I'm with Reg....I too get enough spam to feed the whole familyOriginally Posted by Reg Mitchell
I say leave it up to the people that run the SMC. If they need it to keep up with the changing needs, then so be it!!!
Member
I'm with Reg....I too get enough spam to feed the whole family
Bigger is better, too much is just right!
Member
Keith---Has this been explained before, in a way such that everyone would be likely to see it? If not, maybe there would be a way of doing so before time runs out, especially if the "new features" could be described as well. The extent of advertising should be described as well, just a banner in the blank spot vs. blinking doodads and other assorted whatnots. Change is difficult for a lot of folks, and to ask this of people, it is best to make the options as clear as possible, otherwise many will envision the worst possible outcome. I would recommend creating a very detailed proposal to put before the members, spelling out all of the advantages of advertising, all of the benefits that would make available, and detail exactly how that would change the look (how invasive/extensive) the advertising would be. I think that's the only way to get a good vote on this, people need to be able to make their own cost vs. benefit assessment before voting.
Do you have any thoughts about my other concern, that of advertisiers wanting to exert some control of content, such as negative reviews of their products?
Dan
Last edited by Dan Forman; 11-27-2006 at 2:56 PM.
Eternity is an awfully long time, especially toward the end.
-Woody Allen-
Critiques on works posted are always welcome
Member
I couldn't disagree more with these statements.
-Linc
Administrator
Dan,
Should we ever decide to use Google Ads the advertisers wouldn't have a direct association with SMC and thus no influence on the content of our Forums. When direct advertising is used there is a close relationship that has to be protected or suffer a loss in financial support. Prior to the system that Google uses advertising would have been detrimental to our ability to openly discuss certain issues. Google offers an alternative that provides a rotating advertisement based on keywords providing ads that are relevant to woodworking subjects.
I have seen sites that use Google ads that are text based links and those who use small graphics. Our System Administrator has researched the possibility in the past and would be able to provide more information about how it works and how he would implement any graphics. Our Fund Drive is almost over and we have already received enough donations to continue as a Members Supported Community for our second year so there isn't any sense of emergency now. We have plenty of time to discuss whether our Members prefer to expand the Creek or keep things exactly as it is at the present time. We hope that donations will continue to be made so we are able to at least build a second server this year.
.
Member
I have a few comments and suggestions, largely based on observations of another very well run site (rennlist.com) I am a member of. Rennlist is a little larger than SMC but consists of members equally passionate about their hobby (cars). Member dues are a little higher ($16-18/yr) and provide a few additional benefits (access to certain forums, posting and viewing pictures. classified ads etc). No pressure from Administrator or moderators to join, however, there can be pressure from individual members. I believe the % of paid members is higher than SMC.
No fund drives at rennlist. I think in general the decision to join a group is a personal one and often triggered by some particularly helpful bit of advice. This can come at any time of the year. Once a member joins they can be sent an annual renewal notice. There are usually enough incentives or reminders during the year to encourage users to sign up as members.
I would replace the 'xxxx contributor' notation with a simple member designation. I am not sure why you want to continue to provide member benefits to a 2005 or 2006 contributor.
In addition to direct member support rennlist also has a number (approx 70) of commercial sponsors. Sponsors have some limited ability to post once in a while about their products and have an ad banner rotated through certain forum boards. I had never noticed any banner ads, however I started looking when I noticed the issues SMC was struggling with. Some of the forums have an ad banner (http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...splay.php?f=58) and some don't (http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...splay.php?f=59).
I think for users to make an informed 'vote' on whether or not they want any commercial interests supporting SMC it is necessary to clearly define the scope of what commercial sponsorship entails. Clearly, there are many examples of offensive and annoying ads which I understand everyone would prefer not to see. On the other hand I believe I have provided an example above of an innocuous ad and have trouble believing it would seriously detract from anyone's enjoyment of this site.
My final suggestion would be to not consider the sponsorship decision to be an either/or one but rather consider having both. Member support could provide the base essentials to run the site with the commercial sponsors funding some of the 'nice to have' features. If you find yourself with too much money you could always sponsor some high school woodworking initiatives...
[OP]
Moderator
Thanks Greg. Those are well stated suggestions. Until last year we didn't have a fund drive. But our numbers have doubled and we needed to do something. We've always tried to keep the site open to all, both members and guests. Until recently, we were able to provide full access to both. That's one of the things that make SMC unique. We, still, are providing access to guests, but we had to cut back on providing access to pictures because it was slowing us down. After the fund drive, we are going to have some discussions about how to continue with the funding. Hope you can join it at that time.
Thanks,
John
Moderator
This one I can answer...at that point in time, many contributors gave more than the suggested $6 per year. Some gave hundreds. We feel that counts when it comes to the few small extra benefits that financial contributors have access to.
--
The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
Member
If someone gives more than the annual membership then they should naturally receive membership for multiple years. For substantial contributions (financial or otherwise) you can add another designation for 'lifetime member'.
I think it is good to instill the notion of an annual membership that needs to be renewed each year.
I also think the $6/yr contribution should be raised. For most contributors on the board it is unlikely to be a deciding factor whether or not they join. If the annual membership rates are increased it would also allow you to provide a usable set of features for those who weren't in a position to contribute or didn't use the site enough to justify membership.
Greg
Moderator
I hear you, Greg. But keep in mind that the $6 is a "suggested annual donation", not a membership "fee". Most folks who donate send multiples of that. SMC registration is free. Access to almost everything at SMC is free. (the downloads in the new plans forum the one major exception...it's a carrot...) Will this ultimately work long term? I don't know. But as Keith has pointed out, SMC is a "valuable market", so if we have to go to Google Ads at some point, we can adapt. That doesn't look like it's going to be necessary for now.
BTW, in order to keep track of things on a more formal bases, Aaron would need to write more code. We have more important needs to use up his copious free time......and so does his lady friend...
--
The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
Member
I found this site in may, when due to illiness I had to take a leave of work.
I sorry to say I really don't have the six bucks this year ,but be sure I will give in future years when times are better. That being said I like the site being ad free, once you start you start with small ads I guarentee it will turn into more until its to much. AARON
[OP]
Moderator
Aaron,
You take care of yourself - we got you covered. Thanks for your support.
John
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