Alternative to "Members Only" forum

[TangoWhiskey]

There was some discussion in this thread about creating a "private" forum that's not indexed by Google; discussion centered around limiting access based on number of posts, etc.

Alternative: another forum I subscribe to has a similar feature, but in a way that, if applied here, would help support POA monetarily (for hardware/software/bandwidth upgrades, including paying Jesse back for his current hardware investment, as I think we are still in the red there). I know I'd fork over $20/year to support this site and gain access to a set of private paying-members-only set of non-indexed forums. I think there is already an "upgrade" feature here that gives you a larger avatar and inbox; it could be tied to that functionality... support the site financially, gain access to the "private" forums.

While membership to SatelliteGuys.US is FREE, we do offer subscriptions which help us pay to keep the lights on and the server running. Those who become what we call a "Pub Member" , the price of this subscription is $19.95 a year and here is what you get for your money:

* Access to our Private Pub Members Forum
* Elimination of over 90% of the ads! (You will only see the top banner ad and the Gold Sponsors)
* A larger Private Message box, store 1000 Private Messages instead of only 25!
* The ability to have your own ANIMATED Avatar!
* Ability for you to post FOR SALE items in our Classifieds Section!
* Access to our Private Back Room Forum - An optional forum where adults can hang out and discuss adult topics.
* A special icon next to your username in all your posts which tells everyone your a supporter!
* The good feeling that you help one of America's Most Popular Satellite sites stay online!

AND MORE!

 

[jesse]

An interesting idea Troy - something to think about - but overall I'm pretty opposed to any situation where members feel they must make a financial contribution. An "elite" area of the forum where you must pay to play seems to be against the original founding concept.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

Now Troy, that really is elitist.

And since I'm a starving student once again, I'm back to pinching pennies where possible for the moment.

 

[jsstevens]

How does one support POA financially (and get the nifty POA Support banner)?

 

[Bill]

A fashion statement that never goes out of style:

 

[jsstevens]

A fashion statement that never goes out of style:

I was just cleaning out the hall closet where we keep our coat s & jackets and found one of these. No idea where it came from. I had one in the 80's but it was darker and not made of "raincoat" material.

 

[Bill]

I was just cleaning out the hall closet where we keep our coat s & jackets and found one of these. No idea where it came from. I had one in the 80's but it was darker and not made of "raincoat" material.

At that time I had a knockoff version of that jacket, which I kinda thought was funny.

 

[jsstevens]

At that time I had a knockoff version of that jacket, which I kinda thought was funny.

That's what you call ironic. Mine was also.

 

[mscard88]

I was just cleaning out the hall closet where we keep our coat s & jackets and found one of these. No idea where it came from. I had one in the 80's but it was darker and not made of "raincoat" material.

Haha I had one!

 

[LDJones]

At that time I had a knockoff version of that jacket, which I kinda thought was funny.

So was that a "Wannabe Members Only" jacket??

 

[Ravioli]

This thread could be the Necro-of-the-month. 6yrs 2mnths before resuscitation.

 

[Badger]

admittedly I did not read much of the link in the OP.

What would be the content or characteristics of the 'members only' space that would justify the cost of admittance?

 

[sferguson524]

admittedly I did not read much of the link in the OP.

What would be the content or characteristics of the 'members only' space that would justify the cost of admittance?

Spin Zone?

 

[Acrodustertoo]

Makes sense to someone - to be allowed access to a part of the forum so they can get belittled and talked down to but this time with the added bonus of paying for it.

 

[sferguson524]

Tongue was firmly in cheek.

 

[Anymouse]

admittedly I did not read much of the link in the OP.

What would be the content or characteristics of the 'members only' space that would justify the cost of admittance?

Don't know. Over at the Purple Board, it's all "Members Only," but with no cost. Google, etc. can't index it.

I've seen other boards that allow you into the "Inner Sanctum" if you pay an annual fee. From what I've heard, those areas tend to be not worth it. The folks in there feel entitled and get seriously butt hurt on the merest slight.

 

[Ravioli]

From what I've heard, those areas tend to be not worth it. The folks in there feel entitled and get seriously butt hurt on the merest slight.

No kidding. I know a place we can get that for free!

 

[Everskyward]

admittedly I did not read much of the link in the OP.

What would be the content or characteristics of the 'members only' space that would justify the cost of admittance?

Someone resurrected a thread from six years ago...

 

[jsstevens]

Someone resurrected a thread from six years ago...

It was me. Sorry. I just searched for "POA Supporter" and this was the only thread that turned up. I've since started another one...

 

[kayoh190]

What would be the content or characteristics of the 'members only' space that would justify the cost of admittance?

I don't look at it like that. You donate to PoA simply because you want to support PoA. The members only section is merely a perk that comes from the donation. Therefore, I don't see it as having to 'justify' the cost.