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Northtek

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We are preparing to launch a new site to help with computer problems and web services. Also looking for those who would like to contribute content that will help fellow Canadian and American residents find local services in English.

Also, we have free webservices available to anyone hoping to create a site that they feel will help locals connect with the resources we all need. So if you have any ideas for a website, just let me know, and i will provide the help you need to get it up and going. including, free hosting, web design, and other resources.

As I have found that there is a lot we can learn from each other, we just need the resources to do it.

Or if you just have a simple question, please feel free to contact me here.

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Not exactly but yes there is some overlap, as most sites do have some overlap, but the focus of the other site will extend beyond the scope of this site with user driven content. Its not intended to replace this site as message boards are good, but they are limited. 

We will also be extending the service area to include Guadalajara as it is the 2nd largest city and offers a lot of useful services.

Plus we have access to more advanced servers and tech that will provide more content in a easy to use web experience.

So we are reaching out for feedback to see what services people are looking for and not found here.  

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Yes that is a reasonable assumption. But no, this is a not for profit venture. Everything will be offered for free. 100%

The main focus of the site will be to harness a collective need.  As one of the things that I have admired over the years is something the Americans do very well and I am surprised at how often it is under utilized. This is one area that the Americans have achieved something  that no other country has been ever able to do so effectively. Which is to harness the power of buying groups. 

We all have common needs, whether it be reliable internet services or as simple as buying products that we are familiar with such as a Swiffer wet jet mop.  

The intension is to leverage that collective need to benefit everyone. At the same time provide resources and share experiences that will make living more comfortable for everyone.

Is it a lofty goal, maybe, but I am bringing over 20 years experience in IT and computer experience , plus all the software and server technology available to see if it can be done. 100% free.

 So I am putting my money where my mouth is as they say. All I ask is if you see a need that is not being addressed, then let me know, because if you need, then others probably have the same need. 

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16 minutes ago, Justathought said:

Most people ( well... I for one ) ..like things just the way they are .  At this stage of the game , I don’t want to have to figure out  how to use a new system . 

And that is completely your choice and right to do so. The site is to be used or not to be used on whether it is helpful and easy to use. But also free from any direct commercial bias. To be completely straight forward,  I love being in Mexico, the people are great and the weather is awesome. But I find more often than not, difficulties finding services, products, and information.

So all I am offering is to help, its up to you on whether you decide to take it.

 

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Here are examples of what I mean. as here are a few things I had to find out on my own as information is not easy to find.

1. Housing, as this is a real estate site, it would be a conflict of interest to share. But I was able to find a 3 bedroom house in a fantastic area. That has one main bathroom and an Ensuite. Cost per month? $225 US

2. Shopping, Punto Sur is one of the nicest malls I have ever seen, even my wife, who is native to the area, had no idea it existed. Plus there is a Costco and a store owned by Walmart, that has the same products at a lower cost. All of which I stumbled across, otherwise would have never known they were there.

3. Cellphone services. I had no idea that AT&T offered services that are not only competitive in price, but also provide excellent service.

4. Banking. I was completely taken aback by the interest rates in Mexico, as they are almost criminal. But there are alternatives.

This is just the tip of the iceberg and I believe there are lots of people who have found solutions to these problems and can share there experiences. Plus we can take advantage of buying groups to bring solutions that are not currently available. There is over 20,000 expats in the area, both Canadians and Americans. We have the numbers, we just need to utilize the potential.

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9 minutes ago, AndyPanda said:

This will get bitter quickly. How about giving us some idea of your business plan? Otherwise you will instill no confidence in anyone on this board.

Fair enough, I will submit a business later this afternoon. As I again, I have no interest in competing with this site as it has a lot to offer, but I know we need more.

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31 minutes ago, Northtek said:

Fair enough, I will submit a business later this afternoon. As I again, I have no interest in competing with this site as it has a lot to offer, but I know we need more.

Of your 4 examples above only one (#1) would seem to present a problem here. All the rest (and many more) can be expressed and debated openly here. 

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33 minutes ago, AndyPanda said:

This will get bitter quickly. How about giving us some idea of your business plan? Otherwise you will instill no confidence in anyone on this board.

"This will get bitter quickly". I have to admit I am not sure why this would be the case. Maybe I am being naive as to the role of this site, or as to why this has a contentious nature. 

Not that I have anything against this site as, as I don't, they are trying to provide useful services and I commend them on their efforts, but in the end, they are a real estate company. We are a Tech company and as such, we have more access to and understanding of tech. This initiative is born out of my own frustration to find access to local resources and services available. Plus I have also found that the products I have come to know and use back home are just not available here. 

Also the one site that seem to cater to expats was for some unknown reason was taken down. Which I thought was very good at trying to organize events for expats to get together. I am not sure about others, but finding others to talk to in English, was quite nice, but also very rare.

So the one thing to know is this, My company develops new technology and that is where we make our money. Because of this, I have access to servers and software that is out of reach of most companies and exceeds their expertise. So I am making it available for free simply because I am hoping that a free exchange of information will benefit us all. As the old saying goes " a rising tide lifts all boats". 

But here is the overall goals of the site:

1. Provide news feeds that are relevant 
2. Provide Articles written by expats in their area of expertise
3. Reviews of products or services available
4. Lists of services offered and if offered in English 
5. Create an interactive events calendar 
6. Create a social group so expats can organize events
 

The primary goal of the site is this. Its to hopefully assist new arrivals find the information they need. Also, to identify common needs and use that to organize buying groups in order to leverage better pricing and services. Finally, use to collective knowledge base to provide solutions to commonly encountered problems.

The biggest issue I find and hoping to resolve is this, when a directory of services is hampered by advertising costs, less companies are willing to opt in. which in turn restricts the availability of the services provided to be found. The only way to make sure a comprehensive list of services is to make it free to companies who wish to provide them.

If at some future point, a gap is found and services can be offered, then I will look at that option, but for now, non has been identified as of yet.

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1 hour ago, Northtek said:

Fair enough, I will submit a business later this afternoon. As I again, I have no interest in competing with this site as it has a lot to offer, but I know we need more.

No, what you have posted now gives us a better idea. I say go for it, if you don't think there are other sites here that may be doing the job already.

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8 minutes ago, Northtek said:

"This will get bitter quickly". I have to admit I am not sure why this would be the case. Maybe I am being naive as to the role of this site, or as to why this has a contentious nature.

Because the many naysayers, trolls, and know-it-alls on this site take great pleasure in chewing up new members and spitting them out again. You wouldn't know this unless you'd be here for a while reading topics. Just a friendly heads up.

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I need help with Linux Mint, trying to setup a 1.5 terabyte media server, also porting over some windows applications. Lots of help out there in the Mint community, but some of the Sudo procedures are over my head. My current technician is very good, but unreliable because has serious health problems. Do you make housecalls to a long quarantined house, with masks and social distancing? Do you have a vehicle to go into Guadalajara and pickup parts?

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39 minutes ago, AndyPanda said:

Because the many naysayers, trolls, and know-it-alls on this site take great pleasure in chewing up new members and spitting them out again. You wouldn't know this unless you'd be here for a while.

That is a shame, but worry not as I have a thick skin. Those who seek to troll or engage in that type of behavior only hurt themselves in the end. 

Call me an idealist but I believe that information should be free and open and there are a lot of small shops here that offer great services. The only way to make a comprehensive list of services is to make it free, otherwise the list will be severely limited. 

I am also open to collaboration, but this site is built on the Joomla frame work and would require a complete overhaul to incorporate the feature I would like to see and seeing as there would be no financial gain for them to undertake such a burden, I think it would be unfair to ask them.

Collaboration is a crowning achievement of civilization, but the only way it is truly useful, is when ideas are exchanged freely and without commercial interests limiting its growth. 

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22 minutes ago, CHILLIN said:

I need help with Linux Mint, trying to setup a 1.5 terabyte media server, also porting over some windows applications. Lots of help out there in the Mint community, but some of the Sudo procedures are over my head. My current technician is very good, but unreliable because has serious health problems. Do you make housecalls to a long quarantined house, with masks and social distancing? Do you have a vehicle to go into Guadalajara and pickup parts?

That's a very ambitious endeavor here in Mexico considering the limitations in the networks here, but I am more that willing to steer you in the right direction. What is your raid configuration? and hardware setup? plus I have to admit I am not sure I understand your meaning of " long quarantined house" Also if this is for commercial use, I may not be the best choice as I am not on the cheap side of the equation. But I can provide you with some advice and access to resources. If you want to email me directly, that way I can provide the information without compromising any business concerns.  

I will say though, I have set up my servers in the US as it gives me access to both of the primary backbones, which reduces latency and other server issues.  

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I should point out that I am not offering any free commercial services, only offering some free services for private use. If you require commercial services, I can provide some advice and direct you to useful resources. As we do provide commercial services in Mexico, but mainly to Canadian and US clients. As that's how we make our living and to be completely honest our costs are not competitive in this market. 

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1 hour ago, virgo lady said:

MODS, please shut this thread down, this has devolved into blatant commercial advertising.     

Northtek, with respect, take ads out if you want to promote your business.

With all due respect, I am not trying to promote a business at all. In fact I am saying the exact opposite. To which I said I am not providing any commercial services. 
 

Only looking for feedback on a potential website that will compliment this existing site. 
 

if you read the posts, you will see that is the intent. Advice is offered freely, but advice only. 

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