed you.

[Peter Gariepy]

1937HD45,

You are mixing the numbers.

Yes, based upon the "Sessions" data above, multiple visits a day get counted. However, we get over 2,500-5,000 "sessions" a day, and a vast majority visit just once. The hard core users visit multiple times a day, but their numbers are certainly no more than 50-100. Regardless of the math, the number of sessions over time are growing.

The 315 number I originally stated is the ACTUAL CONCURRENT number of users using the forum at a single moment in time. That number is fixed and hard. That number was less than 150 18 months ago.

"I'm clueless as to why people don't post here, it sure gives the impression that "Antiques" are dead. "

Not a clue how you came to that conclusion... the forum is growing in numbers, visitors and posts... not shrinking. <span style="font-weight: bold">We get over 6,000 posts a month. SIX-THOUSAND!</span>

"...readers failed you". On the contrary, the growth of the forums popularity tells me exactly the opposite.

Peter

[Guest]

Peter,

How about some real "nerd-speak", dose a hit from a palm pilot web browers track like any other I.P. adress?

my sidekick has been updated for java, so I can now log-in and see the usual web pages.

[Twitch]

Yeah!

[Guest BruceW]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm clueless as to why people don't post here, it sure gives the impression that "Antiques" are dead. </div></div>

I wouldn't neccessarily say anything is dead because the participants don't spend their time on a computer. Sure there are many of us here that spend quite a bit of time reading the DF and responding. I enjoy the DF and post whenever I feel I have something to contribute. Often it is when I am on the computer anyway working on the region newsletter, writing a report or article, or researching some information. But there are still many for whom a computer is not a neccessity for living.

An example in our region.... The topic comes up occasionally among AACA editors about sending newsletter out electronically. I have over the past few years informally discussed the idea with our members.

From talking with members of our region, most of the members 60 and over in our region are not interested in a computer. They managed to live happily for over half a century so far without one, don't feel they need one, and most don't plan on getting a computer at this stage of life.

As for the 30 to 50 year olds in our region... most of them work for a living and occasionally use their computers for email, occasionally purchase something or look up information, etc. But when they have free time for their hobby, many of them prefer spending the time on the hobby itself... instead of sitting behind a computer.

I like to see the DF grow and prosper.. but also on the other hand...if it ever came to the point where all the AACA members did nothing but spend time surfing the net (instead of doing restorations.. touring.. meets and shows... socializing... and otherwise spending time actively enjoying their old cars) then I would say the hobby was dead.

According to the AACA Introduction on this web site, the number of AACA Members was 37,000 in 1976. Over the past few years, the number of members has fluctuated bewteen 55,000 and 60,000. And there are a lot more old car owners that are not members. I'm not ready to throw the dirt in on top the antique car hobby yet.

Just a thought....

[nearchoclatetown]

Thanks Peter. I thought I understood that the 315 number was at one moment of time. I had heard the 2500-5000 hits per day numbers before and wondered what exactly that meant. If I understand you correctly the DFers with a post count average off say 5 posts per day sure influence the hits per day numbers unless they are sitting in front of this stupid screen all day. They must be retired. Thanks again.

[ex98thdrill]

Dave, a while back, I had suggested placing judging schools and CJE's being done online right here on this forum. Today it looks like my proposal will one day become a reality. If and/or when this happens, some of these topics can be placed in an online library so that rather than having to flip through old threads, you'd be able to look up the topic, click on the information, and have all of the information that you need. Judging Schools and CJE's provide a lot of usefull information to not only the judges, but to the car owners as well. The more that can be put out on the website, the better our judges get, and the better the car owners can get their cars because it would give everyone a consistent pool of information that would put everyone on the same sheet of music.

....On the flip side, another thing to think about is maybe taking some of the informational articles from the magazine and place them on the website as well.

I think the beauty of this Forum is that we have all gotten to know each other, and probably interact more with each other at the national meets. There have been some great things that happened to this club that might not have been had it not been for the forum. We have seen some good rule changes, and I'm sure that everytime it rains in Hershey, that Kim and the nice people at the library are very thankfull for the Forum as well (Thanks Howard).

Four years ago, I didn't know the Forum existed. During the time I was in the middle east, Wayne Burgess would send me newsletters from his region, and I would get several personal e-mails from him and Peter. Through this forum, I've gotten to know David Devine, Peter Gariepy, Ron Green, Howard Scotland, Janet Ricketts, Fran Shore, Dale Grahner, Rick Hoover, etc. These are people I would've probably never would've gotten to know if it wasn't for the Forum. Of course there are others here on the Forum who are National Officers (Like Steve, Earl Beauchamp, etc.) that I probably would've gotten to know because of their visibility on the national level. On our last project, Dale Grahner drove to our shop and did the graphics on the car. He not only made one trip, he made two, and he did a good job, and did it right. Here is another case where my dad and I have gained another friend, and our car probably wouldn't be as nice if it wasn't for meeting Dale here on the forum.

I'm thankfull for the Forum. For the sanity that it gave me while I was in the middle east, for the friends that I've made, and for the information that I've gained. Of course the drawback to the forum, is that words in writing are monotone, which makes it hard to understand as if they are suggestions, complaints or a real argument. I know that there have been many times where I have made suggestions, and things have been taken the wrong way. Regardless how we all agree or disagree, we're all here on this forum because of our love for the hobby.

[Peter Gariepy]

A new record folks <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

347 users using the forum at the same time... YIKES!

Also, the forum sees approximately 6,000 people every day! Cool eh? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Peter J.Heizmann]

Very nice to see, Peter. As I stated a few times over the years, thanks to you and Ron Barnett for your perseverence in bringing the AACA into cyberspace.

Now, if we could only get "all" of the visitors and "regulars" to join the AACA, that would really be icing on the cake...

Best,

Peter J... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[R W Burgess]

Peter, I noticed that today, when I said something to my wife about the maximun users from 12-05!??? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I looked and said, "Wait, this is new! From YESTERDAY!!" <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Really cool!

Wayne

[Peter Gariepy]

WOW!

[R W Burgess]

See what happens when we all go to Philly!!!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[Peter Gariepy]

We have over 11,000 visitors that day also. Our average day is 6,000.

[R W Burgess]

Peter, I see room for 2 more ads on the left side of this page if anyone's interested.

Another note about losing Google advertizing, I ran into someone over the weekend that said there is a way to contact Google and work our the position we are in with them. (We lost their sponsorship in the photo gallery, guys!)

Wayne

[Peter Gariepy]

Most users ever online was 719, 3 Days Ago at 09:57. (Jan 22, 2010)

Wow!

[poci1957]

WOW! Thanks for all your work Peter, Todd C

[keiser31]

It's a testament to the way you have set it up for all of us to enjoy. Great work!

[R W Burgess]

Wow!

Can't blame it on me , Peter. :confused:

My new Satellite internet system must be pointed to the 5th or 6th planet from the sun!!! :eek:

Wayne

[Marty Roth]

Peter,

You've made it easy to use -- I appreciate your effort.

Thanks

[Studemax]

Most users ever online was 719, 3 Days Ago at 09:57. (Jan 22, 2010)

My guess is half of them were people who didn't log out.

[Guest windjamer]

:confused: Hey Studemax, Why you raining on Peters parade?? :DWe all love ya Pete.