when i was asking for donation details many many months ago, it was in my mind to donate $50.
but i think $60/yr is way over the top. even the $45 re-subscription.
may i suggest $25 or $30 initial cost, and say $10 or $15 re-subscription...
sure the site costs money to run etc, but what we have to understand is that the subscription scheme will have to rely on member generosity.
unless you were to cut access to most of the site, i dont think we would see many people lining up to pay $45 a year.
it would also potentially scare away potential new members.
i do understand there would still be the free membership allowing normal use of the forum.
perhaps offer a few tiers of membership...
non paying general membership... (basic use of forum)
silver membership... (stickers etc, minus discounts and lanyards)
gold membership (everything pete mentioned)
members continuing a silver membership would not need a 2nd lot of stickers, so $10/yr seems fair.
members continuing a gold membership could pay $20 and retain their discount benifits, or downgrade to a silver membership ($10 and not receive discount benefits)
all just a suggestion...
ps im not having a go at anyone, just voicing my opinion...
i think we have to aim for high volume at low cost, rather than low volume at high cost.
for those who dont understand what i maen,, heres an example...
selling lollipops,,,
street vendor purchases lollipops in bulk for 20c each...
tries to sell them for 50c each and only manages to sell 40.
vendor has made $12.00 profit
another vendor down the street purchases for same price in bulk 20c each, and sells for 40c each, managing to sell 100 lollipops...
2nd vendor has made $20.00 profit.
and putting it into perspective for the forums,
charge members $60 each, 30 people subscribe, opelaus makes $1800...
compared to
charge members $25 each, 200 subscribe, opelaus makes $5000...