RIP VLJ??

[bretron]

I get this error message when trying to load the page: "[an error occurred while processing this directive]"

(Gonna guess they didn't invest in a software upgrade like the good folks here)

 

[nick123]

If so, that's sad. Many of the good folks here were the good folks there. I was always perplexed at the constant badgering (minus the funny things such as crazy stitch counters, hat boys, etc) between the two. I thought that was a bit unusual.

VLJ is/was a great forum. Even though it lacks the participation this one is fortunate to have, there are plenty of old posts (the vintage section is good...) I like it. Sure, it comes across as a handful of guys talking to each other, but that's due to member non-participation. Some have had bad experiences there, but I've found everyone there to be courteous and welcoming.

A great military focused forum. Pain to have to log in to see posts (and I know people have had issues registering) otherwise I'd be on there and the SJC forum more.

 

[AdeeC]

Maybe some of their moderators who also post here can explain what's going on.

 

[Big J]

Yeah, I just edited that all out because it makes me look mean spirited (which I am, but).

 

[Persimmon]

As a member of both sites I welcome the differences.
It is funny it has disappeared.
Hopefully a software clitch that is being worked on.
Any news would be good to hear from the moderators who are also on this Forum.
Hoping for a quick resumption

Alan

If RIP then good riddance to it. Cliquey, arrogant, aggressive, territorial, goes out of its way to insult new members, seemed to be a private forum for a small number of vendors.
It's demise would explain why at least one of its most unsavory members is now over here acting all 'sweetness and light'.

 

[AdeeC]

As a member of both sites I welcome the differences.
It is funny it has disappeared.
Hopefully a software clitch that is being worked on.
Any news would be good to hear from the moderators who are also on this Forum.
Hoping for a quick resumption

Alan

I agree, it is an excellent forum though relatively quiet, questions are always answered. The database has a wealth of historical information unobtainable elsewhere. I am a newish member there and have only received kind and helpful treatment and also found some great jackets through their buy and sell page. Hope it comes back soon.

 

[Persimmon]

The VLJ forum database is indeed a superb and free reference tool both for new collectors and experienced hands alike.
Or should I say. .. It was an excellent database. Hopefully the issues are resolved and both sites can continue running side by side

Alan

 

[Otter]

It would be sad to see VLJ go, but it has been VERY quiet over there in the last year or so.

 

[John Lever]

Maybe some of their moderators who also post here can explain what's going on.

As a mod. I can't answer that question because the nuts and bolts are sorted by Bill French. Let's hope normal service is resumed soon.

 

[Treetopflyer]

I have never had a bad experience with VLJ members. There are some members that are a bit OCD when comes to jacket details, but I would not categorize them as mean spirited. The website offered great reference material and links.

 

[Big J]

I have never had a bad experience with VLJ members. There are some members that are a bit OCD when comes to jacket details, but I would not categorize them as mean spirited. The website offered great reference material and links.

I meant that my comment was mean-spirited, and that's not really very nice, so I edited it out.

 

[Persimmon]

John
Were you aware it was happening
It is such a sudden shock
Have you a contact email with Bill French
Alan

 

[Buco]

I tried to sign up to the site ages ago but they only accepted members that had email addresses linked to their internet provider and did not accept email addresses from yahoo/hotmail/gmail etc... i mean how crazy is that. I even emailed them saying i was genuinely interested in the site but got no response.

any forum that makes it so difficult for new members to sign up is eventually doomed for failure in my opinion

 

[Doctor Damage]

I tried to sign up to the site ages ago but they only accepted members that had email addresses linked to their internet provider and did not accept email addresses from yahoo/hotmail/gmail etc... i mean how crazy is that. I even emailed them saying i was genuinely interested in the site but got no response.

any forum that makes it so difficult for new members to sign up is eventually doomed for failure in my opinion

I agree with you. Member retirement and turnover are issues for any forum so a closed from door means a declining membership over time.

 

[bretron]

There are some members that are a bit OCD when comes to jacket details...

Exactly why I appreciate(d) the VLJ community. I totally and completely valued all the counting of stitches

 

[handymike]

hopefully it's just a glitch.

 

[ButteMT61]

I would think that if they were going to shut down, they'd announce it and give folks time to gather data/pics, etc. and not just go away. Doesn't seem likely...

 

[Otter]

Do we need to have a whip round to put another shilling in the meter ?

 

[John Lever]

I tried to sign up to the site ages ago but they only accepted members that had email addresses linked to their internet provider and did not accept email addresses from yahoo/hotmail/gmail etc... i mean how crazy is that. I even emailed them saying i was genuinely interested in the site but got no response.

any forum that makes it so difficult for new members to sign up is eventually doomed for failure in my opinion

The reason for is because of some very near misses of the forum being sued due to slander and also recurrences of one or two very spiteful troublesome individuals rejoining after banning due to unacceptable behaviour.
I believe some FB groups vet every post before it appears on a page.

I do think we should relax the rule though to encourage new members. But with over 1000 members in what is the equivalent of Outerwear here only a handful post. We do have some very knowledgeable members though
John Chapman, Ken Calder, and Gary Eastman.....between those three what is left to know ?

 

[rocketeer]

I tried to sign up to the site ages ago but they only accepted members that had email addresses linked to their internet provider and did not accept email addresses from yahoo/hotmail/gmail etc... i mean how crazy is that. I even emailed them saying i was genuinely interested in the site but got no response.

any forum that makes it so difficult for new members to sign up is eventually doomed for failure in my opinion

Same here. I'm no expert but think I may have had something to offer the group from past experiences. No I don't take myself to seriously, nor my collecting these days but love old jackets military or civvy and enjoy wearing them and the occasional chat about what I have, have had and am contemplating buying.
If you must keep the IP email requirement, why not just why not make the posts and pics viewable to the public?