Posted by Lorraine on June 22, 2001, at 9:57:23
In reply to Re: anti-drug comments, posted by Dr. Bob on June 21, 2001, at 7:49:56
> > > > > > it brings me back to the issue of charging a price of admission to be on this board. Although a lot of people have strong views on it, even a small price of admission would tend to keep out people who are just interested in stirring up controversy.
> >
> > It's funny. My first reaction was that this would have the opposite effect. People would feel that, having already paid for the privilege, they were going to express their views no matter how many people were offended. Now it's possible to just walk away for a while. It will be interesting to see what happens.
>
> Hmm, I suppose it could go that way, too, I hadn't thought of that...I just don't think that people would jump through the hoops to join the group unless they were committed to it in some way. People who just want to harrass would move on to easier pickings. Still the issue of where to draw the line will remain important. I also think this takes the place of the old timers group.
You could even set up a non-paying group at yahoogroups. This would not incur the expenses that you incur with the server etc. One of the things that makes this group special is that it is moderated. You could still moderate that group, Bob.
> > > > I was really just thinking of a small amount as a barrier to entry. Even filling out a form will deter people who aren't really interested. I was thinking about $25 for a year's membership.
> >
> > I know that you can't personally subsidize this site forever but I still think this will be a very sad change. It has been very special. Anybody out there with a trust fund who would like to do a good deed?
>
> If a benefactor wants to step forward, that would be great, but although it would be a change, and maybe even a sad one, it wouldn't necessarily make it less special, would it?
I would be curious if other members feel that $25 a year would just be too much for their budget to bear.
>
> Bob
poster:Lorraine
thread:1192
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20010315/msgs/1482.html