Members support forum for free?

[rfung]

I'm quite happy with the regular forums - I think I can get most information (or share it) with the mainstream population of WW. But, as one day I was noticing the 'titles' we have under our names 'Senior' 'Prefered', etc, it occurred to me - it would be a nice touch if older/more prolific members have some sort of benefit for their loyalty and participation on these boards - afterall, without whom there would be no boards or information for others to read on.

I realize any sort of substantial benefit such as *ahem* a free/discounted membership to the supporter's forum, might encourage members to post witless banter just to increase their posting count, but I doubt anyone seeking that privilege would be polluting the boards in the first place. So at certain levels, say 500 posts, one could be entitled to getting a 25% discount on the member's forums, and perhaps at 1000 postings a 50% discount. 500 minimum posts is hard enough to reach that it takes some serious dedication to the message board.

Regarding the argument that a paid supporter's forum helps defray the cost of running this site - I'd venture out that if WW is running conferences, it's a safe bet to say that Brett's not in any danger of having to shut down WW for not paying the hosting bills... :)

But since we're not running a charity here, undertandably this whole idea might not sit too well on the bottom line. Anyway, I'd thought to throw it out there.

[freeflight2]

I just joined the supporters forum and I regret that I didn't do that months ago already... because it costs a little bit it also keeps the not so serious people out there and members serious about their profession can exchange information.

[shri]

>> 500 minimum posts is hard enough to reach that it takes some serious dedication to the message board.

You would be very surprised how much junk people would create to get even a dollar discount. Would make the moderators lives miserable...

[trillianjedi]

Would make the moderators lives miserable...

Sure would.

If anything, I would increase the price. As freeflight says, it's the fact that you pay that keeps quality higher.

I was noticing the 'titles' we have under our names 'Senior' 'Prefered', etc, it occurred to me - it would be a nice touch if older/more prolific members have some sort of benefit for their loyalty

They do already. Anyone that's been here for any reasonable length of time has learned enough from the members here about running and marketing a website to make a viable business out of it.

And you want all of that and a discount?!

;-)

TJ