[jayhawk]

Well, at least we don't steal money as ********* did

With this style interface, allowing unlimited subscriptions would destroy bandwidth. We just need a way to control recurring revenue to keep the site going

[CrazyL]

I do get the point of the incoming revenue and rising bw costs, I run a site myself and can see the numbers... but from what mentioned about people that never had subscription but earned credits by uploading, we would only have 1 year to use up those credits and then we have to pay? that kinda seems shady... and I can forsee your bw going sky high from people trying to cash in those credits...

[cynic]

Creating a group for non subscribing members with credits gets my vote (well it would, I am one of them )

[weapon]

Jayhawk -

I read the post and totally understand your point. The email blast probably needs to be rewritten. Soften the language so it does not sound so iron clad. State your case like you have done above and solicite advice. If you try to include all that care about the site, we can find a compromise that will satisfy most.

I was just voicing my postion on the issue and I know you will do your best to accommodate those in similar situations to mine. Trying to find a blanket solution for this problem is going to be near impossible.

I think you need a three pronged attack to get everthing in line.

1. Find a solution that will be for new users (as if you were starting the site new today)

2. Take care of the users that have followed the original rules and supported the site from the beginning

3. Find a solution for those that have paid for credits previously but don't plan on subscribing again.

Once you come up with ideas for the divergent paths, it will probably take a year before everyone can be enveloped in the "one set of rules for all" scenario.

I hope my questions/ideas can help you come up with a statifactory solution to this difficult dilemma.

I am here if you need me and good luck.

[weapon]

Originally Posted by jayhawk

Well, at least we don't steal money as ********* did

This is why I will never pay for a subscription to a cover site. I am either a contributor or I am nothing. I want to be a memeber of RTC and the other sites but having to pay is not my way. If I did not have the skills that I do, it might be a different situation.

[User]

I currently have 146 credits, in which I have earned by uploading about 30 or so covers as well as purchasing I think 100 a few years back. Does this new plan mean that inorder for me to use those credits I will need to pay for a subscription, or is there anyway that I can still be able to use them w/o a subscription? Also do you know the time frame when this new plan will be activated?

[VincentLupo]

To other members:
Please, if you do not like the proposed new terms, then help by making suggestions and not just complaining. I am sure that with a bit a patience and determination the administration of this site and its members can come up with a plan that will suit everyone and ensure that this site is around for years to come.


To Admin:
Here are a few of the things I have been thinking about.

When I looked into a subscription it was very clear to me that after my subscription ended I would no longer be able to use those credits unless I got another subscription. I guess this was not implemented and that is part of the problem.

Is there a way to look at those accounts that subscribed to determine how many credits they got and how many were left over at the end of their subscription? If so you could go in and lock or remove that amount until they resubscribed.

To be fair I think members that already have credits that were earned or purchased without a subscription should be placed in a "Legacy" group with the ability to use credits but not purchase or earn credits. This group should be able to use there credits until they have no more or they decide to subscribe whichever comes first. If anyone in this group decides to subscribe they do so with the understanding that all credits they have or earn in the future can only be used if a subscription is maintained.

For those members who regularly contribute a minimum of 3 resources (covers, labels, artwork, etc.) per quarter (3 months) could be placed in a "Contributers" group where they will have have the ability to use any credits they currently have and be able to earn credits from their uploads. This group should be by request only as any member of this group that does not continue to contribute would be removed and subject to the mandatory per year subscription. This should only be an option for a member who is not currently in a subscription or is in the last 3 months of their subscription.

I also think a similar upload requirement should be placed on the Master Designer, Designer, and scanner groups. Not sure what the number should be but it seems only fair to have some minimum amount of uploads (Covers, Labels, Artwork, Etc.) to remain in the group.

Question....Will a member who does not have a subscription be able to upload? I think that this should be allowed so that any member would be able to potentially earn a spot in the suggested Contributers group.

That is it for me. Hope this is of some use or better yet that it will spark even better ideas.

Good luck...

Vincent

[zecompadre]

first time i can here i've subscribed credits , but since i've became a uploding stuff i've been increasing my creadits !

most of the time i've just upload stuff, i've 489 resource uploaded here !

We'll have no problem moving people that contribute to designers/scanners groups

i'll be moved to this group or i've to buy subscritions even if i have credits ?

[CrazyL]

I agree with VincentLupo's idea of the contributors group, if they keep contributing they're not bound by the subscription requirement...

[cliffo]

Personally I have no issue with the requirement to maintain a subscription. I don't upload, I just download so I'm not contributing to the site in any way other than providing credits to the people with more skill than I have. For users who are contributing, I can understand that they might feel otherwise.

If you decide on it, point me at the $3/yr Maintenance Mode Subscription and I'll sign up for it.