Now - our own Pinzgauer Owner Directory

[David Dunn]

Well Ed, people only list what they have to, or care to for the forum. If they are going to be on a "Friends" list, they list everything that is needed, or they won't do anything at all, and not get listed.... simple as that. No mandantory ties between the forum and being listed on the directory, and vice versa, don't need to join the forum to be listed ( though I don't see a reason why not)

Things that would be required are a real name, along with the user name they post by, email addy, phone # optional , city, state and country. Some of the info would be resources available, if they are up for meeting other owners, etc,etc....Other info to be determined

This topic has taken form in a very short time, and all the details are vague right now. What I do know is that it must be computer sustainable with limited human involvement..... you never know, Vince may call me and tell me to"get hell out of Dodge"...... is that my phone ringing?

[undysworld]

(disclaimer: I know squat about computers & what can be done. So, consider this my "If I Ran The Zoo")

I envision a somewhat self-policing list. People could choose to submit their own contact info - address & phone, etc. if they wished to be available to other folks, either for help in emergencies or just socially. No major release of info, just what you'd find in a phone book (remember them?), and an idea of what they are offering (ala the Mog directory). They might do this to meet Pinz-minded people, or simply to help out folks in need. As Morris commented, professional support facilities could be included (and perhaps required to contribute financially?) for obvious reasons.

People who wished to have access to the owners directory could do so, for a nominal charge, thereby supporting the feature. I'd expect folks who were taking road trips might find this list helpful, as might someone looking for more local resources. Such a list could theoretically be provided to suitable (Pinz related) vendors, perhaps in return for financial support or a member-only discount.

I wouldn't suggest limiting access to the database to those registered owners, but require some verification of identity for those not registered as owners. Fraudulent listings or bad seeds could hopefully be banned from registration and, more importantly, access(?).

The above suggestions are, as usual, worth what you paid for 'em.

[David Dunn]

Paul
Those are pretty much along the lines I was thinking. In the case of dealers/shops, I would only require them to subscribe , as to not exclude them from the list... ( what good is the list if a shop is around the corner and you don't know it?).

Fraudulent listings and how to police them is my main concern.
I don't feel comfortable with addresses on a "semi public" list, and rather see contact through email, or phone for someone to get a home location (city is good enough for the list)... businesses excepted.
I take a cynic approah to things, and prefer to let people give certain info on a one on one basis

[undysworld]

Dave,

My thoughts for some sort of fee for a business listing is that they make money off such referrals. Keep it small, maybe one-time, it's still affordable, and it helps with maintenance costs. ??

You are probably right, about keeping contacts phone number or email only. List the city/state and keep the personal info hidden. Obviously, the type of help the person is offering should be listed too.

Better cynical than sorry.

P

[Picasso]

I'm down to join. BMW has a book like this for BMW motorcycle riders. It's called bmw moa anonymous