TSB

General => Industry News/ Announcements/Press Releases/Product Promotion => Topic started by: blue moon on May 25, 2023, 04:19:30 PM

Title: this might be the end...
Post by: blue moon on May 25, 2023, 04:19:30 PM
our hosting expires on june 6th and we are not going to maintain the forum any more. If anybody is interested in moving it to their web page let us know.
Otherwise the lights will go out!

pierre
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Sbrem on May 25, 2023, 04:52:24 PM
Oh my... I will miss this place and everyone in it for sure. I've had so much help from my friends here, as well as contributing what I know, as little as it is. Thank you Pierre, Dan and Andy, you are all fine gentlemen, and I'm glad to have made your acquaintances. God bless you all, and all of my friends here as well.

Steve
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: nicolas on May 25, 2023, 11:06:19 PM
I'LL SUE!!!  >:(
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Doug S on May 26, 2023, 08:04:04 AM
I sure hate to hear this.  I've made it such a habit to check TSB every morning.  That will be tough to get use to.  Sure going to miss it.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: mk162 on May 26, 2023, 10:26:56 AM
I will miss this place, but everything has a season.  I'm thankful for the friends I've made and the things I've learned.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: siestasol on May 26, 2023, 10:29:31 AM
NO, NO... Where are we going to find the knowledge, the help We need sometimes. Will be hard. Usually, I check the emails, the news and TSB...
Thanks to all. Al
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: nobrainsd on May 26, 2023, 01:35:10 PM
Well, First off, a big thank you to everyone who made The Shirt Board possible! I have learned so much from the posts by real printers over the years. Having a searchable database is so crucial. Whenever I had a problem or wanted to try a new product I made a search. It has been indispensable. My other big interest, sit down hydrofoiling, lost the main focus of our sport when the Foilforum shut down. Our foiling community has suffered. Facebook groups can never replace the years of experience that were to be found with a site search and everything posted on FB disappears so quickly.  I am ever hopeful that someone will choose to host this site, but change is the way of the world. Alas. Still feeling very thankful to have been here.

Nobrainsd (Kelson)


Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: GraphicDisorder on May 26, 2023, 02:19:19 PM
Sorry to hear it.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: screenxpress on May 26, 2023, 04:28:53 PM
Many of us will sorely miss this "home". 

Like many of you I have this site auto-open along with my Email Tabs when my PC boots up.

Huge Kudo's to Pierre, Dan and Andy for providing this rich location for information and help.

Since I do not do facebook and before this site goes belly-up https://www.t-shirtforums.com/ (https://www.t-shirtforums.com/) might be a place to land at least for the time being.  It's not quite as navigable as our site here, but does seem to have a lot of questions asked and questions answered.

But I understand all good things must come to an end and I just want to give a big Thanks to Pierre, Dan and Andy for taking a lot of time out of their revenue producing schedules to give us a place to gather and search for answers for all these years.






Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: 1964GN on May 26, 2023, 05:13:51 PM
I have plenty of hosting space and it won't cost a penny.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: blue moon on May 26, 2023, 05:17:34 PM
I have plenty of hosting space and it won't cost a penny.
The trick is in backing it up and restoring on another server. If you can do that it’s an option.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: 1964GN on May 26, 2023, 05:20:47 PM
Right. I'll look into the options this weekend and see what I can do. I actually own 5 boating forums for the last 12 years (as a hobby) and have plenty of space on my hosting reseller account.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: blue moon on May 27, 2023, 06:40:19 AM
It looks like Rick Roth will take it over and connect it to the ink kitchen. This is actually a good fit as he is going to connect the blog with a forum. Lets hope it works out…
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: 1964GN on May 27, 2023, 06:44:39 AM
Sounds good. If for some reason that doesn't work out I do see a path to move to my host and convert it to a new forum software that's quite a bit more robust. The back up procedure would need to be done before you lose access to your host.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: DonR on May 27, 2023, 08:35:43 AM
Happy to hear you are trying to save this site. I have always found that the members are more professional and knowledgeable than other t-shirts sites.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: brandon on May 27, 2023, 11:11:53 AM
I really hope you can save it. While the technology is changing fast the core foundation will be the same for a long time still and a lot of FB posts are just wrong. Thank you everyone over the years that has helped me be where I am today and where I am soon to be going.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: 1964GN on May 27, 2023, 12:20:43 PM
Facebook groups suck for many reasons. Misinformation is a big one though.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Frog on May 27, 2023, 12:25:39 PM
Facebook groups suck for many reasons. Misinformation is a big one though.

At least on a very active FB group page, for better or worse, folks will be quick to point out disagreements.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: TheGhost on May 28, 2023, 09:28:36 PM
Hope it stays free and as it is. My favorite website to visit.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: rusty on May 29, 2023, 05:18:53 PM
Yeah, love this place and hope it stays active somewhere else.

I would be happy to pay a fee for access to private area where discussion can be a bit more open regarding, methods, pricing, fulfillment options, etc. the nitty gritty

Either way I am thankful for everyone one here who has answered questions and given advice no matter how insignificant.



Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Homer on May 29, 2023, 05:52:21 PM
I'd happily pay a subscription to keep this going if that's what it takes... I've known of some you dudes for over 20 years, way too much valuable knowledge we can not afford to lose............ Like the last time with Preston....or the time before that.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Atownsend on May 30, 2023, 10:33:50 AM
Bummer. This place has been great. Really. Thank you all for all of the support though the years. I dont know where I'd be without TSB. Fingers crossed this gets moved to another server. Like homer I'd pay a subscription fee to keep it alive here or somewhere else. I have noticed traffic dropping over the past few years. I guess most everything has moved to social media. I hate that.. I get it but I also don't. It  just doesn't seem like a good place to learn to me.

Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: GraphicDisorder on May 30, 2023, 11:55:25 AM
Facebook groups suck for many reasons. Misinformation is a big one though.

Yes....but many Facebook groups have something this forum no longer has in general. Activity. This forum has a lot of great members and information.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: blue moon on May 30, 2023, 12:02:27 PM
Facebook groups suck for many reasons. Misinformation is a big one though.

Yes....but many Facebook groups have something this forum no longer has in general. Activity. This forum has a lot of great members and information.

which is in large part our fault. We have restricted the conversation to garment decorating and have not rally supported off topic conversations. If we had more conversations about BBQ sauce, we probably would have kept more ppl here. As it is, much of the stuff discussed on FB is not really relevant.

as you mentioned, this is the best resource for good information currently available, but once we sorta figure out what's right and what's wrong, not much is left to discuss...

pj
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: GoWestRob on May 30, 2023, 12:07:51 PM
It looks like Rick Roth will take it over and connect it to the ink kitchen. This is actually a good fit as he is going to connect the blog with a forum. Lets hope it works out…

This sounds like a perfect match for the future of TSB.  Thank you to Rick!
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: 3Deep on May 30, 2023, 01:03:54 PM
Just seeing this, as Homer stated I've chatted with many of you online and offline met in person for many years, so much great info here would be very hard to see it go, hope everything works with Rick and we all can still get and share info.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: GraphicDisorder on May 30, 2023, 01:51:14 PM
Facebook groups suck for many reasons. Misinformation is a big one though.

Yes....but many Facebook groups have something this forum no longer has in general. Activity. This forum has a lot of great members and information.

which is in large part our fault. We have restricted the conversation to garment decorating and have not rally supported off topic conversations. If we had more conversations about BBQ sauce, we probably would have kept more ppl here. As it is, much of the stuff discussed on FB is not really relevant.

as you mentioned, this is the best resource for good information currently available, but once we sorta figure out what's right and what's wrong, not much is left to discuss...

pj

For sure. Most any forum really, sucks on the a phone. It just does and that is where people want to get/share information.

So Facebook and other socials that have aps that are easy to use on a phone will win this, every time. Unfortunately.

Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Dottonedan on May 31, 2023, 09:00:08 AM
Facebook popularity is not about phone Ap usability.   It’s because 95% of its users are already there logged in and viewing photos, videos, chatting with Mom and their kids or siblings and also other personal interest.

A quick click to a group and you’re in a private group of screen printers. Although some of the groups don’t make it so private. End users are able to pop in on some of them.  Phone app user friendly is only one part of many. Largest reason is just because they have easy access already being there.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: GraphicDisorder on May 31, 2023, 12:01:24 PM
Facebook popularity is not about phone Ap usability.   It’s because 95% of its users are already there logged in and viewing photos, videos, chatting with Mom and their kids or siblings and also other personal interest.

Of course popularity is about the App's usability. If it wasn't easy to use it would not be as popular. 97% of Facebook users access it via a phone/ap, that is a clear indication that it has excellent usability via the App, in contrast forums do not. I rarely access this or any forum from my phone for example. Mostly did so from a PC over the years.

A quick click to a group and you’re in a private group of screen printers. Although some of the groups don’t make it so private. End users are able to pop in on some of them.  Phone app user friendly is only one part of many. Largest reason is just because they have easy access already being there.

They are already there because it is easy to do so via the App, people don't stick around and use it because its hard to do? People want to share/get info on Facebook/other socials because it is easy/fast. That is because the App works great, the experience is simple which makes them want to be there and makes them want to participate in chatting with friends, chatting about work, joining a group and so on.

It's unfortunate. In general forums are still where the best information lives, but that wont be that way forever.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Evo on May 31, 2023, 06:58:17 PM
I literally just got back on here and now this? GET IT TOGETHER PEOPLE.

Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: 1964GN on June 01, 2023, 09:26:19 AM
Forum software is evolving but not at a pace I wish it would, although a couple are becoming much more mobile friendly. FB groups give people near instant gratification but the answers are often incorrect. Groups also offer no topic organization. This is a big reason forums are still relevant today.

My oldest forum was started in 2007. As FB groups became more popular I was sure it was the end, but it's still going strong and continues to earn a decent annual revenue, and the user base keeps expanding.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: GraphicDisorder on June 01, 2023, 11:58:39 AM
Forum software is evolving but not at a pace I wish it would, although a couple are becoming much more mobile friendly. FB groups give people near instant gratification but the answers are often incorrect. Groups also offer no topic organization. This is a big reason forums are still relevant today.

My oldest forum was started in 2007. As FB groups became more popular I was sure it was the end, but it's still going strong and continues to earn a decent annual revenue, and the user base keeps expanding.

Yes it has gotten better, but many forums haven't adopted the best software or use out of date forums and they simply die. The ones that do move to something more user friendly extend the life.

Sure some incorrect stuff is posted on FB groups, but that's true of forums too or any group. Including this one. That's not a FB problem or a forum problem...that's just a knowledge/experience/human problem.

There are always exceptions to the rule, but my point stands. In general forums are dying or are dead already. I welcome forums to stay, but reality is...they just aren't largely.


Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: 1964GN on June 01, 2023, 12:19:26 PM
Forum software is evolving but not at a pace I wish it would, although a couple are becoming much more mobile friendly. FB groups give people near instant gratification but the answers are often incorrect. Groups also offer no topic organization. This is a big reason forums are still relevant today.

My oldest forum was started in 2007. As FB groups became more popular I was sure it was the end, but it's still going strong and continues to earn a decent annual revenue, and the user base keeps expanding.

There are always exceptions to the rule, but my point stands. In general forums are dying or are dead already. I welcome forums to stay, but reality is...they just aren't largely.


That's what people told me 10 years ago.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Dottonedan on June 01, 2023, 02:54:17 PM
Well, be it Rock Roth or 1964Gn or whomever. I'll assist where I can. As the three of us continue to get tied up with our own business/life, it's hard to dedicate a lot of effort into pushing the forum with marketing. I can only assist where I can. Some contributions, some art/sep info, and the occasional video training links and the occasional mention and link while on FB.


Obviously, the ease of phone usage for a forum would make it better.   The point remains that an easy phone app is not THE only reason for FB groups to be doing so well.  The biggest part of it is that you're already there with everyone else in your world in your face. Unlike a screen print forum.


I for one, prefer to get on the computer rather than look at a tiny phone screen. Like right now, I have my phone beside me, but jumped on the computer to come here. Personal preference maybe and I don't think I'm alone. But that doesn't take away from the fact that the fresh crowd are all about phone usage and the older crowd going on their phone when not at a computer and have down time. Organization is one major thing that makes a forum much better than FB groups.

Over the last 5 years, I've often heard people say they know of this forum but they seem to get nervous about coming on our forum and becoming a member for the lack of experience, so they lurk and eventually go where other inexperienced people gravitate to/go.
They say they are intimidated. Why that might be, I have not really seen here. It's not like we are rude and fight like they do on FB groups. When someone here makes a post that is wrong, we are much more polite about correcting that information. But that is also an attraction. People like to watch a confrontation/argument.

Moderating is also excellent here.  As we all know, we do not permit people to fly off at the handle. Andy also took the lead on an exceptional job of protecting this forum. Over the years, every day, he was taking the time to keep an eye out and act fast to remove all post and ban spam/phishers etc.

Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: GraphicDisorder on June 02, 2023, 10:01:38 AM
Forum software is evolving but not at a pace I wish it would, although a couple are becoming much more mobile friendly. FB groups give people near instant gratification but the answers are often incorrect. Groups also offer no topic organization. This is a big reason forums are still relevant today.

My oldest forum was started in 2007. As FB groups became more popular I was sure it was the end, but it's still going strong and continues to earn a decent annual revenue, and the user base keeps expanding.

There are always exceptions to the rule, but my point stands. In general forums are dying or are dead already. I welcome forums to stay, but reality is...they just aren't largely.


That's what people told me 10 years ago.

That's great, as I clearly mentioned there are exceptions to the rule.

Largely my point is very correct. I used to frequent dozens of forums that are either gone none or have zero activity now and some poor sole hasn't pulled the plug yet.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: GraphicDisorder on June 02, 2023, 10:50:17 AM
Obviously, the ease of phone usage for a forum would make it better.   The point remains that an easy phone app is not THE only reason for FB groups to be doing so well.  The biggest part of it is that you're already there with everyone else in your world in your face. Unlike a screen print forum.

Who said it was the "ONLY" reason like you keep on about? There is no "ONLY" reason. But there are big ones and like you just said its because they are already there....  But why are they already there in 2023? It is because it's popular/high activity with their friends and family, its on the phone where everyone is consuming their info already and all of that is accessed for most people by the App. These things all feed each other. App gets better, usage goes up. Usage goes up, more people get accounts and the App. Those are big big reasons....there is no "ONLY" reason.

I don't want this or other forums to go away, as mentioned. So I hope they don't but I also don't want to visit a dead forum every day either.

Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: balloonguy on June 04, 2023, 12:34:37 PM
I will miss this place terribly. The group has been a great help to me and my family.
If it does not work out... I wish you all the best!
Matt
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Sbrem on June 05, 2023, 09:16:14 AM
I it is picked up by Rick Roth or 1964GN, will that be announced here? Like today or tomorrow? Somewhere on FB or Instagram? I'm starting to feel a little sad...

Steve
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: cleveprint on June 05, 2023, 12:14:28 PM
I enjoyed stalking here over the years for sure. A constant tab open in my browser with this site up on it. Much appreciated to all who shared their knowledge! Take care and best of luck to everyone. Stay busy!
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: screenxpress on June 05, 2023, 12:40:51 PM
I enjoyed stalking here over the years for sure. A constant tab open in my browser with this site up on it. Much appreciated to all who shared their knowledge! Take care and best of luck to everyone. Stay busy!

Could not have said it better. 
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Homer on June 05, 2023, 12:42:40 PM
I enjoyed stalking here over the years for sure. A constant tab open in my browser with this site up on it. Much appreciated to all who shared their knowledge! Take care and best of luck to everyone. Stay busy!

Could not have said it better.

take care Pops, I'll pour out a little Tim Hortons for ya...
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Rick Roth on June 08, 2023, 08:30:46 PM
It is not the end. Inkkitchen.com has rescued it before it disappeared.

Thanks go to Pierre who orchestrated this to no benefit of his own.

We hope to both retain all the knowledge and good will that is in these pages and with some effort take it forward, most likely with assistance of all of you.

You will be hearing more soon.

Rick Roth
Founder - inkkitchen.com
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Sbrem on June 09, 2023, 04:29:08 PM
It is not the end. Inkkitchen.com has rescued it before it disappeared.

Thanks go to Pierre who orchestrated this to no benefit of his own.

We hope to both retain all the knowledge and good will that is in these pages and with some effort take it forward, most likely with assistance of all of you.

You will be hearing more soon.

Rick Roth
Founder - inkkitchen.com

Thank you, sir, I know we all appreciate it. It's a pretty good group here.

Steve
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: mk162 on June 12, 2023, 10:52:47 AM
Thanks Rick!
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: GraphicDisorder on June 12, 2023, 11:55:18 AM
Nice save, now lets see if the users start using it again.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: siestasol on June 12, 2023, 01:44:06 PM
Thanks, Rick!!
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: Homer on June 12, 2023, 08:38:41 PM
Nice save, now lets see if the users start using it again.

yes, 100%..... like that toy you HAD to save from the garage sale, then you toss it back in the basement.....
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: GraphicDisorder on June 13, 2023, 07:48:09 AM
Nice save, now lets see if the users start using it again.

yes, 100%..... like that toy you HAD to save from the garage sale, then you toss it back in the basement.....

Likely to be the result, I hope not though. But I have seen this movie before. What generally happens is some uptick, then back to what was the reason it was being closed to start with. Ill try to do my part to post more.
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: 3Deep on June 13, 2023, 03:00:13 PM
Same I'll try to post a little more, hey thanks to Rick and his team for keeping this place around
Title: Re: this might be the end...
Post by: 1964GN on June 15, 2023, 04:57:22 PM
Agreed. We should all try to post more as well encourage others to join the forum and participate... maybe drop a link on FB group that directs them to a relevant and informative thread here on the subject.