It is my pleasure to announce, on behalf of John Grocke, founder Soviet Steeds, to relay the following:
Why did I create Soviet Steed Forums? http://sovietsteeds.com/forums/index.php
Well because Russian motorcycles are my hobby. It what I do with those spare moments that aren't absorbed by work, family and the demands of life. It keeps me sane (and sometimes makes me insane ).
I was a chronic contributor to the Russian Iron Motorcycle Forms with almost 8,000 posts. I loved the site and spent many hours there learning, and sharing what I had learned with others with many technical write-ups and crazy off-topic rants. I did not do it for profit, but just for the love of doing it. The Admin of RIMC, Glenn, had let the board languish due to either lack of time or interest. I tried unsuccessfully to buy the site from him to keep it going and improve it as an "independent" not for profit community.
Instead Glenn sold RIMC to a Ural dealer for more money. I have no qualms with that particular Ural dealer, he's a straight shooter and a great guy.
However, I was not comfortable having my efforts being used as a potential profit making tool for someone else benefiting on the fruits of my hobby and passion that I gave to others for free. There's quite a few folks that feel the same way.
I want to create an "independent" site and forums where folks could share their thoughts, knowledge and ideas about Soviet/Russian/Ukrainian motorcycles without the manufactures or dealers involvement or anyone making a profit off of the contributor's posting.
I will make these pledges to all of you "the collective" members here:
1. Nobody owns SovietSteeds.com. Yeah, I sprung out the few dollars it took and spent the time and effort to create it. But I look at it as I am a steward of it, not an owner. SovietSteeds.com belongs to those who use it. If for some reason I lose interest in it or can't continue to maintain the site, I will pass it along for free to someone else who can take charge and care of it. It is not a commodity or property to be sold or traded, period.
2. SovietSteeds.com and the foams here is a "not for profit" enterprise. I don't do this for the money. I do it for the enjoyment and to help other Soviet motorcycle enthusiasts. It actually costs me money to do this. I have no plans to turn it into a revenue generating operation. I pay for it out of my pocket. If I ever get to the point where I can't afford it, I'll ask folks to chip in. If ya wanna donate some funds, I won't hesitate in taking them - ping me and I'll send ya my PayPal account address. On the flipside, if it ever produces any money, that will go to a charity or some worthwhile cause.
3. I intend to have several moderators and administrators to help take care of the site. Bill Glaser has already agreed to moderate the Hammerin' & Wrenchin' technical section of the forums. Mylash has also volunteered to be a moderator. If you are interested in being a moderator or help with the site, please by all means, let me know. "If ya don't like what ya see - volunteer!"
4. All content on this site and forums is copyright by it's creator or contributor. But it is given with an intent to help each other out freely. Don't copy text, pictures or anything else from the site without first consulting the person who posted it and get their permission.
5. If there is something you would like to see or an idea you have to improve the site - I'm all ears! I will try to make this the best site and forum on the world wide web for Soviet, Russian, and Ukrainian motorcycles. Please be patient with me as the site and forums develop.
Thanks for listening to my "manifesto" and welcome to the Soviet Steeds forums.
I hope you enjoy the site as much as I have putting it together. I hope we all get something out of it "collectively".
Welcome to the Soviet Steeds Motorcycle Club forums section. Thanks for stopping in.
Guests may view all of the forms, but to start topics or reply, you will need to become a registered member. There
