How about a system where your first say 100 posts are free, then after that you can opt for a paid subscription? That way PNMs can get info and request assistance, but when people choose to continue to participate actively they can do that in a subscription setup?

Sounds super, John! And sigmagirl2000, that sounds doable.

Ditto NBH!

I'm fine with the idea John proposed and would probably get a subscription- I hate ads. I kinda hate Avatars too but would deal with them...lol.

I don't like the idea of 100 free posts and then a subscription required. I think we'd lose too many people and stop getting new addicts.. errr, posters. If you want to put up with lots of ads, then you post all you want for free.

ETA: Mobile App for the win!

Yes!!!

I like the subscription idea where you can get more functionality and less ads.

I also think if you set up a way to make donations to GC, a lot of members would donate! I know right now I am not in a place where I can donate a lot, but if I had extra money laying around, I may! Especially when I will also have a daughter going through recruitment in two years (fingers crossed... shes kind of hating me at the moment! Haha!)

Ditto on all. I'd definitely subscribe once DH is employed again, but if I have to put up with ads until that time comes I'm willing to do so.

Ditto on all...me, too!

I guess I am wondering a little why the longtime people here who would be helping would end up paying money and the new people coming and getting the benefits of the help wouldn't?

Those paying would get the benefit of fewer ads (or maybe no ads) and increased functionality.

I think the optional paid membership is a great idea, but would love to see a patronage option for non-paid members. I'm about to leave my job to start grad school, so while I would probably not opt to pay for a monthly membership I'd still be willing to financially support GC in some way.

Second!

Let's talk about a democratic process for selecting and retiring moderators.

Then we can talk subscriptions.

I would pay to use the message board if necessary.

I would definitely pay for viewing GC without ads, and like the idea that people who are still dipping their toes into the water could still experience GC without the ads. With the number of grad students on GC, I think Gusteau makes a good point, too.