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Collector Zone _ Hobby Talk _ TCC AND THE FUTURE

Posted by: aceecards Apr 25 2013, 07:00 PM

STOP WHINING , STOP COMPLAINING.

We are still here and we are still one.

Need I remind each and everyone of you that in april of 2005 when I joined there were only 3 or 4 of us active posters.. plus Bob's alleged ghost posters..LOL (got to be an old timer to remember the accusations thrown at Bob and his fledgling site) We didn't grow because Bob built it, we grew because we enjoyed each others company about numerous topics, from sports, to tv shows, movies, and of course the dreaded political forum. And the Hobby.

Are there still Hobbyist out here everyday? OF course there is!

Trouble is we have NO CONTENT!

Let me give you a few suggestions

1. somebody start spearheading a new release topic every week. Easy to research.. goto dave ad adams and copy their product blurbs with a suggested retail price and date

AND EXPRESS YOUR OWN OPINION! THAT ALWAYS RATTLED SOME CAGES.

2. start talking about sports again. The draft, hockey playoffs, basketball playoffs, ring tossing, baseball, Frisbee golf cow chip tossing, competitive beer drinking..

IT DOENT MATTER WHAT THE TOPIC IS, OTHERS MIGHT JOIN IN!

3. Lets have a showoff showcase showdown thread, here Ill start one!
Check out my Non sport showcase showdown topic in show and tell!

NOT NOW YOU GOTTA LET ME FINISH THIS FIRST!

4. Go post your favorite movie topic and lets have a poll and let people nominate and post movies to vote on!

OK SOUND LAME BUT...

5. Write a movie review. Gosh knows I don't want to spend $11 to be the first to see Iron Man 3.. however Star Trek into darkness looks like a bad robot!

6. start a hobby talk article about an old set you liked or a set your assembling!

7. Post a wantlist for gosh sakes!
MINE IS IN MY SIG!

8. Post a political topic that will stir up debate and good clean healthy discussion with a little name calling on the side smile.gif

COME ON RICHARD YOU PROMISED!


and Im on a roll and my brain is smoking
We got to reboot this site just like a few of us booted it the first time.

It takes a team! We have a team, we just need to bring them home.

AND IN MY BEST BELUSHI IMPERSONATION..."WHO'S WITH ME?!!!"

I am not giving up till the germans bomb pearl harbor by the way! laugh.gif




Posted by: athopesend Apr 25 2013, 07:54 PM

I'm with ya. Had to take a little break for awhile but I'm back and ready to go. When I found this site I couldnt believe that something like it even existed and after a few trades, I quickly felt like I was part of a family. I was on here everyday, it was part of my daily routine and I couldnt imagine a day without checking in and trying to make some trades and read all the posts and such. I have seen the site "slow down" as some would say but we, the members, are to blame for that. I'm ready to help to bring this family back to where it was. I've said it before and I'll say it again ..... (in my best Ric Flair voice) .... wether you hate it or you like it, learn to love it, TCC is the best in the world.

Posted by: redwing40 Apr 25 2013, 08:31 PM

I second that Ken and Steve!



Posted by: aceecards Apr 25 2013, 08:47 PM

I see my tcc resident artist and close sketch confidant lurking!

Posted by: captkirk42 Apr 25 2013, 10:10 PM

"Germans?"
"Forget it He's rolling."
tongue.gif

Posted by: bat115 Apr 25 2013, 11:57 PM

QUOTE(athopesend @ Apr 25 2013, 07:54 PM)
wether you hate it or you like it, learn to love it, TCC is the best in the world.
*



I concur with that sentiment!

Posted by: edgerrin32 Apr 26 2013, 03:07 AM

I will try to get on a little more here and there. And you know I can talk. lol laugh.gif


My big thing is how we can get more people plugged back in and join the site? Keeping the hardcore people is one thing. But we also need new blood. Word of mouth works to a point. But like me, I really don't know anyone in my area that also collects. Other then the card shop owners (I don't know anyone who goes in them? They are always empty when I go). Unless he would let me put up a flyer there. Maybe others on here could ask there shop to put a flyer. We also need a big overhall of the site. Yes it can get by without it, but if new people find the site and the look at the home page its might make them leave. Like the big window right in the middle (first thing they will see as it jumps out because of size) "January 2011 Member of the Month". And if you go down, the hobby news. Stuff from 2006! And the box reviews 2009!. I mean I really like the lay out and how stuff works on here, but it just needs updates. Maybe some banners and new info. Just some basics, so when new people do come here they actually will read some stuff and might get started! Also not sure if Bob runs the Facebook page or whatnot, but maybe get that up and kicking. And people will see it on peoples list and might check it out. A way to pull in new people, maybe. And maybe a little bigger like button on the home page that says like "ready to get started?" and then under that "click here"! Also if you guys know some people email and want to send them a invite use the link I posted here. (if this feature works? I'm not sure). Maybe if you have contacts for people that used to get on all the time but don't and more send them a heads up on FB or yahoo or what not. But just a couple ideas, -Jason cool.gif


http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/feedback.php


And on more thing. Maybe we can start getting people in the chat room? I just checked it and it looks like it still works. We could get some real conversations going in there in real time. Just a thought. A great easy way to work out some deals also and you can go back and forth easy.

Posted by: captkirk42 Apr 26 2013, 08:25 AM

I guess one thing that might help is when you trade with other collectors from some of those other places (or you sell your stuff on Ebay or Sportlots or wherever) you could put in a custom made TCC "business" card. Put TCC and the url on one of those decoy blanks?

Hey it's a thought. I know it won't attract a cast of thousands, but it might bring in a few straglers. unsure.gif

Posted by: northicehero99 Apr 26 2013, 11:22 AM

Bluto, I like your enthusiam, however, I think the Germans bombed TCC! laugh.gif

Like Jason, I think the biggest issue is getting new members, even without a new home page this place needs new members. Currently, I am not sure anyone is approving new members, especially now that Richard resigned, or if there even are any. Maybe I am wrong, but you need new people to keep trades happening or box breaks going or topics going with more than 10 opinions. I love TCC and have been devoted here since I first found it 8 years ago (2005), but even the regulars rarely hang out here anymore. I come here at lunch and see so little activity, I start random searches on the internet to keep from getting bored. There are a lot of great people here, TCC has just lost it's fire and hasn't changed very much since it's early inception. Other sites push their site by doing daily box breaks which is where a lot of interest is anymore, or by having new members which allows trading to keep somewhat fresh, or by having contests, or interesting conversations. We have some of that, but if new people can't get in, then things really will not change as it is the same people voicing the same opinions or showing the same trade items. I don't have any ideas on how to change things, I tried what I could and even that hasn't helped.

Posted by: urbanmonk Apr 26 2013, 12:01 PM

Not to be a Debbie Downer but....


Attracting new folks won't serve much purpose if nobody to approve them. Members by join date:

http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/forums/index.php?&name_box=begins&sort_key=joined&sort_order=desc&filter=3&act=members&max_results=30&aim=&yahoo=&icq=&msn=&posts=&joined=&lastpost=&lastvisit=&signature=&homepage=&name=&photoonly=&st=0

So last one was in Feb. You can go thru 5 pages of them and only find 3 with more than 50 posts of the ones that have been approved. The list of folks waiting to be approved is huge and full of ones like this (or so I hear as I don't have access to that stuff):

http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/forums/index.php?act=Profile&MID=132974

Bots that only here to put links to other things for sale or porno links etc.....is their only reason to be here. I used to spend hours of my time going thru and removing crap like that in profiles, but it became a why bother as they put it back faster than I can remove them.

Of the Mods left I count 7 that have been even on the site the last two days, so half bascially:

http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/forums/index.php?act=Members&max_results=30&filter=8&sort_order=asc&sort_key=name

Of those I'm not sure who has full access, but my guess is a couple, and Dave was the last one that dealt with the arduous task of going thru and sorting out the real folks wanting approval from the Bots/Spammers.

Can this site run w/o an Admin? Apparently as it has been almost 3 years now. Problem is it gets harder to justify putting ones time into something that even the Admin don't give a crap about, that and not knowing if site will go poof at any given time on you as nobody has that info or is told anything. I have done my part for a long time now because of my love for the site, but that can only go so far. The Team has been w/o a leader basically now for a few months, the couple of us that do anything around here have been doing what we can or have time for (or what we can justify). I have been just making my own decisions, as if I post a topic looking for feedback from the Team on something and only get a response from one person, there really is no point in me making a topic in our area as I can play point/counter point by myself if I so choose. It really "bites" when I had to put the Admin on CTO, and if one has to do so with any other Team Members then the "why bother" point of view kicks in some more.

Don't get me wrong, I love this site as it got me back into the Hobby and I have met a lot of great folks here. But those I choose to have contact with I can do so on another site or Facebook or via Email. I have gave a lot to this site along with many other people (more than most can know as it is behind the scenes so to speak), but I also told Dave long ago that I wasn't going to be the last rat jumping from the sinking ship (he and Richard both had the ability to remove them-self and I don't, and I was turned down the time I wanted to be removed from the Team). So out of us Vets that do anything here, there is nobody with the time and/or desire to be the Leader, which don't bode well at all.

End of rant and too long of a post, sorry for the long read but had to say my piece.

Peace out.

Posted by: dd316 Apr 26 2013, 01:25 PM

QUOTE(aceecards @ Apr 25 2013, 08:47 PM)
I see my tcc resident artist and close sketch confidant lurking!
*


Oh, I'm always lurking about. wink.gif


I have to admit, it's not only TCC. There are other sites I frequented feverishly that have simply migrated onto Facebook and never looked back.

I was extremely active with a group of folks on a horror forum, many of whom I'm very close friends with now. Around the same time TCC started slowing down, those horror folks were posting more and more on Facebook. Now the horror message boards is a ghost town (pun intended).

Is there a TCC Facebook page? Can we somehow connect the two in a stronger way?

Posted by: RGBII Apr 26 2013, 01:53 PM

Thanks for firing up the troops here, Mr. Emerick.

Lord knows that I was sadly lacking in that virtue. Nonetheless, I'll be a member that contributes consistently and (hopefully) wisely to a site that I hold dear.

Opened up a powder keg in the Politics Forum for starters. laugh.gif

Collect Hard!,
RGBII

Posted by: aceecards Apr 26 2013, 02:43 PM

Bob, mr Road runner

Lets assemble a team again!

lets get new approvals rolling

What do you need me to do.

ive been on the sidelines too long after my debacle with wanerjr

Im ready to play!

Posted by: RGBII Apr 26 2013, 02:57 PM

Touché

Collect Hard!,
RGBII

Posted by: captkirk42 Apr 26 2013, 03:17 PM

QUOTE(dd316 @ Apr 26 2013, 01:25 PM)
Oh, I'm always lurking about.  wink.gif ...
Is there a TCC Facebook page? Can we somehow connect the two in a stronger way?
*



Yep there is one: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/TradingCardCentralcom/14352991979 it doesn't get much attention though. Just like a lot of other early FB pages/groups (before FB made major changes to everyone's "newsfeeds" and implimented the Timeline) it appears dead Jim er Ted.

Posted by: urbanmonk Apr 26 2013, 04:29 PM

QUOTE(captkirk42 @ Apr 26 2013, 01:17 PM)
Yep there is one: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/TradingCardCentralcom/14352991979 it doesn't get much attention though. Just like a lot of other early FB pages/groups (before FB made major changes to everyone's "newsfeeds" and implimented the Timeline) it appears dead Jim er Ted.
*



As Bob has control of the FB page I don't see connecting to something that is as old or older than the front page here that hasn't been updated also.

Posted by: mjda Apr 26 2013, 04:37 PM

QUOTE(dd316 @ Apr 26 2013, 01:25 PM)
Is there a TCC Facebook page? Can we somehow connect the two in a stronger way?


I started a Facebook page for TCC quite some time ago, and started out doing daily updates on it. After the insights started working though, and I realized that the posts on there were only reaching 2-3 people a month I quit doing anything on it and just deleted it.

The "official" one cannot be maintained and, last time I checked, had some pretty vulgar things on it posted by an irate member who was upset he was banned from TCC.

Posted by: mjda Apr 26 2013, 04:58 PM

By the way, if someone else wants to start a new one I'll be one of the first to "like" it, as long as it's updated regularly. biggrin.gif

Posted by: redwing40 Apr 26 2013, 06:48 PM

QUOTE(captkirk42 @ Apr 26 2013, 03:17 PM)
Yep there is one: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/TradingCardCentralcom/14352991979 it doesn't get much attention though. Just like a lot of other early FB pages/groups (before FB made major changes to everyone's "newsfeeds" and implimented the Timeline) it appears dead Jim er Ted.
*


Yes Kirk, Thats the FB I used to post on, had a few Contest going on promoting the site with the friends I had when I was on, had 7 come on and pressed "Like", plus maybe I shouldn't haved Spamed it about the Box Breaks! But I gave it a try to get more members here, that was a long time ago!

You know I came from SCF over here 2 yrs ago, SCF was the only site I knew of till I came across TCC, Brian northicehero99 was the first I ever talked to, think it was about the year of a Pavel Datsyuk RC I was seeking, from there I met Dwight urbanmonk and others whom I built a great friendship with, It was nice that I was well welcomed by great members! funny how I have more post here and have made more transactions in a short amount of time than SCF since 2008! has to tell you something?

I try to promote and give my best to post contest and be active on the forums, but sometimes feel like by myself at doing it! Really hope we can kick start this site back up! I'm not going anywhere, just got here! laugh.gif










Posted by: bat115 Apr 26 2013, 06:53 PM

I know I was not as active as others but I have always loved TCC the best out of all the community sites out there and am willing to do anything I can to keep this site going.

Posted by: edgerrin32 Apr 26 2013, 09:05 PM

I kinda do kinda don't want to be a member of the team. But if it would help out and give use a chance at getting kick started again I would take on a little bit. Maybe if I could help approve new people? I don't really want to be one that polices the site. I am not sure how exactly the sign up process even works as its been a long time, but could we maybe do something to it to make sure it kinda weeds out the spam? But let me know if I can be of some help, I don't want to take on a full load but I would be glad to pitch in a little here and there as I can! cool.gif

Posted by: urbanmonk Apr 27 2013, 12:03 AM

QUOTE(edgerrin32 @ Apr 26 2013, 07:05 PM)
I kinda do kinda don't want to be a member of the team. But if it would help out and give use a chance at getting kick started again I would take on a little bit. Maybe if I could help approve new people? I don't really want to be one that polices the site.
*



In order to approve members you have to have access to the whole administrative control panel (something I don't have, but never wanted it as Transactions were my baby and kept me busy enough), which usually goes only to certain veteran members on the Team as quite the responsibility. Back in the day Bob did all the approval stuff and nobody was taught any tricks to making it easier, as we had no warning of him going "poof" nor any communication from him about it either, so we was flying blind so to speak. So needless to say it is an arduous process from what I have heard, it is a huge list now to go thru as nobody has done anything with it in months (again so I have heard as I don't have access to it nor do I want it).
Sometimes you can tell by nic or email, others you can't wink.gif

Payday loans:

http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/forums/index.php?showuser=134274

not sure but don't want to click link:

http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/forums/index.php?showuser=128969

toys:

http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/forums/index.php?showuser=134421

Jerseys:

http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/forums/index.php?showuser=132148

bunch of outlets:

http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/forums/index.php?showuser=132907

That is just from the 28 members that were onsite at the time I looked, all have zero posts and from what I know are probably waiting approval. So over 1/6th of the folks online at this time when I"m on are spamming, and 3/4's of them have zero posts here. So like 6 real people or active members online with me right at this moment out of 28 (if you go thru all the nics that have been online today you will get similar results).

Posted by: captkirk42 Apr 27 2013, 01:46 AM

ACK I didn't realize but should have known the "Official FB" page was maintained by the legendary Bob. sad.gif

Oh well, maybe I need to clean out some of my page and group likes. biggrin.gif

Posted by: northicehero99 Apr 27 2013, 07:10 AM

Jason, the method for becoming a CZT Team member was either you were selected by Bob or the CZT via a vote based on history on site and the need. When things were busy there was a big need as transactions could overload 4-5 people with all the error corrections, chasing for status updates, etc. Not to mention resolving disputes, removing inappropriate posts from new approved accounts, etc, etc. Now that things have slowed, not sure where things stand on those.


Posted by: edgerrin32 Apr 28 2013, 12:19 AM

I would be willing to do other things on here as well. I just don't want a huge load dropped on me. So I put it out there and if it gets decided that fine, if not thats fine as well. Or even if it would be a temporary thing, just to have a extra hand until we can get up and rolling again and maybe a couple people that have kinda pulled back or stepped back get the urge to come back full strength. And im not pointing out anyone specific! Just kinda talking as a whole. I just want to bring the site back to life as I really did like coming here a lot. Though I cant get on as much as I used to, I would still like to see it booming when I do get on. But ether way, whether it be part of the team or just part of the group that make up the site, I will try to do my part as I can!! cool.gif

Posted by: aceecards May 7 2013, 07:29 PM

194 guests and 17 members active right now.

what the heck?

Posted by: droubaysports May 7 2013, 08:04 PM

Some of the stuff you guys are discussing is easy to fix, some not
1) why not call bob and offer to admin/ buy the site? its really easy just ask
2) find a programmer to freshen things up
3) get someone who knows SEO and web presence to help\

it's a matter of knowing how and wanting to do it

Posted by: bat115 May 7 2013, 08:19 PM

QUOTE(droubaysports @ May 7 2013, 08:04 PM)
Some of the stuff you guys are discussing is easy to fix, some not
1) why not call bob and offer to admin/ buy the site? its really easy just ask
2) find a programmer to freshen things up
3) get someone who knows SEO and web presence to help\

it's a matter of knowing how and wanting to do it
*



I have experience with #3.

Posted by: RGBII May 7 2013, 09:38 PM

QUOTE(droubaysports @ May 7 2013, 09:04 PM)
Some of the stuff you guys are discussing is easy to fix, some not
1) why not call bob and offer to admin/ buy the site? its really easy just ask
2) find a programmer to freshen things up
3) get someone who knows SEO and web presence to help\

it's a matter of knowing how and wanting to do it
*


Yes sir, it is much easier stated than done.

Collect Hard!,
RGBII

Posted by: beanschat May 7 2013, 10:24 PM

I can't pretend to be as knowledgeable as the rest of you on the topic...but it is my understanding that it is next to impossible to get ahold of Bob..and that he has been approached about selling and didn't have much interest...not sure the motivation of keeping the site if not maintaining it as I can't believe it is generating much revenue...

Seems it might be better to start a new site...TCC.com is not available...

Posted by: RGBII May 7 2013, 10:37 PM

QUOTE(beanschat @ May 7 2013, 11:24 PM)
I can't pretend to be as knowledgeable as the rest of you on the topic...but it is my understanding that it is next to impossible to get ahold of Bob..and that he has been approached about selling and didn't have much interest...not sure the motivation of keeping the site if not maintaining it as I can't believe it is generating much revenue...

Seems it might be better to start a new site...TCC.com is not available...
*


Touché, sad but accurate insight into reality.

Collect Hard!,
RGBII

Posted by: SFGiants May 8 2013, 12:06 AM

I will be busting a couple of boxes of 2013 Bowman Jumbo next week. I will do 2 full reviews to get some new content in the "Reviews " forum. I have been neglecting the breaks as of late.

Jerad

Posted by: droubaysports May 8 2013, 06:40 AM

I have provided bob's full contact information to a specific member here. there are some tricks to gettign this stuff.
the issue miight be that the site is monitized and the money coming in is greater than the money going out.
I've held on to a 'dead' site for years just because the name is good and now, after a few years i am finally doing something with it...it could be that way

Posted by: aceecards May 8 2013, 10:06 AM

QUOTE(droubaysports @ May 8 2013, 06:40 AM)
I have provided bob's full contact information to a specific member here. there are some tricks to gettign this stuff.
the issue miight be that the site is monitized and the money coming in is greater than the money going out.
I've held on to a 'dead' site for years just because the name is good and now, after a few years i am finally doing something with it...it could be that way
*



I have a feeling that you have it the nail on the head.

Bob is a good guy, Im sure he will be back around. Sometimes life leads us down different paths with 8' tall hedgegroves surrounding us so we cannot see any light. not sure what specifically is going on, but I am patient and behind him 110%.

As long as the site is here and we are all here, I am not going to fault Bob.


Posted by: northicehero99 May 8 2013, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(droubaysports @ May 8 2013, 06:40 AM)
I have provided bob's full contact information to a specific member here. there are some tricks to gettign this stuff.
the issue miight be that the site is monitized and the money coming in is greater than the money going out.
I've held on to a 'dead' site for years just because the name is good and now, after a few years i am finally doing something with it...it could be that way
*

Last I heard, long time ago was the site revenue was enough to offset the servers to host it, but I was not given specifics whether it was just enough or more. My guess would be more based on the volume we put up, but I would think these advertising companies would continue to monitor activity and would adjust payment accordingly. So if at one time you were getting 10,000 views, but now are getting 1,000 they would lower the amount paid? Not sure as I have never been involved with that, but why pay for a porsche if you are driving a hugo? laugh.gif

Posted by: urbanmonk May 8 2013, 12:05 PM

QUOTE
I have provided bob's full contact information to a specific member here. there are some tricks to gettign this stuff.


We had access to his info, getting a response from using said info is a totally different ball of wax.


QUOTE(aceecards @ May 8 2013, 08:06 AM)
I have a feeling that you have it the nail on the head.

Bob is a good guy, Im sure he will be back around. Sometimes life leads us down different paths with 8' tall hedgegroves surrounding us so we cannot see any light. not sure what specifically is going on, but I am patient and behind him 110%.

As long as the site is here and we are all here, I am not going to fault Bob.
*




I should keep my mouth shut.....but sometimes I don't, although it is rare (least in the public area as those on the Team can attest).

I love this site and currently I am still here and part of the Team. Not going to disagree with life and what it deals us at times, as those that know me well know I can relate to it quite well as I have been dealing with much manure for awhile now. It is bad enough when one has to put a member of the Team on restriction, let alone the Admin when they owe people for things they have received and/or go AWOL w/o any communication whatsoever. So in reality Bob is no different than anyone else in the current group he is in even though he started this site (as my bias can't be justified anymore, nor should have existed if I'm going to be fair to everyone). Don't get me wrong I think the world of Bob, and wouldn't have bothered giving all of my time that I have given to this site both before and after his disappearance. And I give a rats behind about the money he owes me, it is more just principle of it at this point so has no bearing on my thoughts. It is more that I got set up to be biased, as cut him slack I wouldn't have with any other member, and just makes me look bad as I waited much longer than I would have with any other member currently in the CTO club. So what bugs me the most is the lack of any communication with the Team that got left holding the reins so to speak. Yes some things not needed to be made public, much of the crap I have been going thru not been announced to all (or very many folks for that matter as never a topic and all via PM to those I choose to tell), but if I was no longer going to fulfill my duties as a Team Member I would let the Team know, even if I don't give them a specific reason or want to go into any detail.

Said too much, but it had to be said I felt (my apologies if I pizzed anyone off with my point of view). I still currently come here daily, just not spending hours here like I used to as I Mod on another site also, and it is a very active site and also fits my current PC focus as it is mainly a Hockey Card site (reverse of this site as other 3 sports are the dead forums there), so not only deserves my time but fits my needs for my current collecting focus as well. As to how much longer I will be on the Team here is hard to say, but I doubt I will make a public announcement when I do decide to stop, but I will let the Team know even if I choose not to go into detail as to why (not like it takes a brain surgeon, as nobody wants to be the last rat jumping the sinking ship, even though it is coming to that really in my mind).

All I will say on the subject, and serious this time as I won't post anything else on the subject or respond to it (well as for sure as I can be, as I "never say never", as it is setting oneself up to fail then for sure), so my intent anyway to be done with the subject in all areas of the board (public area and our area).

Posted by: aceecards May 8 2013, 12:10 PM

dwight

I care.

I care that you are around .

I care about you and your well being having met you and your wife in person all those years ago.

I respect you and what you continue to do.

Nobody faults you for airing your grievances sometimes things are better off being said than not!

You are my friend first and foremost and a great collector who's devotion to the hobby is unending it seems!

I dont need to say anymore

Posted by: road_runner_1964 May 8 2013, 01:31 PM

But, I love you Dwight! tongue.gif

Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones May 8 2013, 02:12 PM

$11 for a movie? How old is this thread?

Posted by: aceecards May 8 2013, 02:50 PM

QUOTE(19th Century Indiana Jones @ May 8 2013, 02:12 PM)
$11 for a movie? How old is this thread?
*



come to st louis, rob, we can go see Star trek on 5/17 for $11.00 each!

Posted by: Ilovetheheat May 8 2013, 02:58 PM

Dwight,

Although I'm not active here I appreciate all you have done here past and present. We've sent each other $x,xxx's in free cards and I know you've done the same for others!!!!!!! Know that you are valued here! TCC will make a comeback!!! Bob looks like a ###### now but he is genuinely a good guy and will correct things when he sees fit. Hang in there brother! Please.

Jeremy

Posted by: urbanmonk May 8 2013, 03:11 PM

QUOTE(road_runner_1964 @ May 8 2013, 11:31 AM)
But, I love you Dwight!  tongue.gif
*



Love you too dear tongue.gif wink.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: mjda May 8 2013, 04:26 PM

This site's revenue is dropping, but is still plenty more than enough to pay for the server costs. The site will likely continue to be "online" because it's still making money. Google Adsense only makes up a portion of the revenue for TCC, and it earned around $85 in the month of April. That alone is enough to pay for the server costs here at TCC. I should also note that April has been the lowest earning month for TCC, so far, this year too (by quite a bit, actually). wink.gif

Posted by: droubaysports May 8 2013, 06:39 PM

MJ
I can state for a fact that if the site is making that much money on just google adsense that what you see now will continue to be the norm. Monitizing is an important key to web success as if the site pays for itself/ makes money it is much easier to just let it off it's leash and run. Building a new site is not the answer as who here wants to invest the time to promote it correctly? sure yo ucould scrape the members list and invite everyone (not hard)but getting this up and going is tough. The initial cost to use invision, get a name, email and hosting will run about 350 dollars with year over year costs being about 150ish..kinda puts that $85 from adsense in perspective?

just my .02 but I do know what I am talking about

Posted by: mjda May 8 2013, 07:38 PM

QUOTE(droubaysports @ May 8 2013, 06:39 PM)
MJ
I can state for a fact that if the site is making that much money on just google adsense that what you see now will continue to be the norm. Monitizing is an important key to web success as if the site pays for itself/ makes money it is much easier to just let it off it's leash and run. Building a new site is not the answer as who here wants to invest the time to promote it correctly? sure yo ucould scrape the members list and invite everyone (not hard)but getting this up and going is tough. The initial cost to use invision, get a name, email and hosting will run about 350 dollars with year over year costs being about 150ish..kinda puts that $85 from adsense in perspective?

just my .02 but I do know what I am talking about


The numbers coming from Google Adsense are showing signs of decline over the last few years. They used to be more than 3 times that.

Is starting a new site "the" answer? Probably not, but when you can't do anything with this one, what else do you do?

Who here wants to invest the time to promote it correctly? Depending on what you call "correctly", I'm sure there are plenty of people who would get involved if it were a joint effort to try to do it.

Also, $150 would not buy a server good enough to host TCC, with all of its traffic, for a year. If you could find a host that claimed they could do it for that, I'd avoid them.

Finally, I've known all along how much money this site makes. I also assume that's why it's still here. It certainly wouldn't still be here if it were losing money.

Posted by: RGBII May 8 2013, 07:47 PM

Capitalism rocks.

Tongue firmly planted in cheek.

Collect hard!,
RGBII

Posted by: droubaysports May 8 2013, 09:38 PM

MJ
go daddy will give you the space and bandwidth..reasonably..I manage almost 80 sites there and its reasonable hosting
an invision power board license is 50 and then 50/yr for support/ upgrades, email is 20/yr, icann is 0 or so...hosting even at the outside is 125...still enough to make a profit smile.gif
all you ned is a name and some time

Posted by: mjda May 8 2013, 10:10 PM

QUOTE(droubaysports @ May 8 2013, 09:38 PM)
MJ
go daddy will give you the space and bandwidth..reasonably..I manage almost 80 sites there and its reasonable hosting


If you're talking about hosting a site with the traffic that TCC has on Godaddy's shared hosting, you really have no idea what it takes to run a site of this magnitude. Their shared hosting does not allocate enough processing power, or RAM, to run TCC (or any other decently sized forum for that matter). Space and bandwidth would both be of very little concern when trying to host TCC. We'll just have to agree to disagree here and move on to the next conversation. wink.gif

Posted by: RGBII May 8 2013, 10:21 PM

QUOTE(RGBII @ May 8 2013, 08:47 PM)
Capitalism rocks.

Tongue firmly planted in cheek.

Collect hard!,
RGBII

*




Well, that response didn't go over so well. Let me attempt to
articulate my point . . .

I believe the intention of the original post was to breathe some
much needed life into TCC. When it becomes about profit margins
and the pure filth of money, it tends to taint our precious hobby.

While I understand the financial interests of those that have
commented here, nonetheless, it cheapens the end product
when the "bottom line" is worshipped.

We don't need bean counters, we need dedicated Hobbyists to
do what we have done here in the past. That is, put our hearts
and souls into the site and our obsession.

End o' rant, where are my meds?

Collect Hard!,
RGBII

Posted by: aceecards May 8 2013, 10:47 PM

ok brothers, im back in blue.. lets fire this mother up

Posted by: RGBII May 8 2013, 10:53 PM

QUOTE(aceecards @ May 8 2013, 11:47 PM)
ok brothers, im back in blue.. lets fire this mother up
*


You are the man, Mr. Emerick, well deserved.
Let's do that, immediately!

We have shed too many tears, sweat and blood
to simply let our community die a slow death.

Collect Hard!,
RGBI
I

Posted by: captkirk42 May 9 2013, 12:46 AM

QUOTE(RGBII @ May 8 2013, 10:53 PM)
You are the man, Mr. Emerick, well deserved.
Let's do that, immediately!

We have shed too many tears, sweat and blood
to simply let our community die a slow death.

Collect Hard!,
RGBI
I
*



Well said.

I consider TCC to be my Home (or Homie as the kids used to say not so long ago) trading card forum/site. If TCC were to disappear completely I would feel homeless I'd be an Internet Hobo with no Trading Card Cyberhome. TCC was one of the first card sites I stumbled across, it might have even been the first. It was certainly the first one that "felt like a home" for me.

ON another note I don't know how much this factors in to the TCC community (or even the main subject of this thread) but I have noticed people turning to card blogging rather than trying to deal with forums. Some of the bloggers I follow have stated they used to frequent many card forums but are leaving them in favor of their blogging.

Posted by: aceecards May 9 2013, 08:37 AM

QUOTE(captkirk42 @ May 9 2013, 12:46 AM)
Well said.

I consider TCC to be my Home (or Homie as the kids used to say not so long ago) trading card forum/site. If TCC were to disappear completely I would feel homeless I'd be an Internet Hobo with no Trading Card Cyberhome. TCC was one of the first card sites I stumbled across, it might have even been the first. It was certainly the first one that "felt like a home" for me.

ON another note I don't know how much this factors in to the TCC community (or even the main subject of this thread) but I have noticed people turning to card blogging rather than trying to deal with forums. Some of the bloggers I follow have stated they used to frequent many card forums but are leaving them in favor of their blogging.
*



they could blog here!

Posted by: captkirk42 May 9 2013, 10:37 AM

QUOTE(aceecards @ May 9 2013, 09:37 AM)
they could blog here!
*



Quite True. I blog all my maildays here, even if I don't post it in the "Mail Day" board or in "Show & Tell" (when I have scans). Usually I'm the only one who uses the Blogs here. unsure.gif blink.gif huh.gif

Posted by: northicehero99 May 9 2013, 11:48 AM

QUOTE(RGBII @ May 8 2013, 10:21 PM)
Well, that response didn't go over so well. Let me attempt to
articulate my point . . .

I believe the intention of the original post was to breathe some
much needed life into TCC. When it becomes about profit margins
and the pure filth of money, it tends to taint our precious hobby.

While I understand the financial interests of those that have
commented here, nonetheless, it cheapens the end product
when the "bottom line" is worshipped.

We don't need bean counters, we need dedicated Hobbyists to
do what we have done here in the past. That is, put our hearts
and souls into the site and our obsession.

End o' rant, where are my meds?

Collect Hard!,
RGBII

*

Richard, while I agree the intent of this topic is to breath life into a horse that has been dead and beaten to death, the larger issues still remain of getting new membership. Beyond that the money issue is a debate about creating a new site, but there is also another side that should be pointed out in regards to the money side. The members of the CZT VOLUNTEERED of themselves for little in reward/perks because of a LOVE for the site, not seeking any compensation other than the growth and expansion of this site that would lead to future enjoyment of the site. There are good and bad CZT as far as doing the "actual" CZT work, as you know, and those doing their parts know who they are and deserve more credit than any common member would even understand, so Kudos to them (and thanks for all of your efforts), but the bigger unfairness currently is we have an owner collecting revenue while ignoring the very people he made the commitment to, of keeping the site growing, the very people still doing a job with no compensation. Not saying the CZT want "paid", but part of being a CZT was being a part of a site which was growing and had new members to share their experiences. One that had an owner committed to making this the best site ever. If the owner doesn't have an interest in that, then why should the CZT or anyone else? Please don't take that the wrong way, I like my family here at TCC, but I also feel for those left in charge, as while the workload may have diminished with the activity, those left in charge and even the members are not getting what we come here for and if new people can't be let it, or the owner doesn't want to commit to the site, I believe things will never change. This is just my opinion, I like Bob, but as a member I feel there is an abandoment which has happened to this site, and not from a presence, but from the ability to not allow someone else commit to take over and bring TCC back up the ranks.

Posted by: droubaysports May 9 2013, 01:17 PM

That's what I meant and to put in perspective if anyone were to buy the site from Bob it still has enough funding to support itself while changes were being made that need to be done. it is not like you would have to keep funding out of pocket AND try to make the needed changes

QUOTE(northicehero99 @ May 9 2013, 09:48 AM)
Richard, while I agree the intent of this topic is to breath life into a horse that has been dead and beaten to death, the larger issues still remain of getting new membership.  Beyond that the money issue is a debate about creating a new site, but there is also another side that should be pointed out in regards to the money side.  The members of the CZT VOLUNTEERED of themselves for little in reward/perks because of a LOVE for the site, not seeking any compensation other than the growth and expansion of this site that would lead to future enjoyment of the site.  There are good and bad CZT as far as doing the "actual" CZT work, as you know, and those doing their parts know who they are and deserve more credit than any common member would even understand, so Kudos to them (and thanks for all of your efforts), but the bigger unfairness currently is we have an owner collecting revenue while ignoring the very people he made the commitment to, of keeping the site growing, the very people still doing a job with no compensation.  Not saying the CZT want "paid", but part of being a CZT was being a part of a site which was growing and had new members to share their experiences.  One that had an owner committed to making this the best site ever.  If the owner doesn't have an interest in that, then why should the CZT or anyone else?  Please don't take that the wrong way, I like my family here at TCC, but I also feel for those left in charge, as while the workload may have diminished with the activity, those left in charge and even the members are not getting what we come here for and if new people can't be let it, or the owner doesn't want to commit to the site, I believe things will never change.  This is just my opinion, I like Bob, but as a member I feel there is an abandoment which has happened to this site, and not from a presence, but from the ability to not allow someone else commit to take over and bring TCC back up the ranks.
*



Posted by: aceecards May 9 2013, 02:09 PM

i think all attempts to reach Bob have failed

Posted by: road_runner_1964 May 9 2013, 04:31 PM

QUOTE(droubaysports @ May 9 2013, 02:17 PM)
That's what I meant and to put in perspective if anyone were to buy the site from Bob it still has enough funding to support itself while changes were being made that need to be done. it is not like you would have to keep funding out of pocket AND try to make the needed changes
*



Acquisition of the site has been attempted to my knowledge on several different occasions and failed. Not to say that another attempt wouldn't work. Why sell something when you don't need to do anything with it and receive $$$$? wink.gif

QUOTE(aceecards @ May 9 2013, 03:09 PM)
i think all attempts to reach Bob have failed
*



Not all, but highly sporadic.

Posted by: redwing40 May 9 2013, 04:57 PM

Man I hate reading this stuff, anyone want to make a trade! I myself would at least not post site issues open to the public, I came here not knowing anything about what happened, and rather keep it that way!
Been here two years, made some really great friends here, even try my best to contribute to the site, almost gonna hit my 100 trade and 3000th post!
But yet, not one single TCC Award, that just is just wrong, lol!

Posted by: msw_sportscards May 10 2013, 02:27 AM

QUOTE(northicehero99 @ May 9 2013, 11:48 AM)
I also feel for those left in charge, as while the workload may have diminished with the activity, those left in charge and even the members are not getting what we come here for and if new people can't be let it, or the owner doesn't want to commit to the site, I believe things will never change.  This is just my opinion, I like Bob, but as a member I feel there is an abandoment which has happened to this site, and not from a presence, but from the ability to not allow someone else commit to take over and bring TCC back up the ranks.
*



Well said. The site has been feeling this "abandonment" issue for a long time. Several members have stated their displeasure in the past and it has damaged the integrity of this site because their concerns were not addressed. Instead, they were told not to ask about it. Some got banned and some just left quietly. This is the result. It's nothing against the CZT. I don't know how hard they work and who does what, but I've often wondered why they continue to cover for someone who didn't even have the courtesy to inform them that he would be away for an extended period of time and not leave them with the resources they needed to run the site. I wouldn't- not for free. Even if I was getting paid, I'm not sure I could stomach that because what's the point? I see posts from people claiming that too many collectors are worried about the bottom line, but then turn around and cover for someone who is exhibiting that very behavior. Dwight makes a good point. It's sad the the owner of the site is on restrictions. If I were a new member, that would make me a bit skeptical of the site as a whole. In baseball speak- this site is like the Chicago Cubs and we're all just stupid Cubs fans propping up an organization that doesn't care whether it wins or loses as long as we continue to show up. Why? A new site is the answer. It's always been the answer. We shouldn't cling to this site because it's comfortable and familiar. The core membership has made this site a great place for even the casual collector because it is/was such a tightly knitted community. It's more than just a place to trade cards. It's a place to share a little piece of life while trading cards. I've seen the community revel in it's members' successes and share the pain of their trials. The other boards don't have that which is why I don't even bother with them. Although I haven't been active lately, I continually lurk in hope that something will change. Instead, it's even deader than it was before and the division is greater. It's gotten so bad that the CZT's concerns are spilling out into the public forums which definitely isn't a good sign. I say it's time to pack up the tent and move to a different location. As long as the core group that built this site alongside Mr. President sticks together, we'll follow.

QUOTE(redwing40 @ May 9 2013, 04:57 PM)
Man I hate reading this stuff, anyone want to make a trade! I myself would at least not post site issues open to the public, I came here not knowing anything about what happened, and rather keep it that way!
   Been here two years, made some really great friends here, even try my best to contribute to the site, almost gonna hit my 100 trade and 3000th post!
  But yet, not one single TCC Award, that just is just wrong, lol!
*


I know what you mean, but it's better than the sugarcoated mularkey that's been passed around in the past.

Posted by: northicehero99 May 10 2013, 11:11 AM

QUOTE(redwing40 @ May 9 2013, 04:57 PM)
Man I hate reading this stuff, anyone want to make a trade! I myself would at least not post site issues open to the public, I came here not knowing anything about what happened, and rather keep it that way!
  Been here two years, made some really great friends here, even try my best to contribute to the site, almost gonna hit my 100 trade and 3000th post!
  But yet, not one single TCC Award, that just is just wrong, lol!
*

Paul, you are probably correct that we should not post "site issues" in a public forum, but the reality is that at least that makes us feel better as most of us are sharing in the same empty feeling. Don't get me wrong, I love TCC and most of it's members, we have been like a family. But it has been going down for so long it just NEEDS FIXED or we give up like a good portion of the members have already!

As for awards, I will nominate you and give you the "MOST LOYAL RED WING FAN on TCC, AWARD!" I will get Dwight to add that to your profile. biggrin.gif

Posted by: aceecards May 11 2013, 10:18 AM

here is what I think we need to do.

Lets start by getting two new threads per loyal member of this site.

That generates interest, viewership and readership.

Be active, again refer to post 1.

There is plenty to talk about.

When people come and see two or three pages of posts, that will bring people back.

We need some box breaks or pack breaks to liven this up.

Maybe Ill do one today or tomorrow as I am going to visit my mom today but have a graduation tomorrow.

I havent done a live one for awhile.. how bout you?

Post for goodness sakes.. Lets see some attaboys or wows out there.

Start a show and tell thread I have two going, card of the day and set of the week.

Who posted about Shelby millers gem last night.. No one.. come on this should be sports central!

Beanie.. How about a cage match extreme rules? that is always fun!

Posted by: jaderock May 26 2013, 02:50 AM

QUOTE(aceecards @ May 11 2013, 08:18 AM)

Beanie.. How about a cage match extreme rules? that is always fun!
*


Man those were bloody as heck but fun to participate or watch!

Posted by: aceecards May 26 2013, 07:31 AM

Beans doesn't have time right now.

anyone else want to give it a shot?

Posted by: spuds1961 May 27 2013, 09:20 AM

I am a member and I'm guilty of not being on as much because of the lack of responses and activity,always the same 5 people that will reply to box breaks.I am a member of 4 other sites but there is only one that I frequent,I would like tcc to be the other as I've always liked the community as there usually is no garbage going on in threads and such.I will start posting my breaks on here again starting sometime today with a bunch of football,mostly 2013 presspass which are easy breaks to list as there aren't many cards especially fanfare blasters 1 card 1 auto,here's hoping I can spur a little interest as I like many prefer to be on a very active site instead of a ghost town,take care Steve.

Posted by: aceecards May 27 2013, 09:32 AM

All It takes is a little activity

Ive been approving new members left and right but as yet have seen one post.

spuds you are one of my favorite members here, your comments always make one feel appreciated!



Just keep plugging babbbyyyy!

Posted by: spuds1961 May 27 2013, 09:46 AM

Thanks Steve,posted my presspass and leaf junk wax.I have lots of breaks to post from what I've bought over the past months but it will be only what the hits were as I've already put the cards in set form and put most others away,but during the day I'll get a lot of them up,boy bowman baseball this year was disappointing my 10 blasters really were bad,but gypsy queen treated me great those will be the first I list as that gave me some great pulls.

Posted by: Kmart6nets Sep 16 2013, 12:46 PM

My own curiosity...

Has anyone heard from Bob in any capacity at all in the past 2+ years?

Posted by: aceecards Sep 16 2013, 02:19 PM

QUOTE(Kmart6nets @ Sep 16 2013, 12:46 PM)
My own curiosity...

Has anyone heard from Bob in any capacity at all in the past 2+ years?
*



no but the show goes on!

Posted by: captkirk42 Sep 16 2013, 06:59 PM

QUOTE(Kmart6nets @ Sep 16 2013, 01:46 PM)
My own curiosity...

Has anyone heard from Bob in any capacity at all in the past 2+ years?
*




Tom,

Check out the last couple of pages on this thread http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=294741 - there is a bunch of bickering about who is currently to blame for "problems" that have happened since Bob's leaving, but I think there is an update in there somewhere.

Posted by: 5pujols5 Sep 16 2013, 08:10 PM

I will just chime in here. I don't post a whole lot (but will post more now), but this is the first, and to this exact moment the only, card collecting forum site I am a member of. I try to come in here a few times a week. I will do my part in trying to post more on topics....especially in the box break/group break sections as that is what I enjoy the most. I very much enjoy this site, and have for years. Thank you Steve for getting the conversation going on this. I will also try to do some product reveiws on new stuff coming out. I don't get to bust a whole lot but I do watch a lot of box breaks. I will just give THIS collectors view of the product.

Posted by: aceecards Sep 16 2013, 09:15 PM

Travis , we need some video links in the everything else section of your new hobby, as you know Im quite impressed!

Posted by: 5pujols5 Sep 16 2013, 09:20 PM

QUOTE(aceecards @ Sep 16 2013, 09:15 PM)
Travis , we need some video links in the everything else section of your new hobby, as you know Im quite impressed!
*




I will do that Steve, and thank you again. It's becoming more of a job than a hobby, and as you can imagine getting to do what you love and make a living at it at the same time........is a gift from God!!!! I will post some stuff for you all.

Posted by: droubaysports Sep 17 2013, 07:29 PM

As the online business end of my 'hobby' gets underway I'll be adding more stuff as well..I'm working on it just need to add inventory if anyone wants a sneak peek let me kow

Posted by: 5toosweet Sep 24 2013, 10:10 AM

Once the smoke clears I will be more active and start my baseball break back up. I've been busy with softball, work, kids, coaching soccer, now bowling and the rest life gives me. One thing I have been focusing on which is hobby related is promoting my own card show here in my hometown. I found it to be a mission to not only bring seasoned collectors together but also create new collectors. I tell ya it's a lot of work but also a lot of fun. Our show grows bigger at every event. Maybe I will start a thread that documents our journey. I say our journey because pwolantern and batman1641 are my cohorts in this mission.

Posted by: Kmart6nets Sep 24 2013, 12:48 PM

QUOTE(captkirk42 @ Sep 16 2013, 06:59 PM)
Tom,

Check out the last couple of pages on this thread http://www.tradingcardcentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=294741 - there is a bunch of bickering about who is currently to blame for "problems" that have happened since Bob's leaving, but I think there is an update in there somewhere.
*


Thank you.. appreciated

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