re: Purpose of PCB Standards

[Steve Rhoton]

With the advent of closure to many of the original sites, ie; site index, etc. I would like to know what the original purpose of this site was? I don't bring this up for any purpose other than that of knowing what is to come. This is not up for argument or disgruntallment, just curiousity. It just seems that things have gone very commercial, and there's nothing wrong with that, and one does have the opportunity of not subcribing. But where is this thing going?

[randychase]

We will be adding free stuff back. However, I was requested by Tom H and Nick Ban to remove all the free data. He wants to put it on his new site.

I was offered the opprotunity to be an affiliate of the new store, but I chose not to. I was told they expect to sell a lot of stuff and the money would be good, but we are going in a different direction. For almost 3 years, I have funded this site out of my own pocket. Sales of products here have never covered my costs.

As far as non-commercial, nothing really has changed. The forums are free. Information is free. I will be going thru and adding free stuff back this week. But some of the free stuff that was on our site index became a for-sale product which was not in my control.

It is a good and fair question.

Tom has gone off and worked with a few people to develop the new site. I wish him the best with it. I hope they are successful and make a lot of money as they hope to.

I also hope to sell the occasional product to pay for the server and forum license. The intent is not to focus on the site only as a store, but as part of a community.

We have some plans for things in the future. Some of them will involve some of the users here in helping us develop a couple of new products that will benefit everyone.

[Steve Rhoton]

Randy,
Thanks for the reply, and for being candid about your feelings. I continue to look forward to all the great ideas, and answers that this site has to offer.

[roseann]

I REALLY like this site! Been kinda quite lately, but I find lots of good questions/feedback here - so thanks!