Insight into joining Yahoo Roadtrek Group

[Hondo]

Originally Posted by Davydd

But it is a Roadtrek specific forum and Roadtrek does not market a B+. Being Roadtrek specific I have no reason to check it out. As for being a general forum and expanding to other Bs and B+s then it competes with this forum.

I think that BBQ is referring to THIS forum (Class B Forum), not Roadtrek-forums.com - that will always be Roadtrek brand specific only, not a general forum.

[GeorgeRa]

A few weeks ago, I signed to the SprinterBuild Facebook forum, lasted there for a couple of weeks and left, a frustrating déjà vu concept, same topic over and over again. Returning to a subject of interest infuriating in the typical Facebook style. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Spri...d/?pnref=story

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by Hondo

I think that BBQ is referring to THIS forum (Class B Forum), not Roadtrek-forums.com - that will always be Roadtrek brand specific only, not a general forum.

Yes, you are probably right. This forum has a B+ section so the comment about promoting it was confusing since the members are the ones to promote its use. Independent forums have no mechanism to promote other than word of mouth of members for the most part.

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by GeorgeRa

A few weeks ago, I signed to the SprinterBuild Facebook forum, lasted there for a couple of weeks and left, a frustrating déjà vu concept, same topic over and over again. Returning to a subject of interest infuriating in the typical Facebook style. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Spri...d/?pnref=story

I wasn't aware of this one. There are many groups on Facebook. In fact I have been cutting down on groups. Facebook requires more admin and moderation to keep groups on subject. Janet, the admin in this forum, is mostly hands off.

[Hondo]

Originally Posted by Davydd

Yes, you are probably right. This forum has a B+ section so the comment about promoting it was confusing since the members are the ones to promote its use. Independent forums have no mechanism to promote other than word of mouth of members for the most part.

Actually SEO has a large part in "the word getting out".

Once a forum is indexed it will (if created properly) become the result of search engine queries ie: "roadtrek forum" or "Class B Forum" - it just takes a bit of time. Word of mouth can help too but isn't the main driver.

If a subject is populated by real enthusiasts they will be drawn to the place that caters to their information and social needs, and brand specific forums do this much better than any product/community offered by FB.

Pick a high performance or niche vehicle and I guarantee that there is a forum out there for those enthusiasts that is thriving. Enthusiasts want to share with others what they have learned (for free) - Linux open source operating systems and programs/applications are a great example of this. Created and maintained by enthusiasts for other users and enthusiasts because the authors want to share the experience that they created with others.

Good forums are like this too.

[Bud]

Hondo, in order to promote your forum and increase membership, you might consider allowing folks to read posts without joining. Other forums do this. I suppose it depends on the subject.

Bud

[Hondo]

Originally Posted by Bud

Hondo, in order to promote your forum and increase membership, you might consider allowing folks to read posts without joining. Other forums do this. I suppose it depends on the subject.

Bud

Guest can read posts in all but a few forum sections reserved for members (Classifieds and member Gatherings for example).

[booster]

I think here on the B forum, visitors can read forums without issue, but can't view the pictures or post, which is a bad thing IMO. When I refer folks here to look at a particular discussion, they can't see what it is all about unless they join up. I do wish they would change that here, as I think more people would stick around and maybe eventually join. The same applies for posting, but that isn't nearly as important as viewing the pictures, to visitors.

[Hondo]

Originally Posted by mumkin

Too bad someone didn't do this ages ago.

But... don't you think Hymer should be included? Same rigs, same issues, same factory?

That's a good idea. Since they are part of the same company I will add a dedicated section for them.

[BBQ]

.

I have visited many forums, websites, mailing lists, and FB groups.

The most successful group is the FB Travato owners' group.
They are friendly and the conversations are full of laughter.

The FB Roadtrek group is the most depressing.
They are full of complaints.

[Hondo]

I'll be shutting down that forum and creating another without using the roadtrek name.

Same format for enthusiasts but without the official name.

[booster]

Originally Posted by Hondo

I'll be shutting down that forum and creating another without using the roadtrek name.

Same format for enthusiasts but without the official name.

Roadtrek trademark/copywrite warning?

[Hondo]

no, but I could understand if that happened, so I've secured another name that doesn't connect with anything...

rdtrkforums.com.

[BBQ]

.

This past summer someone started an RT group in FB and got a letter from RT's attorney.
The group was quickly closed down.

There are other groups with the RT name, but they were not bothered.

don't know why

[Hondo]

Keeping it unofficial keeps it safe, while promoting the brand, good for them, good for the enthusiast.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by Hondo

Yesterday I created a dedicated Roadtrek Forum, no approval necessary, everyone is welcome.

Roadtrek-Forums.com

Unlike Facebook or Yahoo, this is a real forum using great forum software. It is Roadtrek specific - all owners or researchers are welcome.

Tried the link you posted - doesn't go to a forum - just a blank Apache Server web page.


- - Mike
2012 Sprinter 3500 Extended converted B-Van by Airstream

[Hondo]

yes, it has been taken down, new installation in a few minutes at rdtrkforums.com

[BBQ]

.

With your experience and expertize,
you should start a forum on suspension mods.
Lifts, 4x4, conversions, tunings, airbags, auto levelers, etc.,
It will have a broader appeal.
Not just for RTs,
but all ClassB,
or even ClassC,
and the Overland crowd,
and the off-road Jeepers,
and rock climbers.

You will go far.

[Hondo]

I wish that I knew more about that, but that is VERY specialized and I'm learning as I go. For me I'd like to see a place with good tech info specific to those rigs. Finding good info is hard when you're model specific, it's here & there, and it's great when you do find a place with lots of good info and dedicated enthusiasts.

[mumkin]

Originally Posted by BBQ

This past summer someone started an RT group in FB and got a letter from RT's attorney.
The group was quickly closed down.

It was because it used the word "Roadtrekking" which is their PR blog and Facebook page run by Wendland.

If only the word Roadtrek and/or Hymer had been used, there wouldn't have been any issue.