In his newest note on the topic, Eric notes that the contributions come from the same people from year to year, and that last week only a dozen contributions were received.
That means there are many, many hundreds who visit the site regularly, enjoy it in some fashion, and don't contribute a plugged nickel. What is that about? Is it the modern idea that everything on the Internet should be free? Is it laziness? Is it cheapness? Is it a suspicion that Eric is somehow double-dipping? (If it's that be man enough to say so.)
I wonder how many of those who don't contribute would be upset if the site were shut down. Of that group, I wonder how many could afford $20 a year or some such?
I just don't understand the thinking. Crap on me all you like, but also consider your own motives. I think this sucks, even if we squeak through again for another year.
Pile on me all you like, now. Then go to Paypal.
Nowhere does it say "pay site" it is a free site, and one of the best sites around yes. But some people are laid off and can not afford a penny...Dont make people feel bad who don't contribute to a site.
I am laid off with no income but I will donate what I can today
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and yes I eventually was laid off with a wife family and house.
I'm sorry you you got laid off but there's no way in hell I would have done the same. I guess that shows your loyalty to this internet message board?
It shows you what you want it to.. I find BBI a great resource for my favorite team and entertainment and I found that it was worth my support.
There's plenty of people who can afford it, and spend shit loads of time here who don't donate.
When people complain about things on the site to Eric, the first thing I would do if I were him is check if they donated. If they didn't donate, I'd kindly tell them to fuck off
That model has been a consistent failure on the internet. New people will not pay for an account when they haven't experienced whether it's worth it or not.
Well I won't be coming to this site but life will go on an I will still watch Giants football.
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Grandfather existing members in; and charge newcomers one time sign up fee. It would reduce dependency on donation drive and also eliminate dupes/trolls. Could still have annual donation drive but poor showing in a particular year could be offset by new annual BBI enrollees. Just a thought.
That model has been a consistent failure on the internet. New people will not pay for an account when they haven't experienced whether it's worth it or not.
it works with the old people. I think my father is one of the 1M+ people who still pay AOL for dial-up because they can't figure out how to cancel.
Eric should target the older BBI crowd, get on auto-pay plans and those usually even last until a few months (at least) past death.
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Grandfather existing members in; and charge newcomers one time sign up fee. It would reduce dependency on donation drive and also eliminate dupes/trolls. Could still have annual donation drive but poor showing in a particular year could be offset by new annual BBI enrollees. Just a thought.
That model has been a consistent failure on the internet. New people will not pay for an account when they haven't experienced whether it's worth it or not.
Problem is when most people experience BBI (or at least the forum) they won't want to pay for that either.
Well I won't be coming to this site but life will go on an I will still watch Giants football.
Sorry not buying the blase attitude..Many of us check in a zillion times a day..You think you can flick a switch and simply go elsewhere? Most other sites really, really suck, format and information-wise...As far as football is concerned(my only sports interest), I'd feel the loss of BBI big time..No problem admitting that..Not sure how many others would honestly come clean about that
I'm with you on that one Doc, were this place to disappear I'd miss the hell out of it.
As far as pricing goes, a subscription to post would kill new signup numbers to the long term detriment of the site, and I'm not a fan of separate boards for paying members, as that dilutes the conversation. Perhaps creating user tiers instead? Have level 1 be free, can view and comment on threads, but not create new threads. Level 2 for $5 a month or $50 a year (incentive discount on the longer term purchase) gets full privileges to create new threads as well as the basic level 1 rights. Would that work? I don't know, it's something I think most folks would be able to afford though.
Hahahahaha! Fuck him.
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Grandfather existing members in; and charge newcomers one time sign up fee. It would reduce dependency on donation drive and also eliminate dupes/trolls. Could still have annual donation drive but poor showing in a particular year could be offset by new annual BBI enrollees. Just a thought.
That model has been a consistent failure on the internet. New people will not pay for an account when they haven't experienced whether it's worth it or not.
The other way around might work though. Maybe you charge current members an amount that would be painless for most ($5 or $10 per year), and then you let newcomers use it for free for a year or two before they pay the $5 or $10.
Heh...best post of this thread