How about offering a membership package?

[jb666]

Nothing huge.. A small yearly fee that would give you "elite member" status... It could help with server fees/upgrades and give users things like larger mailboxes, etc...

It's a huge success on sites like Corvetteforum, where they offer 3 different "plans" from simple to Gold. Each plan has a different level of benefits, but it helps the (site owner) generate some revenue for things that are necessary. Here are their plans:

Supporting Member        
Cost:
US$25.00

Lifetime Supporting Member        
Cost:
US$100.00

Supporting Gold Member   
Cost:
US$50.00

Lifetime Supporting Gold     
30 years $200

The thing I'd be willing to pay for would be a larger PM Box. I know this uses server resources, so I'm not even sure if it's an option.

Just a thought 

[WingCharger]

There was a IH forum that tried that. Conflict between paid and unpaid members ended up causing it to completely collapse and shut down.

[jb666]

There was a IH forum that tried that. Conflict between paid and unpaid members ended up causing it to completely collapse and shut down.

Yeah, I could see that.. "Paid" members thinking they are better then "FREE" members..

On CF the old site admin (TROY - Not related to our Troy) didn't have a problem banning paid lifetime members for stepping out of line.. That's when the s**t would hit the fan..

I always remained a "free" member there.. But I'm more comfortable posting here, so my PM box fills up quick 

[69bronzeT5]

I think it's not too good of an idea...mainly because like you said...Paid members thinking they're better than the Free members. A guy on  For A Bodies Only suggested a section for Free/Giveaway/Trade just for Gold (paid) members.

[Troy]

Well, that's sort of the idea isn't it? There has to be some sort of incentive. On the old site we had a contributor's section where we had giveaways and special deals so it's not a new concept here. There was a bit of the "I gave money so I deserve special treatment" attitudes. When I took over the site there was somewhat of a trust issue so I haven't asked for money nor have I looked for outside support. I didn't want to have to deal with it at the time (still don't actually). Something will come up in the near future but I haven't decided how much or how soon just yet.

Troy

[Khyron]

Vette people have to much money if they pay to be special on a web site IMO

I will donate when Troy says he wants donations. But I dont seek anything from it.

[69bronzeT5]

Vette people have to much money if they pay to be special on a web site IMO

I will donate when Troy says he wants donations. But I dont seek anything from it.

[jb666]

Just tossing an idea out there.. Sorry to ruffle any feathers here.

Vette people have to much money if they pay to be special on a web site IMO

I will donate when Troy says he wants donations. But I dont seek anything from it.

I don't think it's just "vette people" either..  There are TONS of forums out there with paid memberships.

[skip68]

I'll donate.    As far as being better than anyone else, I already am.    Nothing will change with me. 

[jb666]

I'll donate.    As far as being better than anyone else, I already am.    Nothing will change with me. 

Oh me too. If there was a "Donate here" button on this website I already would have... I think this site is great, period.

Like I said, not out to ruffle feathers.. I guess what it came down to was trying to expand the PM box and paying for a new/bigger server. How about if I could get a mammoth server set up at the same (or lower) cost than this site was currently running on 

[Khyron]

Just tossing an idea out there.. Sorry to ruffle any feathers here.

didnt mean to seem cross It's all good.

[jb666]

 

It's all good!

[bakerhillpins]

Yea, I was just looking for a donate button to.

Guess I am going to have to get Inventive!

[Silver R/T]

Troy could just setup "Donate" button on the page where you could donate a few bucks via PayPal, some other sites have that feature. Just an idea.

[jb666]

Troy could just setup "Donate" button on the page where you could donate a few bucks via PayPal, some other sites have that feature. Just an idea.

I like the idea, that way there's no "advantages", no benefits, just a way to help out and give back to the forum!!

[moparstuart]

 I love this site , I would also like to donate if and when troy gets/wants it set up.

    ps  chuck your the best     

[Fitz73Chrgr]

Troy could just setup "Donate" button on the page where you could donate a few bucks via PayPal, some other sites have that feature. Just an idea.

I like the idea, that way there's no "advantages", no benefits, just a way to help out and give back to the forum!!

Agreed.  I'm sure a majority of active members who can afford to donate will. 

I used to frequent an F-Body forum that charged a small membership fee.  I was not a paying member, but went to a meeting and was given quite a few strange looks for not being one of the "elite" members.  Pretty soon the membership fee grew, and before long it was more affordable to modify your car than to be a member of the site.  I went back a few weeks ago looking to post a "WTB" ad for some tires and a few other parts & now you can't even post unless you're a paying member! Rediculous!

[mikepmcs]

Something will come up in the near future but I haven't decided how much or how soon just yet.

Troy

I'm outta here.


And for the record I'm even better than Chuck who is better than everyone else, so I guess I'm the betterest.  I'll go ahead and set up a button next to my avatar so you guys can donate to me so I can donate a portion to Troy to help with the site and to most importantly keep me on the site which I know is the main focus here.

"I'm what Willis was talking about"

[jb666]

Something will come up in the near future but I haven't decided how much or how soon just yet.

Troy

I'm outta here.


And for the record I'm even better than Chuck who is better than everyone else, so I guess I'm the betterest.  I'll go ahead and set up a button next to my avatar so you guys can donate to me so I can donate a portion to Troy to help with the site and to most importantly keep me on the site which I know is the main focus here.

"I'm what Willis was talking about"

Mike... Put down the crack pipe and step away from the keyboard 

[69bronzeT5]

Mike and Chuck are both wrong....I'm the bestest