Paid section on PBH?

babygirl says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:36:

hmmmm so kind of like an ask an expert section?

Best quote of the week... "should I be taking this pill with wine?" Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:43:

will the Mods be paid and have benefits?

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:43:

theflatline says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:44:

Will the mods have reviews like you can do of your professors in college?

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:46:

Why would anyone pay when you can the same information free on PBH and other sites? Just sift through the self-appointed experts.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

1 funny, 1 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:49:

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:50:

jb_fastpitch says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:51:

Why not sell ads to Colombian businesses? How much traffic does the site get? I see potential for Real Estate, attorneys, Insurance, Shipping Companies, Airlines and othe transport outfits...

Choose Liberty, there is no such thing as equality.

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:54:

Miguel_Clavo says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:56:

Why dont we just allow the PBH posters to vote other posters off of the PBH island? i would pay to have that option.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

0 funny, 2 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:57:

babygirl says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:57:

MC you've got a point, " Just sift through the self-appointed experts." .... but the only problem is for someone that doesn't know any better, how do they determine what is garbage and what isn't garbage? Some people just don't get sarcasm or if they don't know all the characters in this Bollywood Movie we call PBH they'll be lost. Soooo you can end up with bad advice and information and worst case scenario, someone can seriously get hurt. (I know I'm being over dramatic, but I remember a couple sarcastic posts that I thought were hilarious because I knew the posters, but if someone took the information at face value then that's an entirely different story) wheeew... out of breath now. ;)

I think $25/month might be a bit steep. How do I know I'm going to get my money's worth and get good information?

Best quote of the week... "should I be taking this pill with wine?" Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 11:59:

theflatline says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:07:

Peter,

I have been reading this site since its inception, had an old account, lost it, and in the past exchanged quite a few emails with you.

The last year I have returned and while I admit that I sometimes caustic(because I see reality a bit differently than most) I would have to say most of the in fighting is caused by two or three socially inept members who cannot operate in a face to face enviroment, and choose to let their voices be heard here.

They are many intelligent people who like this site and usually with intelligence comes warped senses of humor, but all in all they do provide insight into the Colombian experience that is invaluable.

However, when the two or three dysfunctional come together a la "ghost in the machine" and there only outlet to be heard is an internet forum then the real trouble happens.

The intelligent people here(as in most places) abhor stupidity and when it rears it's ugly head, then the intelligent people are equipped to zero in on these "self proclaimed" Illuminati and make verbal mincemeat of them, and these two or three people start whining and which further adds fuel to the fire.

I have been on the board quite a bit lately because of my impending move to Colombia, and will be on less when I get there. I could honestly be a valuable source of information as a Colombian and American in country for people to ask advice or seek help from.

However, there a a few members lately who have really brought the site down and they are allowed to remain despite their ignorance and anti-social tendencies. But yet they are always proclaiming their baiting sessions and arguments for the greater good of PBH.

I think less of a paid site but a little bit fairer on the moderation as some of it has been heavy handed.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

0 funny, 2 helpful.

Allen Parker says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:12:

What I found unique about PBH was the overall willingness of members helping members..of course I've questioned some the advice....mmm..another search engine with a subscription to pay

Without change we all die!

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davidyamiga says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:17:

Flatline has said it all. There are a few who bring this site down. There is quite a bit of excellent information, but am not sure that information is sufficient for me to pay for it. If I see a need to contact a lawyer, a CPA, or such professional, then I would contact said person and pay for the service.

Otra vez en casa...Cali!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Sam Salmon says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:28:

The one Mexico site (maybe Mexconnect) tried the same thing long long ago and for years it struggled along and finally died now content on the site is all free.

Of course Mexico is a lot larger place with a lot more people coming/going/retiring/working/starting businesses there so it's a different dynamic.

I doubt there's enough people interested in moving to Colombia who'll pay that much money for what's on offer-it would be a lot of work for those involved and rewards would be scanty-people in the modern world want everything free and the more you give them the more they want.

' a la orden!'

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:29:

$25 a month is way too steep. Maybe $25 a year, with a one year minimum purchase. That would still keep out trolls and multiple handles. Just my 10 pesos worth.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

1 funny, 1 helpful.

emerson_wylde says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:29:

Charging something would keep the trolls away, but it wouldn't be sustainable because anyone who would sign up would probably only do so for one month to try and gather all the info they need. I think a much better idea is to have a wiki as was discussed in another thread. That seems much more consistent with what I understand to be your concept for PBH - having the wiki only edited by select people would make it troll-proof. There are some great members here on PBH with alot of knowledge and experience in various areas, and who are helpful people that would gladly contribute to the wiki if it is in the spirit of helping out a fellow traveler. From the contributions I've seen on PBH from this group of members, I think such a wiki would be a pretty high quality space in terms of the accuracy and validity of the info.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Loggi says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:30:

it would be heavily moderated??

Live for the moments you can't put into words

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:32:

Move all the Mods to the pay site, and have the poorfolk PBH un-moderated. =)

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

1 funny, 1 helpful.

webmanco says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:32:

Monthly is too expensive, many cheap injuns here, well we are now in injun less.

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

1 funny, 0 helpful.

adrienne79 says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:35:

I wouldn´t pay. Remember this is POOR but Happy.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:50:

davidyamiga says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:51:

Peter....100% to 1.

Otra vez en casa...Cali!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:51:

kenblanquito says on Nov 3, 2009, 12:57:

The idea itself is sound enough, especially if it were to rid the site of a large section of the undesirables that appear but unless one is a professional residing in Colombia or a foreigner working abroad and coming here occasionally, I think the fee is extortionate. Remember, quite a lot of us oldies are "retired or semi-retired" in Colombia and the money could go to better uses. As for the young high-fliers here, the fee would amount to nothing but that would in effect bring a certain amount of descrimination to this newly planned site. I would not pay it but I am not exactly a person who frequents this site for hours per day and perhaps my opinion is not important. I would prefer to give the money to a charity of my choice.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:01:

"I would prefer to give the money to a charity of my choice."

Me, too. i would donate to the Corona Foundation in Colombia, which promotes All Things Mexican inside Colombia...mexican beer, mexican food, etc.....

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:04:

Juepaje says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:04:

I would pay $25/year as I have a limited budget but want to see PBH continue and not end. If it would limit the trolls, even better. A troll wouldn't pay to harass people on this site as there are too many free ones out there.

Sic enim dilexit Deus mundum ut Filium suum unigenitum daret ut omnis qui credit in eum non pereat sed habeat vitam aeternam.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

nine inch nails says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:05:

$25/mo. too steep.

1 funny, 1 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:08:

Heres a good charity:

MIguel Clavos Foundation for At-Risk Gringos.......a professional, not-for-profit charity helping many clueless NMG gringos lost in Colombia become all that they can be.........

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

wendell13 says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:14:

You are joking of course. The bullshit, trolls, and mixture of serious posts are what brings people here. Cut out all the trolls and tom foolery and you will have a boring and unread site.

3 funny, 0 helpful.

pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:17:

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:23:

wendell13 says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:26:

You could charge by the number of posts and comments from the "experts".

0 funny, 1 helpful.

alezzz says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:37:

tomgreen.com charges $5.95/month for all access ...

1 funny, 0 helpful.

theflatline says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:39:

Brians and MC Clavo,

The truth shall set you free my brothers. I know all three of us are good God fearing men(if one ever shows up I will fear him).

Why would anyone get angry if they posted something about themselves and you referenced it?

If you put your business out in the streets it is your own fault.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 13:54:

wendell13 says on Nov 3, 2009, 14:05:

I think GIB is going to go the pay route, too, with his website.

1 funny, 1 helpful.

LA_Love says on Nov 3, 2009, 14:17:

PAID TO EXPERT, WHO IS THE EXPERT?

1 funny, 0 helpful.

hiker says on Nov 3, 2009, 14:20:

yes I agree with the paid forum , but $25 is lil high in my opinion, how about $25 a year or $50 a year will suffice and keep the bums out

1 funny, 1 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 14:38:

How about some real experts that have businesses in their fields, (visas, shipping, professional help, money transferers, etc), that pay the site? Then they collect money from potential customers, us, and it's win-win. They have their own section and run it the way they want.

Pedro and Flatline are right on the money with their analysis. If many good posters leave because of two or three obnoxious, troublesome posters.......then you don't have a site.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Buongone says on Nov 3, 2009, 14:43:

With true Moderation they could keep the bums out if they did not discriminate. You break the rules. That post/reply gets deleted asap. People have been bitching about the Moderators for a long time. Seems that nothing has been done. Except this Fishbowl gig. Then they have their favorites. They can do NO WRONG! Then you throw in this subscription part. Is'nt this POOR BUT HAPPY. You talk about staying on topic. I'm no chichipato, but I kind of like a laugh every now and then. Bottom line is Peter going to do what he wants. But looks to me like there is money to be made. Kinda like using the other nite as an example/excuse. Just testing the waters. $$$ If I'm wrong, so be it. But that's my 2 cents.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

barrumundi says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:02:

Here's an idea:

Yes, everyone pays a yearly subscription........say for example $25, however the subsription would be a once only payment and the member can be a "member for life", HOWEVER if that member makes a personal attack or breaks some other rule, then they will be fined $5. If they are fined 5 times, they lose their subscription (and are deleted) and have to pay another $25 fee to re-join PBH.

Why should the many pay for the few? This way it costs the trolls and not the genuine PBH members.

You can call this a TROLL TOLL.

http://poorbuthappy.com/yourthing/post/uploading-photos-for-dummies/

1 funny, 0 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:09:

Not enough people will pay this price or basically any price to make it worth your while. If someone needs information, they will just keep on looking for free on other Col sites.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Buongone says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:10:

Then your just right back to the true Moderation. Oh, I don't like that comment, that reply, what they said. They are not following the true rules as set by Peter himself now. What makes you think they are going to do it just because someone pays. Then the one's getting fined would really be pissed.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Monita Linda says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:16:

50k pesos a month.. indeed.. POOR but happy

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Monita Linda says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:17:

LOLZ i'm not sure I think first this forum should be moderated better, also the incrowd!!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:18:

I'll bet you couldn't get $50 from 50 people. Mostly NMG's here. And if you did, how many would renew? i don't think many. and you would need a whole lot more than 50.

Money on the net comes from advertising.......(or porno, haha)

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

The Arepa says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:20:

and for what? Gossip? Trolls?

1 funny, 0 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:22:

Justo mi, the troll problem, idiot problem, troublemaker problem, or whatever you want to call it could be solved in two minutes.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

0 funny, 1 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:23:

Monita Linda.....who is the' in crowd?'

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:27:

theflatline says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:29:

Hola Brians!

Actually I think adspace would be a good way to go, or google ads.

Even my broke ass would pony 25 a year. But experts would have to be colombian or have lived a long time in the country, and not have always had the life life leisure there.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:30:

Colombia is too broad of a subject, there are not enough participants including lurkers willing to pay any fee, and if the idea is to keep trolls away who said they are broke?

Now if paying a fee would keep me out the fishbowl then I am for it.

PBH has lots of traffic and is by far the best Colombian english website, still the information although good is permeated by "stablished members" attacking poor and happy souls.

Here is one sample of a good free and pay website.

http://techrepublic.com.com/

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

0 funny, 1 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:30:

What are some examples of some 'pay relocation' sites?

If he fails with this, it is a very costly experiment. (for him)

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:33:

theflatline says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:42:

kat,(i think you are a fair mod)

I have seen some unlawfully unfair moderation due to uninformed opinions,micsonceoptions of the the US(PBH mods, the ones that frequent the site are very EuroCentric) and two members who are given cart blanche to start fights and when people retaliate to this particular pair, they do not get in trouble. Yet they are the ones who start it.

Especially when people give informed opinions that that particular pair do not like.

I am sure if you took a vote on who needed to be "off the island" those two would have been out instead of the ones who were pitched who merely responded to their brand of idiocy.

It is how we say in English, calling a spade a spade.

I do not think a pay site would help with the trolls, but again more even handed moderation, especially when adults who are think skinned social malcontents start pooping in their diapers.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

ddluzdelsol says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:43:

What about pay to post (one time payment)... but, free to read...

Christmas and New Years in Ibague!!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

theflatline says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:44:

Brians,

Yep I agree. And mail order brides do not come cheap as well.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

0 funny, 1 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:49:

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:52:

......I think the problem is not moderation, the problem is why people can't avoid those whom they dislike why to go to a thread of a person you dislike just to be a troll. ........
.
.
and there you have it from Kat. If the ignore feature worked 'both ways', problem solved. As it stands now, the other person can still see your comments and you may see yourself as a wimp if you use the ignore button, so not many people use it.

under the 'both ways ignore', you would not be considered as such.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:55:

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:58:

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 15:58:

kat, you need to look at more than one thread that the poster started. did he start the problem originally, on another thread? i think so.

we can provide examples.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:00:

yes kat, ...that empowers the poster doing the ignoring........under the current system, when one puts somone on ignore, they feel like a sissy.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:01:

Greg Yohn, would you pay to participate on PBH?

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

0 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:02:

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:05:

kat, i think that it's just a feud that continues onto the new thread. i'm thinking of just 4 people that cause all of the problems. if 25 people had the same person on ignore, then that would be a signal for moderator action. actually, i think they would leave on their own with no mod action; and even if they stayed, they would only be talking with people that tolerated them.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

0 funny, 1 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:09:

i'm not saying it's a solution that will work; but it's worth a try and is easy to install.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

theflatline says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:11:

Kat,

Actually there was a thread the other day about a chat room, and every one gave logical reasons why they did not like it, and the OP starting calling people out, accusing people of being in a clique, and then another member in a thread today called another one a 10k prostitute, because he could not understand a simple joke in his native tongue.

What happens is these two are allowed to insult people when they do not get their way, and that is when the trouble starts. Because people will retaliate to insults and stupidity.

But you never see those two deleted or put in the fishbowl. Yet if there is trouble in a thread, they are generally the common denominator.

Why are they given so much leeway when others are not? Why are they protected? Is it out of pity?

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:12:

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:14:

one thing you will hear in the first five minutes of meeting a pbher is, " on that site, you can have all your evidence in black and white and true, and someone will tell you that you are wrong."

this is correct, and there is a solution for that as well. if someone attacks a comment, especially in a nasty way, and then are proven wrong, they should have a symbol like a 'dunce cap' along there user name. And everytime they are wrong, they collect another 'dunce cap'. This would go a long way towards uninformed people making attacks on someone if they knew there was a consequence.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

0 funny, 0 helpful.

emerson_wylde says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:14:

From what I understand of the concept, the pay area would provide access to high quality, useful info -- so the threads wouldn't be the typical back and forth seen in the current PBH forums -- I'm guessing they would be very one sided (expert responding to questioner). A wiki would be useful because in one shot it would address a big percentage of questions that people have. One option would be to implement the wiki, and then heavily moderate "ask an expert" type threads.

As a side note, it would also be useful if posters to the Buy/Sell/Rent area could request that their thread be closed to further comment when they originate the post.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

theflatline says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:14:

Kat,

Or if those two people learned some table manners and learned to dish it out as well as take it, they would not need to be on ignore.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:18:

Mr Flatline has drilled down to the essence of this thread with his comment above. He deserves an answer.

good point emersen wylde; posters putting something up for sale or rent are treated unmercifully.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

theflatline says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:19:

Mabarker,

Well the ones who do not put pictures, prices, or full descriptions should get a little hell.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:21:

haha, i know......i hate ads with no pictures or prices. they pique your curiosity and leave you hanging.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

wendell13 says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:22:

I would pay $3 a month to listen to experts.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

el norteño (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:25:

el norteño (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 16:25:

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 17:16:

ps: I've often said it: we're not the only one with these problems. ALL forums have similar problems once they reach a certain size. See this for example http://www.cawtech.demon.co.uk/outer-circle/core.html I'm thinking of some other structural fixes as well (that are not money related) :)

Poor but snappy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 17:23:

And of course this classic: http://www.shirky.com/writings/group_enemy.html

Poor but snappy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

geoff71 says on Nov 3, 2009, 17:23:

i think 5.00 a month is appropriate

one day at a time

1 funny, 0 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 3, 2009, 17:27:

peter, the first link is seriously anal; i can't believe it. i think they're trying to re-invent the wheel. wow!

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

babygirl says on Nov 3, 2009, 18:04:

Ok I thought about it a bit further this afternoon. I'm going to subject you to my theory.

We have two types of "trolls" here (for lack of a better word). Troll type #1 people that sign up with multiple accounts and come here to be nasty and malicious. Troll type #2 are people that are regular members of the site BUT don't see that they are disruptive and ignorant and genuinely feel that they are contributing members. The troll #1 type is usually easy to spot and the membership fee would probably get rid of repeat offenders, eventually they're going to get sick of paying a fee to sign up. Troll type #2 is for sure going to pay the fee because the think they're, yes as I said, contributing members to the site.

Ok now that I'm done with forcing my theory on you all, Peter I don't like the idea of a membership fee because, (I'm not a cheap-ass either) do you not think it's going to create a hierarchy here? I personally would probably not pay the fee. I say come up with another way to make the $$ for the site to pay a couple full time mods, leave the site free to members (think of the poor budget travellers) and I think your problem might be solved. Mods that are anonymous, keep the site clean, on track and fun for everybody. Mods that have no personal interest but it's a job for them. Eventually people are going to get tired and just stop.

Best quote of the week... "should I be taking this pill with wine?" Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

kenziejones says on Nov 3, 2009, 18:15:

Peter, 2 ideas --

1. Is there any sort of way to promise HBP [paying] subscribers any certain level of service by the experts/mods? The risk here is that on the surface the idea seems great, but once I / we start paying for this service, we expect a certain standard of reciprocation. For example, how many mods are there and how many posters are there? What's the ratio? From what I see it's not an un-manageable community. Maybe we could set up a system whereby certain mods are in some sense assigned to certain users so as to create a direct and consistent line of service. They would effectively serve as 'advisers' and could therefore direct various concerns to various 'experts.' This system would provide a service in exchange for a fee and would also keep out the incessant banter posted by trolls.

2. Why not do a test run? For dedicated HBP'ers, I'm sure a moderate nominal fee would be in order. If nothing else, PBH members who really care about the forum will be curious enough to purchase a one-time membership to the paid thread just for the sake of checking it out. If the services don't match the fee, the system will naturally collapse.

Basically, I think this is a good business idea from both sides of the stick, yet I think a bit more planning needs to go into it. Also, I do agree that 25 bucks per month is a bit of a jump. Maybe knock down the price tag and do a test run...?

Cheers all. ~J

Tasting the world one hot pepper at a time!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

La_Huella says on Nov 3, 2009, 18:24:

If you make it a pay site, I'd continue to visit but only if I were paid. :P As it is it's barely worth it to come here for free, depending on my mood...

2 funny, 1 helpful.

Lisa Zee says on Nov 3, 2009, 18:48:

$25.00 per year to NEW members. The money will go to the wheel chair charity program!

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on Nov 3, 2009, 18:53:

"posters putting something up for sale or rent are treated unmercifully."

Anybody trying to sell used clothes hangers and opened bottles of booze on the internet SHOULD be treated unmercifully.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Lisa Zee says on Nov 3, 2009, 19:09:

Leave Darloup out of this one please.
Yes if you get deleted because you did no follow the rules, yes you have to pay again $25.00, you will be a new member.

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

barrumundi says on Nov 3, 2009, 19:40:

Yes Lisa Zee, you agree with me.......because I said this about 100 comments back;

If they are fined 5 times, they lose their subscription (and are deleted) and have to pay another $25 fee to re-join PBH.

http://poorbuthappy.com/yourthing/post/uploading-photos-for-dummies/

0 funny, 2 helpful.

pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 3, 2009, 19:42:

utopiacowboy says on Nov 3, 2009, 20:21:

Every so often I see a post on PBH where I could offer useful information, the thread about cell phones in Monteria comes to mind since one of my brothers-in-law has his hand in a cell phone business there but then I think, why bother?

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

0 funny, 2 helpful.

billyb says on Nov 3, 2009, 20:25:

"I would pay $25 to bring pow wow back on board."

Which version? Pow wow 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 ........................

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

2 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Nov 3, 2009, 20:36:

Not a bad idea Peter. Sin embargo, if it comes down to paying that bill versus my DirectTV bill, if funds are tight...
I think if I were you, I would focus more on good paying sponsers for this site, and on squashing the trolls.
Then again, I have no idea what you may know that I don't know on your original idea.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Woodde says on Nov 3, 2009, 21:36:

I think a two-way ignore would be a fantastic function.

If I ignored someone then they could no longer see my posts and I could no longer see theirs. Take it one step further, apply it to threads. If I'm ignoring someone, they cannot see or respond to any thread that I create and vise versa. Sure they can see the thread/posts if they logout, but it disappears as soon as they login. Same goes for the profile, if they are logged in, they cannot even access the ignored person's profile.

You would instantly drop the level of hostility on the forums and Darloup would no longer be ganged up on at every corner(Not that he doesn't seek it out).

4/9/09

1 funny, 1 helpful.

jimbo67856 says on Nov 3, 2009, 22:34:

Peter, respectfully I submit that a paid area won't do what you think it would. What would happen is that yes, the trolls would be absent the paid area, but you'd have two unintended consequences: The unpaid area would become more bitter as discussions were bifurcated and trolls concentrated, and as some have said already, even non-trolls sometimes can't afford to pay monthly fees just to chat. So as the troll concentration increased you'd have people forming competitor sites to escape the fees and viciousness.

In my view what you could do would be to create a system wherein a separate forum existed for "elite" users (whatever title you use is fine) and those "elites" could have their status revoked by some sort of popular vote if they got out of line. Or you could replace the vote w/ a certain number of warnings issued by mods. Whatever. If they get their status pulled then they can only post to the "regular" area of the site. But if they get their status pulled then you could use Lisa Zee's idea about making them pay a fee to get their status back.

I've run a few forums and the paid idea always came up. We always opted against it because it seems to me that charging people to have a conversation free from harassment is a lot like paying taxes to have cops around: Yeah, we all know we need cops in society, but I challenge you to find a single person who likes paying taxes. And since you don't have the power of state confiscation I can't see how a voluntary tax system would get things done.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

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jimbo67856 says on Nov 3, 2009, 22:51:

Peter, I also wanted to add that like Kenzie said, I'd want something more than just a forum in exchange for my monthly fee. I'd want things like the two-way blocking Woodde spoke of, a PBH messaging system (not email), an easier to use way of getting images/smilies into my posts, a more advanced search function (other sites make ppl pay for advanced search features too), and I'd also want to see a few more mods on duty (not slamming anyone, I know you all have lives, that's why I say add more, not delete any). And as TFL said, mods should have to be accountable, so some sort of fair complaint system should exist as well IMO.

I can help you write a bunch of that stuff. I've worked with PHP since version 3, and everything on the LAMP stack since 1997.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

1 funny, 1 helpful.

Shortiao says on Nov 3, 2009, 23:17:

i say go for it.

25$ is a little steep however. 9.99$.....is pricey enough just to keep trolls out. Also, make the sign up detailed enough that trolls have to give much details.

I'd definitely sign up...despite being generally regarded (incorrectly) as a troll.

"cuando una persona toma otro pasaporte....pierde su identidad!" - Shortiao

1 funny, 1 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Nov 3, 2009, 23:28:

Too many of us, on here, are already paying hefty fees for our mail order brides. We can't afford anything more.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 1 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Nov 3, 2009, 23:31:

ah, o proposito, these fedx overnight shipping charges aint cheap either, to get em here.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

1 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Nov 3, 2009, 23:33:

not to even mention the cost of divorce these days. How can I plan a monthly budget, with all of this to consider? and here is peter, asking for money, for the life of me....

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Pappassito (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 00:14:

miamimike says on Nov 4, 2009, 00:30:

At this time I don't subscribe to the paid Membership idea. Camino por los codos ! I have noticed a lot of the old timers who really used to liven up this Forum have left and its turned into a rather boring place.This Website was Smoking 3-5 years back, what a change from then to now. I doubt a monthly fee would bring it back,,,my 2 cents

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

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jimbo67856 says on Nov 4, 2009, 00:57:

I'd pay if I didn't have to look at miamimike's avatar anymore. Men kissing, GWB, and Saudi terrorism financiers, three things I prefer not to see. LOL j/k mike.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

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Buongone says on Nov 4, 2009, 02:37:

So you are talking about these so called experts. I don't believe they exist. Sure some of the people on here are knowledgeable in certain areas. But show me one that has been all over Colombia. Knows the in's & out's of those said cities.Just like on their names when they post. As in (Travelguide writer). Joke. Some of them probably never been south of the Rio. Much less to the Prada in Cali. So to say they are experts? I just don't know. I'd pay just to keep the trolls out. But these so called experts are not going to help much. Maybe the mas verde gringos. Just like the paperwork to get married in Colombia. It is changing, and everyone you talk to will give you a different story. Even the MRE in Bogota. All the govt offices are the same. Just like the one's in the US. Reminds me of the TSA people. except in Colombia most of the time a few peso's will grease the palm a bit and viola. Things get done. Sometimes!!
PS: Should have an easier foto upload program.

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avalon says on Nov 4, 2009, 02:39:

How about adding Google AdSense on PBH for extra money instead of charging users for expert information?
With all the traffic PBH has, it would be well worth it.

"He is able who thinks he is able" - Buddha

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sloopskipper says on Nov 4, 2009, 04:13:

.It seems it might be somewhat doubtful that these "experts" would be willing to pay money to share their expertise.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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miamimike says on Nov 4, 2009, 04:17:

Hey Jimbo-- The Avatar stoked your attention otherwise you wouldn't haven't taken the time to comment,,,LOL To You also !Maybe you'll get a chance to anty up with your moola and you won't have to look anymore at my Avatar because for sure I'll be in the nonpaying section. Step right and pays your money says the carney hawker,,,

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

0 funny, 1 helpful.

sloopskipper says on Nov 4, 2009, 04:17:

avalon says on Nov 4, 2009, 02:39 (today): flag

"How about adding Google AdSense on PBH for extra money instead of charging users for expert information?
With all the traffic PBH has, it would be well worth it."

I just turned off the "don't show ads", feature and see no difference. Most people are so used to seeing them everywhere it seems the ads would be particulaly annoying.

But, it seems Peter is more concerned with the troll problem than revenue.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 04:40:

If I have learned anything at all about Colombia at all it is that there is no such thing as an expert on anything Colombian.

Beyond that I would not see where people with any knowledge would pay to come and post it or receive any benefit to do so in way of business? It has been tried by lawyers I know here and the gringos comming on the internetfor info do not pay people off the internet for advice or help. They come to the internet because it is free.

The other thing that strikes me kinda funny is you calling here and speaking to lawyers or whoever and getting one answer on anything. Then posting that answer as the truth. Hope you have the edit button real handy......... You can not even get that from the consolate in any accurate expert way. These things do not exist in Colombia, everything is trial and error until whatever it is you want to do gets passed through. Information is fluid and really all you need to do is please the guy with the stamp of approval in his hand on whatever. But I only know this from doing business here and I am sure people will dissagree with that.

As far as keeping the trolls away that is a good idea or way to do that.

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jimbo67856 says on Nov 4, 2009, 04:40:

haha Mike. Nah that pic cracks me up in a morbid way. And they give the new guy crap for bowing. LOL

I'd prob be like you in the cheap seats cuz I can't see paying to post on a message board unless something cool came w/ it.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

1 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Nov 4, 2009, 04:51:

Jimbo--Glad you like it! Soon I am changing the Message to the Old Mexican Standard, Besame Mucho ! Fits the Scenario better.

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Lowell says on Nov 4, 2009, 04:54:

Just be real selective on who gets to join. A 1 strike game. No 2nd chance.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 05:00:

Oh and don't worry I won't join as I have seen how your moderation works and won't pay to be insulted. ;) Course I am sure that is a bonus. jaja

1 funny, 0 helpful.

jimbo67856 says on Nov 4, 2009, 05:00:

Hahaha Mike. Cierto.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

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CharlieTheOwl says on Nov 4, 2009, 05:40:

What do you have to lose by becoming a paid site? New members can't really sign up so you may as well give the paid route a try. You could let existing members continue for free. Another thing to consider is the real Colombians living in Colombia. How many will be willing to pay for this? There are poor Colombians that might be considered experts on certain topics or you can take the money and pay real Colombians to post on here. I would like to hear what they have to say. I would take their advice over some guy from Germany or France.

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 05:46:

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 05:49:

Ask 10 "real" jiji Colombians and get ten different answers. Ask 10 different gingos and get 50 different answers. Ask a gringo who asked a Colombian and get the wrong answer.....

You just heard from an expert so now where do I pick up my check? jaja

2 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 05:50:

CharlieTheOwl says on Nov 4, 2009, 05:52:

You might get a Colombian from the Coast and Colombians from other parts of Colombia. Maybe somebody from Meta can tell us whats going on there. If its a site about Colombia there should be more Colombians from Colombia posting on here. Has the site manager thought about running ads in Colombian newspapers? Many Colombians would sign up and be active on here if there were some kind of incentive. Colombians can even practice English on here in a fun way.

Onthemoon is from the Coast. Maybe she does'nt travel much but I consider her posts valuable.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 05:52:

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 05:57:

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 05:59:

Yep kat I was thinking of just that....

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 06:01:

CharlieTheOwl says on Nov 4, 2009, 06:04:

Tourist info is easy to keep up with. Updates on prices and such can be made periodically. Whats needed is more insight from normal Colombian people. There are too many expats living in comfortable apartments with armed guard doorman posting on here. There is more to Colombia than their high life.

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oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 06:07:

JAJA Charlie I hae invited Colombains to this site and they got insulted, atttacked and told they knew nothing so they left. If I were to go to a website which I would not but if I were to do it I would want to know what the source is of my information I am receiving.

0 funny, 1 helpful.

CharlieTheOwl says on Nov 4, 2009, 06:10:

The thing that disturbs me is people from Colombia can not sign up. The site manager could easily allow access to the Colombian people. Maybe people outside of Colombia can be charged a reasonable fee to sign up and the funds can be used pay Colombian bloggers. Even if a Colombian is paid 50k a month it would make a difference. It also contributes to the Colombian economy.

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oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 06:20:

There is no Colombian that I know that is going to pay to go to a site and share information with a bunch of gringos. Not gonna happen. Advertise? Maybe but then what the gringos are going to pay for a site to see a bunch of adds?

Do a paid site and maybe people will pay for it just to keep it exclusive.

I am having a discussion on another thread. I am right in what I am saying but some experts are argueing a completely differnet issue in which some of them are right as well but it is unrelated to what I was saying. You think Colombians are going to put up with that? NOT

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Haghj00 says on Nov 4, 2009, 06:26:

Peter, I own 2 big forums. Well, one is big (24k members and 59k members).

What we are doing now is, to register yourself you need to upload private information such as a scanned picture of your ID card.
To fight the trolls.... Serious members will do it, but not the trolls.


No scanned ID card = No user.

There is no god, never was and never will be.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 06:40:

great idea if you trust the people to safegaurd that information........A hackers dream

I am a member of many sites and have never been asked for a copy of my ID to join. Frankly there is no way I would be ever stupid enough to do that.

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oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 06:58:

I think it was only for those he thought gullible enough to provide that information.

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billyb says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:03:

"She is DIRECTING every Colombian she knows to stay away from this forum"

She wields that kind of power?

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Haghj00 says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:04:

Who said anything about storing this information in a database on this website?
There are 10000000000000000000000 ways to solve this issue.


What we do is this, when a person is signing up, he or she has to provide the ID information.
And we admins, go through the "que" for new users, and each user we accept, we then delete
the ID card information. We dont store it.

We also look at where the person is visiting the website from. For example,

if there are a lot of russians hosts like vo-dex343.cccp.ru trying to registrate a new user with a ID card from a person
who lives in south africa, we know something fishy is going on...

There is no god, never was and never will be.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:09:

"Yes!
She has friends and family members.
Doesn't everyone have that type of power?"


Not that kind of scary power, I myself, can only advice and suggest to my friends.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

jimbo67856 says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:11:

Haghj00, there isn't a single way to "solve" that issue if you don't trust PBH admins to safeguard your info. Frankly, no offense to anyone but there's no chance in hell I'd scan my ID with my SS number on it and send that to anyone. I don't care if that info is or isn't stored online.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

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oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:12:

"Basically, she has said this place is NOT a place to share your personal experiences about Colombia. People will make personal attacks with you on partial information. She is directing every Colombian she knows to stay away from this forum."
Greg

This is exactly spot on your wife is a smart Colombiana. I have shared my experiences in Colombia on this site and all it has done is feed those who would take that infomation and piece it together in their puny little brains and make assuptions about me, my life, who I am and then after seeing their bullsh^t in written form adopt it as facts. Oh joy yea I would pay to have that done to me. I know things about these people that I heard and have seen. I could make comments about it as they have but I am not like that.

No Colombian is going to put up with that they do not have a sense of helpfullness as a gringo does. See 'what I witnessed thread' if you have any doubt....

But for the few people who can learn from my own experiences I posted. I have learned from others experiences on the site. The peanut gallery can go choke themselves as I have learned nothing but how to be an ahole from them. Should I ever need to use that information I will surely research their comments. .

0 funny, 1 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:20:

GY, why isn't she pointing you away from the site?

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

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CharlieTheOwl says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:27:

I've had Colombian girlfriends. I always kept this site a secret from them for some reason.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

njc (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:27:

jimbo67856 says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:29:

njc, I like that idea provided it's only a section, not the whole site.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

1 funny, 0 helpful.

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:34:

MC demonstrates what you consider intelligence? Interesting............

1 funny, 0 helpful.

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:37:

A fun experiment is to float some baloons here on PBH or the internet and see where they end up. Funny how easily people are manipulated by others when they are so busy thinking they are sooo smart. baaaa baaaa baaaa

0 funny, 1 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:42:

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:49:

nevertrustapaisa says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:50:

Peter, make the site SPANISH ONLY!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:02:

jimbo67856 says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:03:

Greg, if your skin is so thin that Brians has offended you then I submit you'll be comfortable in no web forum. Jeez dude I took worse jokes (and more of them) at my last family reunion.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

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oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:10:

JAJA kat yes and well say they are dreaming and with the "positive" post call me stupid, idiot, wrong, crazy, no nothing about Colombia, fuera gringo and all manner of names and suggestions. JAJA

The thing is this, negative is interesting, it makes very long posts. Nice gets very short posts and no discussion. There is no discussion on nice posts, only comments. I have posted them before and they died. If I am bored I come to PBH. It is for the discussions and well negative sells.... Ever watch the news? It really is no more than that. I appreciate Colombia as much as the next guy but no one wants to hear about that....not really.

I find it interesting that the people with the flower posts don't live in Colombia. Don't deal with what a frickin pain in the arse it can be day in and day out. Yes it has good too but damn it is not a pot of roses.

There are days when people will lie to me and steal from the girls and whatever manner of vile shit that I have to run them down on and I come on here and read all the flowers? Well if your wondering why? OK there ya go.

0 funny, 1 helpful.

jimbo67856 says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:25:

Greg, well I guess the difference is I can take jokes from anyone. I was pointing out that even family sometimes jokes harshly, so it's not always a huge affront to you when someone makes a joke at your expense. Try to have a sense of humor bro.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

1 funny, 0 helpful.

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:26:

I will tell you something actually needed by expats. The ones I know anyway that are living in Colombia not the visiting gringo. The ones that are living here everyday currently. A place to come and vent. That is what PBH is for me. Sorry but it is probably true. I mean sometimes this place can really get to you. I guess I don't post the flowers because when the flowers are growing I am out picking them not posting.

A couple things I beleive are true.

1. If you live here you have got to vent to someone.

2. You can not vent to Colombians whoever they are, no way.

3. You can only vent to other people who actually live here currently and have passed the honeymoon stage and still decide to stay. That is what keeps us on the ground. Still we decide to stay.

There is no one else going to get that. If it were a place on the site for that? I would pay for it but it would have to be strictly regulated.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

suizo says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:26:

As I said before, some take PBH way too seriously...and others should just get a job.

Crackheads suck!

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oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:28:

Oh and maybe if it were only for us expats we could come and vent and another expat could help us to see the good shit and bring us back to the ground. But instead on here what happens is you vent and everyone attacks you. You attack back.

That does not happen with my gringo friends. They don't come here btw.

1 funny, 1 helpful.

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:35:

OH and btw when I ahve posted something good there was a long line of people wanting to atack me for that as well. Telling me I wrote this or that and bla bla I can not love Colombia and bla bla bla. You can't win. jaja

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Gator says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:41:

Gee, reading this lengthy missive I never realized what a pain in the A I must be.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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jimbo67856 says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:47:

Thanks for the laughs Brians. That thread IS classic.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

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Bill Turley (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:59:

This is such a long post this may never be read, but here goes anyway. I never had a rosey impression about Colombia. I was skeptical about moving here so My wife ( Rola) and I came for a vacation from the Miami area. We stayed for 2 months. I came with an open mind, not looking for the US-South but just accepting what I found and evaluating that in terms of my spirit. It felt good and right so a couple of years later we moved here.I felt good enough to remain here after I retired. A simple comparison of lifestyles ( with my low pension) between SOuth Florida and Rural Colombia left no doubt so here I am to stay. Recent developments in the US have changed my optimism for things to come in the US to a real skepticism: Because of the direction that the US goverment is moving, I am even happier that I have put my eggs into the COlombian Basket, particularly the SOmondoco Basket.
My posts are mainly to get or give information. My comments are never intended to be controversial, just informative. The desire to share this great life style is the only reason I write here or my column on www.slightlycreaky.com

Mr. Bill Somondoco

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davidyamiga says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:59:

This is turning into the GregYohn/oneforyour million post.

Otra vez en casa...Cali!

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CitizenPlain says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:01:

Ug. Don't have time to read through this whole thread, but I'd like to cast my vote against making it a pay site. It's a great resource right now despite the idiots and it would suck to have the "best" information and discussions in some paid area of the site that no one outside of a small group of paid people can access.

Also - $25 / month is way too much. Nobody charges that much for something on the internet - especially not just simple access to a forum, which are a dime-a-dozen. You might be able to get away with it for $25 / year. That's how much a year's worth of a flickr pro account is, for example. But I wouldn't pay it either way.

Bottom line is that I think it would drive away casual PBH browsers like myself. Someone who has never seen this site before would probably never sign up for it either.

Bad idea, against the spirit of the internet, and would drive people away. My $0.02.

1 funny, 1 helpful.

makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:06:

makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:14:

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:34:

I swear you are so in love withme. Do you fantasize about me or what? To posts not on subject bu all about me? Do I go around making posts about you? Following you around the board making posts?

but OK

Positive
Funny Comments made by salespeople in Colombia to sell anything........ (26 comments.)
note 26 comments

Maybe negative but I see it as positive since it is helpful.But anyway....

Gringos are we stupid? jiji (91 comments)
note 91 comments

Note to Gringos Marring barrio girls (205 comments.)
note 205 comments

get it?

0 funny, 1 helpful.

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:36:

Makoffs posts. Half are him scamming gringos, the other half is him beleiving the press. I will take my posts over his any day and the comments? OMG, 90% are directed at me!!!!! JAJA

Room for rent Poblado (24 comments.)

DEFENSORA DE DERECHOS HUMANOS EN EL META ES VÍCTIMA DE ATENTADO (4 comments.)

Great offer in Medellin center (2 comments.)

Plan Colombia has been amazingly succesful, (18 comments.)

Was this Elmo and his family? Gang ransacks circus, rapes resident donkey Paola (12 comments.)

sell VW Fox, year 2005 FE (2 comments.)

Colombian justice works really well (14 comments.)

Como usar la lengua (0 comments.)

Jimmy Carter about the reelection (54 comments.)

Donkey bomb killed 2.FARC (12 comments.)

Doing business Colombia 37, Venezuela 177 out of 183 (3 comments.)

What was wrong with my thread that it got deleaded? (31 comments.)

News about the masacre from 12 Awa (5 comments.)

Another victory for Uribe (6 comments.)

Trip report Coveñas of the beaten track (8 comments.)

I`m still waiting of the reconfirmation of your insiderinformation EAZY-E or BIG MOUTH (18 comments.)

This guy should pay for the damage he has done to Colombia (29 comments.)

So why be afraid of US bases in Colombia, when Venezuela has bases from FARC and attack Colombia? (85 comments.)

ElSapo (9 comments.)

3 Cordilleras (14 comments.)

Nice how the Colombians close the lines behind Uribe. (0 comments.)

Culture Quiz 1 (43 comments.)

Posibility to participate in Colombian Politics (13 comments.)

Mono Jojoy, the next terrorist close to fall (3 comments.)

Room for rent in Poblado (17 comments.)

why posts get delieded when I try to help people finding the truth? (27 comments.)

MODS please delete this user adisa85 (28 comments.)

Coltabaco is buying Protabaco. (2 comments.)

Progress for Colombia (0 comments.)

By car from Medellin to Bogota (44 comments.)

Who will domain the US?? (6 comments.)

Here a school where our lefties can sign in for the 4th of July (9 comments.)

That´s real democracy like Chavez (0 comments.)

Discovery Channel, Great Show "El rescate perfecto" (5 comments.)

Here is the big oportunity for all you guys who wants to teach english (27 comments.)

Club Los Almendros Coveñas, Beach apartment for 8 person from 27.06-04.07. for rent (0 comments.)

First 2 went for 8 years to jail for FARCPOLITICA in Caldas (13 comments.)

Who is paying today or on Tuesday prima for the (11 comments.)

Now starts "FARCPOLITICA" (18 comments.)

So is working democracy in Colombia. (76 comments.)

Somebody else what to sign up? (0 comments.)

Who of our lefties live in Canada? (29 comments.)

What's better Colombia or USA??? (37 comments.)

“Paro armado” de las Farc en antesala de elecciones en Arauca (0 comments.)

Closing US$ 2.138 (14 comments.)

How to get the Colombian Nationality (13 comments.)

Excelent results for Chavez (16 comments.)

Here a very good example of Plan Colombia (23 comments.)

That´s why Colombia needs another strong leader (95 comments.)

What would I do when I were Sergio Fajardo (to get president from

0 funny, 1 helpful.

nevertrustapaisa says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:41:

What was this thread about again?

0 funny, 1 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:43:

Brians says on Nov 4, 2009, 08:42 (today): flag

Kat1 and Desi only read this thread where the whole disagreement between GY and I started. Until this day i had ignored his silly inability to understand what people say and attack people. Give me your honest thoughts. This could be a classic example of why he elevates things and through his sheer ignorance even dragged me into a battle. People are so tired of him.

PLEASE READ THIS FULL THREAD:

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/buenos-dias-are-there-any-half-c....




Brian I am going to give you my honest opinion on that thread, and this is why many arguments start here on PBH, when you gave him the advice and he didn't took it, then you explained again that it was not good to put a picture of his baby on the net and still he didn't mind, you should have left it there. It is not your responsability anymore, you warned him and that is all you could do. dragging the warning on and on, made GY more defensive and that is how all this thing started. I think IMO , GY should have said, thanks you Brian for your concern will keep your advice in mind and that's it and you Brian should have left it like that.

don't you think would have been better?

And Greg how I as a Mod will know what is funny to you and what is not, what will offended you and what not ? maybe you have to flag every post directly at you, that you don't find funny or find offensive TO YOU

0 funny, 1 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:46:

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:47:

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:50:

It could be said? Well but I am not lying just telling one side of it and well I mostly like to shake people out of their fantasy land Colombia experience. That comes from seeing people have it really tough here. Something about the gringo comming wth dollars and calling it paradise just rubs me the wrong way. Please forgive me! I am a bad bad bad boy! jiji

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Desi1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:51:

Sweet of you guys to turn a perfectly innocent, informative thread into a pissing match. (Greg and OFYM).
I have a suggestion for you Peter: can you open a special section for these two guys to carry on? I'd pay not to have to read that stuff.

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

1 funny, 2 helpful.

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:53:

Oh yes Desi and no one started it? No one else contributed to it? Your a moderator? buy some glasses. You only see greg and me doing that? I would pay the whole nut to not see you as moderator.

0 funny, 1 helpful.

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:57:

Now get all huffy in your unfair moderation and delete me like you did elmo? heck greg too, then you can have it all for people who think just like you want them too. Wouldn't that be nice? Or think just like you do, whichever? Yes that would be a nice board then wouldn't it be?

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Desi1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:58:

Brians, I understand your concern about publishing baby pictures. Or any pictures of your family for that matter. The hyenas dig into anything usable published in the internet social forums. I've been victim of their "courtesies" as I'm sure many others also.

Greg...I agree with Kat and Brians on this one.

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

1 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:59:

MaBarker says on Nov 4, 2009, 10:01:

This is a perfect example of what I'm talking about: the double ignore feature. If you remove a couple of negative posters above with the double ignore, look at how clean, friendly this thread would look.

Try it with just the single ignore feature now.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 10:03:

I was just trying to be helpfull?

I really wish my friends would come on this site. I really really wish they could have as much fun as I do? I really really do, but they just got bored too quickly with it. I guess I am more easily amused...poor me.

0 funny, 1 helpful.

emerson_wylde says on Nov 4, 2009, 10:06:

OFYM says "The thing is this, negative is interesting, it makes very long posts. Nice gets very short posts and no discussion. There is no discussion on nice posts, only comments. I have posted them before and they died. If I am bored I come to PBH. It is for the discussions and well negative sells.... Ever watch the news? It really is no more than that."

The PBH rules defines trolling this way: "Some people just enjoy starting trouble. They'll intentionally post false or controversial material, usually worded in a provocative manner, just to get others to pay attention to them."

1 funny, 0 helpful.

oneforyourmillion says on Nov 4, 2009, 10:07:

Seriously though....Taking this site serious would be like me going to a fireworks display and complaining about the pollution.

0 funny, 1 helpful.

MaBarker says on Nov 4, 2009, 10:41:

Mr. BrianS, I'm glad to hear you're not part of 'the clique'. Darloup says I'm not a member either. I'm relieved.

"I come to praise Darloup, not to bury him'............Julius Caesar

1 funny, 0 helpful.

jimbo67856 says on Nov 4, 2009, 10:57:

Jesus. Like a moth to a flame.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

1 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on Nov 4, 2009, 11:07:

BRIANS!!!!!! why CAN"T you UNDERSTAND Greg???????? What IS your PROBLEM?????

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

jimbo67856 says on Nov 4, 2009, 11:40:

Brians, "turn into?" Brotha, methinks we're already there. LOL

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. ---- Thomas Jefferson

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lisa Zee says on Nov 4, 2009, 11:45:

Whatever the rate is, PLEASE do not make it $9.99, whatever but not 99. I hate this American prices with the 99 shit, make an even # please.

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

suizo says on Nov 4, 2009, 11:50:

I now agree with Peter on the pay site...

THEN ALL OF YOU GUYS WHO HAVE NO JOB AND ARE ONLY HERE FOR PERSONAL ATTACKS WILL BE GONE.

Crackheads suck!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 4, 2009, 11:51: