VIP only shout box coming soon.

[Billsman]

We're going to be installing a VIP shout box soon as well as all the arcade games and casino will be VIP / Contributors only. $5.00 a month ($1.25 a week) will give you access to many games, the casino, more room for PM's and more goodies coming up. Who can't afford a buck twenty five?

[stepsukie]

so is there only gonna be 1 shoutbox or is there gonna be 2 seperate ones?

[Billsman]

One.

[sukie]

So no shoutbox for step without the cake?

[stepsukie]

so $60 a year for the shoutbox?

[zanthrax54]

so $60 a year for the shoutbox?

yeah, isn't that just a little bit steep just to be able to use an already free feature?

[Papaduke]

Maybe the Range can give a year discount for those who commit for the full year... just an idea.

[Billsman]

The other option would be deleting the SB all together which we don't have a problem with. Forums will still be free like other message boards but we will have more "VIP only" forums too.

[Billsman]

yeah, isn't that just a little bit steep just to be able to use an already free feature?

Do you consider doing all the maintenance free? Hey, if you don't want to use it don't pay or you can find a similar message board with a SB and post there. No one is forcing anyone to pay, join or even stay here. Forums will be free, hacks will cost a membership fee.

[Billsman]

So no shoutbox for step without the cake?

No one singled him out. I used to make $30 a day in high school cutting grass and doing odd jobs. Other sites charge more for less.

[itsMILLERTIME30]

So no SB or Casino/Arcade for us non-contributors? :(

[Darksyde]

I have been a contributor and will contribute more for this even though my membership isnt up. This message board and all of its mods and admins do Alot of damn work to keep it looking crisp and clean so that everyone else can feed off the money they have dished out. I have no issues with this decision whatsoever. It's about time people stopped just taking and starting giving back.

[Patrick!]

That's stupid for us underage members with no Paypal.

It's unfair, and it's really just another part of the upper staff's effort to get rid of the SCI regulars who they don't like.

[smashingt2312]

Your doing this to all us poor college kids??? :bigsmile:

[Darksyde]

That's stupid for us underage members with no Paypal.

It's unfair, and it's really just another part of the upper staff's effort to get rid of the SCI regulars who they don't like.

Man this kid is quick guys. He figured you out. Sign him to the staff before he gets away.

[Scary Good]

Damn...this is no good.

[shotgun]

I have been a contributor and will contribute more for this even though my membership isnt up. This message board and all of its mods and admins do Alot of damn work to keep it looking crisp and clean so that everyone else can feed off the money they have dished out. I have no issues with this decision whatsoever. It's about time people stopped just taking and starting giving back.

you only will keep giveing money to keep your mod spot!

[Darksyde]

you only will keep giveing money to keep your mod spot!

yep ya figured me out. Funny I was a contributor long before I was a mod.

[35Pete]

That's stupid for us underage members with no Paypal.

It's unfair, and it's really just another part of the upper staff's effort to get rid of the SCI regulars who they don't like.

Hmm. A conspiracy. My kind of guy. ;)

[shotgun]

what happen give what you can! thats how this should be,

[35Pete]

Bandwidth is an issue as we grow. And bandwidth costs money. Businesses don't exist to provide charity to us. They have families to feed too.

I won't see a red cent of it. I am a 100% volunteer. That's right. All the maintenance I do is on my time. Look. I don't want praise or any of that crap. But I do want you to know that the extra needed funds won't being going into my pocket, or GoGriffs, or anEin's, ect..ect... I think that you get the point. Thanks guys.

[slowpokemcgee]

That's stupid for us underage members with no Paypal.

It's unfair, and it's really just another part of the upper staff's effort to get rid of the SCI regulars who they don't like.


Just visit one less whore on Lyell Ave and send Billsman a check with your savings included.

[35Pete]

Do you consider doing all the maintenance free? Hey, if you don't want to use it don't pay or you can find a similar message board with a SB and post there. No one is forcing anyone to pay, join or even stay here. Forums will be free, hacks will cost a membership fee.

Bandwidth costs money. The better and more stable add-ons (shoutbox, games, ect..) that are professionally done cost money. And the ones that cost also provide technical support. That means when the site crashes a super admin can get on the horn with the SW developer and get the problem resolved more quickly. I used that free admin support site that you and I know about and the answers to my questions came in trickles and in a very untimely manner. Developer support means guys aren't spending hours of their time getting a place back online. Which is kind of nice if you're making dinner for visiting family and the site crashes. Or you have a date and you get an email just before you leave that the site crashed. Not fun knowing that your hands are tied. But with support this stuff can get online quicker. And that means better service for the members and less effort (and burnout) for the volunteer admins and super admins.

A simple messageboard is not rocket science to operate. Start adding bells and whistles and complexity and opportunity for errors escalate. As well as bandwidth, which costs coin.

[shotgun]

i just think the cost to each user is to high. 20 a month is alot,.

[WhiteRabbit]

i just think the cost to each user is to high. 20 a month is alot,.

i think the initial post says 5/month ...

[Junior]

Then why not eliminate the games, or make the games like a real arcade, you have to pay money to go to chuck e cheese, the shoutbox, replace it with a link to a free chatroom on mirc or somthing that we can all chat in together, that, last i checked was free, i have no problems contributing to the cause as you can see, but to charge $60 a year for a arcade and casino is a bit silly, just my opinion, i will still contribute, but to charge for the shoutbox is not a good idea.

[stepsukie]

Or...
all the other features cost $$$ except for the shoutbox?

IMO, thats the best part of the Range.

[Blofan4life]

If you start charging a lot of the members will leave. This place will be a ghost town and a boring place to post because no will be here to read what you have to say. I have a question for Billsman: Do you claim this on your taxes? Like is this a business for you? I am confused on what rules there are for internet business.

[jamiezzz]

I would have to agree, I think u should charge for games and casino...not shoutbox

[Darksyde]

If you start charging a lot of the members will leave. This place will be a ghost town and a boring place to post because no will be here to read what you have to say. I have a question for Billsman: Do you claim this on your taxes? Like is this a business for you? I am confused on what rules there are for internet business.

i'm not sure if that is any of your business.

I would have to agree, I think u should charge for games and casino...not shoutbox


thanx for the input please play again.

[anEinherjer]

You guys who are addicted to the stupid shoutbox should figure out how to use the real technology for real-time chat: IRC. Doing it in a silly ajax html box is honestly pretty lame, like putting a tin can on your civic and pretending it's all badass.

If we were smart, we'd hook up with Undernet or something and set up a few Range IRC channels. Doing real-time live chat on a web site is stupid in more ways that I can count.

And if you think the Range will die because the stupid shoutbox is gone you're just nuts.

[JLB]

You guys who are addicted to the stupid shoutbox should figure out how to use the real technology for real-time chat: IRC. Doing it in a silly ajax html box is honestly pretty lame, like putting a tin can on your civic and pretending it's all badass.

If we were smart, we'd hook up with Undernet or something and set up a few Range IRC channels. Doing real-time live chat on a web site is stupid in more ways that I can count.

And if you think the Range will die because the stupid shoutbox is gone you're just nuts.

:iwantu:

:rockon:

[anEinherjer]

If we're REALLY smart we can set up an IRC server here, without relying on other systems, and be able to use the same usernames and passwords for it. ;)

Now that would kick ass.


Shoutbox. Pssssshhhh. Kids these days have no clue. :D

[treydawg]

You guys who are addicted to the stupid shoutbox should figure out how to use the real technology for real-time chat: IRC. Doing it in a silly ajax html box is honestly pretty lame, like putting a tin can on your civic and pretending it's all badass.

If we were smart, we'd hook up with Undernet or something and set up a few Range IRC channels. Doing real-time live chat on a web site is stupid in more ways that I can count.

And if you think the Range will die because the stupid shoutbox is gone you're just nuts.

It's extremely convenient which makes it so nice.

[joeystrass]

can't we get advertisers to foot some of the bill? I wouldn't mind some advertisement at the top of the page. Jut saying. There are a lot of sites online that offer much more (not in the same genre, obviously, and not Buffalo related) than this site and they are free. I would pay $10 for a whole year but $5/month is too much. IMO. What will all this money be going to? Why should i give you money for this site? I am paying $60 a year for a "VIP" section (who really cares) and so i can fake gamble and play an arcade that is as consistent as the Sabres this year? $60 a year is wayyy to much for what you are offering.

[Scary Good]

Why is there an arcade? You can goto 25 million other places to play games, you can only goto this one to talk sports live.

[kritter65]

If we're REALLY smart we can set up an IRC server here, without relying on other systems, and be able to use the same usernames and passwords for it. ;)

Now that would kick ass.


Shoutbox. Pssssshhhh. Kids these days have no clue. :D

I've used IRC chat before in the past and I like this sites shoutbox better. In fact, I left IRC chats (and Usenet) permanently for this site BECAUSE of all the features on one big site - including the shoutbox. The best thing about the Range for me is having the shoutbox on the same page as the site itself ! It's excellent to scroll down and look at the threads below, scroll back up, chat, go to a link, etc ... all that stuff on one site is great. Yeah I know, you can keep mIRC up in the background AND still be on this site at the same time, but this is better.

You've given us crack for free, and you're going to make us pay a lot for it now. I know, it's your site and you can do what you want, but I don't like the VIP shoutbox idea. Just my opinion.

I guess it's really MY problem then, isn't it ?

I need help ...

[Fallsnative]

Again the lack of insight by many people here surprises me. People, Billsman is the OWNER of the site, a site you use for FREE. His time is worth money. If you want to use it, pay up. In this society we call Capitalism the idea is to make money. I have no problem paying for SB and other features. Billsman you guys do what you gotta do to survive.

[35Pete]

Again the lack of insight by many people here surprises me. People, Billsman is the OWNER of the site, a site you use for FREE. His time is worth money. If you want to use it, pay up. In this society we call Capitalism the idea is to make money. I have no problem paying for SB and other features. Billsman you guys do what you gotta do to survive.

Thanks FN. But it's simpler than that. We're trying to cover expenses. And we're asking for contributions and offering bonus services for those that do help keep the place going. We're bigger than we were last year, and the year before. It makes sense.
That shoutbox costs us bandwidth galore. It's a resource hog. Do you see why we are constantly messing with it?
And if we can't get the bandwidth for it then we'll just take it down. It was one of the main causes of our crashes last month. The casino and arcade are bandwidth hogs too.

[Fallsnative]

Thanks FN. But it's simpler than that. We're trying to cover expenses. And we're asking for contributions and offering bonus services for those that do help keep the place going. We're bigger than we were last year, and the year before. It makes sense.
That shoutbox costs us bandwidth galore. It's a resource hog. Do you see why we are constantly messing with it?
And if we can't get the bandwidth for it then we'll just take it down. It was one of the main causes of our crashes last month. The casino and arcade are bandwidth hogs too.

I hear ya loud and clear Pete. As I said, I am more than willing to pay to be a Ranger. Too many people out there believe everything should be free which to me is complete BS. Heck, dump the arcade/games and save the bandwith for other things.

[ICRockets]

Again the lack of insight by many people here surprises me. People, Billsman is the OWNER of the site, a site you use for FREE. His time is worth money. If you want to use it, pay up. In this society we call Capitalism the idea is to make money. I have no problem paying for SB and other features. Billsman you guys do what you gotta do to survive.

What unfettered bullshit.

If you're going to give us business parables, then at least give us the courtesy of not being an idiot.

Nobody's telling Billsman he CAN'T do this. But his "customers" have every right to tell him if they think it's a bad idea. That's how business works.

[ICRockets]

I hear ya loud and clear Pete. As I said, I am more than willing to pay to be a Ranger. Too many people out there believe everything should be free which to me is complete BS. Heck, dump the arcade/games and save the bandwith for other things.

Prove it. The majority of the people disagreeing with this move have contributor tags (or in at least one case, do not have one due to not having PayPal and therefore being incapable of contributing), and yet here you come having clearly shelled out less than 10 bucks for the site and telling us you're willing to pay $60. Why haven't you?

[pmoon6]

$60 a year? Hell, I plan on giving $100 a year and just did for this year. I don't even use the shoutbox because it's just a bunch of kids talking gobblety gook. I also rarely use the arcade.

For all the things they've installed since I've been a member, $100 is not too much to ask.

I'm going to pay that to keep the site going just for the information and great conversation.

[Fallsnative]

Prove it. The majority of the people disagreeing with this move have contributor tags (or in at least one case, do not have one due to not having PayPal and therefore being incapable of contributing), and yet here you come having clearly shelled out less than 10 bucks for the site and telling us you're willing to pay $60. Why haven't you?

Your right, I haven't and I will.

[joeystrass]

i would just really like to know where the money is going. Yes Billsman owns the site but its the internet. This place IS what it IS because of the people that make up the community.

The reason this site is as great as it is is because of the community that shares this site.

I would say less than 1% of the users on this site use the shoutbox more than once a week.

So does a Buffalo Chip become even more useless now that we can't gamble them away.

Is this really the only or best option?

[pmoon6]

Oh, I see the little dildo groaned me for stating an opinion.

What's the matter Sabres244, can't get mommy and daddy to pony up a hundred bucks?

[ICRockets]

$60 a year? Hell, I plan on giving $100 a year and just did for this year. I don't even use the shoutbox because it's just a bunch of kids talking gobblety gook. I also rarely use the arcade.

For all the things they've installed since I've been a member, $100 is not too much to ask.

I'm going to pay that to keep the site going just for the information and great conversation.

I mean, if you're able to shell out $100, that's great.

But I think there's a pretty big disconnect between the old guard here and the young guys with remarkably less disposable income.

I'm less inclined to call it deliberate discrimination than some others in this thread, but the fact that this move would do more direct harm to the younger posters who had a very recent and very public dispute with the mods and admins than it would to other demographics on the Range is undeniable.

I'm a trusting guy, so I'm not going to say this is some sort of conspiracy to get people to leave, but when Billsman says things like "nobody's making people pay, post, or even stay here", I can absolutely see how people get suspicious.

[jaymitch84]

The casino and arcade are bandwidth hogs too.

First in line should be ditching the arcade. There is always something wrong with it anyway.

[pmoon6]

I mean, if you're able to shell out $100, that's great.

But I think there's a pretty big disconnect between the old guard here and the young guys with remarkably less disposable income.

I'm less inclined to call it deliberate discrimination than some others in this thread, but the fact that this move would do more direct harm to the younger posters who had a very recent and very public dispute with the mods and admins than it would to other demographics on the Range is undeniable.

I'm a trusting guy, so I'm not going to say this is some sort of conspiracy to get people to leave, but when Billsman says things like "nobody's making people pay, post, or even stay here", I can absolutely see how people get suspicious.C'mon IC. I'm sure you're an industrious guy.

It's not that hard to work a little extra to earn $60 to give to something you enjoy and spend alot of time doing. Call it donating to a hobby.

[Uppy]

Stop bitching and put up the coin-I'm a Pats fan and I donate to this fourm.

Why ?

Because its the best one I've found.

Some of you don't know how good you have it

[Uppy]

:rofl:

You groaned my post IC....I'll tell you what I'll send you bus fare give you a tent to live in and you can do spring clean ups of my family's yards and I will send a check to the range in your name to cover you for this year.

Is it a deal......what the hell you need the work any way,right ?

[Patrick!]

Hmm. A conspiracy. My kind of guy. ;)

Pete, I don't think it's as complicated as you think I think it is.

The mods don't like the group of individuals who frequent SCI and the shoutbox. Some refer to them as the Shoutbox Legends, but I don't like that term because we've been here for like 10% of the website's life and legends are the oldtimers.

The easiest way to get rid of the "shoutbox legends"? Take away the shoutbox. It's that simple.

[WhiteRabbit]

I hate to be an ass, but dude, you're sitting here whining about your situation. Man up, understand that in the situation you're in, you can't have it all. If you can't afford VIP on the site, then enjoy the free access ... which will remain to be most of the site.

I don't get it ... we're almost the same age, but you're talking like people owe you shit (some radio host called it the "owe-me generation"), no one owes you anything. You're having a rough time in your life? Who hasn't? Cut back where you have to and get through it.

[Uppy]

I'd groan again, but this time I'll try something else:

Go **** yourself.

I thought you needed the work IC.....let me give you some advice son.Never tell some one
to F-O that offering you work when you are
unemployed.


life is good

[WhiteRabbit]

I'm less inclined to call it deliberate discrimination than some others in this thread, but the fact that this move would do more direct harm to the younger posters who had a very recent and very public dispute with the mods and admins than it would to other demographics on the Range is undeniable.

Actually, this has been a hot topic for the admins for a little over 2 months ... so quit flattering yourself. The admins on this site don't have the time for these little petty conspiracy theories. Maybe if you spent half the time on working that you do on coming up with bullcrap like this, you wouldn't have so much to whine about -- as far as your financial status.

I'm not on staff anymore (and before you ask, it's because of WORK -- worked 65 hours last week), but I can tell you that the dream of any admin here would be to never have to ban or warn anybody ... you can take that to the bank.

[JWatts]

Mods can someone check this site out as an option to the current shoutbox. It's used on a fantasy hockey site that I visit since I have a team. It seems reliable & stable and it's free. It's just an idea instead of charging for the shoutbox but it's your decision.

http://www.parachat.com/

Update: Our site uses the free chat box option and that's the one I was looking at for the range. It's hosted by parachat so that should help with some of the bandwith problems.

[WhiteRabbit]

Ooops, did I hurt your feelings 244? I'm so sorry hunny ...

[WhiteRabbit]

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2556312/2/istockphoto_2556312_cry_baby.jpg

[ICRockets]

I hate to be an ass, but dude, you're sitting here whining about your situation. Man up, understand that in the situation you're in, you can't have it all. If you can't afford VIP on the site, then enjoy the free access ... which will remain to be most of the site.

I don't get it ... we're almost the same age, but you're talking like people owe you shit (some radio host called it the "owe-me generation"), no one owes you anything. You're having a rough time in your life? Who hasn't? Cut back where you have to and get through it.

The post in question and your quoting of it have been requested for deletion, but I'm going to respond briefly to explain myself.

At no time did I whine or indicate that anybody owed me anything. At no time did I come anywhere close to that. I merely explained my situation to pmoon, and now people I don't even know are all over my ass for it. I don't need that kind of shit from you or anyone else, so I've had the post moderated, cause it frankly is none of your god damn business.

Silly me for thinking I could say something about my personal life and not get grief for it. Now I know better.

[WhiteRabbit]

Silly me for thinking I could say something about my personal life and not get grief for it. Now I know better.

Not trying to give you grief about it, but the tone of your post was really annoying, and you also brought up the fact of this being a conspiracy on the part of the admins ... yeah, that's really going to go over well.

They can delete all my posts ... i really don't care, my point was made to the people it was aimed at.

[ICRockets]

Not trying to give you grief about it, but the tone of your post was really annoying, and you also brought up the fact of this being a conspiracy on the part of the admins ... yeah, that's really going to go over well.

They can delete all my posts ... i really don't care, my point was made to the people it was aimed at.

First: They were 2 completely different posts.

Second: Re-read the one that "brought up the fact of this being a conspiracy". It does no such thing.

[shotgun]

well the usersa are not asking for up grades, we like it as it is , if you ask me take away the arcade, and casino,

[ricogarion]

The survival and the flourishing of this site is first and foremost in all our hearts,of this I am sure.Or at least I hope it is the way users go at eachother.

[Scary Good]

Pmoon just called someone a dildo, he should be warned.

[shotgun]

well billsman did just buy a new bills bus. he needs some way to pay for it . lol j/k rick,

[shotgun]

lol

[TRIPLE P]

I pay $5 already so its no big deal....

My 2 cents:

If keeping the shoutbox, and keeping the shoutbox free is an option by getting rid of the casino and arcade get rid of'em

The shoutbox is a great place for instant banter about live events going on... this site is about communicating IMO so the shoutbox, of the 3 "hogs" fits that description the most.

I understand that people enjoy the casino and arcade.... but realistically... nobody is gonna leave the range if they are gone because they aren't what makes this place great.

The shoutbox is, again, IMO.

[treydawg]

I have no problem paying the money it is just the fact that so many people that I enjoy talking to in it do not have the means to pay for it at this point in their lives.

[ICRockets]

I pay $5 already so its no big deal....

My 2 cents:

If keeping the shoutbox, and keeping the shoutbox free is an option by getting rid of the casino and arcade get rid of'em

The shoutbox is a great place for instant banter about live events going on... this site is about communicating IMO so the shoutbox, of the 3 "hogs" fits that description the most.

I understand that people enjoy the casino and arcade.... but realistically... nobody is gonna leave the range if they are gone because they aren't what makes this place great.

The shoutbox is, again, IMO.

I agree completely. And I think if you asked the whole Range, a lot of other posters would, too.

I love the casino, but if I have to sacrifice that to reduce the bandwidth enough to keep the shoutbox financially viable, I'll do it in a heartbeat. Same goes for the arcade, but I only frequent it sparingly, so my opinion on the virtues of the arcade aren't really relevant to any discussion ever.

[Uppy]

I have no problem paying the money it is just the fact that so many people that I enjoy talking to in it do not have the means to pay for it at this point in their lives.

treydawg five bucks a month for something
a person enjoys is not much.A can of Coke
is a buck a beer is over a buck what is five
less cokes or beers a month ......?

[35Pete]

I mean, if you're able to shell out $100, that's great.

But I think there's a pretty big disconnect between the old guard here and the young guys with remarkably less disposable income.

I'm less inclined to call it deliberate discrimination than some others in this thread, but the fact that this move would do more direct harm to the younger posters who had a very recent and very public dispute with the mods and admins than it would to other demographics on the Range is undeniable.

I'm a trusting guy, so I'm not going to say this is some sort of conspiracy to get people to leave, but when Billsman says things like "nobody's making people pay, post, or even stay here", I can absolutely see how people get suspicious.

I show reverence for the old guard. They've more than earned the respect from me. In fact, I often communicate with them about ideas and issues.

THEY made this place. Not the Shoutbox legends. That term irritates me. It diminishes the real legends here: I'm talking about pmoon, Jack Kemp, papaduke, CoachC, Shiva, Uppy, Ckg, anEin, Jlb and Rico (who while relatively new, has done more for this site than you can imagine), Gilchristfan, wagoncircler, Rabbit, notacon, FinNasty, Nocturnal, and many many others. I could go on but listing a few hundred names would get ridiculous. (They know who they are).

To be honest. It wouldn't bother me, or likely any of them to turf the shoutbox.

Hell, less maintenance. The thing is a pain in the ass. Buggy as hell.

[ICRockets]

I show reverence for the old guard. They've more than earned the respect from me. In fact, I often communicate with them about ideas and issues.

THEY made this place. Not the Shoutbox legends. That term irritates me. It diminishes the real legends here: I'm talking about pmoon, Jack Kemp, papaduke, CoachC, Shiva, Uppy, Ckg, anEin, Jlb and Rico (who while relatively new, has done more for this site than you can imagine), Gilchristfan, wagoncircler, Rabbit, notacon, FinNasty, Nocturnal, and many many others. I could go on but listing a few hundred names would get ridiculous. (They know who they are).

To be honest. It wouldn't bother me, or likely any of them to turf the shoutbox.

Hell, less maintenance. The thing is a pain in the ass. Buggy as hell.

You realize this post has absolutely nothing to do with anything I said, right?

And I don't think you'll find anyone- literally, anyone- on this site who disagrees with what you said about the SBL. I used to hate the term, too. Even coined my own: the Circle Jerk Legends. But it's become abundantly clear to me how tongue-in-cheek the name 'Shoutbox Legends' was to those who the name encompasses.

[35Pete]

You realize this post has absolutely nothing to do with anything I said, right?

You mentioned "old guard". LOL ;)

And when you did I thought "they don't use the shoutbox". So I commented.

THOSE are the guys that I don't want to lose. The few hundred hard core super knowledgeable icons that make this place.

[ICRockets]

You mentioned "old guard". LOL ;)

And when you did I thought "they don't use the shoutbox". So I commented.

THOSE are the guys that I don't want to lose. The few hundred hard core super knowledgeable icons that make this place.

When I said "old guard" I was referring to guys like you and Rick, the decision makers who determined that $60 bucks isn't too much to ask, and the people with the disposable income that agree with you.

I just think the bump from $10 to $60 is pretty severe, and I must admit I don't really get the logic behind it.

Look at the people who use the shoutbox. Some of us are contributors, but a lot of those names aren't italicized. It's not feasible to expect the people who haven't even paid $10 to pay 6 times that. I just think if you guys focused on getting more people to pay 10 than getting a handful of people to pay 60 (people who, you've admitted, would not even benefit from a VIP Shoutbox) you'd get more coin than you will with this proposal.

[Junior]

Ahh yes, nothing like some witty banter back and forth between friends, not that anyone will listen to what i say, personally i love the shoutbox, it is one of the reasons i come in to here especially when stuff is happening, maybe there can be a way of breaking it up, say 20 per year for shoutbox, 20 for casino, 20 for arcade, im not trying to dodge donating, i am just trying to give viable options, not that any of the current administration gives a hoot lol, whatever you guys decide we will have a choice, the only thing i do agree with is that you are going to keep the forums free, that in itself, is good.

[ICRockets]

To be honest. It wouldn't bother me, or likely any of them to turf the shoutbox.

Hell, less maintenance. The thing is a pain in the ass. Buggy as hell.

What about elevating some of the more technically savvy "shoutbox legends" to a moderator position? Put the people who like it the most in charge of the upkeep.

Of course, this is easy for me to suggest since putting me in charge of anything html-related or something like that is the most surefire way to crash the site irreparably, but still.

[Uppy]

:rofl:

[Scary Good]

Yeah, and hardly any of the old guard are relevant in SCI...so if we're all gone, so is CI...have fun with Bernier 56 and the http://www.pacersdigest.com/apache2-default/images/smilies/tumbleweed.jpg

[FamousAmos]

Nothing like asking old friends for money! It's tough and feelings often get hurt

[admarc]

treydawg five bucks a month for something
a person enjoys is not much.A can of Coke
is a buck a beer is over a buck what is five
less cokes or beers a month ......?
Thanks Uppy but somehow I don't think converting dollars to beer cutbacks is going to help advance the cause around here.;)

[jaymitch84]

The few hundred hard core super knowledgeable icons that make this place.

I think I did like a quadruple take there.

Could you direct me to the forum on The Range where there are a few hundred knowledgeable posters? Because they sure aren't in Hardcore Bills. :D

[jaymitch84]

Thanks Uppy but somehow I don't think converting dollars to beer cutbacks is going to help advance the cause around here.;)

Thanks to NYC pricing, all we need to do is cut back on one beer per month.

:nono:

[ICRockets]

I think I did like a quadruple take there.

Could you direct me to the forum on The Range where there are a few hundred knowledgeable posters? Because they sure aren't in Hardcore Bills. :D

I just assumed they hang out in the Bandits forum and that's why I never see them.

[35Pete]

They are probably the same guys that shake their heads at your opinions, so it's all perception. Personally I like the variety of opinions in there. Always interesting.

[coryjd]

This is unreal. If you wanna pay the money, pay it, and reap the benefits. If you don't, then :stfu: End of story.

NO ONE on here should be questioning any of the people that keep this place up and running. This site is based on the forums and threads, not the SB or the casino/arcade. Go play games and chat elsewhere and quit your bitching.

[coryjd]

I'd groan again, but this time I'll try something else:

Go **** yourself.

Should be warned and/or temp. banned.

[35Pete]

Guys. Knock it off with the insults please.

[chickie]

Man - I say if they are going to keep bitching the way they are - raise the rent around here.

$60 - you people are arguing over $60.

Let me break it all down for ya.

$60 a year
$5 a month
$1.15 a week

If you people cannot afford that - than I say step away from the shout box, go get a JOB and you will have not a damn thing to complain about.

[Scary Good]

Man - I say if they are going to keep bitching the way they are - raise the rent around here.

$60 - you people are arguing over $60.

Let me break it all down for ya.

$60 a year
$5 a month
$1.15 a week

If you people cannot afford that - than I say step away from the shout box, go get a JOB and you will have not a damn thing to complain about.

Do you work for a living? If not, you may quiet down.

[Darksyde]

Do you work for a living? If not, you may quiet down.

Does it matter? Chickie is a contributor. Regardless of how.

[smashingt2312]

Can some one loan me $60?

How about we just have a fundraiser for the range or something? I'll set up a lemonade stand this week ( the weathers nice ), billsman can have paid tours of the new bills bus, pete can hold up people at gun point :bigsmile: , bernier56 can post articles about the range/shoutbox, we can have shotgun misspell even the most simple words in some kind of text or something so people will maybe give money to him, we just have to get creative guys!

[chickie]

Does it matter? Chickie is a contributor. Regardless of how.

I swallowed "the" pride.. :)

I turned 5 tricks to help the site out!! :)


Just let me know when you guys need somemore - I have some customers in the wings waiting!!

[Scary Good]

Yeah so am I. But if she doesn't work, than she can't hate on someone who doesn't. I work part time and goto school. Not exactly amazing cash flow.

[chickie]

Yeah so am I. But if she doesn't work, than she can't hate on someone who doesn't. I work part time and goto school. Not exactly amazing cash flow.

Ok stop. I feel like I am listening to my 7 year old and my 3 year old. What do you think this place is like your parents or something. We need to tell you how to achieve your goals?

They asked for a $60 donation. I broke it down for you $1.15 a WEEK.

At this point I hope they do raise the rent around here. Helps to weed out the rift raft. This will be like a deed restricted community and I think I like it!

[35Pete]

What about elevating some of the more technically savvy "shoutbox legends" to a moderator position? Put the people who like it the most in charge of the upkeep.

Of course, this is easy for me to suggest since putting me in charge of anything html-related or something like that is the most surefire way to crash the site irreparably, but still.

WTF is a "shoutbox legend"?

[shotgun]

people are talking about how to save move to donate to this website. if you ask me any website should be 7th or 8th fiddel to anything you really should be spending you money on. with these gas prices, and normal day to day spending.

[ICRockets]

Guys. Knock it off with the insults please.

I'd appreciate that sentiment from you a bit more if you hadn't thanked pmoon for calling 244 a dildo on page 2.

[ICRockets]

WTF is a "shoutbox legend"?

I edited post #72 shortly after you originally quoted it. If you haven't yet, go back and re-read it. I believe I've adequately explained my feelings about the whole SBL thing.

[treydawg]

This thread is ridiculous.

[35Pete]

I'd appreciate that sentiment from you a bit more if you hadn't thanked pmoon for calling 244 a dildo on page 2.

It was the comment on the whining that I was thanking.

[35Pete]

This thread is ridiculous.

Hasn't it become so? I'm amazed at the indignation. Rick's just asking for some help.
The entitlement sense is mind-blowing. So is the sense of over importance that a certain crowd lies claim too. I think Rick said that they are free to leave. If it's that much of an injustice to just ask for a little help, then perhaps they should.

It's funny. The core of the Range never seems to act that way.

[ICRockets]

Ok stop. I feel like I am listening to my 7 year old and my 3 year old. What do you think this place is like your parents or something. We need to tell you how to achieve your goals?

They asked for a $60 donation. I broke it down for you $1.15 a WEEK.

At this point I hope they do raise the rent around here. Helps to weed out the rift raft. This will be like a deed restricted community and I think I like it!

Precisely my biggest issue with this decision.

Not the "deed restricted community" itself, but the sentiment from some unconscionably elitist posters that think they're better than the rest of us just because they have nothing better to do than give $60 a year to a friggin' website.

[chickie]

I'd appreciate that sentiment from you a bit more if you hadn't thanked pmoon for calling 244 a dildo on page 2.

he was being a dildo - that is the difference.

How many candy bars do kids eat a month? Or how many pizza's do you order a month?

Now how much does that cost?

You do the math - I am sure you can squeeze a $1.15 out of them cheeks every week.

[ICRockets]

It was the comment on the whining that I was thanking.

How splendid.

Doesn't change the fact that an admin with a known grudge against people who facetiously used to call themselves the Shoutbox Legends thanked a post where one of those SBLs was called a dildo.

How fair, pray tell, do you believe that looks to those you're asking to give you 60 bucks?

[Bosco]

Some things in life are necessities (food,shelter,clothing etc.)

Some things in life are luxuries (internet,cable,cellphone,vacation etc.)

And there are some things in life, that one has to decide, into which category something would fall under.

If that item is decided to be a necessity you get it.

If that item is decided to be a luxury, you have a choice.

So goes life for us all.

Either you can afford the luxury or you learn to live / make do without it.

Life is full of choices, not entitlements.

Not everybody can afford everything.

[Scary Good]

Ok stop. I feel like I am listening to my 7 year old and my 3 year old. What do you think this place is like your parents or something. We need to tell you how to achieve your goals?


They asked for a $60 donation. I broke it down for you $1.15 a WEEK.

At this point I hope they do raise the rent around here. Helps to weed out the rift raft. This will be like a deed restricted community and I think I like it!

Yeah, and anyone would give you the time of day if you weren't female?

[chickie]

Precisely my biggest issue with this decision.

Not the "deed restricted community" itself, but the sentiment from some unconscionably elitist posters that think they're better than the rest of us just because they have nothing better to do than give $60 a year to a friggin' website.

Well go start your own website - have your own shout box. I mean WTF?

Do you not realize how childish this is?

I mean shit the ADULTS out here are mocking you guys yet you keep coming back for more.

It is quite hysterical if you ask me.

[treydawg]

Well chickie, you've certainly proven your ability to be a complete ass.


I imagine at the age of 24 I make well over what 95% of this board does but I sure as hell will never come in here lecturing people about their monetary situation. A good deal of this board is still in school and for you to come in here and basically call them a bunch of poor schmoes is plain rude.

[ICRockets]

he was being a dildo - that is the difference.

How many candy bars do kids eat a month? Or how many pizza's do you order a month?

Now how much does that cost?

You do the math - I am sure you can squeeze a $1.15 out of them cheeks every week.

Go look at the thread again. All 244 did was groan pmoon. That's it. He didn't attack him, he didn't argue with him, he didn't call him names or anything. He pressed a ****ing button.

[chickie]

Yeah, and anyone would give you the time of day if you weren't female?

so are you telling me that you are gay??

LOL!!!

ANYONE WOULD GIVE ME THE TIME OF DAY IF I WEREN'T FEMALE!!

Oh GOD this is great!!

[Scary Good]

he was being a dildo - that is the difference.

How many candy bars do kids eat a month? Or how many pizza's do you order a month?

Now how much does that cost?

You do the math - I am sure you can squeeze a $1.15 out of them cheeks every week.

Something tells me your kids are on a tofu diet and aren't allowed to have friends sleepover.

[35Pete]

Well chickie, you've certainly proven your ability to be a complete ass.


I imagine at the age of 24 I make well over what 95% of this board does but I sure as hell will never come in here lecturing people about their monetary situation. A good deal of this board is still in school and for you to come in here and basically call them a bunch of poor schmoes is plain rude.

That's not what she said.

[chickie]

Well chickie, you've certainly proven your ability to be a complete ass.


I imagine at the age of 24 I make well over what 95% of this board does but I sure as hell will never come in here lecturing people about their monetary situation. A good deal of this board is still in school and for you to come in here and basically call them a bunch of poor schmoes is plain rude.

LOL!!!!

ALL THIS OVER A 1.15 A WEEK!!

GIVE ME A FREAKING BREAK!! OH MAN YOU GUYS HAVE ME CRYING I AM LAUGHING SO HARD.

[treydawg]

That's not what she said.

No? That's exactly the point she was conveying. It's obvious which sides have been taken here and continuing to argue this is pointless.

[ICRockets]

Well go start your own website - have your own shout box. I mean WTF?

Do you not realize how childish this is?

I mean shit the ADULTS out here are mocking you guys yet you keep coming back for more.

It is quite hysterical if you ask me.

We have "adults" mocking us "kids", and yet the "kids" are the ones who are proving themselves far more capable of using logical arguments.

Meanwhile, the "adults" are exposing that they are far more interested in forming cliques and gangs (and we know how very much guys like Pete hate those elusive cybergangs) than one would logically expect from those oh-so grownup "adults".

[treydawg]

LOL!!!!

ALL THIS OVER A 1.15 A WEEK!!

GIVE ME A FREAKING BREAK!! OH MAN YOU GUYS HAVE ME CRYING I AM LAUGHING SO HARD.

If you really think this is that funny, you need to pawn your kids off on someone else for the weekend so you can get out for a bit.

[Carl J. Ironsides]

The typical holier-than-thou, elitist attitudes of the PRS disciples -- most of whom probably have Hitler posters hanging on their bedroom walls -- is a rather entertaining sight to behold.

And though I am fully capable of giving $60 to this Web site, it will never happen. Hell, why pay $60 to sit on the Internet and have dead-end conversations with faceless people when you can easily just donate that money to a worthwhile cause, such as your favorite charity? Ask yourself that.

[35Pete]

How splendid.

Doesn't change the fact that an admin with a known grudge against people who facetiously used to call themselves the Shoutbox Legends thanked a post where one of those SBLs was called a dildo.

How fair, pray tell, do you believe that looks to those you're asking to give you 60 bucks?

Gimme a break. If the MySpace crowd gets the boot you'll damn well know that I led the effort.

It's not a grudge. It's turfing the riff-raft because our mature members are getting disgusted with you guys.

I answer to them. Not to you to Johnny come lately's that have hijacked our site with the word "ghey" in every post.

How does it look? Well to the mature posters that I never cross with probably a little gratitude for taking out the trash. Probably more contributions too.

You guys are NOT nearly as popular as you think you are. Why do you think the grownups here are making fun of you guys?

Did it ever dawn on you that people are getting sick of you guys?

[Scary Good]

Gimme a break. If the MySpace crowd gets the boot you'll damn well know that I led the effort.

It's not a grudge. It's turfing the riff-raft because our mature members are getting disgusted with you guys.

I answer to them. Not to you to Johnny come lately's that have hijacked our site with the word "ghey" in every post.

How does it look? Well to the mature posters that I never cross with probably a little gratitude for taking out the trash. Probably more contributions too.

You guys are NOT nearly as popular as you think you are. Why do you think the grownups here are making fun of you guys?

Did it ever dawn on you that people are getting sick of you guys?

Mature members? The same ones that when a foreigner wants to come in and post on a political issue, mock and make fun of their opinions? That's ironic.

[Uppy]

The typical holier-than-thou, elitist attitudes of the PRS disciples -- most of whom probably have Hitler posters hanging on their bedroom walls -- is a rather entertaining sight to behold.

And though I am fully capable of giving $60 to this Web site, it will never happen. Hell, why pay $60 to sit on the Internet and have dead-end conversations with faceless people when you can easily just donate that money to a worthwhile cause, such as your favorite charity? Ask yourself that.

Hey old Ironsides,New York has a bottle bill
I'm sure the "kids" can pick up enough bottles
each week to pay for the Box.

[Sabres244]

Gimme a break. If the MySpace crowd gets the boot you'll damn well know that I led the effort.

It's not a grudge. It's turfing the riff-raft because our mature members are getting disgusted with you guys.

I answer to them. Not to you to Johnny come lately's that have hijacked our site with the word "ghey" in every post.

How does it look? Well to the mature posters that I never cross with probably a little gratitude for taking out the trash. Probably more contributions too.

You guys are NOT nearly as popular as you think you are. Why do you think the grownups here are making fun of you guys?

Did it ever dawn on you that people are getting sick of you guys?

Mature posters Pete, or your PR&S buddies?

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Gimme a break. If the MySpace crowd gets the boot you'll damn well know that I led the effort.

It's not a grudge. It's turfing the riff-raft because our mature members are getting disgusted with you guys.

I answer to them. Not to you to Johnny come lately's that have hijacked our site with the word "ghey" in every post.

How does it look? Well to the mature posters that I never cross with probably a little gratitude for taking out the trash. Probably more contributions too.

You guys are NOT nearly as popular as you think you are. Why do you think the grownups here are making fun of you guys?

Did it ever dawn on you that people are getting sick of you guys?

How terribly noble of you, everyone's knight in shining armor. You're a true beacon of intelligence, grace and, of course, Internet toughness.

Please, bossman, go easy on the much-hated sinners.

[treydawg]

Pete is no fan of MySpace; However, he loves him some Adult Friend Finder.

[Uppy]

Mature members? The same ones that when a foreigner wants to come in and post on a political issue, mock and make fun of their opinions? That's ironic.

How many candy bars do you eat each month ?

what do they cost ?

[chickie]

If you really think this is that funny, you need to pawn your kids off on someone else for the weekend so you can get out for a bit.

I need to get out more often - who is the one bitching here because they have no money to have access to the SB?

LOL!! Classic!

[treydawg]

I need to get out more often - who is the one bitching here because they have no money to have access to the SB?

LOL!! Classic!

You must not be too keen on reading -- or reading comprehension.

[Uppy]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/images/300/baby_crying_closeup.jpg

[Carl J. Ironsides]

I need to get out more often - who is the one bitching here because they have no money to have access to the SB?

LOL!! Classic!

Funny that one of the alleged "mature" members has the gall to laugh at others' financial situations. Although I certainly do have the money to pay for this ridiculous little rectangle known as "Buffalo's Original Shoutbox," I won't callously giggle at those who don't.

Grow up, please.

[BanditsRock11]

I need to get out more often - who is the one bitching here because they have no money to have access to the SB?

LOL!! Classic!

That response doesn't even make sense. You're trying too hard for cunning responses, and failing miserably.

[shotgun]

It sucks that pro sports is allready stealing our money with high ticket prices, now w have to pay more money to talk about our sports in a up scale way

[Uppy]

Funny that one of the alleged "mature" members has the gall to laugh at others' financial situations. Although I certainly do have the money to pay for this ridiculous little rectangle known as "Buffalo's Original Shoutbox," I won't callously giggle at those who don't.

Grow up, please.


financial situations


Are you kidding me :rofl:

its one candy bar a week

this is too funny

Sit back and spark another and kill a few more brain cells.

:rofl:

[treydawg]

Again, Uppy, are you 12? Is it too hard to understand some Rangers are still in college working their tails off to get a degree?

[Carl J. Ironsides]

financial situations


Are you kidding me :rofl:

its one candy bar a week

this is too funny

Sit back and spark another and kill a few more brain cells.

:rofl:

You're really good at passing judgment on those whom you don't even know. Congratulations; you must be proud, dear friend.

[35Pete]

Again, Uppy, are you 12? Is it too hard to understand some Rangers are still in college working their tails off to get a degree?

Then go without. It's that simple. Go without.
It's not an entitlement.

[smashingt2312]

I would never pay 1.15 for a candy bar, regardless of tastyness or size.

[BanditsRock11]

I would never pay 1.15 for a candy bar, regardless of tastyness or size.

What the one with the swirly chocolate in the commercial?

[smashingt2312]

What the one with the swirly chocolate in the commercial?

Not sure, but the m&m's one are now just down right creepy, m&m's with hair, and eyes and stuff no thanks, 1.15 no way.

[ICRockets]

Then go without. It's that simple. Go without.
It's not an entitlement.

The whole purpose of our participation in this thread has been to discuss logical alternatives to what we perceive to be a curious and illogical decision to charge people $60 for a feature that makes the Buffalo Range as awesome and unique as it is.

We've made suggestions such as eliminating the casino or the arcade or both of them.

You'll find the people advocating for the arcade have contributed less money to this site in more time spent here than those advocating for the shoutbox. Fewer posts, too. Are we really going to listen to them just because they've been here longer, despite the fact that they've done LESS in that time to help the Range?

How much bandwidth would that save? Has that been explored, or were you guys just too giddy over the thought of getting back at us damn do-nothing rapscalians that you didn't think of other plans of action?

[treydawg]

rapscalians

Big fan of the word rapscalians.

[35Pete]

The whole purpose of our participation in this thread has been to discuss logical alternatives to what we perceive to be a curious and illogical decision to charge people $60 for a feature that makes the Buffalo Range as awesome and unique as it is.

We've made suggestions such as eliminating the casino or the arcade or both of them.

You'll find the people advocating for the arcade have contributed less money to this site in more time spent here than those advocating for the shoutbox. Fewer posts, too. Are we really going to listen to them just because they've been here longer, despite the fact that they've done LESS in that time to help the Range?

How much bandwidth would that save? Has that been explored, or were you guys just too giddy over the thought of getting back at us damn do-nothing rapscalians that you didn't think of other plans of action?

The purpose was an announcement. You guys, as usual, took it right to the crapper.

Spare me the persecution complex.

[ICRockets]

The purpose was an announcement. You guys, as usual, took it right to the crapper.

Spare me the persecution complex.

Who took it to the crapper, exactly?

Those who followed your advice of "always question authority" or those that called those looking for some sort of explanation "dildos"?

Far as I can tell, this thread was doing fine until people took undue offense at people expressing a dissenting opinion.

[Scary Good]

This thread is over.

[pmoon6]

Thanks to all who gave me my morning chuckle.

The responses have reaffirmed my long held opinion, along with George Bernard Shaw, that youth is wasted on the young.

I would be happy to address any of you that have a problem with what I have posted in person. But, I won't hold my breath. It seems all the kiddies here know how to do is band together and hit the groan button.

I weep for the future.

[chickie]

Thanks to all who gave me my morning chuckle.

The responses have reaffirmed my long held opinion, along with George Bernard Shaw, that youth is wasted on the young.

I would be happy to address any of you that have a problem with what I have posted in person. But, I won't hold my breath. It seems all the kiddies here know how to do is band together and hit the groan button.

I weep for the future.

Now this thread is over!

[Acoustic-Fury]

Big fan of the word rapscalians.

Not me...I hate snakes.

[dasaybz]

Charging people $5/month for a chat room is laughable.

I like this place, and I like all the people I've met, but I'm not going to be spending a penny on something that I can get for free.

I have no problem contributing to this site, but $60 a year for a free chatroom is not going to be happening from me.

[dasaybz]

Gimme a break. If the MySpace crowd gets the boot you'll damn well know that I led the effort.

It's not a grudge. It's turfing the riff-raft because our mature members are getting disgusted with you guys.

I answer to them. Not to you to Johnny come lately's that have hijacked our site with the word "ghey" in every post.

How does it look? Well to the mature posters that I never cross with probably a little gratitude for taking out the trash. Probably more contributions too.

You guys are NOT nearly as popular as you think you are. Why do you think the grownups here are making fun of you guys?

Did it ever dawn on you that people are getting sick of you guys?

The mature posters???


Ahahahhaha, dude, it's a freaking message board.


Ahahahahhaha, ahahahahahhahahaha

wow

[35Pete]

The mature posters???


Ahahahhaha, dude, it's a freaking message board.


Ahahahahhaha, ahahahahahhahahaha

wow

It's a fundraising attempt for the site dasaybz. to help defer costs. The SB is a bonus feature. It's not meant to be $5/month for the shoutbox. It's meant to be a bonus as we have been contemplating tearing it out anyways. In and of itself buddy I can understand your point. Really. But if you think of it as supporting the site For example, there is no way we can afford round the clock standby tech support. That would have been nice on Easter Sunday when all the admins were stuck with family. One admin spent half his Easter holiday (Sunday) working to get the site back online. Hired professional help would have been nice at that point as we could have had him get the place up pronto as a lot of people wanted to get online that day. See what I mean?

[TRIPLE P]

Nobody should be eating candy bars. They are bad for your teeth.

[coryjd]

How splendid.

Doesn't change the fact that an admin with a known grudge against people who facetiously used to call themselves the Shoutbox Legends thanked a post where one of those SBLs was called a dildo.

How fair, pray tell, do you believe that looks to those you're asking to give you 60 bucks?

I believe "you guys" have deemed yourselves, "shoutbox legends." And like Pete said, WTF is a shoutbox legend? Is that the same as small-man syndrome?

I see a lot of pots calling the kettle black in here, amongst those that throw insults rather than talk/debate. In fact, a few of them fresh off suspensions. :)

So while you're all bitching (you know who you are) about not wanting to pay, whether it be some stupid ass conspiracy theory, you're in college, or you just don't want to pay, really - :stfu: If you're college, well, make a god damn choice. I have a tip for you, life is all about them. And if you don't have money and/or don't want to pay and are trying to make a point, again :stfu: This site is not an entitlement, you'd think some of you would have learned that by now. :rolleyes:

[pmoon6]

Charging people $5/month for a chat room is laughable.

I like this place, and I like all the people I've met, but I'm not going to be spending a penny on something that I can get for free.

I have no problem contributing to this site, but $60 a year for a free chatroom is not going to be happening from me.Look at it this way.

You're not paying for a chat room, you're paying to keep the entire site afloat. That gives you extra privileges.

Just as being a VIP member lets you access the no TOS forums.

The thing is all the staff ever asked for was contributions. Some people step up to the plate while some ride their coatails.

They are only making the Shoutbox a VIP area.

It's your choice to make the contribution.

[dasaybz]

It's a fundraising attempt for the site dasaybz. to help defer costs. The SB is a bonus feature. It's not meant to be $5/month for the shoutbox. It's meant to be a bonus as we have been contemplating tearing it out anyways. In and of itself buddy I can understand your point. Really. But if you think of it as supporting the site For example, there is no way we can afford round the clock standby tech support. That would have been nice on Easter Sunday when all the admins were stuck with family. One admin spent half his Easter holiday (Sunday) working to get the site back online. Hired professional help would have been nice at that point as we could have had him get the place up pronto as a lot of people wanted to get online that day. See what I mean?

Pete, I'll contribute to the site for sure. I have NO problem with that. I have been coming here for 6 years, and it's the first website I check every single day.

I think there's better ways to collect money from everybody. You could start selling buffalo chips, or have raffles, have people buy lottery tickets with real money, and give stuff away. But charging people for something like the shoutbox is just not a great idea in my opinion. It's one of the things that makes this site stand out in my opinion. I have never been to another forum with a chatbox as active as the one here. It's a fantastic way of checking in with friends and talking about sports.

Again, I'm all for supporting this place, I'll give money, I have in the past, and I have no problem doing it in the future. However, I absolutely refuse to pay for the shoutbox ... just me.

[Billsman]

LMAO! If you don't use the shout box and the hacks then don't worry, the forums will still be open as always.

If you think I need the money you couldn't be more wrong, it's the cost of the maintenance and installation that is the cost and I'll be damned if I'll be shelling it out of my pocket. Matter of fact, it's time for the SB to go bye bye.

If you think the Range will die because we no longer offer the hacks for free your delusional as we didn't have many if any for many years and we were still very busy.

The sites are not catered to a small handful of people, it's here for everyone's pleasure. If you like a feature we offer then buck up and pay for it if you don't want to then don't, I really don't care. It's funny reading bitchy posts from the people that cause us the most grief and it's even funnier reading posts from several of you that don't get it. "I'm not going to pay to post here" who ever said you had to? lmao.

I went out and bought new highway pegs for my Harley. Why did I pay for them? because I wanted to use them. If you don't want to use some of the hacks we're going to have here then don't pay for them, period. It might me nice not having to read crap in the SB all day long. "He's ghey..no he's ghey, I'm not ghey...wah!!! Sabres suck, they don't suck you suck, your a fat ass I'm not fat your mother's fat, can someone give me chips, I need chips waaaaa, ... etc.." It might actually be cool to NOT have to read all that crap day in and day out.

Late

Deal with it.

[dasaybz]

I've offered my services here for free before.

My offers have been ignored.

[35Pete]

Pete, I'll contribute to the site for sure. I have NO problem with that. I have been coming here for 6 years, and it's the first website I check every single day.

I think there's better ways to collect money from everybody. You could start selling buffalo chips, or have raffles, have people buy lottery tickets with real money, and give stuff away. But charging people for something like the shoutbox is just not a great idea in my opinion. It's one of the things that makes this site stand out in my opinion. I have never been to another forum with a chatbox as active as the one here. It's a fantastic way of checking in with friends and talking about sports.

Again, I'm all for supporting this place, I'll give money, I have in the past, and I have no problem doing it in the future. However, I absolutely refuse to pay for the shoutbox ... just me.

That's fine bro. And you are cool about how you voice your opinion. I have no problems with that. None.

[dasaybz]

What's with the bad feelings towards the shoutbox?

I think it's fantastic. I've wasted countless hours on it at work. The guys there are great, I've had so many good conversations.

Why is everybody focusing on all the negatives? Man ....

[35Pete]

What's with the bad feelings towards the shoutbox?

I think it's fantastic. I've wasted countless hours on it at work. The guys there are great, I've had so many good conversations.

Why is everybody focusing on all the negatives? Man ....

It's a PIA and most members don't use it. Plus I've seen some pretty nasty gangups and trashing in their. Number one trouble causer on the site. SCI is #2.

[35Pete]

LMAO! If you don't use the shout box and the hacks then don't worry, the forums will still be open as always.

If you think I need the money you couldn't be more wrong, it's the cost of the maintenance and installation that is the cost and I'll be damned if I'll be shelling it out of my pocket. Matter of fact, it's time for the SB to go bye bye.

If you think the Range will die because we no longer offer the hacks for free your delusional as we didn't have many if any for many years and we were still very busy.

The sites are not catered to a small handful of people, it's here for everyone's pleasure. If you like a feature we offer then buck up and pay for it if you don't want to then don't, I really don't care. It's funny reading bitchy posts from the people that cause us the most grief and it's even funnier reading posts from several of you that don't get it. "I'm not going to pay to post here" who ever said you had to? lmao.

I went out and bought new highway pegs for my Harley. Why did I pay for them? because I wanted to use them. If you don't want to use some of the hacks we're going to have here then don't pay for them, period. It might me nice not having to read crap in the SB all day long. "He's ghey..no he's ghey, I'm not ghey...wah!!! Sabres suck, they don't suck you suck, your a fat ass I'm not fat your mother's fat, can someone give me chips, I need chips waaaaa, ... etc.." It might actually be cool to NOT have to read all that crap day in and day out.

Late

Deal with it.
:rofl:

[dasaybz]

I'll tell you what Pete. Say hello one of these mornings, and we'll have a great conversation about a bunch of stuff. You'll end up saying to yourself that the shoutbox isn't too bad.

[35Pete]

I'll tell you what Pete. Say hello one of these mornings, and we'll have a great conversation about a bunch of stuff. You'll end up saying to yourself that the shoutbox isn't too bad.

I only go in there when Rabbit, you, sukie, rico, Jlb, papa, and about a dozen others are in there posting. Yeah. We get all jocular and cut up but it's not nasty by any means.

Most of the time I'd rather stay out.

[Acoustic-Fury]

What's with the bad feelings towards the shoutbox?



It happens in the private forums with the mods. Discussions start happening about ways on getting rid of headaches (among a ton of other things) and not-so-easy decisions are made (it could be about a member, technical issues...both...etc.) - these are usually with the best interests of the site and ToS in mind.

Some good decisions...some bad, it's what happens when you have a number of mods who have different opinions - it's like it's own central government with a leader that takes the advice of his counsel. Some of the mods have very persuading arguments (and some use it for personal gain or just plain ego) - while others keep quiet and bring the valuable reasoning (a.k.a. wisdom) when it's most needed and least expected.

This is a good site, with a nice balance of the aforementioned mod character types.

I can see both sides of the issue here (finances on both sides, dealing with BS - member and technical) and regardless of the outcome - I'll still hang around here.

SO PLEASE DON'T WORRY.

[chickie]

LMAO! If you don't use the shout box and the hacks then don't worry, the forums will still be open as always.

If you think I need the money you couldn't be more wrong, it's the cost of the maintenance and installation that is the cost and I'll be damned if I'll be shelling it out of my pocket. Matter of fact, it's time for the SB to go bye bye.

If you think the Range will die because we no longer offer the hacks for free your delusional as we didn't have many if any for many years and we were still very busy.

The sites are not catered to a small handful of people, it's here for everyone's pleasure. If you like a feature we offer then buck up and pay for it if you don't want to then don't, I really don't care. It's funny reading bitchy posts from the people that cause us the most grief and it's even funnier reading posts from several of you that don't get it. "I'm not going to pay to post here" who ever said you had to? lmao.

I went out and bought new highway pegs for my Harley. Why did I pay for them? because I wanted to use them. If you don't want to use some of the hacks we're going to have here then don't pay for them, period. It might me nice not having to read crap in the SB all day long. "He's ghey..no he's ghey, I'm not ghey...wah!!! Sabres suck, they don't suck you suck, your a fat ass I'm not fat your mother's fat, can someone give me chips, I need chips waaaaa, ... etc.." It might actually be cool to NOT have to read all that crap day in and day out.

Late

Deal with it.


Everyone,

Billsman for one it does not matter whether you need the money or not. This is your forum and you call the shoots, bottomline.

If a person cannot simply respect the fact that you asked the members of this site to contribute some money to help keep this site what it is, shame on them.

No one needs to sit back and to help someone figure out how another can pay for or come up with the money to use the services you offer.

This is the real world college boys, welcome to it. It isn't fair sometimes and it isn't easy, but you have to figure out a way to move on. This is what it means to be an adult. Either respect Billsmans request or move along. There is no reason to attack him or any of the Amins, mods, or other posters out here. Stop the silly immature posts and deal with it.

You are not going to convince them to allow you a pass on something that has been given to you for free. If this was that important to you, you would gladly find a way to donate to continue using your shoutbox, like anything else that was important in your life.

So college boys SHUT UP, and respect the decisions around here.

And for Billsmans and others - stop justifying your decisions - we adults respect your decisions! :)

[dasaybz]

Everyone,

Billsman for one it does not matter whether you need the money or not. This is your forum and you call the shoots, bottomline.

If a person cannot simply respect the fact that you asked the members of this site to contribute some money to help keep this site what it is, shame on them.

No one needs to sit back and to help someone figure out how another can pay for or come up with the money to use the services you offer.

This is the real world college boys, welcome to it. It isn't fair sometimes and it isn't easy, but you have to figure out a way to move on. This is what it means to be an adult. Either respect Billsmans request or move along. There is no reason to attack him or any of the Amins, mods, or other posters out here. Stop the silly immature posts and deal with it.

You are not going to convince them to allow you a pass on something that has been given to you for free. If this was that important to you, you would gladly find a way to donate to continue using your shoutbox, like anything else that was imprtant in your life.

So college boys SHUT UP, and respect the decisions around here.

And for Billsmans and others - stop justifying your decisions - we adults respect your decisions! :)

Just cause you're old, it doesn't automatically make you mature.

[Billsman]

Thanks.

[ICRockets]

Everyone,

Billsman for one it does not matter whether you need the money or not. This is your forum and you call the shoots, bottomline.

If a person cannot simply respect the fact that you asked the members of this site to contribute some money to help keep this site what it is, shame on them.

No one needs to sit back and to help someone figure out how another can pay for or come up with the money to use the services you offer.

This is the real world college boys, welcome to it. It isn't fair sometimes and it isn't easy, but you have to figure out a way to move on. This is what it means to be an adult. Either respect Billsmans request or move along. There is no reason to attack him or any of the Amins, mods, or other posters out here. Stop the silly immature posts and deal with it.

You are not going to convince them to allow you a pass on something that has been given to you for free. If this was that important to you, you would gladly find a way to donate to continue using your shoutbox, like anything else that was important in your life.

So college boys SHUT UP, and respect the decisions around here.

And for Billsmans and others - stop justifying your decisions - we adults respect your decisions! :)

The incredible thing is, none of the "college boys" have been attacking anybody in this thread. Go back and re-read all 7 pages. It goes a little something like this:

Billsman announces he's going to be charging $60 for the shoutbox. People express shock at the steep price for something on a regular internet message board. Billsman explains it further and says he doesn't care if people pay or not, nobody's making anyone pay the money. People come in and express anger and disappointment at the people who say they can't pay for whatever reason (as though it's any of their business) and tell us we're somehow being disrespectful by offering a dissenting opinion. The attacks on those choosing not to pay (when it's not that shocking of a choice, really) get more and more extreme. Some call people dildos, some take shots at our weight, some generalize us all into a gang, and give us a name that I don't even think has been used for 3 months.

I've talked about that name, and how much I hated it, and how when I got a chance to get to know these guys I learned that they're genuinely good young men, but they're just that- young. Nobody denies that young = immature, I just don't really understand how that's hurting anybody on an internet god damn forum. Sure, some of it might be nice not to read, but there's a lot of shit on here that might be nice not to read. Sukie saying the Sabres should trade Roy and Pominville. C Darwin insulting black people at every turn. Uppy talking about how being gay diminishes your quality of life. Is somebody using the word 'ghey' and saying stupid shit in a tongue-in-cheek fashion REALLY worse than that other stuff, or does it just feel like it is because you haven't given these guys enough of a chance to know the person behind the username?

The grief we've been given in this thread from older posters just because we've made a decision not to pay $60 for a rectangular text box is ludicrous. Now all of a sudden dasaybz comes in and says the same shit we've been saying with none of the predisposed hostility and he's regarded by some as a beacon of logic. Why should it matter what reasons he gives for not paying? If Billsman says it's an optional fee that nobody is required to pay, aren't ALL reasons for not paying it 100% justified? I could say I'm not paying it because I don't believe in Thursdays and you people couldn't do a damn thing about it. So why sweat it over whether a bunch of college boys you all clearly don't know and clearly don't care enough to give this site more money than some of us already have?

This hostility against people having no interest in paying $60 is totally misguided. Talk to the people who haven't even paid $10 and have been here longer than 2 years. I've already said, I think it would be more effective to focus on getting more people to pay small sums of money than to get your so-called "core" to pitch in a lot of theirs so everybody benefits.

That's why the $60 doesn't make sense to me. If it's going to make the site run smoother, can't a bunch of people just NOT pay it and not get the shoutbox/arcade/casino and still get a site with full tech support? Is paying $60 going to make the site crash less for you than it does for the people who didn't pay it? Of course not. And if there's one thing this thread has proven, it's that there are people that are diametrically opposed to shelling out that money for something that should be pretty damn low on all of our financial priority lists. A move like this will not get you guys a single new contributor. Not one. Why bother, when it used to be you had to pay $10 to get that contributor tag and actual privileges, and now you have to pay $60 just to get the site you used to get for free every day? And it sounds like a lot of the people who ARE willing to pay that much already do. I just don't see how it makes sense to go this route instead of doing something else. I'd be glad to give more suggestions for alternatives, but I'm reticent to do that when my opinion is trashed for no good reason.

[ICRockets]

What about elevating some of the more technically savvy "shoutbox legends" to a moderator position? Put the people who like it the most in charge of the upkeep.

Of course, this is easy for me to suggest since putting me in charge of anything html-related or something like that is the most surefire way to crash the site irreparably, but still.

Rick, rather than just groaning this idea, could you give some explanation of why it wouldn't work? It seems to me that putting people who actually like the shoutbox in charge of debugging it would make total sense. If there's something tactical I'm missing, please explain what that is rather than just groaning me.

[35Pete]

Pot, kettle, black.

You poor persecuted little you.

Time for us staff to get off our asses and deal with you punks once and for all.

I'll tell you what the issue is. Yesterday I sent out a questionaire to six very respected old timers on this site asking to access the situation from their viewpoint. All but one has come back and said that they won't go into Center Ice, won't go near the shoutbox, and are often attacked by the "ghey" gang in hardcore for the dumbest reasons. Why did I send out the questionaire? Because it's THEIR site, not yours.

These are the people that I want to keep, not you. Not Carl, Scary Good, 244, or any of the other "ghey" crowd.

You guys are wrecking this place. That's the feedback that I am getting. A few have even said that if it keeps up then they will leave because the place is starting to take on the flavor of a Facebook, MySpace site.

So, fundamental changes are in order. No disrupting threads. No thinking that we're on an even keel here. Like I said, I show enough reverence for the hard core members here, the thousands of them, to give them the respect they deserve. They know I have their backs. And if this is what they are telling me then that's a promise I plan on keeping. If you feel like I am being a dictator, then you're spot dead on. You don't give that respect, so you don't get it. Not staff to member, but person to person.


Because you guys have earned it. They haven't. Your wrecking the site with your gang mentality and we're not gonna put up with it. 244 and Ironsides are the shot across the bow. And if they come in here under new names and try to get some payback, then perhaps we'll go the prosecution route for website hacking or whatever legal means we can find.

You and a few others are on such thin ice that if I were you I'd be saying "sir" to all the other members from now on.

It's not over until you guys learn to shut up and "get it". And my itching big toe tells me that 4-6 more ejections will have to follow before this is over. I hope that's not the case but history has proven me to be right.

Rabbit wasn't bull shitting about the discussions about the "ghey" gang in the shoutbox going on for a few months. Yes. In your case you are speaking to a dictator. Because you guys have lost your "rights" whatever they are. If you understand that, then you'll realize the stupidity of the "ghey" gang's recent activity of bombing the staff with some of the dumbest reported posts just to crawl under our skin and piss us off. If some of the regulars feel the need to abuse you I may turn a blind eye. Cause god knows you've been doing it to people for a while. The gangups are incredible. And how many times have you been suspended and your still being a mouthy punk? You think that you can win with words. So did CJI and 244.

Spare me the innocence crap. One of the guys actually asked me not to mention his name for fear of a gangup retaliation from you guys. I will not disclose the names of the others but Rick knows who they are and what their comments are. It stays with Rick. So don't bother asking.

So, are you one of them? Ready to move on? Or ready to shut up and post like everyone else without wrecking threads and then claiming persecution.

[pmoon6]

IC, if you can't afford it, you can't afford it.

Last night I thought about what you said. You are one of the only "gang members" that has a reasoned response. The others respond by mass groaning posts that were not even hostile. When I see that I respond by becoming hostile, but I never attacked you. What is the big deal about calling someone a dildo? If you boys are offended by that ya'll need to get some thicker skin and grow up.

That being said, I told you I thought about it last night and am still considering donating the money in your name. I'll let you know what I decide, but for now you may want to contact the rest of the gang and tell them not to make a federal case out of everything the staff decides to do.

[35Pete]

IC, if you can't afford it, you can't afford it.

Last night I thought about what you said. You are one of the only "gang members" that has a reasoned response. The others respond by mass groaning posts that were not even hostile. When I see that I respond by becoming hostile, but I never attacked you. What is the big deal about calling someone a dildo? If you boys are offended by that ya'll need to get some thicker skin and grow up.

That being said, I told you I thought about it last night and am still considering donating the money in your name. I'll let you know what I decide, but for now you may want to contact the rest of the gang and tell them not to make a federal case out of everything the staff decides to do.

Yes. He can be reasonable. And post quite intelligently. In fact most of his PRS posts are outstanding and demonstrate outstanding intellect.

Sorry IC. I shouldn't lump you. But you've got to talk to some of these kids.

So maybe I am targeting the wrong person and painting him in. Perhaps he can talk some reason into these guys and get them to stop acting like a gang of thugs.

[treydawg]

IC, if you can't afford it, you can't afford it.

Last night I thought about what you said. You are one of the only "gang members" that has a reasoned response. The others respond by mass groaning posts that were not even hostile. When I see that I respond by becoming hostile, but I never attacked you. What is the big deal about calling someone a dildo? If you boys are offended by that ya'll need to get some thicker skin and grow up.

That being said, I told you I thought about it last night and am still considering donating the money in your name. I'll let you know what I decide, but for now you may want to contact the rest of the gang and tell them not to make a federal case out of everything the staff decides to do.

Calling someone a dildo is a direct violation of TOS. You know, what this site was founded/run on?

[Scary Good]

Gang of thugs, Pete, can you share why you banned them last night? Or are you not too sure yourself?

[pmoon6]

Calling someone a dildo is a direct violation of TOS. You know, what this site was founded/run on?If the shoe fits.

I've been called much worse and never complained. If you dish it out, you better be able to take it.

The thing is, one of your frat boys was attacked and ya'll come rushing to his rescue.

I don't need someone to fight my battles, I'm perfectly able of defending myself.

[Scary Good]

Hahah. Must be easy to call people names behind a screen huh? That's pretty noble...the Rocky avatar fits.

[35Pete]

Gang of thugs, Pete, can you share why you banned them last night? Or are you not too sure yourself?

See my above post.

You guys went in there and started trashing the 60 dollar donation thing.

You're showing disrespect for the site, disrespect for the guy that founded it.

Then you started taking pot shots at me. Those two were on probation. You don't get all ****y while on probation.

Here's the thing SG. Dictator. Yep. Only towards you guys. So I really don't need a reason. The regulars reporting would like to see you gone so I don't have to give you an explanation. That's good enough for me. We'll protect our core members at any and all costs.

Thin ice. SG. Thin ice. You don't get the same treatment as regulars. Get that through your skull. The means summary expulsions from now on for mouthiness, game playing, gangups. In fact, if I see a bitch thread with the gang in action I may whack the gang for that. You have to show extra respect for the members. Kinda unfair, huh? Well, so's incarceration in the eyes of an inmate.


Funny. When the word "grownup" is used a lot of you guys don't realize that many many of them are regular members YOUR age that happen to act like adults. And as such are respected equally by their peers, regardless of our ages.

[pmoon6]

Hahah. Must be easy to call people names behind a screen huh? That's pretty noble...the Rocky avatar fits.You must not have read my earlier post where I said I would be happy to address any problems with my posts, in person.

I'll let you know the next time I'm in WNY and you can get all the frat boys together and whip my ass.

Would that make you feel better?

[treydawg]

If the shoe fits.

I've been called much worse and never complained. If you dish it out, you better be able to take it.

The thing is, one of your frat boys was attacked and ya'll come rushing to his rescue.

I don't need someone to fight my battles, I'm perfectly able of defending myself.

Okay, so why bother having TOS at all?


Frat boys? Honestly, I can't believe I have to ask this question again, are you 12? I think most of the people on here are having an honest argument. The thing I find most frustrating is that people continue to group certain individuals together.

I hate writing long winded posts so I will just stop there.

My suggestion, get rid of the thank/groan option. Too many people get offended by it. It doesn't really offer anything here.

[ICRockets]

Yes. He can be reasonable. And post quite intelligently. In fact most of his PRS posts are outstanding and demonstrate outstanding intellect.

Sorry IC. I shouldn't lump you. But you've got to talk to some of these kids.

So maybe I am targeting the wrong person and painting him in. Perhaps he can talk some reason into these guys and get them to stop acting like a gang of thugs.

Sorry, Pete. I'm not your lackey.

This site may be privately-owned, but it's still a public internet message board. Free to join, no restrictions on membership until somebody does something wrong.

I just wish I understood what the big deal is about what these guys do. You guys are up-in-arms about this supposed "cybergang" and I'm just not seeing it. Never once have I seen SG, Carl, 244, trey, emo, etc. attack and antagonize a single poster who didn't antagonize them first, with the possible exception of SG getting overly defensive of Andrew Peters to guys like Thumper and making it personal.

You've seen me call them out as the Circle Jerk Legends. There was a time when I was salivating over getting the 2009 Feud of the Year award for ICRockets vs. Shoutbox Legends. I wanted nothing more than to carry on a year-long rivalry for the immature 'ghey' shit and the unnecessary 'RIP ____' whenever one of their own stopped posting for more than a day. Things got heated. 244 and I had some PM exchanges that would have gotten us both banned if we had them in the shoutbox or anywhere else. But then things quieted down. I think one of the things that did it was the increase in buffalo chips that led to trivia sessions in the shoutbox. I enjoyed those. One of those led to a fun conversation where we jokingly made our own hockey team. I became Coach Rockets, we had people sign up, we had a brief but entertaining rivalry with dasaybz's team, and Billsman even participated and appeared to be having fun with these guys. It led to more conversations in the shoutbox, and I got to see that when I wasn't antagonizing them, they weren't antagonizing me.

Out of the blue, about a month ago, I got a PM from Sabres244. With no provocation, he PM'd me apologizing for the things he'd said back during our feud. Said he felt bad about them, and was glad things were different now. To me, that showed a great deal of integrity and character. It may not be prevalent when we're saying 'ghey' or :sukie3:-ing everywhere, but these guys are genuine class-acts if you give them a chance; I promise you that. It just saddens me that more people don't get the chance to see it because of their preconceived notions of what kind of guys the former Shoutbox Legends are.

[pigpen65]

How the hell did this turn into a 6 page thread?

[ICRockets]

Okay, so why bother having TOS at all?


Frat boys? Honestly, I can't believe I have to ask this question again, are you 12? I think most of the people on here are having an honest argument. The thing I find most frustrating is that people continue to group certain individuals together.

I hate writing long winded posts so I will just stop there.

My suggestion, get rid of the thank/groan option. Too many people get offended by it. It doesn't really offer anything here.

That's actually a good idea. It's caused more problems around here than I can even remember.

[Scary Good]

Well I think it boils down to, if you post in PRS, you are allowed pot shots. If you are young, you are not liked. It seems pretty simple.

[chickie]

This site may be privately-owned, but it's still a public internet message board. Free to join, no restrictions on membership until somebody does something wrong.

And no one here is denying this. Fact is things change, situations change, deal with it.

It is free, now they want to charge. That is BILLSMANS decision. It is HIS site. HE makes the rules. If you want to benes of the rest of the site now you have to pay for it. So what? If you don't like it move along to another site. No one is saying YOU HAVE to join, or you HAVE to stay here.

People can whine and complain all they want. Where do you want to get with this? You want them to change their minds?

Accept it they aren't going to change their minds. Deal with it.

The amount of time you have spents arguing this $60 request you could have gone out and made the money by now. That is the point.

God and this is our future generation.....this is really scary.

[chickie]

This is what was just posted in the shoutbox -

BanditsRock11: I can't believe I'm still laying around inside, when its so freakin nice out, and I have nothing to do.

And he is one groaning people because he is going to pay $60 to have access to the shoutbox.

No one needs to say another thing at this point.

[Scary Good]

Hmm...why don't you mind your own business? What do you do all day?

[ICRockets]

This is what was just posted in the shoutbox -

BanditsRock11: I can't believe I'm still l