Hey you know what? There might be "basic" members who have contributed financially to BF. Lets support the forums to keep them up, but let's not turn this into an elitist venue that it seem to be becoming. I had alot more to say about this but I'm just gonna shut up, I'm tired of beating this drum, my arm's tired.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Does BladeForums need help? Let's help!
- Thread starter fulloflead
- Start date
- Joined
- May 9, 2000
- Messages
- 29,205
I also agree with Frank. I do not think that a mandatory membership fee right out of the gate would work. I do however think that if the forum software allows this that when a person first joins BF they should have the title of Guest. After 50 posts the ability to post should be turned off and if someone wants to continue to take part they would pay a $10.00 fee and would then get basic member priviledges.
With the current software it is impossible to turn on avatars for only the paying members. It is all or nothing as far as this is concerned. Maybe that is something vBulletin3.0 will address. From what I understand, this software will allow for password protected forums, and that would give us a chance to get The Pirates Cove going. Basically a no holds barred forum that should be for paying members only.
So Spark, do any of the ideas that we have come up with show promise as far as you are concerned. I really like the idea of a community chest with a running tally on how we are doing. i would also be willing to pay for an even higher grade membership than Gold. Even if all that bought me was whatever that level of membership is called being under my name.
With the current software it is impossible to turn on avatars for only the paying members. It is all or nothing as far as this is concerned. Maybe that is something vBulletin3.0 will address. From what I understand, this software will allow for password protected forums, and that would give us a chance to get The Pirates Cove going. Basically a no holds barred forum that should be for paying members only.
So Spark, do any of the ideas that we have come up with show promise as far as you are concerned. I really like the idea of a community chest with a running tally on how we are doing. i would also be willing to pay for an even higher grade membership than Gold. Even if all that bought me was whatever that level of membership is called being under my name.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2000
- Messages
- 1,496
No, the forum would not "die out" from charging a fee to join it. That's why porn sites are so plentiful. There are a select group of people who want to be here and then there are those who couldn't give a sh*t less if this place stays or goes. Well the only ones that mean anything are the ones who care. And if anybody doesn't care a $1.00 a months worth then as far as I'm concerned they can run along. If you're so concerned about newbies, give them 30 days to try it then charge 'em or kick 'em out. If my way is to extreme, fine. Any of the ideas suggested could work, but somebody has to try them. There are enough people here for us to have Avatars or Sig lines or an archive of pictures but it ain't free nor should it be.
geegee
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2002
- Messages
- 1,453
I remember when the Gold Price was instituted, as I tried to sell a knife and was locked out. I then read the "fine print", and when I inquired if I was being locked out since I hadn't paid $30.00, the answer I received was something like "That's right", or "You've got it", or something nearly as abrupt.
I remember thinking (as the salesman I am), why wouldn't you take the opportunity to respond to a potential new paying customer with an answer like "Yeah, we've started charging this small fee to help defray some of the overhead of the best knife site on the Net. It's a small amount of money for all you'll get back. You can even pay by credit card, using our secure website."...or words to that effect. Instead, my reaction was that that's using all the tact of a typical department store drone, who let's you know in no uncertain terms that they resent you even being in their store, where they might have to help you out.
It just seemed to be a ridiculous way to handle a reasonable request. In the end, it just aggravated me. BTW, I'm not a thin skinned, hyper-sensitive type, if it matters.
All that been said, I do enjoy this place and believe it is time for me to pay up! I guess my point in saying this is that I would have gladly done so sooner, had my initial inquiry been handled in a more "service oriented", non confrontational fashion. Thanks, geegee
I remember thinking (as the salesman I am), why wouldn't you take the opportunity to respond to a potential new paying customer with an answer like "Yeah, we've started charging this small fee to help defray some of the overhead of the best knife site on the Net. It's a small amount of money for all you'll get back. You can even pay by credit card, using our secure website."...or words to that effect. Instead, my reaction was that that's using all the tact of a typical department store drone, who let's you know in no uncertain terms that they resent you even being in their store, where they might have to help you out.
It just seemed to be a ridiculous way to handle a reasonable request. In the end, it just aggravated me. BTW, I'm not a thin skinned, hyper-sensitive type, if it matters.All that been said, I do enjoy this place and believe it is time for me to pay up! I guess my point in saying this is that I would have gladly done so sooner, had my initial inquiry been handled in a more "service oriented", non confrontational fashion. Thanks, geegee
- Joined
- May 9, 2000
- Messages
- 29,205
I'm going to take this back to the top because I think it is very important for members here to read. I am kind of surprised that we have not had more response to this thread.
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2000
- Messages
- 4,798
Yep, there sure are. They buy stuff from 1SKS all the time. Do some of them contribute more than the cost of a premium membership every year? Damn straight they do. But what the hell, eh? Kick 'em out after 50 posts. See ya around.
I agree. And they do.
I would actually laugh out loud at this were it not so pathetic.
Yes, they are buying and buying from 1SKS. Which is their way of flipping in their $X per year. They could easily find a better price on an item, with cheaper shipping. But they don't. They choose to support the forums instead.
Any of this sinking in? I don't know how many of you remember how 1SKS started up in the first place. I do, and I thought it was a fantastic idea right off the bat. There were those who were FURIOUS and felt jabbed in the back by the whole concept of 1SKS. Me, I figgered it a good way to give back to what was giving to me.
But that ain't enuff anymore, is it? You wanna form your charity rooting section with exclusive perks for those of you who wanna dump a load of cash to get a cool sounding title? Go ahead. A no holds barred forum for paying customers only? Have at 'er. Some of you would rather have a badge under your name that sez "I paid", fine. Me, I would rather have a drawer full of knives in my desk, all bought from the store that was began for the very idea of keeping this forum open and productive.
If my way of contributing isn't good enough anymore, y'all just let me know.
- Joined
- May 9, 2000
- Messages
- 29,205
Velitrius, you are correct. There is a small percentage of members here that have bought enough stuff from 1SKS to have contributed more financial support to BF than paying members have. Good for them. Now it is time for these members, just like it is for all the others, to decide if they are willing to contribute more.
It doesn't matter if I think that what you have contributed is or is not enough. What matters is if you think you are pulling your weight. There is definitely more ways to support BF than just getting an upgraded membership, but there a lot of members that have not provided any financial support at all. Maybe it is time they did.
I still think a basic fee for using this forum is a good idea and that a new member should have a limited free usage period to test the waters and see if they want to stick around enough to the fee.
Sorry that it bothers you so much that some of us are proud of what is posted under our names. I am proud of being a Gold member and that isn't going to change because of your opinion. I also believe that there should be a forum here that is only for paying members. If that makes me an elitist and/or an a$$hole, I guess I am going to have to live with that.
Something has to be done to raise the money for a new server, and with all that you wrote in your post, I didn't see one suggestion on how you think that can be done. Your criticism is noted, but without any constructive ideas it really didn't offer anything positive, other than that it gave you the chance to vent. Nothing wrong with that, but if you have any good ideas I would sure love to have you post them.
It doesn't matter if I think that what you have contributed is or is not enough. What matters is if you think you are pulling your weight. There is definitely more ways to support BF than just getting an upgraded membership, but there a lot of members that have not provided any financial support at all. Maybe it is time they did.
I still think a basic fee for using this forum is a good idea and that a new member should have a limited free usage period to test the waters and see if they want to stick around enough to the fee.
Sorry that it bothers you so much that some of us are proud of what is posted under our names. I am proud of being a Gold member and that isn't going to change because of your opinion. I also believe that there should be a forum here that is only for paying members. If that makes me an elitist and/or an a$$hole, I guess I am going to have to live with that.
Something has to be done to raise the money for a new server, and with all that you wrote in your post, I didn't see one suggestion on how you think that can be done. Your criticism is noted, but without any constructive ideas it really didn't offer anything positive, other than that it gave you the chance to vent. Nothing wrong with that, but if you have any good ideas I would sure love to have you post them.
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2000
- Messages
- 2,468
A lot of these ideas make sense to me. The real question is, what will the new software allow for and what does Kevin think about it all? BF has given me a lot and I for one support many of the excellent ideas in this thread.
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2000
- Messages
- 10,027
What a great discussion!
I have seen some great ideas posted, and I agree with most of them.
Velitrius did hit on some things that should be taken into account, but I'm not really sure just how many members here know that 1SKS and BFC are connected, or how much your purchases from 1SKS really support the forums. Spark says that 1SKS pays $2500 a month to support this place, so that means a ton of sales need to be made each month to pay the forum bill, as well as the other overhead Spark has.
Basic members do contribute to BFC, although indirectly, by purchasing from 1SKS. A Gold, Premium, Dealer, or Knifemaker subscription directly supports BFC, so I am an advocate of obtaining a membership, as well as directing purchases towards 1SKS, and the paying dealers.
Spark has said that a new server from Dell (probably the best place to get one IMHO) is around $14,000. Is there any members here who has another idea on how to get the server Spark needs cheaper than Dell's price? How bout some of you computer pro's out there getting together, and building one to Sparks specs, for the cost of parts, or something? What about getting an older server, and upgrading it with new parts?
There has to be a solution here, gang, that Spark is willing to do to obtain the new server, and keep this place running smoothly. We just need to identify that solution.
I have seen some great ideas posted, and I agree with most of them.
Velitrius did hit on some things that should be taken into account, but I'm not really sure just how many members here know that 1SKS and BFC are connected, or how much your purchases from 1SKS really support the forums. Spark says that 1SKS pays $2500 a month to support this place, so that means a ton of sales need to be made each month to pay the forum bill, as well as the other overhead Spark has.
Basic members do contribute to BFC, although indirectly, by purchasing from 1SKS. A Gold, Premium, Dealer, or Knifemaker subscription directly supports BFC, so I am an advocate of obtaining a membership, as well as directing purchases towards 1SKS, and the paying dealers.
Spark has said that a new server from Dell (probably the best place to get one IMHO) is around $14,000. Is there any members here who has another idea on how to get the server Spark needs cheaper than Dell's price? How bout some of you computer pro's out there getting together, and building one to Sparks specs, for the cost of parts, or something? What about getting an older server, and upgrading it with new parts?
There has to be a solution here, gang, that Spark is willing to do to obtain the new server, and keep this place running smoothly. We just need to identify that solution.
not2sharp
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 1999
- Messages
- 20,466
Killing the content will hurt the forums. That content is a treasure that can ultimately make this site. The Bladesforum can develop into a real research library.
The objective should be to stabalize the site by either increasing its' capacity, or limiting its' membership. We have reach a point at which each additional member simply reduces the performance of the site. We are simply over committing our available resources.
The best solution is to increase the capacity of the site, and for that we need money. We can try to raise it by enlarging the percentage of paying members, or, perhaps we could come up with new revenue generating products.
How about rebuilding our links section into a real knives "yellow pages". Even a nominal charge of $5.00 per listing per year might go a long way towards paying for the new servers. It all depends on the cost of additional software and maintenence.
Beyond that I would suggest a basic membership fee of $10.00 per year which would apply after a free 90 day trial period. Kevin should also recognize the customers of 1SKS and perhaps provide a free annual "basic membership" to those who have purchased beyond a given threshold amount.
n2s
The objective should be to stabalize the site by either increasing its' capacity, or limiting its' membership. We have reach a point at which each additional member simply reduces the performance of the site. We are simply over committing our available resources.
The best solution is to increase the capacity of the site, and for that we need money. We can try to raise it by enlarging the percentage of paying members, or, perhaps we could come up with new revenue generating products.
How about rebuilding our links section into a real knives "yellow pages". Even a nominal charge of $5.00 per listing per year might go a long way towards paying for the new servers. It all depends on the cost of additional software and maintenence.
Beyond that I would suggest a basic membership fee of $10.00 per year which would apply after a free 90 day trial period. Kevin should also recognize the customers of 1SKS and perhaps provide a free annual "basic membership" to those who have purchased beyond a given threshold amount.
n2s
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2002
- Messages
- 5,368
This may sound like a Girl Scouts idea, but would probably help in creating some monetary assistance. Bladeforums could raffle off a blade of sorts. I would gladly pay ten dollars for a chance to win a great knife and help out the forums. Just an idea -- I know some smartpants is now going to suggest we have a bake sale. 
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2000
- Messages
- 4,798
Somebody sure recognized that. So did I. So do hundreds of others.
But apparently you didn't.
Keith, I am not berating your method of contributing. If you are happy with upgrading your membership, that is fantastic. Lots of members have chosen this way to do it, and I respect the hell out of each and every person who has chosen to do so. But do not discount the methods of others in their manner to contribute. Maybe you see the "Basic Member" moniker and think "freeloader". Maybe you don't. But the way you come across, it sure seems that way to me.
You know what they have contributed thus far? Just about everything this forum is about. The sheer amount of information and interaction that makes this place great. People don't come in here just to be able to post knives for sale, or use avatars or the search function, or to get into forums that are exclusive to paying members. They come in here because this is the best place in existence to share a compassion for edged tools. Something you can't get at your local watering hole or at work. Or anywhere else on the net, for that matter.
And with that, you will lose alot of that contribution. Sorry, but that is the way it is. There is a basic fact that if people want to fork out something, they want something substantial in return. Yes, I realize that they are getting a virtual treasure trove of information, not only on knives, but on gadgets and gear, tactics and training, hell even political banter. But something substantial is still what people want for their buck. And for this reason, I still think that bolstering 1SKS is the best thing going.
CODE3 really made me think on that one. He's most likely correct. Maybe people don't realize how much their purchase from 1SKS really matters. Then let's work that angle. If the store is the biggest pillar of support, then make it known. I go look at the "specials" page all the time, but then I know it is there. Maybe if you stuck a banner on top linking to this page at the store (something alittle more visible than the little "store" choice hidden in the top menu), it would help people get in the door. I'm not saying that is the end all be all answer, but I still think this is the most attractive way to contribute that I can see.
I am not trying to downplay the financial support that this forum requires. I think that Double-0-Kevin is an absolute animal in his pursuit to keep this place a top notch hangout. Heck, I just watched him bring a forum custom bali project to life for the regulars over at the Balisong Forum. How cool is that? His efforts in this endeavor are not only financial, but creative and intensely invovlved. I think that is wonderful, and I am not criticizing ANYBODY's method of financial support. On that note, neither should anyone else.
Well said, Burchtree. Put me down for a box of the peanut butter ones.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2000
- Messages
- 1,496
Exactly why it is imperative that it be kept alive through several outlets. 1SKS can't do it alone.
You're contradicting yourself. First you agree that that what BF offers is invaluable, then you say that people want something "valuable" for their money and contributing doesn't give them that. I agree people want value. There is no greater knife enthusiast value than BF. I donate money(as many people do) to all kinds of groups and organizations who need/want help. Many of those I get no "value" from other than the pleasure of helping others. With BF,,you get an immeasurable amount.
If Kevin announced tonight that anybody wishing to remain active here must send him $5,,,would you? If not, why not?
Phillip
- Joined
- May 9, 2000
- Messages
- 29,205
Sorry for making anyone feel like a second class citizen.
Supporting 1SKS is a great way to help BF in the long term, but we need to find a way to do so in the short term. Spark needs some money quickly for that new server. What we need are ideas that will raise money in a hurry. The only way that I can see that happening is for a combination of things to happen. People that think it is time to purchase a membership should do so. If you are looking to buy a knife on line now and 1SKS has it, then arrange to purchase that knife from them and if you just want to send in a donation to help out, do so. I think auctions would be a great idea as well.
If there are members out there that don't think they get a $10.00 a year value out of BladeForums then I question why they are here in the first place. As unpopular as this idea is with some of the membership, I am going to continue to advocate a basic membership fee to be able to post here. I like the idea put forward about a 90 day free trial period. Spark has been reluctant to do this in the past and may continue to be so. That is totally up to him, but I think this idea should be put before the membership. If members think it is a good idea, great. If not, so be it.
Vel, I think your way of supporting the forums is as important as purchasing an upgraded membership. Maybe even more so if you purchase a lot of merchandise there every year. The fact is though, that you get something back from that kind of support and you get it back at basically the same price you would have buying this merchandise from any other reputable on-line knife dealer. I don't think that also showing your support with the purchase of a membership should be that difficult a thing to do.
Supporting 1SKS is a great way to help BF in the long term, but we need to find a way to do so in the short term. Spark needs some money quickly for that new server. What we need are ideas that will raise money in a hurry. The only way that I can see that happening is for a combination of things to happen. People that think it is time to purchase a membership should do so. If you are looking to buy a knife on line now and 1SKS has it, then arrange to purchase that knife from them and if you just want to send in a donation to help out, do so. I think auctions would be a great idea as well.
If there are members out there that don't think they get a $10.00 a year value out of BladeForums then I question why they are here in the first place. As unpopular as this idea is with some of the membership, I am going to continue to advocate a basic membership fee to be able to post here. I like the idea put forward about a 90 day free trial period. Spark has been reluctant to do this in the past and may continue to be so. That is totally up to him, but I think this idea should be put before the membership. If members think it is a good idea, great. If not, so be it.
Vel, I think your way of supporting the forums is as important as purchasing an upgraded membership. Maybe even more so if you purchase a lot of merchandise there every year. The fact is though, that you get something back from that kind of support and you get it back at basically the same price you would have buying this merchandise from any other reputable on-line knife dealer. I don't think that also showing your support with the purchase of a membership should be that difficult a thing to do.
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2000
- Messages
- 4,798
I agree. I am not saying that nobody should upgrade their membership here. I am not saying that people should not donate if they feel they should.
No, I said that I see the value in the information that is here. People in general want something substantial.
I don't think I would. I'd order a SureFire light from him tonight if he was hard up for cash, but to tell me I'm outta here unless I send a check? Nah, I'll pass.
And I don't think it is a difficult thing to do either. But it may be for some people, and for that reason I see a mandatory fee for taking part in the forums a bad idea.
Look, I must have a radically different view on contributing than some people do. If somebody comes in here and adds to the knowledge base here, then I appreciate that contribution. If they haven't contributed a dime, I still say "thank you for your contribution". But then again, that's all some people have to give. If others can give more, then thanks go out to them as well. That's fine with me. I am not trying to badger anybody for contributing what they can to something that gives them this much enjoyment. I am merely saying that if you make a fee mandatory, you are going to lose alot of the very contributions that I mentioned above. The informative post here, the tip on sharpening there, maybe the review of the piece you were looking at. Some of this stuff will vanish.
Added features of the forums for paying members is also fine by me. Hey, those are some cool abilities you can get for a few bucks here. If you sell knives, you could probably recoup your membership investment with a few sales. That is neat. Posting pictures is also cool, and worth the investment. Nothing wrong with a members only forum either. I have nothing against offering something extra to those who wanna kick in alittle extra. I am just trying to get this idea across: Make paid membership mandatory and watch membership vanish. I don't think this is the goal that ANYBODY is shooting for.
I applaud your efforts on raising the extra cash, honest I do. But you fail to see that others contribute cash to the very institution that was opened with the idea of keeping this forum open in the first place. You'll gladly take away the search function, hold it over their heads, and say "cough up some dough and you can use this" without a thought that they contribute everything they can. Sure, some people don't contribute a damn dime. Probably most people. But you cannot coerce paid membership. It won't fly. You wanted constructive ideas on raising cash. I am saying mandatory fees for use of this forum is not a constructive option.
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2002
- Messages
- 121
I agree with Velitrius so I think this bears repeating. The way that I see it, this site offers a number of features, the most important of which (by a long stretch) being THE CONTENT. Where does the content come from? The members. Regardless of whether the members are paid or not, they are the most valuable feature that this site has to offer. And if Basic Membership comes at a price, then many (most?) of the Basic Members will just leave. Now I'm sure that a lot of Premium/Gold Members are saying "Good riddance" about now, but they shouldn't. Why? Because their upgraded memberships have now become less valuable. They have less CONTENT to search and they have a smaller AUDIENCE to sell to/trade with on the exchange forums. Thus begins the decline of the forums because with less CONTENT comes fewer paying members who are willing to sustain their memberships.
- Joined
- Sep 23, 1999
- Messages
- 3,831
I want to thank you, Vel, for really showing this side of the issue. I think I only hinted at it a bit in my first post, but I couldn;t have said it better than you have.
Everyone, you have to take into consideration the diversity of people that we have here. Allow me to tell my little story, just to show you what one forumite (who happens to be a basic forumite and a 1999 signee) thinks about on occasion.
As many of you know, I recently got engaged. HOORAY! But let me tell you what the last 20 months was like for me. January before last my then girlfriend and now fiancee went looking at rings. She and I have been going to post-secondary school for quite a while noe (I'm on mmy 7th rear, working on my 3rd degree). We are highschool sweethearts too! So we find some nice rings and I know which one I want to get! Graciously, the woman helping me allowed me to pay over a loooong period of time. I pay my own tuition- no free ride here. Try doing that for 7 years and see how much spare money you have laying around. I also have a mere $900 US in student debt, because I worked my ass off. So anyways, about the middle of the summer (14 months later) I finally pay off the ring and in September I asked her to marry me. But for those 14 months, I was pretty much broke after the 3rd of each month. I'd pay some on the ring, some to tuition and other bills, and leave myself $20 or $30 for whatever through the month- pop, a movie, etc. This last month (November) was the first month I actually went longer than 3 days! I went a whole 3 weeks before having to borrow $30 to get me through the month. WOHOO!
Now here's where the dilemma sets in. As I said in my earlier post, my fiancee bought me an Inova X5T for Christmas and I directed her to 1SKS to get it, to help out the forums. In the past 3 years I've bought 1 knife- that's it! So this was actually the second 'net dealer I've dealt with, and only the 3rd time I've ordered something from a knife place. I know that the shipping companies made more money off fo the deal than 1sks did ($18 US shipping to Canada, about that same amount again for brokerage fees), but I was proud to have finally, indirectly, ordered from 1sks and help out the forums.
Now it turns out I have a bit of boxing-day shopping money to spend this year, and I was thinking of buying a saw and some chisels and a bit of sharpening gear so I could make boxes as a hobby. I make knives, but only in good weather (I work outside) and I want an inside hobby. Now here's the dilemma. I've not bought myself something "bigger" than a book for over 2 years. I am happy to be receiving a christmas present bought from 1sks, as it helps out the forums. But the way some of you are talking, I ought to not get into woodworking, and instead send Spark $30 US (about $50 Canadian). If I do that, I can't get into woodworking. But yes, I do get a lot of value from the forums! Sure I have (indirectly) bought from 1sks now, but that purchase certainly doesn't contribute a whole lot financially to the forums. Last yar for new years resolutions I made a post here saying I'd try to gove more information and comment to the forums, especially to new knife people. That I'd like to think makes a difference around here, but it doesn't buy us a server. So maybe I should send Spark $30. Then again, after 2+ years of not really spending anythign on myself, maybe I deserve to buy a freakin' saw and chisels and enjoy using them, enjoy doing a hobby instead of just reading about a hobby. But then again, I come here almost every day and learn lots and try to contribute lots, so maybe I should buy something from 1sks. But wait, would you pay $30+ in shipping for one item? So maybe I should spend that money on a membership. Then again, $30 US could get me a saw and a chisel, or a slipjoint to enjoy... And I am just one of thousands of members.
And this is just what I am going through. I love the idea of having multiple ways of allowing people to contribute. I could probably send in $10 US. But if this site goes to membership only, I won't be able to hang around anymore. If I had a career instead of a tuition bill, I'd love to get a knifemaker membership. THen maybe I could sell knives I make more easily and get a membership! I actually have sold 2 knives now, both to forumites. Both times I sold a knife I made, the money went to buy christmas presents for my family. I'm going to go work on a knife right now for my 3rd ever customer. She gave me half the money upfront, and that went to christmas presents too. WHen I finish the knife and get the rest of the money, I thought I'd use that to ship my sister's present out to her, and buy a saw. But then again, maybe I should not buy a saw. And I'm right back in this awful loop.
I'd rather see the forums go "contribute what you can, and we love you for it", instead of "you must be this tall, and contribute this much this way, before you can ride the forums".
Everyone, you have to take into consideration the diversity of people that we have here. Allow me to tell my little story, just to show you what one forumite (who happens to be a basic forumite and a 1999 signee) thinks about on occasion.
As many of you know, I recently got engaged. HOORAY! But let me tell you what the last 20 months was like for me. January before last my then girlfriend and now fiancee went looking at rings. She and I have been going to post-secondary school for quite a while noe (I'm on mmy 7th rear, working on my 3rd degree). We are highschool sweethearts too! So we find some nice rings and I know which one I want to get! Graciously, the woman helping me allowed me to pay over a loooong period of time. I pay my own tuition- no free ride here. Try doing that for 7 years and see how much spare money you have laying around. I also have a mere $900 US in student debt, because I worked my ass off. So anyways, about the middle of the summer (14 months later) I finally pay off the ring and in September I asked her to marry me. But for those 14 months, I was pretty much broke after the 3rd of each month. I'd pay some on the ring, some to tuition and other bills, and leave myself $20 or $30 for whatever through the month- pop, a movie, etc. This last month (November) was the first month I actually went longer than 3 days! I went a whole 3 weeks before having to borrow $30 to get me through the month. WOHOO!
Now here's where the dilemma sets in. As I said in my earlier post, my fiancee bought me an Inova X5T for Christmas and I directed her to 1SKS to get it, to help out the forums. In the past 3 years I've bought 1 knife- that's it! So this was actually the second 'net dealer I've dealt with, and only the 3rd time I've ordered something from a knife place. I know that the shipping companies made more money off fo the deal than 1sks did ($18 US shipping to Canada, about that same amount again for brokerage fees), but I was proud to have finally, indirectly, ordered from 1sks and help out the forums.
Now it turns out I have a bit of boxing-day shopping money to spend this year, and I was thinking of buying a saw and some chisels and a bit of sharpening gear so I could make boxes as a hobby. I make knives, but only in good weather (I work outside) and I want an inside hobby. Now here's the dilemma. I've not bought myself something "bigger" than a book for over 2 years. I am happy to be receiving a christmas present bought from 1sks, as it helps out the forums. But the way some of you are talking, I ought to not get into woodworking, and instead send Spark $30 US (about $50 Canadian). If I do that, I can't get into woodworking. But yes, I do get a lot of value from the forums! Sure I have (indirectly) bought from 1sks now, but that purchase certainly doesn't contribute a whole lot financially to the forums. Last yar for new years resolutions I made a post here saying I'd try to gove more information and comment to the forums, especially to new knife people. That I'd like to think makes a difference around here, but it doesn't buy us a server. So maybe I should send Spark $30. Then again, after 2+ years of not really spending anythign on myself, maybe I deserve to buy a freakin' saw and chisels and enjoy using them, enjoy doing a hobby instead of just reading about a hobby. But then again, I come here almost every day and learn lots and try to contribute lots, so maybe I should buy something from 1sks. But wait, would you pay $30+ in shipping for one item? So maybe I should spend that money on a membership. Then again, $30 US could get me a saw and a chisel, or a slipjoint to enjoy... And I am just one of thousands of members.
And this is just what I am going through. I love the idea of having multiple ways of allowing people to contribute. I could probably send in $10 US. But if this site goes to membership only, I won't be able to hang around anymore. If I had a career instead of a tuition bill, I'd love to get a knifemaker membership. THen maybe I could sell knives I make more easily and get a membership! I actually have sold 2 knives now, both to forumites. Both times I sold a knife I made, the money went to buy christmas presents for my family. I'm going to go work on a knife right now for my 3rd ever customer. She gave me half the money upfront, and that went to christmas presents too. WHen I finish the knife and get the rest of the money, I thought I'd use that to ship my sister's present out to her, and buy a saw. But then again, maybe I should not buy a saw. And I'm right back in this awful loop.
I'd rather see the forums go "contribute what you can, and we love you for it", instead of "you must be this tall, and contribute this much this way, before you can ride the forums".