Posted by 8 Miles on January 25, 2004, at 18:10:33
In reply to Fees and Babble, posted by Dinah on January 21, 2004, at 22:56:55
I don't know. Whereas I can see that financial support *could* be an issue if expanded services are deemed necessary by the posters,I don't think Dr. Bob ever set out with the view that his boards would be financed by its posters. Somehow, I feel that fees would be contrary to the stated goal of these boards, which is basically for posters to help each other, and for Dr. Bob to monitor postings for "civility" and offensive content. Dr. Bob clearly points out that this is NOT a board for him to proffer medical advice, but to provide a nexus for people of similar ilk to come together in self-support. However, if it has become too expensive for these boards to be continued w/o some consistant external monetary support, then other options other than mandatory fee-for-service should be explored. One would be to make it KNOWN that money is needed. I suspect that those with the means would answer the call. But to restrict access for non-paying visitors, or to exclude them from posting entirely, is unconscionable. As one of the responders to this link pointed out, many of us cannot afford any extra bills. I know quite a few posters that get by soley on public/ or privately funded assistance. Oh, but they CAN afford a computer with internet access. Well, that may be the ONLY link they have to the outside world. Have you not read posts from people who cannot even leave their home without extreme effort that taxes them terribly? Either the access is free, with support from those in the position to do so, or many of us will have to depart. That, to me, would be a terrible loss to these boards, and inflict irreprarable damage to those without the means to pay. Add more advertising if you have to. Ask the pharmaceutical companies whose products are openly promoted on these boards by posters to ante up. Perhaps requesting honoraria from the companies that benefit from the research and speaking engagements that are derived from poster's comments and commentaries made on these boards.There are, if one looks hard enough, a plethora of alternatives available. No mandatory fees, please. Just one poster's humble opinion.
8
poster:8 Miles
thread:303994
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040112/msgs/305395.html