9 replies to this topic

[John Barresi]

Hi folks... Just pondering the Kitelife "home front", trying to make it more appealing and user-friendly wherever I can and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

Place your vote above (anonymous), and/or speak your mind!

[John Barresi]

Bear in mind, down the road, as I start producing various video tutorials, they'll be in the subscribers section...

For the sport kite performances of old however, it might be nice to make them "wide open" for all to enjoy.

Obviously I've nearly made the decision myself, but I'd still like to hear your thoughts on the matter.

[Baloo]

My first thought is NO, why should all and sundry view things that I can see if I want to as part of the subscription to Kitelife, what do you think I subscribe for, just so that he site, mag etc can be published add in finitum? spelling.

Well yes I suppose, I firstly subscribe so that Kitelife will be there for me to look at in the future, when I am old and grey, in my bath chair, playing with my marbles all not there.

I do look at the videos in the subscriber section, and have downloaded most of the ones I want to.

Honest answer, I don't have a solid opinion either way, yes part of the reward for my subscription is the "private" area. However who am I to say what should be viewed or not.

You go with your gut John.

[John Barresi]

Well, the key is that when I took over Kitelife in 2002 and started adding the video archives, all the regular size videos were available to everyone, and I think it was a fine value for ALL our visitors.

At this point, indeed, our visitor count is down significantly... Bottom line, we've got lots of great stuff here, and I just want to get it all back in circulation again.

Over the coming year, I plan on adding TONS of subscriber-only content (tutorials, etc) so your value/benefit will be there as a subscriber, but I also want to expand (or open) the general public's content as well.

[Baloo]

Kewl, I am with you then.

Let visitors see whatever you want them to. hopefuly bringing more folks to the site more often.

More hits, got to be good for Kitelife.

More visitors also means more potential subscribers.

[John Barresi]

Darn tootin'!

[Guru4tru]

Kitelife, on 15 December 2009 - 04:39 PM, said:

Darn tootin'!

When I got interested in kiting I first went to the AKA site, that was the only site I knew. Then Portland Jon told me to check out Kitelife. I did and all the information I could have needed was there for me to use and any question I had was answered freely without any "membership" pushing.

I didn't join Kitelife because I thought I'd get more or better information then what I was already getting. I joined because the site was open to anyone to use...I joined out of appreciation for all the information and help I was receiving, without the need to be a member! This was, and is, a site I want to support mainly for that reason.

Maybe, other people's attitudes are different...but I don't think so.

Keep It Up & Open!
Duane

[John Barresi]

That's always been an ideal here Duane... There are subscriptions, yes, to help me keep doing what I do here and abroad in kiting.

Prime directive is to make a wealth of info available to those who need it and archive our history (kiting's), with some "bonus" (but not requisite) goodies for those who get it and want to help.

I hang the sign, everyone is welcome, I try to mediate when needed, and appreciate those who elect to subscribe, without expecting them to.

[John Barresi]

Alright, another thought... If I can get two more people to click that YES vote above (a whopping total of six), just for fun and to encourage me, I'll open up the videos to all comers.

[quaa714]

Get it out there JB!!!!
By all means give people the opportunity to see what we do, what we love and what we're so passionate about.
Soon after, they'll realize and see the importance of supporting the subscription theme to keep the site up and running.

Besides, so much is already available at no cost on facebook, youtube, etc.