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Originally Posted by komodo9
Because I didn't have the control to do the things I wanted. For example if I developed a Rate-My-Car system for werkz, it probably would have never been
implemented, and if it was, it would have taken 6 months for the person with direct control of the source code to actually update it. And beyond that, why are
there multiple fraternaties on a college campus? They all have different foundations and while agreeing on certain objectives, they move in slightly different
directions based on their brothers. The same holds true here... while we both share the common goal of distributing information and building a strong
community around it... ours differs by the fact that our foundation is what the members want, not what the owners want... which ultimately comes down to
money. 100% of the money (and donations) United Bimmer recieves is reinvested into the site either for hosting events, buying advertising, or doing
special things like giving away free decals to improve our already incredibly strong bonds as a community. And in answer to your question of why not work
to make one stronger, I tried and I'm disappointed to say your owner was non-receptive. I spent days (maybe even weeks) emailing Paul back and forth
trying to work out a deal where we could combind the werkz information base and the ub.c technology to create a more powerful medium for the distribution
of information, but all my replies were nonchalant. I suggested options where I myself profited in no way except being part of the building of greatness, no
monetary gain at all, but in his eyes, it all came down to money. I suggested working out ways where I could even buy part of the site to get enough access
to help build it, and he demanded an astronomical amount of money, way overshooting the true value of the website (which I'm sad to say, however has
honestly deteriorated in recent months/years since how I remember it when I first joined). He would consider none of my proposals unless he strongly
benefited monetarily (I even offered to take partial control of the site, just enough to get things done, and build it to levels it's never been before, while letting
him collect 100% of the advertising money, to which he still refused). So basically, do not ask why not work together to build one strong community rather
than two split, because honestly, I've tried. One thing I'm proud to say about United Bimmer is the owner of it cares and is an active part of the community,
which I'm sure is a sore spot around here. We are not based around greed, claiming "for the community", but we truly are about what the members want. In
asking, I'm assuming you didn't know all this... so hopefully I've answered some of your questions. We must be doing something right though, as we
currently have more companies approaching us interested in sponsorship (which allows us to advertise more), we have over 40,000 posts and over 5.4
million hits in just 3 months alone, starting from nothing, and we have closer-knit community bonds already than almost any other forum online.... something
we plan on maintaining as we grow in size. We've currently had one official sponsored southeast meet, and are planning a north-western meet sometime
soon. We have plans for the future and are acting on our dreams.
If you have any more questions that I've left unanswered here from your original question, feel free to ask. Thanks.
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