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Pledge your support - The Gold Forum. Limited membership seats available. Up to 76% discounted for TSF members. Waitlist.🔥


Message added by ChrisSilver,

Launch planned early Q1 2025
Within 24 hours of first posting we already had around 106 interested Members (~20% of seats taken) 🥳 

Current Running Total around 185 (37% of 500) 💥
from manual count

Founding membership will close for new applicants when we have reached 500 or so. There are a maximum of 500-600 founding member seats. Actual total depends when we close the founding member round. The founding member round will be closed before launch, so get on the waitlist now if you are interested :) no payment needed until launch. Thank you to everyone who has shown interest so far.

For internal reference: count up until and including NumisNewbie post on page 13

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  • Founder & Administrator
6 hours ago, flyingveepixie said:

This might not be very popular but ...   Why do we need a second website ?   A second website means a second fee which I personally wont endorse.  It would also mean flitting around between one website and another. Paying a platinum membership fee here is enough for me and I wouldn't be at all happy about being asked to pay for membership of a second website simply for the sake of splitting the gold and silver interests up (if that's what it's all about).  Maybe I'm not properly understanding the concept but TBH I'm not at all convinced about this and wonder why if improvements of any kind are required why can't they just be done on a single website to suit everyone.

I've always thought this forum works particularly well - better than just about any other forum I can think of to be honest - and I'm a great believer in that old saying "if it aint broke, don't fix it".

Some of your points have already been previously asked and I had replied in previous posts above. Hopefully you also read my initial post and subsequent posts in full.

There is a demand for an app and more real time communications. As previously stated many platforms have added live chat, including Reddit. Indeed TSF even had a live chat room at some point, but due to the way that that application worked in the back end on our forum and the size of our forum that isn't possible to support as it is resource intensive. 

It isn’t possible to have an app solution on our current platform. And even if it was, it would still add considerable costs. Developers are not cheap.

There would be no cost saving in terms of development costs, in fact there would actually be increased costs if were to somehow build an app that can integrate directly with TSF due to the complexities of the forum software. We had also explored those options, as previously posted in the Platinum Lounge. 

A standalone solution is the best and only solution for those who would like an app and live chat experience, related to precious metals. Both in terms of cost and in terms of how we can deliver that product.

No one said we are splitting silver and gold interests up like you are implying. You will still be able to talk about Gold on TSF and still buy and sell Gold on TSF. Please do not worry. 

We also aren’t deleting TSF or changing TSF like you are implying. This forum does work well and will continue to work well :) again an additional product offering with native app support and live messaging isn't introduced by me, it will eventually be introduced by another participant within the precious metals sphere, it is just inevitable, so it might as well be us and then we can also use the additional platform to advertise TSF. 

Sorry that you feel £2.99 + VAT is too much of an ask. (That’s a heavily discounted rate from the full £14.99, and we have kept the founding member rate as low as we possibly could.) and the end of the day it’s totally optional. Absolutely no need to support this project and TSF is remaining the same, as previously stated our investment in TSF will continue. If I didn’t like the look of an item a silver craftsman produced out of silver I wouldn’t comment on their sales thread to try to derail it and say that I didn’t like it, that adds no positive input and just potentially damages their business.
 

Quote

5.4.2. Should any member have genuine concerns, comments, or suggestions they should send a private message to @ChrisSilver.

Quote

5.4.4. Any members with genuine concerns or comments about how to improve TSF should send a private message to @ChrisSilver 

You are always welcome to private message me and helpful suggestions for ways to improve TSF.

Thank you for supporting TSF with Platinum Premium Membership :) 

My posts are my personal opinions, they do not constitute advice or financial advice.

Please Follow / Like / Share to help spread the word of The Silver Forum:
TSF Instagram - TSF YouTube channel - TSF Facebook pageTSF Twitter page - TSF Threads (used for sever status updates)

Discounts / Offers
COTR Vouchers for Premium Members

Official TSF branded NGC label via COR grading
50% discount off of TSF mugs for Platinum Premium Members. (see info in Platinum Lounge)
Platinum Premium Members: Offers from selected Dealers - 15 dealers currently in the programme

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3 hours ago, ChrisSilver said:

Some of your points have already been previously asked and I had replied in previous posts above. Hopefully you also read my initial post and subsequent posts in full.

There is a demand for an app and more real time communications. As previously stated many platforms have added live chat, including Reddit. Indeed TSF even had a live chat room at some point, but due to the way that that application worked in the back end on our forum and the size of our forum that isn't possible to support as it is resource intensive. 

It isn’t possible to have an app solution on our current platform. And even if it was, it would still add considerable costs. Developers are not cheap.

There would be no cost saving in terms of development costs, in fact there would actually be increased costs if were to somehow build an app that can integrate directly with TSF due to the complexities of the forum software. We had also explored those options, as previously posted in the Platinum Lounge. 

A standalone solution is the best and only solution for those who would like an app and live chat experience, related to precious metals. Both in terms of cost and in terms of how we can deliver that product.

No one said we are splitting silver and gold interests up like you are implying. You will still be able to talk about Gold on TSF and still buy and sell Gold on TSF. Please do not worry. 

We also aren’t deleting TSF or changing TSF like you are implying. This forum does work well and will continue to work well :) again an additional product offering with native app support and live messaging isn't introduced by me, it will eventually be introduced by another participant within the precious metals sphere, it is just inevitable, so it might as well be us and then we can also use the additional platform to advertise TSF. 

Sorry that you feel £2.99 + VAT is too much of an ask. (That’s a heavily discounted rate from the full £14.99, and we have kept the founding member rate as low as we possibly could.) and the end of the day it’s totally optional. Absolutely no need to support this project and TSF is remaining the same, as previously stated our investment in TSF will continue. If I didn’t like the look of an item a silver craftsman produced out of silver I wouldn’t comment on their sales thread to try to derail it and say that I didn’t like it, that adds no positive input and just potentially damages their business.
 

You are always welcome to private message me and helpful suggestions for ways to improve TSF.

Thank you for supporting TSF with Platinum Premium Membership :) 

I wasn't trying to derail the thread - my apologies if I created that impression.  If there is a demand in the community for those things you mention then I wish you good fortune in the venture. TSF on it's own is enough for me though and I'm happy to hear it will remain unchanged.

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I was just discussing this project with @GoldDiggerDave briefly and Instagram was brought up. Whilst I hadn't made any comparisons to Instagram in previous posts, this is indeed a good platform to give some reference as there are some similarities with the Instagram app and TSF.

Firstly, Instagram having an app and instant message feature doesn't damage TSFs membership base. There are indeed some members who use both instagram and TSF in conjunction, as they both provide a slightly different user experience and different content. There are some that use only TSF or only instagram, there are also overlaps with other platforms. 


Secondly, although I had this planned in my head I realise that at no point had I actually mentioned this specifically. There of course is a planned photo section of the app where members can share their precious metals photos. Easily take photos direct on your phone and share them to the app, these will also show within your feeds somewhat akin to Instagram. :) 

The app really is taking the best parts of several different styles of apps and platforms and combining them in a single app with a clean and easy to native user interface. 

 

Release is planned for Q1 2025, we hope to share some screenshots early Jan before launch. 

My posts are my personal opinions, they do not constitute advice or financial advice.

Please Follow / Like / Share to help spread the word of The Silver Forum:
TSF Instagram - TSF YouTube channel - TSF Facebook pageTSF Twitter page - TSF Threads (used for sever status updates)

Discounts / Offers
COTR Vouchers for Premium Members

Official TSF branded NGC label via COR grading
50% discount off of TSF mugs for Platinum Premium Members. (see info in Platinum Lounge)
Platinum Premium Members: Offers from selected Dealers - 15 dealers currently in the programme

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On 23/10/2024 at 16:39, ChrisSilver said:

Pledge your support - The Gold Forum. Limited membership seats available. Up to 76% discounted for TSF members. Waitlist.🔥 

A maximum of 500 to 600 discounted founding member seats are up for grabs. No payment needed until launch.

Estimated launch early (Jan) 2025 🙏

TGF FEATURES

  • Extremely sleek native IOS and Android Apps, with push notifications, supported app updates.
  • NBS Gold - LIVE instant chat room
  • Various forum sections and live chat room sections.
  • Instant messaging - just like Telegram or Whatsapp, but on our native app, directly message other members with push notifications. No telephone numbers are shared, only forum usernames, maintains your privacy.
  • Desktop web version of our community
  • Trading section for Gold.
  • TSF username authenticated badge to confirm the same member you are directly messaging on TGF is indeed the same member on TSF.
  • Member Reviews - similar to trading feedback on TSF
  • Exclusive member only platform - limited by membership seats


Why an additional platform?

Over the last several years I have been tirelessly searching through the different software options available in the market to see what the available options are for adding a native IOS and native Android app to the forum would be. We had originally wanted to introduce our own custom app for TSF and integrate it with the TSF messaging feature, but due to limitations on the current platform messaging system a separate software/platform is needed.

As well as looking at already existing software to build upon, both open source options and paid software, we have also been looking at complete/semi custom work either built as a standalone solution or on top of already existing software, up until now nothing has seemed to provide what I envisaged. We have however eventually found a solution that is able to provide the sleekest most user friendly experience along with what we need at the back end in terms of instantaneous messaging and other community features, this does come at a large financial cost though, specifically an ongoing contractual commitment with the software/development company.

In developing ideas for The Gold Forum, I looked at both chatroom based software solutions, similar to discord, specific forum software that also provided chat and instant messaging, and other team collaboration software. I also looked at the various open source options available, as well as premium software options and complete self builds. There are several free open source options that do exist, but they just do not feel right or provide a high level of premium experience and/or a trusted secure enough platform. They would also require a lot of continual development and even then the developer may not be able to match the UI experience that I would like for members. Some of these projects have also moved away from open source, so meaning that there would be no updates to the core underlying software and therefore it would not future proof the project.

I wanted the TGF community platform to be a mix of both forum feed style posts, and an emphasis on real time live chat messaging and I believe that the solution we have with this company is the best fit even though it comes at quite a financial cost. The benefit of this is that we will continue to maintain a high premium community with software updates year after year, we do not like to cut corners or sacrifice on the experience for members. TGF will be a very premium user experience, unmatched in the precious metals industry other than on TSF.

 

Our starting business costs

$21,000 to $30,000 estimated initial costs, and $21-30k+ per year ongoing contractual costs. (This is just development/software licence, and some of the direct ongoing costs of the business such as business registration costs but excluding accountancy costs, this also does not include any salary or payment for any work I do for the project. I would not be planning to take any form of salary or payment until the the platform is well grounded financially (estimated 5-10 years after initial launch, at which time I may decide to draw a small salary if I believe it is fair to do so)

 

We will build a community platform focusing on a high level of user experience like we have built on TSF but with a community app and other additional benefits such as instantaneous chat messaging, to be useful alongside TSF and to provide an additional choice for members of the precious metals community.

I didn’t really want to spend as high of an initial software licensing and development cost of this, particularly as with this particular company it is an ongoing yearly contractual committed cost. However looking for several years at all of what I could find that is possible I do believe this solution with these particular developers offers the best user experience, and I do think it is important not to spare expenses here. When choosing software for TSF we also chose to go a more premium route rather than cutting corners on expenses on free open source but clunky and dated forum software.
 

Initially limited to 600 maximum members. Please put your name on the waitlist below.

Pledge your support, no payment is needed now, we just need to see if we have enough support to get this project off of the ground. Spaces are limited :D 

 

Join the Waitlist - special ‘Founding Member’ pricing

Note that all founding membership subscriptions are charged quarterly (every 3 months) the effective monthly costs are below.


TSF Premium Members
Discounted subscription prices:

Providing your TSF Premium Membership remains active you will enjoy this same low discounted rate every month:

£2.99 + VAT per month for first 500-600 members who join the waitlist, comment in this topic (must also hold and continue to hold Premium Membership on TSF for this discounted rate) should there be more uptake than space at the time of setting up, seats will be offered on a first come first basis.

For UK customers £2.99 + VAT = £3.59 including VAT, effective monthly price. Pricing will also be available in USD + applicable taxes. This rate will always remain fixed for founding members.

Due to our high initial and ongoing costs this is the minimum price we are able to introduce a founding members rate at, and we wanted to make it as affordable as possible. Luckily this is a very affordable discounted rate, the rest of the remaining funds we need can hopefully be as a director loan from myself personally (which will have separate funding). To compare this founding member rate to the full standard rate please see the standard rate section further down below.
 

 

TSF Non Premium Members

Can still pledge their support at a reduced rate of only £7.99 + VAT per month during this founding members period, for a full account, discounted rate remains as long as they are subscribed to TGF without any breaks in payments. This makes it JUST £9.59 per month including VAT.



TSF Platinum PLUS Premium Members

TSF Platinum PLUS Premium Members pay around £19.99 per month, as a token of our appreciation all current Platinum PLUS Premium Members will have complimentary membership to TGF in their package. They may still wish to make a contribution to help us going but access is included in their TSF membership. Note: We have not yet decided if Platinum PLUS Premium Memberships purchased after the Founding Membership period will or will not include TGF complimentary access as standard yet. 




TSF Business Account Members
Businesses operating on TSF currently, may also join TGF with a Business Account allowing Gold to be purchased and sold commercially. Those who have and maintain an active TSF Business Account may also join as Business Founding Members, there is an optional additional discounted surcharge of £10 per month, inclusive of tax for businesses for access to the TGF trade section. This makes the total founding membership fee for businesses just £13.59 including any applicable VAT/Tax. Making it a 64% discount to the full business account rate.

Businesses may also join as ‘Founding Member’ Business Account and optionally add on the trade section add on at a later date if they wish. Meaning just £3.59 per month inclusive of VAT founding membership fee (as long as TSF Business Account remains concurrent) excluding access to the trade section.

Business Accounts include ‘Business Account’ badges



Full Standard Rate (Joining after founding member period has ended)

Any member who joins within the founding member period (right now) will be able to get the discounted rates mentioned above and get full access. If joining afterwards, if and when membership seats become available, the standard membership rates are below:

Standard full price for a full account will be $15.49 USD + applicable TAX per month. For UK residents this would work out at about £14.99 total per month including VAT. 

This means that TSF Premium Members can currently save a massive 76% to the full standard rate, by joining the waitlist to be founding members. And TSF non Premium Members can still currently pledge their support and save a 36% discount to full standard rate.



Full Business Account Rate

For businesses who join after the founding member period and if there are open seats at the time of joining:

Full price $49 USD per month, inclusive of any applicable taxes. (About £37.79 GBP at time of writing)




Founding Membership

As well as all of the featured listed at the top of this topic. Founding Members will get:

Badges: Membership Includes TSF username verification/badge and founding member badge.

Exclusive ‘Founding Member’ area on TGF. Join the waitlist now to get access at launch.

No annual contract/commitment from you needed. You can pledge to join the waitlist and and if after the first payment you are not satisfied with our TGF platform you can of course cancel your TGF membership and not renew it. We are confident that you will love our new platform just as much if not more than TSF.

Note that all founding membership subscriptions are charged quarterly (every 3 months)

Any members can also pledge a one off payment in addition to membership at launch. And receive additional badge/s 🌟

 

 

How the communities will differ:
TSF will continue to maintain a FREE standard membership option for those who wish to use TSF free of charge, along with optional low cost Premium Membership with additional benefits for those who wish to help out with out running costs of TSF. Members can continue to buy and sell Gold and Silver and other precious metals such as Platinum on TSF just how they have done so in the past, all with 0% commission still. Our investment in improving TSF will continue as usual. 

TGF will be a more premium offering with paid membership only, and with more of a focus on Gold as well as separate non PM sections, membership will be limited by membership seats, this is also due to the way we set up new accounts. Gold will be able to be traded on TGF between members, with 0% commission. (Silver listings, at least for the moment, will be directed to TSF to list) there will be more of an emphasis and focus on live chatrooms and instant messaging, both PM and non PM, and more of a focus towards Gold.

We have a specific marketing campaign idea for TGF and believe that marketing either platform is ultimately beneficial for both of our platforms and our members. It also creates choice for members depending on how their prefer to communicate, more forum topic focused topics or more live messaging style.

Both communities can be used in conjunction with each other, or independently.

TGF will be ran by me also, but will be set up as a separate business with separate running costs.

Initial membership will be limited to a maximum of just 600 active members initially. Limited space available for waitlist.

 



More about TGF features

My commitment to you, deploy a fully functioning community platform with features including live chat rooms, direct messaging and native IOS and Android apps with push notifications. Along with all of the benefits listed in at the top of this forum post.

Usernames will show with validation mark so you can be assured the same member you are messaging directly on TGF is indeed the same member with the same username on TSF.

There will be an NBS GOLD live chat room, an upgraded real time chat version of the same NBS on TSF, with hopefully not too many naughty members. (Not interested in the NBS style posts? Don’t worry, they won’t show in your feed unless you are following that section)

Various instant messaging chat rooms, including specialised country live chat rooms to help encourage more members from specific regions. E.g an American 🇺🇸 group (as America represents a huge amount of members within this industry) as well as a UK specific chat room 🇬🇧 other specialised chat rooms, such as Down Under 🇦🇺 we will be launched in the future when there is enough demand.

Trading section for Gold to be sold. Trade section with instant push notifications of new trade listings and instant notifications of replies to your listings. These settings can be enabled/disabled for each sections as you desire. Following the Gold section and a brand new sovereign at bullion prices has just been listed? You will get an instant notification.

By joining the waitlist now you will get the opportunity to join at a discounted founding membership rate.

I have another call with the company on Monday 28th October to see how our proposal to TSF members went and to see if we think we know when will be near a position to go over the contract. The more support there is here, the earlier we can try to launch. Please remember these founding member spaces are limited.




Would you like to go on the space limited waitlist for Founding Membership?

If you have any questions please let me know :) Thank you in advance for all members who pledge they support below.

That’s it for now, apologies for a long winded message and also for repeating myself in several places :D There may need to be some small minor changes before launch, if so we will keep you updated :) 
 

Can you pledge your support in exchange for discounted limited edition founding membership pricing and status? 🙏 Please let us know below

Count me in please,sounds exciting 

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On 23/10/2024 at 20:39, Zhorro said:

I am concerned about this potential development.

For most of us, the extra cost is minimal, but...

I find it difficult enough keeping up with one website, never mind two!

As a lot of the discussion of gold and selling of gold are likely to move over to TGF, will this not devalue TSF?

Will subscriptions to TSF be reduced to take account of this?

I am a bit sad tonight.

I agree. I'd be unlikely to continuously pay both subscriptions. Id probably subscribe only during periods of active buying or selling, and then unsubscribe.

I like it the way it is. Don't fix what aint broke. Financial risk for what benefit etc.

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Will you change your name to Chris gold?

 My activity can be quite sporadic on here and I can go months without visiting and then spend a month or two on a spending spree. My interests are definitely biased more towards gold these days so I'm torn.

I would however happily sign up but I don't want to take a seat up from a more potentially active and knowledgeable member. Either way, you have my support if you want it and best wishes either way.👍 

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Few reservations however I will not go into detail as to what they are. I will have a detailed read of this thread first. 

I will pledge my support for TGF, because your the man Chris.

I do think a stronger emphasis on the 'community aspect' will be key to it's longevity. 

 

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