sponsored links appearing

[Andy R]

We will never require anyone to pay. It would only be an optional donation if users don't like all the ads.

Originally Posted by Rog0525

That's a sure way to drive much of the membership over to the other free Airstream information sharing sites.
I believe it best to keep this site free for members and let advertisers pay the rent.
I've never found the ads and banners so intrusive that I couldn't harvest or share info here.
I'm all in favor of voluntary donations but I fear that a mandatory subscription fee would dramatically reduce the volume of info exchange.

[Stefrobrts]

I agree, mandatory subscription forums are useless, because they exclude so many people. But letting people who pay have different access to the same content, and still allowing those who don't pay to participate, sounds fair to me. Some people may not be bothered by the embedded links, but I found them very distracting.

I subscribe at geocaching.com, and they have some bonus features for members, but non-members can use the site and play the game without missing much. I mostly do it to support the site. I would be glad to do the same thing here. Geocahcing uses paypal to do the subscriptions, and every year it yanks my fees out of my paypal account, pretty much without bothering me at all. I think it's pretty slick, and I don't forget my annual dues.

[Rog0525]

Pogo.com, a very popular gamesite has a similar offering.......a free site gorged with ads and "Club Pogo", a paysite with no ads.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

...But letting people who pay have different access to the same content, and still allowing those who don't pay to participate, sounds fair to me. Some people may not be bothered by the embedded links, but I found them very distracting...

Normally, I am annoyed with "me too" responses, and seldom make them. But Stefrobts' post sums up my exact feelings on this topic.

So, "Me too!" for the second time on this thread.

Tom