Apr 5, 2006 3:08:45 PM
-
Alex18_996CC
- Rennteam Master
-
- Loc: Madrid , Spain
- Posts: 3218, Gallery
- Registered on: Jun 13, 2004
- Reply to: Captain Bady
Crown
Board: Porsche
Language: English
Region: Worldwide
Close
CloseForum - Thread
) but it still has the spirit of a big family, controlled by excellent moderators and editor !!! 
Re: Rennteam made it to the PRESS
Just came back from work, here are is the scan. Working on a Q&D translation at the moment, enjoy!
On a side note, I was so excited this morning that I ran and grabbed the first copy of Flat 6 I found.
It was a copy of the MARCH issue, which I already had of course.
Fortunately, they had received the April issue during the day, so here we go!
Nice GT2 btw
On a side note, I was so excited this morning that I ran and grabbed the first copy of Flat 6 I found.
It was a copy of the MARCH issue, which I already had of course.
Fortunately, they had received the April issue during the day, so here we go!
Nice GT2 btw
Re: Rennteam made it to the PRESS
Here is the translation. Apologies for typos, it's a Q&D translation and it's getting late. Enjoy! 
Behind the scene of a Porsche forum
RC is the co-founder of Rennteam.com, which has become in 4 years one of the main web sites for Porsche lovers. How does one start a forum, how to let it live and grow? An exclusive interview with RC as he lets us backstage.
Flat6: Let's talk about you. How did you decide to start a new forum about Porsche?
RC: I have owned 911s since 1996 - I was 31 at the time - and am about to take delivery of a 997 Turbo. Our family car is a Cayenne Turbo with the 500hp powerkit. My wife drives a Boxster S. I have been a gearhead since age 18, and was a professional rally driver for a short while in my Lancia Delta Integrale.
A few years ago, I started spending a lot of time of internet boards. I met CR there. In 2002, we decided to start our own forum. An independent forum - without advertizing or official support - made by fans for other fans.
Of course, neither CR nor I had any clue about what problems laid ahead. The first version of Rennteam looked terrible and was rife with bugs.
Flat6: How did you try and make Rennteam different from other Porsche boards?
RC: I think Rennteam is well-known for its high-quality discussions. Our members do actually own Porsches or other high-end sports car. We enjoy a much higher share of actual sports car owners versus other boards, and it shows.
The Rennteam boards provide information about upcoming developments, available options, aftermarket mods, and advice about how to make the most of their cars. Our top priority is to ensure the quality of the messages and respect for fellow members, especially since we have owners from all over the world, and very different cultures.
Flat6: What does it takes to make a board such as Rennteam run?
RC: A lot of time and a lot of money. By the way, for us, time is money. CR, myself, and our moderators are all business men with day jobs.
Flat6: How do you finance the board, if you do not rely on advertizing or suscriptions?
RC: That's right, Rennteam is a private board without any kind of external financial help or sponsors. CR and I foot the bills. So do some of the moderators, in one way or the other. We were very surprised to find out that many people were willing to send us some money because they like our work. But so far, we can afford to run Rennteam on an independent basis. As of today, despite some very generous offers, we have never accepted a cent from our members.
Flat6: Please tell us more about your member community...
RC: In 4 mere years, Rennteam has grown at a tremendous pace. Today, we have 8,100 members and growing. This is still surprising to us, as reading our boards does not require registration. Our English-language boards brings mostly Americans, Canadians and Britons together, but also many people from mainland Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, New Zeeland, and even South America. We are very proud to have managed to bring such a community together without losing respect between them. Which proves that if people share the same passion, they can get along very well.
Flat6: Rennteam has managed to land many world exclusives, as though you had moles inside the company. Do you know if Porsche are reading you?
RC: This is very natural for an Internet community to gather so much information in such a short time. Very detailed information. The marketing and the development departments at Porsche very often have their own agendas and are not directly involved on our boards.
We have a deep respect for our members, but also for manufacturers such as Porsche. This might partly explain why we get our information early. We know that manufacturers do read our boards and that they use this insight to improve their products or design new ones. Our "scoops" come from people who are involved in some way or another in development, sales or marketing. These people remain passionate about the products their companies build, and they trust us not to publish any information that might get them caught. We are not into sensationalism. We are just looking for information based on credible rumors or facts, not gossip. We do not publish everything we know either, because our priority is to protect our sources, and respect trade secrets.
Flat6: How do you envision Rennteam's future in the coming 2 years?
RC: The current situation is very enjoyable since CR, the moderators and myself all have day jobs that are completely unrelated to the car industry. We are free from any pressure. We really like being able to watch our baby grow without having to worry about its future. I'm sure most parents wish they could say as much.
Many friendships started on Rennteam, and we are looking forward to make an International Rennteam Meeting happen someday. We all share this dream. Our biggest worry is membership growth. In order to ensure the quality of our boards, we will have to restrict new registrations. Maybe by filtering free webmail addresses, which are often used by teenagers or people who want to conceal their true identity. We do not want to ban anyone, but we also have to do whatever it takes to protect the quality of our boards.
Flat 6 also mentions the part number of the very ellusive PSE for 2003-2004 Boxsters. In the March issue, Stéphane van Gelder wrote about how he eventually managed to have a PSE installed, in spite of Porsche's denial that it ever existed - by looking up photos and part numbers from owners on the Internet. Tequipment part number is 000 044 200 20.
If Porsche asks, the 2003-2004 PSE does not require to have the rear bumper changed.
Behind the scene of a Porsche forum
RC is the co-founder of Rennteam.com, which has become in 4 years one of the main web sites for Porsche lovers. How does one start a forum, how to let it live and grow? An exclusive interview with RC as he lets us backstage.
Flat6: Let's talk about you. How did you decide to start a new forum about Porsche?
RC: I have owned 911s since 1996 - I was 31 at the time - and am about to take delivery of a 997 Turbo. Our family car is a Cayenne Turbo with the 500hp powerkit. My wife drives a Boxster S. I have been a gearhead since age 18, and was a professional rally driver for a short while in my Lancia Delta Integrale.
A few years ago, I started spending a lot of time of internet boards. I met CR there. In 2002, we decided to start our own forum. An independent forum - without advertizing or official support - made by fans for other fans.
Of course, neither CR nor I had any clue about what problems laid ahead. The first version of Rennteam looked terrible and was rife with bugs.
Flat6: How did you try and make Rennteam different from other Porsche boards?
RC: I think Rennteam is well-known for its high-quality discussions. Our members do actually own Porsches or other high-end sports car. We enjoy a much higher share of actual sports car owners versus other boards, and it shows.
The Rennteam boards provide information about upcoming developments, available options, aftermarket mods, and advice about how to make the most of their cars. Our top priority is to ensure the quality of the messages and respect for fellow members, especially since we have owners from all over the world, and very different cultures.
Flat6: What does it takes to make a board such as Rennteam run?
RC: A lot of time and a lot of money. By the way, for us, time is money. CR, myself, and our moderators are all business men with day jobs.
Flat6: How do you finance the board, if you do not rely on advertizing or suscriptions?
RC: That's right, Rennteam is a private board without any kind of external financial help or sponsors. CR and I foot the bills. So do some of the moderators, in one way or the other. We were very surprised to find out that many people were willing to send us some money because they like our work. But so far, we can afford to run Rennteam on an independent basis. As of today, despite some very generous offers, we have never accepted a cent from our members.
Flat6: Please tell us more about your member community...
RC: In 4 mere years, Rennteam has grown at a tremendous pace. Today, we have 8,100 members and growing. This is still surprising to us, as reading our boards does not require registration. Our English-language boards brings mostly Americans, Canadians and Britons together, but also many people from mainland Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, New Zeeland, and even South America. We are very proud to have managed to bring such a community together without losing respect between them. Which proves that if people share the same passion, they can get along very well.
Flat6: Rennteam has managed to land many world exclusives, as though you had moles inside the company. Do you know if Porsche are reading you?
RC: This is very natural for an Internet community to gather so much information in such a short time. Very detailed information. The marketing and the development departments at Porsche very often have their own agendas and are not directly involved on our boards.
We have a deep respect for our members, but also for manufacturers such as Porsche. This might partly explain why we get our information early. We know that manufacturers do read our boards and that they use this insight to improve their products or design new ones. Our "scoops" come from people who are involved in some way or another in development, sales or marketing. These people remain passionate about the products their companies build, and they trust us not to publish any information that might get them caught. We are not into sensationalism. We are just looking for information based on credible rumors or facts, not gossip. We do not publish everything we know either, because our priority is to protect our sources, and respect trade secrets.
Flat6: How do you envision Rennteam's future in the coming 2 years?
RC: The current situation is very enjoyable since CR, the moderators and myself all have day jobs that are completely unrelated to the car industry. We are free from any pressure. We really like being able to watch our baby grow without having to worry about its future. I'm sure most parents wish they could say as much.
Many friendships started on Rennteam, and we are looking forward to make an International Rennteam Meeting happen someday. We all share this dream. Our biggest worry is membership growth. In order to ensure the quality of our boards, we will have to restrict new registrations. Maybe by filtering free webmail addresses, which are often used by teenagers or people who want to conceal their true identity. We do not want to ban anyone, but we also have to do whatever it takes to protect the quality of our boards.
Flat 6 also mentions the part number of the very ellusive PSE for 2003-2004 Boxsters. In the March issue, Stéphane van Gelder wrote about how he eventually managed to have a PSE installed, in spite of Porsche's denial that it ever existed - by looking up photos and part numbers from owners on the Internet. Tequipment part number is 000 044 200 20.
If Porsche asks, the 2003-2004 PSE does not require to have the rear bumper changed.
Great job gents- many thanks! 
Re: Rennteam made it to the PRESS
Quote:
RC said:Quote:
Captain Bady said:
I think the merit should go to most of the people on the forum that constantly contribute (unfortunately not me in this case).... with all the respect to the stated above.
Of course...SORRY that I forgot to mention our Users.
I just felt bad about our moderators not getting the credit they actually deserve.
I think Rennteam's "community spirit" comes across very clearly in the interview and through RC's words. I should perhaps say that RC had mentioned all the moderators by name in the original interview but there was not enough space to list them all in the article. The monthly column format doesn't really allow for long articles and this was one of the longest we've done so far. But I think the interview makes it clear that Rennteam is a very special place for Porsche enthusiasts. That is what I've always felt when interacting on this forum and that is where the idea for the interview came from. So it really is meant as a tribute to everyone who contributes to Rennteam.
Re: Rennteam made it to the PRESS
Quote:
elsiesvg said:
I should perhaps say that RC had mentioned all the moderators by name in the original interview but there was not enough space to list them all in the article.
Thanks a lot for mentioning it, I felt pretty bad when I didn't see their names in the article but I guess they understand now.
Apr 6, 2006 12:54:09 PM
- easy_rider911
- Rennteam VIP
-
- Loc: London , United Kingdom
- Posts: 22190, Gallery
- Registered on: Nov 8, 2004
-
Reply to:
CF
Apr 6, 2006 1:07:43 PM
- Joost
- Rennteam VIP
-
- Loc: Dordrecht , Netherlands
- Posts: 8054, Gallery
- Registered on: May 3, 2004
- Reply to: easy_rider911
Re: Rennteam made it to the PRESS
Quote:
CF said:
Oh well, since I wasn't mentioned in the article why should I be mentioned here
Check again, Christian.
I'm sorry, I really mentioned ALL moderators in the interview but apparently there was no space left.
We should definetely do a group picture or have somebody talented create some sort of "collage" of different pictures with each of us on them to have a Rennteam Group Picture for similar situations in the future (given that other car magazines are interested in us as well...
).
Apr 6, 2006 2:52:09 PM
-
Ron (Houston)
- Rennteam Moderator
-
- Loc: Houston, TX , United States
- Posts: 8812, Gallery
- Registered on: Apr 10, 2002
-
Reply to:
RC
Re: Rennteam made it to the PRESS
Quote:
RC said:Quote:
elsiesvg said:
I should perhaps say that RC had mentioned all the moderators by name in the original interview but there was not enough space to list them all in the article.
Thanks a lot for mentioning it, I felt pretty bad when I didn't see their names in the article but I guess they understand now.
Hey guys stop giving RC hard time let him enjoy the moment. We're all part of a great community here and the important part is that Rennteam was mentioned. Enjoy the moment and let the creators do too
.
Apr 6, 2006 3:58:27 PM
- easy_rider911
- Rennteam VIP
-
- Loc: London , United Kingdom
- Posts: 22190, Gallery
- Registered on: Nov 8, 2004
- Reply to: AJVIP
Apr 6, 2006 4:36:49 PM
- The Groom
- Expert
-
- Loc: EU
- Posts: 1779, Gallery
- Registered on: Jan 23, 2005
- Reply to: easy_rider911
Re: Rennteam made it to the PRESS
Quote:
elsiesvg said:Quote:
RC said:Quote:
Captain Bady said:
I think the merit should go to most of the people on the forum that constantly contribute (unfortunately not me in this case
Of course...SORRY that I forgot to mention our Users.
I just felt bad about our moderators not getting the credit they actually deserve.
I think Rennteam's "community spirit" comes across very clearly in the interview and through RC's words. I should perhaps say that RC had mentioned all the moderators by name in the original interview but there was not enough space to list them all in the article. The monthly column format doesn't really allow for long articles and this was one of the longest we've done so far. But I think the interview makes it clear that Rennteam is a very special place for Porsche enthusiasts. That is what I've always felt when interacting on this forum and that is where the idea for the interview came from. So it really is meant as a tribute to everyone who contributes to Rennteam.
I thought the article was very well done. Christian did a terrific job in articulating how the Board was created and the reasons for its success. The questions drew out the information without making it look like an advertisement. I am certain none of the moderators were upset about not being mentioned because it appeared only first names were given and honestly I don't think they care.
But damn it, I now must be on my best behavior.
Re: Rennteam made it to the PRESS
Quote:
nberry said:Quote:
elsiesvg said:Quote:
RC said:Quote:
Captain Bady said:
I think the merit should go to most of the people on the forum that constantly contribute (unfortunately not me in this case
Of course...SORRY that I forgot to mention our Users.
I just felt bad about our moderators not getting the credit they actually deserve.
I think Rennteam's "community spirit" comes across very clearly in the interview and through RC's words. I should perhaps say that RC had mentioned all the moderators by name in the original interview but there was not enough space to list them all in the article. The monthly column format doesn't really allow for long articles and this was one of the longest we've done so far. But I think the interview makes it clear that Rennteam is a very special place for Porsche enthusiasts. That is what I've always felt when interacting on this forum and that is where the idea for the interview came from. So it really is meant as a tribute to everyone who contributes to Rennteam.
I thought the article was very well done. Christian did a terrific job in articulating how the Board was created and the reasons for its success. The questions drew out the information without making it look like an advertisement. I am certain none of the moderators were upset about not being mentioned because it appeared only first names were given and honestly I don't think they care.
But damn it, I now must be on my best behavior.
As far as I'm concerned, RC has done so much more than me. I'm just here to help with my small experience.
Credits goes to him no question.
Nick,
Don't change your behaviour, you're part of Rennteam's success too!
The devil's advocate!
Apr 6, 2006 8:40:05 PM
-
Carlos from Spain
- Rennteam Moderator
-
- Loc: Spain. , Spain
- Posts: 21152, Gallery
- Registered on: Feb 9, 2003
-
Reply to:
Futch
Re: Rennteam made it to the PRESS
Thank you The Groom for the translation!
I think it what a great article, as Nick says it articulated perfectly what Rennteam is about. Thanks to Flat6 and Stéphane
As to the names of the mods in the article... are you kidding RC? Personally I don't think I deserve mentioning in such an article, not when compared to what you and CR do. I'm just grateful to be able to participate and give what I can back to Rennteam
I think it what a great article, as Nick says it articulated perfectly what Rennteam is about. Thanks to Flat6 and Stéphane
As to the names of the mods in the article... are you kidding RC? Personally I don't think I deserve mentioning in such an article, not when compared to what you and CR do. I'm just grateful to be able to participate and give what I can back to Rennteam
Apr 6, 2006 9:42:08 PM
-
dhayek
- Rennteam Master
-
- Loc: Beirut , Lebanon
- Posts: 3839, Gallery
- Registered on: Jul 7, 2004
-
Reply to:
Carlos from Spain
Re: Rennteam made it to the PRESS
wow wow wow i am really happy about this article , and once again thanks to you christian and all the moderators for keeping this website running like it is , cant have a day without spending time here. and like you mentionned in the article i am also dreaming about the rennteam international meeting! cant wait to do make it!congrats!!!
Forum
About Rennteam | Help | Terms of use | Privacy Policy | Support | Contact | Imprint | Archive
Powered by
Community
and
