Sales by Site contributors?

[CarlGeorge]

I'm OK buying from non-contributors because.......

The Forum Boss is the only person who truly understands the big-picture of what is required (financially) to keep the site going and thriving. I'm confident user engagement helps a lot with attracting advertisers. I could see, for example (in theory), where requiring classified sellers to be a contributor might *hurt* revenue - if it reduces the number of classified ads......and consequently makes advertisers less interested and they reduce advertising. My overall point is that sometimes the big picture of various variables sometimes isn't obvious.

Since the Forum Boss hasn't made it a requirement, I figure I'm helping the forum most by following (or....not making more restrictive) the policies that are in place.

Do I *wish* non-contributors would contribute? Of course! I figure what I've saved in test rounds (i.e. having clearing load development strategies), buying the right product(s) the first time, etc. more than makes up for what a membership costs.

 

[nakneker]

I’ve been coming here for years, love it here. I think very few of us understand the time and overhead required to constantly update the bulletin, monitor the forums and deal with the daily headaches I’m sure come with ownership. I know a lot of guys help if they can but most of us contribute/help with $$. In the past when contributing as been encouraged and it is shared how many days are taken off during the year, the hours put in each week it doesn’t sound like a cakewalk, I don’t think many would be that committed to making this place happen if they were the ones dealing with ownership. So if I can contribute 50 bucks a year I think that’s a heck of deal and I try and give a little more during the year too. Hopefully they offer a 100.00 a year membership as I’m sure many of us would gladly do it. As far as non contributing visitors to the site I feel like thats not any of my business, we all have our reasons and circumstances. I think many become contributors with time as they see and feel the tremendous amount of knowledge and good will found here. The lack of disrespect and ego found here is also refreshing and I hope it stays that way, I feel like some of the very best guys and gals in the shooting sports are found here and that speaks for itself.

 

[R.Morehouse]

I see being a site contributor as saying .......Thank You...... to the folks that keep this place up and running. I am VERY grateful this place is here for us...........Thank You...

Regards
Rick

 

[rijndael]

Everyone that posts here contributes with post content, but post content doesn't pay the overhead to keep this site alive. Monetary contributors pay the bills and those that don't send money are free loaders...plain and simple.

Ads help pay the bills too. Most visitors suffer through them.

If they’re following the site’s rules, then I view all classified ads as equal. I don't feel the need to further classify members.

 

[bobinpa]

Ads help pay the bills too. Most visitors suffer through them.

If they’re following the site’s rules, then I view all classified ads as equal. I don't feel the need to further classify members.

Sure ads pay the bills too. They aren't pop ups and don't bother me at all. Ads are give and take. They work both ways..... non contributors don't. They just take. The Forum Boss has set it up in a VERY generous way.... Unfortunately most people take advantage of that because they are just too cheap to donate a few dollars.

 

[300_whisper]

The forum must absolutely go in this direction. Hear me out:

You have to pay to play. We don’t want any communist freeloaders in our ranks.

Gold ($100 a month): Free reign. Post and do you whatever you want. If a lesser ranked member posts something for sale in the classifieds and you want to buy it they have to sell it to you for whatever price you offer. If they don’t accept it they get the boot. If a vendor posts info about a product or makes claims that you don’t agree with, you can give them a rating on here that is linked and goes straight to the BBB. If any lesser ranked member provides info that you don’t like or agree with they get banned from all forums, shooting events, and possibly fired from their job.

Silver ($100 a year): you’re allowed to look at the classifieds. You can post something for sale but only gold members are allowed to make offers. Don’t post anything. You could possibly risk your status on here or even your livelihood.

Bronze ($50 a year): You’re a free loading communist. As soon as you select bronze and make the payment you get the boot and are locked out of accurate shooter for a year.

Non-contributor: We will find you. You’ll get extradited to Siberia and spend the rest of your days toiling in hard labor camps.

The forum would be so much better after the implementation of this plan. It’ll be the same 1000 people saying Mil scopes suck, that hunting rifle you like so much will never be as accurate as a bench rest gun, and the 6.5 Creedmoor is a crap round that’s just blessed with an awesome marketing team.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

It doesn't bother me near as much as the virtue signaling site contributors do.

Jeff

Ok I’m lost on this one. Is this kind of like waving at your neighbors when you see them coming down the road? Lol!

 

[outasite`08]

My only comment is ,I don`t understand a non-c asking questions about a $6000 gun and $4000 scope and can`t find some loose change to contribute? Makes me scratch my bald head. Jeff

 

[rijndael]

It’ll be the same 1000 people saying Mil scopes suck, that hunting rifle you like so much will never be as accurate as a bench rest gun, and the 6.5 Creedmoor is a crap round that’s just blessed with an awesome marketing team.

That is exactly what happens with paid only forums, IME. You create echo chambers.

Ideally: Setup it up so that those who want to give extra can give extra. Make it open to everyone. Don't guilt trip people who are following the rules. If you can't make ends meet, ask. Don't just take their money, offer them more features in return.

FWIW: I helped run a fairly popular gun forum for a number of years, one with at least 1.5-2K active people on it at any given time. I know what it took to pay the bills and keep the lights on over there, so my opinions aren't based on only being a forum user.

 

[Adam in WI]

My only comment is ,I don`t understand a non-c asking questions about a $6000 gun and $4000 scope and can`t find some loose change to contribute? Makes me scratch my bald head. Jeff

They're still making payments on their rig. Plus, that $50 will buy like 20 pieces of brass for their designer paper puncher.

 

[rijndael]

I don`t understand a non-c asking questions about a $6000 gun and $4000 scope and can`t find some loose change to contribute?

Maybe they're not very active here. Maybe they will become more active and contribute later. Maybe they just don't like being guilt tripped every 6 months. Maybe they just don't find the value-add in what being a paid member offers.

Either way, they're playing within the rules that the owners setup, they've done nothing wrong.

 

[joshb]

The forum must absolutely go in this direction. Hear me out:

You have to pay to play. We don’t want any communist freeloaders in our ranks.

Gold ($100 a month): Free reign. Post and do you whatever you want. If a lesser ranked member posts something for sale in the classifieds and you want to buy it they have to sell it to you for whatever price you offer. If they don’t accept it they get the boot. If a vendor posts info about a product or makes claims that you don’t agree with, you can give them a rating on here that is linked and goes straight to the BBB. If any lesser ranked member provides info that you don’t like or agree with they get banned from all forums, shooting events, and possibly fired from their job.

Silver ($100 a year): you’re allowed to look at the classifieds. You can post something for sale but only gold members are allowed to make offers. Don’t post anything. You could possibly risk your status on here or even your livelihood.

Bronze ($50 a year): You’re a free loading communist. As soon as you select bronze and make the payment you get the boot and are locked out of accurate shooter for a year.

Non-contributor: We will find you. You’ll get extradited to Siberia and spend the rest of your days toiling in hard labor camps.

The forum would be so much better after the implementation of this plan. It’ll be the same 1000 people saying Mil scopes suck, that hunting rifle you like so much will never be as accurate as a bench rest gun, and the 6.5 Creedmoor is a crap round that’s just blessed with an awesome marketing team.

Whiskey! I like the smell of Whiskey in the morning! Smells like Victory!
I like mil scopes!
You young whipersnapers waking up with fire in your belly.........I miss that!

 

[300_whisper]

Whiskey! I like the smell of Whiskey in the morning! Smells like Victory!
I like mil scopes!
You young whipersnapers waking up with fire in your belly.........I miss that!

This is the only topic that gets my blood pressure up. Lol

No booze. I’m at work this morning. Bored in my office on my phone.

 

[Forum Boss]

Quote: "I’ve been coming here for years, love it here. I think very few of us understand the time and overhead required to constantly update the bulletin, monitor the forums and deal with the daily headaches I’m sure come with ownership."

Thanks for the Comment.
I will just say that, at age 66 I am working every day, 60-75 hours per week.

Why/how? Last month there were 1027 logged "Moderator Actions", including background checks of EVERY new member, thread fixes, corrections, anti-scammer actions.

Add to that responding to dozens of PMs and emails every day.

As far as the Daily Bulletin goes, I release more content annually than two NRA magazines do with a combined NRA staff of 8 editors, and many contract writers.

Realistically, with a Forum with 61,000 members, and new content Daily, we should have TWO more full-time employees.

THAT is why I encourage all members to upgrade to Silver or Gold.

The $25 Silver membership works out to just $2.08 per month -- the price of a cup of coffee.

 

[joshb]

This is the only topic that gets my blood pressure up. Lol

No booze. I’m at work this morning. Bored in my office on my phone.

All good!!! I do enjoy a little passion in a post!

 

[Leo Smith]

I have nothing to contribute..to this post.

 

[CJ6]

I've bought and sold items before I was a contributor. I think the current limits are fine.
Making this a "paid" only sight would be a mistake in my opinion, although I'd still like to see a Life Member slot. Just having the access to the TOP Smiths and Shooters in the world is worth the buy-in..... Just my 2 bits.

 

[FNSafari]

What do you think when you see someone with for sale posts and they are not a Site Contributor?
Asking for a friend lol

Don

I think they should become a paying member. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

 

[Dave M.]

What do you think when you see someone with for sale posts and they are not a Site Contributor?
Asking for a friend lol

Don

First thing I look at is how long they have been a member and their reaction score. No offense, but I’m not buy anything from a brand new member. Just safe practice.
Dave

 

[sdean]

I’ve been coming here for years, love it here. I think very few of us understand the time and overhead required to constantly update the bulletin, monitor the forums and deal with the daily headaches I’m sure come with ownership. I know a lot of guys help if they can but most of us contribute/help with $$. In the past when contributing as been encouraged and it is shared how many days are taken off during the year, the hours put in each week it doesn’t sound like a cakewalk, I don’t think many would be that committed to making this place happen if they were the ones dealing with ownership. So if I can contribute 50 bucks a year I think that’s a heck of deal and I try and give a little more during the year too. Hopefully they offer a 100.00 a year membership as I’m sure many of us would gladly do it. As far as non contributing visitors to the site I feel like thats not any of my business, we all have our reasons and circumstances. I think many become contributors with time as they see and feel the tremendous amount of knowledge and good will found here. The lack of disrespect and ego found here is also refreshing and I hope it stays that way, I feel like some of the very best guys and gals in the shooting sports are found here and that speaks for itself.

I believe way more money to be collected on some sort of $1 introductory membership. 90 something percent don't contribute.