EuroCarFan

I'm not sure if this has been explored or is currently being done but how about getting sponsorships from a BMW dealer or dealers, let them advertise here but have them give forum members discounts on parts/service...etc...?

My other car is an Acura MDX and I'm a member of acuramdx.org. That site is sponsored by one or more Acura dealers and one of them gives us great prices on parts. Dealer(s) can advertise to thousands of potential customers and their sponsorship could help the admins to keep this board running.

What d'ya think? or :thumbsdown:

Iceman

Not having ad's is one of the major reasons I am still here.
Advertisements are one of the most annoying things in our life. They are everywhere.
I am here for the information and to share my thoughts, fun and experience with other BMW enthusiasts.
Even if they would offer discounts for forum members... I don't like it at all!
You can get good discounts out there anyways.

From me, that's a definate: :thumbsdown: :thumbsdown: :thumbsdown:

EuroCarFan

Good point on about the ads. They can be annoying. I was just thinking of the potential benefits it could bring to the site as far as upkeep and discounts..etc... Just a thought.

Iceman

There are just waaaay too much ad's everywhere.

I am here everyday, but on a couple other forums I just very randomly read a couple posts and get annoyed by the ad's in a matter of minutes.
I wouldn't be here if there would be ad's on this site.

das

I hear what you're saying, EuroCarFan, but Mark and I didn't want any ads on the site, and didn't want it to be commercial in any way. When I transferred the forums over to Mark's location, my only request was that the site be kept noncommercial. I think voluntary donations are a good idea, and I'm sure those more than cover general upkeep and maintenance. As for discounts, I think we can continue in the vein of group buys, and certainly any vendor who wants exposure to our community can do it via those means, rather than specific "ads". Also, vendors and resellers are welcome to post specials in the Classifieds. Yes, too many and it can get annoying, but as long as the volume is low, it's fine. And we do definitely delete spam and off-topic ads with great prejudice.

But the bottom line is that an ad free E60.net makes this a better place for everyone.

EuroCarFan

Understood! I didn't look at it that way but since Iceman first pointed it out, I've noticed it more and more when I visit other forums. They are annoying and convolute the primary intent and messaging of forums. Keep up the great work here!!!

Iceman

Mr 5er

Yeah.......I'm with Iceman on this one.........if I want ads, all I need to do is look in the Sunday newspaper, theres a ton of them there, all over the internet, while your driving.......its seems to be everywhere you look there are ads. So to come into this forum, with no ads, pleases me greatly. Keep up the great work guys, its well appreciated

Rudy

I agree with the others -- this site is great for many reasons and one of them is the non-commercial nature of it...

Thanks das and Lomag!

swajames

I agree too. That said, someone has to pay for the upkeep of the site and if we want to keep the site add free we should do our bit to help out and make a donation from time to time!