Bullet Dodged!
Members received my email on late Saturday in which I had some concerns about PoconoBay surviving after I was informed that the host server was shutting down on January 31st. Without getting technical,
without a host server the site won't display. I didn't get much notice and had to get the site and database transferred to my main server. Of course I ran into problems, but it looks like
I got it done. Here we are, still viewable, so the transfer succeeded.
While all that was going on it gave me the opportunity to look into a professional script for us. Something that operates just as eBay does (without the exhorbitant fees, of course). Currently I am
speaking with a developer in the UK who may have just the solution. I make websites, but the script to this one is far above my capabilities so I'll see how it works, if it is bug free, and if the expense
of purchasing and installing it would be worth the cost.
11/29/09
3 Weeks?!
I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!
As I write this I am looking at the date of my last post - not that I have much to write about. I'm just surprised so much time has gone by! I've been pretty busy revamping some of my websites. I overhauled 10 of them completely with some new script and a new presentation. One I changed completely from a search engine to a niche that deals with safety items (beacons, trackers, strobes, etc.). That one kept me busy for about 2 days straight!
If anyone is interested, you can see it HERE.
New Members
Things have slowed down a bit on people joining us. My guess is that it will continue to be slow until the spring when everyone is done with the holidays and starts thinking about getting rid of those Christmas presents that they really
didn't need or want. In the last 3 weeks there have been about 10 new registrants and of those, I booted three for false registration info and two never confirmed so they were removed after 10 days.
Future Posts
You probably won't see me again until after the new year. Way too much to do, but I will be lurking and should you have a problem posting an item or have any questions please feel free to email me through the contact link on the website.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
11/07/09
Welcome!
I'd like to greet our newest members: saberpa4936, budshink, fran1958, mjhusa, and LEATHER. Welcome to all of you and please tell everyone in our area about PoconoBay.com.
Use The Features Available
This being a free website for all of you to post your items I am still perplexed that almost all the listings I see do not go into much detail or even use the ability to upload a picture.
To make sure everyone understands, your first picture is free and if you use the "Auction" area to post an item only additional pictures (more than 1) incur a small fee. Descriptions: There is
plenty of space available to describe your items with details. Use that space to your advantage in order to persuade those who visit your item to actually contact you. One example (and I won't name anyone) is a listing for Laptops.
Stating you have laptops for sale and not telling anything about them other than the price tends to cause people to shy away from contacting you. As a computer user the last thing I want to do is send an email asking for all the specifics
of the laptop that could have been provided. Just food for thought.
Reduced Postings
As you may have noticed my postings on this page are becoming less frequent. That is not because of lack of interest. It is simply because most of what needed to be put on here has already been done. I'm also quite swamped at this time with
other projects - my own and those for others wanting websites. I'm spread so thin that I could use another 24 hours in each day and it seems like it would take me a year to catch up even if I were given that extra time. With the flu having knocked my butt
for a loop during those 2 weeks and more people wanting website work done by me it has been a task to maintain those I have. As always though, I'm available if you need assistance or have a question.
10/29/09
Up To Date
OK, I think I'm over the worst of the flu and feeling much better. Just to set the record straight, I can't say it was much worse than some other flus I've caught
over the years. That's not to say if Granny catches it, who was in poor health to begin with, it wouldn't be a bad investment to pay the extra premiums on boosting
the life insurance. It's just that I think there is way too much scare tactics in the media and government over this Swine Flu "epidemic". Just my 2 cents.
Forum
The forum is pretty much done, but I'm holding off on opening it up for awhile. For one thing, the forum will require members to use it, or it can be a lonely place. In the near future I will notify everyone via email when I'm about to open it. I will be looking for interest in it and also a little guidance from all of you
about the topic boards you want listed. I have a number of them already set up, but suggestions from you will allow me to add boards so that you all have an area to discuss things that interest you.
Welcome
More members have joined Pocono Bay during my downtime. I want to welcome all of them, but here are some. They are, 2008vette, dmcgregor, jbattag, jeffreg39, matthewlada, jetsking39, Judez65, krauzel5365, magnumpi, melissatorruella, and nana12. Thanks for joining us!
10/24/09
Bring Out Your Dead!
The flu has me in it's grip. Been spending the time I can see straight to work on the forum and my other websites which have been neglected lately and answering emails from people about Pocono Bay.
Hopefully in another week I will be back to normal. Maybe I should have skipped the parade?
10/18/09
Palmerton Halloween Parade
The Palmerton parade was fun. I got a kick out of some of the kids getting scared by my "Death" costume, while one little girl of about 4 years old was all smiles and waving, while saying, "Hello, Mr. Skeleton!" Too cute.
I made about 500 packets of ad material wrapped around a piece of candy for handing out to the adults. Under-estimated the amount of people there. Could have used 500 more.
To those who received one and find their way here, hope you join us!
Never made it to Lehighton yesterday for their parade, as I was out of it most of the day with some bug I caught and wasn't about to go walking in the rain. Felt good enough today to do the Palmerton parade.
Welcome
I want to welcome a few new members, grsnap, MAJSTROHL, and zawaly.
10/16/09
Halloween Parades
I'm going to make an attempt to be at the Lehighton Halloween Parade on Saturday. It's "iffy" at the moment because I have a pretty full day already, but I will definitely be at the Palmerton Parade on Sunday (I mean, what would be my excuse when the parade runs by my front door?).
I'll be in costume as "Death" because my motto will be "Looking to Kill eBay in NE PA". I'll actually be using the event to prmote Pocono Bay by handing out candy and fliers to the adults along the parade route. If you see me there, say "Hello." You may also see someone else dressed as a coal miner. A local H.S. kid
who I'm honestly not counting on to show up. We'll see.
2 Removed
Removed 2 people in the queue list who had submitted a registration. They were pending for about a week and never confirmed, so I did a little checking. 1 used an email that was non-existent. The other had an ISP located in Texas. Both were removed from the database.
New registrants still continue to arrive. I'll have to post a few names this weekend.
10/14/09
Photo Help
Some have had questions about uploading photos because their camera creates images that are too large for uploading to the site.
I've been answering them individually and was planning on spending some time creating a section in the "Tips" area to help everyone.
Thanks to our newest member, SimonPhotoGraphics, who graciously allowed me to use a page from his site, CoalRegionClassifieds.com, there is now information on how to obtain and use a free image editing software.
By the way, for those living in his area there is nothing wrong with listing your sale items placed here, on other sites. I only ask that items you list for "Auction" with us, you do not list for sale (a set price) elsewhere.
Welcome!
Along with SimonPhotoGraphic already mentioned above, I want to welcome Charm#52, tox247, and bobbi3d.
Phishing email Alert
For those not familiar, "phishing" emails are those pretending to be from a company (usually one you are associated with) asking you to click a link to verify information.
#1. NEVER click those links!
#2. Legitimate companies do not operate in that manner. When you log in normally to their site, they will have a message waiting for you. They do not send out emails asking you to "verify" information they already have.
#3. Your company, when you log on normally will usually operate from a url that starts with "https:" when you are in an area with your credit card information. Phishing emails often direct you to a link starting with "http:". If it is missing the "s" it is not secure and almost assuredly a fake.
#4. If in doubt, login to the company in question through a KNOWN link (never use the one supplied in the email!), find a link to their security center, or admin, and forward the suspicious email to them. Ask if it is legitimate.
The Latest Paypal Phishing Attempt
A new Paypal phishing attempt is circulating asking people to update information. It claims to be from their security center and supplies a link to click.
I've verified with Paypal that it is NOT from them. The link will plant a virus and numerous trojans onto your computer. Delete this email if received, or forward it to Paypal at "spoof@paypal.com". They have the means to track down the originators (often from Europe or Africa) and close down the website from which it operates the scam.
10/12/09
Outage
If anyone noticed, the site was down for a couple of hours today. It happens occasionally. It is most often due to the server for the site having a hiccup. If you ever see a message that the site can't be found or the server was reset, give it some time and don't panic. I'll do that for all of us.
Welcome!
We now have beerlady and dayclan7935 who have joined the mix. Welcome to both. If this keeps up, I'll have to really get some time in, on getting the forum finalized.
Not much else for today. I'm going to enjoy the rest of the day. Being half Italian I think I deserve half of Columbus Day off.
10/11/09
Add-Ons
There is now a video and some explanation of how to register correctly and how to use the Control Panel to list items for people who join us. They will be taken to it when they register. Those of you who registered previously were sent an email directing you to where it can be found. Hope it was helpful.
Welcome!
I'd like to welcome some new members who joined us. They are, bigboy, catrunner48, hunylvr49, intrpid44, JDages, karnak, mjs1010, reader103, and sequoia. Thanks for registering, spread the word about the site, and hope to see you in the listings!
More "Trolls"
A letter from a resident giving me the exact boundaries of the Pocono mountains. He apparently took offence to the "vague" boundaries I used, that were supplied by Wikipedia. I thanked him and showed him the way to Wiki so he can correct them.
A comment from a troll calling himself "local_456" who apparently didn't like the Times-News article.
It never ceases to amaze me that inbreds actually know how to click a button to send an email. I think my "Ignore" file is reaching full capacity.
10/10/09
Saylorsburg Flea Market
Got out to the Saylorsburg flea market this morning. Weather was a bit "brisk" as you all know. Passed out about 50 or 60 fliers to vendors from the local area
and had planned on getting out of there as quickly as possible to get up to Blakeslee, but there were questions and I do like to meet new people. I think the most often asked
was, "Is it really free?" Of course, the answer is, "Yes." Following very closely in second place was, "How do you make money?" Of course, I could have told them that they shouldn't concern themselves with how I make money, but it is no secret.
As I openly state on this site and in the newspaper article, this site isn't about making money. It can only hope to pay for itself through advertising and donations. I have assistants I pay
and promotion isn't cheap. Currently, my other websites feed this one. If, one day it does make a profit, most of it will likely end up going right back into the site to upgrade it and more
promotion. Honestly, I'd like to eventually put up more of these sites in different areas of the country and kick eBay's butt a bit.
Anyway, I talked a lot and enjoyed speaking with the vendors. Most of whom were very receptive and thought a website like this one was long overdue. Many of them were also unhappy with the other choices they had for selling items. With winter fast approaching, I expect at least of few of them to register. Before I knew it, it was approaching 1pm. Some vendors were beginning to pack up, so the day was pretty much done by then. I'll try to get up to Blakeslee tomorrow. If anyone has a question or suggestion, I'm always reachable through the contact link on the website.
10/9/09
Spam Blockers
For anyone who had problems logging on (there were more tonight than usual because of the Times-News article), I manually accepted your registrations. This problem is due to having some type of spam blocker running on your email system. If it is one you installed, you will have to set it to allow emails from "poconosbay.com" (with the "s"). If the spam blocker
is being provided by your ISP (your Internet service) contact them to allow emails from this domain ("poconosbay.com"). This is necessary because emails of questions from potential buyers, notices of auction conclusions, and other relevent information to your account will be generated from this website.
Bug Fix
Was up far too late last night after discovering a bug in the Yard Sale area. My fault, as I installed a script that was disrupting the function. Thanks to Russ "Groone" who developed the script this website operates on, the problem was identified and I began the fix. It took some time to remove it all and replace some coding. Everything seems to be back in working order.
That brings me to an item that should be mentioned. If you think you have found a bug, please use the contact link (located at the bottom of the website) and let me know. Though the site has been tested, every situation that may arise for a user has not.
Times-News Article
The article about Pocono Bay hit the newstands today and if you are a first time visitor because of that article, I'd like to welcome you. In correcting a factual error in that article, Russ "Groone", mentioned above, developed the script. I only tweaked it for our NEPA use. If you want to thank Russ
for all his hard work visit his website HERE and click on those Google advertisements he has on the lower left side a couple of times. He will appreciate it. He isn't allowed to ask you to do so, but I can.
10/8/09
Day Starts Off Good!
Received a phone call this morning from a regional newspaper, The Times-News. Reporter Terry Ahner (hope I got the name right) called and he is going to submit a small story about PoconoBay.com. He reviewed some information to verify the accuracy (free, etc.).
Hopefully, it will be accepted for publication and though he isn't sure when the story will appear, it could possibly be anytime from today through Saturday. It may be that little boost we need
to have more people in the area find us and realize that they have an option, other than eBay and the others.
I won't be slacking this coming weekend when it comes to getting out the word. I will be at the Saylorsburg and Blakeslee flea markets handing out fliers. With enough time, I want to get up to the Marshalls Creek flea market, as well.
10/6/09
Work it... work it..."
I spent much of my time yesterday "tweaking" some functions of PoconoBay, ordering some items for promotional purposes and contacting a few more papers/magazines.
You've Got Mail!
Got my first bit of hate mail today for PoconoBay (does this mean we're being found?!). I'm actually surprised it took so long. A visitor felt I was a "moran" (sic) for talking about problems with Freecycle. The other descriptives of me, I'll leave out because this is a wholesome website. For a moment I thought
my ex-wife was sending me a Christmas card greeting until it went on about Freecycle and how they were saving the world.
Such letters are nothing new to me. I've been doing websites for many years and there will always be those who have nothing to do, other than surf the Internet and send letters from the safety of invisibilty, behind their computer screen. They are referred to as "trolls", by those familiar with Internet terminology. I have a website that sells coffee. I had a tea lover tell me her vice should be afforded equal space.
I placed my most recent in the "Circular File" of my saved emails (strange though, I can never seem to find them again - must be a computer problem), but only after responding to this person that, should they decide to send letters of dissatisfaction to other sites, their spelling of "moran" was incorrect. They would likely receive more attention than I gave, if they used the spelling of "M-O-R-R-O-N." Some people are just s-t-u-p-e-d.
Photo Uploads
Just a reminder. You can upload 1 photo to your sales and auctions without charge. I noticed a few listing without one and was wondering if they thought all photos were charged a fee. Photos of up to 512k in size, using .jpg, .gif, and other formats are acceptable. Up to 5 additional photos can be uploaded for just 60 cents (20% less than eBay charges!)
10/4/09
Just finished sending out emails to some media venues in the local area about Pocono Bay. We can only wait and see if any of them deem it "worthy" of mention. Not expecting much, as most don't see much worth in something until they see it has become popular already.
I had hoped to hit some flea markets this morning to let vendors know that the site exists. That will have to wait until next weekend. Loaned my 24 y/o son my car for a few days and he returned it with the rear brakes cutting a groove in the rotor and 2 nice dents on the trunk. Guess who's paying for the repairs.
10/3/09
$250 Drawing
I'm leaning towards holding the $250 drawing at the Palmerton Festival, or the Carbon County Fair. I believe both are held in June, but I will have to contact the organizers for exact dates to see how I can arrange my schedule and booth availability. If you didn't notice it, the link to the drawing can be found directly under the "You Don't Pay On Pocono Bay" banner, located on the home page.
I have created an account on Twitter. I'm not much for "tweeting", or "twittering", or whatever the proper term for it is, but if you are interested in following me with my "tweets", I can be found HERE. Don't expect much, as I find it a bit moronic to receive 140 text spaces of someone telling me they are going to sleep. I'll try to keep mine more relevent.
New Features
I've added a couple of new features to the site. As you may have read I'm no big fan of eBay, so I've included Amazon on Pocono Bay. It will display Outdoor Sports categories and can be accessed using the "Amazon" tab on the website.
The second is all members can now send emails or post links to the Internet, which will direct people to only their listings of items they have listed for sale. Using "http://poconosbay.com/a/your-username" (without quotes) will provide others with the url that will display your sale items. The section, "your-username" will be your login name you chose when registering. The "s" in poconosbay.com is intentional and must be included.
10/2/09
Hello to those who have faith in something new for our area. As this is the first post, it would only be fair to give you a little background on me.
To start, I tip my hat to you because it takes a bit of trust on your part to register on a site with no history and at this point, little activity. So, at the top of this page I have included my picture. I think it important that you should at least be able to see what the person looks like, with whom you are trusting.
About me? Not much to tell, really. A problem child, often in trouble with the law and would have been more so, if fast feet hadn't saved me on a few occasions until a move out west had me meet new friends who appreciated nature and the outdoors, rather than drugs and breaking down doors. I still have a love for the quiet surroundings of either the forest, or the high desert mountains of Nevada.
Spent 5 years as a Nuclear Missile Technician in the US Navy, Pacific Submarine Fleet, until at 23 I realized that I wanted no part of blowing up the world (I was literally one of the guys who would have to squeeze the launch trigger). Insanity.
Married, divorced, three children all grown. I plan on remaining single. After the divorce I lived in a rodent infested trailer eating off a cardboard box for a few months, was heavily in debt, and didn't see much hope until I realized the Internet was an opportunity and taught myself coding. I'm still no "expert", but I know enough to teach others. I had a book published, unrelated to the Internet (if the NY Times had a Worst Sellers list, I'm #1) and came to the conclusion that my skills would be better applied to websites. I created a program to teach others how to build websites, which has done far better than the book, by the way. I've done everything from working behind a desk and enjoying "power lunches" to filling 100' deep x 6" wide holes with gravel, using a shovel (in that order).
Now, my residence is in Palmerton, PA. I still keep a "regular" job for the benefits, working with special needs children. I enjoy it, even though dealing with some parents does test my patience. The kids are great and I get 3 months off in the summer when I take that time to spend weeks out west, hiking, fishing, and camping with friends from my H.S. years, who remain my best friends to this day.
For some time now, I wanted to give something back to the area. Especially when many people I know are having a difficult time because of the economy and I haven't felt it because of my website business. Having been in dire straits at one point in my life, I remember the feeling of wondering how I would pay the bills and the loss of sleep that went with it. With more than 40 websites registered now and income not a problem, I wanted to put up a website that would help people save money. It would have to be a website that would be self-sufficient, though. I'm nice, but I don't invest in a business that operates without breaking even. I think this website is the answer, as it answers the problems with the others - 3 different websites.
eBay? Being a member of eBay myself, as a seller, I continually became aggravated that fees were constantly being increased because I wasn't a "Power Seller", while things I bought were often originating from China, rather than some USA location indicated on the listing. This from a company that started as "AuctionWeb", created by French programmer of Iranian descent, who's first sale was a broken laser pointer he sold for less than $15. He repays all of us by increasing fees because eBay is now a super-corporation with stock holders that demand ever-increasing profit.
Freecycle? A great idea that the founder has chosen to allow others to control. If an area is open, anyone can take it using the Freecycle name. They become the Mods, often not following the rules set by Freecycle. Reports of "cherry picking" submissions can be found on the Internet (and I'm not accusing our local ones of this, but a simple Google search brings results of problems with Freecycle). The trouble with Moderators is that some shouldn't be. I've had submissions rejected for some really petty stuff and I don't like the idea of somebody having the opportunity to notify a friend of my free item before anyone else has an opportunity to see it. That's why this site provides an immediate listing. If there is a problem with it, we will notify you and ask you to edit it. Their sponsorship by Waste Management also doesn't say much for their recycling values.
Craigs List? Another giant out of control. When you allow anything and everything to be listed with no supervision, people will get hurt, as is evident from this report in our local area. If Pocono Bay receives a report of a scammer, I guarantee it won't take 19 complaints before I remove him and assist authorities in prosecution.
Those I've contacted personally, who have already registered, know that Pocono Bay is literally only days old. That's one reason I can still send a personal email to new registrants. As I explained to them, this may be a slow process of being found and recognized as a free and honest way to list or find items all at one location. I will continue to promote it, but it will take time. And here is a promise I plan to keep:
Pocono Bay will remain free for any basic listing. I don't care if you sell a million dollar home off it. The money from the sale is yours.
I'd like to welcome 4 new members. Mstonerist, danctric, comix100, and Tool Shed. Congratulations, you are among the first to register!
Well, it's late.
I'll post again tomorrow about the $250 drawing. I'm coming close to a decision on where to hold it - just have to get some dates figured out.