Topic: Forum membership

[sonar2000]

I have posted before and I am posting again.  the forum has over 4500 members and only 50 or so have made any contribution (money) towards the upkeep of the forum.   
This forum is well above any other that I have visited and probably has more contribution to sonar than any other.
We have a base of folks who contribute information to the many seeking answers. I would think that a $25 (USD) donation is not expensive nor out of line.

So to this end I am again asking members who feel that they have a place here and or have been helped,, consider a token of appreciation to the forum in donating a small sum towards the upkeep of the server/software.

No one on this forum receives any money for any thing they do...

Take a few minutes and reflect on your thoughts on joining, help that you have received or information you have referenced thru past postings.

Chuck

[sonar2000]

One thing I see daily is the number of "guests" who access this forum and receive a ton of information with out any consideration for assistance to the site...

These people receive a lott of view, but are not able to post...

We are supporting them.....

Chuck

[Rüdiger]

Hi Chuck

I do not know the actual cost for such a forum, but I think that these costs are covered by advertising ( DrDepth;  SonarTRX and HB).
A global attack at the guests off this forum is inappropriate. 

mvh
Rüdiger

[sonar2000]

It was not meant as an attack  but rather an observation as to registered users compared to members.
Yes some of the ads do help offset but it is a small part of the site.
I, and this is my opinion, that what is available on this site, is not only valuable but very good information and help for HB users.
But then I guess that in todays economy every thing should be free..

Robert does not require anyone to pay any thing to take advantage of the forum...

the post was my view on the number of register users as compared to the number of supporting members..

You dont have to pay anything if you dont want.

It is all free to you...

Chuck

[ITGEEK]

Chuck,
In a perfect world, everyone would contribute and help.
Unfortunately on public forums, just like in other life situations,
some people just take and don't give anything back.  They are called lurkers.
It's just like an office coffee club.  Some people just drink the coffee.
They don't ever make it.  If the coffee pot is empty, they wait
for somebody else to make a fresh pot.

The way I see it, Robert has two choices.
Make the forum members only and charge a standard fee for membership,
or keep it public and just forget about the lurkers.

Good people will contribute money to help Robert keep the forum
going.

The thing is, we all learn from questions from these lurkers.
They may not give anything back, but if they have a problem with
their system, it makes us think and learn more from
some of the replies to their problem.

So in the end, anyone who posts contributes something.

[sonar2000]

I agree with ITGeek. 

All I am doing in posting is to try and get some more of the 4500+ registered users to just help out a bit..
 
It does not have to be $100 or $25  just some help occassionally.

Yes there are some advertisers on the site but that does not pay for the forum entirely...
Yes some members contribute...
In the end Robert makes up the difference...

Yes there are folks who contribute with information and advice.  But that is all part of registering for the forum...
And remember there is no restriction on guest views. They just cant post...
On any given day we can have 20 to 30 guests just viewing  and that is per hour for the most part...

I am not complaining in any way.  Only trying to get some additional funding for the site for those who really care....

Chuck

[newkid4si]

Chuck,
   I mailed a check for 2010 and 2011 last year. Another goes out in December for 2012.
   Didn't want to get involved with PayPal. I look at it as an educational  investment.
   Just to have access to HumminBird Greg is worth every penny. Everyone else is a BONUS !!
   Many posters ask questions and supply answers that have greatly improved my knowledge.
   That improves my enjoyment with the unit on the water.
                     Newkid

[sonar2000]

Thanks to newkid and the others who take the time and help financially with this great forum.

I dont use the paypal either and it is a direct check to the forum via Robert. At any rate how ever you decide to help Thanks...

Again thanks to all for helping not only monterarily but with the worthwhile help and information of your experiences...

chuck