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Some valid points and opinions to be sure - my unemotional 2p (might be worth substantially less): > Non-members can post in and see most areas of the boardroom. I think it's entirely fair that only paying members can post free ads, but non-members can still see the ads. If a non-member wants to contact a seller, it's not the non-member's fault if the seller doesn't list contact details in the ad, it's either the seller's fault or the seller's privacy preference (to avoid spammers, day dreamers and tyre kickers). In either case, non-members can leave a message in the Chat area, which has always seemed to work in the past. > I have no idea what the technology behind the boards is like with regards to being able to limit a non-member to a certain number of searches, posts, etc before forcing them to pay for further access, but if that technology is available and cannot be abused, then it should be considered. How that might be scuppered is if it cannot automatically detect and block IP addresses of those guests who have used the boards and then simply created a new account when their "free" time runs out - this could create a constant logistical nightmare of a millstone for the membership secretary and webmaster and support team, and also lead to hit-and-run abuse from trolls and keyboard warriors. In any case, it's up to someone to post something in the New Generation area and ask the question there to determine the feasibility of such a thing if they feel strongly enough about it. > I believe PMs and personal profile information are items best kept for paying members in order to protect their privacy from prying eyes and pestering posts of the unscrupulous trolls and nasty critters of the Internet. I don't see this as barring or discriminating against non-members, but as a benefit for protecting paying members. Surely there's no reason for a non-member, if they are as serious about Westfields as we are, to be hiding anything - is there? > Let's try not to forget just what a leap this boardroom is over the previous one just six weeks ago. This one is much better, offers more features, has a search function that actually works, and looks like it possibly has more to offer later, with blogs and other features there but not yet activated. This costs money. > I maintain that all the information from previous posts has a real and tangible value that should not be given away easily and for free to non-members within and using the tools of the boardroom (which costs money to provide), particularly when non-members can very easily just Google it off the boards, and when members usually fall over themselves to help non-members when they ask questions in the boards. The only thing non-members lose out on is speed of response in answering their queries - and not by much. > While there has been some polarised and perhaps at times harsh attitudes from members towards non-members since the changeover, the same can be said in reverse of a few of those non-members who in the past enjoyed the considerable luxury of what was essentially a massive Haynes manual for Westfields without making a financial contribution towards the maintenance of that manual, and now find themselves having to work slightly harder to get that info - but only slightly - and are crying foul. I don't think either party is whiter than white - but he who pays the piper... In this age of instant electronic knowledge access and gratification, it's all too easy to take it all for granted and to look at what we don't get for free, instead of what excellent value we do get when we pay a fair price for something of great worth.

My 2p I have never agreed with non members not being able to answer in the for sale section. A lot of engine / transmission parts sold are sought after by other car owners, who have absolutely no interest in kit cars. It's basically restricting the number of potential buyers. Would you pay to join say, the Allegro owners club to buy a steering column? I can't imagine withholding the search facility will make non members put hands in pocket either. Apparently they can use Google, so what's the point. (In the real world, if someone asks you something about your Westfield, you don't tell him / her to f**k off join the club and do a search! Why should it be different on here?) And, the number of threads recently rudely telling potential club members to "pay up or shut up" in my opinion, will have only one outcome. Potential club member goes elsewhere!

One off fabricated aluminium tank in Westfield injection dimensions with shallow central sump and integrated swirlpot in one corner. Comes with VDO fuel level sender installed Excellent condition - will post pics later. £200 + postage or collect from Bedford area

Well you can see from my details that I don't drive a Westfield (I part built one 15 years ago, but finances stopped the build), I have a GBS Zero which should be on the road very soon. I am a member of RHOCaR but wanted a club with local meets. I found the WSCC Cotswold branch and went along to meet them. I was made to feel very welcome and decided that if I was going to go along to these meetings and make use of the club, it was only right and proper to join properly, so I did. I know that the committee and the AO's work voluntarily, but everything else costs, so I was happy to make my contribution. I can't comment on the old boardroom as I never used it as I don't remember it being around when I was last a member. This site runs pretty much on the same basis as the RHOCaR forum, i.e. full members get certain access rights that forum users don't. It doesn't mean that the forum users can't still be very active and offer advice and have valid opinions just the same as full members. Pesonally, it doesn't bother me either way. My preference was to join, but that is just me. Anyway, just how this new member sees things.

Wow... Cheap project car for somebody.

I clicked on the users on line list earlier, and caught "Google" viewing The three word never ending Westy thing. That must have kept it happy for a good while. :laugh:

Thankyou that was exactly what I tried to convey in the other thread in the Newbies section and clearly failed

Not had much time today, so I started making up the dashboard