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Old Aug 3, 2002 | 03:21 AM
  #1  
StreetLancer's Avatar
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From: Lewisville, Tx
The Future of these Forums

First, let me say that I have enjoyed LancerForums.com in it’s previous incarnation, and the attempt to further enhance the users’ experience and improving the structure of the forums themselves is much appreciated. Personally, I think that the old forums were much more aesthetically pleasing, and more user friendly, but, that is not the reason behind this post.

The reason behind this post is to get out in the open what the administrators have planned for this site’s future, mainly concerning the place of the current USDM Lancer (I will refer to it as the Lancer for brevity’s sake from now on) within the community once the Evo comes to America’s shores, if hell doesn’t freeze over first, of course. I do not pretend to know the minds and intentions of the controllers of the Forums’ destiny, and therefore will risk being banned in order to say flat out what has been being whispered for quite some time, and allow said controllers, whoever they may be, to answer to the rumors that have been said, and at least give some notification as to their intentions.

My intention was to wait and see, but, now that the name of the forum has been changed to so blatantly beg of these questions be asked, I see that waiting and seeing is something that cannot be afforded to many people.

Let me first say that I think that the people who own the Lancer, as well as those vendors who cater to those seeking the aftermarket parts for it, would find the rumors of expulsion of the Lancer after the Evo arrives to be both interesting and unsettling, for that is the real reason for this post.

I do not speak for anyone other than myself, though.

First, let me say that what has been rumored is that, as previously stated, that subjects pertaining to the Lancer will be removed after the arrival of the Evo. Furthermore, that the founders of this thread never planned on the Lancer gaining a foothold in the forums, as they were actually setting up the Forums for the eventual release of the Evo. As said previous, I do not pretend to know if this is true or not, just simply stating that it has been rumored. It has also been rumored that information pertaining to the Evo’s true nature has been suppressed in more than one case, information that would have given credence to the rumor that the Evo will in fact be no more than what is known as a Lancer Cedia Turbo overseas that will be debuting at the 30K mark, and that whenever Subaru launches the STi, then Mitsubishi will in turn release the Ralliart Evolution, at a more believable 35K. For those of you who don’t know, the Cedia is similar to the current Lancer, and basically the so called Evo will be nothing more than a Lancer with an Evo shell, AWD and a turbo, in addition to the rear drums being replaced with discs. What’s missing, you might ask? Brembos, a computer controlled drivetrain, traction control, AYC, and even possibly the intercooler (even if it is present, it may be in a less efficient side mounted design). Why would this information be suppressed? The only reason could be that it would be a major disappointment to those who waited so long, to find they had waited for something like a Mitsubishi version of the WRX, except for about 6-8K more. The Ralliart, in turn, would be more like the actual Evolution that is sold overseas, with all the aforementioned goodies. At a much higher price. This could damage the Forums, and, while, again, I am not saying it is true, it does ring with a bit of possibility, doesn’t it?

Simply put, I believe that the change of the name of the forums is just preparation for the eventual turning out of the current US crowd, which has bolstered the numbers of members, as well as given vendors a significant opportunity to gain insight to what potential customers want, and gain even more valuable advertising space. I think that there is much at stake, and therefore would like to know if the controllers of this site will answer to these rumors, and quell the discomfort of those who believe them. In short, does any of this have any truth to it? If not, will you give your written word that this is by no means the plan?

This airing out is necessary if for no other reason that there are people who depend on this forum for information, opportunities to solicit aftermarket companies to make parts, and in the case of the vendors, generate profit. I do not see why the name change was necessary, and could not do anything but stir unrest in those who believe these rumors, and provide some validation to the fears of those who look ahead. I do not see why there is not room enough for the Evos and Lancers to coexist on the same forums, especially when administrators were floating ideas about even uniting all Mitsubishi’s under one forum not three months ago. As I see it, the name change suggests something quite offensive to the Lancer Owners who now compromise a large segment, if not a majority, of the population of these forums. It suggests elitism, and egotism on the parts of Evo owners as well as those who are waiting for something that may never come, or something that will be far less than they expect, something that should have no place in these forums, that have seemed quite immune to the childish attitude of “I drive a better car than you” that so often rends other automotive forums useless. Or was that just a façade as the new name suggests?

I believe the administrators have quite a bit to answer to, and instead of whispering dissention behind their backs, I think that this was the right thing to do, give them a chance to answer, dispel in the case of untruths, and reassure in writing the members who these rumors may concern. If not, at least give us a head start to begin building somewhere else, though there is room enough here.

If I am banned for writing this, so be it. I apologize for nothing.
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 03:39 AM
  #2  
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Who cares. If it does go to just evos we could go elsewhere. There are many other places we could start a USDM lancer forum.
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 03:44 AM
  #3  
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ok......

I changed the name to evolutionm because the site is not just forums as lancerforums would indicate. I personally am buying an Evolution and will personally focus my attention towards the Evo in the forums.

That said, all that is on this site is designed for all Lancer models, hence the sections for the Lancer and the evolution. Let's not forget the 100s of registered Lancers in the custom registry I personally coded for everyone's benefit.

If you still feel like this site caters only to the Evo (even though I don't even have a Evo model page while I started the Lancer page) then there's not much I or anyone else can do, but I'm almost certain you won't find too many other sites like this for the Lancer, let alone most other makes.

As far as my conspiracy theory to make all this money and become rich I have much better ways to make money, trust me... this is my passion and I work hard on it for the shear joy. I obviously do not want to pay for it out of my own pocket as I have been and still am.

LancerShopper is designed to help our viewers gain more info on parts for their Lancer... reviews very specific and on top of that, you can search for prices, but you're more than welcome to shop elsewhere. Parts don't just fall into our lap for us to test. We have to find ways of getting them. If you ask me, I think we have one great idea that other sites will be following.

Mark
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 03:46 AM
  #4  
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Mark, I don't think you have a "conspiracy" to make profit.... however, it must be said that when some feel that their passion is being corrupted by an unexpected influence, it could cause just as much... what's the word I'm looking for... discomfort, as losing profit.

And, if you are going to focus on the Evo, then, what is going to become of the Lancer? Is it just going to slide into disrepair until no one cares about it?

Also, I have to say something else... thanks for coding the registry, but, I find that kind of hard to compare to the bias suggested in changing the name... it doesn't exactly equal out. Plus, I think the new LancerShopper feature has no bearing on the topic at hand. That seemed like a ham handed plug for a new feature.

As for who cares... I care, and I'm sure the vendors who do in fact make profit here care. There isn't a site yet that is quite as good as the old forums.

Last edited by StreetLancer; Aug 3, 2002 at 03:57 AM.
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 04:00 AM
  #5  
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https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...hlight=natural

Might be useful for this...er...issue.
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 04:01 AM
  #6  
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From: Ellsworth AFB, SD
i agree with you on one thing only...

1. changing the name from lancerforums (which encapsulates all lancers) to evolutionm which implies evo's only.

but other than that, there is still a section for "Lancers", as you call our cars, and ofcourse the EVO is gonna get the bigger slice of the pie, it's a better car. We have the little brother car. get use to it. If you really can't stand to see this happen, i say don't whine about it, do something about it and start a new forum. i'll even help you. as much as i love the evo, truth be told evo information to me is about as useful as a tampon, i just dont need it. but then again, i like reading about the rumors and seeing pictures of people's evo's. hell, they are the only reason i considered buying the lancer because If the Lancer was called the Mirage VII i wouldn't have thought twice about it and would have continued to save for the 2.5RS i really wanted.

To sum it up... If you hate not being the center of attention and only the "side car" of a larger forum, then start a new one. I on the other hand enjoy the information this site has provided to me, evo and all.

PS If anyone is willing to start a new site i will not hesitate to help.

Last edited by ez4me2c3d; Aug 3, 2002 at 04:16 AM.
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 05:03 AM
  #7  
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Anthony, it has nothing to do with not being the center of attention. The rumor, and it seems that it has been semi-confirmed, is that not only will the Lancer not be the center of attention, but, it will not be a topic at all. By pointing to the way things are now, you are not posting in regard to the actual Subject.... "The FUTURE of these Forums."

I do not consider this whining, but merely putting out what has been whispered before, and putting it in an open forum so that both sides of the story can be heard, and the information can benefit everyone. If that is whining, then, so be it, but, you and I have a different definition of that word.

I have no problem with not having the car that is the big brother car... as a matter of fact, I relish it. Even hints that the Evo VIII will be in the Fast and The Furious II makes me glad I don't have it.

What I am mainly trying to say is that it would be unfair to move aside a capable car that, in my opinion, has no comparison in it's price division for a car that costs at least twice as much, if not two and a half times as much, especially when there is room and ample staff support for both to flourish, not merely slide into a state of disrepair. If you fail to understand that, then you missed the point of this whole thread.

Also, this is a matter, that, again, really should concern the owners of this car and the vendors more than anyone. Sure, we may not have the superior vehicle, but, this site has served as a great place for support to grow, and to snuff it out would be something akin to a crime. This site is light years ahead of the alternatives, and I think that starting from scratch, while it may be the only option we have left, would be both counterproductive, and really, a waste of energy considering the haven that is here NOW... if it can remain this way. Basically, I'm trying to affirm that things WILL stay the same. Not "maybe" stay the same. I, and I'm sure others, want stronger reassurance from Mark here that the Lancer will retain support here, and will not be neglected by this administration. I think that is a fair demand, one that should not be met by both mocking and a plug of a feature that is not even up and running yet.

And, as I recall, you were offered the opportunity to join a new site, and, for some reason, declined. So, which is it? You want to help establish a new forum dedicated solely to the Lancer, or you don't?

Paul, thank you for linking that, but, I think that it was worth bringing up again because of the situation has been brought to something of a head by the obviously biased name change, and I believe that the question has more merit due to the current situation.

Last edited by StreetLancer; Aug 3, 2002 at 05:14 AM.
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 05:45 AM
  #8  
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I agree with you street_lancer power to the forum for staying the same, I hope.
Still I very much appreciate U for letting out your opions, perhaps the new name of the forum should be Alllancers.net.
have a beer streetlancer
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 05:54 AM
  #9  
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There is no plan on eliminating the Lancer from this website. In fact one of the main ideas was would it be expanded to include all Mitsubishi models. I think that idea was dropped (not sure), but I dont think it is pheasable.

Here are some key points

First of all the main administrator and his now/future assistants (me included hopefully) will all own or already do own the Evolution and will not own a normal Lancer. Therefore we are going to personally make contributions for the EVO. Its just the way it is. We pay money for domain names, we contribute our time, and Mark actually pays for this site.

That being said...we are doing our hardest to create a great atmosphere for those that own the Lancer. There was a bit too much blending between the EVO forums and Lancer forums, and they are now split up a bit, but all the Lancer forums are still there. Many still share a common area too (members rides, etc).
We have new features coming for not only the EVO but also the Lancer. We have a tech articles section with visual how-to's for both cars. We have a marketplace that will have vendor listings for all cars (remember the main Lancer vendors are going to go full out on the EVO when it gets here too).
I also have just created a Hall of Fame which will list members times at drag racing, major road courses, the dynometer and more. I will also be including a section which will allow people to show recent results like from autocross etc. The Hall of Fame will probably be open to all members regardless of what car they have. Also the registry will not go away, and will be a great resource for all Lancer owners.

Honestly I havent read through all the posts in this thread, due to their length, but my point is that the Lancer will not be ignored, and will remain a highlight of this area. Yes the site, including 2 of its domain names (one not yet revealed) will be evo related, but if you feel comfortable, you can stick with lancerforums.com.
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 05:59 AM
  #11  
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From: Cali
If you're only worried that the Lancer will be pushed back, I assure you that is not my plan. The forums are still there for the Lancer, the model page was started and will improve (I'm spending more time on site functionality), and I'll be trying to work out ways to get more support for things like articles, news, etc. The lancerforums.com url still works and you can call this site lancerforums if you like... I dont' really care one way or another. Matter of fact this site can be reached from 3 urls:

https://www.evolutionm.net
http://www.lancerforums.com
http://www.evoclub.org

They're really just ways to get around. I don't know where all these whispers and rumors are generating from. If you anyone has a question about the direction of the forum they can just ask. I'm not trying to lead people on... if I wanted to exclude the US Lancer I would do just that, but that's not my intention.

I was contemplating working with vwvortex.com, but I thought I was better off focusing on the Lancer and keeping things the way they were. Is that what you are talking about?

Mark
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 06:45 AM
  #13  
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I think one of the points that is being missed here is that Mark has all the right to do whatever he wants to do with this site.

He could've said a LONG time ago that "this site is ONLY going to be used for the Lancer Evolution", but he didn't....in fact...he welcomed the US Lancer driver's with open arms. There's a nice balance of moderation from Evo owners AND Lancer owners.

I think the Evo owners/future owners have been pretty tolerant in taking some of the crap that a few of the Lancer owners have been dishing out in their direction. Seriously now...there's no reason for us to NOT be working together and embracing the new format and the new direction in which this forum is going.

The Lancer is a great car, and so is the Evo....jst relax.

Hooby
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 02:17 PM
  #14  
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From: Ellsworth AFB, SD
im my defense.. i said what i said because you did sound like you were whining streetlancer, and when someone *****es about something that they have no say over that is whining. as for me being offered a link to a new site... what's next you gonna post up some of that **** i did back in high school? i think i have a right to make my own decision for whatever reasons i choose. i was by no means saying i was gonna ditch the forums today, or tomorrow. i was simply stressing that if anyone wanted to start a new site i would be more than willing to help. being a member of this forum doesn't bond me soley to one forum. finally, like Hooby said, it's all up to Mark. so until that day that i can't enjoy this site any longer i will look else where. until that day this forum, and which ever OTHER forums i choose to be a member of, will remain in my history and i will continue to post as i see fit.
Old Aug 3, 2002 | 02:18 PM
  #15  
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From: Ellsworth AFB, SD
the quick posting method takes for ever and it send the post twice sometimes... hmm...



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