Important Changes To Ex-Pats & Owners Abroad Forum

When the Ex-Pats & Owners Abroad forum was originally created at Holidaytruths, the intention was that it should provide a mutual exchange of general information and advice between those who may be considering relocating or investing in property overseas, and those who already have some experience in those areas.

That is still the aim, however it seems that the forum has developed considerably over the years and now appears to be dominated by those discussing matters specific and relevant only to the complexes or properties which they have invested in. Basically what we have now are several individual residents associations. We appreciate the importance of these discussions to the individual groups concerned. However, it is now causing problems for Holidaytruths in relation to disk space, bandwidth, speed related issues and moderating policy. One subject of considerable concern is the continuous use of potentially libelous comment by some users on this public access website, with regard to the problems which they are experiencing with specific agents or developers.

As a result, we are now having to review the future of the Ex Pats & Owners Abroad forum as a matter of some urgency. It is felt that it would be in the best interests of all concerned, if those of you who are currently using this forum for discussion about specific developments under construction or specific complexes already occupied, now consider setting up your own individual websites with private forums where you may discuss those issues in complete confidence. Some of you have already done this or are in the process of doing so. We would urge other groups of property owners to do likewise at the earliest opportunity.

We appreciate that a massive amount of information has already been accumulated on our pages with regard to specific complexes. Holidaytruths is prepared to waive copyright restrictions so that you may take that information with you to your new forums when they are set up.

In order to alleviate the current pressures on our resources, we will have to consider removal of existing threads no later than Friday 13 October 2006 and so we must stress the importance to individual groups of discussing this matter internally and making alternative arrangements as soon as is practicable. A clear out is already underway of some of the older content in all of our other forums. However, the current content of this forum is being left in place for the moment in view of its importance to the individual groups concerned.

We appreciate that these measures may not meet with everyone's approval, but we have to consider the operational and legal burdens which are being placed on Holidaytruths, by these extensive discussions of what are effectively private matters.

But we also recognise that as individual residents groups, you should be able to discuss delicate or confidential issues in total privacy, not restricted by Holidaytruths terms, conditions and moderating policy, or the threat of legal action by those companies or individuals whom you may choose to comment about in a negative or libelous manner. That can only happen if you have your own private and restricted access forums, completely separate and unconnected with Holidaytruths.

Subject to approval, links or contact details for your new websites may be posted at Holidaytruths, so that future purchasers on your developments may apply directly to you for membership. But all discussion specific to your complexes would take place on your own individual forums, which should allow you to develop multiple topics on various issues relevant to your property, rather than have it all confined to one single thread as at present.

This Ex-Pats & Owners Abroad forum would then hopefully return to its intended main role of providing general advice and information.

For those who may wish help or advice on how to set up their own private forums, MarkJ HT Mod has very kindly volunteered to assist with any questions. But please note that any questions should be in relation only to your new forums, rather than to the future of this forum. Please click here to ask Mark for advice.

With thanks from the Admins and Moderators at Holidaytruths