PlanHelp.com vs CountryPlans.com - what's the Diff

Started by jraabe, January 18, 2006, 01:57:58 PM

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jraabe

January 18, 2006, 01:57:58 PM Last Edit: January 18, 2006, 02:01:22 PM by jraabe
This question was asked by a frequent visitor. Here is my answer:

PlanHelp.com is for folks actively in the design/build process. It has a free download area http://www.planhelp.com/public/programs/opendownloads.cfm
for plan models that can be modified in 3DHA, there are updated versions of the Sunkit (solar planning) and the Skylight and Sunroom glazing details and other plans that can be downloaded and will fit a standard printer format. There is a growing library of details and plan modifications folks can add to their evolving plans. For instance, I will be adding basement details next week so that any plan could be built on a basement with a bit of cut and paste "drafting".

I will be adding other new plans and details to this new site over the coming months.

Unfortunately, you have to sign up with a credit or debit card to process the membership.

John Raabe
www.countryplans.com
www.planhelp.com

PS - CountryPlans will continue to be free and open to all, but for sharing building information and plan details, PlanHelp is more secure. This is partly the way the site is structured and partly because folks have to sign a "terms of use" agreement to join that makes it easier for architects, designers, engineers and other professionals to feel comfortable sharing their advice. (And free from the type of frivolous litigation that could possibly happen [hasn't] on a free site.)

Dustin

#1
January 18, 2006, 06:23:57 PM
What's the cost? I didn't see anywhere what the price is.

FrankInWI

#2
January 18, 2006, 09:29:43 PM
nice to have alternate places to look for help and ideas....BUT, there seems to be some special community here.  John's built a bit of community here....to my liking anyway.
Frank

jraabe

#3
January 18, 2006, 10:12:51 PM Last Edit: January 18, 2006, 10:35:50 PM by jraabe
I'm still editing the info on the site. Thanks for pointing out how buried the price is.

try here - http://www.planhelp.com/public/10.cfm

About community....
   
There is a special group here, and I certainly wouldn't want to destroy that. There are only a few early adopters as members of the new PlanHelp site at this point. It will probably take quite awhile for that forum to get the action this one does - and, it may never happen...

It has taken over seven years to get this community to where it is today. In 1997 (and 1998) it was often days and sometimes weeks between forum postings. Things were pretty slow but I just kept writing articles and posting drawings. People started to notice about two years ago.

More thoughts to come.... I'm interested in how you think either of these two websites should evolve. We are going to have to step into the future and keep current with such things as site security.

My hope is that the "Hold Harmless" aspects of the subscriber agreement at PlanHelp will allow professionals to come on board as well. But maybe most architects, engineers and designers don't want to see architecture democratized.

Jared

#4
January 19, 2006, 12:32:48 PM Last Edit: January 19, 2006, 01:37:27 PM by Jared
Since I just bought some plans (only 54 bucks, I know), maybe you could give everyone who buys a set of plans one month free to check the site out and see if they want to subscribe. Heck, I'd be happy with a two week trial, just to see what's there. It's an incentive to get people to buy plans, or an incentive to subscribe to the site before they buy plans.
Jared

jraabe

#5
January 19, 2006, 01:39:26 PM
A good suggestion. I would like to give folks who have supported this site and are actively designing a project a chance to explore what is there.

I'll see what I can do about this.
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