In answer to the last two posts the format of the web site shows it is a commercial enterprise and not some individuals private message board. So the answer to the questions should probably read as follows:-
1. Who or which group created this website?
The site was created (and is owned) by the Board Manager a Singaporean with a long history or both business and personal contact with Ex Pats
2. What is the main purpose? Any inherent business goals?
To provide a site of inherent interest to Ex Pats, and potential Ex Pats which will attract sufficient numbers of hits to make it commercially viable via obtainment of advertising revenues.
3. How is the website supported? How is it managed?
For the first year at least the Board Manager supported it financially himself - by now advertising revenues should be sufficient. He and his partners manage the Expat Message Board as a balance between providing the information Ex Pats wish for, and a commercial site which will attract sufficient advertising revenue to eventually become profitable.
4. Are the managers elected or righteously selected? How long are their tenures? Are they qualified/knowledgeable on Expat issues?
When you own the site you don't need to get elected or "righteously" selected! The Board Manager owns the site and yes he is knowledgeable on Ex Pat matters. The message Board itself does not yield revenue and is put up as a service to attract Ex Pats to the site; as such the Board Manager has the right to monitor the posts and remove any he does not like!
Bottom line is you are using a free service when you post here - if you don't like it you can exercise your right not to log on.(And of course to set up your own message board) The fact that you and I make use of the site does not give us any right to dictate to the Board Manager how he decides to run the Message Board.
In the past when various people have organised nights out the Board Manager has left the thread up until after the event and then removed it. I think his logic is - the event is over, time to move on to the next one. By that time the posters should already have been in touch by e-mail, phone or in person on the night and the thread becomes obsolete.
P.S. No I have no personal financial interest in the site before anyone asks.
[This message has been edited by PhilM (edited 27-11-2000).]
