Membership cost questionnaire

Mike Olbinski · February 11th, 2008, 05:02 AM

So Jim and I are going to be taking this forum in a new direction...we're going to make it a membership forum with a lot of benefits to the members who pay a fee and help this site keep going.

UPDATE: I wanted to make sure since someone mentioned it below. This is an OPTIONAL membership which comes with benefits...like no ads, a member forum, etc.

But you don't NEED to be a member to post here.

It cost $500 a month to host this site. That is $6000 a year. Yikes.

Some of you threw out numbers you pay to other forums to be members, so I'm going to use those in a poll here to see what we come up with for a good amount.

If was did $50 a person and 100 became members, that almost takes care of it. I think we'll end up with more than 100 members too, so I'm not sure if $50 is too much or too little. Jim doesn't want to profit off this stuff at all.

So here is the poll, vote as you will...I want to know what each of you is willing to pay.

And PLEASE, pass this on to others on the forum and let them know about this poll...I need to get a good wide opinion.

Thanks,

Mike

Dback Jon · February 11th, 2008, 05:20 AM

I voted $40. I'd pay up to $50, but would prefer a lower amount, obviously.

dreamcastrocks · February 11th, 2008, 05:23 AM

$40 seems about right too, but I would pay $50.

AZZenny · February 11th, 2008, 05:28 AM

LOL -- human nature -- I thought $30 sounds about right, but I'd pay $40 or $50 if it was truly ad-free. But if you are going to continue ads for non-members, factor what little income they bring in to the total.

I do think making the Amazon on the bar a little brighter would remind people to use it more.

Linderbee · February 11th, 2008, 05:44 AM

I'll be honest. You charge it, I'll pay it. I really can't imagine you would charge so much that I wouldn't pay it.

ASFN is my crack. I need my fix daily, and would pay whatever to know that I'm not missing out on anything. (Like the little kid that won't go to bed when there's company over)

Brian · February 11th, 2008, 06:19 AM

I honestly wouldn't pay a dime. If it costs money, I'll have to stop posting. Somehow, I think my days here are suddenly short lived.

My family is my crack, I now view this like Ryan does. I like it, but don't need it.

UncleChris · February 11th, 2008, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZZenny

LOL -- human nature -- I thought $30 sounds about right, but I'd pay $40 or $50 if it was truly ad-free. But if you are going to continue ads for non-members, factor what little income they bring in to the total.

I do think making the Amazon on the bar a little brighter would remind people to use it more.

Linderbee · February 11th, 2008, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyRider

I honestly wouldn't pay a dime. If it costs money, I'll have to stop posting. Somehow, I think my days here are suddenly short lived.

My family is my crack, I now view this like Ryan does. I like it, but don't need it.

You wouldn't need to pay, just get the extras if you do.

Nice jab about family, though. I liked that.

40yearfan · February 11th, 2008, 06:23 AM

Mox, nix. I'll pay the going rate, whatever it is.

abomb · February 11th, 2008, 06:28 AM

Just make the Paypal link more prominent. People would kick $5 here and there more often, IMO.

I always thought it was cool that LG had a HOF of donators. Not really my thing, but some people might like seeing their name up.

AZZenny · February 11th, 2008, 06:31 AM

Mike, you need to make it clearer this is an optional membership with special perks you are talking about -- no rollover ad links, etc. for those who pay, but non-paying folks are free to continue as usual. You'll freak people out otherwise.

The alternative could be make an extremely low base member fee, like $5 or $10 a year for everyone. That's one starbucks venti capuccino or one beer at a ballgame a year for the user and even students and family men would have a tough time arguing they can't swing that. (Would also discourage visiting fan trolls.) Then let those of us desperate for one advertsing-free place in our lives pay the higher fee.

AZZenny · February 11th, 2008, 06:38 AM

btw -- on Amazon -- if I buy a used book there, does it still kick in a few pennies? Because if it does, I'll try to do that rather than ebay or Powells.

Darth Llama · February 11th, 2008, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abomb

Just make the Paypal link more prominent. People would kick $5 here and there more often, IMO.

I always thought it was cool that LG had a HOF of donators. Not really my thing, but some people might like seeing their name up.

That would probably be a good idea. I have been posting here for months, and had no idea that such a cost was present for these forums or that donations were needed. Maybe because my bookmark goes right to the forum. I guess I'll update that.

Mike Olbinski · February 11th, 2008, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZZenny

btw -- on Amazon -- if I buy a used book there, does it still kick in a few pennies? Because if it does, I'll try to do that rather than ebay or Powells.

If you click the Shop Amazon link and buy something, we get a commission...no matter what it is.

Mike Olbinski · February 11th, 2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZZenny

Mike, you need to make it clearer this is an optional membership with special perks you are talking about -- no rollover ad links, etc. for those who pay, but non-paying folks are free to continue as usual. You'll freak people out otherwise.

The alternative could be make an extremely low base member fee, like $5 or $10 a year for everyone. That's one starbucks venti capuccino or one beer at a ballgame a year for the user and even students and family men would have a tough time arguing they can't swing that. (Would also discourage visiting fan trolls.) Then let those of us desperate for one advertsing-free place in our lives pay the higher fee.

Thanks, I added a note in the top post...