Should FJCruiserForums.com Offer a "Premium Level" Paid Membership?

[ekool]

I'm starting this poll to let people know that we are considering a paid "Premium Membership" level. I'm going to outline the proposed changes below as both the Premium Membership and the Regular Membership users (thats what everyone is at this point) will receive benefits.

We are going to let the majority of the forum decide if we should implement the changes, if the vote is not in the majority we will not add the changes.

Please Note! If we offer premium membership level, it will be totally voluntary. Regular membership will not change in the slightest and you will still be able to take full advantage of the forum.

First let me tell you what our regular membership is going to have changed.

1. Ability to use the iTrader Rating System - This system allows you to leave feedback when you have a transaction with someone on the site. Similar to ebay feedback. You can use it with vendors or private party transactions. Once a user has history, it should help you make a decision on wether or not they are worthy of your trust/faith. More information about the iTrader system can be found here: http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showt...ghlight=trader

2. Increased Photo Gallery Quota - We will increase the user quota in the photo gallery from 15,000kb to 20,000kb.

Now, our Premium Membership will get the following benefits:

1. Ability to use the iTrader Rating System (Just like regular members)

2. Increased Photo Gallery Quota - Instead of the standard 20,000kb you will receive 60,000kb storage space.

3. Increased Private Message Limit - Standard users are limited to having 75 private messages in their inbox. Premium Users will be allowed to have up to 300.

4. Special Premium Membership Image - You will have an image below your avatar that shows you are a premium member. You can see it on the admins/moderators right now, an example image is here:

5. FJCruiserForums.com Email Address - You will be able to sign up for an FJCruiserForums.com email address where you will have POP/IMAP Access to the inbox. The email account will have a 50MB Quota. (You will not have outgoing SMTP access).

For the premium membership, we are looking at a total cost of $30/year.

We do not wish to segregate the forum or create a private area that only premium users have access too. We want all information to be available to all users. However, if we can give you a few benefits such as increased photo gallery storage, email address, etc. and its worth $30 to you, thats great. Its better then a donation because you actually have something to show for your money, and it certainly is not required that you sign up.

Please vote how you feel as votes are private. We will leave the poll open for 1 week.

[micrad]

This is a fabulous option. Helps all of us. Hurts no one. I love democracy...let those who wish the increased benefits to the free site, get them. Those who wish to pay can do so. We all gain...Thanks Ekool.

[MissFJ]

micrad previously said:

This is a fabulous option. Helps all of us. Hurts no one. I love democracy...let those who wish the increased benefits to the free site, get them. Those who wish to pay can do so. We all gain...Thanks Ekool.

Absolutely agree!!!

I would like an email addy and more photo space. It doesn't hurt anyone else! Let me pay for it! You want me to have more photos don't you?

[bandi]

MissFJ previously said:

Absolutely agree!!!....You want me to have more photos don't you?

I AGREE !!! I AGREEEEE !!!!!

[Pancho]

let's all buy missfj's membership

[Scottsfire]

You know.........this really aggravates me. I've been a member I think a little over two weeks and you guys have come up with this for the second time.
For $30 a year, what do I really get....email, ability to put more pictures on this site etc etc. That would be the worst idea and value.

The site is supported by vendors who want our business, let them pay. Sell advirtising space or something but why RUIN a good thing.

Its my OPINION but your getting greedy and its going to kill your site and people are going to jump ship and head to FJcruiserLife.com

Don't ruin this great site!

[ekool]

I'm amazed at the number of people out there who have voted No when they lose absolutely nothing. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face.

[Sandi_k]

I like the above summary - helps some, hurts no one. I voted yes, and I abstained from all the earlier discussion.

On my favorite PWC site, they encourage voluntary donations, and you get a tag that says something like "Supporting Member." I've paid a couple of years now to keep it alive, pay for upgraded servers, etc., and am happy to do so.

Sandi

[aphrodite3500]

Great idea... $30 bucks a year is definitely a reasonable price. I really like the itrader rating system

[ekool]

aphrodite3500 previously said:

Great idea... $30 bucks a year is definitely a reasonable price. I really like the itrader rating system

The iTrader system will be available to ALL members, premium or not. Thats the best part