Elvis
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
As many of you know, there have been and currently are issues dealing with the financial support of this site/forum. I am no longer able to give as much of my free time to the site, nor am I willing to spend anymore out of pocket money on it. While I have no wish to shut it down, I have attempted to find sources of money for the site by both taking donations and having affiliate links - both of these have proven unsuccessful for the long term. Over the last 6 years, I've spent enough money on the site to equal a VERY nice/large downpayment on a house here, in Southern California. Let's face it, the forum is growing, and personally I don't want the constant stress of worrying about how it will be paid for on a month to month basis, without it being paid for by myself. There is no such thing as a free ride, someone has to pay for all the bandwidth and servers.
I see three options:
1) Shutdown the forum (ultimately, the last resort)
2) Charge a mandatory $1.50-2.00 (suggested) per month/per member
3) Have both free and 'Premium' memberships (detailed below):
Of course, the success of opiton 2 or 3 depends on the amount of people that participate. I am aware that some users may turn their heads at any or all of the above, but something has to give.
I really don't want to charge fellow U2 fans for this place, but unless someone kicks in some stable funding for the community, I see no other way. Some people have asked 'wont the band pay for it?' or 'wont the record label pay for it?', well honestly, I see this as a futile path, I've let the contacts I have know my position in recent months, and I have not heard a peep from anyone on the topic - not even a comment like "Sorry, we can't help".
Please vote in the poll, and let your comments be heard.
Joel
I see three options:
1) Shutdown the forum (ultimately, the last resort)
2) Charge a mandatory $1.50-2.00 (suggested) per month/per member
3) Have both free and 'Premium' memberships (detailed below):
These are suggested 'Premium Member' fees (they are not final yet):
$1.50 for one month
$6 for six months
$10 for a year
-------------------
'Premium Member' benefits (things MAY be added to this list)
(FREE members will not have these features)
-------------------
User Status: Premium Member
*(will link to information page about Premium Memberships, stating the 'this member' supports the site)
Can view members info: Yes
Can download attachments: Yes
Can Search: Yes
Can use 'email to friend' feature: Yes
Can post attachments: Yes
Can post polls: Yes
Can use Private Messaging: Yes
Can use Message Tracking: Yes
Can View Who's Online: Yes
Of course, the success of opiton 2 or 3 depends on the amount of people that participate. I am aware that some users may turn their heads at any or all of the above, but something has to give.
I really don't want to charge fellow U2 fans for this place, but unless someone kicks in some stable funding for the community, I see no other way. Some people have asked 'wont the band pay for it?' or 'wont the record label pay for it?', well honestly, I see this as a futile path, I've let the contacts I have know my position in recent months, and I have not heard a peep from anyone on the topic - not even a comment like "Sorry, we can't help".
Please vote in the poll, and let your comments be heard.
Joel