Siu, when I got the Red Star level, it was something like $25.00 for a large number of years, but an odd number, say 17. This was in 2008 shortly after joining in here. I'll check my PayPal records for the amount.

Bill

I guess I'm the guy on the right. Poor me. 😭

So a lot has changed in the internet forum world since my posts back in 2014 on pages 1 &2

The big change was photobucket denying 3rd party linking. I completely agree with PB...to a certain extant. Its not PB's responsibility to be the internets picture warehouse. IMHO they should have left all current links active and denied linking with leads to my current opinion on pay memberships.

I have no flippin' clue what it would costs for storage. A site like BF probably isn't overly costly in comparison to some of IB's big boy sites. I know over on the corvetteforum your first 50? pics can be uploaded for free, anything more than that requires an upgraded membership.

As we all know the big problem with 3rd party hosting is if the host chooses to deny linking like pb did. It can literally take down years knowledge and reshape a website.

I rehosted a lot of my pics on imgur but there's nothing to keep imgur from doing the same thing. So whats the solution?

A. Deal with it.
B. Pay the forum for the ability to upload pics
C. The forum itself can absorb the cost.

A small forum like this, if independently owned may or not be able to absorb the costs. But BF is owned by Wall Street. Again, I have no idea as to how many GB's of pics are uploaded to this site of what storage costs.

If there would be any reason for me to waver from my 2014 thoughts it would be due to pic storage considerations. As far as paying for anything else, my thoughts haven't changed.

D. Host them yourself.

I have a couple side projects that have websites I created. My hosting plan includes a crazy amount of storage space, so I keep some of my images there.

Seems Jim has two symbols, star and wings.

Nice when you can count on the experts.

Mine was 25 for 52. Reverse numbers. Numbers that made it look like a forever thing.

Might be because he left things as they were, but put everything I know about the current site software in the eye of a Needle and there would still be room for a gnat to do backflips.

Bill

That is how I feel about it, too, Tom. I know I could have it for free, but I get a lot of value out of this and $20 for two years is cheap. The money I have saved on the two or three things I bought from the classifieds more than makes up for it and the knowledge, community and laughs I have gained are immeasurable.

5 cents a day.

The cat pictures alone are worth that.

And I started that thread as a joke. Yet I agree, it's quite nice to check into.

I had no idea you were paying significant costs out of pocket for BF back in the day. So, I am all the more pleased to have chipped in a small amount to you to defray expenses some.

Jim

Been so long ago don't remember paying for my red star. Or maybe that's a perk of being eligible for the 65-85+ subforum.
Interesting thread, especially since Joe checked in.

I'm feeling nostalgic, so why not pull up an oldie? I think it would be interesting to compile a Best Of list of threads and/or events. Things like 55Rad's photography, Droping Hamers and the like. People we've come to know. People we've come to care for. People we've lost. Such a long-standing, vibrant community that's stood the test of time --not just internet time.

Cheers BF. Now, should I upgrade to carbon wheels?

Only if you use disc brakes.

Nice to see this thread back on page one. Feels like leafing though an old photo album.

The only good thread I ever started!

Stumbled in the summer of 2004 after buying an 85 Trek 460. This place is excellent for helping those that unfamiliar with these classic gems and wonderful pastime. Ok, for those that may think my avatar pic is a self portrait of me, I now set you straight. Here is a recent pic:

Oldscool,
The picture would be better with a red Trek in it! But you do resemble the avatar in a strange way. Smiles, MH

I never realized I was a "red star" member? Ha! Been here since 2006 when I started a bike commuting to work and was tryig to make a few ill-fitting bikes work better. I have met a number of nice peolpe here and used the knowledge shared to enjoy cycling.

Cool thread! I had no idea that bikeforums was owned by an individual at on point, or that it was sold! It's really interesting to read the stories behind all the symbols... I never really paid any attention to them. I actually thought they went away, you don't see them on the mobile version.

Thanks to the hard work of so many that keep this community going. I would sorely miss it if it were to disappear.

Thank you!! I see that you are one of the originals with the red star!! Thank you for your continued support! This place has really grown and with different cultures from different countries (we ARE worldwide!) and different personalities, sometimes it gets hard. But I have a FANTASTIC team! Only a handful but these moderators and admins are dedicated to making this place and enjoyable forum to be on.

Dex, long time no see. I remember you from our old hang out, Foo. Thanks for stopping in!

Joe,
I love this site. Learning the history of bikes has been fascinating for me. It’s given me a hobby and kept me entertained since I joined the forum a few years ago. Thank you very much for this. You really did a great thing for many people. It’s something to be proud of. God bless you.