Should I make Silver memberships free?

[Fearless]

People have spoken and I have listened. I need some feedback.

Should I make Silver memberships free? Silver memberships allow browsing of the entire site. Right now everyone in the world can browse the advertising section.

I posted in another thread my reasoning and here it is:

A lot of us have posted things that could come back on us and bite us in the ass. I've had numerous PMs where members have requested that threads be deleted because they wrote things they shouldn't have. At least this way it will cost $9.95 for someone to dig up dirt to use against you. We are also going to have 2 week trial Silver memberships. The dirt diggers will at least have to have to jump through some hoops to read.

And please don't use this thread to post remarks like "everything should be free". Please stick to the topic.

 

[NamePopper.com]

*popper pats duke on the back for being such a good sport - and great member*

 

[Nexus]

Yes. Much like the rest of the Internet.

~ Nexus

 

[dotNetKing]

Originally posted by -RJ-
Well done. Now there's a better possibility of seeing the membership grow, insted of slowly watching it dwindle from it's current size.

Agree

How about limiting the silver members to one post a day, so they can get a "taste" of what it's like to be a DNF member. razz: mmm.... yummy) [/B]

Disagree.

Posting is giving, usually.

I don't think there should be a charge for giving.

Starting a thread is often (but not always) requesting help or something.

It would be a bit more logical if charges were made for starting a thread, rather than posting replies/follow ups.

 

[RON2]

Originally posted by dotNetKing
It would be a bit more logical if charges were made for starting a thread, rather than posting replies/follow ups.

If I read that right, you're suggesting limited new threads to paying members but allow free members to reply to existing threads?

 

[dotNetKing]

Originally posted by -RJ-


If I read that right, you're suggesting limited new threads to paying members but allow free members to reply to existing threads?

I don't necessarily think that starting new threads should be limited to paying members.

But I do think that contributing with replies and comments to threads that have already been started is a positive thing (normally), and it doesn't quite seem right to charge for contributing in this way.

Is my logic flawed?

 

[Ed30]

Originally posted by gregr

Should I make Silver memberships free?

Yep.

 

[Manic]

Originally posted by dotNetKing

It would be a bit more logical if charges were made for starting a thread, rather than posting replies/follow ups.

I think that's a VERY BAD IDEA.

Starting new threads, and posting to existing threads, should both be accessible.

Why?

Because, if members have to pay to start a new thread, some will just try to divert the existing threads with unrelated requests and information.

It would become a mess.

---------

*edit* ... I voted YES! GregR, please keep this forum accessible to all, or it will die... *edit*

 

[Biggie]

I agree silver should be free,with restrictions as to starting threads. maybe requiring a certain number of replys to threads before ability to create a thread.

It would have also very nice for members with high number of posts to get discounts on pricing of other plans, before implementation. Therefore probability of higher retention of membership. It adds to the integrity of information if you have lots of members with many postings. It shows longevity to the newbies.

Thanks for restoring some freedom to the internet.

 

[hiOsilver]

Posting can be either giving or taking. If you post a request for info, that is taking.

 

[mole]

Originally posted by gregr
Silver memberships are now free. There goes $70 down the drain. I refunded all the people that signed up for Silver memberships.

Wow You can actually teach an old dog new tricks

 

[DNWizardX9]

browsing is free ;p

 

[ObtainADomain]

Originally posted by gregr
Silver memberships are now free. There goes $70 down the drain. I refunded all the people that signed up for Silver memberships.

Bravo! This decision just makes good business sense as most of us are trying to sell domains here & this allows the general public to see our wares.

This decision will also fend of other domain forums from rivaling dnforum's undisputed #1 status.

Go Superman!

 

[tino]

Okay, perhaps I'm the only one but...

If you want to sell Platinum accounts, there have to be some advantages. One of those might be that these members get some premium access to some part of the sites.

For example; being able to view posts in the SALES thread one day before others can see them. In this way, Platinum members could get a great benefit over the other users.

Ofcourse, this may be difficult to implement... But this way I think the "Browse Everywhere" function shouldn't have to be free!

Tino

 

[Skywalker]

I agree silver should be free.

 

[Nexus]

Late to the party, SkyWalker. Welcome to dnforum, though.

~ Nexus