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FPSC Classic Product Chat / A Serious Question - Is FPS-Files Worth keeping online?

Author
Message
TeMpLaR1
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 28th Sep 2005
Location: Australia
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 03:39
As you all know I don't really manage FPS-Files anymore due to real life activities. The web space renewal is due in a months time and I am just seeing if its worth renewing FPS-Files or not.

If you believe it is or that you still use the site frequently please post here, I will not pay for it if it isn't being used by people.

It would be nice to keep it running if its being used as there are lots of files on there worth keeping available.

-TeMpLaR (First post in ages)

NinjaKiller
15
Years of Service
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Joined: 12th Aug 2010
Location: Nearby
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 03:47
Yes! Keep it up! I cant bear losing another fps creator media website

-Ninjakiller
DarkJames
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th Aug 2009
Location:
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 03:57
Thats not a good answer Ninja Killer.


Templar, i been frequently visited the site, but i encounter troubles when downloading the file.

It is up to your choice, havent seen any model updates lately.


Design Runner
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 16th Oct 2010
Location: In my own little world.
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 04:37
I think the site is very valuable. While you don't see many members on at any given time (other than me, poloflece, DJscriible, and a few others), there are usually around 6 to 20 guests on. The site is used a lot and should be kept up in my opinion.

"If you can't handle me at my worst, you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best"
crispex
19
Years of Service
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Joined: 22nd Jun 2007
Location:
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 05:19
Here's the problem as I see it. You've got a well established site with at least 1k members, problem is you don't have any active members, which I assume would be due to lack of content not to mention reported broken downloads. You can't really run a site based on inactive users and old outdated content. Perhaps you can ask creators of mods to host mirrors of the free mods on your site, and that'd probably bring more traffic. Renewal on domains is around $11, which I assume is what you mean when talking about renewing, so even if you do renew it, it's not a deeply terrible loss.

I never really use the site, I maybe used once or twice, but many other people might like the site. Look into changing some things up like the design too. You should never change your design more than once a year, though. I did notice it's had the same design for ages, though.

I just now realized I've had a typo in my signature for the past 3 years.
CapnBuzz
16
Years of Service
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Joined: 8th Jan 2010
Location:
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 05:30
TeMpLaR1,

Just visited the site and found it "dead." Hmmmm...

Although I haven't used it in the past, I definitely think another FPSC resource aggregator is a good thing. Sorry active users has been low. It's always tough to generate and keep traffic.

If you decide to shut down, would you find another aggregator's site to house the files? There are a few others doing the same. It would be a shame for the community to lose all the content housed on your site.
Poloflece
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 14th May 2010
Location: Australia
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 06:52
I think it is a great website. But web traffic works like sheep. People will only go on it if other people are there. It would be a shame to see it go. People actually sign up almost every day. I'm not certain if I really can keep thinking about buying it. I do have the money but $400?, I know the that would be a worthy selling price on your side of the field as you have put a great ammount of effort into the site and payed for all of the renewals but it would require a big rework in order to attract traffic and in addition to the hosting fees.

I'm not saying purchasing it is a no go but I'll have a lot of thinking to do.

Poloflece


Rust Pack WIP here http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=178788&b=24
SH4773R
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jan 2010
Location: AMERICA!!!
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 06:52
Keep it for at least another few days... *starting to download all files*

My software never has bugs. It just develops random features.
Poloflece
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 14th May 2010
Location: Australia
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 06:53
He won't need to take it down until halfway throught the year I think.

Oh and I forgot to say congrats to design runner for the new position.

Poloflece


Rust Pack WIP here http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=178788&b=24
Scurvy Lobster
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 3rd Mar 2006
Location: Denmark
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 10:00
I think it's a great site but if you want it to be more simple to administrate then you could remove the forum and chat functions. People probably come for the downloadable content anyway.

The Storyteller 01
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th May 2009
Location: On a silent hill in dead space
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 10:26
Personally I appreciate every site, that deals with FPS Creator, but I have to admit, that I only go there to download stuff, not to engage in any activities.

I also prefer to download any content from the forum, because it's more likely here, that the developer will read my thanks&comments (My stuff is also uploaded on some sites but I never go there to check). Also there is usually more information/screenshots provided in the forum thread.

On the other hand these sites are kind of a "last hope" when the original download link from the forums is dead.

So personally, all I'd need would be an "FPSC Archive" site, that has the sole purpose to provide downloads from past ages (so to speak). But I see, someone has to pay the bills for the site, so if traffic is too low to get enough banner ads, it wouldn't pay off.

In case you find my grammar and spelling weird ---> native German speaker ^^
Johnski
16
Years of Service
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Joined: 23rd Dec 2009
Location: Norfolk, UK
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 10:34
I visit the site all the time, i have no problem downloading content from there but i do think you should remove the forum and chat. please dont take it down as it is a good asset to the community

The Host Is Aware Of Your Presents

FOR THE LITTLE AFRO DUDE!
TeMpLaR1
20
Years of Service
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Joined: 28th Sep 2005
Location: Australia
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 10:56
well I know the site Isn't as popular as it was and I'm not looking at constant activity I am seeing if its being used at all. I do see the occasion person on there and stuff and I did designate someone as the full time manager but he doesn't seem to be active much himself.

If anyone is up for the challenge hit me up and I can put you as a full administrator to, maybe someone can fix things and get it going again.

I don't really know why some downloads are dead, can't be any of the older files as I checked them one by one, they are probably recent editions or files uploaded by users.

If you know of files that don't work email me and I will correct it when I have chance.

So yeah, If people are stilll using the site time to time I will keep it, it isn't to much cost and if people click the Google ads, that pays for it.

Sting
15
Years of Service
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Joined: 18th Jan 2011
Location:
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 11:16
I think it is a valuable site and have used since EA it has been one of the only 'central' FPSC focused sites to stay online the longest. Is there no chance you could have moderators or such Templar? This way they could manage more of the uploads and limited management whilst you work away?
Wolf
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Nov 2007
Location: Luxemburg
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 11:28 Edited at: 3rd Mar 2011 11:29
FPS Files was a very reliable content storage I usually linked the Newbies to.

It had all of Cosmics Packs and a lot more.

I don't see why every websiteadmin nowadays wants to have a forum with active community members and all that crap.

FPS Files was the best fpsc media download portal right after this board.

taking it down seems a shame and pointless to me



-Wolf

God Helps the Beast in Me!
The Storyteller 01
17
Years of Service
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Joined: 11th May 2009
Location: On a silent hill in dead space
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 11:34
Quote: "I don't see why every websiteadmin nowadays wants to have a forum with active community members and all that crap."


As far s my knowledge of web business goes, companies prefer to give banner ads to sites with some kind of board or chat. These garantuee much more time spent on the site (=more time seening the ads) compared to just downloading.

But personally I agree, this forum here provides all the contacts & communication about FPSC one could ever want.

In case you find my grammar and spelling weird ---> native German speaker ^^
Poloflece
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 14th May 2010
Location: Australia
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 11:41
@sting

Design runner and I are both administrators on fpsf, I'd understand it is more the hosting costs and keeping the site up to date.

@ TeMPLaR1

Yeah Curt hasn't been very active. I would believe that's because of the decreased activity (although there's about five members active in the chatbox recently).
So anyway, I would think it's a good descision now that KeithC has retired from admin to sometime in the future add another director ( I'm not suggesting this because of my great powerlust... Well kind of )
But I see some good potential in Design runner swell.

I think fps files has still got what it takes to be a great site

Poloflece


Rust Pack WIP here http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=178788&b=24
The Storyteller 01
17
Years of Service
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Joined: 11th May 2009
Location: On a silent hill in dead space
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 12:09 Edited at: 3rd Mar 2011 16:32
I think to make an FPS related site more active and valuable would mean to provide the things that the TGC forum cannot. And the TCG forum has indeed a single weakness: Everything - no matter how cool - gets buried under new threads extremly fast.

So the key for me is something permanent
- FPS sites allready provide permanent display of downloads
- This could be further improved with larger comprehensive galleries (usually its just a single screen). Especially if its a pack as large as CP's usual are.
- A permanent gallery of screens (uploaded by visitors)could be included, that show off the content of the downloads. P.e. a forum thread "look what I've created with CP's Dark City Pack" wouldn't last long on this board here which is a pity, because it can really be inspiring.
- A list of the demos/games where that download is prominently used, could be displayed. Or even the download itself.
- The possiblity to contact the screen/game contributors could be provided

So for example we have the section for CP's Dark City Pack with his own screens and the download.
This section also includes a gallery where people post their screens of the maps the've created with it. Not only would it be nice for a lot of people to have their screens permanently displayed, it would also be helpfull for others who are about to download the stuff and don't know yet what potential it has.
There are also 2 downloadable demos that used the Dark City Pack as the core where a lot of the included things can be seen "in action".
And there are also the contacts provided to those who posted screenshots or uploaded games, so anyone can mail them asking "How did you create that awesome "Dark City" 6-level high destroyed hotel?"

But these are just my 2 frames on the topic

In case you find my grammar and spelling weird ---> native German speaker ^^
Nomad Soul
Moderator
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Jan 2007
Location: United Kingdom
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 12:33
Quote: "If anyone is up for the challenge hit me up and I can put you as a full administrator to, maybe someone can fix things and get it going again."


I have site admin experience so I can probably help if you want to add me.

KeithC
Senior Moderator
20
Years of Service
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Joined: 27th Oct 2005
Location: Michigan
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 14:18 Edited at: 3rd Mar 2011 14:18
Yep; I haven't had much time for anything lately, so I haven't done my Admin duties at FPS-Files in awhile. I concur with those talking about dumping the Chat and Forums. A simple contact form would suffice for any issues (such as someone uploading illegal content, etc.) that may arise. If the PM system had to go; admins could contact each other through emails or msn. The Site's navigation could use a little work (in my opinion), as it has always seemed a little hard to find where to go for downloads, etc. But that may just be me.

You also need to advertise it more on these boards; many new people have no idea it exists. Perhaps I should find a way to add sites like this to the Master Sticky?

I also agree that Nomad would be a great choice for helping out; he's VERY pro-FPSCreator!

-Keith

xplosys
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Jan 2006
Playing: FPSC Multiplayer Games
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 14:35
I can certainly understand the question, having shut down fpsFREE awhile ago.

I've always thought that having a forum for FPSC was unnecessary and redundant as your numbers seem to prove. While most FPSC users will continue to congregate here for their forum needs, there is always a need for redundant storage of files and packs. I guess you and Mike/Cathy are the only two out there. Forgive me if I missed anyone.

I found that providing news, reviews, and such was taking up too much of my time and with the quality and quantity of new media ever growing, just keeping up with that alone can be time consuming.

It's pretty much a thankless job too, but it's a great resource and whether or not it's worth your time and work is up to you. I have to agree with those who suggest you remove the unnecessary features and hopefully you can get some help to keep the content alive.

Thanks for all you do.
Brian.

... and the band played on.
extrickster
15
Years of Service
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Joined: 29th Jul 2010
Location: Southfield, MI
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 14:36
No, please do not take it down. I cannot ever find any resources for FPS creator. I believe if you monetize it with some ads you could earn off from it.
Gamer X
18
Years of Service
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Joined: 1st Feb 2008
Location: Planet X
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 15:41
I use the site although, I don't frequently go there as much as I use too. I still pop in when I remember there is some model on there that I could use and don't have.

In the end I say it's your decision and you should make the one you feel is right.

JRH
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Jul 2006
Location: Stirling, UK
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 16:13
I have used FPS-Files for downloads an uncountable number of times. In my opinion, it would be a shame to let it go after all the work that has gone into it. If you decide not to renew, please download the whole site to disk, encase you change your mind.

An idea I had, and that I am developing is a large database of all the free (and paid) media available, and links/prices for them. This includes official TGC model packs, and stuff from TGC store. It is a lot of work, but I had also planned on indexing your site aswell. Similar to what Gunn3r done a few years ago, before his site folded.

So... please keep your site active.

C++ is labourless... if your name starts with 'L' and ends with 'ee'.
defiler
17
Years of Service
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Joined: 4th Apr 2009
Location: Canada
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 18:58
I have used the site for downloading models I may have needed. Hopefully you won't take it down.

Current Project: Lost Contact: Chapter 1
firelord
19
Years of Service
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Joined: 4th May 2007
Location:
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 19:03
yes..i use the site to download files.dont really use the forum or chat..but the downloads are very helpfull...hope it stays online...
crispex
19
Years of Service
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Joined: 22nd Jun 2007
Location:
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 22:01
I think you simply need to reinvent the image of the site, as I stated above. Agreeing with the others, the site is good, but being as people don't like registering to begin with, I assume you could settle on a very simple download / upload site. Most people who make fan sites and upload sites normally fail because they try to become a new "keystone" site. Personally, I think an option to download without account should be offered in order to keep a quick interest in the site. All too many times people require registration, and the registration systems are broken, or it's for a site that offers little in downloadable content to suffice for the inconvenience of registering.

The next thing you need to do (note that these are just market studies I've done for a project based on common failures in startup websites), is advertise a bit. Just saying about it in passing isn't enough to peak an interest. Put advertisements in your signature, and any time people are looking for places to upload custom content, offer your site. There is nothing wrong with a bit of shameless advertising. I'm not suggesting you go and make a thread every other day, simply keep people interested.

Look at hosting sites like Rapidshare and Megaupload. These are key examples of crappy sites that get a lot of notoriety due to their convenience and quickness. Sure, you have to wait annoying times, but people will do anything to host files quickly and easily, no matter what other people are doing. I suggest a system of allowing open uploads to registered members, meaning anyone can upload their packs. Sure, it'd be more responsibility on your part, but it'd keep things flowing and give people a nice place to host their content.

Next thing I'd suggest would be to choose a simple, clean, and non-cluttered design. No offense, but your enter screen is a bit annoying for someone who wants to grab a quick file, and your design is a bit cluttered being as you use a pre-made CMS (not theme, but CMS, which appears to be PHP-Fusion, correct me if I'm wrong). Sites that are simple to navigate are ones people like. Look at Google, a simple search box. Nothing real major. Straightforward links, etc. Your best bet is to code yourself, though if you have a lack of time use a CMS like Joomla which can be customized to the very pin point settings.

The main problem with lack of popularity is the lack of people knowing about it, as stated by others. Old members know what it is, but the new generation of interested game creators have no clue what it is. Take xplosys site as an example. It was simple, and due to that simplicity it was a fairly popular site.

I don't want to sound arrogant, but for 5 years I went down this road trying to get a startup site going, and even then it was troublesome because it's hard getting a site popular and offer people things. What I find works is to keep things simple. Keep things simple, easy, and direct. Don't add features that you don't really need such as news feeds relating to FPS Creator. People can see that stuff on the forums, thus no need to elaborate. If it was news about the site, sure, but otherwise I wouldn't take the time. Same with forums. People don't like talking on forums that are inactive.

Wow. Quite a bit typed, sorry, I tend to go wild when typing.

I just now realized I've had a typo in my signature for the past 3 years.
That Guy John
16
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Joined: 30th Apr 2010
Location: United States
Posted: 3rd Mar 2011 23:37
I agree with some of the others that you should simplify it by getting rid of the forum and chat, instead of doing away with it.
Design Runner
15
Years of Service
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Joined: 16th Oct 2010
Location: In my own little world.
Posted: 4th Mar 2011 00:40
The forum is completely unused. However the chat I am finding to be very useful, especially for new-comers to learn the trade without getting yelled at for doing everything wrong on these forums. We can help people fully along the way, which is very useful. Of course, there is AIM, skype, and yahoo for that.

"If you can't handle me at my worst, you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best"
Soviet176
16
Years of Service
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Joined: 19th Sep 2009
Location: Volgograd
Posted: 4th Mar 2011 02:52
Templar, I have sent you an email about the FPSC Hud pack 4 I bought. I lost it and have sent in for a extra copy.

I also like FPS-files. I always use it.


General Jackson
User Banned
Posted: 4th Mar 2011 03:26
PLEASE do not take it down.
I love it very very much.
It would make me very sad to see it go down.
Poloflece
16
Years of Service
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Joined: 14th May 2010
Location: Australia
Posted: 4th Mar 2011 05:54
IMO the chatbox is very useful for getting fairly quick answers to a question and unlike here can be used more like IM

Poloflece


Rust Pack WIP here http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=178788&b=24
techno
15
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Joined: 28th Feb 2011
Location:
Posted: 22nd Mar 2011 19:40
Quote: "I will not pay for it if it isn't being used by people"


If it's your site you'll have access to the stats, so you know if it's being visited.
Omegamer
17
Years of Service
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Joined: 25th Feb 2009
Location: There
Posted: 23rd Mar 2011 13:17
I think you should really go on with the site.
Lots of people including me may have some special requests and need special kinds of models for their games.
FPS-Files is a very great source to get a game started and you dont need to worry about the unused forums, the name FPS-Files tells me:
Here are lots of FPSC Media, Download us!!!, if I want to download media before looking in this forums I visit FPS Files, if I want to show of a game or search for mods, I visit the TGC Forums.
So, please, keep it alive

Youtube Name: hardcoreluky
Facebook Name: Lukas Wilhelm
Current project: Solaris a scifi Shooter with retextured Stock Media.
Design Runner
15
Years of Service
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Joined: 16th Oct 2010
Location: In my own little world.
Posted: 25th Mar 2011 03:30
I would just like to add that Poloflece, me, and a few others are almost always on the chat box. (Well not so much lately for me due to lacrosse). You are always welcome to request a quick entity or segment, or just say hi.

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
King Fluffs
15
Years of Service
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Joined: 28th Nov 2010
Location: Telford
Posted: 15th Apr 2011 14:37
I think the site is worth keeping on.
It has some pretty damn good files, the octopus gun being my personal favourite.

Swift Beta Studios
lotgd
16
Years of Service
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Joined: 2nd Apr 2010
Location: italy
Posted: 15th Apr 2011 14:43
The site is beautiful, do not remove, I and my friends we go there forever.

Deevos Cranium
17
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Joined: 7th Sep 2008
Location: wales
Posted: 18th Apr 2011 21:55
I visit quite often and find it very usefull,would it be an idea to somehow get permission to upload all the downloadable content to the free section of the game creator store?
At least everyone would know that the content would exist and the work would maybe get some praise at the official fpsc forum?
Some of the models at fps files look fantastic,most i would pay for,just an idea.

Your signature has been erased by a mod please reduce it to 600x120 and no anim.
CID
16
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Joined: 25th Mar 2010
Location:
Posted: 25th Apr 2011 03:00
I agree with all the answers and the site is helpful in finding the older file. Keep it going if you can
Michael Thompson
17
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Joined: 15th Aug 2008
Location: Behind you (if not, in australia)
Posted: 25th Apr 2011 06:48
I believe it is. if you can not afford it, then just move to a free domain.

A mod has been erased by this sig because it is too large
charger bandit
16
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Joined: 10th Nov 2009
Location: Slovenia
Posted: 25th Apr 2011 12:44
If I can't make something or can't find it,I always go to FPS-Files


PekelaarSFX
16
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Joined: 11th Apr 2010
Location: Netherlands
Posted: 2nd May 2011 23:58
Ok, I just saw it a bit late, but here's my opinion for the site:

KEEP IT!

Why? Because a lot of people still use it to get free content.
There are more guest then Registered members because you don't have to be registered to download content. 1 thing that will help increase active members, is to have something thats going on. Like a Poll, Contest, Something people would like.

Then again, I'm guessing there are not much people donating to keep the site Up'n Running. So i think if we all participate in keeping the site Active, the site will be fine. Also i think a redesign will do the trick. and deleting members who are not active for over 30 days.

This is how i think.

- PekelaarSFX

PekelaarSFX - Storywriter & Audio Designer.
old_School
16
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Joined: 29th Aug 2009
Location:
Posted: 30th May 2011 23:39
Curt I posted some info on staff forums section, please review it and get back to me reguarding the future of the site. Thanks
underthegun
15
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Joined: 5th May 2011
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posted: 31st May 2011 19:38
@TeMpLaR1 Just the hosting or the domain, too? If hosting is an issue I would be happy to provide it for you. I can offer you, for free, 5GB space and 50GB bandwidth. If you need more let me know.
Poloflece
16
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Joined: 14th May 2010
Location: Australia
Posted: 1st Jun 2011 10:00 Edited at: 1st Jun 2011 10:02
He's renewed it for 2 years
edit: nope

Richar97
16
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Joined: 26th Jan 2010
Location:
Posted: 1st Jun 2011 13:35
Keep the site and get people to add more stuff because most of it is over 3 years old.

Thanks,
Richard
PU44
15
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Joined: 26th Jun 2011
Location:
Posted: 26th Jun 2011 15:04
I think it is a great website.
Please keep this site active.
Peter
Ikey
16
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Joined: 17th Apr 2010
Location: Look in the back seat of your car
Posted: 26th Jun 2011 23:06
Losing everything would seem an awful shame. There is much on there that is either not on the actual forum, or the links on the forum for it are broken. Perhaps saving it all then handing the media off to someone else who would be able and happy to kep it up - or if you can find one large enough to take all of the files -a free hosting service. I understand that that one is a long shot due to having a LOT on that site. I would offer to actually take the job if you decided to shut down, but I'm currently stuck on my notebook (most of the time) which only has about 0.5 GB free space. Anyway, enough of my rambling - keeping it up is entirely your decision. The main thing is that you somehow make sure the media is kept safe and not just lost with the site.


sic1ne
15
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Joined: 23rd Sep 2010
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Posted: 27th Jun 2011 02:22
please keep the site i go to the site everyday just to check and see if there is anything new also it has alot of older models that are still usefull and great!thanks


Poloflece
16
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Joined: 14th May 2010
Location: Australia
Posted: 27th Jun 2011 09:29
The site's been renewed for 2 years

New features are in beta testing

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