One huge plus about the fee is the loss of some if not all of the truly antagonistic posts by non domaineers.
Domains are a side business and I come here to learn more, contribute what I know, buy services from others in the forum and just plain enjoy myself.
A lot of money changes hands due directly to this forum. I myself have spent several hundred dollars with other members for services other than domain names solely because this message board exists. Gregr obviously doesn't get a penny.
Here is a loose, bricks and mortar analogy: A flea market charges it's vendors to display their goods. People come to buy and pay an admission fee. The flea market owner covers the cost of his advertising, rental of the hall, etc. and makes a profit. He also profits from refreshment sales.
Without the vendors the flea market doesn't exist.
Essentially this board operates the same way. We are the vendors and Gregr owns the flea market.
Of course some don't vend but if they want to come to the flea market to hang out they still have to pay the admission fee.
The kicker is this. If a flea market charges too much for admission then people won't come. They may show up at the door but once they see the price they may decide to go out for lunch instead or check out another flea market.
Of course the fees are adjusted to a level that is more acceptable however some of the people who have already been to the flea market will not return to find this out.
Ok, I better stop now...could go on for days...
John
