Someone asked me a question about this that I suppose I need to elaborate on.
No, I am not terminating the Contributor level memberships at all. I am only lifting the paid membership requirement for members to post in the classifieds section. Posting classified ads here is now *free* to all members. All other perks will remain the same for that membership level. Maybe, if need be, I will look into adding a few more perks to make it more attractive to some people.
Truth be known, the paid memberships have to remain in place. And hopefully I won't find out that most Contributor level members were only paying the yearly fee JUST to post in the classifieds. Otherwise if this site starts operating in the red, well, some hard choices would have to be made concerning it. I don't have my SerpenCo business income like I used to in order to make ends meet.
I was curious on that aspect too. Is there any chance of forwarding the contributor status perks of fauna to here for classifieds posting? I'll admit that I've yet to open the wallet for a fauna contributor status (holding onto my cash right now since I need it for moving), but I do agree with what's in place there. I think that would also give incentive to become/maintain contributor here. Otherwise, short of just paying it forward for a great resource, I was actually somewhat questioning why I paid to just simply have the ability to post classifieds here or have an edit button. I mean that last statement as politely and professionally as possible, and without any intention to step on toes.
But out of curiosity, what sort of perks are you referring to from FC?
Many will do so simply to help support a site and keep it afloat. But some seem to feel that they need to get something extra in return for that payment.
The different contributor levels one can pay for, highlighted ad posts, bumping abilities, ability to reply or post within classified ads, etc.
Stuff like that...
I look at it this way; paid membership is $25 a year, which is roughly 50 cents a week. Personally, the advice, feeling of camaraderie, and entertainment I get from this site is worth much more than 50 cents a week. You can't even buy a cup of coffee for 50 cents anymore!
I've been a member here for 6 years, and feel guilty that I only became a contributing member earlier this year. Like many others, I did it to place a classified ad. (The snake was offered for free).
As far as paying to get something extra, I think people have been conditioned to expect perks to come with any kind of paid membership. I don't think that's unreasonable, but supporting a site such as this isn't the same as paying your Costco membership to get access to their cheaper products and services. I look at it more like a passing-the-collection-plate kind of thing. It's not mandatory, of course, but overhead and expenses still have to be paid.
Geez, I'm a long way off from the original topic - sorry!
Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all!
Kathy
Thank you Mr. Webslave, aka "Big Meanie" for what you do between the 2 venues. My $25 was more of returning the favor of lurking on the old serpenco site as a high schooler back in 1996-2000 and emailing Rich about his corns and leopard geckos back then. I believe it was Connie that played with the leos, and she had some nice striped ones if memory serves me well.