Hey Baxo, I previously deleted my message because I thought it may have sounded offending. But I did wonder if you did it differently to make it difficult. There's usually a few different ways to do anything; some "right" and "wrong" and the degree involved can vary.
Having a test environment is certainly nice to prevent being poked at if something done doesn't quite work or look right. vBulletin license allows (or did - I haven't recently checked) a customer to have a public environment as well as a seperate, locked-down/not public, environment for test purposes. However, I understand that with your previous provider, that may not have been an option because that would involved another database.
Instead of the above, for theme/style changes, you can create a mirrored template style based off your existing one, set it so that it's not public, and then you can make changes to that one so that you can see how it works. Setting it to not public will mean no user can select it, unless they're in the Administrator user group. If a mistake is made, it's just a Revert Template link away and no one else would see it.
But I would like to add an original comment I previously made. The banners up top do add a nice touch and was a nice addition over the previous banner.
Quote from: baxo;340164
well that's essentially what I did. I didn't say it was difficult. i just said it wasn't fun. When you don't necessarily have a test environment to get things right before you launch you have to be extra careful with what you do.
Hey Baxo, it should not have been that difficult? You should have been able to simply add the random.php link inside the header of the template for each skin. vBulletin is quite modular and makes things like this fairly simple via templates. I'd think the real work was with the external php script!
On the subject of the banner and images, it really does add a nice touch. Unfortunately, it is hard to please everyone and when your car isn't showcased/exposed, it does create hard feelings.
Quote from: baxo;340148
And let me tell you hacking the code of the forums to include some of my own code to make the random banners wasn't fun either.
See the problem? This is why the random.php (banner) is not being loaded.
This will work itself out when your DNS provider updates the IP address of the site.
Members can get around this by editing their HOSTS file, generally located in the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC and add the following line: 64.57.210.240 http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com
You may then need to open a command prompt and type in: ipconfig /flushdns
You should then just be able to type in http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com and the HOSTS file will direct you to the proper IP address of 64.57.210.240 When it does, you'll notice the banner up top works because the path is now correct:
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;340009
I noticed that too - our new host says that they may disable some scripts during the move. Perhaps Alex, who wrote the script to begin with, can troubleshoot and get it back?
I just want to say that I'm done with this thread. People can continue attacking me and make cute references if it makes them feel good.
Fact of the matter is, I've been taking care of a sick family member for 2 years and I do feel stress. I was interested in this speedo, for personal interest, to fix up my TC, to try and take care of myself. This entire ordeal is certainly not helping and the continued comments about me, for stating my opinion, certainly is py. I'm done with this thread. You can continue atttacking me for statingan opinion if It makes you feel good.
My comment was in reference to the below quote from you, which did sound like you were sulking by suggesting you wont go through this again. So, yes, you did suggest you would be changing your selling practices.
By the way, Vinnie, did a nerve get struck or something?
Quote from: vinnietbird;333542
.I'm not going through all of this again for a speedo sell.Not worth it to me.Ebay is a click away,and a lot less complaining.
Quote from: vinnietbird;333591
First,never call me petty....you don't know me well enough to have that opinion....second,all I did was make a thread to sell a part.Read the FIRST post on this thread....just selling a part.It was you and others that started comments,which I replied to. I have never heard any complaints about any parts I've sold here. The last problem I had was I sent the wrong mirror to a member by accident. As soon as he let me know,I fixed it...stat.
I don't throw "petty parties". If you look at every post I've ever made,you'll never find a "poor pitiful me" thread. I do all I can to help where I can, and treat everyone right.I've had attacks on me,and risen above them.I didn't sweat it. I won't change my selling on this forum for you as you may have implied I'm doing. Only for the speedo,and,if you read the first post,that was the plan all along if it didn't sell here....which I gave it a chance to do. I haven't changed anything for anyone at all. I stayed true to what I said I was going to do....before any comments from anyone were made.
I didn't say I was going to Ebay to sell everything from now on...I was stating that the speedo will go there....which it has. Everything else will get a first shot here, as always.
I don't believe that people have taken my side because they have done business with me.I also have done business with many here,but don't feel obligated to take their side unless I believe in what is being stated for whatever the subject matter.
I have a good history here,I feel that I've earned whatever "good" people have chosen to think about me. I don't expect anything from anyone.No-one here owes me a thing.The sheer fact that this thread has lasted this long has amazed me. This is the FIRST thread that went to over nothing when I was selling a part (A LOT of parts).It's certainly not the intention as one can read by checking the first post. I've never seeked trouble here,or start any trouble that I can ever be aware of (someone else will have to judge that). I am more than fair to everyone. Even in the craziest of times here.
This needs a third party that has no bias to state what they see (a moderator),and then lock it tight.
You know it's one thing to personally disagree, it's a completely another thing to act childish and immature with some of the things being said in return for my stated opinion about Vinnie sweeping up something on here to turn around and sell for a nice profit. It's clearly using the community, but since so many have bought from Vinnie, of course he's getting all the support. I'm a "whiner" and need a ride in a "WAAAMBULANCE" for my stated opinion, just because it may not agree with yours and just because some may want to defend Vinnie due to past transactions?
Vinnie, I think it's a bit dramatic, and perhaps a petty party, by suggesting that you will just go to eBay because of "lot less complaining" over just comments that appear to be only supported by myself. To suggest you'll change course just because of me is pretty strange, Vinnie, when you clearly have more support. More support doesn't necessarily mean one is right or more correct, but to suggest you will stick to eBay instead sounds a bit of a petty statement, Vinnie. I surely have not done that much damage to you, unless you have heard this stuff from others before.
I do agree with Vinnie that this thread has been done some time ago. If you don't agree with my opinion, that's fine, but it would be nice if there was some maturity behind it. I tried to drop this but some are coming up with some cutesy responses to me to keep it up.
Quote from: jangus;333546
Vinnie, I can see your point of just going straight to Ebay with, but don't deprive someone on here of the chance to buy it just because one person needs a ride in the WAAAMBULANCE.
Sorry, I don't think I got "pissy" and I certainly don't think I had rights to the item after an email was sent. I do think I probably was first in contacting, but perhaps not first received. It's usually first come and first served. I'm not suggesting the seller did wrong by selling to Vinnie as I'm only guessing the seller didn't see my email before Vinnie called. That's how it worked out. Cannot be changed.
Buying an item through here for 100 and then selling it on here for over 200 is, in my opinion, using the community and against each other. I feel it was taking advantage of the community. On top of that, Vinnie wanted to for a profit and I wanted it to personally use.
I suppose Vinnie adding the statement that the seller claimed there was no interest in it didn't help. We're all smarter than that. These 140mph always command a premium. It's NOT that there was no interest in the item, it's that FEW knew it was for sale because CL is a local thing unless you know how to search globally. In fact, there was a few recent posts on here where someone asked how to search CL globally. So it's not that this item had no interest, it's that it was largely unknown to be on the market.
That's simply my opinion and we're all entitled. It's done and over with and I've tried to put it behind. I will admit my view of Vinnie isn't as good was it was, but he probably shares the same and in the end, it probably means nothing to anyone. I just find it unfortunate that the situation was a means to be taken advantage of within the community.
Quote from: Sick88Tbird;333452
This is the problem with some people.....they see a part at a heck of a price and think that after an e-mail it belongs to them...then they get pissy when somebody else buys it.
Jeremy...it kinda sucks, but it's life dude. I've missed out on 4 SCREAMIN' deals on Crown vic's in the past 2 weeks, it sucks, but oh well.
I could understand if the person re-selling them was price gouging, but Vinnie's prices are very fair...sometimes they're rediculously low. Vinnie has a nice car funded buy his labors...somebody said he should actually "work" for it....guess what? scouring the local j-yards, CL, e-bay and other sources non-stop for deals, is like having a 2nd job!
My ONLY regret in all of this is.......I don't plan on keeping my 'Bird, otherwise I'd have no problem paying what he's asking.
JeremyT.......The speedo I bought from CL, as far as I knew, had no interest. I was told by the seller that he had no-one showing interest at all. . Yes, I took your question fine. No jabs from me intended. I didn't "use" the community. It was posted for interested parties, I was interested,I bought it. When I buy parts to sell, or use, I have no idea who wants them. I don't ask the other members if they are interested before I buy it. If someone else wants it, buy it. I did the leg work and made it happen. You don't have to buy from a "re-seller". You can buy from anyone else that has this type of speedo. There has to be more out there. I bought the CL speedo for a hundred bucks, plus shipping, plus money order fee and mailing it with a tracking number for $5.00. How much profit do you think is fair for someone to make from a rare part? I think the prices for the speedos are more than fair considering the rarity of them and what I have seen them sell for and what I have sold them for in the past.. I'd be very interested in knowing the answer to that question.
Anyone has 3 options with this speedo....
1. $150.00 plus a trade
2. $225 straight out
3. Don't buy it
No pressure on anyone at all. Interested ....buy it. Not interested....don't buy it. Easy.
Vinnie, you and the rest here are MUCH smarter than that. You know the 140 speedos sell well, and for a premium. It was not that there was no interest, there simply wasn't much awareness of the item on the market. CL is largely local as it's safe to assume most do not know how to search CL on a global scale.
Either the seller on CL didn't check his email before he spoke with you, or he missed my email. Because I certainly was interested and emailed him.
Yes, I was sincerely interested when I replied to this thread, which is why I asked the above question as to why the price difference (condition, mileage, etc.) and what trades you might accept.
We will have to agree to disagree on the aspect of the community being used, because I did contact the CL seller and was interested. I'm sure many others were as well, as posted in the CL thread. I think it does use the community (atleast against each other, such as what this done), to take something posted on here and turn around and try to sell it higher price - when someone (myself) was interested and intended to buy.
You do know that was an honest question on my part, right? I thought it was a reasonable question to ask why one is being offered at 150 while the other is 225. I was merely asking for a difference to know if there was something different that factored in. Like a lot of mileage on one of the units?
Yes, the CL thread did slightly disturb me because I emailed the seller before you posted in the thread. Apparently, you called him either before he received my email or before I sent it. Either way, I was going to use it for my own car, but now, if I want it, I have to go through a "reseller" and pay extra. It's really not my business or concern you buy/sell parts to pay for your project rather than working for it. My concern, however, did come that the community got used. You bought the item while there was interested parties in the item, and now trying to sell it to those at 150.00 when they could have gotten it for 100.00. Yeah, I guess the "snooze you lose" applies here. But still doesn't make it better that we got a bit used here in the process. I only bring this up since you brought it up yourself with a little bit of a jab.
Either way, my question posted above was an honest question to ask why the price difference between the two units; such as mileage and/or condition.
Quote from: vinnietbird;332335
The prices are as they are because,as I stated,I need to make funds for the car's progress.One will go to Ebay for $225.00 shipped,and it will sell,they always do.It may be priced slightly higher,because,they have been sold for a lot more.I'm keeping one a little lower priced for members here to have a chance at one.The odds are slim that you'll find one for $150.00 anytime soon.
If I buy one for $20.00,I'll still price them the same way. As I've explained many times,I do NOT use any funds from my paycheck for the Sport as most people do.EVERY penny comes from selling parts,trading or a combination of that.
Ever since the CL post a week or so ago,there's concern that I may be making a profit on a part I bought,and to some,it's understood that making a profit is part of making money.To others,it's freaking them out to think I could possibly want to make a profit to get my Thunderbird's list of needed things tended to.
Bottom line,the speedo is for sale,and it will sell here,or on Ebay.If someone needs one,or wants one,and can get one cheaper,I'd suggest buying quick.Otherwise,I have this one,and another coming.It's $225.00 by itself,or $150.00 with a trade.I do not mean to offend,and those here that know me,know that I am good to deal with,more than fair,and help when I can.If I have offended anyone,my apologies to you,but the prices stay.
What I'm wanting for trade.....Dynomat or it's equivalent -Explorer upper intake -24# Mass Air meter -24# injectors -87/88 driver side tail light in very nice shape -aftermarket 5 speed shifter (not the handle or ) -aftermarket 8.8 differential girdle
a website devoted to people who have these cars and would like to purchase such parts for their own cars. If this was listed anywhere else, fine, but being that someone on this very site may have been looking for such a part without paying the ridiculous prices that these things normally for, buying to resell for profit (likely in this very community) an item that someone else found is a bit tactless.
I don't see the fascination with these things though - it won't make my car go any faster or look any better :p Why do people want these again?
It would seem a bit to me the community being used against each other. So many people would have wanted this part for their own car, but now someone will have to pay higher price, on an item already expensive, just because there is an opportunity for profit.
Vinnie stated that the seller stated the item was a hard sell, but that was purely due to being on CL as so many people don't know that you can search global. Had this part been on eBay, the seller could have easily moved this item. CL is largely confined to those local to you. This was not a part that nobody wanted, but so few knew it was on the market.
Honestly, it is hard to fault Vinnie as we all need to make a living, but it still strikes me a bit less than great. When someone normally has parts for sale, the parts were previously owned by the seller and they're moving it for whatever reason. They may make some, they may lose some. But this case is a bit different as it was used as an opportunity for profit at the expensive of those interested.
As far as the speedo, it's always been that way. They can electrically be modified to convert a stock 85 to a 140, but the face plates need to be redone in quality and I'm not sure that currently, or previously, exists.
I do apologize to Vinnie as I forgot about the generous fee that eBay collects. And I respect Vinnie for not going off on an opinion/observation that I probably should have kept to myself.
Site has been quite slow, performance wise, intermittently this evening. It appears a server load issue to me, which isn't surprising it's on a shared server, as there is a lot of waiting on stuff that would be database intensive (posting replies, etc.).
Hey Vinnie I'm not really looking for an argument, but what I said was my opinion and I should be entitled to it. It could be right or could be wrong. There are people that would have paid that price to install the unit in their car and enjoy it, but now interested parties have to pay more because someone else beat them and used it as an opportunity. It's just that simple.
No, I'm not in the parts business but after seeing some of your deals, I'm certainly interested!
I just checked eBay and seen you sold one on eBay, a few months ago, for $250. I'm guessing you'll have under 125 in this thing since it was listed at 100 and 25 should be more than enough for S/H. So that's where my math comes from.
Vinnie, are you operating a licensed business? A difference I see with your example is this item was made to the public, by an end-user, and not exactly how traditional stores operate.
Matter of fact, I emailed the user to inquire about it for my other TC. I don't know when you called, but I know the time stamp on my email is sooner than when you replied to this thread when you first responded. Perhaps you called before my email, or perhaps the user doesn't check his email regularly. Who knows. I won't lose sleep over it, but I think stating an opinion, in a decent matter, should be acceptable.
Good luck.
Quote from: vinnietbird;331237
On that post,I have to say this. Buying low and selling higher is what ANY business does.That's how they make a profit and can continue what they do. If it weren't for selling parts, my Thunderbird could not have happened. How many stores do you walk into, and tell the manager that it's unfortunate that they actually make a profit on what they sell. Have you ever sold any parts here, on Ebay or anywhere else? What's the point if you can't make any money? Otherwise, we could all just donate what we all have for shipping. Anyone could've emailed this guy and made the deal. When I called him, he stated he had nobody interested in it when he tried to sell it before. All a person has to do is buy it if they wanted it. No-one bought it.....until I did. Because I was first doesn't mean I'm taking advantage. It means I showed interest and followed through with the purchase. I am more than fair when I sell any of my parts here. Ask anyone I've done business with. I even "donate" parts quite often to help fellow members out, as they do for me. It's business...no more, no less.
Kind of unfortunate for those who are interested in those units to actually use (I already have a NOS one). They'll have to pay about double when this thing hits eBay.
