Quote
Alan
If you don't mind me asking, I would like to know what it costs to run your web site a year and about how much startup cost was there? Don't worry I don't want to compete with you, but if it doesn't hurt too bad to start up I may do some directing towards your site.
Bill
it was $540, one entire sunday morning, two cups coffee and a stale bear claw. then it's $50 a year to maintain the photo hosting service and that's it!
sal's post got me thinking about this. you know, it's been an interesting three years. there is a board for the norcal kayak anglers and a friend of mine runs it. before starting this board, i had a talk with him about the problems he had with his website. he said that the free software for his website (simple machine forums) was great and that godaddy.com would be fine for website and domain name hosting, but that the real headache was advertising. ok, note to self, no advertising. so on one sunday morning at the beginning of december 2008, i fired up my laptop, made a cup of coffee, found a stale bear claw for breakfast and pulled out the "fishing" credit card. i registered the domain name (alantani.com) with godaddy at a cost of $9 a year for 10 years. need more coffee..... then i signed up for 150 gigs of space and unlimited bandwidth for $45 a year for 10 years, again with godaddy. so far it was $90 for 10 years of domain name hosting and $450 for 10 years of web hosting.
that morning i set up the bare framework for the board, just about like you see it here, using the free software. by the time this was all done, it was noon and i called it quits for the day. over the next few weeks, i started copying all of my old posts from all the other boards that i had ever posted anything on. there was actually ALOT of stuff. the idea was to have a place where i could archive my old posts. the problem i was having was that people would ask questions that i had answered somewhere else on some other board. but because stuff was scattered so badly, i would have to re-write the answer. it was getting old and tedious. i figured this would help, and it did. it also created other problems. i started getting a trickle of visitors, but that steadily grew. the idea was to make it an archive site, like a library. come in, find the info you need, and go fix your reel. didn't work out that way. the welcome board was the only one that was open to questions and there were always questions. then, almost just two months into this, our family was hit with a double whammy.
at the end of january 2009, my wife was laid off from her job at sun microsystems. that same day, her 90 year old father decided to go out for a walk. he fell, hit is head on the curb and had a severe subdural bleed. he spend 5 days in the neuro icu at stanford hospital, then another 7 days on a medicine ward at kaiser. he went from 70% mental capacity to 10% or less, totally unable to care for himself. my wife and i ended up spending all of 2009 and 2010 taking care of him. i spent at least 300 nights over at the old man's house, sleeping in my clothes on the couch. it was ok. you do what you have to do for family. one thing i know for sure. if my wife would have been working, he could have gone into a convalescent hospital and there he would have died. i have absolutely no doubt about that. then in december of last year, my wife got a job and we were able to hire someone to take care of her dad. he is still pretty much an empty shell. we still spend alot of time over there, but at least we are not stuck there every night. right now, he's still kicking. he can't remember my name, but on a good day he's up to 10% of what he used to be.
meanwhile, the website continued to grow. after some encouragement from bryan, we decided to open up. bryan lined up all of the moderators. the rules were simple. we would allow nothing that would be inappropriate for my 12 year old daughter to read. that was 15 months ago and we had 150,000 hits that month. it immediately jumped to 180,000, then 300,000 a few months after that. last month, we had almost 490,000 hits. of course someone, usually my wife, always asks about advertising. the answer is still no.
what about the future? no grand designs. my big goal for this year is to clean up the garage. if i started now and worked full time, it would probably take me 6 months. i need to start posting tutorials again. and most of all, i need to do some fishing. those are my big plans for the year!
From a humble beginning to a great, world-wide, bank of knowledge. Thank you Alan for this site. 8)
Quotewhat about the future? no grand designs. my big goal for this year is to clean up the garage. if i started now and worked full time, it would probably take me 6 months. i need to start posting tutorials again. and most of all, i need to do some fishing. those are my big plans for the year!
Alan, it looks like you have a plan. Here's how to implement it:
1- Do a tutorial on what you need to go fishing of your favorite species.
2- Find the stuff you need during your garage cleaning to fish for the above species.
3- Prep and load the boat before the season opens.
4- GO FISHING!
;D ;D ;D ;D
I found the start of AlanTani.com pretty interesting. I find it amazing that for less than $1,000 you were able to make my second home ;)
I love where the site is right now, and hope you keep advertising out of the equation. Before ya gotta due that I'll pay dues :o
Many thanks to you, Alan! ...and Bryan for being a heck of a right hand man, and of course the top shelf mods we got on here,
Dom
Yeah, we have had some set-backs with the garage and inventory organization. Sorry Alan...life happens sometimes. I've got a simillar goal for my garage as my wife wants me to move my portable reel repair bench outside into the garage...and into the cold. There are several other goals as well, including trying to build a line winder that I can actively monitor the line tension. And also try to get some fishing and maybe crabbing in.
Mahalo Nui Loa to all members, old and new in maintaining this home away from home.
Congrats to all concerned.
I am sure that every one who has ever had a serious look at this site will appreciate the work and effort put into making this fantastic resource available to us all.
Well done and keep it up.
Dave B (Australia)
Quote from: alantani on January 11, 2012, 04:36:52 AM
Alan
i need to start posting tutorials again. and most of all, i need to do some fishing. those are my big plans for the year!
Can't wait! ;D Okay, now. I can't be the only one asking what is this bfast-stale bear claw
You did great Alan, The numbers speak for themselves.
Also, Bryan and the mods have done an excellent job contributing to this great site.
Now get started on that garage, it won't get done if you just keep looking at it and shake your head ;D.... Go get some fish first ;)
Hey, maybe I should come over and build you some custom rod and reels cabinets.
I'm happy to be here.
Thank you!
Sal.
Thank you Alan.
Great idea Sal.
What we really need is parts shelves/carts so that we can roll it to the bench for whichever reel mfg. he is working on at the time, and incoming reel repair desk (so that he can get the incoming reels out of his house to make wife happy) and outgoing shelf. Then a station for a line winder...and if there's still room, a rod wrapping station ('cause my wife doesn't want it in my garage ;D).
Well worth the effort many thanks for a great site Alan.
Quote from: Bryan Young on January 11, 2012, 06:20:51 PM
Great idea Sal.
What we really need is parts shelves/carts so that we can roll it to the bench for whichever reel mfg. he is working on at the time, and incoming reel repair desk (so that he can get the incoming reels out of his house to make wife hapy) and outgoing shelf. Then a station for a line winder...and if there's still room, a rod wrapping station ('cause my wife doesn't want it in my garage ;D).
Bryan, I was thinking 2 days now you're talking a month. My wife can't be without me for that long, not that I blame her ;D.....no comments from you Dominick.
Quote from: Rare on January 11, 2012, 11:36:40 AM
Quote from: alantani on January 11, 2012, 04:36:52 AM
Alan
i need to start posting tutorials again. and most of all, i need to do some fishing. those are my big plans for the year!
Can't wait! ;D Okay, now. I can't be the only one asking what is this bfast-stale bear claw
ah, you've missed out of one of life's great pleasures! THIS is a bear claw. even 3-4 days old, they still taste great. if they get a little hardened and stale, you can wash them down with a little coffee.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/5/1_11_01_12_12_39_30.jpeg)
I'm drooling!!! :o
Dom
Alan, I have been reading and following you Tutorials on other sites for many, many years.
I saw years & years ago on BD where you said to the effect that:
"Reel repair was just a hobby that turned into a Monster"
Now it looks like the Web site had the same outcome!! LMAO
Your hobbies seem to grow like weeds...
Great place and I think we all thank you & the "Mod Squad" for all the time & work you put into it.
.
The site works great for me. I consider it one of the best sites out there. Informative and easy to use.
Quote from: Alto Mare on January 11, 2012, 06:56:26 PM
Bryan, I was thinking 2 days now you're talking a month. My wife can't be without me for that long, not that I blame her ;D.....no comments from you Dominick.
Sal: You force me to tell a story about you and your wife so her goes:
Sal and his wife and I were sitting at a table at a bar one day, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table.
I asked her, "Do you know him?"
"Yes", she sighed, "He's my old boyfriend. I understand he took to drinking
right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasn't been sober since."
"My God!" Sal said, "Who would think a person could go on
celebrating that long?" ;D ;D.
You know she won't miss you after that comment. Dominick
Yeah, you really needed me to twist your arm. Good one though ;)
Sal
Quote from: alantani on January 11, 2012, 07:42:08 PM
Quote from: Rare on January 11, 2012, 11:36:40 AM
Quote from: alantani on January 11, 2012, 04:36:52 AM
Alan
i need to start posting tutorials again. and most of all, i need to do some fishing. those are my big plans for the year!
Can't wait! ;D Okay, now. I can't be the only one asking what is this bfast-stale bear claw
ah, you've missed out of one of life's great pleasures! THIS is a bear claw. even 3-4 days old, they still taste great. if they get a little hardened and stale, you can wash them down with a little coffee.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/5/1_11_01_12_12_39_30.jpeg)
yummmm! bear claws........ I always get the 12 pk.
Sal/Dominick - you guys are a laugh a minute. ;)
Alan, Bryan, Rob etc - thanks so much for making this such a great place.
Hope my contributions are sufficient to 'earn my keep'!
If more can be done to assist, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks again, Justin
Quote from: redsetta on January 12, 2012, 08:30:22 PM
Sal/Dominick - you guys are a laugh a minute. ;)
Alan, Bryan, Rob etc - thanks so much for making this such a great place.
Hope my contributions are sufficient to 'earn my keep'!
If more can be done to assist, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks again, Justin
How about a fishing trip in Auckland? :-*. Dominick
Mate, if you can make it, I'll put it together... ;)
bay of islands?
The Bay, Poor Knights, Hauraki Gulf, Aldermans, Ranfurly Banks, it's all there... ;)
Hey Dominick,
Sal, just started a new business with his years of being a skilled carpenter. He just finished his first coffin and he needs to make sure the dimensions are correct ;)
Great humor boys,
Dom
Quote from: redsetta on January 12, 2012, 08:30:22 PM
Sal/Dominick - you guys are a laugh a minute. ;)
Alan, Bryan, Rob etc - thanks so much for making this such a great place.
Hope my contributions are sufficient to 'earn my keep'!
If more can be done to assist, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks again, Justin
What Justin said!! X2 !! :D
I'm always looking for the next modification, project, etc..!!
All with great enjoyment!!
Thanks, Greg
Quote from: broadway on January 13, 2012, 12:37:18 AM
Hey Dominick,
Sal, just started a new business with his years of being a skilled carpenter. He just finished his first coffin and he needs to make sure the dimensions are correct ;)
Great humor boys,
Dom
Hey great. I need something to lie down in when the sun comes up. ::). Dominick
Great stuff Alan, this site is a tremendous resource.
Cheers
Thanks to all the contributors, and to Alan especially! This place is awesome.
you know, my girls want to go out of the country for a vacation this year. japan is a possibility, but there is no fishing and the don't speak english. we are also considering fiji, new zealand, tasmania and australia. i don't know if it's possible with everyone's schedules the way they are, but it is being considered...... :-\
That'd be epic - a round trip of the South Pacific!
Good luck with your plans, Justin
justin and i will get you fishing oz+nz,and any one else
did i mention? my youngest daughter is fine, but my oldest daughter and my wife are allergic to fish. go figure..... :-\
my babblin brook asked me why i never take her fishin.
whats the point?she would only find her way back home.
the max i go is only 25 miles offshore
she cant read either.
Ok Alan, ever since you mentioned the bear claw I had to have one. I'm having mine now with my coffee, as I type.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g431/pescatore1/Picture1886.jpg)
I'm trying to lose a couple of pounds, thanks for helping out ;D.
That bear claw is yummy! I'm sure it won't be my last one ;).
Quote from: wallacewt on January 17, 2012, 04:28:46 AM
justin and i will get you fishing oz+nz,and any one else
I'm in. Dominick
Alan,
I'd like to thank you. This site you've set up is an awesome resource for anyone who even just thinks about messing with their reels.
And if you ever happen to find yourself down here where its safe behind the "Orange Curtin" hit me up and I'll treat you to a fresh bear claw from one of our numerous baked goodies vendors. Or even better I'll treat you to a breakfast burrito on one of the cattle boats... :o
Mike
Hey Alan, on your South Pacific Tour make sure to swing through Fiji...I've got a great spot for Bear Claws!
..you too Dom !
Quote from: erikpowell on January 19, 2012, 12:48:50 AM
Hey Alan, on your South Pacific Tour make sure to swing through Fiji...I've got a great spot for Bear Claws!
..you too Dom !
I hate to say this, but I used to enjoy them ;). I was diagnosed with a Gluten allergy so no wheat flour going on 7 years now :-\. Dominick
As I have previously written, I stumbled upon this site, by default. Man oh man, am I glad I did. Only three years young, and far wiser than anybody would have imagined. This site is the best of the best when it comes to reel repair. Second to none for sure. Thanks so much to Alan, the moderators and all the individual contributors that make this site what it is. AND YES!!! No advertisers! How's that for unbiased opinions.
Thank You All!!!!
Congrats to Alan and all the others who selflessly give their time. This is what its all about do something not expecting to get anything in return. I love the site, just when I think I have aproblem that cannot be solved well I know where to turn. Got stuck in Fiji with an out of sorts reel well that was soon over come. Hey you guys should seriously think of coming down to NZ. We have a beach house at Piha you could use. We have a boat and the Marlin are coming onto the bite here. I am sure there are other members who could help out with cars and baches. We could all have a monster BBQ with you guys, you might not make it home. Any way if you are thinking of coming down get in contact with the Alan Tani appreciation society and it will be sorted.
ive been thinking the same thing.
it doesnt have to be expensive
accomodation free chip in for food
boats free,chip in for fuel
usa v nz(draw)
usa v oz(no hope)
nz v oz (same result)
oh i forgot,if you beat the oz team you pay for the lot ::)
Truly an amazing and altruistic web site with a fantastic story! Alan you have accomplished much in a short amount of time. You have helped me out very much already by sharing your knowledge fo the Penn 320GT2 in such a professional manner. Thanks for your service and God bless you. Ray