Rennlist has been sold.

[96740]

Rennlist has been SOLD.


Please Read....

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I want to start this announcement with this personal comment.

Jen and I simply want to thank our Moderators, Sponsors and Rennlist Members for nearly eleven years of support, trust and confidence. Without all of you – each and every one of you– Rennlist would be an empty shell of what “might have been”. But rather, you entrusted Jen and I – for the ten plus years to do what is best for the site, its Members, its Sponsors. That trust has not been taken lightly nor misplaced. Jen and I honor it. At the same time, it is our responsibility to take Rennlist beyond both Jen and me – our capabilities both combined and individually. That has always been our charter since May of 1998. And most, if not all of you, know that to be true. And that’s what this announcement is all about. We physically, monetarily and time wise - cannot take it to the “next level” which this site deserves. Jen & I, in short – are “out of gas”: We have no more “We Need More Power, Captain!” overdrives left (I always chuckle when I read that post of yours, Randy V.!! ).

Today, Rennlist.com was acquired by Internet Brands, Inc.. Internet Brands owns and operates many of the most pervasive on-line automotive enthusiast communities found on the Internet today. They include sites such as CarsDirect.com, CorvetteForum.com, Audiworld.com, MBWorld.org, etc.

Jen and I are excited about what this means in the long-term of Rennlist. This acquisition will result in the ability to invest more in servers, software, programs and features than we could ever accomplish on our own. These technology improvements will also result in additional Rennlist.com content in both the short and longer term, and of course, Jen & I will continue to play an active role in the community and in the direction and growth of this site.

In retrospect, the growth of Rennlist since Jen and I started in May of 1998 has never ceased to amaze us (perhaps even “daunt us”?). Jen and I credit that growth to our Moderators, Members, Sponsors and supporters. What started as a simple e-mail list server has grown into a thriving International community interacting both online and off. We have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Charities worldwide. We have shared the loss when its members have passed away. People have met on Rennlist – married – and started their own families. Folks regularly get together, meet, drive and gather throughout the world under the Rennlist.com moniker. In short, we have laughed together, mourned together – and accomplished things in ten years that most on-line communities can’t even imagine, nor will they ever experience.

But you have, too – shared those same experiences with us - simply through being a part of this community. And sure – this community has changed. A few may remember the “good old days” with a smile – the Flamers list, PorscheList and that transition, the infamous “Tuner Wars” – and many thought this community couldn’t/wouldn’t survive those evolutions. But we did. And every single one has been wrought with equal amounts of uncertainty and conviction that we needed that change to positively affect this community. And every single time – this site and community grew, matured and improved.

This, too – is “one of those transitions”. And someday –today will be the “good old days” as well. And as well, this “transition” will positively impact both this community and this site we call “Rennlist”.

As for my favorite sayings: “that’s all there is – there is no more” and “it is time”. Both are appropriate. Internet Brands, can – and will take Rennlist further then Jen, I and even you, reading this right now – could ever imagine. They have earned Jen’s and my confidence. We are certain they will earn yours as well.

My Sincerest thanks and;

My Best Always,

John D.

[WolfeMacleod]

Wow, that's wierd.
I distinctly remember reading a post on Rennlist several weeks ago where someone was asking if just such a thing would happen.

I'll see if I can find it...

Yea...here is it...
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/showthread.php?t=367944&highlight=audiworld

yetis
Addict
Rennlist Member




Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: New Amsterdam, NY
Posts: 1,259 Audiworld Purchased, is Rennlist next?

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Just noticed that Audiworld was purchased by Internet Brands Inc. They own a bunch of sites.

John, if they come knocking, make them PAY!! You deserve a CGT (less the yellow carbon fiber) or a GT2 for your efforts!
__________________
Chris
RL# 041015-4860

2005 955 TT - Carry me through the winter!
2001 996 C4 - Gone
2001 Audi S4 - Gone!

[kstar]

"Watch guy" sold his collection . . . and bought Rennlist.

Best,

Kurt

[dd74]

Wayne invested in new servers without selling the Pelican forum.

[the]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

"Watch guy" sold his collection . . . and bought Rennlist.

Best,

Kurt

If you start to see pics of computer servers sitting next to 22 inch chrome wheels, etc., you'll know that was true!

I wonder how a forum like that is valued? From what I've read, it had significant revenue from voluntary paying members. Kinda like the world's largest tip jar.

But now that it's owned by Faceless Corp., I'd imagine those voluntary donations will dry up quickly.

Outside of membership payments, how much revenue can a forum generate, from things like ads, etc?

[96740]

From what I've read, it had significant revenue from voluntary paying members. Kinda like the world's largest tip jar.

But now that it's owned by Faceless Corp., I'd imagine those voluntary donations will dry up quickly.

I will be the first.

[the]

My view of the "vibe" over at Rennlist was that "members" paid to help defray the costs of the individual who ran the site. Like a friendly "tip jar."

I wonder if many of them will feel like they've been "had." Arguably, their money was used to build up a lucrative and impressive income stream to make it appealing to cash out to a large corporation.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by the

My view of the "vibe" over at Rennlist was that "members" paid to help defray the costs of the individual who ran the site. Like a friendly "tip jar."

I wonder if many of them will feel like they've been "had." Arguably, their money was used to build up a lucrative and impressive income stream to make it appealing to cash out to a large corporation.

Bingo. "Take it to the next level(?)" WTF does that mean? What was wrong w/ the level it was on, besides the fact that the owner had not sufficiently turned it out yet?

Whatever. If the guy wants to sell the sight, that's his right I guess. I would feel like a chump if I'd ever paid them anything, though.

[kstar]

Maybe Jen and John are going to distribute the profits to the paying members - those folks they thank in their letter?

How do I make text green?

Best,

Kurt

[the]

LOL. Well, serves those suckas right. So many of them were so smug about their payment and perceived "ownership" of the Rennlist "community," chastising all the "freeloaders."

I'd imagine many were surprised when their entire "community" was upped and sold to the highest bidder.

[Blanco]

maybe they'll take the MM sponsor spot away. NOT. As long as MM pays, I guess they'll continue their ways.

[Rick Lee]

I got my money's worth on Rennlist. It's the go-to place for 993 tech info. They can do what they want with the money. I don't want any of it back. It was well-spent. I doubt John D started it nine years ago as a mailing list with the intention of selling it so far in the future. If he did, good for him. More likely, he just didn't feel like doing it anymore and/or the right offer came along.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I would guess he got a nice chunk of change for the site. Anything that has that many members and visitors is a goldmine for advertisers. I'm guessing that you'll have a lot more ads to wade through in the future.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

So they've "sold out". What's new?

[Jims5543]

Internet Brands bought RX7club, RX8club and Mazda3 club about 4 months ago. The letter from the owner of the sites looked EXACTLY like that one except the names were changed.

[911teo]

Originally Posted by Jim Cesiro

Internet Brands bought RX7club, RX8club and Mazda3 club about 4 months ago. The letter from the owner of the sites looked EXACTLY like that one except the names were changed.

HAHAHA! LOL!

[Jims5543]

I cannot find the announcement on RX7 club it seems like it was deleted but some interesting threads about the new owners.....

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=700373&highlight=internet+brands

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=701068&highlight=internet+brands

[Mule]

All I'm hoping for is the check to bounce.

[Komenda Fan]

I'd be fascinated to know what something like Rennlist would be worth, but I guess that is a question that will never be answered.

Wayne - don't ever sell, ok? I couldn't imagine PP run by anyone else.

[David McLaughlin]

How many people talking trash about rennlist's owners have ever met them? While I was no where neam a close friend, I do believe selling was a hard decision. I'm sure the sale mean more money and efforts will go to their other projects that IMHO are impressive.