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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.
How many "paided members" are there?
- Thread starter TODD1
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 22, 1999
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- 3,357
I am a capitalist. I trade value for value. I don't buy things that have no use to me.
I am not in the habit of donating my money for nothing. I belong to AKTI and the NRA not because I like giving them money or consider it "the right thing to do," but because I gain value for it: political influence over subjects important to me (though AKTI is but a fledgling organization in this regard).
Bladeforums exists in its current state specifically because of the participation of its members. I gain as much from Bladeforums as it gains from me in this regard.
Gotta jump in - right on Razoredj! I'm not against Sparks making a profit or anything else like that. I dislike this stupid peer pressure and "holier than thou" attitude that comes from a multi-tiered system. It's no one's business whether or not I pay for anything.
I have learned a lot here, and hopefully contribute as well. I will say, however, to all the self righteous folks espousing the value of the forum, I think I have learned just as much, if not more information from buying Ed Fowler's book and video. At least, that's how I see it.
This forum is a good source of information, but there are other good ones also.
I have learned a lot here, and hopefully contribute as well. I will say, however, to all the self righteous folks espousing the value of the forum, I think I have learned just as much, if not more information from buying Ed Fowler's book and video. At least, that's how I see it.
This forum is a good source of information, but there are other good ones also.
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2000
- Messages
- 3,769
I think Razor's number of "200" (I know it is a personal estimate) active members is likely rather conservative. I agree with the sentiment that only a portion of the 12,000 "members" are regularly active. But I would have thought the number to be much higher. If I were to guess, I'd think there were maybe 1,500-2,000 active members (people viewing and posting every couple/few days). I'm sure that there are some firm stats available somewhere.
Numbers I've heard are that there are about 1,000 posts a day (if memory serves me right). Also, almost every time I've logged on, there is a minimum of 75 people "signed on" (more often, significantly over 100), even at odd hours (not really odd hours), like after midnight west coast time. Heres whats currently posted on the opening screen:
Like Rick said:
Numbers I've heard are that there are about 1,000 posts a day (if memory serves me right). Also, almost every time I've logged on, there is a minimum of 75 people "signed on" (more often, significantly over 100), even at odd hours (not really odd hours), like after midnight west coast time. Heres whats currently posted on the opening screen:
So I think were more likely looking at a ratio of 151 to 2,000 (give or take). Still dismal.
Like Rick said:
That's where I'm at.
- Joined
- Feb 22, 1999
- Messages
- 3,357
Your welcome.
For the record, Ron, when I said a "few hundred" I was thinking more like 400 or even 500, but you're right, I'm probably shooting a little low there.
Also for the record, you will never hear me complain about paying for anything. I will either pay for what I want, or I won't have it, but no one will ever be able to say truthfully, "That Razor, he's a real whiner."
There is, perhaps, an element of human nature at work, too -- something to which even I am not immune. If I believe I am being pushed, I will push back. Hard.
Off-topic: I appreciate your presence here, Ron. I wish more representatives from knife companies took the time to participate actively here. (I don't even mind a bit of good-natured product plugging as part of the exchange.) I know we have more than a few industry representatives here, but your posts are frequent, and it's reassuring to see a company take an interest in a pool of potential customers like this one.
For the record, Ron, when I said a "few hundred" I was thinking more like 400 or even 500, but you're right, I'm probably shooting a little low there.
Also for the record, you will never hear me complain about paying for anything. I will either pay for what I want, or I won't have it, but no one will ever be able to say truthfully, "That Razor, he's a real whiner."
There is, perhaps, an element of human nature at work, too -- something to which even I am not immune. If I believe I am being pushed, I will push back. Hard.
Off-topic: I appreciate your presence here, Ron. I wish more representatives from knife companies took the time to participate actively here. (I don't even mind a bit of good-natured product plugging as part of the exchange.) I know we have more than a few industry representatives here, but your posts are frequent, and it's reassuring to see a company take an interest in a pool of potential customers like this one.
- Joined
- Oct 4, 1998
- Messages
- 696
I subscribed to the Gold club membership 4 days ago because I have used and enjoyed this forum from the beginning. I believe everybody needs to be compensated for there work period. I use and support my local businesses as well, because if you don't they might not be there down the road. Prior to this I would occasionally by a knife or product to show support. I have met alot of good friends thru this forum and have found a great hobby to keep my hours of free time in check.
I can say one thing for sure. I knew that a pricing structure was going to be put in place. I have been looking for a while but only found where to sign up 4 days ago. Maybe this needs to be in BOLD print so it's easier to find for us old farts!
I can say one thing for sure. I knew that a pricing structure was going to be put in place. I have been looking for a while but only found where to sign up 4 days ago. Maybe this needs to be in BOLD print so it's easier to find for us old farts!
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2000
- Messages
- 3,769
Razor,
Thanks for the kind and sincere comments. I do try to make a difference for SOG as well as for the knife community at large.
Regarding "good natured product plugging," I do try very hard (not always successfully...we all have our "off days") to keep these plugs in the SOG Forum or restrict myself to simple answers to people's questions or misconceptions about our products outside the SOG Forum. Sometimes I'll even say something like "for more info, email me or visit the SOG Forum" instead of elaborating. Ill also privately email the good natured product plug instead of forcing it on everyone else (usually to those Im looking for a certain type of knife that might fit the profile of something we sell). I understand the downside to being too overt.
I do enjoy just having fun here!
[End touchy-feely mode.]
Thanks for the kind and sincere comments. I do try to make a difference for SOG as well as for the knife community at large.
Regarding "good natured product plugging," I do try very hard (not always successfully...we all have our "off days") to keep these plugs in the SOG Forum or restrict myself to simple answers to people's questions or misconceptions about our products outside the SOG Forum. Sometimes I'll even say something like "for more info, email me or visit the SOG Forum" instead of elaborating. Ill also privately email the good natured product plug instead of forcing it on everyone else (usually to those Im looking for a certain type of knife that might fit the profile of something we sell). I understand the downside to being too overt.
I do enjoy just having fun here!
[End touchy-feely mode.]
And I like his posts over in the Political forum, so back off!
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2001
- Messages
- 614
I like Razor for bring up awareness on issues that I am not up to date on. I also like Ron presence that shows SOG commitment to the community. We need to chill out more in this forum.
- Joined
- Mar 20, 1999
- Messages
- 7,497
Keith:
You are sooo right, this problem has been manifesting itself more and more ever since the change happened. Why in the world people who have gold membership or premium membership think they are more important than everyone else is beyond me.
I have a gold membership, and it doesn't mean a damn thing to me. I bought my membership to support one of my favorite places, and so I could use all the goodies it has to offer....NOT to feel superior over anyone.
I am speaking for myself, but I think its a shame that people are turning it into a rank war, and its truly ruining this place. Have we all forgotten that we used to believe that all members were equal here? Spark didn't create the premium and gold memberships to create rank, simply do signify what level of resources a specific member has available to them, and possible for each of us to feel proud that to display that pride in supporting Blade Forums.
Guys, we need to stop this, please we really do. We're slipping quick, lets stick to what we love...knives. If we do that maybe just maybe we'll recapture what was (is) so special about Blade Forums.
You are sooo right, this problem has been manifesting itself more and more ever since the change happened. Why in the world people who have gold membership or premium membership think they are more important than everyone else is beyond me.
I have a gold membership, and it doesn't mean a damn thing to me. I bought my membership to support one of my favorite places, and so I could use all the goodies it has to offer....NOT to feel superior over anyone.
I am speaking for myself, but I think its a shame that people are turning it into a rank war, and its truly ruining this place. Have we all forgotten that we used to believe that all members were equal here? Spark didn't create the premium and gold memberships to create rank, simply do signify what level of resources a specific member has available to them, and possible for each of us to feel proud that to display that pride in supporting Blade Forums.
Guys, we need to stop this, please we really do. We're slipping quick, lets stick to what we love...knives. If we do that maybe just maybe we'll recapture what was (is) so special about Blade Forums.
- Joined
- Feb 22, 1999
- Messages
- 3,357
Ron -- I didn't mean to imply that you were guilty of such plugging; in fact, I've actually noticed that you go out of your way not to do that. I'm saying you could get away with more of it, as far as I'm concerned.
Oh, and thanks, everyone, for the compliments.
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2000
- Messages
- 3,278
look kiddies,
if you paid,great! good for you. enjoy the special features.
hell, i even plan on paying soon,but money is tight fer me right now.
if you didnt,great! good for you.
BUT QUIT WHINING.
if you dont want to pay,then dont.
i,as well as several other are getting tired of this.
you dont pay,then start threads about not paying,and expect paying members to not try to get you to pay?
come on.
lets get back to knives.
if you paid,great! good for you. enjoy the special features.
hell, i even plan on paying soon,but money is tight fer me right now.
if you didnt,great! good for you.
BUT QUIT WHINING.
if you dont want to pay,then dont.
i,as well as several other are getting tired of this.
you dont pay,then start threads about not paying,and expect paying members to not try to get you to pay?
come on.
lets get back to knives.
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2000
- Messages
- 736
Yes!
I have to agree, BF is only one of many places that I get information. I buy magazines, and buy books, sometimes I get information from makers I buy knives from (too bad I only know a couple, wish I knew all the ones here on BF). Once in a while I even get lucky and get some info from a store where I buy things.
Sadly, I have to take advantage of all the sources of information I can find because, I fear, that my knowledge of knives and their making doesn't amount to a hill of beans compared to any of the makers that frequent BF.
I guess some would consider my lack of hubris a personal defect but, I just can't see my contributions coming even close to all the knowledge being diseminated by so many.
Steve-O
I have to agree, BF is only one of many places that I get information. I buy magazines, and buy books, sometimes I get information from makers I buy knives from (too bad I only know a couple, wish I knew all the ones here on BF). Once in a while I even get lucky and get some info from a store where I buy things.
Sadly, I have to take advantage of all the sources of information I can find because, I fear, that my knowledge of knives and their making doesn't amount to a hill of beans compared to any of the makers that frequent BF.
I guess some would consider my lack of hubris a personal defect but, I just can't see my contributions coming even close to all the knowledge being diseminated by so many.
Steve-O
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2000
- Messages
- 3,769
For me, my expression of joining membership was not at all bragging. It was more as a rallying point to encourage others to join as well. That might be the motivation of others, as well.
[By the way, my membership is a personal membership out of my pocket, not to be reimbursed by SOG. It is not a business-oriented expense for me, or a corporate endorsement of this site...If anyone else was wondering.]
[By the way, my membership is a personal membership out of my pocket, not to be reimbursed by SOG. It is not a business-oriented expense for me, or a corporate endorsement of this site...If anyone else was wondering.]
- Joined
- Oct 4, 1998
- Messages
- 4,131
Mo and Steve O. Very well put.
I would like to see the forum supported, but membership level is meaningless beyond that. If we do not have a big group of basic members then we will not grow. If they feel that they want to support the site they will, that is their business, but there should be no ranking. (Other than Spark and of course V.G. )
I would like to see the forum supported, but membership level is meaningless beyond that. If we do not have a big group of basic members then we will not grow. If they feel that they want to support the site they will, that is their business, but there should be no ranking. (Other than Spark and of course V.G.
)
- Joined
- May 9, 2000
- Messages
- 29,205
I think people have made some very valid points here. The one that I think is the most important is that we lighten up on this subject and get back to posting about knives. After all that is what we are all here for, right?
Razor, I uderstand what you are saying. I get my back up when I feel I am pressured just like you. We will all do what we think is right and that is all that can be asked.
Razor, I uderstand what you are saying. I get my back up when I feel I am pressured just like you. We will all do what we think is right and that is all that can be asked.
- Joined
- Oct 4, 1998
- Messages
- 696
All I did was to respond to the question asked in the original post.
"How many "paided members" are there?"
I justified it by my own reason's for joining. Everybody has choices in life to make. To me this was a no brainer for me since I enjoy it here and personally know Spark and Mike. Wasn't tring to ruffle any feathers.
"How many "paided members" are there?"
I justified it by my own reason's for joining. Everybody has choices in life to make. To me this was a no brainer for me since I enjoy it here and personally know Spark and Mike. Wasn't tring to ruffle any feathers.