I've just been on to clubpolo.co.uk -- and frankly thought that the site looked amateurish. There seams to be very little available at the moment - the forum / gallery is closed.

This site is not about making money - the site was run completely free for quite some time at ColinD's expense.

Freedom came about after some members asked about making donations toward the cost of running the site -- freedom was created from this idea and also to stop people coming on making use of free classified ads and possibly selling cars costing many thousands with no contribution.

The fact that briskoda has over 15,000 "members" does not mean we have 15,000 freedom members or even 15,000 regular posters.

This site is one of the friendliest forum's I have ever posted on, as has already been said by others there are many people with a wide range of experience on this site - who will often give advice / help in regards to many subject's - not only relating to Skoda - they do so without charge and sometimes taking a large amount of their time to assist others.

I have never made use of the Ask a Tech or Classified sections for my £12 per year - but I have had many hours of enjoyment reading the posts and banter between members.

Your attitude towards this site is not helping -- the title of this thread is an example --- why not title it "Why should I join freedom - suggestions ?" rather the more negative approach you have taken.

I hope you continue to browse the forum and enjoy your time doing so -- join freedom or don't - it's upto to you.

Seat owner, non freedom member and never had a problem on the site and always felt most welcome. And Colin even came to a Seat meet I organised!

Thank you very much Briskoda!

sorry Dave mate you are coming accross as a trouble making to££er, you are not obliged to pay anything, even when a member requests help, sometimes involving literally £100's of pounds in labour, he does not have to be green to receive it from other freedom members, as for saying Col must be making a profit to offer a 360, iirc it was out of is own pocket again to try and give an incentive for folks to join, iirc membership at the time was in the 10's rather than the 100's. To summarise please feel free to continue using the site but NOT if you are just here to undermine the work of the site owner, or to try spreading poison and discontent among the friendly bunch that are Briskodians.

If you call my queries relating to freedom and veiwing one picture "spreading poison" then please - do justify to other potential freedom memebers why they should join this apperent friendly bunch of briskodians - when the dirt is being dished as above...

I have not been abusive / undermining / disrespectful - i have simply requested some justification around the freedom membership...of which there appears to be none yet everyone w=is still saying that £1 a month is reasonable...

Im not going to sit here and type all night playing post tennis - if someone has something constructive like shifty to say then please do so...

Im not starting anything nor trying to cause trouble - but rather than be told to like it or lump it - why not adopt a mature attitude than gang up like a bunch of bullies?

Basically the site is a friendly one, it IS free for the most part, if you don't want to join freedom as it's not worth it for you/you don't want to part with 12 quid, then that's cool too.

I joined up for Freedom as I've saved tons on group buys and I have posted here a fair bit, and as I host a site myself, I know the work involved.

Either way, your choice. I don't quite understand why it is still such a big deal though, in fairness, as pretty much that's the end of it?

Reckon postmanpat summarises it will in his last sentence, i.e. welcome here but no need to undermine etc

I've just been on to clubpolo.co.uk -- and frankly thought that the site looked amateurish. There seams to be very little available at the moment - the forum / gallery is closed.

This site is not about making money - the site was run completely free for quite some time at ColinD's expense.

Freedom came about after some members asked about making donations toward the cost of running the site -- freedom was created from this idea and also to stop people coming on making use of free classified ads and possibly selling cars costing many thousands with no contribution.

The fact that briskoda has over 15,000 "members" does not mean we have 15,000 freedom members or even 15,000 regular posters.

This site is one of the friendliest forum's I have ever posted on, as has already been said by others there are many people with a wide range of experience on this site - who will often give advice / help in regards to many subject's - not only relating to Skoda - they do so without charge and sometimes taking a large amount of their time to assist others.

I have never made use of the Ask a Tech or Classified sections for my £12 per year - but I have had many hours of enjoyment reading the posts and banter between members.

Your attitude towards this site is not helping -- the title of this thread is an example --- why not title it "Why should I join freedom - suggestions ?" rather the more negative approach you have taken.

I hope you continue to browse the forum and enjoy your time doing so -- join freedom or don't - it's upto to you.

again another well written post - much more to the liking of myself and the quality i have seen every other briskodian receieve...

I couldn't give a rats **** if collin makes money - as mentioned - he puts in the effort so if he makes anything then well done to him...

Im just saying im not funding something i dont see nor can be justified to be worthwhile for a non skoda onwer - and if i had posted a "freedom" thread i would have not used this section would i...

my intentions were not to start the freedom thing again - but more so to see what it is about other motor owners vehicles that gives briskodians the bad attitide catalyst....

So if you wanna get back on topic - what is so bad about polo's?

So if you wanna get back on topic - what is so bad about polo's?

They can't hang in the left lane. Otherwise, I guess they are OK.

Dave, give it a rest! You sound sooo boring!

Im not starting anything nor trying to cause trouble - but rather than be told to like it or lump it - why not adopt a mature attitude than gang up like a bunch of bullies?

What else do you want to be told? Either you pay the £12 or you don't, no one as aked you to pay £12, no one as told you to stop using the site if you don't pay £12, The benefits, or in your opinion lack of, have been pointed out to you at your own request, because you feel £12 is too much that is fine but don't expect a discount:rofl:

My only question is, and the reason I now think you are what I said, Why are you going on about it? Why have you started this thread when your queries were answered in the other thread?

Do you go into Curries and demand an explanation as to the price of a TV by Sony being dearer than one from Samsung?

The price is £12, you get what you get, you contribute to the sites wellbeing. You don't pay £12, you still get 99% of what you would get, and if you are able to contribute in other ways then that would also be appreciated.

Im simply "moaning" as you forsee this thread - not adding to the amazing community of skoda owners you apparently are - so far all i have seen is a bunch of stuck up mummy and daddy attitudes from a majority on here....

well depending on what threads you read, you will see that. the members on here are proud of making this site what it is, they are happy to help with sensible questions about any relevant car in the VAG group and even other makes if they can.

but reading some of the posts you have made over the last few days it's not much wonder you have not endeared yourself to the forums mainstay

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/general-car-chat/discuss-my-car/69110/#post793040

the people who pay don't think it's a rip off to repay the forum that has given them advice that would have cost them more at a dealers, but because you don't get a shiny magazine and a piece of plastice with a number on it you complain. And you wonder why people are defensive over it.

You seem to ignore the fact that it's more about paying to keep the site running (and it does not make a profit as you think it does) than getting a piece of paper with some words on it and a laminated bit of card.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/general-car-chat/mystery-missing-gps-signal/69292/2/#post796126

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/general-car-chat/mystery-missing-gps-signal/69292/2/#post796398

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/general-car-chat/mystery-missing-gps-signal/69292/2/#post796406

plus a couple of patronising off the topic posts, then the thread was wondering more if anyone else had problems with the gps signal.

as you are here, you want to find things out from this forum, and you have made some good posts, but the latest ones are just singling you out more like a troll looking for an argument and trying to antagonise some of the members, which I hope is not the case.

Plus, as this thread has nothing to do with polos in the slightest, I have renamed the thread to make it relevant.

So if you wanna get back on topic - what is so bad about polo's?

Personally - I don't think there is anything wrong with Polo's - especially the G40 I owned one of the last G40's to come into the country -- and what a blast it was, even if the brakes were, shall we say "interesting..!"

I know im getting bored repeating myself trying to get my point across....

I have no beef with anyone here - but please do understand if someone doesn't wanna pay £12 for some benefits i feel can be gained elsewhere much more cheaply - then thats up to them...

Otherwise all i want is for everyone to understand that just because someone doesn't have a skoda - also doesn't mean you can treat and speak to them like a muppet on here - its just not cricket and you would be detered in the same situation.

Thanks to all who have posted and read my rambles - i know im a bit persistant sometimes - but i think that i justified myself over the freedom thing now.

Dave

Dave, get along to a Briskoda meeting and you will see the type of people

that frequent this site.

I joined Freedom because I wanted to, not because I was requested to.

The fact that this pointless exercise has reached 30 posts shows what a reasonable and fair bunch there are on the site. From your heart wrenching tale there is probably no logical financial reason for you to join Freedom. So don't - just deal with it and please stop moaning about it. I think it was oscar wilde who described a cynic as a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. Sound familiar?

regards,

Daiking (non freedom member!)

well depending on what threads you read, you will see that. the members on here are proud of making this site what it is, they are happy to help with sensible questions about any relevant car in the VAG group and even other makes if they can.

but reading some of the posts you have made over the last few days it's not much wonder you have not endeared yourself to the forums mainstay

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/general-car-chat/discuss-my-car/69110/#post793040

the people who pay don't think it's a rip off to repay the forum that has given them advice that would have cost them more at a dealers, but because you don't get a shiny magazine and a piece of plastice with a number on it you complain. And you wonder why people are defensive over it.

You seem to ignore the fact that it's more about paying to keep the site running (and it does not make a profit as you think it does) than getting a piece of paper with some words on it and a laminated bit of card.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/general-car-chat/mystery-missing-gps-signal/69292/2/#post796126

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/general-car-chat/mystery-missing-gps-signal/69292/2/#post796398

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/general-car-chat/mystery-missing-gps-signal/69292/2/#post796406

plus a couple of patronising off the topic posts, then the thread was wondering more if anyone else had problems with the gps signal.

as you are here, you want to find things out from this forum, and you have made some good posts, but the latest ones are just singling you out more like a troll looking for an argument and trying to antagonise some of the members, which I hope is not the case.

Plus, as this thread has nothing to do with polos in the slightest, I have renamed the thread to make it relevant.

My point totally - why do you scrutanise every comment i make here?

Can a man not post a bit of critisism without being branded a trouble maker?

Obviously not here....

Anyway - emeily elizabeth and other members have been more rude/abnoxious and generally rude toward me following any post i make - therefore whats to say that everyone shouldn't act like that? because it appears that is the way ot works anyway.

People have called me a ****** - told me to **** / pi$$ off - and even had a thread closed by colin for it being "dirty"...

really moderate and mature eh....

I know im getting bored repeating myself trying to get my point across....

Dave

Sorry not quite sure what your point is?:confused:

I have no beef with anyone here - but please do understand if someone doesn't wanna pay £12 for some benefits i feel can be gained elsewhere much more cheaply - then thats up to them...Dave

No one as told you any different, no one expects you to join freedom.

Otherwise all i want is for everyone to understand that just because someone doesn't have a skoda - also doesn't mean you can treat and speak to them like a muppet on here - its just not cricket and you would be detered in the same situation.Dave

Didn't think anyone had treated you like a muppet, at least not untill you started this thread under an irrelavent title

Thanks to all who have posted and read my rambles - i know im a bit persistant sometimes - but i think that i justified myself over the freedom thing now.

Dave

Not quite sure how you have justified anything, you don't want to contribute financially thats ok most members don't but are still more than welcome. Like I said early, and as been repeated you are welcome on the site and at meets, but don't expect to be liked if you are going to slag off freedom and the people who do wish to contribute to the running of the site.

Hug, love, and Kisses, Andrew

My point totally - why do you scrutanise every comment i make here?

Can a man not post a bit of critisism without being branded a trouble maker?

Obviously not here....

Anyway - emeily elizabeth and other members have been more rude/abnoxious and generally rude toward me following any post i make - therefore whats to say that everyone shouldn't act like that? because it appears that is the way ot works anyway.

People have called me a ****** - told me to **** / pi$$ off - and even had a thread closed by colin for it being "dirty"...

really moderate and mature eh....

there is nothing wrong with critisism, but the ones on the gps thread were more patronising and sarcastic (not to mention sexist) than critical. EE and others have been rude I agree , but you have been just as rude back so you are even, but as you say, it in the most part it is just critisim against your point of view.

the other bits I have not read so I have no knowledge of them

but if you have a problem with the posts there are thing you can do, you can report the post or complain to one of the moderators via PM.

So can we give this Freedom argument a rest, and just get on with our lives.

DaveG40 you are still more than welcome to post on here and if you look around there may even be technical things you can help with on here or maybe take back to club polo given the shared underpinnings of the Fabia and 9n Polo

Thank you andrew for your love hugs and kisses - received with thanks...

I have also not slagged off freedom members - they posted the abuse - NOT ME

As mentioned - i have been told to feck / pi$$ off, called a to$$er - yet not one bad word came back from any of my posts - if i wanted to start a slangin match - i would.

Finally - thanks for the summary - i feel i have justified myslef enough to give you all the real reason i am using your site - and as mentioned have even offered a smaller donation to help with the site - as it is a good one - and one i wish to remain a part of...

Who's to say i wont buy a skoda next week - join freedom anyway - and be a part of the "paid" community on here who seem to be very well intitled to thier posts - irrespective of how abusive / "poisonous" / dirty / childish / generally unhelpful they were - when compared with that of mine.

I will be at a briskoda meet this year - so far i have 2 very good friends on here - which was my reason for joining due to thier recommendations and general experiences with skoda's.

I would also like to apologise for any bad remarks i have made - but the site owner is the only person that i now feel i would like to speak with.

I may PM him or do this in person at a meet - however to be fair - all i wanted was a little more from the freedom membership - something im sure he has in the pipeline anyway considering the details above, showing what he does to keep the site running as well as mentioned.

Dave

I'm confused... a few minutes ago this was a closed thread - all of a sudden it's open again ???

I thibk enough has been said on this subject and the thread should be closed.

thought this thread was locked :confused:

there is nothing wrong with critisism, but the ones on the gps thread were more patronising and sarcastic (not to mention sexist) than critical. EE and others have been rude I agree , but you have been just as rude back so you are even, but as you say, it in the most part it is just critisim against your point of view.

the other bits I have not read so I have no knowledge of them

but if you have a problem with the posts there are thing you can do, you can report the post or complain to one of the moderators via PM.

So can we give this Freedom argument a rest, and just get on with our lives.

DaveG40 you are still more than welcome to post on here and if you look around there may even be technical things you can help with on here or maybe take back to club polo given the shared underpinnings of the Fabia and 9n Polo

lol

Im sorry but i did feel that the way in which emily stated that she relied oh so much on a satnav device etc very humerous and thus why i posted...

IMHO anyone who relies on such devices should not be on the road at all - let alone call me sunshine...

The freedom thing im done with other than colin - as said - ill speak with him in public under this post - or via pm - or in person - as ill be at a briskoda meet with the G40 at some stage getting my **** wooped up the strip by a fair few of you im sure...

lol

I have been trying to find a good balance between - headroom / boot space / passenger space and performance - from a 3 door - but not having much luck at mo as my budget is nowhere near some of those i have seen on here - as i read a few posts on breaks...

Also polo's and briskoda are a good mix - again why im here - i love a good project you see - and have even been thinking of some crazy ideas but im getting older by the minute!!!

I'm confused... a few minutes ago this was a closed thread - all of a sudden it's open again ???

I thibk enough has been said on this subject and the thread should be closed.

I closed it, but I thought DaveG40 deserved the right of reply to the last few posts so I reopened it, this he has now done.

I closed it, but I thought DaveG40 deserved the right of reply so I reopened it.

Fair enough -- just another example of how friendly Briskoda is:thumbup:

Ta very much...

p.s please dont key my G40 if you see it...

Dave

lol

Dave I am a little confused by all of this I have to say.

I have read, and for the most ignored, your rants about Freedom simply because I didn't want to get involved in your petty moans and groans.

In this thread you have asked for the site owner to contact you and explain where the money goes, you then went on to say that you don't really care if Colin makes a few ££ out of it and now you say that you only want Colin to talk to you.

but the site owner is the only person that i now feel i would like to speak with.

I may PM him or do this in person at a meet

To be honest mate if you can't accept this place for what it is then maybe it's not the place for you to hang around. We are what we are and that's how we are, we for the most get along with each other and we halp each other - that's what it's all about.

I, like many, have paid £12 to support this place, not because I have been made to feel like I should but because I wanted to. I have saved far more than the £12 I have given from the advice and assistance not to mention friendship offered by the members.

You by your own admission have arrived here to gain knowledge from other owners, not only about your current car but a potential Skoda purchase. If this place didn't exist you would have none of that. Realistic people accept that, value that and appreciate that and that is why they choose to subscribe.

Shifty raised the question regarding forum membership earlier in the thread, so here is briskoda current details.

Threads: 67,418, Posts: 817,411, Members: 15,734

Welcome to our newest member,......

Currently Active Users: 160 (69 members and 91 guests)

Most users ever online was 797, 28-03-2006 at 22:58.

and those of clubpolo.

Our members have made a total of 68,160 posts

We have 7,659 registered members

The newest member is....

Most users ever online was 249 on Friday 27th October 2006 - 10:35am

As a founding member of this site, many years ago before freedom and before the website generated as much traffic as it does now Colin basically funded the site himself, however hosting and bandwidth costs have skyrocketed now and somehow the site needs to be paid for. Freedom does have some benefits, like the occasional competition but most members seem to join as a thank you to help pay for the running of the site.