fathom - 10:35 pm on Aug 22, 2002 (gmt 0)

I always try to look ahead, down the road, and see all sides of the picture.

D). is really the only option. Why...

well free advice is great, it's so darn good that people tend not to use the search function (even when pointed out). People still want that personalization that people provide and no matter how you look at it, there is always a cost. If there wasn't the forum would have no moderators, senior, preferred, or junior members, no expertise or quality control.

When you get a question (asked ten times) and 10 threads are dropped to answer, this generally means alot of duplication and alot of extra work.

IMHO - the search function and inactive threads should be public domain, allowing the free advice to continue without over-burdening the system and staff. This also allows newbies the opportunity to, not only build knowledge but view the WebmasterWorld internal expertise, in advance of subscription. (DAMN! THAT WAS MY QUESTION PREFECTLY, BUT HE ASKED ABOUT FAST NOT DMOZ!)

The fee would be nothing compared to actually receiving hired help in consulting, web design, programming, SEO etc., not to mention the factual return you actually make on your investment.

Read all you want, but subscribe to post and to get the personalization service you would never get anywhere's else.

This rids the forum of drop domains.

Eliminates (or at least reduces) duplicate posts.

Allows commercial exchanges non-members (for fee) but free to members.

You could also continue the member's rank and tie this to fees (cheaper the more senior you get). The first day... we all would be newbies though - Hee Hee :)!

I doubt there are too many active members that can say they haven't made money on the forums advice freely given, saved the expense of hiring or at minimum didn't deploy that spam trick because another member tried and lost.

Just some more deep thoughts from Fathom.

Rod