Captainbob Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 I am a newbie in kiting and a new member of Kitelife.com. One of the first things I did was to subscribe to this site for several reasons. The first reason, is that I liked the look of the website and especially the very active forum, which seems to be the most active kiting forum on the web, at least that I have been able to find. The second reason is the availability of the tutorials, which I have used non-stop, especially since my purchasing a couple of revolution kites. For a couple of dollars a month, I have a place where I can join the chat room in the evening and learn from much more experienced members all kinds of information that would be impossible to find any other way. I can also post a question about something that I don't understand and usually within hours I get multiple answers to my questions. At the same time I joined Kitelife,, I also joined AKA, and with the 3 kites that I have purchased since joining the AKA, the 10% discount I got on my purchases from AWOC, had paid for my yearly AKA membership totally, and I have already received a couple of the very nice AKA magazines, and I am supporting that organization too. The other evening, I went down to the bottom of the forum page on Kitelife, and looked at the people that were actively browsing the forum at that time. To my surprise, I would say that at least 90% of the browsers, were listed as "Guests", in other words they are not even registered on the forum, and most probably not subscribers or supporting the forum in any way. I did this again, this morning, and the same result. As I am typing this, 9 out of 10 people are guests, and there is only one other member besides myself that is on the forum. I find this disappointing frankly. The guests can come in, read the posts on the forum, and yet they don't feel that they should support the forum in any way, or become part of the registered membership. They apparently are relying on people like me and other subscribers to pay for the forum, so that they can take advantage of it. It's a shame that for a couple of cups of Starbucks coffee a month, folks couldn't keep this forum going by spending the same amount and getting a subscription and registering as a member. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 Hey CB, The visitors can look, but they can't post, or ask questions, and I don't believe that they have access, to all of the tutorials that we do (I might be wrong about that one). A lot of those visitors get here, simply by doing a search on Google, Bing, etc, and it leads here. Hopefully we can snag a few of those lookers. I suppose it's like window shopping................plus, there are a lot of people that don't know about, nor do they understand, forums and chat rooms. Admittedly, the Kitelife chat room, is the only chat room that I have ever been in, and that has only been over the last month or so. I'm not into the social networking stuff, so I had stayed away from places like "chat rooms", etc. I do understand what you are saying, but I prefer to look at it like, "WE ARE THE LUCKY FEW". Sooner or later, if those visitors are serious about kiting, they'll find us...............I did. You did. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparkieRob Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 Occasionally I'm a visitor! Sometimes I want to use the web based platform to take a quick look rather than use my Tapatalk application. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mystainedskin Posted March 8, 2014 Report Share Posted March 8, 2014 I must admit I toured and lurked for a year before becoming a "paid" subscriber ...and even longer to join the A.K.A....for my own personal reasons, they were done at different times. I became a subscriber as soon as I finally got a kite. I learned soooooo much through this site and this site alone...it is pretty much the only one I frequent. I felt the need to share and pay it forward in every way possible. If you look at my post history..you will see loads of quad related post..but only because financially , that's what I have right now. I want some of everything! Kitelife is the place for that and the knowledge here is endless... slk,duals,quads,gliders....you name it..someone here is into it and would love to help you on your journey! We can only hope through sharing your thoughts in places like this that you also can take the same journey...feel the same need and joy.. Also, along with the A.K.a discount...don't forget the awesome drawings that Kitelife host.. User or site based. Keep up the good work! Shout it from the roof tops every chance you get! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevRookie Posted March 8, 2014 Report Share Posted March 8, 2014 If I'm logging in from work, I'll show up as a guest since I can't remember what I set the password to! Luckily the iPad remembers, so I just post from there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hasek Posted March 8, 2014 Report Share Posted March 8, 2014 Your thoughts are valid Bob, although there are some things that may factor in which seem to skew the numbers of sorts. Automated "spiders" which index all of Kitelife's web pages most likely show up as guests. These spiders result in search engine results. I only log on when I post, so more often than not I am showing as guest. My computer cleans up cookies, caches, etc each time I shut down my computer. I don't see the need to log in each time if there is nothing for me to post. I am sure there are the folks you are referring to in the guest count, but again, I don't believe the numbers are a true measure of those that come to KL to gain kite info. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianS Posted March 8, 2014 Report Share Posted March 8, 2014 I'm sure everyone's introduction to KiteLife is a little different. I confess that I visited as a guest for a few weeks before I signed up. If I hadn't had the opportunity to check out the archived forum posts and get a feel for the friendly and supportive atmosphere as a guest, I probably would not have joined. Once I recognized the value, I didn't hesitate to register. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGower Posted March 8, 2014 Report Share Posted March 8, 2014 me i'm the same when i found the site i wasn't sure if i wanted to join but once i saw a few tutorials i wanted to see more and support my fellow kite flyers. I'm, not a chat room guy but i love that there is a chat room here although will all the traveling i do seem to be in the wrong time zone right now 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobB Posted March 8, 2014 Report Share Posted March 8, 2014 Kitelife is the first kite related thing that I support. If it's between sending $$$ to Kitelife or the AKA, I send my $$$ to Kitelife first, I think KL does more for the kite flying community. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reef Runner Posted March 8, 2014 Report Share Posted March 8, 2014 I think KL does more for the kite flying community. Here, here (you said a mouthful there) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tmadz Posted March 9, 2014 Report Share Posted March 9, 2014 I'm sure everyone's introduction to KiteLife is a little different. I confess that I visited as a guest for a few weeks before I signed up. If I hadn't had the opportunity to check out the archived forum posts and get a feel for the friendly and supportive atmosphere as a guest, I probably would not have joined. Once I recognized the value, I didn't hesitate to register. Yay! Just don't ask for support for the giveaways. My precious! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Barresi Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 Wow, the love is overwhelming. KiteLife mirrors my deep love for kiting, and the joy I know it can offer to folks out there in a tough world. The magazine, out of print mags (SKQ / KiteLines) and general forum participation are all free of charge for good reason, kite info and support first. For those who "get" what we're about and/or want access to the prizes and video tutorials, can't thank you enough - spread the love! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Dowler Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 My sub is due to renew - ya know my thoughts!! Wind Therapy for all!! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mystainedskin Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 T.I. really hammered it home for me. I met so many forum members. Learned ..Passed on..learned more. Had forum member actually seek me out over the Wala videos for help and just some fun. Unfortunately , wind and a Rev glued to my hands...in which I apologize. You know who you are, and check the mail box soon It's a great feeling to share what you love and get to see someone grasp and grow...whatever the age! Kudos sir! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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