If threads keep getting posted complaining about the classifieds here, you run the risk of peeing the mods off and it'll get closed. We lose.
If people stick to Mike's excellent advice on how to protect yourself there, risk is minimized to both buyers and sellers.
I fear that many of the more experienced members that contribute their knowledge for free might start wondering why they bother if they start getting charged for the privilege.
And finally, this paid subscription idea wouldn't have helped you in your case anyway, Chris, based on my limited understanding of what went down. The member would probably have been a paying, long term member.
If threads keep getting posted complaining about the classifieds here, you run the risk of peeing the mods off and it'll get closed. We lose.
If people stick to Mike's excellent advice on how to protect yourself there, risk is minimized to both buyers and sellers.
I fear that many of the more experienced members that contribute their knowledge for free might start wondering why they bother if they start getting charged for the privilege.
And finally, this paid subscription idea wouldn't have helped you in your case anyway, Chris, based on my limited understanding of what went down. The member would probably have been a paying, long term member.
You obviously did not read my very first post,Troy-learn to read.
There is no problem here,as Jason said.It was simply a suggestion.I have not started this thread to go on about my recent loss-other members seem to be going on about that-I have not opened up a can of worms-those that are going on about that -have.
My suggestion was,and- please read,
Was that the introduction of a yearly $10 fee,or as David has put up a once of fee would help improve this great site.go back to my first post to see a few reasons why.
I am feed up with people mentioning my loss,so just move on,and read the words and not 'read' into it.I've never seen a forum so anal as this-people just get the wrong end of the stick and go off on a tangent-nothing like this ever happens on any of the other forums.
... Just a suggestion-this is sure to stir up a hornets nest-but that is not my intention-simply an idea to improve this useful site ..
You were right. You were sure it would stir up a hornet's nest ... and it looks like it has!
As I said earlier though, regardless of the merit or otherwise of the suggestion, the entire argument is probably academic in light of the statement to be found elsewhere on this site ...
You obviously did not read my very first post,Troy-learn to read.
There is no problem here,as Jason said.It was simply a suggestion.I have not started this thread to go on about my recent loss-other members seem to be going on about that-I have not opened up a can of worms-those that are going on about that -have.
My suggestion was,and- please read,
Was that the introduction of a yearly $10 fee,or as David has put up a once of fee would help improve this great site.go back to my first post to see a few reasons why.
I am feed up with people mentioning my loss,so just move on,and read the words and not 'read' into it.I've never seen a forum so anal as this-people just get the wrong end of the stick and go off on a tangent-nothing like this ever happens on any of the other forums.
Chris, maybe you should learn to read, or at least remember what you write. You brought up your "getting burned" in the last paragraph of post #1 of this very thread! So don't have a go at me for mentioning it when you are the one who has posted a couple of threads since the incident, not me. We have moved on, maybe you should too.
And aside from that, it was just an example from me showing why the fee system wouldn't work.
And regarding the meat of your first post, please re-read my post. I clearly gave my reasons why I don't think it's a good idea.
Apologies for getting little short here, but I took your reply personal and hypocritical.
Keep the personal stuff out of it, but all that needs to be said, has already been said about this suggestion.
IceInSpace will NEVER charge a fee to join the site, use the site, read the forums, articles, reviews etc. IceInSpace is 100% free to use and always will be.
As for the classifieds, as Troy said, if people follow the suggestions I've already given in another thread, there shouldn't be any problem.
If people wish to donate a small percentage of a sale as a gesture of "thanks for the service", or if people wish to donate any amount as a gesture of "thanks for the site", then of course we gladly accept and appreciate any donations of any amount.
However we don't need donations to prop up the site. The advertising pays for the site. Donations are simply gestures of good will and it's completely up to any individual if they wish to donate.
I'm comfortable with the way IceinSpace is run. If I wasn't, I guess I would chat with Mike about it, or just go away. I work from the basis that I don't own the IIS site nor control it, I'm just pleased to be part of the community and, if I behave myself according to the Terms of Service (TOS), I should be able to stay a part. I'm confident that Mike, Terry and the moderator team listen to what the members say and make reasonable adjustments from time to time in response, apart from developments they identify themselves. But this ain't no democracy, and I wouldn't expect it to be.
Let's stick to the astronomy, photography and some other general chat things that may interest enough members, within TOS-defined limits, and we should all do just fine.
I think we already get slugged with enough fees for basically everything imaginable out in the big wide wonderful world. The last thing we need is to tax our hobby and enjoyment of it. A poor suggestion IMO as people will be put off and they'll be questioning why they have to pay to get on here (especially in this day and age of rising cost of living etc) when other forums offer essentially the same service for free - and word spreads quickly among a social fraternity like this, which will mean IIS will gradually erode while other sites boom.
Last edited by pgc hunter; 30-10-2011 at 06:13 PM.
It's not really a "poor suggestion", it's just one of probably a few options to try and limit problems (or more specifically, problem members), however, Mike has very clearly spelt out the Admin's position which should be both admired and respected.........and that should be the end of this discussion.
Where did everybody go?
