This might not be the right place to post this but we're all aware that the forum may close shortly unless someone takes the reigns. I've been thinking about this for a week and here's my offer ...

I'm a web developer experienced in development and integration of a range of systems including forums. I also own and operate web servers worth about $20k and would be willing to transfer the forum onto our servers and manage the forum. I would also incorporate a range of improvements that would benefit everyone and take the site to the next level.

So there it is. It's now over to you.

I thought a few comments would have been made by now about this offer.

Do we know what is happening or can some one update us.

Neil,

There are many things to consider in transferring forum ownership and the future of the forum is high on the list of things Robert will consider.

I believe that when Robert has made a decision, he will advise the Forum members of that decision.

Until then, keep busy and don't think too much about it. We now know that there is at least one possibility, so things are not as grim as they could have been.

Regards,
Tony

Tony.
I suppose I was starting to get a bit desperate,thinking this might close down. Who would answer all my silly questions.
Neil.

Maybe the best place to post your offer is into the thread where Robert made his announcement.

Very pleased to hear there are some options coming up and I appreciate your offer.

Tim

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Toyota Landcruiser 1989 HJ61 Manual Wagon
12H-T turbo Direct Inj.
100% WVO, 30 plate FPHE, 12mm fuel lines, twin OEM filters in parallel (with single filter backup) fed by OEM lift pump, controlled by 2x12mm motor driven ball valves with full temp and time automation (Jaycar temp kit). Sureflow Electric fuel pump for fast diesel purge feeds IP direct. 3 sec delay (2 x 4700uf capacitors) in purge time before diesel is returned to diesel tank. Runs with +80°C vege temp.

This forum was started with certain ideals in mind, one of which which I believe was to raise political support and pressure for certain aspects of biofuel use in mainstream diesel supply's.
While this forum has been very successful in it's own right, from what I have been told and read, it appears that one of the reasons the current owner wants out is because the greater majority of forum members are more interested in the DIY aspect of using veg and are not interested in the politics of it which is at odds with the reason he created this board and several other sites which catered to those ideals in the first place.

If this is indeed the case as I'm sure it is, then this would be a very strong basis for the creation of a new Australian site which did cater for the DIY aspect and promoted things which are of the most interest to the majority of the membership of this forum.

Given a homebrewer/ hands on based forum, I am confident that the 2 boards could exist very happily together and provide an ideal place for those interested in veg fuels whatever their motivation was. It would also allow the development of either camp to progress their interests without the handbrake effect of those with opposing views.
In the worst case scenario of this forum closing, then there still would be a local forum where people could discuss the things that affect and apply to us here in OZ which at times is very different to what is important to the mainly US based alternatives.

Good all round I would say!

I'd tend to disagree Dave. I'd suggest this site has already established itself as the home brewer/DIY site and if another is to be established to promote bio/veg to the world then it is that one that would need to be established.

From my observations the larger percentage of people on this forum are not all that interested in promoting bio or veg to the world, rather they are more interested in becoming involved in brewing or interested in researching, trialing and improving the methods of brewing and using bio and veg.

It is for this reason this forum should remain as is.

Just my 2.2 cents worth.

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Maverick
Canberra

I agree with this completely and totally.

Unfortunately it is against the ideals of the forum owner and, as others have also noticed and commented on, anyone that does not want to promote veg to the world is chastised here and told they are going against the reason the forum was created by the forums Minders. I have been told what I should think like this several times already as have others.

While I totally agree with your assessment of the forum members and their interests, they are not shared by the powers that be on this site and they have plainly stated this on these pages. IMHO, the members of the forum have their interests overlooked because of this.

For this reason I believe that if this forum can't be transfered to management that shares the views of the established membership and can breathe some new life into it, or the present owner is unsure what he wants to do with it, someone with the skills and resources would find setting up a new site a very easy and low cost thing to do and would not have any trouble with quickly gaining a substantial membership if the sites ideal catered to the target audience.

I genuinely believe that 2 sites would be the best thing for all concerned. Those members and admins that want to convert everyone to their way of thinking in promoting veg to the worl and going on TV etc can do so here and those that are interested more in using Veg fuels rather than telling the world about them, can discuss the issues that are important to them without being chastised or made to feel their position is wrong by those whom have differing interests.

By having a place dedicated to each school of thought, both camps could be more productive in their respective interests without having those with differing views derailing their efforts.

That has to be a genuinely good thing for everyone.

Of course it wont be transferred the way you suggest. Why would Robert do that when he has done all the work and funded it to make it what it is, to follow his ideals. He will transfer it to someone with similar ideals and so he should, or he may sell it to recover some of his costs, to someone with a more commercial purpose in mind.
OK David - go for it - this forum won't change, it will either continue as it is (promoting veg oil use) or it will die.

If you want a forum that doesn't promote veg oil use then you will have to start one yourself and you had better make it a closed forum and keep out people like me who are prepared to share what we have with those who don't know about it already. Otherwise it will just become another promotion outlet for veg oil use.
Of course it won't help your cause much because we will still be here on this forum sharing the information and in particular sharing the most effective veg oil use promotion, the Fitian conversion.
Every vehicle that Fitain converts brings in another person to the veg oil use community and most of us are happy for the community to expand in this way.

hey guys,

i am very saddened by the advent that this forum may shut down. i dont have the cappabilities nor the finances to keep this great forum going. i have learnt so much from the input of others on the use of bio fuels and it will be a great loss for all if thie site goes under.

i dont want to be political about boasting the virtues of bio fules to the world, it makes sense to me that if people want to then let them, to me this site is about free learning and asking questions and getting answers from well learned people. if the environment is in question, as i think it is and is only getting worse with the use of oil based products, it makes more sense to me, that people should be able to have a choice on what makes their world a better place. i am not a tree hugging greeny, but people need to have the answers to questions if they so choose to look, as i am one who promotes the use of alternate fuels at any chance i get, people think iv'e lost my marbles, but thats their opinion and they are entitled to have it.

their are plenty more forums out there that promote the use of bio\alternative fuels, but this site has something a tad more. it's an AUSSIE site.

if some one takes over this site and improves on what we have, then i say go for it, regardless of whether it is for political reasons, promoting to the world the virtues of bio or just to help teach others of like mind. i have not been a member for too long nor have i been able to offer advice or answer questions, this will come with time and from my own learning process's.

i would hate to think that all the knowledge gained be lost forever or locked up in a site that does not allow free speach or free learning or promotes the :"YOU MUST ATTITUDE".

ultimately the desicion on what or who or how is to the owner of this site.
far from me to put my objections or try to persuade in what direction it goes. i just dont want to see it go.

well that's my bit of ranting for the day.

H1K.

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