Sometime in the very near future....

[gigi]

Need some input here, folks. There are some changes happening at Music Today and this affects the status of our fan club. This is not an official announcement of any changes just yet, but rather a heads up that things are coming down the pike.

First off, everyone who recently paid or has time left, etc. will be taken care of so no worries there. However, I can use your help in figuring out how we can maximize this and make the most of it rather than look at it like a downer. Pre-sales will still be in effect and essentially we will open them up to everyone like the old days as it stands now but up for discussion too.

We can still have a password-ed fan section which houses our SINGLE fan forum possibly so as to keep out the riff raff. The problem we've seen on the public forum with spam stems from the fact that in order to make the VBulletin forum fit into our little club package, it was modified and as such can't be kept up to date with the new security measures and so it will only get worse, i fear. One of the ideas is to move everything over to a new board which would replace this one and just shutting down the public forum all together and possibly doing a chat room or making more use out of the Kyte phone. As for a new forum, I would like to ask you all for suggestions on others you may know of that have the features we use and enjoy now and maybe even more features which are better suited for that matter.

Music Today has been kind enough to offer us help with the moving of data and member info over to a new one and is helping with suggestions on how to keep our little place alive here and protected for the most part.

Keep in mind that we are now behind Music Today's firewalled site and super duper security measures and we probably won't be that lucky any longer as we will have to move all to our own humble site.

Things to think about:
Opening up the fanclub to all and allow all to enjoy pre-sales and fan forum?

Should we keep it passworded in an effort to keep out the pigeons?

Should there be a prerequisite for getting into the club thereby adding another level of security (question, trivia, pictures, etc.?)

Any ideas about custom social networks which might allow us a safe place while integrating with the site itself?

Should we combie La Onda and Crossroads?

Any thoughts on Kick Apps? Ning? Any others?

Anyone familiar with using Google and Google apps and gadgets? Has picassa for pics, google docs for files, igoogle as homepage and RSS feeds, desktop widgets, blogger, alerts, and more..

What about Word Press like our news section which can be modified.

One of the things to really think about that is important is keeping as much within the walls of this site as possible to get the hits and the ranking so we can be viable in the search engines. Keeping that in mind, any thoughts on something we can mold and meld with the site that will give us optimum visibility on the web and the feeds?

So, we are not there yet but it is coming and so we need to start thinking about this and I welcome all suggestions as long as they are cost effecitve, practical, integrated with the current site, offers an easy transistion, and brings us all together in a way that makes sense.

i have a few ideas of my own and may ask for volunteers to help test some of these alternatives before diving in. Anyway, thanks for listening and I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Please post all on this thread and stick with the topic so we can easily refer to it and then we can indicate those that we've nixed or those that might work.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions and thoughts. I really want to make this as smooth as possible and think that it could be a very positive thing in the long run and eliminate many of the issues that have affected all of us from time to time.

Gigi

[cre8ivepoet]

I'm not opposed to combining La Onda and Crossroads. It's kinda hard to tell us apart anyway and plus it's a good way to go ahead and rope any new fans into La Onda, seeing as how we all invite them to help in making swag on crossroads.

That's my two cents.

[Belle]

So, we get to move again. Okay. I'll get the packing tape.

The thing about Ning is that, after so many photos, it charges a monthly fee. With this outfit and the way we love to post pix of our Boys and each other, we'd hit that wall in a hurry.

[letsgetlonelyin]

I think we should still separate La Onda-streetteaming from Crossroads-Fan Club. Maybe within the Crossroad site have a La Onda Link with assignments,
Streetteaming is open to all maybe we could get a more centralized handle on activites this way.

Will this new format require membership?
If so I feel that presales should done in two tiers, offered to they paying first then to the General public.

Who is responsible for communicating with the booking agent as to getting LLB dates? How can we do better with this?

[RosieJeanne]

Things to think about:
Opening up the fanclub to all and allow all to enjoy pre-sales and fan forum?

Should we keep it passworded in an effort to keep out the pigeons?

Should there be a prerequisite for getting into the club thereby adding another level of security (question, trivia, pictures, etc.?)
Gigi

Gigi, I think we still need to keep it passworded because sometimes we put up info (like names & pics) of people or things that we would rather not have the public know. Also, I think, we, they paying Crossroads fans should have first dibs on a presale. And show dates. Just my .02 cents. I have faith in you, that you will take care of us, and do what's best for the boys.Thanks, Rosie

[mmmbopnmommy]

You like LOST me there Gigi, w/ all that technical talk!! hahahah
Apps??? ning? What are these??? I haven't a CLUE!

So I guess my thoughtis...keep it Simple, for those of us who are truely Simple Minded!!!LOL
I barely can use my Simple tracfone....lol......

If you want to keep La Onda & Crossroads seperate, then do what Amy sugests.....set up a special LaOnda assignment section.....but i'm all for combining the 2!!!

As for opening the pre-sale to general public......we pay for that right, so if you keep us paying, then we should keep that right...other wise, it's a free for all. Somehow, people other than us always seem to get "good" seats we don't anyhow......*shrugs* So what's the differance???

I hate change. LOL Ask my hubby, he'll tell ya that!!! So just tHINKING of a move makes me cringe!! hahahahaa


<3<3<3

[velvetsky0222]

Good to see that new things are always happening here for us. I think you have to do that to keep up with the times right?

I definately feel that La Onda Street Team and the Fans should have 2 separate "homes" and that Pre-sales should be a benefit to the paid membership fans.

This is a lot to think about for sure. Thanks Gigi for asking us for input. That really means alot to us. :cool:

[gigi]

Thanks so much, guys, for your input and please keep it coming. We especially have to find a new forum so if anyone uses another besides V Bulletin on other sites, etc, and think it would work for us here, then please please digame.

I think i need to clear something up here and my fault for the misunderstanding... we are going to do away with the fee based club all together, no more subscription fees after Music Today leaves us. So, pre-sales will be free essentially. Marc and I are still working on ideas on how to reimburse everyone for their paid dues to date and not really sure what our options are right now but will have some soon, I promise.

So, in light of this news, are we still for keeping the two separate? And, what about a free passworded fan club? I like Rosie's idea too about a separate La Onda Section within the club.

Trying to come up with a plan for all you talented swag makers and would like to tie it into the Search with Los Lonely Boys Google page so we can use swag to get swag bucks for more swag, and so on and so on. I think that we need to use that search engine page more as it helps get the boys a higher ranking in Google and any revenues generated could now go to buying bigger sweepstakes items. I'll be working up a plan with the search folks too so, again, got ideas? Bring'em on, baby! If you don't use it, try the search page, it is no different than a normal Google search page except for the fact that we get credit each time you use it. www.searchwithloslonelyboys.com . Try it, you'll like it.

Okay, I'm going to be working to breath some extra life into our little world here, no matter where that world lands. Whatever the forum or social network, It is still our world regardless. that being said, you guys, I can really use your help and support here to get this party started.

Thanks, and please keep the ideas and suggestions going. Oh, Belle, thanks for the Ning info. Had no idea they charge for photos. That sux!
Rita, hold your ears (lol)... anyone ever deal with Kick apps?

G.

[gigi]

Random Ramblings...
Some of you old school fans may appreciate the fact that I have even recently reached out to the guy who developed our first street team network site Quiet Tantrum/Crooked Chimney to see if maybe he had something else cooking. Being that he was the head of digital content at Virgin Mobile until just recently, I didn't think it was likely he would resurrect our old site but thought what the hell... although he is looking for just a bit more these days, he actually said he thinks about it from time to time and that made me smile.

While Reverbnation is cool and serves its purpose now, I feel we really need something more proprietary and something we can have a better handle on as far as interactivity and communication amongst ourselves. Nonetheless, I'm still happy to have Reverb and thankful for how helpful and supportive those guys have been to us always and can't complain really.

If there happens to be a site even remotely as fan friendly (original carnation) and one that offers nearly the same interactivity as the QT old ST site had then please, by all means...

Also, can use some ideas on how you would like to see your subscription fees reimbursed which will most likely be pro-rated. As I said, this is something yet to be really discussed in depth with MT and so in addition to the obvious "monetary refunds", are there any other ways you might consider acceptable repayment?

Sorry to go on and on but I don't think we have a lot of time and so i want to get all the feedback I can so we can make the right move when it does happen.

Thanks for taking the time to read all.

Gigi

[HRosebud]

This is a lot to digest on a Friday afternoon, so I may have to come back later and reply further after giving it more thought! I do agree that La Onda should be separated from Crossroads, but I don't mind the "special section" idea. I certainly appreciate any and all security we can have wherever we go... the spammers and robots can totally ruin our home as we know.

I can only imagine how difficult it must be to move everything and start all over (again). Sounds like time is really of the essence, and I wish I knew more about what is out there.

I'm not overly concerned about who gets in on pre-sales, I just appreciate the opportunity to be one of them! *lol* I think the more important thing is as much notice as possible about what is coming up for the Boys well ahead of time. So many of us make plans and travel, you know. Seems like we've found out about a few shows elsewhere before they are posted here. Any and all "scoop" on the Boys is the real reason most of us joined the fan club in the first place.

As for the refund problem, I would take store credit if that makes it any easier. Naturally I JUST paid for a renewal about a week ago... I was afraid I would forget and my date would expire. Now I've just been waiting for it to come up on 30 days before so I can use my activation code. Great timing for me! :rolleyes:

Thank you for keeping us posted, Gigi, and for worrying about us and taking care of us!!

[RosieJeanne]

Store Credit would be great!! We could all use even MORE LLB STUFF!

[letsgetlonelyin]

gigi wrote:I like Rosie's idea too about a separate La Onda Section within the club.

That was Amy's idea! ...haha I knew what you meant Gigi


Amy wrote: I think we should still separate La Onda-streetteaming from Crossroads-Fan Club. Maybe within the Crossroad site have a La Onda Link with assignments,
Streetteaming is open to all maybe we could get a more centralized handle on activites this way.

[cre8ivepoet]

reimbursement for paid dues...swag bucks for the swag store sounds cool to me. :)

[gigi]

Sorry, Amy, oops! Well, I do like the idea and so thanks for that. I think we are getting off track a bit and so being that I am a bit overwhelmed with this very large decision, I must as that we take the focus off how you all will be reimbursed since i trust that Music Today will do right by all. Instead, can I bring you all back to giving some suggestions and input as to where we should call home since we are going to be homeless soon otherwise please? I really would like your input.

Belle has been giving me a lot of useful info and we can use more since all of my ideas are too expensive it seems now that the sites I suggested have begun to charge for their services, and charge a lot to boot.

Is anyone familiar with the google suite and if so, thoughts? Come on guys, i know you all get around on the web and this isn't your only stop so, from your experiences let me know what you like that is out there.

Thanks and sorry to be such a nag but just trying to keep a roof over our heads, even if it is virtual.

Thanks so much,
Gigi

[jwintx]

Gigi~

It's great to see you!

Is it possible for us to go back and use Omotion or is it too expensive? I can't remember if there were other problems that caused us to leave them way back when, but that might be the case. As far as real Street Teaming is concerned, I didn't find ReverbNation to be user friendly since we couldn't contact the Team as a whole in real time to share or have inclusive dialogue. Unless there was a mission posted we didn't spend much time there. Many of us remember the days of Quiet Tantrum and the old Fan Forum fondly because it was a wonderful venue for both fan discussion and Street Teaming. Just as importantly, it was wrought with *pidgeons* and spam and (if nothing else) we've avoided those problems almost completely with the paid site at Music Today. We haven't been so fortunate on the public site obviously, but hopefully there can be some type of security measure added to this new venture to keep fans streaming in while discouraging the spammers and bots.

Surely something can be worked out so that members who have fees paid into Music Today can benefit from a special perk or something that wouldn't cost a huge out of pocket expense while *reimbursing* them for their memberships. I personally have no qualms with *donating* my membership fee to this club and look forward to any new and improved site that motivates both the fans and La Onda to come back together in this place. I believe there's plenty of knowledge and talent in the LLB family to help get this off the ground and moving forward.

[Amor]

Wow, alot to soak in. I will have to do some serious thinking and investigating about 'our new home', Gigi.

In my opionion, it would be nice to keep the LaOnda separate from Crossroads. I understand presales will be open for all, but again, it would be nice for us to get advance notice. Membership fees aren't an issue.

I will try to get some suggestions from people at work.

[Belle]

I'm not sure if this is viable or not, but...

there are some decent forum templates/forum hosting sites for $10 or less a month. (They'd even include a chat site like we use to have - and which I loved!!) If we all paid $1 a year dues, it would pay for the monthly fee as well as keep out spammers but let anyone in who wants in. I think most of us could afford $1 a year.

What about that idea?

[La Sonrisa]

Is it possible for us to go back and use Omotion or is it too expensive? I can't remember if there were other problems that caused us to leave them way back when, but that might be the case. As far as real Street Teaming is concerned, I didn't find ReverbNation to be user friendly since we couldn't contact the Team as a whole in real time to share or have inclusive dialogue.

Was Omotion the old La Onda site? Ah, memories. I enjoyed that place. I agree that Reverbnation does not have the 'Familia' atmosphere to it that the La Onda site had. I can't help out too much on this from the technical end... but I do remember one LLB fan club that I really liked. It's the one featured in the address below...the colors make me very nostalgic when I see them now.

http://web.archive.org/web/20040611235547/www.loslonelyboys.org/subset_bio.html

[jwintx]

Wonder if we might check out http://hostbaby.com/?

[Belle]

Wonder if we might check out http://hostbaby.com/?

This site doesn't offer a forum. It lists a 'feedback' forum where the admins post questionnaires for members to answer, but that's it. It doesn't allow members to start their own threads. :(





.

[jwintx]

I saw that, but The User Forum on the hostbaby.com site looks exactly like what we need and use here. Do we know for sure that it isn't possible to integrate the same into the product they sell? The features look good and the price is definitely right!

[Belle]

There are free forums available, but they are spam magnets. My web designer warned me away from even considering them for LLB. So, here are some inexpensive possibilities...

SiteGround
http://www.siteground.com/forum-hosting.htm

* Powerful servers, specially administered to ensure greater security for Forum websites;
* 24/7 Technical Experts ready to assist you;
* Free professional installation of Forum software;
* No ads or banners on your bulletin board;
* Use password protection for your forum;
* Have multiple forums on your board;
* Stats about your visitors and posts;
* More Features: FREE domain, 750 GB space, 7500 GB traffic/mo, MySQL, PHP, FTP;
* Low Price: $5.95/mo only

FREE Domain name
750 GB Web space new!
7500 GB Traffic new!
99.9% Server uptime
24/7 Tech support
CPanel and Fantastico
$5.95/mo - save up to 40%
FREE Blog installation
FREE CMS installation
Unlimited MySQL DB
Unlimited Emails
Unlimited FTP access
eCommerce Pack
Web Hosting Features


Message-boards.net
http://www.bulletinboards.com/faq.cfm?msgcall=yes

This one also has chat room capability. It costs $9.95/month. The link goes to their FAQ page.


EZ Web Hosting
http://www.ez-web-hosting.com/webhostinglp2.htm
This has a stratified pricing structure, depending on your use.

Annually: .....$6.45 /mth ...11.95 /mth ..15.95 /mth ...19.95 /mth
storage:.....150,000 MB.....300,000......450,000 .... 600,000 MB
bandwidth: 1,500,000 MB...3,000,000...4,500,000...6,000,000

This site offers a chat room, as well as a shopping cart, if we want to add the LLB merchandise store.

Anyhow, that's what I've found so far. I'm not a techie, so I'm not sure what we need exactly for this rodeo, but this should get us started.

[Belle]

I saw that, but The User Forum on the hostbaby.com site looks exactly like what we need and use here. Do we know for sure that it isn't possible to integrate the same into the product they sell? The features look good and the price is definitely right!

Janene - we could sure ask! :)

[velvetsky0222]

I wish I had the knowledge to help y'all out but I think that what y'all have offered so far is awesome.

Gosh La Sonrisa - you done took us back to ole skool! Those were definately the days and sure does bring back some great memories of how the forum used to be. This site actually had a section for the original street team (before we became La Onda). So having it that way again wouldn't be bad at all.

:cool:

[Amor]

Hey Belle,
I sent this link to Gigi earlier in the day since I wasn't able to get on the forum. As I mentioned to her, I may be way off base, but this is what I found: http://www.adobe.com/support/dreamweaver/

If I am, please let me know and I will shut up. :o

[Belle]

Hey Belle,
I sent this link to Gigi earlier in the day since I wasn't able to get on the forum. As I mentioned to her, I may be way off base, but this is what I found: http://www.adobe.com/support/dreamweaver/

If I am, please let me know and I will shut up. :o

Ev - hi! From what I could tell on their site, they sell software to web designers. They don't offer a forum template or forum hosting. One item of their software could cost several hundred dollars, and I don't know anyone around here who's got that kind of time or money or knowledge to build a site. :p

Keep looking, though. We're bound to find what we want! (If we can track down a tour bus simply on intuition, there's no stopping us!)

[Belle]

...This site actually had a section for the original street team (before we became La Onda). So having it that way again wouldn't be bad at all.

:cool:

Jeanette - I think we can find a way for the Street Team to be on the same site as Crossroads, and yet only be accessible to La Onda. I've seen it that way on several forums - where you have to be a member of a certain section in order to get in.

That would be sooooo convenient!

[velvetsky0222]

Jeanette - I think we can find a way for the Street Team to be on the same site as Crossroads, and yet only be accessible to La Onda. I've seen it that way on several forums - where you have to be a member of a certain section in order to get in.

That would be sooooo convenient!

Yep = that's how the original site was. We had our own forum within the public forum. And believe it or not, not everybody was a ST member.

FYI - not sure where you're keeping your list of copied threads but I just finished copying "Good Press and Articles" and "Hey Hey / Monkies".

[letsgetlonelyin]

I personally have no qualms with *donating* my membership fee to this club and look forward to any new and improved site that motivates both the fans and La Onda to come back together in this place. I believe there's plenty of knowledge and talent in the LLB family to help get this off the ground and moving forward.


Great idea, I'd donate my membership fee to help with cost of our new home.

[Belle]

Everyone - to find out which threads have already been copied, check out the first post on "Start Packing". I update it when another thread has been saved.

[Amor]

Belle, I copied "The story of Gigifina" - OK? :D

Oops - so sorry, wrong thread. My bad! :o

[lovemusic]

Has anyone else used http://www.phpbb.com/? I have used it on the deSol site. To see a sample in action http://desolmusic.com/forum/. That site has not had problems with spam and it is really easy to use. Just a thought.

[RachelinAZ]

Man I am glad I checked in. I had no clue this was going on! I would have been so bummed, had I missed the move!

Is there anyway to subscribe to these threads to keep in the loop? I know I should check in more often, I get caught up in life and such :( which probably is a lame excuse.

[RachelinAZ]

I have and it is really an easy program to use/set up. :)

Has anyone else used http://www.phpbb.com/? I have used it on the deSol site. To see a sample in action http://desolmusic.com/forum/. That site has not had problems with spam and it is really easy to use. Just a thought.

[gigi]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions and i can say that we are definitely getting closer to a resolve and should have some info soon. We may be using some temporary housing until we can move into the new digs so please do support the cause and come hang at the temporary digs while we wait, ok?

Thanks especially to all of you who have been copying and saving our history for us so we can bring the memories with us. You guys rock!

Gigi

[Amor]

This may be a dumb question, but I have been known to do this; but is there another place/link that everyone else is now? There isn't much activity here, so I was wondering if I missed something. :confused:

[cre8ivepoet]

;)

Anything for you, babe.

[Amor]

HUH??? :confused: :o

[Belle]

Ev - I think Cree was referring to Gigi's post about us copying over threads.

As far as where everyone is, I have no idea. There is no other official website forum for LLB.

[cre8ivepoet]

Just Mamacita's thread about a place to use temporarily to stay connected to others, Ev. I told you about it the other night - i think it's the thread with "multiply" or something like that in the wording on this forum.

[Amor]

Hey Belle,
Any new news yet? Just curious where we are. :)

[Belle]

Hey, Ev. Gigi and I are supposed to talk in the near future, so maybe I'll have some news. Right now, it's been a lot of hurry up and wait. Sorry I don't have anything more to give you.

[Amor]

Thanks :) Belle,
We will sit tight until you post something. I appreciate your response!