Dear Fellow FJ Brothers & Sisters,
After listing my FJ for sale, I was contacted by Randy (RPM Racing) about the future of the FJ forum and his possible acquisition of it. While he does have a vested business interest (and full disclosure: he was a client of mine several years ago and I built 2 websites for him) - I believe him to be the perfect man to oversee the FJ forum in the future.
He is the undisputed master of the FJ engine and the best supplier of FJ specific parts in the world. His business was started after learning the FJ engine during many years of being a Legends racer and he retired a World Finals Champion. I believe him to be an honest man and that he will run the FJ forum in the same ethical manner as I have tried my best to do.
I do want to address why the forum went down (for several hours) a few times recently:
In the First, the domain name failed to renew on the Credit Card on file because the credit card had been stolen and canceled. The domain name was just suspended until I updated the CC info on file.
The Second time was because (for the first time ever) we exceeded our allotted CPU cycles on our hosting plan. I had to upgrade to a hosting plan that is over double the price of the previous one - but this is a good sign! We have been growing in page views monthly since inception - growth is good!
We now have an even faster Server and pipeline for the FJ forum. Also, the FJ forum has ALWAYS been backed up daily...in 2 different locations - one in Chicago and one in California. Even if it ever goes down temporarily in the future, we will NEVER lose anything.
The Third time was due to a DNS propagation issue with the domain name while switching to the new fancy servers in Chicago. Unfortunately, most of these issues came up while I was skiing in Mammoth without a computer and limited cell phone service - but I managed to get them sorted as soon as I was alerted of the problem each time - usually within a few hours.
As you are all aware, I have not been around much lately. I was recently remarried to a wonderful woman - and let's face it - it takes time and resources to court these hot chicks. I have even missed the last 2 West Coast FJ Rallies. This was due to a couple years of consecutive physical injuries while skiing/snowboarding at Mammoth. First, I had a nasty fall while skiing and jacked up my left knee. Then the next year I dislocated my left elbow while snowboarding and had to have elbow surgery later for nerve issues. Unfortunately I was unable to ride during those rallies. I am all healed up now and ready to get to every FJ rally I can this year...even if it is while riding on a non-FJ.
I am not going anywhere...I love you all!!
... and we love you Marsh. Congratulations on the hottie wife!
Thanks to Randy/RPM for picking up the torch and continuing your investment in the FJ community!
Frank
Thanks Marsh. Welcome Randy. I too believe him to be an honest hard working sumbitch.
A very good hand off Marsh and endorsement to Randy. Randy has done well with his business and runs a tight ship, I think he will carry the FJowners torch as well as the RPM torch. Looking forward to seeing you at any rally you can make (even if injured)...
Well done Marsh. Congrats to both you & Randy. :drinks:
Thanks Marsh for setting up, maintaining and improving this site over the years. Your contribution to keeping the FJ movement alive and well is beyond measure - seriously, I have no idea how you would measure that. The torch couldn't have been handed off to a more worthy recipient. As far as the hot chick thing goes, I know what you mean - I've been married to one for over 20 years. Of course, mine let me keep the FJ and even own 2 at once for a short while. Tip to you single guys out there in search of a partner - prenup!
All the best!
Zwartie
Congrats on the wedding and thank you for all the hard work! I agree, I think the website is in great hands. I have only had my first of what will be many orders with Randy and look forward to helping continue to grow the FJ community.
Thanks Marsh for the upkeep and growth of this site!..Good luck on your future and +1 on Randy!
Thank you Marsh!
If it we not for you bringing this wonderful motorcycle page to the masses, I don't know where I would have landed.
The outstanding personal friendships I have made from attending FJ Rallys have been some of the best times of my life.
I want to thank you most for that, as I truly believe that of all the people I have encountered in my life, I feel the closest to the circle of owners/riders of our community here.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
And as far as Randy taking over the site, there is none better in my mind.
Randy is a stand up guy, a wealth of knowledge, and an honest caring person for all the owners out there in need of his services.
A true match made in heaven!
Take care, stay well, and I hope we cross paths once again, friend!
Leon
Quote from: Marsh White on March 16, 2016, 04:32:36 PM
... I was recently remarried to a wonderful woman - and let's face it - it takes time and resources to court these hot chicks....
Pics or it didn't happen.
Seriously, a big thumbs-up to Randy taking over the website. We will be in good hands.
Bill
Thank you Marsh for the opportunity to take the helm.
I am very overwhelmed at the moment trying to learn how to steer the big ol' forum when I am having trouble finding the landing plank...
Thank you everyone for their support. :hi:
Randy - RPM
Thanks for all you've done Marsh and thank you Randy for all that you are about to do.
Be Good.
Macca
Thank you for the love everyone!
Quote from: CutterBill on March 16, 2016, 10:15:05 PM
Quote from: Marsh White on March 16, 2016, 04:32:36 PM
... I was recently remarried to a wonderful woman - and let's face it - it takes time and resources to court these hot chicks....
Pics or it didn't happen.
Oh, it did happen. Just wait till I find the pics of the In-N-Out food truck...
[/quote]
Oh, it did happen. Just wait till I find the pics of the In-N-Out food truck...
[/quote]
Outstanding photos Marsh. Congratulations.
Macca.
Congratulations Marsh!. Excellent news!. Dont broke yourself any more with the snow and your wife! :biggrin:
Take care and its a pleasure to know Randy is managing the forum now
Quote from: Tony Mac on March 17, 2016, 12:50:49 AM
Quote
Oh, it did happen. Just wait till I find the pics of the In-N-Out food truck...
Outstanding photos Marsh. Congratulations.
That's a motley crew, at least on the groom's side. And what's with the KTM colors?
Seriously, congratulations. And thanks for all your hard work on this forum.
rossi
I'm not familiar with the beginnings of this forum, but I'm pretty sure when you took on this task that you had no idea how big it would grow. It's hard to believe how a niche market motorcycle like the FJ could gain such a worldwide devoted (rabid) following. A lot of that certainly has to do with your hard work and devotion to this forum in bringing this community of oddballs together.
I trolled this forum for many months before I signed in. I liked to keep my digital footprint as small as possible, but realized its a lost cause in today's world. The amount of knowledge and support through this site more than makes up for any previous trepidations I had.
Randy is going to be a perfect fit for this forum too. Good luck to both of you. Oh yeah.... time to dig into my PayPal account for a donation. :good2:
:good2: :good2:
Marsh,
I'm a fan of both the forum and the business as separate entities, and suspect that Randy is ethical enough to...
... well ...
... you know.
Seriously, congrats, and thank you for everything. Wish I could afford your "slightly modded" bike.
Randy, I appreciate your hard work and patience.
And kudos to the other unsung heros out there! Conlon! theFan! Our READERS and LURKERS!
. . geez, it's early! :morning1:
Steve
:good2: :good2:
Congratulations Marsh. Stay healthy and happy and behave yourself. She is a beautiful lady. Wishing you all the best in the future. You piçked an excellent successor. Will have to send a fresh donation. Big R
Marsh,
Thanks for all the years you've hosted the list.
Randy,
Couldn't have gone to a more deserving chap.
Cheers to youse both :-)
Arnie
Thank you Marsh and congratulations on the marriage ! :drinks: Hope to run across your path again in the future. The hand off to Randy is an excellent fit. As a group we are really lucky that RPM is willing to continue the fjowners forum and conserve the files that so many have contributed to.
Thank you again Marsh :hi:
George
Congrats to Marsh and Randy on this transition.... thank you both for taking care of the FJ clan!!
I do recognize two or more of those groomsmen.... Congrats on getting married Marsh!
Cheers!
tim
Like everyone else has echoed - many thanks to Marsh and Randy - fjowners.com remains in good hands! :hi:
Marsh, thank you for getting this site started, for your work in running it for the past years and congratulations on your marriage. Your dedication to the cause has bought many like minded people together, and I for one have benefitted greatly from it all. The fact that Randy is taking over is fantastic. This forum and RPM are the two reasons my bike is still running as well as it is, and with all help and information I've received on this site, definitely the reason that I've been able to do the work myself.
My best to you both.
Mark Martin
Marsh,
Glad to hear you are all healed up from your injuries. I know that can be a complicated process as we all age.
Congratulations on your marriage! It looks like a great wedding party from the pictures, and I recognize some of the faces.
Wishing you and yours all the best. Keep each other happy, and you all will be just fine.
I have to say, that the news of you passing on the forum to Randy is Bitterweet..............
You have done such a wonderful job with creating, and managing this forum. The thought of you not owning or running it anymore makes me a little sad.
I originally joined to get some advice, and a little more information about the FJ that I had purchased. The knowledge I have gathered over that time is certainly valuable indeed.
What happened along the way is something that I never would have expected when I joined the forum.
The personal friendships that I have gained, solely by meeting people from this forum, and from attending Rallies that you had a hand in putting together, are priceless to me.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for making that possibility, and for making these virtual and physical gatherings a reality.
I have to admit, when I saw your FJ come up for sale, my heart sank...................I thought to myself, "Here is the MAIN MAN, the Creator of this whole FJ Domain, and he's selling his iconic machine!"
I realize that even the most cherished and well cared-for machines eventually outlive their desired purpose, but the thought of you not riding THAT FJ anymore, or seeing it at Rallies with you on it, will take some getting used to..................
The decision by Yourself and Randy, to have Randy take over the Forum, I believe to be a good one.
Randy and his son Robert's dedication to service is second-to-none!
If he takes care of this forum the same way he takes care of all of us FJ owners, we've got nothing to worry about.
All I have left to say is, please don't disappear!
Your (lack of) presence at the Rallies these past couple years has brought much speculation, and discussion..........You have been missed.
I know "Life Happens", and some things are out of our control, but it would be great to see you at some of the Rallies in the future.
Thank you for all you have done for us!
Quote from: fj1289 on March 17, 2016, 10:15:25 AM
Like everyone else has echoed - many thanks to Marsh and Randy - fjowners.com remains in good hands! :hi:
Just catching up on whats happening.....+1 on Chris's comment.
Harvy
Quote from: Firehawk068 on March 17, 2016, 03:41:33 PM
I have to admit, when I saw your FJ come up for sale, my heart sank...................I thought to myself, "Here is the MAIN MAN, the Creator of this whole FJ Domain, and he's selling his iconic machine!"
Marsh,
At this point, I have to inquire:
Your new wife isn't DEMANDING you sell your beloved, is she???
(I seem to remember a South Park episode way back when, involving Chef and a Succubus.) (popcorn)
Steve
Hey Marsh, good to hear you are well.. best wishes to you and the new bride. :good2:
Big thanks to all you have done.
I think you have achieved celebrity status at this point and the group would like to see you at the WCR this year. :drinks:
I believe you gotta wear the" Drinks Bitch' shirt caused you missed two rallys in a row. :rofl2:
Quote from: Mark Olson on March 19, 2016, 07:13:44 PM
I believe you gotta wear the" Drinks Bitch' shirt caused you missed two rallys in a row. :rofl2:
Where is the shirt? Seems to have missed a few rallies as well.
So, Randy taking over the forum, such an obvious choice I'm surprised no one thought of it before. Excellent.
I'm sure when Marsh set this up he had no idea of the juggernaut it would become, as has been attested to many times here over the last few days. The friendships forged, the events, the world wide family that has come of it.
Marsh's greatest contribution to the forum (other than starting it) has been IMO keeping his fingers out of it, allowing it to be self governing and self policing has, with the exception of one member who seems to have been granted immunity from posts that go way beyond common decency, worked wonderfully.
I hope Randy understands the knife edge nature of what makes forums work or fail, why this forum is so great and doesn't start imposing his own values on it, controlling it. If he starts tweaking his new toy the wheels will likely fall off it.
It works well as it is, leave it be. There is potential here for a conflict of interest and I guess the next person to post dissenting opinions, derogatory feedback on RPM services or products, NSFW content or get into an online dust up with Randy over technical issues will test the new ownership. Separating personal feelings and commercial interest is paramount, something he has not always done well in the past.
Congratulations and all the best on your new acquisition Randy, I am confident the forum's future is assured in your hands. I have literally just returned several hours ago from an excellent weekend with 18 FJ riders, some of their partners and a few ring in's that would never have come together if not for the forum.
Look after it and don't fuck around with it, it works!
Noel
Congratulations to both Marsh and Randy on their new adventures.
Hmmm, I'm skeptical.. Is it really a wedding when there isn't an fj in sight? No "missing man formation" of riders carving a canyon? Seriously, thanks for the good times. Marsh. Always best wishes for the future...
Quote from: Steve_in_Florida on March 17, 2016, 09:32:56 PM
Quote from: Firehawk068 on March 17, 2016, 03:41:33 PM
I have to admit, when I saw your FJ come up for sale, my heart sank...................I thought to myself, "Here is the MAIN MAN, the Creator of this whole FJ Domain, and he's selling his iconic machine!"
Marsh,
At this point, I have to inquire:
Your new wife isn't DEMANDING you sell your beloved, is she???
(I seem to remember a South Park episode way back when, involving Chef and a Succubus.) (popcorn)
Steve
Ha, no way! My wife couldn't (and hopefully in the future wouldn't) ever force me to sell anything!! I am selling 4 of the 6 bikes in my garage for 2 reasons: 1. I need money to start a new business. 2. I need space in my garage for a production line for the new business.
I still have bikes to ride to the rallies this year - and my plan is to buy a brand new fancy motorcycle this summer - though at this point I don't know what that will be yet. (trolling: open for suggestions - I really like the Ducati Multistrada, but it is just so damn ugly on the front and just too damn big underneath you when you ride it...)
Quote from: FJmonkey on March 19, 2016, 10:59:52 PM
Quote from: Mark Olson on March 19, 2016, 07:13:44 PM
I believe you gotta wear the" Drinks Bitch' shirt caused you missed two rallys in a row. :rofl2:
Where is the shirt? Seems to have missed a few rallies as well.
I agree with that (sadly) - and I have both the DRINKS BITCH shirt and the FJ Rally banner that L.A. Mike made....I'll be bringing them both to the WCR this year. (maybe the potato cannon as well...) ;)
Quote from: ribbert on March 20, 2016, 06:16:22 AM
So, Randy taking over the forum, such an obvious choice I'm surprised no one thought of it before. Excellent.
I'm sure when Marsh set this up he had no idea of the juggernaut it would become, as has been attested to many times here over the last few days. The friendships forged, the events, the world wide family that has come of it.
Marsh's greatest contribution to the forum (other than starting it) has been IMO keeping his fingers out of it, allowing it to be self governing and self policing has, with the exception of one member who seems to have been granted immunity from posts that go way beyond common decency, worked wonderfully.
I hope Randy understands the knife edge nature of what makes forums work or fail, why this forum is so great and doesn't start imposing his own values on it, controlling it. If he starts tweaking his new toy the wheels will likely fall off it.
It works well as it is, leave it be. There is potential here for a conflict of interest and I guess the next person to post dissenting opinions, derogatory feedback on RPM services or products, NSFW content or get into an online dust up with Randy over technical issues will test the new ownership. Separating personal feelings and commercial interest is paramount, something he has not always done well in the past.
Congratulations and all the best on your new acquisition Randy, I am confident the forum's future is assured in your hands. I have literally just returned several hours ago from an excellent weekend with 18 FJ riders, some of their partners and a few ring in's that would never have come together if not for the forum.
Look after it and don't fuck around with it, it works!
Noel
Thank you - that was a very deep post. I agree with nearly everything you said. It took much thought and years to fully tweak the settings and permissions/parameters on this forum to get it to where it is today. I also think it is setup very well and I have not (obviously) made any changes in the last few years. Why? "Because if it ain't broke, then don't fix it"
I have spoken with Randy about this as well and we are both on the same page.
Marsh, congrats on the wedding.
Randy, congrats on taking the con.
:good2:
Quote from: Marsh White on March 21, 2016, 01:29:39 PM
"Because if it ain't broke, then don't fix it"
Unless you are talking about the search function. Simple Machines search is awful to the point of uselessness.
Quote from: JPaganel on March 21, 2016, 01:41:25 PM
Quote from: Marsh White on March 21, 2016, 01:29:39 PM
"Because if it ain't broke, then don't fix it"
Unless you are talking about the search function. Simple Machines search is awful to the point of uselessness.
There is a cycle in code updates (or any updates of any kind in general): they fix some bugs and make improvements, but they generally also create new bugs and problems.....this cycle is never-ending for a software developer. I customized the hell out of this code and finally got it stable and working very well. That is hard to do - and that is why I have left it alone since then.
That being said: of course it is dated code. There are newer versions of every module installed on this site - and newer versions of this forum software master code.
I think that the best way to update this site is to build a new test site (on a sub-domain for testing purposes) with all of the new improvements (mostly for mobile devices) and tweak and test it out until it is stable. Then introduce it to everyone once it is ready. It should be instantly familiar, and function in the same manner - just with modern improvements. I have also spoken about this with Randy.
Congrats, Marsh! Best to keep the new boss happy!
You've done an awesome job of shepherding this ragtag fugitive fleet from the Yahoo Group to the modern forum era. Its grown and improved every step of the way.
Welcome, Randy. You've got big shoes to fill.
a joyous occassion for all parties involved. hope to catch up with you folks at a rally someday soon, randy i'll probably call you this week to confirm some parts questions after i read my manual a few times.
forgot to purchase a parts catalog. :dash1:
Congrats Marsh. May the new business be so busy you need to move out of the garage and into bigger premises, employ some people to do your job, and fill the garage with bikes again!
Congratulations Marsh and thank you for all you did with this forum. i wish you and your Bride all the best.
Thank you Randy for stepping up and taking over. This forum, RPM and my favorite bike shop have kept my FJ on the road since 2003.
Anson
Quote from: ribbert on March 20, 2016, 06:16:22 AM
So, Randy taking over the forum, such an obvious choice I'm surprised no one thought of it before. Excellent.
I'm sure when Marsh set this up he had no idea of the juggernaut it would become, as has been attested to many times here over the last few days. The friendships forged, the events, the world wide family that has come of it.
Marsh's greatest contribution to the forum (other than starting it) has been IMO keeping his fingers out of it, allowing it to be self governing and self policing has, with the exception of one member who seems to have been granted immunity from posts that go way beyond common decency, worked wonderfully.
I hope Randy understands the knife edge nature of what makes forums work or fail, why this forum is so great and doesn't start imposing his own values on it, controlling it. If he starts tweaking his new toy the wheels will likely fall off it.
It works well as it is, leave it be. There is potential here for a conflict of interest and I guess the next person to post dissenting opinions, derogatory feedback on RPM services or products, NSFW content or get into an online dust up with Randy over technical issues will test the new ownership. Separating personal feelings and commercial interest is paramount, something he has not always done well in the past.
Congratulations and all the best on your new acquisition Randy, I am confident the forum's future is assured in your hands. I have literally just returned several hours ago from an excellent weekend with 18 FJ riders, some of their partners and a few ring in's that would never have come together if not for the forum.
Look after it and don't fuck around with it, it works!
Noel
Noel,
Please check your PM, I sent a message a couple of days ago and have not received a response yet.
Randy - RPM
Will contributions now roll over to Randy?
Quote from: Dads_FJ on March 24, 2016, 09:09:40 PM
Will contributions now roll over to Randy?
Yes they will.
Thank you, Randy - RPM
Quote from: racerrad8 on March 24, 2016, 09:24:11 PM
Quote from: Dads_FJ on March 24, 2016, 09:09:40 PM
Will contributions now roll over to Randy?
Yes they will.
Thank you, Randy - RPM
I'm actually having a hard time finding a link on how to donate - guess it's been way too long. Which makes me think of a suggestion. How about after a year (or two or three or whatever) ones status goes from "Contributor" back to something else (Contribut
ed??). It seems to me that someone who donated one dollar 5 years ago shouldn't have the same status as someone who donates on a regular basis.
Quote from: Dads_FJ on March 24, 2016, 09:43:37 PM
I'm actually having a hard time finding a link on how to donate
Bottom of the home page.
Quote from: not a lib on March 24, 2016, 10:46:39 PM
Quote from: Dads_FJ on March 24, 2016, 09:43:37 PM
I'm actually having a hard time finding a link on how to donate
Bottom of the home page.
Duh, couldn't see the forest through the trees. Thanks
I've been out of touch for awhile, and need to get back into the proper grove... so for starters: use google search and add site:www.fjowners.com at the end of your search terms. Works really well and no need to mod the site code. Sorry if it is posted elsewhere, my forum etiquette needs some simichrome too.
:drinks:
When clicking on the "Support" button, I'm taken to a Paypal page for Baby Grands, Inc. Is that the correct Paypal account, or did some miscreant from a Hooligan-Piano Forum Hack the account?
Quote from: FeralRdr on April 03, 2016, 11:56:53 AM
When clicking on the "Support" button, I'm taken to a Paypal page for Baby Grands, Inc. Is that the correct Paypal account, or did some miscreant from a Hooligan-Piano Forum Hack the account?
That is correct. When I bought the Yamaha business last fall, that was the corporation name. A lot of work to change over so I kept it.
We are still DBA as RPM.
Thanks, Randy - RPM
After a lot of years asking you to pass me a logo to insert an add in mi web, I´ve got it downloading your new banner :yahoo:
At the end of my welcome page is inserted
Is it ok, Randy?
Alf, thank you.
Randy - RPM
Quote from: racerrad8 on April 03, 2016, 01:14:18 PM
Quote from: FeralRdr on April 03, 2016, 11:56:53 AM
When clicking on the "Support" button, I'm taken to a Paypal page for Baby Grands, Inc. Is that the correct Paypal account, or did some miscreant from a Hooligan-Piano Forum Hack the account?
That is correct. When I bought the Yamaha business last fall, that was the corporation name. A lot of work to change over so I kept it.
We are still DBA as RPM.
Thanks, Randy - RPM
Thanks for the clarification Randy.
Congrats Marsh, I wish you all the best in all your new endeavors..... takes a brave man to get married and an even braver man to do it again. Thanks for starting this site....because of it, I have made so many great new friends.....I will do my best to get to some rally's this year including one out your way.....look forward to your company on day soon... :drinks:
CanDman
Marsh I'm sorry have not checked in for a while but you didn't have to jump ship over it. Seriously THANK YOU. This site was great find for me. Got me back in the saddle, discovered new friends that I will have for life, and an event that I will look forward to every year. Of course a great source of FJ knowledge too. I will miss this years rally but hope to catch you at another. You have beautiful family. Wish you the best on your next venture. I know it will be successful.
Mike
PS bring shirt, banner and potatoe gun. Leave the screaming mimi. Damn that thing is loud...at 3:00 in the morning
I have been away for a while too, family issues have kept me away. Only from the forum not from the FJ. Congratulations to Randy on the forum, I sent in a contribution.