View Full Version : Edited: What Do You Think of A Paid Tier Being Added To GT?
Originally posted by NYC Drew
I'm personally disappointed that GlockTalk is moving to a system where people have to read the threads.
It was a much cooler place back when we could simply look at a topic title and leap to your own conclusions.
Sucks that now you have to fill out a form to get payment when you read the threads, instead of how it USED TO be, where the funds were wired directly to your paypal account...
'Drew
*snorts and sputters giggling*
Dammit Drew!
Originally posted by Eric
Good grief. As I have said a couple of times in this thread already, would it cost you anything to read what I posted here on this subject? As I have said at least a dozen times now, <b><font color="red" size="+2">BASIC MEMBERSHIP WILL ALWAYS BE FREE.</font> The paid tier members will have access to new features that will be added when the new system launches.</b>
Please folks, trouble yourself to read before you post. Eric I was not responding to you, specifically, just the thread title "would you pay to post on a message board?"
voodoomanx
05-09-2007, 08:02
Originally posted by linh811
I was not responding to you, specifically, just the thread title "would you pay to post on a message board?"
If a thread had 9+ pages, do you think you might want to read some of it? (P.S. some of the post in the thread are actually informative and interesting..esp. the ones about GT's future)
Anywho, back to the program...
:dancingbanana:
PeterJasonMN
05-09-2007, 09:54
Originally posted by linh811
exactly. if glocktalk ever goes to fees, someone will start a glocktalkII, 99% of the members of glocktalk will leave and join the new free forum...
Wow.:upeyes:
PeterJasonMN
05-09-2007, 10:01
Since even Eric's red letters can't make it sink into some people's heads, I'm going to try to do this all with one syllable words:
When the paid tier is up you will NOT have to pay for it. It will be your CHOICE to use it. If you do not go "Paid", not a thing on G T will be off.
This site will be the same. If you CHOOSE to pay you will get MORE stuff than you get now.
--------------------------
Eric, myself, and countless other people have said it time and time again. Payments will NOT be required. They will be STRICTLY voluntary. It's the exact SAME as donations are, but when it's up and running you will get MORE content. People who don't pay will get the exact SAME content as we have now.
WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY is that so hard to understand??????????
anyplainjoe
05-09-2007, 10:08
Originally posted by PeterJasonMN
--------------------------
Eric, myself, and countless other people have said it time and time again. Payments will NOT be required. They will be STRICTLY voluntary. It's the exact SAME as donations are, but when it's up and running you will get MORE content. People who don't pay will get the exact SAME content as we have now.
WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY is that so hard to understand??????????
Because some people like to be the victim. And they also think they can sway the price of gas by getting alot of people not to buy it on a certain day!
Razoreye
05-09-2007, 11:52
<-- new member
I didn't read any of the thread, just the title and now I'm going to respond. Hell, I didn't even read the original post because I apparently have ADD that bad.
I would NEVER pay to post on a message board and you'll lose all your members and the board will die.
:clown:
I would pay just to keep the riff-raff out! :supergrin:
PeterJasonMN
05-09-2007, 23:13
Originally posted by Swan1172
I would pay just to keep the riff-raff out! :supergrin:
You rang?
http://www.rhps.org/archive/pictures/riff_raff/riff_raff.0007.gif
Originally posted by PeterJasonMN
You rang?
http://www.rhps.org/archive/pictures/riff_raff/riff_raff.0007.gif
Nice pull!
PeterJasonMN
05-09-2007, 23:20
Originally posted by Swan1172
Nice pull!
I knew you'd approve.:thumbsup:
Originally posted by linh811
exactly. if glocktalk ever goes to fees, someone will start a glocktalkII, 99% of the members of glocktalk will leave and join the new free forum...
And they won't be missed by those of us that stay here and pay to support GT...
PeterJasonMN
05-09-2007, 23:24
Originally posted by Swan1172
And they won't be ***NOTICED*** by those of us that stay here and pay to support GT...
There, fixed it for you. :supergrin:
Originally posted by PeterJasonMN
There, fixed it for you. :supergrin:
Thanks! :thumbsup:
Seriously though, you are absolutely correct. The only thing I think I would notice is less complaining. People always seem to moan the most about what they pay for the least. As far as I am concerned, if you can't see enough value in GT to cough-up a few bucks, then "don't let the doorknob hit 'ya where the good Lord split 'ya."
PeterJasonMN
05-09-2007, 23:53
Originally posted by Swan1172
Thanks! :thumbsup:
Seriously though, you are absolutely correct. The only thing I think I would notice is less complaining. People always seem to moan the most about what they pay for the least. As far as I am concerned, if you can't see enough value in GT to cough-up a few bucks, then "don't let the doorknob hit 'ya where the good Lord split 'ya."
I just didn't want to be accused of changing what you said out of context.
P.S. I'm working on "Fear & Loathing On The Campaign Trail", I have "Generation of Swine" waiting for me at Barnes and I also picked up Vol 3 of the Gonzo Papers. Damn you. :supergrin:
Originally posted by voodoomanx
If a thread had 9+ pages, do you think you might want to read some of it? (P.S. some of the post in the thread are actually informative and interesting..esp. the ones about GT's future)
Anywho, back to the program...
:dancingbanana:
so now i can't respond to the OP'S QUESTION?
Originally posted by Swan1172
I would pay just to keep the riff-raff out! :supergrin: lets run a test. lets divide GT into 2 forums:
1. paying members
2. non paying members
the 2 forums can NOT interact. my hunch is that forum #1 will have about 20 people mostly talking to themselves....
I've read it a billion times, even in bold read letters and understand the concept that fees will not be a requirement. BUT, MY ARGUMENT is that if you make fees a REQUIREMENT........
Originally posted by linh811
lets run a test. lets divide GT into 2 forums:
1. paying members
2. non paying members
the 2 forums can NOT interact. my hunch is that forum #1 will have about 20 people mostly talking to themselves....
I've read it a billion times, even in bold read letters and understand the concept that fees will not be a requirement. BUT, MY ARGUMENT is that if you make fees a REQUIREMENT........
And, are you willing to pay for that test?
PeterJasonMN
05-10-2007, 08:34
Originally posted by linh811
BUT, MY ARGUMENT is that if you make fees a REQUIREMENT........
<h2>**NO** PAYMENT IS GOING TO BE REQUIRED!!! WHY ARE YOU NOT GETTING THIS?????? </h2>
-You can't have "FEES" if you're NOT required to pay.
-It's an UPGRADE. WHY?
-Because it's VO-LUN-TA-RY.
-That means you can CHOOSE to pay or not.
-And if you don't, NOTHING is different.
-That means that if you don't CHOOSE to upgrade, GT is EXACTLY the same as we know it now. THE SAAAAAAAAME. SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME.
-READ what Eric, myself, Drew, Swan and the others are saying instead of getting in a huff.
NOTHING will be different!!!! NOTHING. NADDA. NONE. ZEEEEEEERO. Same GlockTalk.com, just with MORE stuff for people who CHOOSE to pay, and payments will NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT be required from ANYONE.
Originally posted by linh811
lets run a test. lets divide GT into 2 forums:
1. paying members
2. non paying members
the 2 forums can NOT interact. my hunch is that forum #1 will have about 20 people mostly talking to themselves....
I've read it a billion times, even in bold read letters and understand the concept that fees will not be a requirement. BUT, MY ARGUMENT is that if you make fees a REQUIREMENT........
Look, this thread has NOT been about the original topic since page two, as I'm sure you are well aware. Since it has been stated repeatedly that GT will never be a pay-only site, why do you think this needs to be debated? If we are going to debate things that are not going to happen here, why don't we discuss the merits of GT's new Global Warming forum or the new 'We Love Hillary' forum? Good grief.
I hijacked this thread fair and square and since I pay the bills here, I get to prevent it from being dragged back on topic.:tongueout: :banana: :tongueout: Eric
Originally posted by Eric
I hijacked this thread fair and square and since I pay the bills here, I get to prevent it from being dragged back on topic.:tongueout: :banana: :tongueout: Eric that made my head hurt. :ack:
:tease:
BTW- I call Peter's guns when he finally blows that vein in his temple.
PeterJasonMN
05-10-2007, 12:10
Originally posted by Mrs. VR
BTW- I call Peter's guns when he finally blows that vein in his temple.
You get the Chihuahua.
No I would not. Its alot cheaper to run a server with a forum on it then most of you think...
Originally posted by Blah!
No I would not. Its alot cheaper to run a server with a forum on it then most of you think...
Starting a message board website doesn't cost much. Running a small or medium-size message board isn't very expensive. Running a site the size of GT costs a lot of money. We moved more than 1.6TB of data last month. Bandwidth costs money. GT resides on a network of twelve servers. Hardware costs money. On a good week, I spend twenty to thirty hours a week managing this place and maintaining the equipment. Time costs money and I have to make a living. The only thing that is really cheap here is talk. Eric
PeterJasonMN
05-10-2007, 12:57
Originally posted by Eric
....The only thing that is really cheap here is talk. Eric
*stifling an Ender joke there*
I'm actually surprised that it was 1.6T. I figured it would have been more than that.
Didn't know this was your sole source of income bud. My bad.
I still say itt aint that much to run a place like this though. Especially if you manage it yourself. Just them banner ads alone probably cover the bandwidth and server fees. Everything else is money in the bank unless something breaks.
PeterJasonMN
05-10-2007, 13:11
Originally posted by Blah!
Didn't know this was your sole source of income bud. My bad.
I still say itt aint that much to run a place like this though. Especially if you manage it yourself. Just them banner ads alone probably cover the bandwidth and server fees. Everything else is money in the bank unless something breaks.
Which does happen from time to time. Mrs. VR keeps breaking GlockTalk.
NYC Drew
05-10-2007, 13:15
Originally posted by Blah!
No I would not......
Not what?
a) Read the threads, or subject line
b) what?
:)
Originally posted by NYC Drew
Not what?
:)
Pay to post here or for a higher tier. :)
Originally posted by Blah!
Didn't know this was your sole source of income bud. My bad.
I still say itt aint that much to run a place like this though. Especially if you manage it yourself. Just them banner ads alone probably cover the bandwidth and server fees. Everything else is money in the bank unless something breaks.
Come on man, you have absolutely no idea how much it costs to run this place. I am the guy that signs the checks and I know EXACTLY what it costs me. I could itemize the costs and expenses, both in time and money, but with all due respect, it really isn't any of your business. You are welcome to your opinions on this score, but I have no intention of debating this with you or anyone else publicly.
I have spent ten years of my life building, growing and running this place. For a good part of that time, I covered most or all of the costs. Advertising and the fundraisers have helped a lot in recent years, but it has not been steady income and I've always made up the rest. It is my intention to change things so that the site has stable, dependable income to draw on and to do so while still providing basic services here free of charge. You do not need to know what it costs to run the place, or how much money I make, to decide if what you get from your time here is worth what I will ask for premium membership, if you choose to go with premium membership at all.
If my primary consideration was to make money, this place would have been closed long ago. I would have put the last ten years' resources into something more remunerative and I would be in a very different place today. Either that, or I would have monitized this place aggressively years ago. I have never sold personal information, or put pop-up ads in, or any of the other things that I don't believe in. Things that I know would bug people here. A company approached me a few years ago and offered me $10,000 a month to put some code in my site that would make pop-ads show up on readers' computers hours or even days after they visited here. Their reasoning was that there would be enough time lapsed between their visit here and the pop-up ad arriving that no one would be the wiser. No harm no foul, right? I told them to go screw themselves. I thought that doing something like that would be breaking faith with everyone here and I would not do that. I like money, but money does not drive me.
I want this place to pay for itself and I want to make a comfortable living. If I can make some profit for the years I have put into this place, would you begrudge me that? I will ask a reasonable amount for the new services and people will not be compelled to pay anything to continue enjoying the site. I do not know how to make things any more fair than that. Eric
Originally posted by PeterJasonMN
*stifling an Ender joke there*
I'm actually surprised that it was 1.6T. I figured it would have been more than that.
That is a hell of a lot of bandwidth and it is only that low because I utilize the highest level of data compression built into the language that the software running GT is written in. When your computer gets data from GT, that data is highly compressed. Your browser uncompresses the data stream and then displays the page to you. If I were not utilizing this technology, the bandwidth usage would be MUCH, MUCH higher. Eric
Its all good bro. Do as you will. :) :hearts:
Originally posted by Eric
You know, if I had been banned from a site, managed to sneak back on and wanted to hang out there, I hope I would have the sense to keep my head down. Eric
:rofl: :animlol: :laughabove: :supergrin: :thumbsup: ;)
Eric,
You will get my money as soon as I get mine! I love to cruise this site and I am looking forward to the extra features that paid tier will bring!
:hearts: :supergrin: :thumbsup: ;) :) :banana: :hugs:
Originally posted by B. Somm
Sorry, but I don't want to pay for smutty content & profanity, thanks anyway.) :upeyes:
Also by tantrix
That's what a bunch of folks thought when they left GT to start "GlocksUnlocked" because they thought Eric's TOS rules were too "strict" and wanted more freedom to "express themselves"...and we all know how THAT site ended!
(Yep, it imploded on itself and GT is still here & thriving...gee what a surprise!!)
Taurus_Dude said:
And being "of age", they should be mature enough to be able to express themselves w/out being vulgar, rude or using profanity to get their point across!
The majority of folks come here because the site IS moderated and is (usually) family friendly. If I wanted to look at "more racy" pictures (which I don't) and cuss a blue streak, then there are other sites that offer those types of services. :upeyes: Fortunately, GT isn't one of them and I really hope that it stays that way...even with the paid tier!!! (Again, GU anyone?!)
As for the mods being paid? I'd do it for free and consider it an honor to be able to help Eric & the site out...AND I'd STILL pay to be a paid member!
I started in Glockworld's "Glockenspiel", which got ruined by trolls so "Alien Glockster" started a new Glock forum (Dang it! I can't remember the name! "The Ultimate Glock Site" or something like that??). It too was ruined when the trolls & folks who wanted the rules to be loosened up a bit started showing up. Then Eric started Glocktalk and has for the most part kept his original TOS. Needless to say, GT has grown and prospered and is the only gun related forum that I belong too!
So, if you want a site that allows for more "adult" (and I use that term loosely) content, then feel free to run your own site the way that you see fit. In the meantime, I'll stick with GT and have my check book ready for my monthly dues! :thumbsup:
B. :wavey:
Good post.
:thumbsup: :supergrin: ;) :agree: :cheerleader: :goodpost: :number1: :patriot: :perfect10: :pepper: :winkie: :snoopy:
PeterJasonMN
05-10-2007, 13:56
Originally posted by Eric
That is a hell of a lot of bandwidth and it is only that low because I utilize the highest level of data compression built into the language that the software running GT is written in. When your computer gets data from GT, that data is highly compressed. Your browser uncompresses the data stream and then displays the page to you. If I were not utilizing this technology, the bandwidth usage would be MUCH, MUCH higher. Eric
I figured by now you'd be knocking on 3T's door.:supergrin:
Eric, since you've admitted this thread cannot stay on topic...
What is your avatar? Very cool yet seems somehow familiar. Is it original? Looks like the cyborg timekeeper...or death.
You know, if a few more people would pry their wallets open and contribute a few bucks now and then, maybe Eric would not find himself in this position. Being a part of an online community means more than just posting. If you like GT, then put your money where your mouth is and donate. The problem is, not enough people are donating and it is the free-riders that are complaining about the possibility of a pay tier being added.
What is really funny to me is that most of the people that are supportive of paying fees are the ones that have a contributor logo below their avatars... I think I see a trend.
I thing a statistical regression would confirm a positive and relevant correlation.
Usingmyrights
05-10-2007, 21:40
Originally posted by Swan1172
What is really funny to me is that most of the people that are supportive of paying fees are the ones that have a contributor logo below their avatars... I think I see a trend.
please delete
Originally posted by pangris
I thing a statistical regression would confirm a positive and relevant correlation.
What I really wonder about is why some people are adverse to helping out. I mean if they find value in the interaction that they find here on GT, you would think that they would be supportive of efforts to keep the operation afloat. Either that, or they just have too naive a view of the economics of running a website.
blueiron
05-11-2007, 15:42
I would definitely pay if it excluded the 'Help me fix my AMC Matatdor' threads in the Non-Glock Firearm forum, the 'How much is my Daisy 200 shot range model air rifle worth' in the General Glocking forum, and the extremely poor grammatical and spelling abilities from a few others. A mistake or two is fine, as is a dangling participle, but some posts would tax the cryptologic sections of the NSA.
suckersrus
05-11-2007, 17:11
NO!
DScottHewitt
05-11-2007, 19:30
Originally posted by bestseller92
The Nugent site has recently started charging new members twenty bucks a year for the privilege of posting there (old members get a one year free grace period).
I know bandwidth is not free, and boards cost to operate. But would you pay twenty bucks a year to post on a message board (as opposed to voluntarily donating to a board you like)?
I see this as a way for a board to atrophy and die, because it'll get no new members at all, and the old ones will slowly go away.
What do you think?
Well, been smelling it coming, I guess. Notice the change to the thread title?!?!?
Scott
Originally posted by DScottHewitt
Well, been smelling it coming, I guess. Notice the change to the thread title?!?!?
Scott
I noticed the title change, too. Charging everyone (ultimately) could cause complete destruction at Nugent's site. If Eric keeps GT the same, as he says he will, and doesn't completely segregate the paid tier members from the unwashed masses, then it should work... In fact, if he's smart, and I'm sure he is, he'll rally up some advertising ideas amongst the paid tier members and hope they preach down to the unwashed masses about how great the sky lounge is... I'll bet that will get a lot of the serfs to pony up to the big house in the "sky"... ;)
There are 2-3 things in particular that I would be thrilled to see when the paid tier comes to fruition.
1. Expanded PM box size (which IIRC is part of the plan)
2. A way to search for images. There's been many times when I wanted to use a unique smilie, customized images (like those in the recent Online Sign Generator thread, for example) - but haven't been able to track back and find it, or remember enough specific search terms to locate the thread/post using "search".
3. A 'library' section, for lack of a better term. I think I may have read that Eric has something of that nature in mind for the future. Along w/that, being able to again access 'archived' threads for specific helpful or reference info.
Oh, OT, but Eric BTW: travel channel had one of those 'scariest places' shows on yesterday. One of the houses they profiled had a bunch of gargoyles on the roof and such. It seems I cannot see or hear the mention of gargoyles without immediately thinking of you! :supergrin:
http://www.gardendecorforyou.com/images/Garden_Decor_5500Gargoyle29lg.jpg
DScottHewitt
05-12-2007, 22:45
Originally posted by fludy12
I noticed the title change, too. Charging everyone (ultimately) could cause complete destruction at Nugent's site. If Eric keeps GT the same, as he says he will, and doesn't completely segregate the paid tier members from the unwashed masses, then it should work... In fact, if he's smart, and I'm sure he is, he'll rally up some advertising ideas amongst the paid tier members and hope they preach down to the unwashed masses about how great the sky lounge is... I'll bet that will get a lot of the serfs to pony up to the big house in the "sky"... ;)
I do what I can for right now. I click banner ads a LOT.....
Eric, This is a great site. And if it turns paid-only, I WILL find a way to "pony up".....
Scott
DScottHewitt
05-12-2007, 22:50
Originally posted by Eric
Look, this thread has NOT been about the original topic since page two, as I'm sure you are well aware. Since it has been stated repeatedly that GT will never be a pay-only site, why do you think this needs to be debated? If we are going to debate things that are not going to happen here, why don't we discuss the merits of GT's new Global Warming forum or the new 'We Love Hillary' forum? Good grief.
I hijacked this thread fair and square and since I pay the bills here, I get to prevent it from being dragged back on topic.:tongueout: :banana: :tongueout: Eric
Please don't forget the "Movie/TV Forum".....
Scott
P.S. And how about a "Zombie Preparation Forum"? Every day without a Zombie attack is just anotehr day CLOSER to the Zombie attack.....
DScottHewitt
05-12-2007, 22:52
Originally posted by zoyter2
PS. Hijack!
Nugents site? $20 a year? :rofl: :rofl: :animlol: :animlol: :animlol:
Screw him and the guitar he rode in on.
Hijack over!
Nuge's site rejected my sign-up because i use Yahoo e-mail. Now they keep spamming me ON YAHOO E-MAIL to buy concert tickets and such. If my e-mail is not good enough to let me join your forum, please don't keep drubbing me for money on it.
Rant off.....
Scott
DScottHewitt
05-12-2007, 22:53
Originally posted by Rabbi
...post more pictures.
BOTD!!!!!
Scott
Originally posted by MB-G26
.............................
Oh, OT, but Eric BTW: travel channel had one of those 'scariest places' shows on yesterday. One of the houses they profiled had a bunch of gargoyles on the roof and such. It seems I cannot see or hear the mention of gargoyles without immediately thinking of you! :supergrin:
http://www.gardendecorforyou.com/images/Garden_Decor_5500Gargoyle29lg.jpg
I have never met Eric, but I have seen the couple of pics he has posted here. While not the most handsome man on the site, I do think that to equate him with a gargoyle is pretty harsh.
You should apologize.
:supergrin: :supergrin: :supergrin: :supergrin: :supergrin: :supergrin:
DScottHewitt
05-12-2007, 23:00
Originally posted by Eric
I am preparing to launch the paid tier I've been talking about for years. Basic membership will aways be free, but paid members will have access to many new features, like photo hosting, video hosting, games and much more. It should be quite a system. I'll post more about it soon. Eric
i have made up my mind, by going back to page one and reading through. I'll pay, for shizzle.....
Scott
DScottHewitt
05-12-2007, 23:06
Originally posted by BBruce
Eric,
Points noted.
Educate me please.
What would help keep costs down?
Would editing out all the willy-nilly cut and pasting of articles from newspapers, blogs, etc. or the endless reposting of an O.P.'s original input or the same photo reposted over and over to satisfy one posters one word quip, or....what WOULD help keep costs down by the posters in general?
Anything?
Or is GT to become a cost type BB and that's that?
If and when that happens no problem for me.
I'm not locked into it.
Thanks
A Jambog filter might be cool. No more 500 threads about some DEA Agent shot his own foot. That's gotta eat bandwidth.....
Scott
DScottHewitt
05-12-2007, 23:14
Originally posted by Eric
<b>Things paid membership <u>WILL NOT</u> buy you:</b>
Any leniency or special consideration when it comes to the behavior expected of people here. A paid membership does not give anyone the right to act any differently than anyone else and no special consideration will be given to anyone who violates the TOS here, regardless of their membership status.
So, if a paid member gets banned, do they get a pro-rated refund? Or is their paid membership part of what they forfeit?
(Not trying to be a smartass. Just wanna make sure people are clear on how this detail will handled, if it comes up.)
Scott
DScottHewitt
05-12-2007, 23:21
Originally posted by Razoreye
Will the board be purged of old posts as fast as it currently is or are you going to set up an archival server...? Sometimes it'd be nice to be able to go back more than 6 months to a year.
And the archive HAS to have the "Mall Ninja" thread stickied at the top of page one!!!!!
Scott
proguncali
05-12-2007, 23:29
I've been a member here for a little while...and have a few posts.
I just have one question....
If I don't want to buy into the tier, can I still post here?
DScottHewitt
05-12-2007, 23:32
Originally posted by B. Somm
Sorry, but I don't want to pay for smutty content & profanity, thanks anyway.) :upeyes:
B.,
The option of whether or not to click on a forum you know would have the adult stuff would be up to the member to decide. If there is an "Adult Language Forum", we can always not read it. (I won't, anyway.) If there is a "BOTD Forum" I will click on it HOURLY......
Scott
DScottHewitt
05-12-2007, 23:33
Originally posted by proguncali
I've been a member here for a little while...and have a few posts.
I just have one question....
If I don't want to buy into the tier, can I still post here?
Please for the love of all that is holy, tell us you just forgot to include the "just kidding" smilie.....
Eric has said like thirty seven times:
"Basic Membership will always be free."
Scott
proguncali
05-12-2007, 23:36
Originally posted by DScottHewitt
Please for the love of all that is holy, tell us you just forgot to include the "just kidding" smilie.....
Eric has said like thirty seven times:
"Basic Membership will always be free."
Scott
:supergrin: :supergrin: :supergrin:
Originally posted by PeterJasonMN
Since even Eric's red letters can't make it sink into some people's heads, I'm going to try to do this all with one syllable words:
When the paid tier is up you will NOT have to pay for it. It will be your CHOICE to use it. If you do not go "Paid", not a thing on G T will be off.
This site will be the same. If you CHOOSE to pay you will get MORE stuff than you get now.
--------------------------
Eric, myself, and countless other people have said it time and time again. Payments will NOT be required. They will be STRICTLY voluntary. It's the exact SAME as donations are, but when it's up and running you will get MORE content. People who don't pay will get the exact SAME content as we have now.
WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY is that so hard to understand??????????
I don't get it, could you explain it again? ;)
Seriously, though, I like GT the way it is. I don't know if I would pay the extra for the other services, it really depends on what I would get for what I would have to pay (scarse resources). That said, if it came down to a small fee to maintain what we have or have GT go the way of the Dodo, I'd be in. YMMV
GlockSupremacy
05-13-2007, 00:21
Originally posted by Eric
You know, if I had been banned from a site, managed to sneak back on and wanted to hang out there, I hope I would have the sense to keep my head down. Eric
Ya know, just awhile ago I was strongly apposed to paying to post on a message board for various reasons.
But after this...maybe its not such a bad idea.
I just hope Im not one of the people other members want to get away from....cause I got 20 bucks suckers!!!
;)
Originally posted by proguncali
I've been a member here for a little while...and have a few posts.
I just have one question....
If I don't want to buy into the tier, can I still post here?
WHAT?!?!? You mean we are going to have to pay to post here? WHen did this start? How much?
:supergrin: :supergrin:
Originally posted by DScottHewitt
B.,
The option of whether or not to click on a forum you know would have the adult stuff would be up to the member to decide. If there is an "Adult Language Forum", we can always not read it. (I won't, anyway.) If there is a "BOTD Forum" I will click on it HOURLY......
Scott
Yep, that is true, however, having an "adult" (and I again use that term loosely!) forum goes against the original "family oriented" intent that Eric originally set up. Again, I refer to what happened to GU. I personally would prefer not to have GT muddied up with an "adult" forum. If folks want smut & bad language, there's plenty of other sites that offer that kind of content.
Of course, it's Eric's site, so if he wants an "adult" ( :upeyes: ) section, then it's up to him.
BTW, what's "BOTD"?
B. :headscratch:
Originally posted by DScottHewitt
So, if a paid member gets banned, do they get a pro-rated refund? Or is their paid membership part of what they forfeit?
(Not trying to be a smartass. Just wanna make sure people are clear on how this detail will handled, if it comes up.)
Scott If you pay to go to a movie, and you are loud, obnoxious, and disruptive to the other patrons, and get asked to leave, do you get your money back? I PERSONALLY think that if you don't hold up your end of the bargain (following the rules that you agree to when you sign up) then you should forfeit your membership fee. I don't know the legalities of it, but you agree to that when you sign up, it seems to make sense to ME. Plus, can you imagine the extra bookeeping burden that would put on Eric if it was pro rated??? That's totally my OWN opinon, I have no clue what Eric thinks on the subject.
B- BOTD= Babe of the Day.
You know, peoples definiton of "smut" is going to vary wildly, so if you think it's something that is just going to bother the heck out of you, that's the beauty of the teir idea.
Razoreye
05-13-2007, 09:19
Originally posted by B. Somm
Yep, that is true, however, having an "adult" (and I again use that term loosely!) forum goes against the original "family oriented" intent that Eric originally set up. Again, I refer to what happened to GU. I personally would prefer not to have GT muddied up with an "adult" forum. If folks want smut & bad language, there's plenty of other sites that offer that kind of content.
Of course, it's Eric's site, so if he wants an "adult" ( :upeyes: ) section, then it's up to him.
BTW, what's "BOTD"?
B. :headscratch: Don't click on the link? Is it really that hard?
Guys, I appreciate the BOTD as much as anyone. (Heck, I have been known to peruse the BBBOTD sites. Honestly I have even been to the BBBBCLUBOBODC and sites like that.) But really why would Eric even consider that? On the internet, you are only a mouse click away from ANYTHING you want to see, and you all know from past history that the 'hot babe' threads always end up locked.
I hazard to guess that Eric may subscribe to the train of though..."If you don't start any, there won't be any".
Before you ask....BABE, BABE, BABE, BABE, CHEERLEADER UNIFORMS, BOTTLE OF BABY OIL, DIGITAL CAMERA. :supergrin:
I'm sorry, I would have to draw the line at BABY oil :miff:
....do you know how hard that is to get out of your hair? :rofl:
Razoreye
05-13-2007, 09:51
Originally posted by Mrs. VR
I'm sorry, I would have to draw the line at BABY oil :miff:
....do you know how hard that is to get out of your hair? :rofl: I ain't even touching that one with a 20 ft. pole. :shocked:
I don't care one way or the other, but if you don't want to see it, don't click on it. Sheesh.
Originally posted by Razoreye
I ain't even touching that one with a 20 ft. pole. :shocked:
I don't care one way or the other, but if you don't want to see it, don't click on it. Sheesh. that's really my feeling too. People have the right to be offended at anything they like, but they don't have the right to tell ME that *I* Have to be offended by it because they are.
eta: that works both ways, Im entitled to be offended by anything that offends me, you don't have to agree with me either.
DScottHewitt
05-13-2007, 11:32
Originally posted by Mrs. VR
that's really my feeling too. People have the right to be offended at anything they like, but they don't have the right to tell ME that *I* Have to be offended by it because they are.
eta: that works both ways, Im entitled to be offended by anything that offends me, you don't have to agree with me either.
Well, the easiest way to not be offended by a forum they know has stuff in it that will offend them is to NOT OPEN THAT FORUM.....
Scott
Originally posted by DScottHewitt
Well, the easiest way to not be offended by a forum they know has stuff in it that will offend them is to NOT OPEN THAT FORUM.....
Scott exactamundo!
PeterJasonMN
05-13-2007, 12:46
I can't believe I'm saying this.....
I think a BOTD idea wouldn't accomplish much for us, if anything. Like someone said, we're a click away from all that stuff anyways, and there's already enough "I'd hit it" threads going every day as it is. I'd save the bandwidth for something else.
DScottHewitt
05-13-2007, 13:05
Originally posted by PeterJasonMN
I can't believe I'm saying this.....
I think a BOTD idea wouldn't accomplish much for us, if anything. Like someone said, we're a click away from all that stuff anyways, and there's already enough "I'd hit it" threads going every day as it is. I'd save the bandwidth for something else.
Zombie Preparation Forum
Scott
Dalton Wayne
05-13-2007, 13:12
Not for it, I would think that with all the sponsors that should pay the tab
however if it does come to that I will join the paid tier...
Originally posted by MrKandiyohi
Charging is a good way to weed out the people who aren't seriously interested in joining. It also cuts out the spammers who post and run.
I don't necessarily agree with it, but that could be an explanation. pay for gt aint gonna weed nuthin out.just lighten your wallet a bit.i think its a great idea.not for me but for gt it sqweeze money from you.
what a few bucks here,a few bucks therewhamo its all gone.:banana:
Originally posted by spober
pay for gt aint gonna weed nuthin out.just lighten your wallet a bit.i think its a great idea.not for me but for gt it sqweeze money from you.
what a few bucks here,a few bucks therewhamo its all gone.:banana:
I understand. Many here might better use the spare money to further our education. :thumbsup:
PeterJasonMN
05-19-2007, 14:01
Originally posted by spober
pay for gt aint gonna weed nuthin out.just lighten your wallet a bit.i think its a great idea.not for me but for gt it sqweeze money from you.
what a few bucks here,a few bucks therewhamo its all gone.:banana:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/AnimalK/Thread%20Replies/JudgeGavelDoozer.png
PeterJasonMN
05-19-2007, 14:03
Eric--
How hard would it be to code up a buddy list that you could pop up by clicking a link on whatever page you're on?
Say like under where it says "Glocktalk>Main Room>General Non-Glocking>Edited: What Do You Think of A Paid Tier Being Added To GT?
There could be "Click Here To Access Buddy List" and when you click it, voila.
Besides :lv: , I don't know many other people who use it since it involves going into your UserCP.
BobRicks
05-22-2007, 08:49
I have made a monetary contribution to GT in the past, but for some unforseen reason do not have a contributor icon under my name. Does this bother me? Nope. Not in the least bit. I have bought tickets to several contests that Eric has done. I even won a prize in the last contest. I think most people have no idea what it costs to run something like GlockTalk. I have no idea, but it must be a pretty good chunk of change.
When the paid membership tier becomes available, I will most certainly pay to become a member. I come to GT EVERY day for at least 1-2 hours. I have bought two guns face to face from two different forum members. Got to meet two good folks I would have not met otherwise. I learn a lot of information from this site. The least I can do is pony up a little to help keep it going.
Eric, thanks for what you do. Looking forward to the paid membership tier, and I will see if I can scrape up a little change to send before that gets started.:supergrin:
Glock20.com
05-23-2007, 11:33
Originally posted by DScottHewitt
I do what I can for right now. I click banner ads a LOT.....
Eric, This is a great site. And if it turns paid-only, I WILL find a way to "pony up".....
Scott
Please don't just click the banner ads to get "hits" up. Glocktalk doesn't make money by the hit, they make money by the month.
A lot of hits with few or no purchases or inquiries actually has the opposite effect and tells the advertiser that the target site isn't user friendly or that the target audience, you, are not interested in their products.
Thanks for trying to help.
BTW, if anyone has any feedback on the Race-Oil.com AMSOIL dealer site or a better way to reach the customers without being annoying, please PM me and I will start a new thread.
Originally posted by MrKandiyohi
Charging is a good way to weed out the people who aren't seriously interested in joining. It also cuts out the spammers who post and run.
I don't necessarily agree with it, but that could be an explanation.
I agree with that premise for the most part but all it takes is a small handful of morons willing to pay the bucks who'll then ruin it for all the other cash paying customers. Some folks apparently never left grade school.
DScottHewitt
05-28-2007, 13:23
Originally posted by Cousin
I agree with that premise for the most part but all it takes is a small handful of morons willing to pay the bucks who'll then ruin it for all the other cash paying customers. Some folks apparently never left grade school.
+1
Scott
KusoJijii
05-31-2007, 22:42
I would gladly pay for some extra features.
Edited because I don't read fast enough...
Originally posted by Cousin
I agree with that premise for the most part but all it takes is a small handful of morons willing to pay the bucks who'll then ruin it for all the other cash paying customers. Some folks apparently never left grade school.
Don't underestimate Eddie's ability and willingness to swing the ban hammer when someone is caught spamming or otherwise breaking forum rules.
Unless I miss my guess, even paying, you will be buying a "privilege" to post in some unique areas, not the "right" to disobey forum rules. :thumbsup:
Razoreye
06-03-2007, 16:26
This may be all moot if the system never goes into play. :shocked: :shocked:
J/K... :supergrin:
BilltheCat
06-07-2007, 20:31
maybe if there is a 2 drink minimum (toll) it will lessen the kids and trouble makers who just come here to prey on others for fun.
we have your CC on file so act a fool and we fine you $20 !
I would pay up and help out.
PeterJasonMN
06-09-2007, 02:48
How much to get rid of that Ender fellow?
js_gresham
06-10-2007, 04:03
Heya, Eric...
Are you going to continue using vBulletin with some add-ons or are you planning to switch to a whole different platform?
I, for one, fully support the thought of a "paid tier", but that's because I already belong to a site that does exactly that.
Thanks for taking the time to make GT what it is.
In the interim, can I p-l-e-a-s-e buy a bigger PM box?
http://www.icanseethefloor.com/images/stationerybefore.jpg
:tongueout:
You can borrow mine Mel. It hardly gets used.
B. :sigh: :supergrin:
freepatriot
06-15-2007, 12:16
Originally posted by Eric
I don't carry a Glock. I carry a Kimber. Eric :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock:
JellyBelly
06-18-2007, 18:03
I just renewed my Arfcom membership today.
Hurry up! I want to be able to buy a membership here, too!:thumbsup:
I came here when I was thinking of buying my first pistol and wanted to research a little on the glock. Well I bought my glock and ended up hanging around. I have donated and bought several tickets in the raffle as well.
If the whole forum was "pay or don't post" then I probably wouldn't pay and I think the forum would slowly die.
But the idea of a special area that would make me want to pay sounds good. Maybe a lightly censored area?
Also take away some privilege's like avatars, pming, etc and if you want them you gotta pay. Lots of site already do this and seem to have luck with it. Also pay a little more and you get no banners, etc.
.02
MOHAA Player
06-23-2007, 21:18
I can't wait for the paid tier membership to begin:thumbsup:
I feel like an ass that I'm not a contributor, but I'd probably join the paid tier just to avoid the you-know-who's. ;)
kswiss2783
06-28-2007, 19:48
I'd pay for some extra features, but not just to belong.
dano8801
06-29-2007, 03:03
Originally posted by zoyter2
Some folks apparently never left grade school.
:wavey:
This is too big of an internet to be able to charge people for posting on BBs. They're too common for that. I feel that to be successful a pay site has to have access to stuff you can't easily get for free. A lot of gaming networks fit this description, like World of Warcraft, or the Internet Chess Club, which I'm a paying member of. But with these, you're paying for the quality of the experience and in the case of ICC, the quality of players (hundreds of real life grandmasters and international masters play there) which is not duplicated on any free site.
Originally posted by HEMI 27
Also pay a little more and you get no banners, etc.
.02
this is a deal breaker for me. if i pay so much as a single nickel for membership then i don't want to see ANY banner ads.
i don't mind a "sponsors area" or something like that, but if i'm paying my way then i should have the choice to view thier commercials when and where i want.
crowkiller
07-03-2007, 15:53
Originally posted by Eric
I don't carry a Glock. I carry a Kimber. Eric
:shocked: :animlol:
Originally posted by BEER
this is a deal breaker for me. if i pay so much as a single nickel for membership then i don't want to see ANY banner ads.
i don't mind a "sponsors area" or something like that, but if i'm paying my way then i should have the choice to view thier commercials when and where i want.
Look, we offer advertising now and it does not make enough to cover expenses. That is why we are adding the paid tier. If I removed advertising for those paying for the paid tier, I would simply be swapping dollars. The site needs the income from both sources. The ads here are as unobtrusive as I can make them. If having to look at them is a deal-breaker for you, I guess you can keep your money in your pocket. I am not trying to get rich here. Running the site has become a full-time job and I just want to be able to support myself and this place. Eric
crowkiller
07-03-2007, 16:29
Here is how I see it when I enter in to GT I am entering into Eric's place so I try to be respectful and follow his rules. This is his site and Im a little stunned that he doesnt already make a full time nice living off this place. Why would I get mad that he wants to charge for a tier on HIS OWN site. I have never bought a membership on any forum. Would I here? I would consider it but I would not get angry because he chose to do this with HIS OWN site besides he is keeping the norm for the freebie guys like me. I think he is doing a good thing for the future of GT. By the way I do not like smut, porn or vile filthy language and imo a gun board is not the place for this trash and this is one reason why I like GT. If you want this trash go to a smut board.
Razoreye
07-03-2007, 21:00
Originally posted by BEER
this is a deal breaker for me. if i pay so much as a single nickel for membership then i don't want to see ANY banner ads.
i don't mind a "sponsors area" or something like that, but if i'm paying my way then i should have the choice to view thier commercials when and where i want. Shall I shed a tear for you?
Speaking for myself, I do not find a banner ad the least bit intrusive. No one is forcing me to click on the ad. That is my personal choice.
If Razoreye runs out of spare tears, i've got plenty to share! ;)
USDefender
07-06-2007, 22:09
A 'paid tier' on GT wouldn't bother me a bit. Honestly, I'm a capitalist-loving American who says 'more power to you' if you think you can get people to pay to talk about guns. However, as someone said above, I won't pay for what I can get for free elsewhere.
If you can get people to pay for it (which you probably will), more power to you - and I do hope it helps to keep GT open. After all, there's a lot of people paying for 'Sirius Radio' right now, [even though there's perfectly free radio waves beaming throughout our country...], I'm just not one of them and probably never will be.
I'd rather spend that money on ammo. ;)
Mushinto
07-07-2007, 20:39
I would pay a reasonable amount for a membership.
But, it's easier for Eric to have complete control on a free site then it would be when he's dealing with paying customers. I guess it's something he would have to think about.
ML
Gareth68
07-08-2007, 17:38
I'm really not sure why so many people feel they must "get something more" to contribute. If you spend a few minutes a day...or a few hours, you are enjoying the fruits of Eric's labor. Its sad, really, that so many feel entitled and do not contribute to help support the source of their enjoyment. Sure there are a lot of other sites out there that are free...and guess what EVERY ONE OF THEM IS RUN BY SOMEONE PAYING FOR BANDWIDTH AND EXPENSES. I contribute to every site I frequent. I enjoy the service provided, I try and pay back a little when I can.
Apr. 30, 2007 Payment To Eric Powell Cleared Details -$25.00 USD
Hmm...I guess its been longer than I thought. I'll try and kick in again by the end of the month.
Thanks Eric for a great site. And thanks for not putting that ugly cash money sign by my name.. :thumbsup:
Originally posted by Gareth68
And thanks for not putting that ugly cash money sign by my name.. :thumbsup:
Sorry. I'm a bit behind with contributor icons.:supergrin: Eric
Keith5579
07-09-2007, 00:33
Originally posted by Eric
Sorry. I'm a bit behind with contributor icons.:supergrin: Eric
Ya better get on the ball, I just contributed a few more bucks. :couch:
JadeRaven
07-09-2007, 15:48
I wouldn't mind donating five or ten bucks every now and then, but having to pay to post, period, would turn me off.
I frequent the site when I'm looking to buy or sell something, or needing info / advice, but I'm not on the board all the time by any means. If I donated 25 to 50 dollars to each forum I posted on every now and then I'd be out a couple grand probably. . .and as a college student I like things that cost anywhere from "dirt cheap" to "free."
HOWEVER, if you turned off the sixty second period between searches I would seriously consider a yearly fee ;)
proguncali
07-09-2007, 21:07
Originally posted by Mushinto
I would pay a reasonable amount for a membership.
But, it's easier for Eric to have complete control on a free site then it would be when he's dealing with paying customers. I guess it's something he would have to think about.
ML
I don't understand why....it's like entering a club. You pay at the door and they can throw you out any time for being an asshat.
Plus there would still be an unpaid tier.
Originally posted by Eric
Sorry. I'm a bit behind with contributor icons.:supergrin: Eric
Hmmm, no wonder I never got a "II" after the last fund raiser drawing!
B. :wavey: :supergrin:
As long as you get a benefit from paying I believe it's a good idea. A benefit can be as easy as being able to use the Trade/Sell/Buy section. If you are not a paying member, you can look but can't post.
I'm not 100% sure who your host is and what else you have running, but my friend and I run a forum. It has about 4,000 members and with hosting/server and everything it only costs around $40 per month. I understand GT has 65,000+ but I'm not sure where your major costs come from.
Originally posted by pjrocco
As long as you get a benefit from paying I believe it's a good idea. A benefit can be as easy as being able to use the Trade/Sell/Buy section. If you are not a paying member, you can look but can't post.
I'm not 100% sure who your host is and what else you have running, but my friend and I run a forum. It has about 4,000 members and with hosting/server and everything it only costs around $40 per month. I understand GT has 65,000+ but I'm not sure where your major costs come from.
My system is running on a network of twelve servers, 7 of which are dedicated just to GT. This site uses almost 2TB of bandwidth a month. It gets expensive. Plus, this site has become a full-time job for me to keep things running, even with the help of my other admins and mods. I have to make a living. Eric
I like you ads, and I patornize your advertisers. Happy to contribute this site!
I am stunned at the number of people that have been on this board for years and have never given a dime. They just don't get it. With all the education and resources on here you think they could spare $5 a year. :shocked:
Anyway... do what you need to do Eric. I am not sure I would contribute just to get into a special area (or for photos, games, or video) so make sure you leave an option for us little people to still give a buck or two when we can.
PeterJasonMN
07-12-2007, 04:03
Since going to a Sprint air card I can only see GT banner ads in a few forums. None show up on the main page, GNG, OAF. I can see them in Cop Talk and a couple other places for some reason. :headscratch:
Singlemalt
07-16-2007, 07:07
Originally posted by Eric
My system is running on a network of twelve servers, 7 of which are dedicated just to GT. This site uses almost 2TB of bandwidth a month. It gets expensive. Plus, this site has become a full-time job for me to keep things running, even with the help of my other admins and mods. I have to make a living. Eric
Are the other 5 for "test" of updates and such?
Also, what are you doing for load balancing the front end servers? You doing software load balancing or have you purchased a hardware device?
Are you running a clustered SQL back-end?
Originally posted by Singlemalt
Are the other 5 for "test" of updates and such?
Also, what are you doing for load balancing the front end servers? You doing software load balancing or have you purchased a hardware device?
Are you running a clustered SQL back-end?
Those five extra boxes include a firewall, an email server, a MySQL & general backup server, a file host and a cgi utility server, which runs housekeeping programs that have too much overhead to run on the live system. These boxes also contain DNS servers and other utilities. I also have a webhosting server.
I am currently using Pound for load balancing. We haven't been able to swing a hardware load balancer yet. Software-based load balancing options, including embedded systems with such capabilities are getting so good, I probably will not end up buying a purpose-built hardware load balancers. I can build my own cheaper, at this point.
I don't have the resources yet to cluster MySQL. It will take at least four good servers to do so. I currently have a MySQL slave, so switching over in the event of a failure of the primary system wouldn't take long.
Many armchair experts have told me that I could run my whole system on one server. I probably could, but that server would cost $30,000 or more and if anything on it failed, everything would be down. A distributed architecture makes more sense to me. GT's equipment is getting old and we are starting to have problems crop up, but due to the nature of the network's makeup, there is seldom much, if any impact on the site's performance.
As the paid tier money begins to benefit things, I am going to start replacing the old equipment, but I am going to stick with the basic model I have now. There will be multiple front-end boxes, a clustered database back-end and everything else will have some sort of fail-over option built into it. There are only a couple of single-points-of-failure at this point and I want to eliminate those as well. Ultimately, I would like the whole network to be able to seamlessly fail over to a network in a different location, but that will be down the road a bit. Eric
HerrGlock
07-16-2007, 11:58
Originally posted by Eric
Ultimately, I would like the whole network to be able to seamlessly fail over to a network in a different location, but that will be down the road a bit. Eric
A couple of S390s in a couple different locations would do nicely :supergrin:
Of course, they're about $500,000 each, but they're stable :animlol:
Just let us know what the cover charge is. I don't need storage space, picture space or anything like that but I do tend to use the hell out of GT and I'm well aware how much a network is to keep running.
john in jax
07-16-2007, 13:36
I'm new to GT, but not to gun boards, how do all the other sites get buy without charging fees? I'm a member of too many gun boards to count and don't pay penny to post on any of them ? ? ?
If you've got people willing to pay, more power to you. However there are plenty of other sights that offer similar information, knowledge and service for FREE and I just can't see paying for it.
Now if you can find away to make ends meet thru advertisers maybe something like:
#1) A sponsors "FOR SALE" section at the top of the board (most noticable position) where your advertisers can offer regular, clearance and/or group buy merchandise
#2) GT coupons/codes for discounts to your banner advertisers/sponsors
#3) The GIANT "who's on-line" section doesn't make any money and should be buried at the bottom of the page and replaced with large, impossible-to-miss, revolving banners advertising specific deals/specials offered by your advertisers/sponsors. Getting your advertisers noticed will get them traffic, and that traffic (as long as they know it is coming from GT) will make GT a much more desireable place to advertise/sponsor.
A little website face-lift to improve the marketing/advertising properties of GT for your corporate sponsors could go a long way toward bringing in a lot more revenue for you and them.
Singlemalt
07-16-2007, 13:38
Originally posted by HerrGlock
A couple of S390s in a couple different locations would do nicely :supergrin:
Of course, they're about $500,000 each, but they're stable :animlol:
Just let us know what the cover charge is. I don't need storage space, picture space or anything like that but I do tend to use the hell out of GT and I'm well aware how much a network is to keep running.
I have (6) V880's that are not shabby. :supergrin:
HerrGlock
07-16-2007, 13:51
Originally posted by Singlemalt
I have (6) V880's that are not shabby. :supergrin:
Those don't suck either, but I'd hate to turn them all on at once :animlol:
We went to V490s as primaries and I shudder to think what the electric bill went to. Glad I don't pay it :supergrin:
Usingmyrights
07-21-2007, 21:50
Originally posted by john in jax
#1) A sponsors "FOR SALE" section at the top of the board (most noticable position) where your advertisers can offer regular, clearance and/or group buy merchandise
#2) GT coupons/codes for discounts to your banner advertisers/sponsors
#3) The GIANT "who's on-line" section doesn't make any money and should be buried at the bottom of the page and replaced with large, impossible-to-miss, revolving banners advertising specific deals/specials offered by your advertisers/sponsors. Getting your advertisers noticed will get them traffic, and that traffic (as long as they know it is coming from GT) will make GT a much more desireable place to advertise/sponsor.
A little website face-lift to improve the marketing/advertising properties of GT for your corporate sponsors could go a long way toward bringing in a lot more revenue for you and them.
While I believe Eric is trying to avoid two many ads cluttering up a page, I do agree that some more would definately help. I don't know how many people like the "who's online now" feature, but maybe that space could be used for advertising, and there be a simle search function, if someone wanted to see if a buddy was online.
As far as paying for GT, I'll have to wait and see the cost/benefits. I've donated before, and will again. The thing I can't understand is people complaining about $5 or 10 dollars. Yes some people are better off then others, but $5 is simply bringing a lunch instead of buying one. If everyone donated just $5 within, lets say a months period, that would be a huge lump sum,that could be used for buying the new equipment thats needed. Personally, I believe the $25 or so I donated, is small in relation to the amount of good advice, and knowledge I get from GT.
Jerseycitysteve
07-22-2007, 21:40
Time to make another donation anyway. :wavey:
graveman
07-31-2007, 14:27
I like the idea of paying members only forums.
Surely cuts down on some of the BS and Half-life warriors technical advice.
As for a revamp of the classifieds using some sort of "trader ratings", that's an excellent idea. I haven't got screwed off the trader here, but I have heard some horror stories. If anything, it builds trust ( or a false sense thereof anyway ).
BigSlick
08-01-2007, 01:43
Originally posted by Eric
The dog needs to be able to run and play and occasionally chase his tail to be healthy and happy... Eric
I couldn't agree more :thumbsup:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b349/BigSlick10MM/Load_Dog.jpg
I think the new revenue system should be based upon the number of posts.
New user gets 100 free, from then on at every 1000 posts made, your account gets locked from posting until you pony up some guitas. Any existing members can pay ½ the billable quantity of their present post count, with a sliding scale. If you have more 10,000 posts, you can square up and go forward for say $300.
Or, buy a lifetime membership for $1000 bucks and rock on :rock:
You guys have been sucking money from Erics pocket forever. Entertainment is worth something, just like bandwidth and hardware. You pay for your internet connection at your house and the PC to cruise GT on, you think Eric just gets large, free chunks of bandwidth and cool, fast, new hardware just falls out of his ass ?
How much did you spend in the bars last month, or on renting or going to see a movie, or beer ?
Quit being a cheap ass and come up with some bucks.
If you don't understand this, or disagree with anything I've said, just get over it ya cheap bastidge.
Luv,
'Slick
HerrGlock
08-01-2007, 04:08
Originally posted by BigSlick
How much did you spend in the bars last month,
Zero. For the past about 15 years, zero. To that date is only because there isn't a whole lot else to do in Korea off duty on a nightly basis.
or on renting or going to see a movie,
About $20 in the past 6 months to a year.
or beer ?
Zero since somewhere in HS in 1984.
Why do people seem to want to destroy a good thing? Eric understands this and that's why he's saying the basic abilities will always be free.
Those of us who want to will contribute and most of the ones who do make sure Eric is not wanting.
Originally posted by Singlemalt
I have (6) V880's that are not shabby. :supergrin:
You could be the cause of global warming all by yourself. That and all the V440s I get to deal with.
BigSlick
08-01-2007, 15:07
Originally posted by Steve Koski
I don't mind paying a REASONABLE amount, and I've purchased a couple raffle tickets in the past. But I don't need the useless fluff offered for the tiered memberships, or feel that $40 or $80 a year is reasonable. Don't most other highly trafficked websites pay their own way via advertising dollars?
Why can't/doesn't GT? Why is it a beg-a-thon every few months, even following promises of no future begging?
You know, come to think of it you're 100% right .
I remember the no more begging promises, several actually.
I haven't seen a true rundown of what the tiered membership gets you, but if it is anything outside of what involves posting and the basics, I'm not sure I would use it.
The whole search on a keyword list seems nice if you're just digging out info on one topic or two, but I would settle for the damn search function to actually work.
Lot's of other sites with more traffic have search functions that work, and don't seem to have revenue issues. I realize this started as a hobby thing for the owner, but better management is the key, not bleeding your members every few months.
Maybe he should investigate a new/cheaper host. You can find a hosting provider for less than $10 a month. Even with a dedicated server it runs $50-60 a month. Buying your own hardware is ignernt for a website unless you run it out of your bedroom.
Or, they could certainly cull out some of the forums to save bandwidth. Vehicle Related, Hobby, Lifestyle and Related, Critter Corner, AWOT, The Lighter Side, Religious Issues, Political Issues, Civil Liberty Issues, Women's Issues, Writers Workshop, The Book Rack, Firefighter/EMS, Cop Talk, OAF and Caliber Corner are the ones that immediately come to mind. Each of these topics are covered in boring detail on MANY other sites and serve little purpose to the Glock shooting world. Or, what Eric *should* do, is add an auction feature to the site and take up the slack left by fleabay.
How hard would that be, and how much revenue would that generate ? Not very, and a hell of a lot.
Thanks Koski for opening my eyes on this.
I stand corrected.
Thank you sir :thumbsup:
OCResident
08-01-2007, 16:05
Originally posted by BigSlick
Maybe he should investigate a new/cheaper host. You can find a hosting provider for less than $10 a month. Even with a dedicated server it runs $50-60 a month.
OK, genius - as Eric previously posted, this site takes 12 servers to run. No one is going to host this site with the traffic it generates for $10 a month. You get what you pay for.
Those $10-$60 hosting accounts are saturated with hundreds and sometimes thousands of websites on a single server, all competing for bandwidth. How would you like GT if it slowed down by a factor of 10?
If he is hosting this in a colo facility with 12 servers in the $250 range (which is what I believe he alluded to), then he is already getting an unbelievably great deal.
Originally posted by BigSlick
Buying your own hardware is ignernt for a website unless you run it out of your bedroom.
Did you just call him ignorant by saying "ignernt"??!! :rofl: :rofl:
Most sites of importance either buy their own hardware or lease it as part of a hosting package and specify the specs. These $60 for your own dedicated server deals give you P.O.S. servers - and I use the term server loosely - and don't offer any redundancy i.e. if a hard drive fails you loose everything.
HerrGlock
08-01-2007, 16:10
Originally posted by BigSlick
Maybe he should investigate a new/cheaper host. You can find a hosting provider for less than $10 a month. Even with a dedicated server it runs $50-60 a month. Buying your own hardware is ignernt for a website unless you run it out of your bedroom.
:animlol: :animlol: :animlol: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Holy cow! Thanks for the laugh. I needed one today.
BigSlick
08-01-2007, 17:11
Originally posted by OCResident
OK, genius - as Eric previously posted, this site takes 12 servers to run. No one is going to host this site with the traffic it generates for $10 a month. You get what you pay for.
12 servers ? To run GT ? Maybe cheapo intel servers. A good host provider can easily handle anything GT or 10 GT's can generate for a hell of a lot cheaper that maintaining your own gear. That's fact.
Those $10-$60 hosting accounts are saturated with hundreds and sometimes thousands of websites on a single server, all competing for bandwidth. How would you like GT if it slowed down by a factor of 10?
I would like it if GT ran at light speed for no cost to the owner, but that isn't realistic. You might want to renew your acquaintance with some of the higher end host providers. MANY do a very credible job for far less money than even you would imagine.
If he is hosting this in a colo facility with 12 servers in the $250 range (which is what I believe he alluded to), then he is already getting an unbelievably great deal.
For colo, I agree, that is reasonably cheap. I think the load could be carried with a different solution than 12 small boxes. $3000 a month plus the gear isn't exactly an optimum solution. All GT is is scripts and storage. Not like it's doing any transactional processing or intense security function.
Did you just call him ignorant by saying "ignernt"??!! :rofl: :rofl:
Most sites of importance either buy their own hardware or lease it as part of a hosting package and specify the specs. These $60 for your own dedicated server deals give you P.O.S. servers - and I use the term server loosely - and don't offer any redundancy i.e. if a hard drive fails you loose everything.
No, I didn't call anyone ignorant, I said that solution was ignernt.
As far as your comments regarding what you get and 'sites of importance' you might want to look aorund. POS servers and flying without a chute is for those dumb enough to buy it. For $3000 a month, you can get full redundancy, full daily backup, monitored hosting, support and some money back.
For real, look around, it's out there.
But this isn't about YOUR opinion of MY opinion, it's about our opinion of the Paid Tier being added to GTR, please try to keep this on topic.
Sorry for these guys getting things off track Eric, I'm done here.
Hope you guys have a great day and all my best to all GT Members and Brass :thumbsup:
Originally posted by BigSlick
12 servers ? To run GT ? Maybe cheapo intel servers. A good host provider can easily handle anything GT or 10 GT's can generate for a hell of a lot cheaper that maintaining your own gear. That's fact.
[/b]
I would like it if GT ran at light speed for no cost to the owner, but that isn't realistic. You might want to renew your acquaintance with some of the higher end host providers. MANY do a very credible job for far less money than even you would imagine.
[/b]
For colo, I agree, that is reasonably cheap. I think the load could be carried with a different solution than 12 small boxes. $3000 a month plus the gear isn't exactly an optimum solution. All GT is is scripts and storage. Not like it's doing any transactional processing or intense security function.
No, I didn't call anyone ignorant, I said that solution was ignernt.
As far as your comments regarding what you get and 'sites of importance' you might want to look aorund. POS servers and flying without a chute is for those dumb enough to buy it. For $3000 a month, you can get full redundancy, full daily backup, monitored hosting, support and some money back.
For real, look around, it's out there.
But this isn't about YOUR opinion of MY opinion, it's about our opinion of the Paid Tier being added to GTR, please try to keep this on topic.
Sorry for these guys getting things off track Eric, I'm done here.
Hope you guys have a great day and all my best to all GT Members and Brass :thumbsup: [/B]
Look, I am not an idiot, I do this stuff for a living too and I have been running this place for ten years. Everything I do is done for a time-tested and proven reasons. You might consider the possibility that you do not have all the facts in front of you before armchair-quarterbacking my operation.
Folks, as has been pointed out, there aren't any free lunches. If there was cheaper/better/easier-to-support way to do things, I would be doing it that way. I use a distributed architecture because the individual servers are cheaper and it makes the system more dependable. My site doesn't get taken out for days at a time by server problems, like some other community sites. What I do works, it works well it costs less to do.
I could debate the nuts & bolts of this all day and there would always be experts out there that thought they know better. Maybe some of them do, but I am the guy running things and I am the one who needs to support it. What I have built works. Eric
South Fla
08-01-2007, 23:42
Originally posted by Eric
Access to some paid members-only forums that will be opening. I am also considering making a couple of the more controversial forums to paid members-only forums, to cut down the signal-to-noise ratio a bit. Eric
I have a reservation about becoming a paid member or not. I am just afraid that with these paid members-only forums, the posters that I am familiar with and respect their opinions will migrate to these paid members-only forums. And, with these paid members-only forums, the rest of the site will dwindle down into an abyss that won't be worth visiting. Sorta like being forced to be a paid member to have quality info and discussion.
I am on the fence about a paid membership. I probably will become a paid member in time.
I visit another site that isn't much more than a daily blog. Very simple site with about 6-10 paragraphs, no forums, and he gets about 250 comments a day. The author of the site also writes a column for a large sports magazine *coughespncough*. He recently started with a paid membership and he has about 330 :shocked: "members". Their levels are as follows:
Level 1 ($25)
Level 2 ($60)
Level 3 ($100)
Level 4 ($250)
Level 5 ($500)
Level 6 ($1000)
You can get a t-shirt and a fridge magnet [whoopie do] with "membership". Basically he is reaping in the bucks for writing a daily blog. That kinda leaves a sour taste in my mouth for paid memberships. I know this is apples and oranges, but just my .02 cents.
Originally posted by so_fla
I have a reservation about becoming a paid member or not. I am just afraid that with these paid members-only forums, the posters that I am familiar with and respect their opinions will migrate to these paid members-only forums. And, with these paid members-only forums, the rest of the site will dwindle down into an abyss that won't be worth visiting. Sorta like being forced to be a paid member to have quality info and discussion.
I am on the fence about a paid membership. I probably will become a paid member in time.
We are entering uncharted waters with this new system and you can bet I will be watching things closely. I need the site to become self-sustaining and pay me a wage, but I am not going to gut it in the process. I think I can make the place better. Much better. There isn't a chance that everyone will agree or like everything I do, but I will listen to every opinion on these changes, and if it appears we are steering in the wrong direction, I will make corrections. I have invested ten years of my life in this place and I want to celebrate another few decades of continued growth and success with all of you. Eric
DUKE_NUKEM
08-02-2007, 07:56
I can understand the paid memberships. As an owner of 7 forums I had to do banner adds to make it lucrative to me or shut down my forums, come out of retirement (age 49), and answer the phone calls from buddies of mine that want me to come work for them at the Autonomous something or other PREDATOR remote aircraft. (fancy name for model airplanes)
Selling banners adds is like pulling teeth though. A paid membership would be a lot smoother and leave the owner more time to run the forum. The cost and time of running forums nickel and dimes a guy to death i.e. Bandwidth, IT guys,Film, cameras, video cameras, the wife and here GF's bill at the Sushi bar after shooting etc... and my forums are very very small compared to a seasoned well established forum like GT.
You can come here ask a question, and within minutes have an answer to it by knowledgeable polite people.
All I knew about Glocks when I came here is which end of the gun the bullets came out of. I am learning by the day thanks to the great members here.
I will pay,
Duke
DUKE_NUKEM
08-04-2007, 09:38
Back to top
Steel Talon
08-05-2007, 13:30
Hello all
I'm not sure that a paid tier system will work. I'm guessing it will fall to the wayside sometime after its implementation.
Why would I pay for "special information/privileges" when I can find it else where on the Webb for free. If, its about being able to post only to my preferred group. Then it's not worth the cost of a membership. I can e-mail them or instant message them.
*I think that core-advertising dollars will be lost due to less site traffic.
*I think that eventually paid tier memberships will come ("great idea" "fantastic no trolls" "my friends are going to do this" plus a plethora of other "......") but will eventually fall away as others become bored. Not getting the "bang for their paid tier buck" anymore.
*I think Webb sites are like gun rags. You can only approach a "this vs. that" question so many ways. Hence the all too common "search before you post idiot" type responses!
*I think it will become next to impossible to recruit newer paid tier members. Which will be needed to keep things alive, no new yearly tier members would mean more, of the. Need donation threads, raffle threads, visit our sponsor threads, and ultimately its been nice but I've sold the sight "swan song" thread.
And, ultimately who cares what I think! :supergrin:
For me a paid membership is not a value for me for the above reasons and others. I dont spend enough time here to justify the funds, my post count is well under 200 which pales to those with thousands or multiple thousands post count numbers. I do like purchasing a raffle ticket for firearms and equipment. I do visit and purchase from sponsors after I do a bit of post reading (lurking) from others experiences
I truly hope that this works out for Glock Talk, and I'll still hang out in the peanut gallery from time to time.
Peace
Steel Talon :cool:
There's only one thing you could add to make this board any better..
And it's the one thing that it lacks..
That's right.
GT needs MORE COWBELL!
Can someone please get on this?
Which tier is the extra cowbell on?
My 0.02
Paid memberships benefit all members to an extent, and webboards like this cost money to keep going.
I think the $250 lifetime membership is a bit extreme considering 100 of them were sold, not to mention the "other" yearly memberships.
That's - $250 x 100 = $25,000 + yearly fees.
Eric would be hard pressed to sell that much ad space over the next 20 years and get that much money. So, hopefully GT remains around and doesn't just "disappear" overnight.
Now, I don't know how much bandwidth is being used, nor do I know the database size, but considering my IT background, I would say this board is probably costing a minimum of $200+ a month "IFF" bandwidth is not exceeded (which it probably is).
If the owner was willing to invest in the future of GT, they might look into zero forum by rely.net or something similar, however, I am not the owner nor am I admin, so what I say has no meaning in the grand scheme of things...
GL to all at GT! I hope to continue contributing to the community.
:thumbsup:
Scorpius
08-08-2007, 17:19
Just finished reading this epic thread, and after exhaustive research, I conclude:
Some people will pay.
Some people won't pay.
People will complain/praise either way.
I will most likely pay. I've bought here, sold here, posted, learned, and taught here. Seems fair that I should support it's existence.
Davegrave
08-12-2007, 13:16
Originally posted by DUKE_NUKEM
... nickel and dimes a guy to death i.e. Film, cameras video cameras, the wife and here GF's bill at the Sushi bar after shooting etc...
Man, this was starting to seem awesome. I thought it was some kind of crazy porno board. I was just about to PM for more info when I noticed the links in your sig line.
You meant real shooting, not shooting videos...:crying:
:rofl:
Carolina Drifter
08-21-2007, 20:30
Originally posted by Scorpius
Just finished reading this epic thread, and after exhaustive research, I conclude:
Some people will pay.
Some people won't pay.
People will complain/praise either way.
I will most likely pay. I've bought here, sold here, posted, learned, and taught here. Seems fair that I should support it's existence.
+1 for the truth.:thumbsup:
Nope. There is no value proposition for me to pay to belong to a forum or website. The revenue that a site like this spins off thru advertising and such should be sufficient to fund operations. If Eric wants to make it a pay site it is his to do with what he wants but there are other boards that are as good if not better like THR where I would redirect my time.
That said the only, and I mean only, reasonable pay activity on GT would be to list something in the classifieds where there is a value proposition.
Carolina Drifter
10-14-2007, 20:56
Jesus, I've read alot of the post here and don't understand why things have to be so complicated and I'm not pointing fingers but I can't see why people can't just pay their whatever level membership fee and if you sell something or not send a few bucks to the site (I try to send a little something every month)every now and then. How hard is that? Everybody lives happily ever after and guess what we all get to come to our favorite site and play.
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
Originally posted by mleeber
Nope. There is no value proposition for me to pay to belong to a forum or website. The revenue that a site like this spins off thru advertising and such should be sufficient to fund operations. If Eric wants to make it a pay site it is his to do with what he wants but there are other boards that are as good if not better like THR where I would redirect my time.
That said the only, and I mean only, reasonable pay activity on GT would be to list something in the classifieds where there is a value proposition.
Everyone has an opinion, but for the thirteenth or fourteenth time, the time for debate is long since past. The paid tier is becoming a reality. No one who doesn't want to should feel any obligation to pony up, but I didn't create this forum to discuss the pros and cons of something that has already been decided. Eric
Patrick Graham
10-14-2007, 21:42
I paid.. but it was quite some time ago.. and my credit card wasn't billed until august... did something happen or not happen.??.. What are we suppose to do with are membership...???...
rocket469
10-20-2007, 00:48
I donated.. Other forums have events & sell logo'd items and decals to raise money, I'm not much for advertising, "I have a Glock bumper sticker", but a T-Shirt for the range for around $15 is something I'd buy. There are enough military here that we could set up an order in Korea for cheap.
Also I noticed the "auction" link at the top?
Maybe charge .25 cents to post an ad to sell stuff, lets not get crazy like eBay's fees.
There is my .02
VAshooter
10-22-2007, 10:27
I paid money but I don't know if I'm a member.
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