I too prefer the valuable and neutral opinion and/or information that this site provides. I would not stake any credibility to information provided by a company supported Web site, especially FMC. My reasoning is the information provided would be nothing more than a marketing tool for there own products and market share. Information that is provided in a non-bias and neutral manor is much more meaningful and useful to me personally, much like Consumer Reports. So, Steve even if you where sponsored by FMC I would find this site of less value.

You are fighting the good fight man and keep it up.


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99' F-150 XLT SC 4X4 ORP LS 4.6L K&N Air Filter & Custom 3" Intake from fender to TB, Superchip, A.R.E. Cover, Duraliner bed liner, Rapidflow 3" single CatBack exhaust, Fluidyne Trany cooler.

 

Exactly

 

I'd agree with Selva on this. Most corporate sites have a decidedly biased slant towards whoever is 'buttering their toast'. By keeping this site free from corporate influence, you've created a true free-market society where ideas are expressed freely (sometimes too freely!) and information can be shared without regard to who is paying the bill. I would wonder too, how much open discussion Ford would allow on it's own site without exercising some editorial control, the piston-slap and door crack threads come to mind. I understand that you have bigger plans for this site and my hope is that you can realize those plans without the lure of corporate funding. Just my 2¢ worth.

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2000 F-150 Lariat SB Supercab 4x4 Off-Road Pkg, Tow Pkg. 5.4L, 3.55 LS rear, Bright Red over Silver, Med. Graphite Guts, Rear Slider, K&N Filter, Cabin Filtration System, Superchip.

 

STEVE - Got to be a "BUMMER"
This is a good site for pros & cons regarding the vehicle we love/hate.

Re your 5 observations,
1) Dont shut it down, if it's possible to keep it going.

2) I don't think we need a "hate Ford" site - you do that and you sink to the lower quality site level.

3)Continue ? - if at all possable

4)Block the .coms? - if you can - why not.

5)Sell the site - would this be adventageous, to whom. would it help continue the site? What would be the disadvantages.

It would seem to me that the very reason this site is here is that there is NO factory propaganda poo-pooing problems, perhaps even restricting on line complaints, or questions if they become annoying IE - "door cracks" & "piston slap".

Would a "factory site" post user mod's ? and allow the banter that goes on amoungst the 3000 plus members ? I doubt either.

Where else can you get the "real time info" that is available here?

Would they even allow Raoul on????

I could go on - but, I hope you get the idea.

I can well understand your frustration, but a site like this is needed and should NOT be abandoned if at all possible.

We members also need input from you as to werther or not you WANT to continue and what might be required by us, should you choose to continue it.

The effort you have put into the site must be tremendous and I for one can almost feel your dissapointment. I doubt that there is even one member, or visitor that could critisize your input.

We can only await your decision.

P.S. I hope YOU & F150 online stay.

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98 F150 S/C 4.6 2wd Vermillion/Silver,HD Tow Pkg, Boards, Vents, Bug Chaser, DIY "breezer" Tailgate, 5th whl hitch, Tool box, 16" OEM Mag's,
Mobil1 /Wix Oil filter/ K&N / air box mod.
In looks & go - Chevy - like a rock.


[This message has been edited by roadrunner (edited 01-10-2000).]

 

I agree with the above.

Let them build their mega site, we can go over there and 'steal' as many members as you want.

(Unless of course, it's true that they really won't let me in )

[This message has been edited by Raoul (edited 01-10-2000).]

 

I just have to think that at some point I need to be a little selfish. I have never once asked for anything from Ford, but I do feel that this site has presented them with a tremendous amount of information over the past three years.

And what does F-150 Online get as a thank you? A big ole slap in the face. I checked out the latest version of the OwnerConnection - a lot of new links, but none to F-150 Online, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Mustang World, Corral...just a bunch of magazines with worthless advertising-oriented web sites...

If my interpretation of the agreement between Yahoo! and Ford is correct, I do not see a reasonable (personal) goal for this site. I can continue on with the $100 or so a month profit it puts in my pocket or I can treat Ford the same way it is treating me, by getting rid of my F-150 and moving on.

As much as it would pain me to discontinue this site (primarily for the sake of all of you), I see it as a logical alternative.

Steve

P.S. - I have not reached that conclusion, far from it. I guess I am just (noticeably) angry, frustrated and upset at this moment.

 

I'm sorry to hear of these developments. This is truly a classy site with a lot of fun folks. I can see your disappointment with Ford. But clarify me on one thing: When you started this website, was there a "personal goal" in mind or did you do it because you enjoyed it and wanted to have fun and share experiences with fellow Ford truck owners? If that was the case, then why should it matter whether or not Ford wants to involve F-150 Online in their venture? Has your goal changed? *curious*

If you are tiring of the upkeep of this site (which I am sure is a very daunting task) or if it is more trouble than it is worth, that's one thing. But to shut the site down as a big "F-U" to Ford will, I'm afraid, cause little if any consternation at FMC, and instead leave a group of fine folks without a wonderful and fun site to visit and be part of.

Good luck in your decision!

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1999 F-150 4x4 SuperCab, Deep Wedgewood Blue, ORP, 4-Wheel ABS, Loaded, Flowmaster 50 series, K&N, Tint, Super-White headlights, Westin Nerf Bars, Toff Spray-On Bedliner, Pioneer DEH-P3000 and TS-A6815 speakers, ADS PQ/8 amp.

 

Steve,
Everybody above pretty well stated my feelings on the matter, although I've only been a member for a couple weeks. I hate to say it, but you shouldn't be surprised. I've seen very similar things happen between other on-line communities and the big-wig corporations they are loosly associated with.
Everything is political. Yahoo has the national name recognition that Ford wants for credibility, and in turn Yahoo will put all the power to control content in Ford's hands. Ford cannot afford to sponsor an entity it doesn't feel it can control, and that should be all the more reason for you (and us) to fight the good fight!
What about charging membership dues? At least it could be worth your time. I've seen that done with more than one Buick site, and I've paid to do so. It's a matter of bang for the buck.
I think I've spent more time browsing messages on this site than any other one in memory. I'd be willing to put my money where my mouth is for a service like this, even if we can't delete our own messages! (grin)
I say block Ford from accessing this site and let's keep it unbiased. Nobody wants a Hate Ford site, but we all know were Ford's allegiance is: to the bottom line and stockholders; not the individual customers.
Good luck and thanks regardless of what you choose to do. Just don't make the decision too quickly!
John

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On order (due week of 1/24): 2000 Lariat Flareside, Deep Wedgewood Blue monotone, gray leather, 5.4, trailer tow, 3.55 posi.


[This message has been edited by Big Easy John (edited 01-10-2000).]

 

My personal goal for the site early on was to use it to learn HTML, web marketing, design, etc. and to pad my resume...and ultimately get people to visit it...achieved, clearly.

About a year ago, I sensed a greater financial opportunity, having turned down a couple of lucrative offers for its purchase so far.

Running a site like this has gone beyond a hobby. I find myself getting involved in personal disputes, receiving personal threats and spending far more time as an adminstrator than a contributor. Is it still fun? Not as much as it used to be.

Not to mention that at times the site's popularity has created a financial burdon.

Does the site still have a tremendous amount of value? I would have to say absolutely.

But with Ford telling me F/U, give me a reason why I should continue...

Steve

 

OK, I'm just jumping in here without even reading all the posts or the news.
We need a site like this and here's why:
Do we completely trust our Ford Dealers?
Do we believe everything they say?
Do we want the truth from real people?
Do we enjoy sharing our experiences with people of a common unbiased interest?
If this or any other sites were controlled by Ford (or any manufacturer) I would NOT be here.
As much as I love my Ford, I do not believe we can count on any Manufacturer being very down to earth when it comes to their products.
There is NO way Ford can replace what this site means to us and I will not be part of a "Community" that the "Manufacturer" has control of.
Are we expected to go there just cuz it's there?
Quote:
``This is another element of our totally integrated e-business strategy. We are serving consumers through multiple touchpoints on their turf, their time and their terms.'' Unquote.

serving consumers?... on our turf?... time?... terms?
See? they feeding us BS already?

The only people that would find a site like that useful would be people who buy vehicles, keep them stock, Drive the speed limit, and believe what they read in the tabloids.

Gee I just bet Ford would love to track our vehicles online, milage, mods and what not. I could see if I needed service and threw my oem parts back on, and they go to a post I made listing my mods or how I drove the vehicle, and deny warrenty coverage based on that. Like they did to a member when they rifled through his console and found a performance chip and wanted to charge him for sevice based on what they believed to be a voided warrenty!!
No thanks!!!


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Andthensometoo ®
"Moonlight Blue" 98 F150 SC XLT 2WD 4.6, 3.55 LS Tow Pkg. SUPERCHIP, K&N Airbox mod. w/ "Cool" intake, Mobil One Oil, Bosch +4's, Throttle Body Spacer Plate. Lund Fastback, Lighted visor, Runninng Boards, Crome Taillight covers, Polished Steel Fenderwell Moldings, Smoked Bug and Rain guards, Shelf-it, Carpet dash cover, "Andthensometoo" in silver Letters 3" tall on tail gate. Red Wings license plate in front, Red Wings license plate frame in back, Little Detroit Viper hanging from mirror, Oh yeah, and one "Blacked-out" grill.
Gonna get my Bed rails back on, Finally!
Couldn't find the right Polished steel design, so once I modify the powercoated ones I just bought, I will paint them.

Q: who wants my "Pocket Mount" chrome ones? Price:cost of shipping, or gas and maybe lunch if you live in S/E MI.

"Rocks don't move unless pushed, and neither do chevys!"

http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/daytona/843/

 

btw Ford isn't saying F.U., they are cleary intimidated by this site and want to gain control of the customer. Thats the way I see it!!

 

I have seen several computer manufacturers (ex: Sun Microsystems) try similar motions. The manufacturer site never does as well as the independent sites because the information on the manuf. site is usually so slanted. I really dont think that a ford-sponsored site would seriously impact the usefulness of F-150 online. One thing that you have that they dont have is a strong, established community.

Yes, they will be in competition with you. Yes, they have a bigger budget. But that's life in a capitalist society. Besides, have you seen ford's site(s) lately? They are slow and content-scarce. I wouldnt worry about it too much. Just make sure that your site is consistently better than theirs ...

 

Steve
Do not lose hope. The vast majority of people I deal with, would not rely on "opinions" from manufacturer's websites. They use them simply for feature-comparison and then get their opinions/advice from sites like F-150 Online.

I am sure more discussion with the Ford folks will show them the value and wisdom in having an independent market-research tool.

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99 Black Lightning
Rhino liner
Superchip

 

This site help me decide to buy a SVT Lightning, so I say go after dealer for advertising money, alot of dealers have web pages and they control alot if not most of the advertising money.
As for the pop out window ads, I know I was quick to complain about it, but it was and would still be very intrusive.

 

Steve,

I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear what has happened. I am even more sorry that you feel the need to consider shutting down.

I realize that the burden is great, but you have provided such a wonderful service and atmosphere for us to interact with other enthusiasts that I belive this site should go on. If you feel that a membership fee is in order, I myself would not hesitate to join. I think alot of others on the board would agree.

Ford does feel the heat from this board, they don't like the fact that things like piston slap, door cracks, and such are discussed to the extent that they cannot control or spin the subjects to thier own ends. This Yahoo move is a blatant attempt to take back control of the consumer's consiousness and drive thier own marketing hype.

I have been a loyal Ford guy for my whole life, but that doesn't mean that I buy thier BS when they try to avoid issues, deny problems, or capriciously ignore the customer's (read US!) wants and needs.

I have always felt, in my several months as a member, that this was the place to come to find out the things I need to know that Ford either can't or won't address. As to Ford's potential to sue you to shut down the site, as long as you are not using any Ford registered trademarks, that can't say boo about it. There is such a thing as free speech!

Thank you for all of your efforts to this point and I hope you will continue this site as a tribute to the fine folks you have united to create a great community.

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Chuck 'Wyldman' Shelton
wyldman@houston.rr.com
Black 99.5 Lightning Build # 1273, DOB 5-14-99, NLOC #315
Best run to date 13.16 @104.8
CD Changer; Tow Pkg.; Lojack; Sal's custom nitrous chip; G-Tech/Pro; SnugLid; BedRug; Invinca-Shield, full kit; NOS KIT 80 hp shot (currently); Clear and smoke Lexan fog light covers; 3M Ti Window Tint; Bel radar detector (shouldn't be an accessory); PowerStack cone filter (a.k.a. supercharger waker upper); American Auto Designs ram air hood; Cal-Tracs traction bars