Back Online - Details and more here.

RiotNrrd · Post by **RiotNrrd** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:47 pm

I hear you about the donations. Really, it's not a long-term workable solution.

I think that there probably is a downside to having Korg host the site, since once they're footing the bill they may have some "suggestions" about how to manage it which might not be possible to refuse. To me, that would be a worry.

I think a membership fee would kill this forum almost instantly. I would recommend against that idea.

Ads don't bother me at all, on the other hand. Especially if they relate to music - then they're actually on-topic, so to speak. I would prefer Google ads to giant flashing banners, but whatever it takes to fund the forums is actually ok by me.

BartB · Post by **BartB** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:55 pm

The main problem with Google ads is that those will only be generating income if they're clicked. I think Google ads are highly overrated and won't bring in enough money to even pay for the domain registration fee.

I agree, turning the forum in a "paid members only" site is killing. Just look at the number of "Guest" users that are browsing the forum. None of those guests will ever feel that they want to register to take part in the forum if they can't see what it's like - because it's closed for non-members...

Running ads isn't a bad thing. Refusing ads that can help you pay the bills isn't something to be proud of. I think it's stupid.

Post by **Sharp** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:55 pm

Hi all.

Thought you might get a kick out of this.
The blue line is korgforums page views, and the red are Yamaha's official motifator.com

Regards.
Sharp.

ellll · Post by **ellll** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:42 pm

I would vote/suggest/or push...;

ads, donations, and a membership fee last...

Regards, John (Johnny, ellll)

benok · Post by **benok** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 11:05 pm

hi glad we are back,i also belong to the motifar forum ,it is a good forum, lots of good info on it. a yearly donation would be fine with me ,for this forum, others are doing it also, as they are supporting them selfs, so thank you sharp for your hard work benok

benok · Post by **benok** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 11:24 pm

hi look at the motifar forum, they have ads , third party stuff, soft ware and such for their boards, perhaps we could go along this line, just a suggestion from me , benok

shrike · Post by **shrike** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 11:43 pm

This is great news, that Korg offered dedicated server.

I don't think they will mess with our rights to say our opinion. That kind of policy would eventually turn us, Korg products users and KF members, away, and that's surely not something Korg will risk happening.

I believe Korg sees this community as precious source of feedback information. And that's always good to have.

Sharp and Daz handled this site very correctly but with firm hand so far. I believe they can sort some mutually satisfying conditions about running this forum at Korg's server.

In light of this new information, I think it's the best solution.

Mickb · Post by **Mickb** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:23 am

Hi

It's great to see KorgForums back online again I was starting to suffer from withdrawl symptoms

I would be very willing to contribute financially to keep KF online, however I think getting KORG involved, so long as it does not interfere with the independent ethos of KF will be a good longterm move.

Sharp, Daz,

If there is any way in which I can help in , or contribute to KF please shout

fierlion · Post by **fierlion** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:30 am

Thanks for everything moderators! (and especial thanks to Daz for his work!)

I post on the Moog forums which are owned by Moog and I've noticed definite benefits of having the parent company so intimately tied to its forums--Many of the elements in the new Little Phatty os seem to have been influenced if not initiated on the Phatty forums (as I believe some of the RADIAS updates were culled from the RADIAS forum) Doesn't it seem possible to send slices of the forums over to KORG--those which obviously benefit the company? Would splitting the forums into two or three separate clumps each separately hosted and maintained, possibly one maintained by KORG itself ease the load?

Honestly I'd imagined that KORG supported these forums because they're nothing if not great advertising.

Korg's product line forums go to KORG.
General Techniques--ie general synthesis--as related specifically to KORG synths, sampleboxes, etc. remain here as could Community Whatever forums. Each of these separate forums could be intimately linked to one another.

or:

Another (admittedly slightly different) forum which I haunt called supernaturale.com has two separate but equal forums Glimmer and Glitter with their own complimentary communities each discussing craft/handmade items. This seems to work for them and might work here. Though again there is the problem of doubled moderation load...

Really though I'm probably just talking out my neck.

Davidb · Post by **Davidb** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 7:05 am

Glad to see everything is solved for the moment.

Now, regarding the future, adds and banners is the way to go, IMHO.

Most of the forums all around the world do this a way to exist, and they do, maintaining its integrity and identity. Besides, you can always control who and how will be able to do ti, and i´m sure most of the best reputables stores and companies will be interested in support this community.

My 0.2 cents to the bag of oppinions.

Thanx for the hard work mantainig all this up.
We do appreciatte it for what it worths.

chris · Post by **chris** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 9:06 am

Hi,

Great thanks to Sharp and Daz for their efforts to keep this wonderfull forum up and running. This is the best one I've ever seen about Korg stuff since years and I'm a big fan of it.

I share the option of having ads sitting on Korg Forums as it's a good way to finance it.

The dedicated server offer from Korg is also a good opportunity. Anyway, you need to make sure that the forum remains objective so that it is still attractive for the community. Maybe you could imagine to split the hosting of it:
- Having the downloads section hoted by Korg
- Having the forum up and running on the current hosting

Good luck gents

Akos Janca · Post by **Akos Janca** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:28 am

I'm glad to see the forum back online. Thank the administrators very much and all who may it concern.

If you want and if it helps, we members can vote regarding the hard decision. For this it would be good to know the estimated amount of membership fee.

DrWho · Post by **DrWho** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:34 pm

Ugh - I HATE ads - of any kind. I am sick of being bombarded in every societal aspect with freakin' ads.

I prefer to pay for what I want - ad free. KF has always been ad free and I would hope it stays that way.

One upside of no ads is that the interface is more mobile device friendly.

I also don't think placing restrictions - the type that was might occur if any big company sponsored a forum.

I am hoping that since the donation approach has worked in the past, that it somehow can continue to work going forward. Since I have been haunting, I think there has only been one passing of the tin cup. I say pass da tin cup around more often and/or make it bigger.

Thank you Sharp and Daz for your invaluable support !

nitecrawler · Post by **nitecrawler** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:42 pm

"For example, up until now KORG have had zero control over anything we do, or what gets posted. So how does being supported by them changes this. We have already agreed that the download section would have to go, so there is much to discuses."

I understand that you, Sharp, could just return this section back to Irish Acts, but it does bring up a question of limiting the forum's independence. Also, what could come up in the future that could be restricted? Maybe, though distasteful, ads with their income would provide the freedom of expression that I think all members would appreciate.

nitecrawler

Daz · Post by **Daz** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:33 pm

It's good to be back ... hi everyone

Korg have always supported us by letting us have the independence that we requested, but still having their folks come here and share their knowledge of the products. Take Dan Phillips for example, he's supported us with a lot of his time.

As for the future, we're exploring our options and trying to find the best fit.

This conversation we're having right here is useful, because it's not just about me, Sharp or Korg ... it's about you lot too ! Keep the thoughts coming.

Daz.

Back Online - Details and more here.

Thanks!