Autonerdz forums

As I mentioned in the last Therapy, Autonerdz is experiencing the perfect shit storm.

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in such major disruptions to our business and the supply chain that we can no longer continue as we have for the last 20 years.  As you know, being the only PicoScope automotive specialists, the revenue that keeps the wheels turning comes entirely from sales of PicoScope kits and related accessories.  We have no sponsors and our site has been ad free by design so our customers have a pleasant experience.  This has worked very well for all of us until now.  No one could have anticipated this, much less planned for it.  All of us are at the mercy of circumstances beyond our control.

In addition, as I approached retirement age, I had been searching for someone to take my place, bring new energy to Autonerdz and take it to the next level.  After years of working on different opportunities for this that have presented themselves, none of them have been successful.  Each one failed for one reason or another.  In some cases, the efforts were sabotaged, and others were just not meant to be.  The time to accomplish this has run out.  I must retire.  Let’s just say doctor’s orders. 

So, it is what it is and reality bites. 

Autonerdz, as a business, cannot ride these storms and come out on the other side; and the way this pandemic has disrupted everything, someone would have to be insane (in my opinion) to assume the business.

So, the Autonerdz office will soon be permanently closed.  This means that much of the support by me and our staff that has spoiled all of you, will cease.  I am as disappointed and angry about this, as I am sure you are.  But anger is futile as it solves nothing.

So what will remain?  For now, I would like to preserve the largest PicoScope automotive knowledge base in the world.  The tutorials, The Autonerdz Community Forums, our cloud, the Group Therapy volumes, and other online resources we have built over the last two decades.  While these resources do not cost as much to maintain as an office and a staff, they are not free to maintain.  Since we will have no revenue from sales, we will be dependent on willing donors to fund these resources.  More on that later.

I wanted to announce this to our Picogroup members first so that you are not blindsided.  We still have some stock left and some great deals for you while it lasts, so you get first dibs.  We will not be restocking and the only things left in the supply pipeline are a few more WPS kits that will arrive at some unknown time.  All remaining open orders are being fulfilled before the office closes.  After that, shipping will happen when I pop in from time to time.

Let me close by thanking all of our loyal Picogroup members who have supported us all these years.  It’s been quite a ride and I am so thankful for the experience and the opportunity to have met so many great folks both in person and virtually.  I am blessed to be able to call many of you my friends.

Also thanks to Pico for making such a great product!

Take care of yourselves, and each other; be safe and stay healthy

I am very upset as well.  I wish I could do something to help but I am just not able.

Wow sorry to hear this Tom. It is heart breaking to hear and I am grateful to have been a member for the short time I was. Thanks for everything!

Chris

It has been great to be a nerd..

fordman wrote on Mar 23^rd, 2020 at 1:18pm:


I intend to keep the forums and other online resources active.

Say it aint so....
Tom you sir are one of a kind, no wonder you couldnt find a replacement.
Im at a loss for words... gonna take a breather before i reply

Hello Tom,

It is a sad day for sure to hear this.

I do know where you are at in life.

The body start wearing out, it takes longer to heal and get better, and still the passion is there. The services to friends, customers, and folks that feel like family make ya feel like you are deserting everybody and yourself.

There is not much to say however;

Thank You for always being there to help and to answer my dumb questions.

I do wish you the best in the next part of growing up.
Just remember we ain't getting old and the print isn't getting smaller 

Thanks for all you have done to make us all better!

daveyk

daveyK wrote on Mar 23^rd, 2020 at 7:02pm:


Hi Tom,
I do think a large number of us (if not all of us) that follow the forums as well as have purchased Pico products from you, will miss your presence here.  I want to say x2 what Davey K said.  I very much want to wish you the best.  I can tell you with some certainty though that retirement does NOT exist!
Stay healthy, Tom,
DougS