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If you use a site like Astrobin as an example, there is an annual fee which is automatically charged by his system, unless you opt out. However, Astrobin offers a significantly different site than IIS, in that it is a storage site, and now it is backed up. There was a time when it did regularly have database issues but admin has significantly improved the infrastructure.
The second example is Cloudy Nights, which is owned by an astronomy equipment vendor, and where membership entitles a small purchasing discount. Cloudy Nights is a massive site, with a large primarily American membership, so sponsorships, and economies of scale are working there.
I am members of both of those sites, and happily pay my hosting fee at Astrobin (primarily because I do not have to find anywhere else, and I continue to get very nice views despite my not being so active in imaging these days).
I see IIS as primarily a chat site, and a sales board. And frankly the only time some people seem to appear is to flog something in the Classifieds. So yes, if your only selling stuff then be prepared to kick in a percentage of your sale. In recent years, a fair number of older, or longer appearing members, seem to have pulled back a lot. Some if this is likely due to the weariness of age, illness, and a lack of a sense of community which has been noticed. There used to be regular dark site trips in the eastern states, and local trips and events, all if which build the sense if community. All if the big star parties in NSW are gone, one of which was put on by IIS. Even the Astro Society is winding down. Poor Al Meehan is stuck with heaps of Star Party equipment, and a lack of interest in people helping out. Simply, the sense of community and mateship has gone. I organised a couple of Central Coast Morning Tea to get people talking and may be planning. The last time we met last year there were three of us that showed up, and a cornerstone member Al Lovett has sold off his astro equipment. We lost a big personality earlier this year, Alex E, controversial at times, but he got folks excited.
While I appreciate the issues that IIS faces, they are not unique issues, as many people are time poor, aging, and frankly everyone is squeezed financially, especially those with mortgages.
The future may have to look to fees but there needs to be some value associated with charging. And the older cadre needs more help from the younger ones to keep the excitement level up. In my opinion.
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