Pardon me for what may seem a dumb question, but who sponsors this NAM site. It is chock full of useful info as I am finding as a newbie, but I cannot help but wonder where the resources come from to finance such an undertaking. I looked for something like "about us" on the site, but it does not seem to exist. Is it another site financed by MINI; if so, why would they also have an Owners Lounge site as well. By the way, my wife and I are about to pick up our new Roadster and Countryman AWD S and part with our 09 MINI hardtop and 08 Audi Cabriolet.

 

I can't speak for NAM on an official level, but there are rampant advertisements, and a paid user level. I have a friend who founded a forum (forabodiesonly.com) and trust me, the ads alone can make a nice living if the site is big enough (his is larger than NAM).

 

NAM was originally begun as a private venture. It existed for many years in that form and was then sold to InternetBrands.com. They officially 'own' this site and many other car-related forums and web sites.

 

If you can get beyond the advertisements and the $$$ being made, NAM is US, the users... and a good group we are!

 

Excellent answer.

 

I guess that answers your question and by the way, welcome to the site.

 

Thank you for the answer to my question.

 

I think of NAM as resource. Out of curiosity I just counted the links in my MINI favorites folder and so far I've accumulated 53. A few are links to specific posts here on NAM that become useful from time to time. Others came from comments that have 'made me look'. They often get sent along to help someone solve a problem or just answer their question.

 

My answer could have been worded better. I certainly understand about the ads. It's just that if someone didn't explain to me how much revenue they could generate, I'd never know. My friend's site was bought out by a conglomerate of sorts, also. He did pretty well on that, but probably should have kept the site.

 

It originated from a Roadfly.com MINI section in 2001, then Mark Fergueson started NAM for the MINI enthusiasts. It was great times, the MINI was a new car in America. Any stop you made people would ask about the car, some did not even know what it was. Here is some words from founder Mark Fergueson about starting NAM, and check out the monthly magazine NAM used to provided. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...uo3GuQ&cad=rja

 

Thanks Howsoon. The article was very helpful and the magazine got me interested in membership. Thanks again.

 

Well the magazine existed when it was Mark's baby and Nathan the dedicated magazine editor now moved on and started another MINI forum (Motoring Alliance).

 

Wow, a lot is happening in the MINI cyber world. I checked out the alliance, Howsoon, but it does not seem to have the traffic and info that NAM has. Thanks for the added information. I am becoming educated!

 

Yes there are a lot of resources here, but seems most R53 performance people have abandoned NAM for other forums. NAM in its hey day was amazing with many of the "original" "New MINI" pioneers

 

^^^^

The fortunate thing is that all those folks left a tremendous wealth of knowledge here on NAM that will likely never be replicated. New users just gotta learn to use the search function, because many of the questions I see about the R53 and even the R56 have already been asked and replied thoroughly. Reminiscing the 42 page threads on best way to bring down temps and different air inlets tested, and some other 30 page thread on the guy that actually removed a sunroof and its assembly and discovered it weighed 70 lbs and then replaced it with carbon fiber. The Heated arguments about what brand components were better. The good old days!