Hey Forum Members!

[Jhaulotte]

Thank God, I put all my favorite host's contact info in my phone before this.

I am with you!

[AK2Vegas]

Jack you've done an amazing job with the site and the community. You've spawned offshoot sites and groups associated loosely with this site. Hell, there's even memorabilia associated with the branch groups!

We appreciate the work you've done and continue to do. You've made something very special here and you should be very proud of it.

Don't let anyone criticize too harshly the work that you've done. The cult following you've helped to grow within this forum is appreciative and supportive of your changes and we will continue to push, support, and spread the word. You know who we are and know you can always count on us.

Thanks
AK2Vegas

[Andrew@LasVegasNightclubs]

Thanks for the feedback and kind words!

Ak2Vegas: Very nice of you to say.

iamkhai: I am definitely impressed at your Vegas savvy!

Let me respond to all of the above posts at once...

It is important to keep in mind that everything you see in the existing forums will soon also serve Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and eventually 32 other cities as they are added throughout 2012. Our Las Vegas forum will be one section of 35 city forums within Forums.JackColton.com, which will later be pruned to only the markets that have steady interaction.

Between a greatly expanded discussion board and a fully interactive main site, it just isn't practical to try and micromanage multiple host lists while having any sense of quality control.

Touching on all above recommendations and suggestions:

1] Require listed hosts to be forum members: While there is some obvious benefit in some hosts being involved in the forums, too much involvement by too many hosts is exactly why we had to put in this new policy in the forums - it kills the spirit of open and honest discussion amongst members. Many longtime members left for this very reason, now returning with the new policy in place.

2] Allow other businesses to post specials: If they are a legitimate business, they are welcome to tastefully promote their specials through our advertising packages. Regarding limousines, we will be posting information for the leading transportation companies. [Side note: As I understand BVLimo's business model, they are a third party booking service and won't be included.]

3] Make host feedback public: We can certainly put in place more tools for users to rate hosts and offer any issues or complaints regarding them so that we can continue to make sure that the best-of-the-best are listed. A star rating of sorts in addition to users sharing their host experiences in their trip reports. However, a discussion board section devoted to it isn't necessary - this site isn't about hosts.

4] Start a directory of hosts - or - list multiple hosts per venue: Having multiple hosts listed for every venue turns into a free-for-all as people have a consistent habit of contacting more than one person about reservations when given the opportunity. This leads to inconsistent information being sometimes provided, multiple hosts having the same booking, and an absolute headache for anyone who would be charged with managing this list.

[Charles~]

1] Require listed hosts to be forum members: While there is some obvious benefit in some hosts being involved in the forums, too much involvement by too many hosts is exactly why we had to put in this new policy in the forums - it kills the spirit of open and honest discussion amongst members. Many longtime members left for this very reason, now returning with the new policy in place.

This exactly. Killed the fun we had here.

Here to give it another run.

[CraigLombardi]

1] Require listed hosts to be forum members: While there is some obvious benefit in some hosts being involved in the forums, too much involvement by too many hosts is exactly why we had to put in this new policy in the forums - it kills the spirit of open and honest discussion amongst members. Many longtime members left for this very reason, now returning with the new policy in place.

3] Make host feedback public: We can certainly put in place more tools for users to rate hosts and offer any issues or complaints regarding them so that we can continue to make sure that the best-of-the-best are listed. A star rating of sorts in addition to users sharing their host experiences in their trip reports. However, a discussion board section devoted to it isn't necessary - this site isn't about hosts.

4] Start a directory of hosts - or - list multiple hosts per venue: Having multiple hosts listed for every venue turns into a free-for-all as people have a consistent habit of contacting more than one person about reservations when given the opportunity. This leads to inconsistent information being sometimes provided, multiple hosts having the same booking, and an absolute headache for anyone who would be charged with managing this list.

Just an idea: "Jack Colton Host" role... Since this site/forum is kind of a one stop shop spot for everyone could there be a need for a true "one stop shop" host that sets up everything for a client ultimately using all of the same resources found on this site? They would represent the industry for jc.com and utilize this site for resources just like a client but for the client that doesn't want to do all the leg work...

The "JC Host" position could be an approved role by the moderators of the forum along with feedback from the folks that use the site.

Of course there is more to go into it but I thought I would try to help solve for a known gap by producing a role that this site has more than enough resources to fill. Thoughts?

[WarreN]

Just an idea: "Jack Colton Host" role... Since this site/forum is kind of a one stop shop spot for everyone could there be a need for a true "one stop shop" host that sets up everything for a client ultimately using all of the same resources found on this site? They would represent the industry for jc.com and utilize this site for resources just like a client but for the client that doesn't want to do all the leg work...

The "JC Host" position could be an approved role by the moderators of the forum along with feedback from the folks that use the site.

Of course there is more to go into it but I thought I would try to help solve for a known gap by producing a role that this site has more than enough resources to fill. Thoughts?

Frankly, this idea just wouldn't work. There are far too many visitors to this site. A "Superman host" isn't possible, even for ONE venue, let alone ALL services needed (I know some would like to consider themselves this) Not to mention the backlash the site would receive "so and so shouldn't be listed, they never answered." "So and so did this, you should list them" etc.

If someone really wants a one-stop-shop Host, with the resources and knowledge provided here, they should know that any host that has given them exceptional service can help them at other venues as well(most good hosts will offer this off-top). If you'd like to kick your feet up and have someone do all the legwork for you and plan your whole trip, Jackcolton.com does actually list 2 "Nightlife Concierge Host" contacts on the main site.

[Andrew@LasVegasNightclubs]

Exactly, Warren hit the nail on the head. And having a single contact on here would defeat everything this site is about.

[CraigLombardi]

Frankly, this idea just wouldn't work. There are far too many visitors to this site. A "Superman host" isn't possible, even for ONE venue, let alone ALL services needed (I know some would like to consider themselves this) Not to mention the backlash the site would receive "so and so shouldn't be listed, they never answered." "So and so did this, you should list them" etc.

If someone really wants a one-stop-shop Host, with the resources and knowledge provided here, they should know that any host that has given them exceptional service can help them at other venues as well(most good hosts will offer this off-top). If you'd like to kick your feet up and have someone do all the legwork for you and plan your whole trip, Jackcolton.com does actually list 2 "Nightlife Concierge Host" contacts on the main site.

I completely understand.

Exactly, Warren hit the nail on the head. And having a single contact on here would defeat everything this site is about.

This makes perfect sense.

Thanks guys!

[Andrew@LasVegasNightclubs]

I'm definitely not looking for ideas to accommodate hosts coming back into the discussion areas for their promotional purposes. While we all encouraged it in the beginning, as there are some obvious benefits for all involved, it eventually turned into a "Wild West" of misguided conversations on here.

No user-generated travel website allows for solicitations of any kind, and many take things further than we now do. All have a strict policy against this.

We will continue to develop tools that expedite and enhance communications with the hosts we feature, and to provide more interactive planning tools for those using this site.

When we finish rolling out the new site, it will all make sense.

[WiscoBrad]

The way I see it, it's your site Jack, to do with as you please. Having run several large automotive related forums in the past as a mod, Admin, and DBA I can honestly say that its impossible to please everyone. Do what you feel is best and folks will follow.

My only suggestion would be to make sure that the hosts list on the main site is up to date and lists the popular locations so that new folks can easily find a phone number to call without having to inquire in the forums.

Again, it's your forum and you must be doing something right based on membership numbers, my suggestion was just that, a suggestion =) Thanks again for everything Jack!

[Guest]

Can't wait to see the new site!

[KristinK]

Can't wait to see the new site!

I'm dying in anticipation also!

[AnthonyHyde]

JACK,
Would you mind if i kept up my monthly guest list threads?

I feel it makes it easier for me, as well as members to get put on the guest list for XS and Tryst. Im not soliciting people to come, its just a thread that can help me keep everyone in order as well as a reference for me to go back to.

[ChadNoyesRPM]

thank you..

thanks jack i appreciate that. And i do agree everyone from independents to promoters started throwing way to much in there and i do agree with that. im sure once all the changes are made everyone will feel alot better. i appreciate all the support from you guys and when RPM is done and ready to open i wanna have a JC launch that all the members can come check it out if they would like.

Ps- mikey t went to insert coins last night and was playing the simpsons arcade game- couldnt help but laugh about our stratosphere experience lol