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[JamesV6CDX]

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.

[TheBoy]

might be funds to help the Admins run the system and buy new,( decent !) hard drives for storage.

Blimey, you can hear the noise the drives are currently making from Cleackheaton  

[TheBoy]

(even if that does mean Rover head gaskets )

Thats the price you have to pay...

[Admin]

might be funds to help the Admins run the system and buy new,( decent !) hard drives for storage.

Blimey, you can hear the noise the drives are currently making from Cleackheaton  

You're not telling me that drive is still struggling along??  

If we need another, let me know.

[TheBoy]

might be funds to help the Admins run the system and buy new,( decent !) hard drives for storage.

Blimey, you can hear the noise the drives are currently making from Cleackheaton  

You're not telling me that drive is still struggling along??  

If we need another, let me know.

You worry too much

Me, I just close the door so I can't hear it....  

[Paul M]

I agree that the current setup is preferable to a club. I have several professional memberships and the amount of printed magazines I receive through the post (several of them from the US) is overwhelming -- often they get binned before I've even opened them. As a result I've switched most of them to online versions instead, as that way I can choose to read them whenever it suits and if I don't get round to it there's no waste. When even age-old organisations like this are moving towards electronic distribution of their publications, it implies that a paper magazine would be completely unncecessary for a new internet founded place like this.

I do agree with the idea of PDF versions of some of the how-tos. They're much easier to print and reference if laid out correctly. As mentioned edits or updates will be more difficult so I think someone knowledgeable should "sign off" a how-to before it is converted -- this would confirm that the information contained within it is correct and complete, reducing the liklihood that changes will be required. I can certainly help out here if desired; I have a copy of Acrobat Pro (fully licenced of course) on my laptop, as well as PDFLaTeX on my desktop PC. Personally I'd consider PDFLaTeX the better option as all you need is the content, it's much easier to edit and keep everything consistent both within a document and between all documents, although I appreciate probably very few people on here will have any knowledge of (La)TeX.

[TheBoy]

I use the freebie CutePDF, which acts just like a printer, similar to Acrobat Distiller.  Of course, you lose a lot of flexibility with it, but if you want a simple, non indexed PDF, it works...

[TheBoy]

Also, the originals would be held in their original Word/Publisher/Whatever format, so updates are easy enough to do...   ...though this may need additional help from members...

[CaptainZok]

I think PDF howtos are a great idea, often I have to work at a mates where I don't have decent net access and a print out or downloaded copy would be very useful.

On the subject of updating surely a note to check online for any minor updates would suffice.

Sure a club could spawn trade club/halfords cards but I don't see any major benefits that we can't get anyway by working together the way this forum always has.

If hosting costs ever become an issue I'm sure a way will be found to overcome it as the site admins have done with the many small problems that have beset this forum since its inception.

Just my twopenneth.

[Darth Loo-knee]

When i came and joined this site only a few weeks ago I came thinking the same thing about a club magazine and badges and stuff and put virtually the same post as Eddy, but being total honest i have changed my mind. The reason, like others who have posted replies if you have any sort of problem with your Omega or anything else for that matter there is someone on here to either lend a hand or advise, also I do think this site is a friendly place to be.

As for hard drives and computers! i can switch the thing on and get on here thats about it;D

If a new hard drive or whatever is needed to help the Admin Guys i think it only fair for members to Chip in. Maybe have a meet get to know other members somewhere and have a beer and an enjoyable day for all. If everyone on the day gave a tenna that would surely help.

Its worth a tenna at least for me gets me out of the way of Coronation Street

Loo-knee