125Likes

2 May 2018
|
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
|
|
The HUBB - We have to talk about money
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant & Susan Johnson;
Grant & Susan Johnson (Horizons Unlimited) have been helping the overlanding and adventure travel community get out and have life-changing adventures since 1997. However, with the rise of ad blockers, plus Google and Facebook hogging most digital advertising revenue, the long-term future of HU may be in jeopardy. For info, since 2009 we've both been full-time on HU, funding the HUBB, website hosting and updates from events income and our retirement savings, but we can't keep doing it!
By becoming a Contributing Member, you help us keep HU going stronger than ever. Every additional dollar gives us more time to devote to answering your questions, making the website better so we can help you find more information easily, adding new features such as the all new - and free - blogging system, Destinations, and much more in the planning. Thanks for your support!
|
Dear Hubbers,
The banner showing the text above - I think its time to talk about money now. To run a forum these days where other people create content for free is like owning a gold mine. Even some people using adblockers, its financing itselfe easily.
I was a lonely traveler somewhere in the jungle. Everybody i knew was affraid of africa and rather wanted to spend his limited lifetime in a save office to pay for the rates of their expensive bikes than to join me on my adventure trip. Then i heard about the HUBB. I was traveling long before and did not need the forum but it was nice to meet other people with the same interests. I joined many HUBB Meetings in Germany, Swiss, SouthAfrica, Chile and Thailand. We sat at the fire cooking our meal while talking about repairing a bike in the mud or were watching and giving presentations about or own trips. In the evening we pitched our tent somewhere on a cow field and spent the night under a million stars or in the snow for free.
Now it all changed. The target group changed. To also attract scared people, the HUBB meetings moved to save lodges or take place on official campinggrounds, were sunday riders enjoy a 20 Dollars meal at the restaurant and take a hot shower, before they go to sleep in their room or chalet. Because the price of the HUBB meetings went up to 10 times the price of other bike meetings, real long term travelers cant afford to attend them anymore. 104 Euro per person for just one weekend. Its not about travel experience anymore...its big bussiness now: Who has the most expensive bike and the most expensive gear?
Luckily there are many free alternative forums like advriders or facebook and many cheaper bike meetings, clubs and communities out there, were its not all about earning money...
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|