So is the search feature for subscribing members on the zed

[kc7jty]

Is it still down for everybody? Are the subscribers using it? Do I have to PM Albert to get a straight answer? Is the whole thing a ruse to take attention away from something else? :twisted:

[KU4MY]

Well, i always enjoyed the search feature too, but, if I have to pay, then the answer is 'no way'!

[ad4mg]

Well, I'm sure Fred didn't plan to make this change, but since he had to buy a second server, I'd wager that we pond scum "members" have performed our last free search on the 'zed.

I'm like you guys ... as many banners flying on that site, I believe they are operating in the black.

Besides, we're the entertainment! What would it be like there if we all left, and nothing but neocons were left? :shock:

Bwaaahaaahaaha!

EDIT: Terry just posted indicating the search feature will be back to normal soon. I still wouldn't be surprised to see that feature go only to subscribers.

[KU4MY]

Yep, me either.

[al2n]

Just a tool to make you subscribe.

Fred is making money off the Zed for sure. With the advertising, subscriptions, and Google ads, I figure he is taking in over 50k a year off the site.

His admins are volunteers, and as a Sun employee, he probably gets a sweet deal on bandwidth if he even pays for it at all.

His overhead is probably pretty low for a site the size of QRZ. The rest is gravy.

I don't mind him making money, but it is the poor-mouthing that bugs me. Yes the server was 6 years old, but a new one had been purchased, just not installed. Seems some folks on the Zed missed that part.

[kf0rt]

I read that the search stuff will be back to normal once the server mess is sorted out.

[N2RJ]

His admins are volunteers, and as a Sun employee, he probably gets a sweet deal on bandwidth if he even pays for it at all.

Don't want to sound like a Fred defender, but I don't think that his employment with Sun will get him any discounts on anything but Sun hardware and software, even if he gets that.

I do agree that Fred makes money from the site, but remember he's been doing this for a while now and many people subscribe on CD-ROM too.

Hey if I were him, I don't think I'd be running the site for free.

[kc7jty]

Donkey shane (thanks in German).
Now about that pond scum....

I wouldn't mind being a subscribing member if I only had some bucks. :P

[N3ATS]

Don't want to sound like a Fred defender, but I don't think that his employment with Sun will get him any discounts on anything but Sun hardware and software, even if he gets that.

I do agree that Fred makes money from the site, but remember he's been doing this for a while now and many people subscribe on CD-ROM too.

Hey if I were him, I don't think I'd be running the site for free.

More power to him if he wants to make some money. Truth be told he has one of the most, if not the most popular ham radio website on the net. It can't be cheap running it, and that Sun stuff is way expensive. Yeah, you may not agree with his politics but he has done pretty well for himself, and he's provided a decent service too.

That said, this Subscriber has no problems searching on the Zed. :lol:

[N2NH]

That said, this Subscriber has no problems searching on the Zed. :lol:

Still able to search here too, but only if I'm logged in.

[ad4mg]

I guess Fred decided to cut the lower life forms out of using the search option. I seldom used it anyway, unless somebody got banned, then I would attempt to locate that "special" post.

I don't have any problems with this should it become permanent. I do have issues with certain sections of web sites being available only to paying members (like the ARRL does). As log as Fred leaves access to all the forums open for all members (with valid calls), I see no reason to complain.

Which brings up a question ... since this particular site offers an alternative to QRZ, with moderately more liberal policies, who is footing the bill, and would donations be accepted? I like not seeing all the banners, although I haven't seen one since I switched to Firefox last October, and I hope this site continues to grow.

I enjoy the php board, and at least posts are kept in the order in which they are posted, unlike e-ham. Is it me, or do you have to scroll to the end (last page) of the posts, and read each page from the bottom up at e-ham?

And finally, what are the feelings towards additional growth? As everyone probably does, I have a group I hang out with, most are at least partially sane, some are liberals, some are conservative, and there may be a neocon or two in the list. I've pondered extending an invitation, but I would rather know beforehand what the group thinks. I know this isn't an exclusive club, but how many folks do we want here?

Luke

[kc7jty]

It worked for me (slow me down)...I'm not on there much anymore.

[ad4mg]

You're right Bill, I guess it's all in the timing. I had tried it just before I made the post. Tried it just now,and it works.

[kf0rt]

According to the news from Fred, the search stuff is working again -- new server.

[kc7jty]

Oh Yeah!!??

[kf0rt]

Haven't actually tried it... I don't do much searching over there. :P :P