Okay, so I've been thinking, its been a while since the McLaren F1 lineup debuted, and since then, there has never been a large enthusiast's fan site for it. For example, PaganiZonda.com covers specifically the Pagani Zonda and LamboCars.com covers all aspects of every known Lamborghini ever made.

The McLaren F1 is perhaps, and agreed by many, one of the most remarkable automobiles created in automotive history. Everyone here knows it, and there is absolutely no need for me to repeat the record setting numbers.

To make things brief, let me jump to the conclusion (or at least try). Who exactly am I? I know, I'm not well known around here, but I've been a old member over at supercars.net until the recently (in the last 1.5 years ago), that place is just filled with posers and idiots. I come here to meet the real McLaren gurus. I am a web designer, an amateur designer in my opinion. I've built a site called Exotic Sport over the last 2 years that featured the fastest and most exotic marques to-date. However, I closed it recently realising, the exotic car community does not need another supercars.net or rapidcars.com similar site. I figured I'm not going to get anywhere with it.

The bottom point is, there are many McLaren fan sites out there that are pretty great (for example, McLaren_F1_Guy's site covers a lot of info). However, I want to create the ultimate McLaren F1 enthusiast site. I know, its a bit late to start a site like this, but I think sooner or later, there is going to be a full-blown F1 fan site in the future to commemorate this wonderful car. As for I, I've always been a huge McLaren F1 lover. I feel my knowledge is limited compared to the gurus like Peloton, Mini Magic and McLaren_F1_Guy (aswell as many others). If this site is going to be a reality, its definitely going to need the help of many F1 worshippers.

My question is, do you guys think this is a good idea? I'm not spamming or joking, because as a student, its going to take a lot of time creating a new site from scratch. If successful (my hopes are high), it would be the equivilant of Lambocars.com. As the rule of thumb goes, the ultimate enthusiast's site has to be created by enthusiasts themselves.

Many of you, I know, will doubt my web design skills, but although I've never created a huge website, I think I got potential (not bragging :grinno: ). If enough people approve of this project, I will start a frame under a subdomain first and show it to the community (within several weeks). If all goes well, it will continue to develop. I will need help, and lots of people. For all those who choose to volunteer, you will eventually become staff of the site. However, lets not go too far and get carried off, for this is only an idea. Well? :smile:

It's a great idea, one that I have been kicking around myself for about a year. I haven't had the time to really devote to it though, and my design skills are less than would be required for my perfectionist nature. :D

One warning:

http://vzone.virgin.net/sizzling.jalfrezi/f1/

I'm not certain what material that site originally offered, or how it was presented, but obviously McLaren had the desire to squash it, and eventually did. That's kind of been one of my major deturrents - I have no desire to pour my hard work and spare time into something that would eventually get shut down by a cease-and-desist letter. :( :thumbsdow

I've heard that one of the biggest problems is using any trademarked names in the actual URL. I assume that logos, and image usage could also get a great site like the one you have planned squashed. I'd suggest consulting with someone who has real experience in this area prior to proceeding.

Case in point, BMWM5.com - maybe Adam or Gustav could provide some input for you since they recently dealt with a similar situation. I know in their case it came down to having a revenue generating property using BMW's trademarked name. They ended up having to make some major changes, and aren't even able to link to their message forums from their main page any longer.

Even if you don't use a trademarked item in your URL, I'm not sure how much control they could still exact. I know that some sites develop a good relationship with the holder of the trademark (like www.vwvortex.com ) and are able to get away with simple disclaimers like "VWvortex is an independent media publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen AG or Volkswagen of America, Inc." at the bottom of the page.

Anyway, I don't mean to rain on the parade by any means, but I just thought I'd mention it. There may be several other sites I'm not aware of that have been squashed by McLaren for similar reasons and that's certainly something you should keep in mind.

BTW: I'm happy to help in any way that I can. :cool: :thumbsup:

>8^)
ER

That is one very good advice, Peloton. Thanks, I'll be needing it. This probably proves that creating a McLaren fan site is now even tougher. But how do you explain PaganiZonda.com? I just really don't get it. McLaren Cars seems to be very strict about distribution of information sometimes.

But how do you explain PaganiZonda.com?

It could be that Pagani hasn't noticed, or they have noticed but have chosen not to care, maybe the creator secured their permission prior to creating the website, or maybe Pagani just appreciates the fan base and will allow that site to continue.

It really depends on the holder of trademarks and copyrights and whether they are accepting of it, or if they wish to pursue it as McLaren apparently did with the F1 Resource.

The problem with PaganiZonda.com could arise if that site does something that Pagani doesn't approve of. It's really hard to say...

I can tell you that the Vortex Media Group no longer uses trademarked names in their URLs. There latest sites have been www.mwerks.com (BMW site), www.subdriven.com (Subaru site), www.triplezoom.com (Mazda site), www.swedespeed.com (Volvo site). As you can see, their URLs imply an association, but they are careful to avoid direct use of the corporate names.

Just keeping "McLaren" & "F1" out of your URL will not ensure that you are legally protected when you create your site though. That's why I suggest speaking to someone with more knowledgeable about this stuff prior to proceeding. Especially since McLaren has a history of taking action to protect their trademarks on the web.

>8^)
ER

A guess McL would work eh? :D

e30evo is safe :D

something like k5mcl.com may work. no?

something like k5mcl.com may work. no?

Don't you mean:

http://a2.cpimg.com/image/02/F7/25006082-d7d5-02080186-.jpg

;) :p

XP4 wore "K6 MCL" for a while and #003 wore "K4 MCL". It's kind of an obscure reference though. You'd want a URL to be somewhat descriptive I would think...

>8^)
ER

i would think that Mark Smeyers from Lambocars.com would also be a good person to talk to about legal things having to do with trademarks on webpages (at lambocars all they have is a disclaimer saying they aren't associated with Lamborghini SpA)

btw: sounds like a great idea, good luck!

Great Idea, just redirect the forum link to here:D.
The idea of an F1 site with organised pictures...
what about a .tk site? Free...

-Mike:aus:

241mph is a cool name as well, and that certainly cann ot be trademarked

That was one of the ideas that I had as well, but I'd go with 240mph as the actual speed would have rounded down to 240 and not up to 241.

>8^)
ER

it's the general shape..;-p
another i thing i'd like is innovativecar.com

Don't you mean K8 MCL



yes. My screen name is k5mcl, i am used to typing it. I'm not that dumb

I think what people are asking is, why did you choose K5MCL, when we have only seen K6 MCL and K8 MCL on the McLaren plates. Was it a typo, or is there some meaning behind it?

Of course, I have to have enough votes before I start it. ;P

I'll fiddle with the domains, and allow the community to choose at the end. I'll go with free subdomains first however. Once started, I'll keep you guys updated, and volunteers for the project are always welcome. In fact, I think I might need volunteers.

I vote yes. Go for it. I can help with writing and pictures and such.

sounds interesting..

would if just cover mclaren f1? or mclaren in general? such as formula 1, SLR, etc.

Didnt someone here have the email addy of some lawyer or the legal department at mclaren, might be worth asking them what you can and cant do.

maybe drew can arrange a photoshoot of 3 mclarens next to eachother, with an LM among them

maybe drew can arrange a photoshoot of 3 mclarens next to eachother, with an LM among them


That would be niiiiice :D

I think what people are asking is, why did you choose K5MCL, when we have only seen K6 MCL and K8 MCL on the McLaren plates. Was it a typo, or is there some meaning behind it?


simple, k4 and k8 mcl were taken. My birthday is on the 5th of november so i figgured i'd just use that and it wasn't taken

sounds interesting..

would if just cover mclaren f1? or mclaren in general? such as formula 1, SLR, etc.

Didnt someone here have the email addy of some lawyer or the legal department at mclaren, might be worth asking them what you can and cant do.

What I had in mind was just the F1. The SLR is more Mercedes, even though Murray worked on it. There are several fan sites over formula 1 cars and some that cover specifically the McLaren-Mercedes team.

Of course, if majority disagrees, then I wouldn't go ahead. All I think is that the almighty F1 deserves a fan site. And that this fan site shouldn't be created by only one person, but by the many F1 enthusiasts around the world.

My plans would have touched on the history and the future of McLaren in certain ways, but would have been F1 focused for the most part.

>8^)
ER