PLEASE READ Annual Message to Members -- Why Upgrades Are Important

[SSL]

I couldn't agree with you more that the site is awesome. I just don't see how the addition of even higher levels would bring in people who don't even make it to the lowest one. Yes, each level should have different privileges and such...no complaint. To me, the basic question is how do we encourage people to reach the current levels.
Please note that I said perceived elite. That was not intended as a shot at any individual on this site; rather it is experience gained from other sites that I have seen collapse due to just this thing. As to additional donations...perhaps a Benefactor page or list as well as a few additional perks. I respect and thank you for your NRA contributions and for your wish to contribute more towards this site. Recognition is certainly due. In the mean time, how do we get more people to help carry the bricks?

 

[bobinpa]

I couldn't agree with you more that the site is awesome. I just don't see how the addition of even higher levels would bring in people who don't even make it to the lowest one. Yes, each level should have different privileges and such...no complaint. To me, the basic question is how do we encourage people to reach the current levels.
Please note that I said perceived elite. That was not intended as a shot at any individual on this site; rather it is experience gained from other sites that I have seen collapse due to just this thing. As to additional donations...perhaps a Benefactor page or list as well as a few additional perks. I respect and thank you for your NRA contributions and for your wish to contribute more towards this site. Recognition is certainly due. In the mean time, how do we get more people to help carry the bricks?

In my opinion, if people can't see the benefit of this site and donate willingly, what's left but to force them.?.? I wish I had an answer or solution that would make people wake up and realize what this site does for us. I guess most people just don't care about anything but themselves. If it were up to me, maybe I would put more restrictions in place. Change how many classified ads you can have. Only as an example:
No donation = 2 classified ads
Silver = 10
Gold = unlimited
Platinum = unlimited and a hat or t-shirt or something.
OR, make it free for 30 or 60 days then charge them a minimal one time fee of $10.00. Let people come here and see what there is to benefit from then charge them the fee. I don't know how many new members join in a year but that has to ad up....
A couple dollars a month is nothing compared to the value of this site. It's no different than buying 1 magazine a month, but there isn't a magazine out there that compares to this site. This site is a perfect example of society itself..... No matter what organization you're in, there's always just a few that make it work and the rest are more than happy to step back and keep their hands in their pockets and let the few carry the ball. It's sad but it's the hooray for me and too bad for you mentality.

 

[SSL]

Ok, we both want the same thing but approach it differently. No harm, no foul. We just need to find a way that works!
I found this site and watched for a while to be sure it was for me before I joined. Unfortunately, that coincided with trying to adjust to retirement and incidental expenses related to my wife's bout with cancer (full remission now) that made me cautious with resources. By repurposing funds tagged for a couple of firearm magazine subscriptions that are no longer satisfying I decided contribute it here. I have gotten so much valuable info from this site that I wish I could see my way clear to contribute more. Maybe at a future date. My point is that there is far more real-time information and knowledgeable people to access than any magazine I have ever seen. Paying membership here is a far better return than that from ad-bloated magazines and far more specific to your interests.

 

[Forum Boss]

BobinPA -- We do currently have a limit on Classifieds -- five max in a 12-mo period for non-contributing members.

1. We are considering lowering that number for non-contributors. And maybe the five max should be five EVER. A lot of guys can just use up their five every 12 mos., pay nothing, and start over. If they were to sell five items on GunBroker, with an average value of $500 per item, they would pay $23.75 for EACH transaction, or $118.75 total (for five, $500 sales). A single $2500.00 item (such as rifle), would cost $93.75 in fees.

2. We think it may be fair to add a limit to Silver Classifieds (maybe 25). However, believe it or not, this is NOT something I can adjust right now. The software basically "opens the gate" for a time period. Keeping a constant tally to set a lower Silver limit, unfortunately, is not something the software currently allows. I know that seems hard to believe. But code is code. I have asked the programmer to do this, and unfortunately the answer was "no". Cost is not the issue.

3. We are current adding about 20 new members a day. It would be great if 10% of the new members would upgrade.

 

[David Christian]

@Forum Boss, Let’s charge $10 to everyone upon signup and then perpetually upon each anniversay. It is that simple. Put it in place now, a few will complain then eventually most will pay. Very simple solution—many hands makes light work. Chip in $10 or don’t use the site. Why are we asking for donations? The site has attracted the eyeballs, switch to a subsciber model to cover the cost of running this site. Easy...

 

[Dusty Stevens]

If they can view theres no need to sign up if you charge for membership. Lots sign up but never post- they wouldnt even register to not post if you charged- no change

 

[hogpatrol]

Some things to consider if we were go to a subscriber model.

1: Many contribute information, experience and expertise who are not contributors. Would not want to lose these guys.

2: Non subscribers won't see or click through the banner ads to purchase something, this is a revenue stream for the site.

3: A casual user may have some oddball stuff to sell, something that wouldn't be cost effective to sell on gunbroker, ebay or other auction or sales site. How many of us were able to get discontinued or out of stock items? We see these ads all the time and a lot of times, we get them. I had a rather expensive hunting trip lined up and everyone was out of 7mm 195 Bergers but I got a couple hundred on here with a WTB ad.

4: What about former shooters, guys who for whatever reason are financially strapped and no longer shoot but still have money saving information to share. They could be retired or disabled military living on SS or a meager pension. This site is a big community and can be a sort of family to some. Might be a small minority but do we really want to shut them out? (I know, what's ten bucks)?

5: Last but not least, and for me most importantly, we could lose the opportunity to meet and communicate with many or our fellow gun enthusiasts and upstanding citizens of this country and around the world. I know I've made several friends along the way with conversations and trades.

That's all I got for another beautiful Sunday on this rock. We now return you to our regular programming.

Hog

 

[xring]

Boss : is there some way for us Computer challenged ( or who don't like Pay Pal ) to sign up and send in a Check ??? If so , to what Name and Address ?

 

[bobinpa]

Boss : is there some way for us Computer challenged ( or who don't like Pay Pal ) to sign up and send in a Check ??? If so , to what Name and Address ?

Look over on the right side of the screen for the donate button and click under it where it says:

If you prefer to donate by check, or
make a recurring donation (such
as $5 per month) please CLICK HERE
to learn how. Thank you.

 

[SGK]

As someone who came to this site relatively recently and has learnt a lot (particularly the last 6 months) I'm happy to "upgrade", even without any current interest in selling anything in the classifieds. I just have one question: is the upgrade good for 1 year from the time one signs up or is it a calendar year basis?

 

[WillyTP]

As someone who came to this site relatively recently and has learnt a lot (particularly the last 6 months) I'm happy to "upgrade", even without any current interest in selling anything in the classifieds. I just have one question: is the upgrade good for 1 year from the time one signs up or is it a calendar year basis?

It’s one year from the time you upgrade

 

[ED3]

As someone who came to this site relatively recently and has learnt a lot (particularly the last 6 months) I'm happy to "upgrade", even without any current interest in selling anything in the classifieds. I just have one question: is the upgrade good for 1 year from the time one signs up or is it a calendar year basis?

Mine is 1year/ 365 days...May? something to May? something.

Do join us.

 

[SGK]

Thanks. Will upgrade when back from the beach.

(I guess the difference is neither here nor there given it's Jan 13 anyway)