Ford & Yahoo! Aiming to obsolete F-150 Online?
Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, Tx
I believe just from what I've read that nobody wants to see this site go. I'm in agreement with everything I've read. Just for the record I find this site of value enough that if I had to pay a dues to be a member than so be it. Steve you've done a wonderful job here. Don't underestimate the power of your members.
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'98 F150 4X4 ExtCab Flareside ORP. Current Mods: Billet Grille, K&N Filter, Spray-in Bedliner, 285-75-16 BFG A/T's, Removed 4X4 Stickers, True Dual exh.
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'98 F150 4X4 ExtCab Flareside ORP. Current Mods: Billet Grille, K&N Filter, Spray-in Bedliner, 285-75-16 BFG A/T's, Removed 4X4 Stickers, True Dual exh.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 0
Steve
I sure do hope that your site will continue on and that Ford was not giving you a F-ollow U-p message. A corporate site will never have free exchange of ideas and who in their right minds would be citing modifications to their vehicles with that type of control. Hey who knows maybe 1984 will arive at the Net. The control of information is key and he who holds the keys has control. Lets all hope that that is not the case.
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BABolt
SVT#290
I sure do hope that your site will continue on and that Ford was not giving you a F-ollow U-p message. A corporate site will never have free exchange of ideas and who in their right minds would be citing modifications to their vehicles with that type of control. Hey who knows maybe 1984 will arive at the Net. The control of information is key and he who holds the keys has control. Lets all hope that that is not the case.
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BABolt
SVT#290
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Steve,
I am a little confused here. What is the legal problem with this site concerning Ford. Your name? Are you telling us you cannot have a brand name related independant site? Are you saying we cannot comment on the Internet about a certain product on a site that deals with this product?
Please advise so I can comment further on this issue.
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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)
I am a little confused here. What is the legal problem with this site concerning Ford. Your name? Are you telling us you cannot have a brand name related independant site? Are you saying we cannot comment on the Internet about a certain product on a site that deals with this product?
Please advise so I can comment further on this issue.
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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)
F150online
Founder
Founder
Joined: Nov 1996
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 0
From: Roswell, GA USA
Dunbarton,
Legally, "f-150" is trademarked by Ford Motor Company, and if they chose to pursue it, they have legal grounds to shut down the site. I don't want this thread to turn into a legal discussion, however. Suffice to say, they have the grounds.
Steve
Legally, "f-150" is trademarked by Ford Motor Company, and if they chose to pursue it, they have legal grounds to shut down the site. I don't want this thread to turn into a legal discussion, however. Suffice to say, they have the grounds.
Steve
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 1
From: Blue Ridge Mountains, GA
Ford always did have a knack for pi$$ing off it's customers. If they shut this site down I would rather go back to shovie than give them another $. I hope they read this because I plan on ordering a YELLOW 2001 LIGHTNING!!!
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'97 XLT Reg. Cab, 4.2V6, 5spd, Superchipped, K&N Air Filter, Lund Deflector, Dash Mat, MagnaFlow Muffler, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Edelbrock Shocks, Duraliner, Extang Saber Tonneau, Painted Tailgate Handle, Bell-Tech 2" Rear Drop, Amer. Rac. Atlas Wheels Clad in 275/60/17 Eagle GTII. Likes straightaways, loves twisties.
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'97 XLT Reg. Cab, 4.2V6, 5spd, Superchipped, K&N Air Filter, Lund Deflector, Dash Mat, MagnaFlow Muffler, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Edelbrock Shocks, Duraliner, Extang Saber Tonneau, Painted Tailgate Handle, Bell-Tech 2" Rear Drop, Amer. Rac. Atlas Wheels Clad in 275/60/17 Eagle GTII. Likes straightaways, loves twisties.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,929
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City
No problem steve just email all of the registered users with the new domain name for this site.
We will all follow.
As for me I don't know what I would do without F150online.
Manufactures sites tend to censor anything they don't like.
How long to you think a fake oil gauge thread would last on the Ford site?
Pistin slap?
Door crack?
They would immediately delete these threads.
I've seen it happen on many message boards and it stinks
Steve, just remeber you have 3700 ppl behind you on this and we will show up for court if it goes to trial.
BTW if you care about free speech check this out:
www.lp.org
[This message has been edited by 54regcab (edited 01-10-2000).]
We will all follow.
As for me I don't know what I would do without F150online.
Manufactures sites tend to censor anything they don't like.
How long to you think a fake oil gauge thread would last on the Ford site?
Pistin slap?
Door crack?
They would immediately delete these threads.
I've seen it happen on many message boards and it stinks
Steve, just remeber you have 3700 ppl behind you on this and we will show up for court if it goes to trial.
BTW if you care about free speech check this out:
www.lp.org
[This message has been edited by 54regcab (edited 01-10-2000).]
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Steve,
OK, now I fully understand, the issue is about the "F150" copyright.
No, I don't want to turn this topic into an armchair attorney's issue either but if that is the only problem change the name of the site........
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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)
OK, now I fully understand, the issue is about the "F150" copyright.
No, I don't want to turn this topic into an armchair attorney's issue either but if that is the only problem change the name of the site........
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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)
Registered User
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Laurel, Maryland, US
Steve,
Going up againt a corporate giant like FMC is a daunting task but remember that you have 3000+ people standing behind you. Ford would love to have all of us in their back pocket they can not buy our opinions. It is that very fact that scares corporations into trying to shut down sites like this (legal?), and that fact which makes this site so incredibly valueable to us the user of FMC products. Whether or not you want to continue this site (I hope so) is a personal decision but if you need help doing so feel free to tap the resources, technical and financial, of the sites membership. Speaking of finances, someone above mentioned charging dues. I say go for it but make it optional. Personally, I pay for numerous magazine subscriptions ($20-$30 a year) that I do not enjoy nearly as much as the content of f150online. I would be more than willing to keep this site going from a financial standpoint. Not everyone will be comfortable paying for a membership so throw in a t-shirt and/or a new bumber sticker. If 1000 of the 3000 members pay $10-$20 a year for membership that would provide lots of additional capital for upgrades, etc.
Bryant
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2000 F150 Lariat 4X2, 5.4 w/ 3.55 LS,
Amazon Green, Medium Parchment, tow package,
sliding rear window w/ F150.com sticker,
Ford bug deflector, Sportmasters hinged tonneau.
[This message has been edited by bryant (edited 01-10-2000).]
Going up againt a corporate giant like FMC is a daunting task but remember that you have 3000+ people standing behind you. Ford would love to have all of us in their back pocket they can not buy our opinions. It is that very fact that scares corporations into trying to shut down sites like this (legal?), and that fact which makes this site so incredibly valueable to us the user of FMC products. Whether or not you want to continue this site (I hope so) is a personal decision but if you need help doing so feel free to tap the resources, technical and financial, of the sites membership. Speaking of finances, someone above mentioned charging dues. I say go for it but make it optional. Personally, I pay for numerous magazine subscriptions ($20-$30 a year) that I do not enjoy nearly as much as the content of f150online. I would be more than willing to keep this site going from a financial standpoint. Not everyone will be comfortable paying for a membership so throw in a t-shirt and/or a new bumber sticker. If 1000 of the 3000 members pay $10-$20 a year for membership that would provide lots of additional capital for upgrades, etc.
Bryant
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2000 F150 Lariat 4X2, 5.4 w/ 3.55 LS,
Amazon Green, Medium Parchment, tow package,
sliding rear window w/ F150.com sticker,
Ford bug deflector, Sportmasters hinged tonneau.
[This message has been edited by bryant (edited 01-10-2000).]
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
54,
You don't fully understand. It's a copyright issue using "F150" in the URL. Has nothing whatsoever to do with free speech.
You can't win with a million people in court if you are using a copyright name or slogan without permission.
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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)
You don't fully understand. It's a copyright issue using "F150" in the URL. Has nothing whatsoever to do with free speech.
You can't win with a million people in court if you are using a copyright name or slogan without permission.
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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: Michigan Rocks and then some too!!!
Geeez I hope this isn't what your worried about:
A LITTLE MATH FOR THE IMBRED (Msg # 1)
Previous 40 | Next 40 [ First | Last ] Msg #:
Post
# Subject Author Date (ET)
4 Ford, Chevy,and Dodge all suck
Hooksta 1/7/2000 1:42 pm EST
3 A LITTLE SPELLING FOR THE FEEBLE MINDED
thomster 1/7/2000 12:48 pm EST
2 chevrolet sucks
It looks pretty "ticky tacky" to me.
If I ever find my self in one of those threads, I'll need some of Raouls meds.
Steve, what ever you need to keep this "Intelligent, Well organized, Supportive, and fun loving group" going let us know.
A LITTLE MATH FOR THE IMBRED (Msg # 1)
Previous 40 | Next 40 [ First | Last ] Msg #:
Post
# Subject Author Date (ET)
4 Ford, Chevy,and Dodge all suck
Hooksta 1/7/2000 1:42 pm EST
3 A LITTLE SPELLING FOR THE FEEBLE MINDED
thomster 1/7/2000 12:48 pm EST
2 chevrolet sucks
It looks pretty "ticky tacky" to me.
If I ever find my self in one of those threads, I'll need some of Raouls meds.
Steve, what ever you need to keep this "Intelligent, Well organized, Supportive, and fun loving group" going let us know.
F150online
Founder
Founder
Joined: Nov 1996
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 0
From: Roswell, GA USA
Ok, it seems to be getting off topic slightly...
What I wanted to point out is that with the Yahoo!/Ford agreement, they will be putting together a community site that appears to have the goal of making sites like F-150 Online obsolete.
I agree 100% with the argument that people may not want to speak freely on a Ford controlled site, but keep in mind (according to the article), these sites will maintain the Yahoo! brand, not the Ford brand.
This branding does make them independent and a threat and slap in the face to F-150 Online.
The domain, URL, graphics, etc are really not related to this argument...
What I wanted to point out is that with the Yahoo!/Ford agreement, they will be putting together a community site that appears to have the goal of making sites like F-150 Online obsolete.
I agree 100% with the argument that people may not want to speak freely on a Ford controlled site, but keep in mind (according to the article), these sites will maintain the Yahoo! brand, not the Ford brand.
This branding does make them independent and a threat and slap in the face to F-150 Online.
The domain, URL, graphics, etc are really not related to this argument...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Steve,
Directly to the issue: We don't need Yahoo or Ford! Ford has taken from this site but has given nothing in return. WE have taken and given to this site, not Yahoo or Ford. We NEED this site and if necessary, a "Rose" by another name......
Thirty seven hundred plus can be advised and do what they want. But I can guarantee you that those of the 3700 who enjoy this site for what is it will stay and tell their friends just like now and the site will still grow. And Ford can shove it where the sun don't shine if they want.
Besides, if F150online goes I'll have too much free time on my hands and THEN I'll be PO's because my wife will find things for me to do!!
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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)
Directly to the issue: We don't need Yahoo or Ford! Ford has taken from this site but has given nothing in return. WE have taken and given to this site, not Yahoo or Ford. We NEED this site and if necessary, a "Rose" by another name......
Thirty seven hundred plus can be advised and do what they want. But I can guarantee you that those of the 3700 who enjoy this site for what is it will stay and tell their friends just like now and the site will still grow. And Ford can shove it where the sun don't shine if they want.
Besides, if F150online goes I'll have too much free time on my hands and THEN I'll be PO's because my wife will find things for me to do!!
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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
All,
I for one would absolutly barf if every post began with:
"We pride ourselves on
becoming the world's leading consumer company for automotive products
and services."
And ended with:
"Thank you for taking the time to contact Ford Motor Company.
Please feel free to contact us again should you have any other
inquiries, concerns or comments regarding your vehicle."
Which is exactly what you would have if it was run by FMC! As many before have mentioned, where would I (as a novice) be able to obtain the HONEST advise and FAST response to my many silly questions?
Go "Ftruckonline" you rule! They don't have the copyright on that one do they?
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Paul... :-)
99 F-150 XLT SC Sport, 4.6L, Auto, Captain Chairs, Class III Towing Package, 3.55 LS, Sliding Rear Window, White, 4X2, CD, Soft Factory Tonneau Cover, K&N Filter, WMS Velocity Tube, Line-X Spray on Bed Liner...
More to come
I for one would absolutly barf if every post began with:
"We pride ourselves on
becoming the world's leading consumer company for automotive products
and services."
And ended with:
"Thank you for taking the time to contact Ford Motor Company.
Please feel free to contact us again should you have any other
inquiries, concerns or comments regarding your vehicle."
Which is exactly what you would have if it was run by FMC! As many before have mentioned, where would I (as a novice) be able to obtain the HONEST advise and FAST response to my many silly questions?
Go "Ftruckonline" you rule! They don't have the copyright on that one do they?
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Paul... :-)
99 F-150 XLT SC Sport, 4.6L, Auto, Captain Chairs, Class III Towing Package, 3.55 LS, Sliding Rear Window, White, 4X2, CD, Soft Factory Tonneau Cover, K&N Filter, WMS Velocity Tube, Line-X Spray on Bed Liner...
More to come