Thinking the unthinkable... (Page 1/5)
Cliff Pennock MAR 12, 02:15 AM
I've had my Fiero for more than 20 years. 20 Years and 27 days to be exact. I love this car. It isn't the first Fiero I've owned and hopefully it won't be my last. Fiero's have always played a huge part in my life and I can't imagine life without one.

That said, my life has been in turmoil for the past 4-5 years. I had told about it here a few years back. My situation hasn't improved since then and the struggle to keep my head above water grows by the day. I won't bore you with details but what it boils down to is that I can no longer afford my Fiero. Or any car for that matter. I can't afford keeping it running. I can't afford the insurance. I can't afford the taxes. Hell, I can't even afford buying gas for it. And in all honesty, I need the money to be able to pay my bills.

So I'm thinking the unthinkable. Selling my Fiero...

I'm not sure I will be able to even get a decent price for it. Several things need to be done and there aren't any places anymore that are specialized in the Fiero. And my experience with other garages aren't exactly positive. Any repairs done by a garage are usually very expensive and poorly done. But even if I can't get a decent price for it, I will at least no longer have to pay for insurance etc. But yeah, the owner of the largest Fiero forum in the world no longer owning a Fiero... It's something I never dreamed would happen.

Which brings me to my second point. PFF. I know I haven't been around as much as I used to. I'm still spending time every single day to make sure it's running smoothly. But I've not been an active participant anymore. Simply because I don't have the time for that. I spend most of my time working on a few projects that generate a small income. I had big plans for PFF. I had announced a few years ago big changes were coming. And I actually started on implementing all my ideas in a complete new version of PFF. But again, time has not been my friend. I had to stop development because I needed the time for other things. The new PFF would be a lot more like the social media sites people are used to today. And a lot more customizable. And although it would look completely different, it would also look kind of familiar because the user interface would still be familiar. Here are two actual screenshots:



We're nearing PFF's 20th anniversary. And I'm contemplating my options. Visitor numbers have been declining since forums are not longer "hot". But as forums go, PFF is doing very well. It's still somewhat active. Not as active as it used to be, but if you look at most other forums (any forum, not only car forums), most of them are dead. And I'm sure that if I am able to give it the overhaul I want, it would be active for many years to come. Or at least as long as there are Fiero's on the road...

Anyway, there you have it. I feel awful that is has come so far that I even have to think about selling my Fiero. But I have very little options left for keeping it...
tshark MAR 12, 07:17 AM
It's sad to read this news. It sounds as if you'll have to sell your Fiero.

The new format looks nice. Since PFF iis a revenue source, perhaps the upgrade could give you a little more income.
2.5 MAR 12, 07:37 AM
Thank you for all you do for us Cliff!
The new site idea looks good to me.
Will it be easier to post pics from mobile devices? I think that would make a big difference.
2.5 MAR 12, 07:40 AM
Also could you remind us how to donate $ to the forum?
trivet MAR 12, 08:51 AM
Very sad to hear. This forum has done so much for me, it really got me much farther into the hobby than I thought possible, and more than I can repay.

That being said, a "thank you" is on the way. I hope others who feel this forum has help them are able to show their appreciation as well. Anything we can do to keep the lights on.

Tim
Erwin03 MAR 12, 09:32 AM
I am so sad to read this..

I donated to paypall and hope it will help you a bit.
I
Danyel MAR 12, 11:15 AM
Personally I think we ALL should chip in to ease the financial burden on you from this forum. I'm pretty sure if EVERYONE chipped in you would not have to go through this. I have donated some and will send more.. hope everyone here finds the heart to help out because this forum is the best and should not be a financial burden to you Cliff. I am sure that you did not write this to get money but to acknowledge your status of your Fiero ... Love the projected look of the forum maybe have a section for "paid members" would help.

greatest regards .... will send more beers !!!

Danyel

------------------

Black Widow Build Thread 2007 - 2014 Tylers Toy
My Low Profile Buckets for sale My LED Sidemarkers for sale

TheDigitalAlchemist MAR 12, 11:59 AM
So sorry things haven't gotten "better", I hope you figure out a way to keep the car, it would probably be difficult to buy one again the future. I recently sold mine. I miss it, but what can ya do. Just do what you can to stay healthy. and thank you for keeping this place goin'.
Grantman MAR 12, 12:03 PM
Beer sent
boostedbird MAR 12, 03:16 PM
Sent you some beers bud! Hope it helps, be well sir and know this forum is appreciated.