Haymarket agrees sale of PistonHeads to CarGurus
Discussion
JaredVannett said:
Confirmed, Shmee150 and Lord Aleem to have their own sub forums on PH in an effort to appeal to the younger generation!
https://twitter.com/Shmee150/status/1069895770562838528
Schmee is nothing like Rick Astley, more of an Aled Jones vibe I think, but I appreciate nobody ever got Aled Rolled.https://twitter.com/Shmee150/status/1069895770562838528
jon- said:
woollyjoe said:
Lemming Train said:
People in their 40s generally don't do social media
Promise I'm not picking on you...More 35 to 44 year olds use Facebook than 18 to 24 year olds. 
Edited to add that this is just UK users.
Edited by woollyjoe on Wednesday 5th December 15:13
I'm in my 30s and barely use facebook anymore, it's a dying social network (much like pistonheads)
You're right to say other apps have increased and use diversified - I don't use snap at all (I just don't get it) - but IG is now how I share pictures. I've stopped wanting to share daily thoughts on life so I don't often update my FB - but I use it daily because I moderate a group that has a steadily increasing community (in the thousands) that is used basically like a forum.
- edit* I should probably add something pertinent to the thread; I have been a member for about a decade. I've used it frequently and infrequently at different times. Since moving to HK and not having cars, I've used it much less, but have recently discovered it again.
Is this where we find out just how truly global (or not) the PH audience is?
Edited by keith2.2 on Thursday 6th December 04:34
Well, change is (likely) coming whether we want it or not, I think - IMO Pistonheads is a great site considering it's free. I'm pretty sure CG aren't buying it for altruistic reasons in keeping free forums running, unless it's to gather data somehow. I've been enlightened and enraged in probably equal amounts by the forums, but they are always entertaining.
What with this and Tumblr shutting down the adult content,
I mean, er, with me closing my Tumblr account too it feels like the death of T'internet. 
What with this and Tumblr shutting down the adult content,
I mean, er, with me closing my Tumblr account too it feels like the death of T'internet. Hi everyone, thanks for getting involved in the discussion – it is a great reminder of how much PH means to so many people. There is also a common theme of positivity running through the thread, which is nice to see… as is a bit of healthy scepticism, and that has definitely been covered 
Anyway, I’ve been through and picked out common themes so that I can give you some more information, answers or reassurance.
I’ll make this as clear as I can - The forums are most definitely here to stay! Over the past few days I’ve spent a lot of time with the CarGurus team, and given that my livelihood revolves around the forums existing I can assure you I have thoroughly discussed this!
I’m moving across with the rest of the established PH team, our jobs are secure and the mood in the office is genuinely one of excitement. Very much appreciate your concerns though
Indeed and also whats happening with the Mission Motorsport tie in? Also MM now have a logo very similar to PH, whats going to happen there?
We’re expecting all ongoing relationships to carry on as usual. I’m not sure what you mean about the logo?
100% agree, think of how much time is spent moderating these forums and trying to ensure that nothing libellous is posted. I admit I know nothing about the current moderation but I assume it is volunteer based? Surely that is not going to fly for Cargurus, and once they realise the effort involved they will close down the forums as soon as possible.
Don't think it will happen, look what happened to the Evo forums one day without warning they were just switched off.
Moderation will be kept the same… although we’ll obviously be working with the mods on ways to improve it.
All I’d say is that I’d recommend giving it a chance. I genuinely believe you’re all in for a very pleasant surprise!
The lack of Sunday Services this year has sadly just been bad luck… I’ve never known so many cancellations, and now am significantly greyer.
Sunday Services are very much here to stay, too.
We know that rewarding long term members and regular contributors is important, so I’m excited as to how we can develop this allow us to implement more benefits for you.
Yes, Autocar and WhatCar? will remain a part of Haymarket.
Many thanks for your suggestions! Having spoken at length with the CarGurus team this deal has obviously not happened overnight or without consideration, so I’d just reiterate that I believe you’ll all be pleasantly surprised at what’s next for PH.
This answers the common questions, but please keep the discussion going.
Jack
Anyway, I’ve been through and picked out common themes so that I can give you some more information, answers or reassurance.
Beefmeister said:
Can't see the forums lasting very long tbh. CarGurus have bought the classifieds to take on AT, that's obvious, when they see the ROI that the forums (don't) provide i've no doubt that they'll just kill it off.
I’ll make this as clear as I can - The forums are most definitely here to stay! Over the past few days I’ve spent a lot of time with the CarGurus team, and given that my livelihood revolves around the forums existing I can assure you I have thoroughly discussed this!
andburg said:
Unlike everyone else so far I'm more concerned with the staff
Have the say the PH staffers have done great job and I'd like to hope they would remain with us and secure in their positions.
What we don't need is a new set of rules and new staffing who just dont 'get' this place.
Have the say the PH staffers have done great job and I'd like to hope they would remain with us and secure in their positions.
What we don't need is a new set of rules and new staffing who just dont 'get' this place.
I’m moving across with the rest of the established PH team, our jobs are secure and the mood in the office is genuinely one of excitement. Very much appreciate your concerns though
geeks said:
Indeed and also whats happening with the Mission Motorsport tie in? Also MM now have a logo very similar to PH, whats going to happen there?
We’re expecting all ongoing relationships to carry on as usual. I’m not sure what you mean about the logo?
Joey Deacon said:
100% agree, think of how much time is spent moderating these forums and trying to ensure that nothing libellous is posted. I admit I know nothing about the current moderation but I assume it is volunteer based? Surely that is not going to fly for Cargurus, and once they realise the effort involved they will close down the forums as soon as possible.
Don't think it will happen, look what happened to the Evo forums one day without warning they were just switched off.
Moderation will be kept the same… although we’ll obviously be working with the mods on ways to improve it.
Siy said:
So, to our new owners-to-be, we have four pages (so far) of regular users , pretty much overwhelmingly happy about a change in ownership. However, a distrust or fear that under new ownership, these valued forums may eventually disappear, as the cost will be greater than expected to run.
I am sure in concluding such a deal, Car Guru must have looked at our 'prized pages', and hopefully understand quite what is required to run them. I for one am a Luddite and have no understanding whatsoever of these intricacies.
I think we should as a collective, give them some credit - and hope that they are keen to keep these pages going. I am sure there will be changes, but if we can be proactive in working with them, hopefully we could see things change for the better? Or I am just being too optimistic?
I am sure in concluding such a deal, Car Guru must have looked at our 'prized pages', and hopefully understand quite what is required to run them. I for one am a Luddite and have no understanding whatsoever of these intricacies.
I think we should as a collective, give them some credit - and hope that they are keen to keep these pages going. I am sure there will be changes, but if we can be proactive in working with them, hopefully we could see things change for the better? Or I am just being too optimistic?
Edited by Siy on Tuesday 4th December 12:41
All I’d say is that I’d recommend giving it a chance. I genuinely believe you’re all in for a very pleasant surprise!
MHWM5 said:
Apologies if this has already been mentioned. Does this explain the lack of Sunday Services? The booking for the visit to BMW HQ was due to open yesterday but so far no mention of anything. I hope the Sunday Services continue, time will tell.
The lack of Sunday Services this year has sadly just been bad luck… I’ve never known so many cancellations, and now am significantly greyer.
Sunday Services are very much here to stay, too.
Terminator X said:
Pls make sure that long-term members keep their free car adverts, thanks!
TX.
TX.
We know that rewarding long term members and regular contributors is important, so I’m excited as to how we can develop this allow us to implement more benefits for you.
Alex said:
I assume this will mean that PH will lose its links with Autocar and What Car?
Yes, Autocar and WhatCar? will remain a part of Haymarket.
woollyjoe said:
Assuming Cargurus will read this, I'm happy to share my thoughts:
1. The PistonHeads brand. It's not kept up with audiences (the market). I appreciate many like things the way they are, but the category is screaming for better quality and differentiated experiences across social media. PH does not appear to understand the opportunity with Instagram or YouTube, never mind Snapchat. I'm sure many will Mock, but the point is about new audiences wanting to joining the PH community from around the world. It also looks terrible.
2. Site performance. The site functionality is dated and for audiences, it means too many dead ends on the site and forums. The best sites work hard to keep the site sticky. I think the forums have an old school architecture (basic) that make they perform poorly. Also, there are just some parts of the functionality that were poor in 1999.
3. Editorial direction. I know PH editorial looks at a narrow band of "speed" related matters, but the forums should provide evidence that there's a bigger world out there. I'm not talking SUV's although this is important, but I believe there is a way to preserve the identity and style but apply it culturally to more areas, in more creative ways. Jalopnik and the sister sites excel here, but this editorial leadership is easier said than done.
Any of these would make the site more appealing as it doesn't take anything away, but adds more in a more creative ways that will appeal to a bigger audiences and of course, advertisers too.
1. The PistonHeads brand. It's not kept up with audiences (the market). I appreciate many like things the way they are, but the category is screaming for better quality and differentiated experiences across social media. PH does not appear to understand the opportunity with Instagram or YouTube, never mind Snapchat. I'm sure many will Mock, but the point is about new audiences wanting to joining the PH community from around the world. It also looks terrible.
2. Site performance. The site functionality is dated and for audiences, it means too many dead ends on the site and forums. The best sites work hard to keep the site sticky. I think the forums have an old school architecture (basic) that make they perform poorly. Also, there are just some parts of the functionality that were poor in 1999.
3. Editorial direction. I know PH editorial looks at a narrow band of "speed" related matters, but the forums should provide evidence that there's a bigger world out there. I'm not talking SUV's although this is important, but I believe there is a way to preserve the identity and style but apply it culturally to more areas, in more creative ways. Jalopnik and the sister sites excel here, but this editorial leadership is easier said than done.
Any of these would make the site more appealing as it doesn't take anything away, but adds more in a more creative ways that will appeal to a bigger audiences and of course, advertisers too.
Edited by woollyjoe on Wednesday 5th December 12:16
Many thanks for your suggestions! Having spoken at length with the CarGurus team this deal has obviously not happened overnight or without consideration, so I’d just reiterate that I believe you’ll all be pleasantly surprised at what’s next for PH.
This answers the common questions, but please keep the discussion going.
Jack
Edited by Jack Mansfield on Thursday 6th December 08:59
Jack Mansfield said:
Many thanks for your suggestions! Having spoken at length with the CarGurus team this deal has obviously not happened overnight or without consideration, so I’d just reiterate that I believe you’ll all be pleasantly surprised at what’s next for PH.
This answers the common questions, but please keep the discussion going.
Jack
But now you've fixed it!
Jack Mansfield said:
Stuff
Call me a cynic but what they tell you and what they actually do are going to be two completely different things imo. The forums don't make any money and we know this because despite HM filling them to the rafters with 1000 ads per page they couldn't make it pay and bailed out. CG will either double the number of ads or they'll bin the forums. It doesn't take a genius to figure this out when they have shareholders to answer to.Lemming Train said:
Call me a cynic but what they tell you and what they actually do are going to be two completely different things imo. The forums don't make any money and we know this because despite HM filling them to the rafters with 1000 ads per page they couldn't make it pay and bailed out. CG will either double the number of ads or they'll bin the forums. It doesn't take a genius to figure this out when they have shareholders to answer to.
"Lemming Train is a Cynic!" 
In all seriousness though, despite my response you are clearly still concerned so all I can do is reassure again that there are no intentions at all to close the forums.
Lemming Train said:
Call me a cynic but what they tell you and what they actually do are going to be two completely different things imo. The forums don't make any money and we know this because despite HM filling them to the rafters with 1000 ads per page they couldn't make it pay and bailed out. CG will either double the number of ads or they'll bin the forums. It doesn't take a genius to figure this out when they have shareholders to answer to.
Don't worry about it. It will change, or it will stay the same, or it will shut, or it will stay open.
It's an internet motoring based forum.
Don't worry about it (did I say that?)
Plenty of fish in the sea.
Jack Mansfield said:
"Lemming Train is a Cynic!"
In all seriousness though, despite my response you are clearly still concerned so all I can do is reassure again that there are no intentions at all to close the forums.
I'm chuffed if that's the case Jack and thanks for your response. It can't be easy for you all to read such negativity when i'm sure you're all fairly happy about the news.In all seriousness though, despite my response you are clearly still concerned so all I can do is reassure again that there are no intentions at all to close the forums.
I'm hoping that as PH is now split from Haymarket and the 'talent pool' for contributors, the new ownership will mean more opportunity for freelancers to pitch ideas to PH. It's where I started doing reviews and would love to do some stuff for PH in the future.
pidsy said:
Genuine Barn Find said:
I may be 'sooooo old' (even if at 44 I'd like to think I have plenty of life left in me), but with approaching 13 years in, (it's actually longer, but I couldn't remember my original user name so had to re-register), I have no interest/desire to bring myself up to date with other forms of social media. PH isn't perfect, but it's comfortable enough and I have been able to find answers to pretty much every motoring related question I've ever had. I laughed and cried with this forum, and found a massive amount of support when I was at my lowest ebb back into 2010 (I lost my wife to cancer). I doubt I am alone with the affection I hold for PH. What will be will be, but I suspect that this forum will change (and not for the better) with the new name above the door. I'll probably stick around though (for as long as I continue to remember my latest password).
A very similar sentiment to my own. I don’t do other social media - this is as social as I get! It’ll change, it has to/is bound to - will it improve? Possibly, but everyone fears the unknown. We don’t have any choice so regardless of our mumblings on this thread, CG will do whatever they want.
It’s be nice to hear from them though.
te ...Change is inevitable I fear. If they drop the forums, we're all mostly gone. But if it makes $$$, the owners will care not a jot.
Are they finally going to kill off the Phonesafe scam? https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Currently PH seems to be all about those who use it. Cue the Muricans where it will be all about money.
More adverts, advertatorials and paid content.
Disqus forums, so good bye to the current format.
Lower quality higher audience of chavs.
Nothing Muricans do is ever stand alone.
Lets hope the cynics are wrong.
More adverts, advertatorials and paid content.
Disqus forums, so good bye to the current format.
Lower quality higher audience of chavs.
Nothing Muricans do is ever stand alone.
Lets hope the cynics are wrong.
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