Northeastwrecks:
The formatting doesn't bother me, and I appreciate the effort that went into this.
That said, I note that the Board is now "open for business" to advertisers, etc... I'm planning to keep a rather close eye on this as I have no intention of getting scuba spam, regardless of what assurances might appear in the TOS. I've got better ways than a TOS to deal with those issues.
Hi Northeastwrecks,
Some respectfull thoughts in no particular order:
1. I see nothing to indicate email spam by the owner of this BB and frankly no one who monetizes a board like this even bothers. I'm speaking from many years of first hand experience. The revenue is derived from Campaigns sold at the top and the bottom of this BB. Although I respect your post it's also laced with some negative implications and perhaps threats without any measure of proof. If I have overreacted, please excuse me. It's really difficult to interpret the typed word is some cases.
2. You should continue to watch this Community. I encourage you and everyone else to do this.
You among others built it and contine to have a pride of ownership to a certain exstent. Forums are like buying shoes, you try a few pairs on, find the ones you like and sometimes they wear out so it's time to get a new pair of shoes. Some people have 2 or more pairs of fav shoes. Nothing personell
3. A board of this size cost a lot of money to run and maintain and last time I checked the owner did not have a 501c (IRS non profit status) classification so they have not only the obligation to monetize this Forum to cover costs but also generate a reasonable profit. Some of which is returned to members like you with enahnced features, greater stability, and a professional team of Guidence Counselors
For example, the daily bandwidth consumption of this BB is greater than 99% of all web sites. A reasonable guesstimate is over 12 gigs a day.
4. vB has several options that you control for email. Turn them all of if you wish and this may provide a greater measure of comfort for you. Matter of fact, their is absolutley NO way to exstract and use your email add via Admin if you have all your email options turned off.
5. I won't go into much of the details, but I can tell you with absolute assurance that this Community came very very close from vanishing from the face of the internet in the past. NOT with the current geeks in charge. Frankly and respectfully, I'm very happy that they steped up to the plate with all the new stuff and features. I for one will tell my fav dive shops, trainign org, boat operators, and travel agent to advertise on this BB. This really helps all of us and I respectfully encourage not only you but everyone else to do this.
Best of luck and dive safe
