My Cayman Cove Friends:
As you know, many changes are happening on the internet - and the Cayman Cove web site is no exception. For almost 6 years the Cove has brought people free information in many forms - from the Cove Forums to the free files in the 'old' pdf_files directory.
The Cove has reached it's server disk space limit and a new server has been set up which, over the next month or so, we are migrating to. But - the question is, what are the changes and how do they affect you?
********************************************
For most Cove visitors and patrons the changes will mean little or nothing. Access to the forums and the main site pages will not change. You do not need to re-register or get a new password for access to the forums.
********************************************
The MAIN change is in our past policy of allowing UNRESTRICTED access to a number of directories on our server. Recently someone even uploaded a file with a virus in it. Server security has become a significant issue for all of us. For this reason, access to previously unrestricted directories has had to be stopped. The internet is changing and we must change with it. Because of this, access to free files (Freebies) now requires a password and a user name. You can obtain these easily and auto-magically at *** DEAD LINK REMOVED *** Just look for the link.
In addition, over the years I have accumulated many files. Many are ones I produced, such as the Cove Guides. Some are files users have contributed over the years. As Cove 'old timers' know for years I gave most away at no cost. However, as everyone knows, the internet has changed radically in the last 6 years. It is more and more becoming an advertisement paradise and the realm of big business and all the accompanying hype. The big companies can afford a large, professional presence while more and more domain names are for sale cheap - and we all know why.
As you Cove 'old timers' know, at the Cove I never advertised (other than my own blurbs here and there). No blinking links to Amazon. No flashing banner ads telling you that you can win gambling online at such and such. I turned down offers from registrars and others who wanted some space. I chose to keep the site as neutral as possible and it remains so today. This said, it is obvious that the Cove is not supported by advertisers. It is as neutral as I can keep it. This does not, however, preclude the possible eventual use of advertisements in the distant future. Advertising is not in the current business plan, however.
With consulting business down for me, as it is with many companies, I want a way to keep the Cove online and, for all intents and purposes, free. Especially the Forums - which I believe is the "Heart" of the Cove site. Server rates have doubled and recent upgrades have run over US$1000. In addition, software costs have exceeded US$500. Because of this I have put almost all editable files into a restricted 'PAY' directory. You can get details here: https://Elsmar.com/join.html
As most of you know, I have also been selling what I call 'Guide' file sets. Information on them is at https://Elsmar.com/courses.html
In addition, I started a second 'PAY' directory called Premium which gives you access to ALL the Cove guide files in addition to all the other files. In addition, you receive access to many 'unpublished' guide files. Information on Premium Access is at: https://Elsmar.com/join.html
In Summary: The changes to the site are:
1. To access the Free Files directory you must now 'sign up'. Access to this directory is as it was before -- access is Free. You can sign up for and access the Freebies directory at: *** DEAD LINK REMOVED ***
2. A PAY directory called "Members" now exists - yearly memberships can be purchased.
Some of these files were in the free files area. I have left pdf copies in the free directory, but have moved actual data files (Excel, WORD, PowerPoint, etc) to this PAY directory. While I'm a liberal, let's face it. Up until 2 weeks ago these were all free. At the price, you can't go wrong. A couple of Powerpoint presentations, a spreadsheet here, a spreadsheet there, several sample procedures - everyone will get their money's worth and I will have some funds to pay server bills.
I do hope many Cove regulars will consider joining the Members group as a way of contributing to keeping the Cove up and running. Many people have gained considerably from the Cove site and the Cove forums over the years. But there is no requirement to do so.
I do plan to set up an upload link where any Member who uploads (contributes) a file for the Members group will receive some type of credit, such as an extension of their access period. This may be a while before I can get to it, however.
Take a look at the listing to see everything you get access to: https://Elsmar.com/Member_Files.html
3. A PAY directory called "Premium" now exists - yearly memberships can be purchased.
In addition to all the files you have access to in #2 just above, these are mostly courses I have put together over the years. But there's lots more than that. Of course, as I stated earlier, you get access not only to all the files 'Members' get access to and access to all the individual guide files for sale, but many more 'unpublished' guides as well.
Take a look at the listing to see everything you get access to: https://Elsmar.com/Premium_Files.html
As with the Members group, I eventually plan to set up an upload link where any Premium Member who uploads (contributes) a file for the Premium Members group will receive some type of credit, such as an extension of their access period.
-------------------------------------------------
Other than that, only cosmetic changes to the site have taken place.
In short, almost everything that was available for free before still is.
However, there are NEW options which, unfortunately, are NOT free.
The Cayman Cove is still The Cove. Like CNN, we're expanding and changing our format a bit. Some folks may not like the changes. I realize change is not always pleasant. Coming home to a completely rearranged house, or moving into a new house, is not always a pleasant experienced. One has to learn to find ones way around all over again. I have tried to make most changes as transparent as possible, but - obviously - this is not always easy and sometimes it is simply not possible.
As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to call or e-mail me.
Marc
As you know, many changes are happening on the internet - and the Cayman Cove web site is no exception. For almost 6 years the Cove has brought people free information in many forms - from the Cove Forums to the free files in the 'old' pdf_files directory.
The Cove has reached it's server disk space limit and a new server has been set up which, over the next month or so, we are migrating to. But - the question is, what are the changes and how do they affect you?
********************************************
For most Cove visitors and patrons the changes will mean little or nothing. Access to the forums and the main site pages will not change. You do not need to re-register or get a new password for access to the forums.
********************************************
The MAIN change is in our past policy of allowing UNRESTRICTED access to a number of directories on our server. Recently someone even uploaded a file with a virus in it. Server security has become a significant issue for all of us. For this reason, access to previously unrestricted directories has had to be stopped. The internet is changing and we must change with it. Because of this, access to free files (Freebies) now requires a password and a user name. You can obtain these easily and auto-magically at *** DEAD LINK REMOVED *** Just look for the link.
In addition, over the years I have accumulated many files. Many are ones I produced, such as the Cove Guides. Some are files users have contributed over the years. As Cove 'old timers' know for years I gave most away at no cost. However, as everyone knows, the internet has changed radically in the last 6 years. It is more and more becoming an advertisement paradise and the realm of big business and all the accompanying hype. The big companies can afford a large, professional presence while more and more domain names are for sale cheap - and we all know why.
As you Cove 'old timers' know, at the Cove I never advertised (other than my own blurbs here and there). No blinking links to Amazon. No flashing banner ads telling you that you can win gambling online at such and such. I turned down offers from registrars and others who wanted some space. I chose to keep the site as neutral as possible and it remains so today. This said, it is obvious that the Cove is not supported by advertisers. It is as neutral as I can keep it. This does not, however, preclude the possible eventual use of advertisements in the distant future. Advertising is not in the current business plan, however.
With consulting business down for me, as it is with many companies, I want a way to keep the Cove online and, for all intents and purposes, free. Especially the Forums - which I believe is the "Heart" of the Cove site. Server rates have doubled and recent upgrades have run over US$1000. In addition, software costs have exceeded US$500. Because of this I have put almost all editable files into a restricted 'PAY' directory. You can get details here: https://Elsmar.com/join.html
As most of you know, I have also been selling what I call 'Guide' file sets. Information on them is at https://Elsmar.com/courses.html
In addition, I started a second 'PAY' directory called Premium which gives you access to ALL the Cove guide files in addition to all the other files. In addition, you receive access to many 'unpublished' guide files. Information on Premium Access is at: https://Elsmar.com/join.html
In Summary: The changes to the site are:
1. To access the Free Files directory you must now 'sign up'. Access to this directory is as it was before -- access is Free. You can sign up for and access the Freebies directory at: *** DEAD LINK REMOVED ***
2. A PAY directory called "Members" now exists - yearly memberships can be purchased.
Some of these files were in the free files area. I have left pdf copies in the free directory, but have moved actual data files (Excel, WORD, PowerPoint, etc) to this PAY directory. While I'm a liberal, let's face it. Up until 2 weeks ago these were all free. At the price, you can't go wrong. A couple of Powerpoint presentations, a spreadsheet here, a spreadsheet there, several sample procedures - everyone will get their money's worth and I will have some funds to pay server bills.
I do hope many Cove regulars will consider joining the Members group as a way of contributing to keeping the Cove up and running. Many people have gained considerably from the Cove site and the Cove forums over the years. But there is no requirement to do so.
I do plan to set up an upload link where any Member who uploads (contributes) a file for the Members group will receive some type of credit, such as an extension of their access period. This may be a while before I can get to it, however.
Take a look at the listing to see everything you get access to: https://Elsmar.com/Member_Files.html
3. A PAY directory called "Premium" now exists - yearly memberships can be purchased.
In addition to all the files you have access to in #2 just above, these are mostly courses I have put together over the years. But there's lots more than that. Of course, as I stated earlier, you get access not only to all the files 'Members' get access to and access to all the individual guide files for sale, but many more 'unpublished' guides as well.
Take a look at the listing to see everything you get access to: https://Elsmar.com/Premium_Files.html
As with the Members group, I eventually plan to set up an upload link where any Premium Member who uploads (contributes) a file for the Premium Members group will receive some type of credit, such as an extension of their access period.
-------------------------------------------------
Other than that, only cosmetic changes to the site have taken place.
In short, almost everything that was available for free before still is.
However, there are NEW options which, unfortunately, are NOT free.
The Cayman Cove is still The Cove. Like CNN, we're expanding and changing our format a bit. Some folks may not like the changes. I realize change is not always pleasant. Coming home to a completely rearranged house, or moving into a new house, is not always a pleasant experienced. One has to learn to find ones way around all over again. I have tried to make most changes as transparent as possible, but - obviously - this is not always easy and sometimes it is simply not possible.
As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to call or e-mail me.
Marc
it would have been clean. or 
