While I find that amusing, I don't think you understand where it is headed if you think that is the logical progression.
Improvements and Additions to the Forum
- Thread starter Matt
- Start date
Annie H.
Egalatarian
I lied when I said I was going to shut up
. I happen to be the type of person who wants to support, right now, even--with real cash. ( I have an AFT card with $97 on it I can't load, I'd be glad to slip it to ya! I'm bringing it to the DO) Seriously, though, to throw something else into the mix which could possibly work -- or not-- you're doing the bookkeeping. How about $50 for six months access, or $75 for a year or...? Flat out commitment, right now. Makes total sense wanting to give a monthly option, thought about anything else?
R
RamboAroundTheWorld
Guest
That was mostly snark. I was not asked for my opinion on this so I will refrain from brow beating you with repeated questions until you can explain it in a way that will make me understand it.
Haley
I am not a robot
Matt, unless you are mining data people using Ad block generate just as much ad revenue as people that don't.
It isn't about wanting to support or not. You are selling do-dads that sure look like status (and anyone new is going to think they mean something besides I paid dues).
I'd have no hesitation about 'donate to keep this site free' it is the implied status that the banner gives that I don't really like. Anonymous donation can have no ulterior motive. That and the in/out group thinking that goes hand and hand.
What happened to transparency?
It isn't about wanting to support or not. You are selling do-dads that sure look like status (and anyone new is going to think they mean something besides I paid dues).
I'd have no hesitation about 'donate to keep this site free' it is the implied status that the banner gives that I don't really like. Anonymous donation can have no ulterior motive. That and the in/out group thinking that goes hand and hand.
What happened to transparency?
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R
RamboAroundTheWorld
Guest
Your snark meter is most definitely in need of some WD-40 as it seems to be malfunctioning.
I'm not against it, but the monthly option is softer, if you join at the $10 level and don't like it you can cancel, I think it even pro-rates, but if not then worst case you are out a month. I can put in the donation concept too, but thought this is simple enough to start with.I lied when I said I was going to shut up
When have I not been transparent?
Haley
I am not a robot
What costs are you trying to cover?
Haley
I am not a robot
I think that is the point.
I'm not 100% sure but I do not think everyone understands what a node is or how it works because.. Ok..as a test, Matt do you know why you are calling it a node?
It is kind of geek speak.
JavaScript term.
I want to pay the Mods here. I was intending to do so from the display ad revenue, but I had to pull them down over the weekend as they were autoloading videos and discussion of potentially being involved with some crappy Java update malware like stuff. Being dependent on an ad partner (and their ability to pull the plug, or force me to pull the plug) didn't seem like savvy business when taking on more costs.
As such I was thinking that if I had diversified income streams I would be less at risk from such changes, and able to make regular payments.
In terms of how much, I was thinking about $100 per month to start, just some beer money, but if inflows increase to have that increase too, the idea being that it would be a share of the income.
I am calling it a node because Xenforo our Forum software provider calls forums nodes. It is a forum (or subforum rather) here that you can call you own.
Annie H.
Egalatarian
You can be 100% sure, I don't and I don't think I'm the least geeky here-- but I'd be glad to put up a poll and folks can vote...
Annie H.
Egalatarian
How could I forget that? You're the pollster, I loved your last, how about a poll on... well--I'm sure you can figure it outI love a good poll
it is election day.
sriki
Level 2 Member
I do not know how the paid area will be used by the community in general. But, the aforementioned scenarios apply to me. I use adblock but do not like depriving @Matt of his revunue stream. A donation of some sort would be a good gesture (either to him or charities that he sponsors). However, I use this site on a daily basis to check new things, talk to a few people, etc. So, instead of a one time donation, some sort of membership would work for me. Since I am also one of the people who asked for an area where I could just dump things that I have on my mind and/or spreadsheets that i can come back and work on, this opportunity addressed both (I think I asked for this a few months ago). In fact, I asked for something like that not for MS stuff. It was for an award travel app that I have been planning to create which is very complex and potentially have an intelligent routing engine built in. I also plan to use it as a sketchpad for ideas relating to travel in general which of course includes MS. I could use other (potentially free) sites to do the same. However, having all that info where I spend a minutes to hours a day has some value to me.
Annie H.
Egalatarian
Convinced me, can't talk mouth too full of money
. In the meantime, I now have to relearn how to use Paypal as I haven't used it since I moved and somehow setting up my new account --going too fast--I got a LOC or whatever they call it. Used SOs orphan unloadable Amex For Target almost like free money, somehow I think that's not exactly OK to do--always learning.
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Haley
I am not a robot
I thought UN loadable was a typo, and it was unreloadable.Convinced me, can't talk mouth too full of money
Annie H.
Egalatarian
You got me--main problem is not reloadable locally. They also each have $100 on them--I spent a few $$ from mine. Guess I could use free ATMs for the month and pay $3.00 x2 fee but I'm hoping to get Redbird set up this month and having AFT would make driving to south of town or next city worth more.
Annie H.
Egalatarian
Can I invite anyone to join my node or do they have to be paid supporters? How do I learn how to use my sub-forum? I didn't ask these questions before because that's not the main reason I paid.
First things first. You need a name for it. Regarding who you invite, I've mentioned in this thread already that you can invite anyone you like, and there is no requirement for them to be paid supporters.
Annie H.
Egalatarian
Annie-Archy has been over done so I'll have to keep on thinking.
I will monitor push bullet closely for your decision. Note you can later change the name of the area, I didn't mention that in the signup process as I didn't want to overwhelm anyone.
thorax
Level 90 ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Warlock
I've yet to see monetization of a forum go well over the long term, with maybe the exception of SomethingAwful (I think they still have pay areas anyway). People, including mods, come here because they enjoy the place. Once money is added, the dynamic changes. And not just for us regs either. The money for you will be at its apex to start, as everyone is excited to support the site. Eventually, that excitement will wane and the revenue stream with it. Then you'll have to add something else to replace the dwindling money supply. Rinse and repeat.
I agree it can change things, and I can change things too. Nothing is set in stone and I am willing to give this a little run to see what comes of it.
Annie H.
Egalatarian
Unfortunately, no playtime for me today to wrestle with
pushbullet. Maybe I can hire a tutor or better yet, a doppelganger.
Well don't commit to anything.
Haley
I am not a robot
People are change adverse. Human nature.
That is one reason for 'beta' testing. Testing, sure, but also the hope that you will spark curiosity. Curiosity trumps fear. So "WTF, they changed Facebook again!" vs "anyone have an invite for Inbox?, pleeeaaasssseeee!!!"
How many irate tweets did you see about Inbox? What about the last big FB change?
And as an aside, anyone have an invite for Inbox?
Please.
Prettyplease, withsugarontop.
I don't like the supporter badge/ribbon because it seems too easily mistaken for authority. If I'd never been here before id jump to that conclusion. It is just SO visable.
That is one reason for 'beta' testing. Testing, sure, but also the hope that you will spark curiosity. Curiosity trumps fear. So "WTF, they changed Facebook again!" vs "anyone have an invite for Inbox?, pleeeaaasssseeee!!!"
How many irate tweets did you see about Inbox? What about the last big FB change?
And as an aside, anyone have an invite for Inbox?
Please.
Prettyplease, withsugarontop.
I don't like the supporter badge/ribbon because it seems too easily mistaken for authority. If I'd never been here before id jump to that conclusion. It is just SO visable.
I don't think supporter should be mistaken for authority, but what would have the banner changed to? I like the idea of having something there, but is there something LESS visible that would make you feel better about it?
So, for those who "dumped" the things they are working on in the new area, what happens if you pull the plug? Just thinking out loud. And if it is perhaps tentative, why should they do it?
I'd let the keep it for as long as the site exists.