I think this is a common thing with forums...They start off as hobbies, then the owner realises they cost time and money to run, so they have to decide to stay free or become subsidised (hobby, free hobby or even business enterprise). IMO the option to donate is fine, but I would never pay a fee for any recreational forum. I also feel that there should be no extra "perks" for donating or paying a sub.
Really like this forum, and as a result have donated a few times. I don't like the idea of monthly subscriptions at all, would prefer to leave it to the members to donate as and when they can/see fit. If it got to the stage where the forum could not continue due to lack of funds, then fair enough, monthly or annual donations. Personally, I'm not bothered about about the ads.
Well i have pressed the yes button and agree that £20.00 per year for the use of this fine site is ok. However The current voteing for no is about 42% but out of say 600 members how many have voted yes or no. The other situation is that only say 50 no hardcore dudes sign up for £20.00 per year' but it has no great affect 'so more averts are needed to prop up the capacity of the site due to it being more popular and then folks get naffed off because in effect the one's paying are shouldering the burden for others ,and this may cause some resentment .I am one of those dudes who if all signed up its great no issue or if the adverts have to chip in more and its kept free also no issues .I just think that out of fairness to all the debate should include that all members have to press the Yes/no button so there is an accuarate answer .So the answer may have gone 360% Adverts at a more premium cost to themselves and a donation drive to assist Rob in devolopment of the site.
Thank you for all your input. FYI it would be a voluntary subscription/donation. Anyone who chooses to pay would get, over and above what anybody gets now: increased PM inbox, more gallery space & no ads at all. Anyone that doesn't want to subscribe can still use the forum in exactly the same way as they do now. No difference at all but with ads. The experience stays the same. No visible differences between those that do or don't subscribe in user profile so everyone remains the same and all is equal. And I'm thinking something along the lines of any member who has donated over the past 12 months automatically gets the option for a year. Anyone who subscribes
Yeah, I'd pay a subscription to help out with the running costs. Agree we shouldn't discriminate between those that do & don't, so maybe a VIP button?
This topic has cropped up more than once on another forum I frequent and I know it akes a lot of time and money fro the Admin to run such a place. There will always be the same people who are willing to assist whether it be financially or otherwise, that is life. I for one have found this place informative and friendly with no apparent cliques, witch hunts or ass holes. I am off to donate now and keep up the good work
Having run a forum and kept it on-line in the past I know the cost ... I paid around £40 a month for 90GB Bandwidth. Personally I couldn't be arsed with the admin and maintenance side of it these days!! What I am saying is that I understand how much effort goes into looking after the people and the software ... Personally I am against making people pay for it, I know you have a good bunch of guys here .. it's been proved in the very short time I have been here, but the problem is that you'll start by saying you get a fancy username and things will progress because people will moan that there not getting enough for there money ... I saw it happen on a couple other forums (that I no longer use) If you start to lose guys because of it you start to lose that good bunch you have! I'd suggest make the advertising pay! I'd suggest the blade is the target market for the majority of suppliers of performance parts ... You already have three guys onboard (Opie, Cos and BikeBits) and having a look around at other forums there are a few companies willing to put there name on forums Go round the other forums and try and poach the companies they have advertising
I kinda like you guys on here, even tho I never met any of you. Was planning on meeting up with some of the more 'local' guys. Anyway, i'd be happy enough to subscribe for @ £20 / year. I've donated anyhow so won't make any odds to me. The adverts dont really bother me too much. Agree that there should be no noticeable difference between those that do and those that dont, except a.t shirt, mug or summat. So it's a yes vote from me.
