Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Have you thought of advertising in "The Reporter." It comes out every Thursday and distributed widely in the Villages. They might even do a story on the fact that the Daily Sun won't let you advertise. Also, the POA might put something in their paper to reach people with your website.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Hi,

I think the idea of a feature story in other newspapers would be great. If that doesn't work members of TOTV, if they choose to, can write a letter to the Letters to the Editor column. Once again, we haven't had our closing yet, date unknown, and I am assuming these papers have such a feature.

The above two are free ways of getting the word out and publicizing TOTV. The responsibility would fall on the members of TOTV and also an administrator would need to be interviewed.

From my local experience, where I live, there are writers on a paper who do feature stories. Perhaps a member of TOTV could contact them and inform them of all the positive reasons why an article should be written. That is how we publicize events, at no cost.

If there are other members of TOTV who would like to do this, I would be willing to write letters, we could start a new topic, and post ideas there.

As far as mentioning what happened with the Sun, I would definitely leave that out. The focus should be on TOTV and inform the public of all the positive attributes of TOTV.

Once again, IMHO.

Hyacinth Bucket ( I don't think Our Dear Hyacinth was ever humble :))

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

TalkHost, since I'm not yet living in TV, I hadn't realized how much you've already done to get the word out. I've two last suggestions, that will require support from other TOTV members. I for one would be willing to send you a $10 or $20 check in order to allow you to do a one page mass mailing to all residents of TV. I have no idea what this would cost nor whether or not enough members would support the effort.

Perhaps you could start a new thread telling why you want/need to do this mailing, explain TV's Daily Sun refusal to run your ad and the fact "...We tried visiting with people at some events downtown, but were told by the Villages to leave..." and ask for donations. I'm a member of another board who asked for members' support to keep the board going and they got a very good response.

I'd even be willing to instead let you use the money to go directly to supporting this site. While we all love free, I would personally pay $10 or $20 annually to keep this site operational. I've learned much from the members here and greatly value the information. The info will save me many dollars (and much grief) in the long run. An annual fee for TOTV may ultimately end up being a necessity. My fear is that The Villages developer will get to all of the business owners who currently advertise here that if they continue to advertise on this site, they will be blocked from advertising in the Daily Sun. The latter likely provides them with more exposure, so TOTV could suffer. You shortly may have no alternative than to charge a fee and allow access to only those people who provide financial support to keep TOTV operational.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Is there a financial link between the "Developer" and the Daily Sun? As an future TV resident, I knew upfront that the DS only printed "Happy News" which is why I was happy to find TOTV. So many points of view on so many subjects generates a more balance view.

What is the name of the developer? Is this a publicly traded company? Who is Gary?

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Listen to youselves, way too many of you nonresidents I'm sure. Are you planning to overthrow an evil dictator? I don't think so. This is absurd. Are we here to retire or start an insurrection. Relax, enjoy life, golf, dance or whatever and if you don't or can't enjoy retirement, I'm sure there are many other "islands of opportunity" awaiting your conquest. My suggestion is to move on................and be happy elsewhere.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Gee, I thought Pete Wahl had retired.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Nope, just a "full-time" 5 year resident who loves to hear you Nattering Nabobs of Negativism.............Whiners.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Jan, Just finished reading your post concerning all your efforts to advertise TOTV ie; shirts, 3x5 cards, signs, etc. I wil proudly pay for and wear a TOTV shirt. I have a thought and I am sure you guys have thought of it already, BUMPER STICKERS. Put em on Golf Carts, Cars, anything that moves. They also stick to Daily Sun Paper Boxes. Not that I am advocating that.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

You asked for a good reason and I think That I have found a couple.

1. The name talk of the villages is synonymous with there apparent "The villages" corporate name and logo and it ****es them off. It may seem small and ludicrous to some but not the current hierarchy that are in control.

2. Now since they seem to own/operate or control everything we eat, sleep and if they could harness it the air all around us. We are no different then corporate America where there slogan is it's our way or the highway.

3. Also I viewed some comments here about the sales of new vs. used homes through this site by members and guests. Things I don't think they want the general public (US) to know. Right now they are hurting with the slow sales market as others are around the USA. Except they have the heads up market right now that nobody else has in the USA and thats all this available land they got and people to buy into there concept and it sells itself.

4. Baby boomer's`are coming and they know it and want the full share not a split with local Realtors who are getting ripped off by TV and are getting away with it everyday.

5. By allowing advertising with this site it may look like to buyers that they are endorsing things being said and done here. They absolutely do not want that to ever, ever happen.

6. Finally did you go out with anyone from there family, maybe you forgot and don/t know it.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

We, the administrators, do not want to consider any kind of assessment to our members. This is a free board and we want to keep it that way. Our membership continues to grow each day. Our page views also continue to grow. We will be okay. Each day I receive at least two inquiries about advertising here.

Bumper stickers always seem like a good idea. Experience tells us that people do not put bumper stickers on their vehicles (only a few do). We are working on the logo shirts. I hope you all understand that there is a considerable up front investment on the part of the administrators. Printing companies do not do one shirt at a time, on demand. There has got to be a large order, in all sizes, costing sometimes a thousand or more dollars. Colors and sizes are all considerations as well.

All in all, TOTV is great. The members are great and we'll be okay.

I would just like to say to the Daily Sun that regardless of why you will not let us advertise, we still like you. We hope that you will reconsider and let us be part of this community. We're good people. Our members are good people. Please give us a chance, OKAY? Even if you won't let us advertise in your paper, would you at least tell us why so we can try to correct whatever it is that you see as a problem. :dontknow:

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Bubbalarry, Help me with the logic behind the following comment of yours.

"4. Baby boomers are coming and they know it and want the full share not a split with local Realtors who are getting ripped off by TV and are getting away with it everyday"

How are the local realtors getting ripped off?

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

It comes down to this......they don't like competition.

Plain and simple.

Put an ad in The Reported.....it is mailed.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

:edit: (This thread is really a disturbing story.
Here is an idea for you Jan.

I am thinking all the Sun's competitors would like to write a story about this repressive issue.
Since we are not in TV yet we are not familiar with the names of other area papers but, I am sure you and your partners know where to go.
Larry & Bev

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Just a thought regarding bumper stickers. You are right , most people do not like to put them on their vehicle, myself included.
How about the peel off variety, like the sticker they put on my windshield after every oil change. Point is it can be put on a vehicle window and then peeled off or transfered to another vehicle at will. Just the logo would be enough , making it a smaller sticker. People will ask what it stands for, and then we can make the pitch for the forum.
This forum is such a incredible resource and I appreciate all the administrators hard work. I would love to advertise for you with something beyond word of mouth. :clap2: :clap2:

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

OK, it's the age of the internet. How about a "viral" marketing program:

All the 3000+ TOTV members send up to 10 emails to their friends in TV or interested in TV making them aware of this forum. Also, we all talk it up in person.

If each of those recipients in turn mail to 10....you get the idea.

I wouldn't consider is SPAM because it would be coming fom a friend informing me of a GREAT resource.

How about it?

Another plus...no cost to TOTV. Ya gotta love the net!!

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

The email network idea is a good one. I wonder if people would do it. Even if 10% did it, that would be 3,000 emails. We could give it a try.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

not against an email campaign but i think most of us totv members have probably already told our village friends about totv. i'd focus equal attention to the fact that folks visit but don't necessarily post and stay.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

I really think the tee shirts are going to get the word out and make a difference.

Can you imagine MASSES of gren, yellow...whatever color, being worn at the town squares--especially on Cruise Nite ? Someone is bound to ask what "TOTV" stands for!!

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

TOTV t-shirts. I'd buy that for a dollar! Actually, I would be willing to spend up to $11 or so. Some of my I donated blood T-shirts are wearing out.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

I agree with all who said send your story to The Reporter. I remember a year or so ago there was a string of burglaries in The Villages and I was curious as to why The Sun didn't run the story. A neighbor said to me, "Don't be surprised! You will never see anything in the Sun that would be detrimental to The Villages image of Pleasantville, USA." P.S: The Reporter In The Villages can also be accessed on line. I read it all the time to keep up on the news that's not in The Sun.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Okay.Okay, I've seen the error of my ways and with a lot of egg on my face, sign me up for a t-shirt and/or bumper sticker.........The kool aid was good though!!! :agree:

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Reading this tread has been interesting. But it concerns me more than the Sun not accepting an ad.

If I understand it correctly, and please someone correct me if I am wrong as I am a TV hopeful. When a person buys a home in TV they purchase the land as well. Correct? Is there an annual agreement that has to be signed allowing you to stay another year? If "the family" gets really mad at you can they force you to sell and move out? Is there any type of elected directors that manage the business of TV? It seems to me with over 40K homes the Villages could be come its own town with a fully elected government. How much control does the family have over the residents? If the residents do not like something that the family is doing is there anyway to fix the problem? I currently own in a similar development and I have seen a number of times where things start going bad and no one takes notice until it has gone really bad. Most of the people just want to have a good time and do not worry about things until it is almost to late.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

I think you should copy this question and paste it into a new topic thread. I would do it for you, but it is your question.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

The Daily Sun is, in my opinion, nothing like any newspaper I have seen before. It is wholly controlled by the developer/family and won't publish anything that could possibly tarnish the "image" they have developed for the Villages. Since we on TOTV freely discuss our likes and dislikes and how we find it difficult to trust all the representatives of the developer, I am guessing that they don't want to give you a foot in th door.

It is sad, but don't expect to see much "real news"in the Daily Sun.......or as I like to call it the "flower power non-news". Guess they don't want us "old folks" having cardiac arrest if we find out the world "outside" isn't all honey and chocolate!!!!!

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

These comments from a Realtor came my way in August when I was buying.

1. Something to do with the MLS vs the Villages VHS. If I can recall the exact rule.
I think with the VHS, which is basically a Villages resale listing. A Realtor can't show you the buyer that home since the seller signed up with TV for resale. So the local realtor shares no commision along with anyone because they can't sell it. They can't sell what they can't see.

2. This should not be allowed but TV have pull and get away with it. It's unfair Real Estate practices but it keeps you the buyer locked in with them both new and used. If you try to sell within the first year of purchase without going thru them you will get another visit.

3. Now as mentioned they control new and resale of used. If the house is under the MLS, they still make it tough on eal Estate agents.

a. They don't allow signes.
b. They make it very difficult for a buyer to view all thats available for sale.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Hey Bubba, correct me if I'm wrong but the resale within one year is a contractual item agreed to by both signatories. The sign issue is a county issue, not a Villages issue. if you check resales in all 3 counties, you'll see signs in Lake, and I believe Sumter, but not Marion. I may have Marion and Sumter mixed up but I know Lake resales in TV have signs from outside realtors. As far as VHS vs MLS, it's not "pull". It's business, clear and simple. I had experience with properties on Lake Martin in Alabama right by Tommy Tuberville's place. The builders were contractually committed to list the new homes for the first 18 months after completion. The realtor chose not to place the homes on the local MLS and held them captive for the eighteen month period including any resale of the property. Didn't make anyone happy but the realtor and developer, but it was known on the front end. Take it or leave it.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

WOW!!! This site has my attention for someone who has already bought in "Paradise" but waiting for the real estate market to make a comeback in CA so our house will sell and we can retire to TV.

Within my first visit at TV, I was very aware of "big brother". Not unlike many in their 50s, I am opionated, know what I like and what I don't, have worked hard for a living, and don't want anyone telling me what and when I can do anything.

On my second visit without my husband, I returned to CA to tell him that the first feelings are right. "Big brother" does exist, I didn't know who he was, where he was, what powers he has, BUT HE KNOWS WHAT I LIKE!!! Completely alone in a city without any friends, wandering around looking for a house for the two of us to retire; going to happy hour and listening to music by myself; looking for big bugs and alligators; I felt completely safe and comfortable where ever I went in TV.

I fell in love with a place I look forward to calling home someday. I can't think of too many things that are controlled that I can't live with and most things are a plus.

So what am I missing? I love the Daily Sun and TV Radio station for the very reason it is the "paper and music from Paradise". I can always listen to CNN, MSNBC, blah, blah, blah if I need my negative fix. I also enjoy this website for the information we all share. Is there a reason we all can't exist in the same city?

Am I missing something here? :dontknow:

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Sorry Topicop :cop: I know it's off topic; but I can't resist responding to this post!

Wow, I think you somehow have been misinformed (pertaining to resales only)!

jjdees is correct: Signage is not controlled by the Villages to benefit themselves; in some counties you can put MLS or VLS signs, in others you cannot.

How on earth do you think The Villages Agents can make it tough on buyers to view MLS listings? If a buyer contacts a VLS agent they can see all the VLS listings they want. If a buyer contacts a MLS agent they can see all the MLS listings they want.

We bought a resale through MLS, not VLS, no problem at all!

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

:agree: I think Big Brother is doing his job well. Before moving here you should know the rules and if you don't agree then look for a place that fits your needs.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

You are right Donna Lee. I love living here. I really don't like all the crap the developer causes BUT there is no other place like this so I am here to stay.

You have to decide what you can live with and if you can't take the "big brother" issues and having no real newspaper, then you really won't be happy here.

However, if you are looking for a place to make new friends; enjoy the later years of life and maintain a healthy and happy attitude, sign on the dotted line!!!!

I looked and looked for years because I was retired for 4 years before my husband. Take my word for it. NO ONE will ever be able to duplicate what we have in today's market. There just isn't enough money for this type development any more!!! :#1: :agree:

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

TALK HOST
I am sure we have all seen the recent reports of the dramatic circulation decline of some of the biggest "Print media" newpapers. The Village Sun must view TOTV as competition for not only readers but advertising dollars and moreso unbiased "opinions". I know when I went to Golf Cart Connection I asked my sales person if she heard of TOTV and she did and said she reads it frequently but did not participate in any discussion. I flat out told her I was there because of TOTV and GOLF CART CONNECTION was missing a BIG opportunity if they did not advertise or somehow recognize TOTV members who came to their store and bought a golf cart. She said the problem is they get alot of inquiries to buy advertising from media or internet sources and most never produce viable clients. HOwever they are recognizing a trend from customers mentioning TOTV and I told her she could pass my name to "the boss" if she needed a first hand reference of how I got to their location.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

:bow: thanks a lot!

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

If a buyer wants to see a VLS listing with a outside agent they prefer he/she must go through TV, not an agent of an outside the villages agent. Since they have no info at hand to talk about it. The Village sales reps have no license to sell MLS.

Now when I talk of signs was told that the Villages do not want outside signs of homes for sale. In some cases people have them up anyway, but the Realtor who told me this claimed its part of dealing with TV. As I have mentioned here on a previous post TV sales agents push you into new and provide as little as possible for resale. Thats VLS resale.They are instructed by management to push new.

I personally had to find VLS homes for resale and demand that my questions about them and to view the properties was very frustrating. Only when I said forget me buying a new home did they try at all. I could not find anything we wanted in both VLS or MLS and finally said to heck with it.

Then less than 2 weeks later bam. They, TV sales rep come up with a deal we couldn't refuse in Hadley Villages. The wife is happy I am happy and the MLS sales girl isn't.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

You know, my experiences with TV rep that i have has not been that. Three trips up there, she has PUSHED nothing, just has spent time showing me places I wanted to look at, and showed me ONE new house, that I recall. I am sure some are different, but I have been nothing but pleased with her, and will stay loyal when I do buy. Also, i have said on here before, that most of the listings outside agents have in TV initial asking price has, for the last year and a half, been considerably higher than comparable homes through TV resales. now, maybe the outside listing are willing to negotiate on that price more than TV inside sales, I don't know. If anyone has any info on that, would appreciate some input.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

We've been out several times with a Villages sales rep, Michele Halloy and have not had an experience like Bubba's. She showed us a few new ones, lots of resales without an ounce of pressure either way. She was very professional and We won't hesitate to work with her again. As far as an outside sales rep showing a Villages listing, ain't going to happen and it has nothing to do with info, it's because they will not get a commission.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

I agree with jjdees no commission no show. I have told people for years if you want your house sold list it at 8% and watch all of the realtors bring the prospects to their house. List it at 4% and wonder why no one is showing your home.

I like the idea of 3X5 cards that we, as TV residents, can put out around town. I would personally drop them in the best places for exposer.

As for people who knock The Villages Daily Sun. If you live in TV when you get your mail you can purchase a newspaper that will give you all of the bad news that you are seeking. I chose not to read that news since I watch the news on the television for about 4 minutes and remember why I moved to The Villages and walk around with a smile on my face everyday.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

Amen on the news Indy. I too am tired of hearing who shot what and then killed him where.

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

I have a friend who had some experience in the family with depression. The first thing the doctor told the person to do was to turn off the TV

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

STOP IT..... STOP IT.... STOP IT!

At the risk of sounding Pollyannia, and I ,admit to that about myself.

People of the Villages.... Look around you.... Did it occur to you... "What did we do in our {former} life to deserve all that we have here in the Villages?". Now don't you dare accuse me of being anyone connected to "the family" but we live in the most beautiful place on earth, all of our needs are met and you all want to complain about the Village Sun not posting a "Thank you" ad from Jon. I love you Jon and can't thank you more for providing us with this WONDERFUL web site but Jon...... Please honey child, GET OVER IT! And thank your britches we all live here!

Re: Well, this is a real mystery. It is really troubling.
 

:arrow :dont know:
No grapes but lots of WHINE ........... they don't want your business then go elsewhere ......... if I'm in business do I have to do business with every one who walks in the door ......... I HOPE NOT :dont know: