Not So SECRET!!!!!!!!!

Probably my biggest fault is that I've never been content to just buy or use free stuff to build a site around it, because none of those apps ever does quite what I'd like. I suppose that seeing as how I write code for a living, in a start-up with people much smarter than me, I expect more from myself.

Keep in mind that the new site won't seem all that new in terms of features. I managed to get the forum app in a good state about a month or two ago (many of you have played with the most recent build), but I have been pretty busy since and haven't worked on the rest as much as I'd like to.

The point is that the code base is easier to manage and extend now because I know better than I did four years ago (that and .NET is up to v3.5 now, as well as new tool availability). I can crank out pretty easy to use stuff in short iterations, which I couldn't do back then. Heck, the new photo handling app (testing on PointBuzz) was probably only a couple days worth of serious work, and I'm really happy with it.

But instead of waiting for one gee-whiz-bang relaunch, I figured it's better to start giving you what I have as I go.

And yes, it's a business. I still don't get the complaining about that.

Make all the money you want to. That's not what I am concerned with. I just don't want to see CoasterBuzz resort to seedy business practices just to make a buck (like Six Flags, for example). It was a great website at one time.

Maybe you guys made all of those "SECRET!" topics on purpose. It is very possible considering the high praise the parks have been getting from those who control this site every time they come up with an elaborate scheme to trick their valued customers out of more cash.

Does anyone think for themselves anymore?

I am not accusing. I am simply saying that it is a possibility.

Right, because we created threads in a separate forum just to freak you out and dupe you out of pennies.

It's a possibility, but frankly an absurd one.

Well, At least we know LostKause is not a capitalist.

Hey Lost* how much for your cool aluminum foil hat?

Sorry, couldn't resist. ;) All in good fun

You can change the screen name, but you can't change the boy. :)

LostKause, how much cash do you really think this site and the events generate?

All I can say is, WOW! This thread should have been a secret. Shhheeeesh.

Jeff, I think you're entitled to make as much money as you can here. Not only should you charge more for memberships, people should have to pay for the Podcasts.

Good point Coasterdiscern. Probably not much at all. My point has never been about how much though, because I wish CoasterBuzz the best of success.

But a possible pay-to-view-secret-threads "perk" just seems like a scam to me, like Q-Bot for example, and something I think would be way below such a well respected website.

This boy HAS changed, Gonch. Today is an exception for reasons that people who engage in this site shouldn't be concerned with. Enjoy my rare presence in this thread.

Every time someone mentions a tin foil hat, I think of the movie "signs". No offense taken, James K.

Edited a few seconds after posting to fix a problem... *** Edited 11/5/2007 5:58:01 AM UTC by LostKause***

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LostKause said:
I just don't want to see CoasterBuzz resort to seedy business practices just to make a buck (like Six Flags, for example).

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It seems to be working for Six Flags.

But yeah, the majority won't pay for a premium experience and people are running away from the overpriced parks in droves. ;)

SF sure messed up with their approach!

Even if that was Jeff's intention, there's no reason to want to follow in those footsteps...none at all.

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LostKause said:
But a possible pay-to-view-secret-threads "perk" just seems like a scam to me...

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Because you're looking at it backwards. It's not an attempt to get more people to pay - it's a reward for those who already pay and would pay regardless...an attempt to give them something they wanted.

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This boy HAS changed, Gonch. Today is an exception for reasons that people who engage in this site shouldn't be concerned with. Enjoy my rare presence in this thread.

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Well, that's a nice surprise. I miss you around here. (seriously :) )

Heres random curiosity...

Why the hell would anyone pay to join this ****? Are you that retarded that you find a plastic card with the Coasterbuzz logo & your name printed on such a significant icon for yourself?

...and just for the record, Do ACEers compete for knowledge?

Didnt you guys know? The Secret threads are where Cedar Fair , Lord Gonchar, and Jeff got together to discuss the purchase and destruction of Geagua Lake.

I thought we all knew that???

Huh.

*** Edited 11/5/2007 2:19:23 PM UTC by OhioStater***

^^ Some of us actually enjoy attending some of the events that Jeff plans. Those require the membership fee. It's also the cheaper option for those that wish to attend park sponsored events (such as HoliWood Nights and Coastermania) that require a club membership of some type.

And as Gonch stated above, the Private Members forum is a nice perk for those of us that already pay for the membership, not to get more people to pay.

Not that I really care about secret private forums, but how is it expected they will eliminate noise? Are paying members not all that noisy? Hell, if I decide to pay for a special forum, I'd expect to be able to make even more noise!

Besides, it seems a lot of the people that are paying club members make their own share of noise in the free forums.

I don't see the point in having "club member forums". If your going to charge for access to it, you might as well charge for access to the whole site. In no time, when there is nothing being discussed in the General Discussion forum, we will hear "join the club" if you want to talk with us. Just like we hear now, "join the club" if you don't like the ads.

Gonch... Do you really think lines were that long at Great Adventure during Fright Fest or did SF just not use the switchbacks, making it look like the park was busy.

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FreezeCoaster said:

Are you that retarded that you find a plastic card with the Coasterbuzz logo & your name printed on such a significant icon for yourself?

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Actually, the cards aren't even plastic, but you do get a new one every year you join. :)

The cards are why I pay. I flash them every chance I get. When I get carded for beer I 'accidently' drop the CBuzz card from my wallet as I grab for my license. Inevitably, the clerk looks at me with such envy.

I'm pretty sure it's envy...

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Lord Gonchar said:

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LostKause said:
I just don't want to see CoasterBuzz resort to seedy business practices just to make a buck (like Six Flags, for example).

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It seems to be working for Six Flags.

But yeah, the majority won't pay for a premium experience and people are running away from the overpriced parks in droves.

SF sure messed up with their approach!

Even if that was Jeff's intention, there's no reason to want to follow in those footsteps...none at all.

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LostKause said:
But a possible pay-to-view-secret-threads "perk" just seems like a scam to me...

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Because you're looking at it backwards. It's not an attempt to get more people to pay - it's a reward for those who already pay and would pay regardless...an attempt to give them something they wanted.

Well, that's a nice surprise. I miss you around here. (seriously )

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The parks aren't overpriced. They are really cheap to get in. With your season pass, and a discounted Fright Fest ticket, you can get in a Six Flags for not a lot. For Fright Fest at a Six Flags, they were having $25 dollars off the regular admission price for the first two weeks, and $15 off admission for the last two weeks. They also had bring 3 people in, and get one free. Maybe, they couldn't use your discounts though.

On top of that, they were having you can get a season pass for 2008, and get 2007 Fright Fest free with that season pass. Six Flags is severly underpricing themselves. Even though parking might be $15, they give so many HUGE discounts to get in the park, that it's not even like they are charging an arm and a leg to get in. Try again Shapiro. His pricing is so darn fake!!

Remember, they were also discounting in the middle of the summer with $20 off admission. They have been doing it the whole darn year. They were doing it last year too!! Remember, those times when the Six Flags can was only $8.00 off admission. Wow, have they given the gate away.

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FreezeCoaster said:
Are you that retarded that you find a plastic card with the Coasterbuzz logo & your name printed on such a significant icon for yourself?

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Yes. I have mine laminated and when I'm in line for rides and I overhear someone misquoting facts about a ride, I simply correct them and pull out my card for validation/authority.

That's worth its weight in gold. :)

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coasterguts said:
Gonch... Do you really think lines were that long at Great Adventure during Fright Fest or did SF just not use the switchbacks, making it look like the park was busy.

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Oh, I totally believe the park was that busy.

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Spinout said:

On top of that, they were having you can get a season pass for 2008, and get 2007 Fright Fest free with that season pass. Six Flags is severly underpricing themselves.

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Uhhhhhh.

Of course, you ARE aware they were doing the same thing at CP and a number of the other CF parks if not all...right?

-'Playa