Gentlemen,
I thought I should jump in here. Firstly, I found this thread fascinating to read (although obviously frustrating for some). I think this discussion really gets to the heart of CRT, Costa Rican mongering and the impact of the Internet on both subjects. I appreciate that, for the most part, this has been a civil discussion – no name-calling is nice.
My name is Alex Baker, The Admin. I am 35 years old and I live in Northern California. For the last 10 years I have been a graphic designer and web developer. When CRT was purchased from Tommy B, back in February of 2013, I was asked to manage CRT by the group of new owners. I was offered this position because of contacts that I have developed over 10 years of traveling to Costa Rica. For all intensive purposes of any concerns – you can consider me the owner of CRT.
I apologize that I have not been more active on the boards during my tenure as manager. To be honest, I have to say I've been a little intimidated. I have been to Costa Rica many times – I have done my share of mongering and partying there – but I am well aware that, especially with regard to you long-time CRT members, you have infinitely more experience and knowledge of the gulch than I do. I have stayed at a number of places in San Jose: Amistad, Sportsmens Lodge, Del Rey and have been to many of the beaches on the Pacific side. But, unless I moved to CR, it's impossible for me to stay 100% “up to date” on all the day-to-day happenings there. I understand the game, but it's also my policy to keep my mouth shut when it comes to things I'm not yet informed about.
Since taking over I have done my best to improve the site where I felt it needed it most, namely: aesthetically, functionally and security wise. I have learned a lot since February and I have spoken with many of you privately. As many can attest – I am here 24/7 to make sure your technical issues get solved, your VIP Cards get to where they need to be and generally making sure that CRT gives you everything we pledge to provide our members.
The Facebook issue, in my opinion, has been a failure. Having said that – it was worth a shot. You see, I'm willing to try anything to improve CRT. We have, for now, de-prioritized our Facebook efforts and will most likely abandon it all together.
Here are my priorities as site manager in order of personal importance:
1.
CRT VIP Members – you are my number one concern. I want CRT to be everything you want it to be. Because I understand, very well, that without you CRT is worthless. This is why, when something goes wrong and you voice your concerns, I am there to act. I have reached out to you when I was fixing the VIP Gallery. I reached out when site performance was slow. I un-banned members from the forum when we made those mistakes while trying to figure out how to better moderate the forum. When you spoke out and let me know that the tropical background was slowing down the forum – I was happy to remove it that day. The biggest satisfaction I get from this job is when you guys have sent me PMs and emails – thanking me for an improvement here and a change there. Believe me, when you speak, I listen.
2.
Security and Privacy – You may laugh at this considering the content of this thread, but your personal information and discretion is constantly on my mind. When I was pitched the idea about the Facebook thing it was the first issue I brought up in the discussion regarding it. I was assured that Facebook had settings that would protect our members and that participation was voluntary – so, after some consideration, I decided to give it a shot. I take responsibility for this failure because, in the end, every major change that happens on CRT is ultimately my decision.
3.
Aesthetics and Functionality – what can I say, I'm a graphic designer, It's important to me that things look good. However, looking good doesn't mean a damn thing if it doesn't function properly.
4. To grow the site through new
VIP Card Discounters. Through the efforts of Admin 3 and myself (and with the new site graphic opportunities) we have added 8 new sponsors in just the last few months. This helps with travel discounts and supports our customer/member base with better discounts, services and prices overall.
It's becoming clear to me that I need to add an item to this list of priorities. I should be more active on the board, like Tommy was (who I have all the respect for in the world, btw). I will do my best to try and make myself more available here – as much as I can. Believe it or not, it takes a great deal of my time doing what I do (which at this point is primarily customer service – taking care of VIP Member's concerns etc.) - but I promise to try and be more visible on the forum.
Having said that – if any of you EVER need anything at all – thoughts, concerns or suggestions – I am ALWAYS available on email at
info@costaricaticas.com. I will usually get back to you the same day and, more often than not, within an hour or two.
I thank you again, Gentlemen, for your input and your thoughtful discussion on this thread. I apologize for my weaknesses and the mistakes I have made while learning how to helm this ship and I appreciate your patience moving forward.
Sincerely,
Alex Baker
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