free or decreased cost for website only

[AHarris]

I'm coming in late on the discussion, but wanted to say thanks for a great site. I'm against the idea of making this a free site for the reasons already mentioned by other posters. The annual dues of $35 is a bargain for the value returned in the magazine and the website.



Perhaps one idea would be a two tiered membership scheme:



1. Standard membership includes full web access but no magazine but the Geno's catalog mailed out once or twice a year at $29. 95/year.



2. Full membership with full web access, magazine, as it is now for $45/year.



Just an idea... . but I like it just the way it is. Thanks for a great website and the political forum is a nice bonus too--cheap entertainment!

 

[Dieselnut59]

I'm coming in late on the discussion, but wanted to say thanks for a great site. I'm against the idea of making this a free site for the reasons already mentioned by other posters. The annual dues of $35 is a bargain for the value returned in the magazine and the website.



Perhaps one idea would be a two tiered membership scheme:



1. Standard membership includes full web access but no magazine but the Geno's catalog mailed out once or twice a year at $29. 95/year.



2. Full membership with full web access, magazine, as it is now for $45/year.



Just an idea... . but I like it just the way it is. Thanks for a great website and the political forum is a nice bonus too--cheap entertainment!

I love the political forum... cheap entertainment!

I think yall should leave the whole shootin match the way it is. For folks who want a free site, there are those available. For folks who want a truly Dodge/Cummins only site, there is TDR. I like it the way it is. I enjoy the magazines and the web site. Please do not increase the cost of the current format as "AHarris" has suggested.

 

[FFeiller]

other sites ask for donations to help defray costs, but do not offer a publication in exchange for the contribution.



those of us that are not experts have really benefited from the contributions from those that receive no compensation for their vast experience. would it be possible to offer those that have contributed so much to make this site as good as it is a "free" memberships or perks of some sort?

 

[AABEN]

PLEASE KEEP IT LIKE IT IS. I have ben on the free site of Diesel Bombers Where some 13-15 years old kids are on there. They are telling some of the older people that they do not know what they are talking about. WE do not need it on here . Thanks Ben.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I joined TDR right when it went online, August 1999 and I've enjoyed every issue. Definitely want to keep paying $35 and getting the magazine and website.

Suggestions for improvement?

I would like to see a better Technical/Reference section. Not just a section with forums like we have now, but primarily web pages complete with pictures & drawings. Where appropriate there could be links to specific threads for more information. This site is a bit like what I'm talking about Ram Diesel Index

It could be organized by generations and engines, but basically could include:
-Engine specs
-Drivetrain specs, transmission & axle ratios
-Part numbers for all common engine items
-Part numbers for common body, drivetrain, interior, exterior items
-Ram changes by year (engines, transmissions, suspension, options, HP/ratings, etc)
-TSBs by year, category
-Common problem areas by year/item with links to threads addressing them
-Dodge/Chrysler contact info
-Cummins contact info
-Ordering/buying info; preferred/accredited dealers list

Then maybe also as an extension of the Reference section:
--Basics for engine rebuilding. . . machining, parts & gaskets to get, assembling engine, startup, etc.
--Performance engine rebuilding- same as above but for pulling, racing, etc.
--Basics of turbo & fueling matching and tuning
--Basics of building a race truck (engine, drivetrain, suspension)
--Basics of building a pulling truck

Anyway too tired to think of more tonight, will post more later. . .

ps also found this as an example too, articles & info like this
Cummins 5. 9 liter and 6. 7 liter inline six-cylinder diesel engines
1994-2001 Dodge Ram pickup trucks

 

[mgoncalves]

I did not renew my subscription because at the time, I had just bought my 6. 7 and the 6. 7 forums were absolutely dead. I recently renewed hoping for some of the old TDR magic in the 6. 7 forums, unfortunately the 6. 7 forum is still dead and if you mention anything outside of changing filters and fluids you get set on fire. I have no problem paying for this site, the magazines are nice, but there just isn't the crowd here anymore. There used to be a lot more people on here willing to take there head off and grind on it and see what happened, it's just not like that anymore. Most of the innovative hot rodders have been grouped with the punks and ran off the TDR.



If the forums were free, then maybe we'd get more traffic and get some of the good guys back. And as far as wanting a free site, I'm assuming the other free sites pay the bills with ads, and we have ads here also but still have to pay. Maybe we should charge more for the ads, and open up the forum to get more traffic? As it is, we can only talk about oil changes so much. To be fair, I also hate reading about guys that cry about their warranty after they added 300 horsepower to their truck, but I still want to talk about adding that 300 horsepower.

 

[DCreed]

if you mention anything outside of changing filters and fluids you get set on fire.



Most of the innovative hot rodders have been grouped with the punks and ran off the TDR.



As it is, we can only talk about oil changes so much. To be fair, I also hate reading about guys that cry about their warranty after they added 300 horsepower to their truck, but I still want to talk about adding that 300 horsepower.

So true. :-laf

 

[fmj]

Keep it like it is. I look forward to reading the hard version of the magazine. That is in itself worth the $35 in my opinion. Yes I'm old and like the feeling of paper. This site has always been one of the favorites since I joined in 2000. I gained a lot of information from here and it has made working on the truck easier for me. Getting specific information is a question away. The Companion Guide alone is worth the $35 and I've used it a few times when in trouble on the road. The free sites don't offer that. I carry it with me and when you can't get internet in the middle of east no where it can be a god send for information by making a phone call. The one thing that I really love is that TDR doesn't send me renewal notices one month after I just renewed for the year stating "renew now so as not to miss a single issue", like all the other motorhead magazines do. They all got canceled. I DO miss "TDR Late Night" on the chat. But I guess Steve, Scott, Fest, and the rest must be getting old and have to go to bed early:-laf.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I've been a member since 96 when there was just the magazine which I enjoy every time I recieve an issue. The web site is a nice extra as is the other perks. Keep it a pay web site.

 

[pullya]

I also believe the site should remain a pay site. If you believe you have outgrown the site because of your knowledge base or if you have problems in giving advise or answering questions for people with lesser knowledge than yourself maybe it is time to move on. Will we miss your expertise, ya maybe, but surely someone else will fill your shoes that will not expect some sort of compensation for helping others. Surely there must be a site out there somewhere for the "experts". Somewhere where you won't have to be bothered by a group of people who are still learning and sharing basic information. That is one thing I always liked about this site, people's willingness to help others. My truck may not be as fast as yours or have the mods that you do, but, it is just as important to me as your is to you. I'll be the first to admit I don't have the answers to a lot of questions and I rely on other members to help me out, and many do. You may even have answered one of my questions over the years and if you did Thank You! I have also learned over time which members you can rely on to give you accurate information.

One of the things I like the most are the "how to" write-up. And the pictures with the articles make it all that much eaiser to understand. Thirty five dollars is a small price to pay for the knowledge I have gained and the enjoyment I have gotten from this site and the magazine.

P. S. Harvey---tell us again how you like your Sirius:-laf:-laf

Jay

 

[Hammer]

Of course you can renew for longer periods. I've done so for some years now, renewing 2-3 years at a time. Oh, wait. I pay with paper check. Perhaps it can't be done with on-line payments.

Sound the geezing alert!!!!!... . LOL



Hey N...

You can pay multiple years on the internet renew site,I have done it. All you need to do is mark yourself down for multiple subscriptions and in the comments area leave Robin a note about multiple years and whalla,your in like flint.



Now I will chime in a tad after attempting to read this whole thread... .



Having been a member here since 2001 I have also seen the changes in the site,some good-some bad. However,one thing that does stay the same is the magazine and even after all these years it still a very welcome sight in my mailbox. I also post on alot of other sites and after some recent events at one of those sites,I sat back and looked at what was going on there and decided that I have had enough. We have some issues around here with blatant attacks but for the most part things stay even keeled which keeps me coming back. I like the fact that place is not free and that we do not have to deal with extra spy-ware/ad-ware like the free sites are loaded with.



Could a reduced rate subscription work for just those who desire internet forum traffic only,certainly. However,I ask you this on that,How much more trouble is that going to draw in here or extra work for the moderators because we all know the squabbling will follow not long afterwards. Someone along time ago when I chatted with them about paid memberships for our club told me this and I really think it fits here... "Having or requiring a paid membership will keep those who are serious around and the game players away". I still agree 100% about that and we have seen them come and go in our club as a result,just like here on the TDR.



So I say,leave it alone,spruce up the forums some,its my only real complaint. They are way to bland and dull which I feel at times kills our thoughts of membership growing... ..... Andy

 

[DCreed]

So I say,leave it alone,spruce up the forums some,its my only real complaint. They are way to bland and dull which I feel at times kills our thoughts of membership growing... ..... Andy

any specifics on this??

 

[WDaniels]

Digital only option to be available very soon, and it would come at a reduced rate for those who do not need/enjoy the print format.

Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, yes yes yes! My oh my has this post grown. Should have read it before asking about this very thing in another post. It's not like I don't like the mag, I do very much but as I am getting into another diesel engine this October, the one in my sailboat when I retired, I will not be able to receive the mag out in the water someplace. But I can always eventually get the online information which I'll always read because I'm a dyed in the wool Cummins junkie. Thank you very much Mr. Patton.

WD



P. S. Robert, my subscription is suppose to be up at the end June I think and would like to renew without the mag. Any possibilities in doing that right soon?

WD

 

[AABEN]

Please keep it like it is. THANKS BEN

 

[Missouri Mule]

I like laying on the couch and reading the TDR Magizine it's a lot more comfortable than sitting at the computer and reading it.

I also wouldn't want to pay more for this convenience I think $35 is a fair price for the whole package.

 

[DennyDay]

The $35. /year is a cheap price to pay for the information gleened from both the WEB site and the magazine. There are a whole bunch of things I wouldn't have even known about when I bought my 1st Turbo Diesel (1994). When things happened to my '94, like the accelerator cable going south in the middle of the Mojave Desert, from reading a rather thin TDR (at the time) I was back on the road in 20 minutes. If it hadn't been for TDR I wouldn't have gotten to know Ted Jannetty in Connecticut, and his special knowledge that he passed a little of on to me, of Dave Goerend in Iowa, I bought one of his transmissions after many, many phone calls and e-mails and now would like to have one of Dave's in my new truck, but I guess I'd better put some miles on this one first. Then there is Wagner and Associates, who answered all my questions about the SMARTY during many phone calls, and last but not least Geno's Garage, it started out as a hobby for a Senior Citizen, and ended up as a business with many employees, and they ALL have a "CAN DO" ATTITUDE and there is nothing that is to much trouble to make sure the customer is happy. To this day, with both my son and grandson driving turbo diesels, I wouldn't give TDR or the WEB Site up... ... . Besides what would CF do with out me to pick on him from time to time and swap Funny Stories with him on the political pages.



Just keep doing what you do TDR.



Denny

 

[AABEN]

Please leve it at 35. 00! And keep up the good work Thanks Ben.

 

[HBarlow]

If a small number of subscribers don't wish to receive the magazine for whatever reason it would seem pretty easy to simply ask TDR Admin not to mail it.

$35/year or $2. 92/month is not much money for access to the website and other benefits of membership.

 

[E7mack96]

Leave it alone

I just wanna say this:



Please do not ever resort to putting ads all over this site. I cannot stand wading thru ads, even on sites like CNN and such just to read information. I am THIS close to paying yahoo to take ads of my E-mail acct. (yes, it is optional) Ads slow everything way down.



It is a pleasure to come on here, albeit less than I used to, and find what I need and not be annoyed by Googles almighty ads.



I have been around for quite a few years and plan (finances willing) to stay around longer. I love the magazine and it feels like Christmas when the TDR comes. The wife thinks I am nuts for saving all of them too.



Now, If someone only wants web access, why couldn't it be sold that way? Classmates gets 39 a year for web-only access and Reunion gets like 59 or so a year, But... you still have ads .



So, Why not make web-only access available for like 25. 00? Still a bargain these days. (would lower magazine production volume drive up the cost per unit much?)



Just my rambling thoughts...



Tony

 

[DieselJake]

It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It

OK, here's my $. 03.....



First off, I'm back now that I got another CTD. Missed my CTD & TDR.



The web site is great, more reliable info here than anywhere else. Not only that but alot of the info/instruction is not available in any book or manual: the tips shared by you all that have chased those gremlins or found easier/better ways of doing things.



Also, I for one appreciate the very minimal advertising and the honest evaluation of parts and suppliers. Please don't prostitute this site like most free sites do: try getting a valid product review from a site who's $$ is that product manufacturer.



Additionally, I do like the print (hard copy) magazine as I read and keep them. Side note; I would like online archives of back issues so we can search past issues that we don't have. Expensive and labor intensive I know, but more food for thought.



Keep up the good work!!