Is this site worth keeping? [Archive] - Drive Accord Honda Forums

according2me

12-09-2003, 09:03 AM

For me, an avid maintenance/repair info gathering hound, this site's Factory Direct forum has been an oasis of info.

I strongly support it's existence, but I do understand the need for traffic in order to sell advertisement spots to help support this site.

One of the common threads I've found among the other Accord sites with high traffic is a focus on maintenance/repair issues that can assist Accord owners to repair their older vehicles. Usually there are several techie types to respond to owners questions about how to diagnose and repair them.

Being that this site focuses on newer models, there are fewer repair questions. Also performance modifications for older models are of high interest on other sites and those interested in that arena tend to congregate to those sites with users of like mind and the ability to direct others in their pursuit of increased performance.

Other sites don't limit themselves to the newer Accord models or indeed, to Accord models only. Some include forums for all Honda/Acura models and thereby have a larger potential gathering.

Thanks for your efforts and I vote to keep this site running, if it is fiscally possible for you to do so.

princess

12-09-2003, 09:06 AM

I would miss it, but it's not my choice.

I've seen a couple of other sites & they're big & impersonal. We joined the Pilot site when it first started & rarely go there because it grew too "big for it's britches". There's way too much whining & redundency. I find the "family" nature of this site much more appealing. I do know that I'm not "normal" I others would probably be happier in the big ones. I'd hate to see this one go. It seems like there's new names almost daily.

Ward, this is your choice & I'm not going to be able to give an unbiased opinion. This is the FIRST site that I have taken any real interest in.

I will continue to use it until I can't.

Inspector1

12-09-2003, 12:25 PM

Wards,
It's a shame that interest levels have declined....
You have a very well laid out site here and I would personally not like to see it end but for low traffic volume I can understand your point..
I don't know of any other site that offers the TSB info that yours does here, at least setup like this site is.
If you do make the decision to shut down I believe that alot of us would be understanding due to the Family nature of this forum as Princess stated...

Thanks:)
I1

BenjiBoy650

12-09-2003, 06:00 PM

I think this site should stay but I also understand the high cost of maintaining a website. Overall, it should be your own judgment. If you're really choking because of this site (like the owner of AccordTuner.com, a site that's filled with morons), then I'd say drop it. Certainly there are other places we can go to for information if you really don't have the time or money to keep this site up. My 2 cents:

Like I said, there are other sites. Honda-Acura.net is slow and almost useless. I seem to remember a few other Honda-Acura forums, they're all filled with ricers. Overall, I think making a forum too broad pulls in too many people and inevitably many of them will give out wrong/incorrect information. Not good.

I feel like DriveAccord.net is very good in that it provides a more family atmosphere. However, at the same time we need to drag in more people with modified cars and other older Accords to really get the forum going. Still, take into consideration that the site is concentrated on newer models. Newer models tend to have less modifications available and also less problems. Also, if you don't talk about modifications and ideas for making cars look better, etc, then there's really not much to talk about. We're talking Honda's here. If we had to ask each other how to fix them every other day, Honda would have been sunk already.

Something to remember is that not all forums are alike. For instance, Honduh.com didn't just gain thousands of members overnight, it was building for a long time. Even though they just opened in July, they brought over a lot of people from another forum who were mad at the mods there. AccordTuner has a few members and a little bit of information, but I'd say it's definitely not up to DriveAccord.net spec. The info is really BS, there's a lot of stupid people on there.

I think to get more activity in here, we need to be a bit more proactive. For instance, how about a Bay Area meet? Or, how about more pictures of all your cars? I don't even know what half of you drive! There needs to be that connection there, and more modification-oriented subjects. For instance, I asked what kind of aftermarket wheels I should get for my car when I first signed up. I don't think I ever got a response.

BenjiBoy650

12-09-2003, 06:03 PM

Something must be wrong with my post or something....it keeps repeating even though I tried to edit it.

princess

12-09-2003, 06:41 PM

Some good points about having more in the area of modifications. Since I'm into keeping it HONDA stock, I don't have those kinds of connections though.

I'm having some problems posting more in the Factory Direct area today. Maybe the site is SAD

:bawling:

just at the thought of ending......

I told other's about it, but in my world working on them is just that "work" so there's not many that WANT to do it on the weekends....

I'm feeling pretty useless right now......:(

No info on mods, no people to pull in, no clue how to get some more of these bulletins & stuff on....

This morning when I first read Ward's post I did a very non "princess-like" thing. I cried. Not for the idea of missing this board. For the people that will be frustrated trying to get even the simplist info. Here asking MAY get you the answers you need..... For the people that on other boards will feel belittled when disagreed with. Here we can agree to disagree....(no WWIII)... For the people that have no one to share their pictures with. Here it's easy.... For the Accord enthusiasts that have other interests... Here we have "the Pit".

This place has some of everything with room to do a bunch of growing.
:grouphug:

Effen Fish

12-11-2003, 04:35 PM

Wardsweb,

This site is filling a niche, especially with the TSBs. If it wasn't worthwhile, I wouldn't be coming back to see what Princess and Bean are up to. :D

I bought my first Accord in March this year. I count on this site for answers. I look here before I call the Dealer service center because I trust what is said here.

Keep up the good work!

Fish

BenjiBoy650

12-11-2003, 04:40 PM

Did I mention Honda dealers suck? They're not trustworthy! They replace my timing belt but don't tell me that the crankshaft seal is bad until they put everything back together so they can charge me labor to take it all apart again. BTW I love the TSB's keep em comin! But extending them to all years of Accords would be nice!

princess

12-15-2003, 08:27 AM

Fight it! If you take your car in for a TB, they're supposed to call you with any finds so you have the chance to decide to add the extra parts to the bill. That's standard procedure. They should be willing to compromise on the labor since they missed the leaky seal.

I've been trying to put in more stuff on older cars, but for some reason they won't work. At first I thought it was due to a new firewall we added. SO I had my prince remove it & they still won't go on. I'll keep trying.....

BenjiBoy650

12-15-2003, 04:22 PM

Hey you know WardsWeb...this site would be really cool if it could have a media account at Honda's Media Gallery? Then you could download really nice pics and get all the latest news from Honda? :)

http://www.hondanews.com/forms/images/index.html
I don't have a password.

meaccord

12-17-2003, 12:22 AM

U bet it is Wards..!! By far this site is the best ive seen for the honda accord.. period.. some of the other sites i ve seen are too "ricey" etc... all they talk about is "mods" mods and mods etc.. I think we have a unique site here that is not seen these days.

keep up the excellent work!

2003EXV6

12-29-2003, 10:38 PM

This is a fantastic for Accord info. and I would hate to see it go. I've been cruising this site for a couple of months and find it packed full of great info. The people posting on this site are very well informed and give good ideas and accurate advice. This is one of the better forums.

Ex Max

01-07-2004, 08:09 AM

Just bought a new 04 Ex Accord. This is the first Honda site I have joined. Seems to be the best of what I have seen.

Bean

01-09-2004, 09:33 AM

Welcome EX Max!

I also have the '04 EX (V6). Got her back in Sept. '03.

wave9984

01-11-2004, 02:04 AM

i really do hope you keep this forum open. I like the people in this forum alot more then the others. The atmosphere here is much more personal. i have only been here 6 days and i always wait for the great responses. like everyone said its up to you and we would understand but my answer is its "Worth Keeping."

Lilbuddha

01-11-2004, 11:15 AM

Count me in as another person who hopes you keep the site going.

I am a new honda/accord owner, so I have found much of the information posted here to be useful. Since my accord is a 2004 model I have found that all of the other sites I've been to don't really have information that I am interested in. This site from what I have seen has the best information for 7th generation owners.

Lilbuddha

benjamming

01-11-2004, 06:07 PM

I hope you will keep this forum alive as well. This is the only Honda site I visit frequently - the others get a visit every couple of weeks (takes that long for anything good to show up there). The TSBs are awesome. The atmosphere is very inviting & professional - VERY rare for the impersonal & anonymous www.

CatchMe

01-13-2004, 06:16 PM

well im new to the site, and actually have spent a few hours just in the past 2 days cruising around here. There are not too many accord sites out there, let alone ones that are laid out as nicely as this one.
If you were asking for my vote, my vote is to keep it!!!

Wardsweb

01-15-2004, 10:16 AM

Well as you can tell the site is still up, so she'll ride for now. On the bright side, activity seems to have picked up as of late. Enjoy, have fun and remember chocolate cures most anything........well maybe not, but sure taste good.

princess

01-15-2004, 12:40 PM

Yep, it cures all & best of all it's a food group....right!

Ward,
Thanks for keeping the board! Any more ideas on why it won't accept the attachements anymore? I haven't tried in a few days....but last time I did I still couldn't put on anymore bulletins or instructions. If it's all better now, let me know. I'd like to put on stuff for older years too.

entropy2002

01-26-2004, 03:40 PM

Hi Wardsweb,

I just found the site about a week before Christmas, but I rather like it. However, I haven't seen these larger sites yet either. I vote for keeping it, but I don't have any idea how much effort it is to maintain.

Best Regards,
Entropy2002

pghpilot

02-04-2004, 05:23 PM

Agree smaller is sometimes better. Also agree HondaPilot.org has slipped somewhat as it has grown. Not nearly as useful to me now as early on.

BenjiBoy650

02-04-2004, 09:47 PM

I think maybe part of it is that once a site gets too big its hard to search out good info. You end up getting the same question 50 times, and of course people get tired of answering, so all the newbies are like man this sucks. Yeah that's my theory :)

princess

02-10-2004, 08:44 AM

pghpilot, Welcome to the board! Sorry it took so long to say that. Hope you find any Accord info you need here. If not, ask, usually someone can help with answers.

Accordin2B

02-12-2004, 05:46 PM

Hi, just wanted to say I just bought a new accord and this is the only board I have joined. I like it pretty good, just wish it was more active. But I do appreciate all the good info and hope the board is able to stick around!!!

pghpilot

02-14-2004, 06:27 PM

Thanks for the hello. Missed my traditional decade Accord buy by a year ['83, '93, and now '04]. Also along the way an '89 Civic [still in extended family] and a '97 CRV which was traded for the '03 Pilot.

its_451

05-03-2004, 04:30 PM

I just bought a 2001 Accord EX! This Site rules compared to the other Accord websites. Please keep it going, Hopefully Ill be asking a bunch of questions soon!!!!

Great Site, keep it going!

BenjiBoy650

05-03-2004, 04:49 PM

Originally posted by its_451
I just bought a 2001 Accord EX! This Site rules compared to the other Accord websites. Please keep it going, Hopefully Ill be asking a bunch of questions soon!!!!

Great Site, keep it going!

Hey welcome to DriveAccord.net! Hopefully we can answer all your questions, I'm pretty sure we can because you just can't beat Princess and I1 :)

princess

05-03-2004, 05:14 PM

Howdy, its_451!! Welcome to the forum. I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon! The decision to stick around seems to have been made. Hope we can help answer whatever questions you throw our way.

BB650 has answers to many things that get asked about aftermarket, additions & many other things too.

I1 often helps with facts that fills the needs of several! Both are great at putting on links too!

I can usually get factory info for you. Sometimes I can get info on specific trouble shooting stuff..... (my prince is a tech)

There are many super wonderful people here......too many to name them all. But read the threads & you'll see!

Congratualtions on your purchase & I hope you have many HAPPY miles together!!:D

anysia

07-08-2004, 05:19 AM

Yep, I love the "intimacy" of this site! ;)

PS-I also love that the forums aren't loaded with ads!! it's hard to find sites that my company allows us to acces from work. They block sites all of the time. I have tons of problems with sites with internet advertising, because sometimes those ads cause a page not to be veiwable by yours truly! :bawling:

04blkpearlcoupe

08-12-2004, 08:58 PM

hi there. this is my first post. i just bought my accord 3 weeks ago and have already been to a handful of other accord-related sites and all I have to say is...i wish i had found this one first! you seem to have the most activity here compared to other sites, and the feeling here seems to be more level-headed. i wish the other sites were more like this one. :)

gabe

fearlessfreap24

08-13-2004, 05:23 AM

Originally posted by 04blkpearlcoupe
hi there. this is my first post. i just bought my accord 3 weeks ago and have already been to a handful of other accord-related sites and all I have to say is...i wish i had found this one first! you seem to have the most activity here compared to other sites, and the feeling here seems to be more level-headed. i wish the other sites were more like this one. :)

gabe

i have to agree with Gabe. I have been to other Accord sites and this one is the best. I was looking at another Accord site yesterday and i noticed that many of the boards had not been posted on in a coupe of months. I know that i have been here a few months, but i have been around the site now and i can say that this site is a keeper.

Wardsweb

08-13-2004, 06:03 AM

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I've always said what makes this site are THE MEMBERS. You will make or break this place. I think we have a great core group of people who have really made this place a community...a home. :thmsup:

princess

08-13-2004, 07:12 AM

Welcome to the bunch here, Gabe/ 04blkpearlcoupe! :)

stiller fan

09-23-2004, 11:38 AM

Originally posted by Wardsweb
On January 15, 2004 this site will be one year old. I originally gave myself a year to see how things went. I'm in a quandry about keeping this site going or just pulling the plug. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but have found in the last year a couple of large sites that have devoted Accord fans. So, does the world really need another one? :confused:

i hope that you still don't plan on pulling this one off the web, are you??? :(

Wardsweb

09-23-2004, 01:51 PM

No, looks like we're here to stay. The increase in membership and activity has given the site new life. I just didn't see continuing when activity was low and felt my money might be better used elsewhere. Now I'm glad to see my money's not wasted. The site generates no income, so it's all out of pocket.

princess

09-23-2004, 01:58 PM

:banana:

Pairallel

09-23-2004, 02:02 PM

The site generates no income, so it's all out of pocket

Ever consider voluntary donations like the hondapilot.org site?

I'm in if you do....

And I'll double it if Princess can solve that annoying door rattle problem...!!!:bawling:

Wardsweb

09-23-2004, 02:05 PM

Actually the site has always had a donation button on the main page.

http://www.driveaccord.net

Maybe I need to add one to the forums, as I'm think many people just bookmark the forums and don't go through the front door anymore.

Inspector1

09-23-2004, 02:09 PM

Good idea Wards!!! I didn't know about the front door until a couple months ago.. I still come straight to forums and step out and check the front door occasionally..

I1:)

princess

09-23-2004, 02:09 PM

We'll work on it soon......:)

I don't go through the front..... shame on me! I do peek at it sometimes though, just to look for changes.

Wardsweb

09-23-2004, 02:24 PM

OK, I've added a donate button to the bottom of the forum pages. There if someone wants to donate they can, but they don't have to have it shoved in their face. I felt if it was at top of the forums, it looks like begging. :blush:

Pairallel

09-24-2004, 05:22 AM

OK; my modest donation has been sent. It really is a wimpy little button. I say move it to the top and put a PayPal logo on it like hp.org.

You could even consider adding "contributor" labels to the members who contribute.;)

anysia

09-24-2004, 05:44 AM

and another idea, get those stickers in production for our cars and then sell them to the members who want them and any profit from those can be used as well! ;)

princess

09-24-2004, 06:31 AM

Oh PLEASE don't add the labels!!!! I thibk it makes ones that can't donate feel inferior! We have too wide of a variety here.....from all ages & walks of life......:(

Wardsweb

09-24-2004, 08:50 AM

Don't worry, no members will be "labeled" marked, pointed out, folded, stapled or mutilated on this forum. :D

I feel donations are between the member and myself. If they wish to announce it they may, but I will not. It's not the purpose of our internet home. Just a way for friends of DA to help out. I do appreciate it.

anysia

09-24-2004, 10:13 AM

i do think selling the da stickers that everyone is working on designing would be one way to get an extra little boost though! it's something we'd all expect to be paying for anyway right? :)

feferic

09-24-2004, 11:25 AM

Wards - what does it cost to keep driveaccord.net alive? I looked though this string and didn't see it listed anywhere (if it is there, please let me know).

princess

09-24-2004, 11:30 AM

I, for one, really appreciate not being stapled, folded or mutilated!!:D

Thank you!

Wardsweb

09-24-2004, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by feferic
Wards - what does it cost to keep driveaccord.net alive? I looked though this string and didn't see it listed anywhere (if it is there, please let me know).

I think the only time it has been mentioned was in a early thread. Bottom line: $240/yr not counting the vBulletin software license or photopost. Photopost was used early on, as a separate gallery. The database got corrupted, so I pulled the link on that one. It's still on the server though.

brickman

10-09-2004, 01:49 PM

DO NOT pull the plug on this site...lots of personality here..it would be a shame to see it go...I know...I've been through it once.

RTexasF

01-09-2005, 05:28 PM

To Wardsweb:

I had left this forum a while back due to some catty responses and my childish temper.

I find that I continually return here to learn more. The is nothing on the WWW that offers the information and knowledge concerning Accords that you have here. It is a mature well managed forum, congrats to you and the others that have helped build it.

PM me if monetary support is needed and I'll do my part. Mind you I got a nice Christmas present.......laid off from work. Surprise! I will still gladly contribute if it will assist you.

RTexasF

princess

01-09-2005, 05:38 PM

RTexasF,
glad to see you giving us another chance!!

Really sorry to hear about your "Christmas present" though. Hopefully it'll be back to normal for you soon. I seem to be hearing about several in the same boat.... The job market is such a weird thing! :(

RTexasF

01-09-2005, 05:41 PM

Princess,

Indeed I thank you for giving me another chance. Jobs come and jobs go, I'm not overly concerned. I meant what I said about contributing if it will help.

benjamming

01-09-2005, 06:26 PM

RTexasF,

Glad to have you back!

geni01

01-09-2005, 08:00 PM

When I was researching last year about the Accord, this was one of the site I went to. I find this site very informative & very friendly. I did not find any other site like this one. It seems everyone is caring & looking out for each other. It would be a shame if this site closes. If monetary matters is an issue, please count me in, I'll donate no problem. If you need computer hardware, give me a shout & i'll see what I can dig up. :D

RTexasF

01-10-2005, 03:51 AM

:D Thanks Ben

Inspector1

01-10-2005, 05:55 AM

Glad to see you back RTexasF!!!!:thmsup:

I1:)

RTexasF

01-10-2005, 06:37 AM

I1

Thank you sir.

Wardsweb

01-11-2005, 06:08 AM

Thanks for all the support. This site has really started to mature and become it's own home away from home. That is totally due to the members here. Ya'll (that's Texan for you guys) are great. This truely is YOUR site.

RTexasF

01-11-2005, 05:44 PM

From one Texan to another......

"You done good boy".

RTF

F6Hawk

07-23-2005, 03:03 PM

Man, I was about to cry, reading the first few posts in this thread! I just found you last week, and I love it, second all the support posts, there is a maturity here that is lacking in many forums I have been on (and shy away from FAST!). Good info, good folks, good answers... all three reasons to keep it going.

Then imagine my relief when I noticed that the thread was started in 2003! I guess this means the site will be here a while yet, eh? :) well, goody-goody-gum-drops for us!! I haven't even gotten my '05 Accord yet, and know about 2 or 3 mods I will be doing on it, and where to get the cheapest parts, and how to do it easily... all because of this site!

Keep up the good work, and thanks for providing the asset to us!

F6