Paleo and I already have the
Paleo and I already have the pages and advertisement fixed for an upcoming fundraiser, Stomper, so thanks for thinking along those lines.
We are getting ready to move to a VPS around September 1 (yes, again we are attempting this), as iJoe can no longer host us at no cost. We will be paying $600 per year for this hosting service. I want to make sure we are back up and running smoothly with most kinks worked out before we go forward with the fundraiser though.
Shock, so you'll understand, we are not some big conglomerate like Runner's World who is funded by big name shoe advertisers. (And like Stomper said, you aren't going to get REAL barefoot running conversation over there, sadly, since I started that forum as well.) We are an all-volunteer oragnization. What money we get from our ads, affiliate programs, and tee shirt sales is enough to keep the doors open, and as we can, we add improvements to the site. We just installed CAPTCHA on the site, and we are now working on the last threads/posts lists. I have asked AA Barefoot to write up a detailed description outlining the steps he takes when he experiences problems with formatting on the site, so that's next. (AA, we're waiting on you.) This does not come free. In fact, the spell checker you wish for costs approx. $800 the last time I checked, as it is not a free, open-source module.
Speaking of the other forums, they all have their problems. I remember when RW upgraded, and all of our post counts were wiped clean from the site. I remember when they had problems with their smileys. It goes on and on, so even having money doesn't fix the bugs that are introduced at the time a program is created, let alone implemented.
Do you want to contribute to this community in a postive way? Do you have any Drupal or PHP experience? Are you able to make a contribution of some kind, lead a chapter, head up a program, admin the site, make a monetary donation? If so, I'm listening. If not, we'll take the complaints and resolve them in a priority order as we receive funding and time to do so.
Spooner, let me sleep on your suggestion and get back to you. And yes, the creation of the forum and modifying the menus won't take but a few minutes, but the actual moving of the gear threads will, and time I am short on with everything else going on in and around the BRS.
BTW, we are averaging 2 million hits per month, and all of the traffic we are getting is taxing the server, so we are having to move. Small potatoes in comparison to RW, not small in comparison to the other barefoot running-related sites out there.
Keep it POSITIVE! Remain POLITE! Those are the rules.
Again, the BRS is not just a website, it's a club, and here's a list of the many resources we offer at no charge:
Forums: The most active forums going on barefoot and minimalist talk. Learn and grow with other members, new and veteran alike, as you transition to healthy running. We have forums for Barefoot & Minimalist Running; Ask the Docs; Gear & Footwear; Health, Nutrition, Injuries & Medical Conditions, Mileage Reporting, New Member Introductions, Races & Events, the Barefoot Pub, and state/country forums as well.
Chapter Clubs: Join in on group runs and races with other members in your area or head up a chapter in your area and arrange meetups.
Calendar of Events: Stay informed on the barefoot and minimalist running, racing, and meetup events taking place around the country, in your area, and where you may be traveling to.
Ask the Docs Forum: Get answers from medical professionals about your barefoot or minimalist living and running health. Each of our three doctors (MD, Podiatrist, and Chiropractor) is a barefoot runner!
Map of Barefoot-Friendly Doctors & Specialists: Find a doctor or specialist near you who won't treat you like an outcast for your running-style, or you can share those barefoot-friendly docs you learn of with the rest of us.
Member Map (Coming Soon): Put yourself on the map, and locate friends and mentors in your area to run with.
Map of Barefoot Running Instructors (Coming Soon): For those who need an extra bit of help and some one-on-one instruction.
Product Reviews: Share your experiences and rate a product you may have tested--gear & footwear--and read what others are saying about products you may be interested in buying; footwear can be rated by Weight, Flexibility, Zero Drop, Toe Box Width, etc., etc.
Course Reviews: Rate a course, trail, or race on barefoot-friendliness you have experienced, so others will know what to expect should they want to run it too.
Home Page News: Stay informed on the latest in barefoot and minimalist running and the news that impacts our sport.
Blogging: Share your experiences with others or learn more about your friends’ personal triumphs and trials in an all-inclusive place.
Library: Review our Library, fast becoming THE go-to source for academic research and info on the benefits of barefoot and minimalist running, review how-to instructionals, and learn safe transitioning through Barefoot Running 101.
Mileage Clubs & Mileage Reporting: Be inspired and motivated by logging your barefoot and/or minimalist running miles and inspire and motivate others along the way. Earn a merit award at the end of the year to display proudly or keep as a memento of your hard work and efforts.
International Barefoot Running Day: Annually, barefoot runners get together all over the world to share camaraderie, express unity, and share with the world an alternative, viable way to run.
Stomp of Approval Program: The BRS’s Stomp of Approval is given to those individuals, organizations, and running events that show support for barefoot and minimalist running to display on their sites.
Communication: Communicate with other members through private messaging.