Hi to the new owners. Elliot, Nick-w, st3v3 and Martin
Maybe they just need a little more time to answer the questions, ..
There may be a lot of stuff going on in the back room we don't know about...
But I'm sure if the new owners want their investment to work, they will be back soon enough to answer the questions.
Meanwhile did someone mention choccie??????????
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Takeover Good or Bad
Actually, this brings up an important question: Since the site will now be run by a commercial entity who will be accepting payment for some premium services, will we now be required by law to comply with USC, Title 18, Section 2257 when posting sexually-explicit photos of ourselves?!
Anyone who has visited porn sites since June of this year may have noticed the little 2257 link added, indicating the site's compliance with this legislation. However, the nightmarish invasion of privacy required to maintain that compliance, not to mention the exhaustive record keeping requirements, would make it even more of a nuisance to post things like party photos here than it already is!
I anxiously await an answer to this query, with my finger poised over the "delete" button for those posts containing Vix' & my wedding photos and such. Please let us know what you're doing with regard to 2257 and, if for some reason you're not familiar with its implications, I would suggest you consult your solicitors ASAP...as this law has impacted even the most marginally-commecial sites that feature anything which could be regarded as "porn" worldwide.
Cheers,
~Reese
silent_bobSuper human rambling
I think you've probably hit the nail on the head there. Setting up the infrastructure to support a site like SH in it's current form isn't difficult, so if SH is changed into something the current community doesn't like then the chances are that we'll all migrate somewhere else. It'd be a big pain in the backside and we'd lose the current content - a sort of new beginning.
If that were to happen then both the current community on here and the people that've bought SH both lose out - most of the value of SH lies in the large number of regular users that make up the communities of the forums and chatroom.
So, everyone involved on either side has quite a big incentive to work together to maintain a site and a community that is acceptable to both sides.
Personally, I'm prepared to wait and see what happens, I'm a part of another large online community that's been taken over and that's actually proven to be a relatively painless experience. Having said that, I was already a paid member of that community ($20 per year, so not a huge investment), and the new owners were sensible enough to be true to their word about maintaining access to free services.
Excellent - fancy trying dogging
Very good point
So exactly which parts of the site will be payment based only????????????
- (30) I do not think the SH changing hands will have any benefit to the community
- (15) I do think the SH changing hands will be beneficial to the community
- (80) Im sitting on the fence and waiting.
I am going to try with these few points....
No banned member will be allowed back, specially not as the site is being run in exactly the same way, for now anyway.
Mods and OPs really don't know what to expect any more than you do. We are mostly to shocked to decide anything
But yes, any work done by a Mod or OP is still voluntary and not paid work.
kazswallows wrote:
My questions are......
will banned members be allowed back in?
Are the mods/ops keeping their positions or will you be taking this side over, will they be expected to do it for free if they do?
My questions are......
will banned members be allowed back in?
Are the mods/ops keeping their positions or will you be taking this side over, will they be expected to do it for free if they do?
No banned member will be allowed back, specially not as the site is being run in exactly the same way, for now anyway.
Mods and OPs really don't know what to expect any more than you do. We are mostly to shocked to decide anything
But yes, any work done by a Mod or OP is still voluntary and not paid work.
I'm as surprised as anyone that this site has been sold, especially when all the only assets are a transient userbase, goodwill (mostly due to the free nature of the site) and a domain name.
My initial thought is that if Elliott's company bought the site expecting to turn a profit on it, then they are in for a surprise.
Traditionally, the site has only one ongoing cost, that of bandwidth and servers, and 3 revenue streams - the phone ads, the banners in the top right, and presumably some kickback from the shopping links on the left. If commercial web developers are going to be adding to the site, then they have to be paid somehow, and I simply can't see this community reaching into it's pockets to do that.
While the idea of enhancements like a video chatroom that existing members can use for free sounds initially appealing, how long will we use it for when new members come in saying they paid their money and want to see flesh?
To be honest, having a Premium membership of a pay site isn't that appealing to me, even if it is free, and that's reason I'm here and not on one of the countless pay sites that are out there.
I wait with interest to see what happens. The major thing that disappoints me so far is that Mark didn't say the site was up for sale and didn't give the community the chance to buy him out.
My initial thought is that if Elliott's company bought the site expecting to turn a profit on it, then they are in for a surprise.
Traditionally, the site has only one ongoing cost, that of bandwidth and servers, and 3 revenue streams - the phone ads, the banners in the top right, and presumably some kickback from the shopping links on the left. If commercial web developers are going to be adding to the site, then they have to be paid somehow, and I simply can't see this community reaching into it's pockets to do that.
While the idea of enhancements like a video chatroom that existing members can use for free sounds initially appealing, how long will we use it for when new members come in saying they paid their money and want to see flesh?
To be honest, having a Premium membership of a pay site isn't that appealing to me, even if it is free, and that's reason I'm here and not on one of the countless pay sites that are out there.
I wait with interest to see what happens. The major thing that disappoints me so far is that Mark didn't say the site was up for sale and didn't give the community the chance to buy him out.
Clare and Steve wrote:
But for instance,will people end up having to pay to view OUR pictures that we put up here??????
But for instance,will people end up having to pay to view OUR pictures that we put up here??????
Actually, this brings up an important question: Since the site will now be run by a commercial entity who will be accepting payment for some premium services, will we now be required by law to comply with USC, Title 18, Section 2257 when posting sexually-explicit photos of ourselves?!
Anyone who has visited porn sites since June of this year may have noticed the little 2257 link added, indicating the site's compliance with this legislation. However, the nightmarish invasion of privacy required to maintain that compliance, not to mention the exhaustive record keeping requirements, would make it even more of a nuisance to post things like party photos here than it already is!
I anxiously await an answer to this query, with my finger poised over the "delete" button for those posts containing Vix' & my wedding photos and such. Please let us know what you're doing with regard to 2257 and, if for some reason you're not familiar with its implications, I would suggest you consult your solicitors ASAP...as this law has impacted even the most marginally-commecial sites that feature anything which could be regarded as "porn" worldwide.
Cheers,
~Reese
Ok I’m going put my 10 penny’s worth in after being disheartened by this site over the last six month. I know there is a lot of confusion and speculation on what might or might not happen...my curiourisity has the better of me so I have to ask
Once a pay site are the members allowed their express own opinions (within reason) without fear of a ban, or will they still be expected to adopt an Op's views... and is there an extra charge for this.
Also is backstabbing included in the normal membership or only for premium member’s?
Sorry but someone had to ask
Once a pay site are the members allowed their express own opinions (within reason) without fear of a ban, or will they still be expected to adopt an Op's views... and is there an extra charge for this.
Also is backstabbing included in the normal membership or only for premium member’s?
Sorry but someone had to ask
Hmmm its never what new owner tells you have to be concerned about ..oh no its the hidden agenda that you really need to be concerned for but as we don't know if or what they are then only time will tell. Mind you I have seen Greeks bearing gifts before with another site I belonged to they made similar promises ... the result... the membership walked and the COMMERCIAL ventuer colapsed. Power to the people .. remember the new owner needs YOU! 
Last edited by on 18th Nov 2005 - 2:32pm; edited 2 times in total
Last edited by on 18th Nov 2005 - 2:32pm; edited 2 times in total
silent_bobSuper human rambling- Joined:
- 28 Jun 2005
- Posts:
- 782
- Location:
- South Shields, Tyne
& Wear
Bloke2005 wrote:
I think perhaps we should all just calm down a little and wait and see what happens
Lots of emotion (and chocloate!) flying around right now
There are enough very clever and techincal people here to reinvent ourselves if we don't like what the next few months hold.... if Elliott and his team are as clever as they sound they'll listen. If not, then we all have a choice and, knowing some of the personalities on here, I know they will have no hesitancy in exercising it!
I think perhaps we should all just calm down a little and wait and see what happens
Lots of emotion (and chocloate!) flying around right now
There are enough very clever and techincal people here to reinvent ourselves if we don't like what the next few months hold.... if Elliott and his team are as clever as they sound they'll listen. If not, then we all have a choice and, knowing some of the personalities on here, I know they will have no hesitancy in exercising it!
I think you've probably hit the nail on the head there. Setting up the infrastructure to support a site like SH in it's current form isn't difficult, so if SH is changed into something the current community doesn't like then the chances are that we'll all migrate somewhere else. It'd be a big pain in the backside and we'd lose the current content - a sort of new beginning.
If that were to happen then both the current community on here and the people that've bought SH both lose out - most of the value of SH lies in the large number of regular users that make up the communities of the forums and chatroom.
So, everyone involved on either side has quite a big incentive to work together to maintain a site and a community that is acceptable to both sides.
Personally, I'm prepared to wait and see what happens, I'm a part of another large online community that's been taken over and that's actually proven to be a relatively painless experience. Having said that, I was already a paid member of that community ($20 per year, so not a huge investment), and the new owners were sensible enough to be true to their word about maintaining access to free services.
Ice Pie wrote:
That's far too many calories. I'll come round later and help you work them off.
Dawn_Mids wrote:
No more for me, I've eaten a packet of chocolate digestives since yesterday
Sarah wrote:
Meanwhile did someone mention choccie??????????
Meanwhile did someone mention choccie??????????
No more for me, I've eaten a packet of chocolate digestives since yesterday
That's far too many calories. I'll come round later and help you work them off.
Excellent - fancy trying dogging
Redhot -
You will have one login name, which will be for the forum, and you will be able to specify your displayed name in the chatroom.
little gem - you won't have to pay for anything, all the current features will remain free, and as an existing member you will be bumped up to premium for free also.
Phoenix - i agree nothing is broken, but there is a lot to be gained, such as more reliable, quicker photo ads, and loads of useful features.
Clare and Steve - the mods were notified last night, and the ops this morning, we would have liked to have given them more notice, but Mark mailed them sooner than we was expecting to let them know.
Bloke2005 - Thanks for your kind words, im glad you have grasped what we are trying to achieve and the benifit to all the members.
debz4u - I think you will be surprised how much better this site as the potential to become. We are an experienced development company, and have the ability to push this site to new features. The payment is needed because, as a company, we still have to pay the bills, but anything that is ALREADY free, will remain FREE.
Ice pie-
1) We also run dating sites and are experienced with online dating and communities, we decided to branch out into Swinging niche.
2) Yes we do care about the SH community, and are trying to learn about it and understand it as much as poss.
3) Not at all, moderation is voluntary, this is something that we will be discussing with the mods and ops.
4) SH will remain free as it is now with all its current features, we are simply adding on aditional features that we need to charge for to cover our outgoings.
5) Not in the slightest.
6) We don't and will look for guidance from the mods and regular members.
7) We have taken over the email address, but not Marks forum account, please PM me if you wish.
8) If you want to break away its entirley up to you, but you will be missing out in the end.
9) We area ware, and no we have not broken bread, or know anyone here, and is something we aim to change overtime.
10) There is no big secret, the company name will be known as soon as i am given the ok to let it out, this is for legal reasons.
scooter99 - Mark decided he had had enough, to run the site him self is a large burdon.
blonde - not yet
kazswallows - Banned members will remain banned. Mods and ops will retain positions should they wish.
Apologies to the questions i have missed, there are a lot, please post again if i missed them or was not clear enough.
I hope the above clears some stuff up, im not your enemy, honest
Elliot
You will have one login name, which will be for the forum, and you will be able to specify your displayed name in the chatroom.
little gem - you won't have to pay for anything, all the current features will remain free, and as an existing member you will be bumped up to premium for free also.
Phoenix - i agree nothing is broken, but there is a lot to be gained, such as more reliable, quicker photo ads, and loads of useful features.
Clare and Steve - the mods were notified last night, and the ops this morning, we would have liked to have given them more notice, but Mark mailed them sooner than we was expecting to let them know.
Bloke2005 - Thanks for your kind words, im glad you have grasped what we are trying to achieve and the benifit to all the members.
debz4u - I think you will be surprised how much better this site as the potential to become. We are an experienced development company, and have the ability to push this site to new features. The payment is needed because, as a company, we still have to pay the bills, but anything that is ALREADY free, will remain FREE.
Ice pie-
1) We also run dating sites and are experienced with online dating and communities, we decided to branch out into Swinging niche.
2) Yes we do care about the SH community, and are trying to learn about it and understand it as much as poss.
3) Not at all, moderation is voluntary, this is something that we will be discussing with the mods and ops.
4) SH will remain free as it is now with all its current features, we are simply adding on aditional features that we need to charge for to cover our outgoings.
5) Not in the slightest.
6) We don't and will look for guidance from the mods and regular members.
7) We have taken over the email address, but not Marks forum account, please PM me if you wish.
8) If you want to break away its entirley up to you, but you will be missing out in the end.
9) We area ware, and no we have not broken bread, or know anyone here, and is something we aim to change overtime.
10) There is no big secret, the company name will be known as soon as i am given the ok to let it out, this is for legal reasons.
scooter99 - Mark decided he had had enough, to run the site him self is a large burdon.
blonde - not yet
kazswallows - Banned members will remain banned. Mods and ops will retain positions should they wish.
Apologies to the questions i have missed, there are a lot, please post again if i missed them or was not clear enough.
I hope the above clears some stuff up, im not your enemy, honest
Elliot
Hello Elliot and Welcome to the site!!!
What a shame the past owner didnt introduce you personally.
Lets not condem the guy and his company untill we know the full details, let face it no amount of shouting is going to undoe the present situation.
Sh is good, but it is not perfect. The idea of a private premium membership area quiet appeals to me. Hopefully this would lend itself to greater security (important for some of us who need to protect our identities) and like someone else said, more tolerance of non conformist views.
All change is not always bad, we have no option but to see what happens, lets hope it goes well and as I said earlier welcome to the site Elliot and Co !!!
What a shame the past owner didnt introduce you personally.
Lets not condem the guy and his company untill we know the full details, let face it no amount of shouting is going to undoe the present situation.
Sh is good, but it is not perfect. The idea of a private premium membership area quiet appeals to me. Hopefully this would lend itself to greater security (important for some of us who need to protect our identities) and like someone else said, more tolerance of non conformist views.
All change is not always bad, we have no option but to see what happens, lets hope it goes well and as I said earlier welcome to the site Elliot and Co !!!
Elliots reply goes someway to calming me down.
If the forum/ads/chat stays roughly the same and doesn't impinge on the community, lets wait and see what the "extra cost" proposals are and how it may affect those already on here.
For example, Pop up ads for ringtones and so on could be a pain, but can be coped with.
If the forum/ads/chat stays roughly the same and doesn't impinge on the community, lets wait and see what the "extra cost" proposals are and how it may affect those already on here.
For example, Pop up ads for ringtones and so on could be a pain, but can be coped with.
Hold on..........
Nope its NOT APril 1st.!!!
Hold on............
Nope Jeremy Beadle ISN'T outside with a boom mike!! and NO Peter Kay ISN'T doing research for a new show.
First.
I'd like to echo the general feelings of i think most people on here. Thank you Mark.
Whatever Marks reasons for 'leaving' in this way they are HIS reasons. Jags and Missy have mentioned personal/family reasons and i think we ALL agree that at the end of the day THAT it what counts the most. I only met Mark once, it was a privilage and thats how I choose to remember him.
Second
Ditto ICE, That guy just has a way with words.
Now we ALL await the answers.
Third
The idea of our beloved SH being run commerically disturbs me, to put it politely.
IT DOESNT MATTER IF WE HAVE TO PAY OR NOT! The site WILL be run commercially!! 
The spirit of the site eminates from the fact that, to pinch a movie line...
Its run by the swingers, for the swingers and is of the swingers!
Fourth
Wheres my chocolate?????
Nope its NOT APril 1st.!!!
Hold on............
Nope Jeremy Beadle ISN'T outside with a boom mike!! and NO Peter Kay ISN'T doing research for a new show.
First.
I'd like to echo the general feelings of i think most people on here. Thank you Mark.
Whatever Marks reasons for 'leaving' in this way they are HIS reasons. Jags and Missy have mentioned personal/family reasons and i think we ALL agree that at the end of the day THAT it what counts the most. I only met Mark once, it was a privilage and thats how I choose to remember him.
Second
Ditto ICE, That guy just has a way with words.
Now we ALL await the answers.
Third
The idea of our beloved SH being run commerically disturbs me, to put it politely.
IT DOESNT MATTER IF WE HAVE TO PAY OR NOT! The site WILL be run commercially!!
The spirit of the site eminates from the fact that, to pinch a movie line...
Its run by the swingers, for the swingers and is of the swingers!
Fourth
Wheres my chocolate?????
Like treasurechest says maybe....and thats a big maybe for some. But maybe we could give it a try...
Everyones scared of the unknown.....
And l for one dont wanna lose all the good friends l've made over the month l've been here....
*Runs and hides before the rotten fruit and veg starts flying*
Everyones scared of the unknown.....
And l for one dont wanna lose all the good friends l've made over the month l've been here....
*Runs and hides before the rotten fruit and veg starts flying*
I'm concerned about the privacy issue... it is one thing putting your trust in fellow swingers but quite another when a commercial entity becomes involved. Do we have your word that you will not sell our email addresses to marketeers for instance?
WibblyWobbly wrote:
I'm concerned about the privacy issue... it is one thing putting your trust in fellow swingers but quite another when a commercial entity becomes involved. Do we have your word that you will not sell our email addresses to marketeers for instance?
I'm concerned about the privacy issue... it is one thing putting your trust in fellow swingers but quite another when a commercial entity becomes involved. Do we have your word that you will not sell our email addresses to marketeers for instance?
Very good point
So exactly which parts of the site will be payment based only????????????
