I've posted a few general topics and no one even bothers to add their $.02 worth (good or bad). I was frequenting the site at least once a day, up until a few weeks ago, in order to try to do my part to "fuel the fire" but there just doesn't seem to be too many enthusiasts here. <P>I realize the S60 is new, so there aren’t all that many owners out there and of those owners only a small number know of Swedespeed.com. But that’s not my point…my point is that of those that do come to the site, I see very few that are actually participating<P>InDY...your great but this shouldn't be the "ask InDY site" it should be a Volvo community where people openly share their ideas and express their views. I don’t care whether you agree or not…speak up and be heard. I think we all need to step up the pace...or the advertisers will go away and so will the site.<P>Hey guys, just my $.02 but at least I'm taking the time to write.<BR>
Where is everybody????!!
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As Swedespeed is not as long around as Volvospy, it's normal these forums have to grow. <BR>I personally don't know enough of Volvos to participate, but I've been watching very closely the last months. <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/wink.gif"> <BR>When you start a site from scratch you can't expect to have a group of die hard Volvo pros answering all questions from the beginning. <BR>Just my $0.02
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I am here reading but I am a newbie too so I can't answer your questions.
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In my experience, boards tend to either address modifications, particularly to newer models, or how to keep my keeper on the road. <P>I would like to see this place grow as well as the format is rather nice IMO. I wouldn't mind seeing the popularity content of <A HREF="http://www.brickboard.com" TARGET=_blank>www.brickboard.com</A> combined with the presentation of this site. Not to take away from the content here, nor to pick on the presentation at the brickboard.<P>
<BR>I too am familiar with Volvo Spy but I like the format here better. I was a big fan of Audiworld.com when I owned my Audi's and because the same gents developed this site, I hope to see this site succeed.<P>You know, it might just be that Volvo attracts a much different demographic then Audi. With the exception of the S40, S60 and C70 & the T5’s, I would have to think that most Volvo models aren't typically going to attract the type of buyer that is in to wheels, suspension, engine mods etc...<P>I think that will start to change with the aforementioned models...look at me, I'm 29 owned exclusively German cars, from Jetta's to M3's to S4's (with the exception of a couple full-size American SUV's for the wife) and now I'm very happily driving a Volvo.<P>I'll end by saying the compliments I get on my S60 are endless. Other then the SAM springs and tinted windows, it's stock. The comments (that come just about daily) typically go something like this..."Wow that's a beautiful car...oh it's a Volvo, I would have never guessed"<P><BR>
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I think you've hit on several issues here. First is traffic. Swedespeed was only launched back in late November, so it really hasn't been around that long. People are still getting to know each other, and the word of the site's existence is slowly starting to get out. I'm personally excited to see the forums getting more traffic, just as the rest of the site is now getting.<P>The Volvo demographic is different than that of Audi, Volkswagen, BMW etc. That doesn't mean Volvo owners aren't techies, but the market for Volvos and Volvo enthusiasts is substantially smaller than the well-established VW/Audi and BMW aftermarkets.<P>Thanks for the compliments on our layout. We're trying. I think it's important to note that great sites like brickboard and volvospy have been around for quite some time longer than us. They are great resources, and I am hoping that we'll grow into that as well.<P>Watching our traffic, I'm confident that it is coming along.
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cnyberg:<BR><B>Wow. An S60 owner younger than me...I'm 30 and can't wait to get the Volvo "average" down from 43...I think this is a great site. It'll take time but I think the posts will start coming.</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I am even younger than you. (LOL) I am 22.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JayM:<BR><B>George, it would be nice to see Swedespeed evolve to cover the "other" swedish carmaker (SAAB).<BR></B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>That's a good idea. While I'm not currently too interested in Saab, that would help this site hit "critical mass". Plus, you wouldn't have to change the name.<P>The reason I don't follow this board as closely as volvospy, is that I feel I have a better chance of learning something there. As more people get their S60's, this site will be a good place to share our experiences. I've noticed that the V70 board get's quite a bit more traffic.<P>
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Yes, the Swedespeed name was a real score for us when we thought of it. It leaves us open to Saab if we want to go that way. More importantly, there's no copyright infringement. We've run into questions using names like Audiworld that have made us wonder just how much we can capitalize upon the name. European-based Volvospy may be in a better postition than others (Europe has different copyright laws from what I understand), but something like Saabnet and Volvospy could be construed as copyright infringement at some point by the brand. It's a legal battle we'll never have to fight at Swedespeed, and with luck it's something Saabnet and VS will also never have to fight.<P>We may add Saab at some point. One of our staffers is a big Saab fan. We'll see. I think we'd want a separate set of Saab forums so that the owners of each brand would not have to muddle through the other stuff.
Even a US court couldn't shut down Saabnet or Volvospy. The law about copyright & domain names leaves only some space to punish 'cybersquatters' (ie people who buy domain names with copyrighted names in it and try to sell them for big bucks). <P>And imho, it would be very dumb of GM (Saab) or Ford (Volvo) to shut down Saabnet and Volvospy. You can't get such an excellent free advertising anywhere. <BR>But as Ford has shown in the past, they seem to sue people as a hobby. <BR>
Come to think of it, I would like this board to include Saabs. I think it would be interesting to compare notes with other Swedish car owners, and learn more about their cars. I've heard that the 9-5 Aero, and 9-3 Viggen are really fun to drive. While many of the critics slam them for being old-school, I've been told that their brute force and supposed lack of refinement actually make them more fun to drive.<P>I also think it's interesting to track how these brands try to retain their identities, while being owned by large American manufacturers. Saab has already been using GM/Opel platforms--and from what I can tell they have done a good job in keeping their quirky nature.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>...The reason I don't follow this board as closely as volvospy, is that I feel I have a better chance of learning something there...<P>[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>alt.autos.volvo is also a good place to learn, especially if you're into older Volvos. Quite a few knowledgeable people seem to congregate there.<P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ben from Canada:<BR><B> I am even younger than you [at 30]. (LOL) I am 22.</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Let's just say I'm doing my level best to keep the mean age of Volvo owners in the higher numbers. I don't fit the target age demographic for the S60. But why should wonderful cars be reserved for the young?! Some of us will never reach our Buick years!<P>
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hwhelply:<BR><B> alt.autos.volvo is also a good place to learn, especially if you're into older Volvos. Quite a few knowledgeable people seem to congregate there.<BR></B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>The best place to learn, especially on older Volvos is still brickboard.com.
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