Mailing List/K Factor - Mail List Alternatives...

[Keith Black]

Chris, Eric, et al,

I agree whole heartedly about the limitations on the NSRCA mailing list.

Options:

1. The NSRCA could invest in (or find free) forum software to build and run
our own forum.

Pros: Complete control and not dependent on anyone. Ability to only admit
who we wish to admit. (not that this is ever of often used)

Cons: Costs in dollars for software and man hours to maintain. No exposure
to massive numbers of new users.

2. Use an existing free service to host a private forum such as the Yahoo
Groups site that I have already setup. Check it out at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsrcadiscussion/

Pros: Free, no server costs for NSRCA. Much more functionality than the
current list, ability to read messages in a forum layout or in a mailing
list format that works identical to what we currently use. Ability for users
to upload pictures, files, search, etc.  Ability to conduct online polls.
Exposure to massive numbers of new users, but not necessarily users focused
on R/C. Ability to admit only who we wish to. Limited man hours to
setup/maintain.

Cons: Site is owned by an outside source, we're limited to the functionality
and limitations provided by the site (which BTW is already better than what
we have). Have to get a Yahoo UserID.

3. Move the official NSRCA forum to RCU.

Pros: Free, no server costs for NSRCA. Awesome functionality including
excellent ability to share pictures for the aforementioned build threads and
how-to's, powerful search engine, personal file/picture uploads, etc.
Ability to conduct online polls. Focused exposure to massive numbers of R/C
enthusiast. Virtually no man hours needed to maintain, other than a
moderator.

Cons: Ownership - site is owned by an outside source so ultimately we're not
in control. Completely open site so we can't limit to only those we want
(not really an issue). We're boosting someone else's business by bringing
our traffic to their site. They could disappear one day and we'd have to
find another solution. More people would see some of our stupid arguments.

Keith Black


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Moon" <cjm767driver at hotmail.com>
To: "Michael Laggis" <fishgod at pobox.mtaonline.net>
Cc: <discussion at nsrca.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 6:12 PM
Subject: Re: Mailing List/K Factor


> I agree this is an old way old doing things.  I don't know about the
> NSRCA's web server and its costs and limitations, but I know there is
> software out there (some free) that we could put onto the NSRCA's server
> and have an RCU type forum there w/ posting of pics etc.  Maybe our web
> team can look into this??
>
> Chris
>
> Michael Laggis wrote:
>
> >My true and honest belief is that using a mailing list for sharing ideas
and
> >information is obsolete.  With the free resources like RCUniverse where
> >people can post to threads, add pictures, do searches makes getting 20,30
> >and 40 email a day pretty useless.  The only reason for using a mail list
is
> >for people that only have an email account and no access to the internet.
I
> >would have to say that number is close to nil.
> >
> >Instead of complaining about the list,  stop using it and start using
> >RCUniverse.  Content there can be seen by pattern and non-pattern flyers.
> >Contest reports with pictures can be posted, build threads with pictures
and
> >descriptions will stay there and can be searched and used by anyone in
the
> >world.  Ideas can be shared with not just the NSRCA community but with
> >Pattern Flyers throughout the world.
> >
> >As for the K-Factor, When and if I receive my paper copy I have already
> >downloaded it.  It could be made electronic only and if someone again
does
> >not have access someone could print it out and give or send it to that
> >person.
> >
> >Again, these are personal opinions, If it is something that someone feels
> >really passionate about they should peruse an NSRCA vote on the subject
and
> >follow the results.
> >
> >
> >Michael Laggis
> >
> >
> >=================================================
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> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> =================================================
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>
> To access the email archives for this list, go to
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>

=================================================
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