I have just read this thread for the first time, and thought I would give my tuppence worth.
For those who are not aware - Before this forum was set up, a reasonably small number of us belonged to another, larger forum, where Dave (LaidBack66) was an Administrator for the Omega section.
I don't know all the ins and outs, but I'm aware that the site we belonged to was growing significantly. As a result of this, certian measures were implemented which we found restricted the way in which we wanted to operate, hence Dave's decsion came about to set up this forum, where we could continue to interact and develop our interests for Omega's just as before.
I joined this forum at the very beginning when most of the first users signed up, and at first I wasn't sure how sucesfull it would be, if I'm honest. I thought, how can that little site, with such few users, compete with such a big site with so many members, how can it ever match the resources of information...
It looks like I was proved wrong, because this site has come on in leaps and bounds.
Although OOF has grown significantly, I still get the feeling of peing part of a very tight, friendly and informal community, and like others, I class many of the other members as friends.
I'm sure as the forum grows, and need arises, then new ideas will be considered and implemented, on an as-needed basis.
Whatever happens with the future, from what I know of the admins, (Having personally met Laidback66 and TheBoy), I would remain 100% confident and be happy to re-assure anyone that whatever happens will be in the best interests of us, the members. I am also confident that there will never ever be a financial charge for the helpful information this site provides. Although, as an aside, things such as basic hosting costs I would be happy to contribute my share to if ever the need came up.
As Dave states, the ethos of this site will never change.
For me, it's the fact that I've got re-assurance of being continually looked after in this way, that keeps me a dedicated member, and is one reason why as a result I'm often willing to help out other members, (even if that does mean Rover head gaskets
)
Seriously, I've never come across anything like it on the Internet in my life. Genuine people, sharing a genuine interest, all willing to help each other out, and having a lot of fun in the process. Not only does being a part of this community give you a great feeling, but it also makes life one heck of a lot easier to own one of these monsterous vauxhalls
If there was anything I could ever do to help out with the OOF then you'd only have to say the word.. it's been worth it's weight in gold to me over the last 6 months.