TOPIC: Site access

David M ; "interesting" is the wrong word as there used to be several SOF Members accessing this Website, notable for a considerable time now from their absence as shown at foot of page : Members Online.

What "gossip" do you and other Members seemingly need to engage in which cannot be done on this Website ? Who, I wonder, are the "100 Guests" ?

SelWynsel

Hello - I am not sure if I have missed something.

I had checked this forum every once in a while but nothing posted for a while, but I have been continuing to use the search function , and accessing the considerable amount of information available on this forum as a source of what it is - great information uploaded over the years by a great group of enthusiasts - I only joined a couple of years ago but its been invaluable.
I checked a few days ago and unwittingly missed the additional pages in this particular thread.

Based on previous comments - is there a "cost" issue to maintain this forum site, is it an issue with "time and availability", or other "issue" to keep it going as a source of interaction and access to information?
I am sure cost issues and time/availability issues could be understood, reviewed and managed by the various group members?

For example - site administrator - as per other forums for cars and bikes, does it need aligning to a new website address with transfer of "ownership" or "administration rights" for this forum and I am sure there must be a way to align it to a new web address or link from the new SOF website - again, is there a cost for this? Is there another reason?

I for one find this forum, the facebook group and the magazine a source of great information and communication with other enthusiasts and usually these sources of information/contact are devoid of "people" or "political" issues, which from experience, allow such groups and forums to interact together for the common good.

Comment - Ref "guests" - you'll probably find these are "bots" or "cookies linking/monitoring activities/the address same as other forums

Hi,

I typically log into the SOF website most days, if nothing else to see what’s going on or if there’s anything new plus search the wealth of information this site contains. It would be a great shame if this site closed, and everything was lost. I also use the Facebook site for similar reasons albeit I find less technical information. I’m no great Facebook fan but there is a place for it in this “modern” world and both the SOF website and Facebook can and do get quick answers to queries. Twenty plus years ago we would have to relied on the printed word, magazine or letter, telephone (landline), or if luck, personal contacts. I have on occasions posted on the SOF site but I’m still gaining knowledge on these bikes, owned my S7D for 6 years, and there’s far more knowledgeable people on here than me so digest information wherever and whenever I can. Maybe one day I’ll be an expert but there again maybe not – not that it matters.

Fortunately, or unfortunately time moves on, and technologies change and future owners of our bikes (hopefully) will be younger and today’s and future technologies will be their “normal” form of contact/communication. The older we get the more fixed we become in our ways so what seems to be change for the sake of change becomes less interesting.

I’m no “spring chicken” (approaching 66) but have worked in the automotive industry (R&D and test) all my working life so have been exposed to many changes and technologies. Now with the advent of EV I have retired as it holds no interest for me, combustion engines were/are my interest/passion. That said it doesn’t mean there isn’t a need/future for EV, it’s just not my future.

In my (humble) opinion, there’s a place for both formats and as long as both promote Sunbeams and their continued use and interest for future generations that must be a good thing.

Best regards,
Martyn

The issue Martin B is that Deserter' SOF Members are using Facewhatever gossip forums INSTEAD of SOF Website which, sad to say, shall inevitably lead to the loss of said Website.

SelWynsel

Hi Gordon

Thanks for that explanation about bots and guests. I was unaware of that happening.

So even fewer people visiting here then!

Martyn Beesley wrote: In my (humble) opinion, there’s a place for both formats and as long as both promote Sunbeams and their continued use and interest for future generations that must be a good thing.

Best regards,
Martyn

I agree any of the available formats promote Sunbeams and their ownership and upkeep so heres a place for them.

For this forum - I know a few different owners club websites were upgraded in last few years, especially the forums, making them more secure and stable - is that maybe all is needed?

Its not clear if there is some way to "merge" this particular site address and the new SOF site address in some way or having one become an entry point for SOF and the other being a back catalogue and library of information?

Regarding the internet based sites (not Facebook) - being quite new to this, is it a cost and ownership issue between the sites and is this site now unofficial and the new one is official and never the twain shall meet or is there some way to join the 2 for the benefit of Sunbeam enthusiasts?