81 replies to this topic

[SomethingNew71]

Hey everyone!

I am currently putting together a forum site using the same software theminiforum uses except for the US based users. I wanted to gauge the interest in something like this. Currently the only good forum solution out there is MiniMania which uses a very outdated forum system. There really isn't much organization to it although it houses some really great information. I feel that I could offer something much more structured and extremely similar to this forum. In addition it has the potential to also provide organization for Classic Minis United here in the US. (Our largest club).

If you think that this might be something worthwhile or you are interested in learning more take a look at my project page. My intention is not to market the site or make money off it. I really just want to make an awesome source of info for us American based Mini lovers. Not to say donations for startup costs wouldn't be greatly appreciated. If this shouldn't be posted here please let me know and I would be happy to remove it.

http://www.indiegogo...iForum?a=784246

[coopdog]

why do you need an america based forum?
its all the same :/

[SomethingNew71]

why do you need an america based forum?
its all the same :/

Yes in a great deal of respects it is the same. There are some nice things to have a US based for though. Help with import and export in the country. A central place to meetup with local mini people. And a place thy clubs could use to organize events and meetups in the us. Know what I mean?

[MiniElliott]

Couldn't you get a USA sub- forum on here ?

[Old Bob]

Trying to take members from one established forum to a new start-up is pretty poor form. If the new forum is any good, then it will attract new members and also get favourable mentions from other forum users - and thus, genuine viral growth. That way it grows. Trying to start on the backs of others tells everyone what sort of new forum it is likely to become.

Sorry Guys, that's what I think.

Bob

[Mabird]

I would think a USA sub forum would fit the bill, Mini Mad are you restricting it to Classic Minis or will the Binis be included

[SomethingNew71]

Couldn't you get a USA sub- forum on here ?

I thought about asking the admins here about that although I would like something more comprehensive that a US sub. It might work if they were willing to have a link (that appears as a subforum) that would redirect to our forum. We could even use a name like theminiforumusa.com. If they were ok with it of course. This way it could relate to the US base.

Trying to take members from one established forum to a new start-up is pretty poor form. If the new forum is any good, then it will attract new members and also get favourable mentions from other forum users - and thus, genuine viral growth. That way it grows. Trying to start on the backs of others tells everyone what sort of new forum it is likely to become.

Sorry Guys, that's what I think.

Bob

I completely understand what you are saying. My intention is not to take members from this forum. I just wanted to offer something more centered to the US mini base. I guess I didn't explain it properly but I have no intention of stealing any user base or getting other sites shut down. I just want to offer something better than whats out there for us USA based people.

I would think a USA sub forum would fit the bill, Mini Mad are you restricting it to Classic Minis or will the Binis be included

See my above response about the USA sub and I would ideally like it focused on old minis. There already is a HUGE forum for new minis in the US.

[mab01uk]

There is a very useful USA based classic Mini forum on the NAM (North American Motoring) New MINI forum,
see link below:
http://www.northamer...c-mini-talk-48/

Edited by mab01uk, 19 July 2012 - 07:07 PM.

[SomethingNew71]

There is a very useful USA based classic Mini forum on the NAM (North American Motoring) New MINI forum,
see link below:
http://www.northamer...c-mini-talk-48/

It can be pretty useful however it is more of an after thought to the main Bini forum that it focuses on. Throughout the restoration of my car I ended up having to come to this site or minimania for my information.

[UBSTANKN]

This forum is great for resources, but there are certain things a US based forums would be great for. Mainly connecting US owners with other US owners. I suggested that they create a US subforum on here and it didn't seem to go anywhere. US based classifieds would be useful and a way to organize local meets. Part supplies are a little more difficult to come by and experts, even harder.

Keep me posted

-Mike

[TA2DMAC]

I like the idea of a US based sub forum. I find this site very useful, knowledgable and fun. I do find it hard to connect with US Mini Owners. Part of it is because we are a small niche in a big country. The few I know of are usually on here or on NAM or Minimania. Of those there are only about 6 or 7 that are regualr participants.

If not a sub forum maybe I'll start a US owners thread.

The only thing that does bother me is the occasional sterotyping and knocking of us simply because we are on the other side of the pond, but I take it with a grain of salt and let it blow by. Much of it comes from ignorance and bad TV so I can't really be angry about it.

[Mabird]

I like the idea of a US based sub forum. I find this site very useful, knowledgable and fun. I do find it hard to connect with US Mini Owners. Part of it is because we are a small niche in a big country. The few I know of are usually on here or on NAM or Minimania. Of those there are only about 6 or 7 that are regualr participants.

If not a sub forum maybe I'll start a US owners thread.

The only thing that does bother me is the occasional sterotyping and knocking of us simply because we are on the other side of the pond, but I take it with a grain of salt and let it blow by. Much of it comes from ignorance and bad TV so I can't really be angry about it.

The sterotyping can work in the opposite direction too, I'm English and proud of it. During my 12 years here I have heard some very hurtful remarks about the Brits. In fact I have had hurtful remarks because I have a Union Jack on the roof of my Cooper. But there again Central Oregon is very "Redneck".

[UBSTANKN]

I like the idea of a US based sub forum. I find this site very useful, knowledgable and fun. I do find it hard to connect with US Mini Owners. Part of it is because we are a small niche in a big country. The few I know of are usually on here or on NAM or Minimania. Of those there are only about 6 or 7 that are regualr participants.

If not a sub forum maybe I'll start a US owners thread.

The only thing that does bother me is the occasional sterotyping and knocking of us simply because we are on the other side of the pond, but I take it with a grain of salt and let it blow by. Much of it comes from ignorance and bad TV so I can't really be angry about it.

The sterotyping can work in the opposite direction too, I'm English and proud of it. During my 12 years here I have heard some very hurtful remarks about the Brits. In fact I have had hurtful remarks because I have a Union Jack on the roof of my Cooper. But there again Central Oregon is very "Redneck".

Unfortunately, like most stereotypes there is always a bit of truth in there. I get bothered when anyone bases an opinion on all Americans based on "rednecks". Like any culture, there are plenty of people we are not proud of, nor wish to represent us and the redneck stereotype should not be applied to all Americans. Anyone who is close minded about culture and would say something hurtful because a car or person is British or any race or nationality other than their own is a disgrace to the whole society.

-Mike

[Mabird]

Mike, I never experienced any" Redneck" type behaviour when I lived in Washington state. I still can't get my head round people who still use the N word publically, are homophobic would rather go hunting than earn a couple of weeks wages (when this persons house was shortly to be foreclosed on) and judge a persons worth according to how many times they go to church per week. But I suppose thats just me

[TA2DMAC]

I get it too, being Canadian living in the US.
as soon as some people learn I'm Canadian they go into stupid mode.
Like you said it's bad stereotyping and lack of education on the matter.
I've met good and bad everywhere I've been.
Most Americans don't even know how the Union Jack came to be or what it represents.

Edited by TA2DMAC, 20 July 2012 - 12:20 PM.