[AstroAustin]

Hello All,
Let me clear the air about a few things:

• AstroSafari.com was purchased with the intent of reinstating an amazing site that changed thousands of lives and helped many people.[/*]
• I was once a member of AstroSafari back in the Ikonboard days. one6astro was my username and I cared about the community. I offered as much help as I could to as many people as I could.[/*]
• For years I've watched the struggle with the old Ikonboards and lately the struggle with going back and forth from one forum to another. Astro/Safari owners had no place to call their home and had only to rely on one "back-up" board after another.[/*]
• I simply saw an opportunity to give back to the community that has helped me so many times and I took it. The means by which to purchase the domains were not readily available. I have a wife and a 1 1/2 year old son named Owen. I attend college and work a full-time job. I am hardly the rich jackass who shelled out money to somehow cause a negative impact on peoples lives.[/*]
• The old Ikonboard site will be posted up for the purposes of data mining. It will be read-only so everyone can revisit the past and bring it into todays forum.[/*]
• The site, this domain, this community and its members are NOT MINE. I do not own AstroSafari, the members do. This is "our" site, "our" domain, "our" community and always will be.[/*]
• I am by no means in charge. This forum belongs to the members and I'll accommodate accordingly as long as it is the general consensus.[/*]

Any of you that have something derogatory to say about these forums or myself please don't be a coward. Post them in this topic and let myself and the rest of the van community know how you feel.

 

[AstroAustin]

The single most important goal of AstroSafari.com is to bring the entire group into one central location again. AstroSafari.com was the sole central hub for Astro/Safari vans for a lot of years. Then it all went to hell. Other boards started popping up, the need for back-up boards became evident, and the whole community was relocated or lost in the wind.

Like I've said before I'm not trying to break the community apart I'm trying to bring it all together. These new forums are rock-sold stable. This forum is using the very latest forum software technology (phpBB version 3), the very largest hosting provider (GoDaddy.com), and the largest domain registrar in the world (GoDaddy.com). This site is bullet-proof and I intend to see to it that it stays this way. The very fact that other van sites are not using the latest software, not on a stable host, and obviously not veteran web developers makes me wonder how long they will last before it all falls down again. I'm sick of watching the community get kicked down and then be picked back up again. No more relocations, No more contention, No more crashes.

AstroSafari.com is here to stay. I welcome and invite all of the previous members to return. I can appreciate what the admins of other sites are trying to do and congratulate them for it. I am more than willing to work with them to bring the entire community together. If everyone feels that a second board is needed to protect the information in case of emergency, good. Please keep it going. I appreciate the hard work that the Astrosafari members did in setting up a backup site.

One suggestion I've taken a liking to is plugging other sites databases into AS's. I think that is brilliant suggestion and I like the thought of working with them to come to a solution. Any other phpBB database could easily be merged into our database and all that data could continue to be used. In addition, the plan is to bring the old Ikonboard back to life for the purposes of data mining from and bringing that information into the new forum format. Wouldn't it be great to have everything, everywhere, all together in one place?
The other option is to keep all astrosafari sites separate and let life go on; But what an amazing thing it would be to see all the information and members in once place again. How great would that be? The possibilities are endless.

Some have said I deserted or wasn't an active member of Astrosafari.com. As many have seen I am very passionate about my Astro and this community. I did not desert Astrosafari.com. I was minimally active because I had set up GMVanForums.com a year or so before other backup sites as an alternative to AstroSafari.com because I was frustrated with the crashes and knew the old method wasn't working. I had approached Will first about letting me update the board before all of the mess it went through. I am driven to see AstroSafari.com succeed on the web. I've owned my van for 10 years now and have no intentions of ever selling it. I've put too much custom work into it and my grandkids will come to know my Astro van. All I'm asking for is a little support and understanding.

A diplomatic solution is something I support and think would be fantastic. Any way I can help I am more than willing to accommodate. The AstroSafari.com domain just happens to be permanently engraved in people's minds, it has a long history on search engines, and it also has the relevant links from all over the web still in place. This needs to be thought about from a global internet standpoint. AstroSafari.com has been and always will be the home for Astro/Safari van lovers.

Thank you all for reading. Feel free to relay any of this information to those you feel necessary.

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

 

[PharmAstrocist]

Well you've already proven to be attentive, enthusiastic, and apparently dedicated. Perhaps a tad quick to promote a flawless atmosphere in retrospect.

So I guess I was going to say something which started it all...so...ahem:

First note, your intro posts seem sincere and so smartly written that they almost appear to have fallen upon us as leaflets from a navy jet. Time is the only real remedy for this reservation.

The site, looks really good... unfamiliar, but good.

Having said unfamiliar, I appreciate what you've taken on, but I don't envy you. The discontinued Astro/Safari vans have a reasonably set fan base unlikely to grow, which means this represents a huge amount of CHANGE which, lets face it, we all by our very nature cling to the past by even being vanners and holding on to these aging (albeit awesome) vehicles.

The bad: Man, I'm really depressed as to a reset status. You make great points about the reliability of the old site, but all my info and history WAS here despite it's weaknesses and now its not. My nostalgia and history and the building of "Krispy", a huge thread and pictoral history is gone. Perhaps things are in the works that will partially remedy this, but to me it was a living breathing thread that I wished to continue and build upon. At these forums, your post count is your manhood, your street cred, how you know who best to go to for whatever problem you may have.

So in summary, realistically, come on... this is now your site, you own it, you say what happens, what appears, what comes back and we will just have to deal with that. I have no intention of being a deterrent to you or the site's success, and with time maybe it will become to feel like home again. I'm willing to give you and it the shot as a fellow rational and educated individual. I wouldn't have handled it any differently than you have, just recognizing it's initially an uphill battle.

So, good luck with the venture, please don't prostitute the site out with pop-ups and clickables. I don't want a free ipod, I just want my van info back.

Without further ado, let's move on and see what comes of it.

 

[dumb lady]

Hi everyone & thanks Mr Pharmastosist (sp?) you have some very interesting thoughts.
I've been thinking about all this & I may have a much more positive outlook for the future & growth of these forums.

Living here in FL, I see more Astro/Safaris on the roads than I have seen anywhere else at any time in my whole entire life.
Most of the folks I see driving them down here are far & away elderly people. Elderly usually = low miles.
Since lots of people garage these vans down here so they are in pristine condition. In many cases these vans will last longer than their owners. I think these vans will be eventually passed on to younger folks some of whom will surely be enthusiasts. So, I for one see no shortage of potential growth for interests in modifying & maintaining Astro/Safaris.

Also, I think it's wonderful that Austin is going to preserve whatever is left of the old forums. What a gem & a resource that is for everyone to share in! And like the point you brought up, a huge part of your own personal Krispy journey is in there. (We hope) I'd like to take a look at your Krispy thread & everybody else's projects again too
I don't know Austin at all, except from what I've seen & read here. And I've read nothing but good & positive things coming from all this.
The past is gone. It's over & done. The future is bright & beautiful for everyone.
And I'd really LOVE to see our 2 favorite forums hot-linked up together somehow. Why not? I personally see no down side to it. And what an AWESOME thing that would be!

As far as the pop-up ads go & whatnot... I hate those myself. And those tacky e-dating things & golly-gosh who knows what else. But maybe a nice banner ad or something like an ad in the margin. Nothing that gets in your face.
Maybey automotive stuff. I dunno about all these things, but heck we need to pay to help keep this running somehow.
However, if Austin decides to put up a Paypal link... I'll be first to donate as I always have been a donor in the past. But we can't complain about how the site is funded with ads if we don't put some sort effort to fund it ourselves.

Anyway, I know I'm not the brightest bulb in the pumpkin patch, but there it is.

 

[AstroAustin]

So in summary, realistically, come on... this is now your site, you own it, you say what happens, what appears, what comes back and we will just have to deal with that. I have no intention of being a deterrent to you or the site's success, and with time maybe it will become to feel like home again. I'm willing to give you and it the shot as a fellow rational and educated individual. I wouldn't have handled it any differently than you have, just recognizing it's initially an uphill battle.

I do not own AstroSafari.com. I may be the registrant of the domain and administrator of the forum software but by no means is this "my site". This site belongs to the members. The members say what happens, what appears, what comes back. I know it may appear that I make all the decisions but the decisions I've made so far have come directly from the feedback and direction of the members.

Think of the forums as a town meeting. People want change, people want the city to be run better, and people have opinions on how the city should be run. The unfortunate thing is that many of those people do not even attend the town meetings. They quietly mumble and moan their dissatisfaction with the way the city is being run but never voice their thoughts to those with the power to change those things. As admin I'll run this site according to the desires of the membership. This means even when I disagree with something or think things should be done differently I'll do what is best for the common good of the site. This is an open microphone venue. Feel free to post any thoughts you have at any time.

A lot of members have expressed their disdain for advertisements, unreliability, and the loss of our history. Those things have been addressed and discussed but more discussion is welcomed if you have something more to say about it. PharmAstrocist, don't feel like you aren't a strong voice that can make little difference. I have the utmost respect for anyone brave enough to reply to this announcement. This is an uphill battle in the blowing snow but luckily I feel as though the support I have has given me 4 wheel drive. :lol:

 

[Houston_Astro]

Good start Austin - Thanks for bringing it back - newer and better.

 

[astroturf]

Amen, and God Bless Us Every One...

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

Over 2 years later and going strong! :rockon:

 

[wizical]

i dare any one to tell us this place dont rock
nice guys nice vans nice times. cal

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

i dare any one to tell us this place dont rock
nice guys nice vans nice times. cal

Exactly!!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[Black89cs]

I'm not usually a discussion board/forum person, but out of all the ones I've been a member of, this one has been the best by far. Everyone acts like they've known each other for ages and, occasional bickering aside, treat each other with respect. This is also the most n00b friendly site I've dealt with, plus it's been a HUGE factor in me not saying the hell with it and getting rid of my van... well, that and it's fun to haul stuff in from time to time. Now if I can get rid of that freakin' Neon...

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

I'm not usually a discussion board/forum person, but out of all the ones I've been a member of, this one has been the best by far. Everyone acts like they've known each other for ages and, occasional bickering aside, treat each other with respect. This is also the most n00b friendly site I've dealt with, plus it's been a HUGE factor in me not saying the hell with it and getting rid of my van... well, that and it's fun to haul stuff in from time to time. Now if I can get rid of that freakin' Neon...

Very good points and thank you for sharing those! I think the same thing about this site....the fact that it is so welcoming is part of is success! :clap:

 

[wizical]

i like it so much that ive become a supporter just like i said i would :wave:

 

[toddb]

Good for you wizical. I see we are nearly neighbours. I'm over in Kelowna. Cheers.

 

[jeff's93astro]

I'm not usually a discussion board/forum person, but out of all the ones I've been a member of, this one has been the best by far. Everyone acts like they've known each other for ages and, occasional bickering aside, treat each other with respect. This is also the most n00b friendly site I've dealt with, plus it's been a HUGE factor in me not saying the hell with it and getting rid of my van... well, that and it's fun to haul stuff in from time to time. Now if I can get rid of that freakin' Neon...

I completely agree. before i never had any intentions to ever become a member of a forum. but one day i was on the internet looking for an answer to a question about my safari. and i stumbled over this site liked the info that i was seeing on this site so i became a member. and i'll be honest i was scared to post anything at first. but then i started getting friendly responses nobody was being a jackass cause i may had asked a simple question. it was kinda like i was part of the family. and now i visit this site EVERYDAY numerous times and is the first thing i do when i do turn my computer on. and if astrosafari.com wasn't here. my computer would really be no use because 90% of time is on here the other 10% is youtube.com to see if anybodys got any new videos i'm subscribed to. and now silveradosierra.com as of 2 days ago. and i may spend 30 minutes between them 2

 

[wizical]

Good for you wizical. I see we are nearly neighbours. I'm over in Kelowna. Cheers.

:banana:
well as you know todd around here 3 1/2 hrs is as neighbors
nice to meet ya bye the way :ty:

 

[Gary]

In general I was apart of the old board for I think was two yrs and then a member here since the change in ownership.I give Austin tons of credit for the turn around.He brought on Astro355 which has had a positive in-pack on the site.I do like helping anyone I can and generally like all the members I met.

This thread was posted shortly after the change addressing issues during that time.It is however still appropriate today.

The time I have spent on here has sped past me so fast.I have to remind myself how long I have been around.I do take pride in that time and being in a group of the old-timers.There aren't that many of us left.Makes me smile when I see one of us post.And I do feel a brotherhood with Austin because he came from those old days.

 

[979roadrunner]

I wasn't here for the old site, as I wasn't an Astro person then, but I do like this site and it compares favorably with any forum I've been on yet. Everyone seems to be an adult in terms of maturity and I've yet to see any real flame wars like on some sites.
Rock on, A/S :rockon:

 

[Woodweasel]

I'm not an Original either, just over a year ago I found this site while trying to figure out a problem with my trans. The real concern and ideas that were given was something that I couldnt find any where else. People helping people... WOW, what a concept! I this world we have now of me, me , me, I, I, I it is rare to find anyone willing to just help out with ideas or information they have due to experience. Sure, you might be able to find someone out there willing to help, but the catch is... they want something in return, usually money.
And just like any other group of people from different walks of life, different parts of the country, there are going to be disagreements. Disagreements of content, ideas, language and attitude. But this is something we deal with everyday off this site, out in the world we work and live in. I have to deal with different people every day in my line of work. They are all different and have different points of view of what they want and how they think it should be done. And that is fine if you understand what your talking about. Most homeowners dont know squat about maintaining a building, but they think they do. The secret is to try to explain to them in a manner that shows respect. After all, it is their house, not mine. I have done some things to houses that just make want to throw up. Not my idea, I gave them my reason for not doing it, but that is what they want, so...... You dont get mad, you dont get disgusted and you definitely dont let it jeopardize the quality or craftsmanship of what you are doing. This site is no different. Instead in houses, its Astro/Safari's. And you wont find me commenting on something I know nothing about. Pops always said " If you dont know what your talking about.....keep your mouth shut. Mouth shut, eyes and ears open". That has served me well for 45 years. "Treat and talk to others the way you would like to treated and talked to" was Mom's contribution. And if that is for some reason difficult or impossible, just keep your negative ideas and responses to yourself. Simple stuff from our childhood. I find myself biting my tongue at times. And only once have I tried constructive criticism here. And I emphasize "Constructive". It got the response I figured it would, so I wash my hands of it. But you also see the majority of the people on this site going above and beyond the call of duty. The Administrators, Etc... DAMN! you guys do alot of work for free! My eyes roll back in my head when I think about the hours you must have spent on this site maintaining it and keeping it up and running. All for us, the normal everyday Astro owner. Never have I seem any attitude of how important you are or how much you have contributed. Just an honest effort and concern for the site and the members. :ty: :rockon:

May AstroSafari.com survive until the very last Astro or Safari has gone to the crusher. Which if I have anything to do about it, wont happen for a long time :chevy:

 

[toddb]

Being full of piss and vinager is one thing. Gossip, potshots, being factious, rude, boostful, ect. is getting tiresome. Knock it off, quit acting like little girls, agree to disagree and leave it at that.

The whole time that I've been a member here this is the first time I have seen such childish behaviour. Can the offending topics/post of late be deleted please.