Post by: Brett on July 06, 2025, 06:51:31 PM
We’ve reached a crossroads in the life of the Forum and we as a community need to work out which way we are going to go.The plan to move the hosting from Digital Pacific to Amazon (to try and make the server fees a bit more affordable) hasn’t worked out. Whilst one of our IT savvy Forum members has had a red-hot crack at getting it sorted, it has proven to be too problematic. We thank him so very much for his time though and give him an A+++ for effort. Asking Firefox (the Forum member who volunteered his expertise and moved the Forum to Digital Pacific back in 2012) to sort it is out of the question as he is a man-in-demand in his job.
As some of you may have noticed over the last little while, the Forum has become quite laggy. That’s because, effective 1st July 2024, it has not been receiving critical security or cPanel updates or vendor support. The server will continue to function, however newly discovered vulnerabilities will no longer be patched. This increases the risk to the server and data over time.
Because the Forum is proving too hard to move, our only viable option at this point in time (if we want Myswag to live on), is to upgrade our server with Digital Pacific. After speaking with Brett and checking the specification of our current dedicated server, Digital Pacific have come to the conclusion the server that will suit best is a cPanel Managed VPS 3. For a fee, they can assist us with the migration. They will also provide a bulk migration discount to make this transition more affordable. The catch is, to be eligible for the bulk migration discount, we need to pay the annual Server Fee up front. See below:
- 1 Month: $308.90/mo + Migration charges
- 1 year: $3,069.20 (18% Discount) + No migration charges
- 2 year: $5,482.30 (28% Discount) + No migration charges
- 3 year: $7,845.36 (33% Discount) + No migration charges
As a community, do you want to:
- Take up Digital Pacific on their offer and all Members (not just the same old people who cough up every single time) contribute in some way to raising the at-least $3069.20 (1 year Server Fee) so that there are no migration charges. This option would mean Members would then need to be prepared to keep coming up with the Server fees each month/year for the life of the Forum.
- Say, “well it was a good run of 18+ years Myswag but it’s time to pull the plug” and shut the Forum down before anyone’s data is breached
I’m going to add a poll to this post to start with and then we’ll go from there.
All thoughts and alternative ideas are welcome…
Brett & Jillsy
Post by: Hairs on July 06, 2025, 07:13:28 PM
We certainly don't want you Brett & Jill out of pocket.
Running/moderating a forum Web based is a costly and time consuming exercise.
Most groups, community based, even businesses have made the transition to Facebook, Whatsap.
Our 4wd Club is even questioning the dollars spent on a Web site, is it worth it?
And yes there are many who don't use social media platforms forms, for many reasons.
What ever is chosen, I will support, because I have received support from many Myswag members.
Just my two Bobs worth.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
Post by: Gandalf the White on July 06, 2025, 07:35:56 PM
As with any good thing I.e. Tupperware, Old Format Camping Stores, Canvas Campers, Freedom of Speech in the USA etc, times are a changing, priorities and future plans for all of us will continue to evolve.
I think you and the mods have done a great job, even potentially saving some people's sanity and possibly lives, but it might be time to wrap it up.
I know there's some that don't use social media and use this forum to stay in touch, but if the friendships are strong, they'll find a way to stay in touch.
Post by: xcvator on July 06, 2025, 08:49:16 PM
Post by: Harbourmaster on July 06, 2025, 10:02:23 PM
Post by: MattNQ on July 07, 2025, 12:23:43 AM
I was up until recently on a US camera forum (Nikonians) where you pay a small subscription - $12 USD per year for access to all the forum.
Do you think a yearly fee of $20-30 would work for MySwag? I would pay it.
Post by: duggie on July 07, 2025, 05:38:38 AM
Post by: GeoffA on July 07, 2025, 06:07:40 AM
I'm in for a subscription.
As I sit here at 6am, there are 369 Guests, 2 Users logged in. That is not unusual.
:cheers:
Post by: Fizzie on July 07, 2025, 10:08:10 AM
After thinking about it for a while, I've got to say that I can't see an answer that I like :'(
I for one would love to see the forum live , happy to pay a subscription every year to help make that happen , only need 150 members pay a $20m fee and your server costs are covered .
Which is what I've been suggesting for a few years now, of just setting up a direct transfer of $1/mth (which I've recently upped to $2!!!), but it hasn't worked :'( From previous updates to the Bank Balance thread, monthly donations = $3 (which my change should have taken to $4)
Yes, 150 people x $2/mth = $3600 / year = problem solvered, but do we actually have 150 active members ??? When you look at names on posts, I'd think we'd be flat out having 30 members on here regularly, which would then mean $10 / mth from each of them, which is well & truly getting up there, especially if you're retired / pension :-\
On that, according to the members list (which, by a scary coincidence, shows 10666 members!), we've had 131 people sign up since 1/7/24, but only 5 of them have ever posted. Maybe it has to become a requirement that you pay $2 / mth to become a member ???
Of course, the simple answer is somebody winning the Lotto, then donating $20k, which would fix everything! ;D (& I've been trying, but it hasn't worked yet :'()
Post by: DannyG on July 07, 2025, 10:22:15 AM
I am far from an expert but I have a forum on the same software which has over 10,000 members and is about as active as this one is these days and I have it on a cheapo US server that works fine. I am sure it gets a bit laggy at peak times but so be it, its free and the resources for zero cost are huge.
I am right in the middle of the Gibb River road at the moment but I am happy to see if I can help with any of the migration when I am in a better spot.....(not better, it doesnt get better than this but you know what I mean hahaha)
Either way I am certain youll get enough or already have enough of a base following that would pitch in on a sign up and youre in, dont pay and youre out basis.
Post by: WilSurf on July 07, 2025, 11:21:59 AM
This forum has very valuable information, I always come here to see info for tracks or areas to go to.
What are the other site options?
I have asked another forum I am member off how they do it as they don't ask for donations.
That forum is hosted on XenForo https://xenforo.com/
Post by: Bird on July 07, 2025, 01:45:23 PM
There is a crazy amount of outstanding tech info on this board that would be very sad to see disappear.
Its been unfair on Brett and Jill for a long time to wear those sorts of costs. I'm really shocked at the prices mentioned- but I'm shocked at the cost of most things these days.
I'd like to see it keep going, I'd be willing like few others to chip in.... but not at that cost... also how do you keep it fair for those who pay and those who dont.
I also find forums that ask for $ from when you register are off putting (eg: some photography forums), which may not help keep the turn over of new members and those leaving...
In 18yrs theres been many great members come and go just through natural changes in their personal situations - all forums/boards/groups/clubs go through it... Also some of those who left have started their own forums.. but this place has outlasted em.
Certainly Danny's hosting suggestion is worth investigating...
I think Fizz hit on something - think we'd be flat out having 30 members on here regularly, I thought by lunchtime today there'd be outrage and 20-30 posts on this, but see if that changes by the end of the week.. that may help Brett decide.
YMMV
Post by: Bad Scott on July 07, 2025, 02:34:58 PM
As the famous Hutchie once said. It's an internet dating site for camper trailers.
Bad Scott was formerly announced at the Knockwood camp fire on the Friday night antics hosted by Lost, aka Bird in 2014
Swagmail tom toastie adventures travelling the world, to be finally delivered to Lost at the famous National Meet in Victoria.
I'm in for whatever it takes.
Post by: NZMarkb on July 07, 2025, 05:36:48 PM
Post by: GGV8Cruza on July 07, 2025, 08:59:18 PM
As others have said, this is a place of great knowledge and a resource for all things outdoors and camper related. I have also met lifelong friends as so have my kids, who we still go camping with and have a fantastic time.
I am not sure if the fees that have been mentioned can be backed up by the smaller regular users and contributors of the forum at present. I am currently remote and have limited access but maybe a quick poll could be set up to see what size of contributions could be raised from the members that would like too. It could give us an idea of what sort of monies could be raised.
GG
Sent from my SM-S928B using Tapatalk
Post by: nab on July 07, 2025, 10:07:39 PM
I still enjoy logging on and posting my trip reports whenever we get out there. Would love to see others do the same, it's the most enjoyable part of the forum for me. A forum is only as good as the input it gets.
In saying that, if the only reason the forum is still alive is to keep in touch with mates, seems an expensive way to do it. Be a shame to lose all the info though.
Post by: GeoffA on July 07, 2025, 10:12:40 PM
Just saying....
Post by: Fizzie on July 08, 2025, 08:05:04 AM
I think Fizz hit on something - think we'd be flat out having 30 members on here regularly, I thought by lunchtime today there'd be outrage and 20-30 posts on this, but see if that changes by the end of the week.. that may help Brett decide.
Backing this up further, after ~24 hours, the thread now shows as having 865 views with 16 replies, & the vote is currently standing at 14:3. Geoff has 2 replies, so only 15 people have actually commented, which means that 2 voters didn't say anything. Views will be slightly different, as this is the ~4th time I've opened it, but still means that ~800 people apparently don't care enough to either vote or comment :'(
In regards to
The current stats show 1540 Guests, 4 Users.are those 865 viewers actually real members though ???
I mentioned figures like Geoff's a while back & people thought the "guests" would most likely be bots scanning for something or other ???
Would you need to be logged in, i.e. an actual member, to view a thread though ???
Post by: lloydus67 on July 08, 2025, 08:45:17 AM
After just logging in through the actual website, rather than my normal Tapatalk, I don’t see any option to vote only results?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: wakychapmans on July 08, 2025, 09:02:11 AM
I don't get to participate here as much as I once did. Like everyone work and the like suck my time. But also because I'm living my best life out here in the remote NT.
I think a small monthly automatic direct debit (Patreon style?) would be the go. For muppets like me... with zero control over week to week cash flow... a year subscription is difficult. But the same amount, split into a monthly (or weekly/fortnightly) would be easy as.
Post by: Pottsy on July 08, 2025, 09:23:27 AM
I appreciate that advertising has never been a part of the forum, maybe it’s time to allow major sponsors to advertise on the forum with every guest seeing their ads, members having the option to opt out of advertising if they wish.
Post by: Foo on July 08, 2025, 09:42:54 AM
Foo
Post by: Bird on July 08, 2025, 10:38:53 AM
Quote from: GeoffA
The current stats show 1540 Guests, 4 Users.
Just saying....
Most of those would be bots... Search engines etc.
Theres more chance of walking on the sun in thongs and speedos than 1500 physical individuals being logged on in a month. :) Would be interesting to see how many individual members are logging in regularly
It would also be good to know in the poll what sort of $ we were talking about chipping in... $20/mth is a lot to some and center console change to others.
With the 16 that have said they are willing to contribute - its around 190/yr each
Post by: lloydus67 on July 08, 2025, 11:05:19 AM
Most of those would be bots... Search engines etc.$190 a year works out to $15.84 per month or $3.66 per week.
Theres more chance of walking on the sun in thongs and speedos than 1500 physical individuals being logged on in a month. :) Would be interesting to see how many individual members are logging in regularly
It would also be good to know in the poll what sort of $ we were talking about chipping in... $20/mth is a lot to some and center console change to others.
With the 16 that have said they are willing to contribute - its around 190/yr each
I think that few new members would join if it cost them more than Netflix a month.
Even though it’s the same money, $3.66 per week is pretty manageable, as you go up to $15.84 per month or $190 per year the cost gets more difficult for people to justify. Everyone knows the cost of just living in the current economy.
As others have said, advertising may be the way forward, or at least a combination of advertising and a small subscription fee.
Just my thoughts
Lloyd
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: wakychapmans on July 08, 2025, 11:15:17 AM
With the 16 that have said they are willing to contribute - its around 190/yr each
$15.83 a month is quite fine by me.
But locking the place down with the only way to see anything is to become a financial member will stop most new members from joining. I don't know if it's possible... but unpaid members get to make two posts a month and to view four threads (for example)
Same system that the SMH and other papers use. A certain... % is free... but after that if you like what you see... you pay.
Post by: RebsWA on July 08, 2025, 11:45:32 AM
There was a lot of discussion on just about every camping topic one could think of with the electrical section being a most interesting read.
It was a must go to place every night and one could spend a lot of time learning and exchanging ideas.
But now most of the posts are from the same small group of members and most of the time off topic (little on campers, camping etc).
I just look at the post topics and if nothing grabs me I'm in and out in less than a minute.
The forum IMO is now just a chat room for a select few.
The forum seems to have run its race as have most of the other forums I once subscribed to have.
I was an active member and enjoyed this forum in the early years but now as you may have gathered it has lost its charm for me.
Sorry if this seems negative feedback but it is simply my opinion.
Post by: Traveller on July 09, 2025, 09:08:47 AM
I, like some others, appreciate a forum much more than social media, particularly when trying to locate some info I am chasing. I also like the fact that the forum is ad free, I have often thought that this forum sets a standard that a lot of other forums should strive to copy. Also some other forums I belong to have chosen to go down the 'ad free if you pay annually' route which I don't see as being any different from an annual fee to keep MySwag going.
What I was unaware of was how few seem to be using the forum, which is a real shame and I don't quite understand it.
I am willing to contribute to keep it going, but whatever happens, I really appreciate all the effort Brett and Jillsy have put in over the years for us to enjoy this site. Thanks guys.
Post by: WilSurf on July 09, 2025, 10:25:16 AM
@Brett I did send you a message.
Post by: Fizzie on July 09, 2025, 04:38:04 PM
The forum IMO is now just a chat room for a select few.
That would seem to be because there's nobody else here to chat to / with! ;D
As I said earlier 131 people have signed up since 1/7/24, but only 5 of them have ever posted (& one of those was an ex-member returning with a new name), for a total of 8 posts.
A couple posted an introduction, which various members replied to, but with no response :-\
Others asked questions, but then didn't respond again after they were asked for clarification.
We would love to have them all on board joining in, but if they don't want to play, what are we supposed to do?
Quote
I was an active member and enjoyed this forum in the early years but now as you may have gathered it has lost its charm for me.
Not having a go at you in any way, Rebs, but what changed, either in Swag, or your life, that it's no longer interesting ???
Post by: RebsWA on July 09, 2025, 07:58:19 PM
In response to your queries:
The forum is now just a chat room for a select few: Maybe go back over the last couple of years of posts and have a look at the content.
Not real interesting.
What has changed IMO is the forum it anything but a camping, camper trailer or outdoor adventure forum.
Irrespective of the stats, if no one wants to play maybe it's because of the current content.
I would imagine there is a new crop of younger one's keen for the great outdoors but the current content of the forum is rather irrelevant to them.
Nothing has really changed in my/our life other than getting too old too quick.
I/we have progressed over the last 50+ years from the most basic camping to currently a caravan.
Although a caravan is another level up from camping and camper trailers, at our age it is a well-earned comfort we enjoy.
We have done a lot of remote area travelling in our younger days and it is now getting beyond us.
I think a few of the other members have, or are, heading towards the caravan lifestyle and maybe for similar reasons.
Again, just my take on it.
Post by: Gandalf the White on July 10, 2025, 07:13:34 AM
Maybe a rebrand would help by updating the logo and removing or changing the tag line - offroad camper trailer forum. Something like Myswag - where old campers hang out
In saying that I'm going to have a guess that the gender and average age group of current active members is Male 50+ and setting up a new free forum/chat group with little to no cost could be a consideration. There's lots of 50+ males around that might be interested in an online men's shed type forum.
This may mean archiving the existing myswag history, but let's face it, there's a level of knowledge and commardarie in the remaining members to recreate new from old as an option.
Post by: Mitch92 on July 10, 2025, 09:53:34 AM
In general, I have noticed that forums such as this are declining. Of the 5 or so I used to frequent, there is only 2 left, with this being one of them.
Personally, I feel that the life of this forum, and others, is decreasing. Whether it is saved this time, or in 12 months time etc. this is going to continue to be a topic of conversation every 12 months when due.
Personally I don’t contribute much for trips as life gets in the way. However, even in general I find very few threads about technical things, and indeed the most active threads are the ones such as “what did you do in your shed” or “where are you logging in from”.
I am unsure of the new member stats, however I would hazard a guess that new member numbers has been steadily declining over the years, and that it will continue to do so. I understand that a forum is what you make it, and that if new members posted etc. it could come alive, but society as a whole has changed, and what once was the solution has been replaced.
Sponsorship can be good, but as a business if I was to pay money to support a site, I would want to make that back in sales, or at least have a good chance of it. Frankly, I don’t see this forum in that position these days.
Sites which require a subscription also turn a lot of people off. I have seen this implemented and fail, resulting in the death of that forum. This also then results in the costs being shared across the few remaining members.
I feel that the writing has been on the wall for a while. After seeing the costs being posted, the constant director loans, and the membership numbers I feel that Brett and Jillsy are probably already possibly knowing the answer, but perhaps not wanting to realise it. I don’t mean this as a judgement in any way, but purely an observation.
For my thoughts, unfortunately I agree that I come on out of habit, and that it is more of a chat place now. I don’t get much or anything out of here technically or trip wise, and probably more keep looking out of habit. I feel that what the forum once was has departed, and that it is time to wrap it up.
Post by: Jillsy on July 10, 2025, 01:34:51 PM
Keep them coming and don't forget to vote.
I have just come off a run of nights shifts and Brett is on his way home from work (been gone for 8 days) so we'll hopefully get a chance to look at a few things.
If I could just win the lotto this could all be solved :)
Post by: Bird on July 10, 2025, 02:17:31 PM
Want to purchase Myswag.org Merchandise? Please click here!!!
Post by: Never enough time on July 11, 2025, 09:48:13 AM
I look at this Forum almost daily and have contributed to a few posts, but have never started a post.
The Prado forum struggles to get two new posts a week, the Pajero forum is far more active but still down from a decade ago, the Caravanners forum still seems to have plenty of use, though I've only been a member for a few years.
ExplorOz now probably only has 2-3 per day, well down from a decade ago and they have just increased their fees for members (non member option still there with reduced service levels) and they have advertising. Landcruiser Forum died completely a few years ago.
I'm not a Facebook user, but my wife is and tells me there is substantial traffic on brand specific vans/vehicles.
I think it will be very difficult to reboot this Brett and Jillsy. I personally wouldn't be interested in a Mens Shed type of Forum.
Thanks for all your efforts so far, I have voted on the poll.
Mark
Post by: Swannie on July 11, 2025, 05:27:59 PM
- Agree to go another 12 months and see if we can get more committment from regulars, newbies and returning campoholics to contribute both on the forum and financially (me included)
- Redefine what the purpose and intent of Myswag is
- Reduce the topics and focus bank on "camping in general", campers, hybrids and caravans, and trips
- work through what topics are relavent in 2025 and what the next 10 years of Myswag could look like
As we age Myswag becomes even more improtant for many. its a connection that is hard to replicate on social media or other platforms due to the history and memories
Swannie
Post by: Brett on July 14, 2025, 12:43:22 PM
PS.. ya link to Merch doesnt work
Want to purchase Myswag.org Merchandise? Please click here!!!
Have contacted Digital Pacific to see if they can resolve the issue...
The store is hosted differently to the Forum.
Post by: Hairs on July 14, 2025, 01:05:01 PM
As we age Myswag becomes even more improtant for many. its a connection that is hard to replicate on social media or other platforms due to the history and memories
Swannie
[/quote]
This I agree with, and it is a very valid point, although there are a few of us that do keep in touch through social media, not as in a group, but commenting on others posts.
The banter is there, the p155 taking, and there is the asking if you are alright, the concern, the sharing of personal achievements, disappointments, travels.
I also acknowledge the wealth of information that is available and the giving of advice/knowledge that members have freely given over the 15 odd years I have been a member.
I don't have a problem with a subscription fee, or even advertising if it isn't too in ya face.
I do need to give a shout out to the mods, you do a great job, thank you.
I guess, the last 5 years has had an impact on life, Fires, Floods, Covid, more floods, and many people stepped back from life, yet social groups became more improtant as people needed to connect, stay connected with life.
As in my first reply to this post, I'm happy which every is decided.
Cheers.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
Post by: Jillsy on July 18, 2025, 04:13:13 PM
Current corresponding with a Forum Member (I'm not going to name them) who is going to have a squiz at things for us.
Post by: Hairs on July 18, 2025, 04:32:12 PM
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
Post by: Jillsy on August 05, 2025, 04:09:10 PM
Post by: Wol on August 07, 2025, 07:04:33 PM
Now it may be that forums are not trendy any more and the endless re-asking of the same questions on modern message forums like facebook is the way of the future, but I hope not, especially for our older members.
But it also seems to me that the decline also represents a reduction in interest in these activities generally, whether amateur astronomy, camper trailers or whatever coupled with increasing pro rata server costs.
Anyway I think this place is a goldmine of information, and if the answer is not here you soon get one.
I would rather you puta bullet in it than go to facebook or similar.
Happy to pay too.
regards
Post by: Wol on August 09, 2025, 10:49:18 AM
regards
Post by: RebsWA on August 09, 2025, 01:14:16 PM
I would add the internet is now awash with AI generated infomercial garbage masquerading as “How to choose this” or “best 10 generators” etc. Forums offer one of the few places where you can get real comments from real people.Agreed, but you have to allow for forum content being just that, comments/advice or just opinions.
regards
Some folk are not "qualified" or have the depth of experience to offer advice on some subjects.
I remember a while back a bloke was asking how to service and adjust wheel bearings.
A short time later he was parroting advice on the same subject. A 5 minute forum expert!
There have been quite a few occasions where IMO good meaning technical comments or advice has been simply wrong.
But I guess that's part of forum life, sorting wheat from chaff.
Personally, that is a prime reason that made this forum interesting to me.
Post by: Jon Burrell - Tentworld on August 12, 2025, 01:00:12 PM
MySwag is definitely needing some life support.
I dont want to see it die.
I'd like to be a part of keeping it alive... and perhaps reviving it...
It does appear that it needs to go onto new forum tech. Which might help with some of the fancy tricks people have suggested. IE - making it more like a newspaper, gamifying, etc etc.
Could Tentworld take care of it, and would members still support it if we did?
Post by: Wol on August 12, 2025, 07:40:04 PM
regards
Post by: Hairs on August 12, 2025, 07:56:44 PM
Just throw a couple of bucks towards the server or buy some merchandise.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
Post by: Jillsy on August 16, 2025, 04:50:19 PM
It does appear that it needs to go onto new forum tech. Which might help with some of the fancy tricks people have suggested. IE - making it more like a newspaper, gamifying, etc etc.
Could Tentworld take care of it, and would members still support it if we did?
Hi Jon,
A couple of our very-generous-with-their-time, very tech savvy Swaggers are sorting some things at the moment. Watch this this space :cup:
Post by: Fizzie on August 17, 2025, 06:54:20 AM
Post by: Rodt on August 20, 2025, 08:15:28 PM
Am still a bit old fashioned so like the functionality of forums as opposed to social media even though they are quick and easy.
Hope the forum keeps going and will try and remember to log in more