Quote:
| Originally Posted by Brainwashed Despite what's been said, it doesn't change the fact that this is the only forum I've ever been to that requires users to pay a fee to access all features (and I have been and still go to a number of forums that are as big or bigger than this one). It's one thing to ask for donations (which many sites don't even allow you to do give), but another to more or less hold features ransom. |
Interesting PoV.
On nearly all websites I am a member of, there exists features such as these - contributions get you more good stuff.
www.allnurses.com www.trackpads.com
forum.axishistory.com
I'm a super-moderator at allnurses.com - we regularly see over 3500 users at
any given time. Our membership just crossed 150,000 --- and it's climbing at about 100 - 120 new members
per day. Recently, the administrator decided to move the off-topic forum to a separate area of the boards. You could still read it, but to participate you had to pay.
Let me tell you - ad revenues don't really add up to much. Trust me.
It made a lot of sense - the areas of the site dedicated to the primary purpose of existence (Nursing) would remain free. The other areas would require paid subscription. It pissed off a lot of people - but the Admin had it right
The Axis History Forum and Trackpads - both military related - ask for voluntary contributions.
Personally, I contribute at all those forums because I think the owner ought to be compensated for spending his leisure, money (and most importantly) TIME - to bring me a product I enjoy using. I contribute to (untill recently) APFFN because I think it's a quality product and I can see that Paulo has put considerable effort into making this a great destination for Floyd Fans worldwide. I enjoy this forum and our little community and if my way of giving back is through contributions to help deffer costs - well, that's my way of helping out. My subscription ran out recently and unfortunately as I have graduated, I lost my 2 part time jobs and with no money, I can't renew my subscription.
I can certainly see the incentive aspect of reserving certain things for paying subscribers. And I'll cotinue to contribute - even if all avatars, signatures, post counts etc. were removed --- I just need a job first
