I am too new here to be offering suggestions. So instead of offering my 2 cents worth I will give 0 cents worth. Take it for what it's worth.
I think the donation route is the wrong way to go. I would gladly pay a fee as long as it is universal and everyone pays.
I would not donate...

Steve,
That would explain why I am having trouble logging on.......I think......hmmmmmmmmmm

UncleSteve,
Thank you for pointing out the distinction between the two forums.

I apologize for posting mis information about the DSSI forum. My Bad....

somebody spank me.......

I am amazed at those that "wouldn't pay if this forum went to a pay format". And this is without even knowing how much it would be!!!

I doubt if there is anyone who is serious about their engraving business that hasn't or won't increase their bottom line by well over $1000 in their first year as a member here.

I would consider it an education cost just as going to a trade show and attending one of the seminars.

There is a differerence between being "cheap", "frugal" and carefully watching one's investments in their business...... education being one of the latter and possibly the most rewarding both in knowledge and $$'s.

Ladies and Germs

I'm sitting here reading in between switching out switch plates... ( a job for a hotel labeling their switch plates so the tourist know which switch is which) .... $4 and a minute a plate.....I think I could afford to pay....

But I digress.....one thing to remember is that like all business expense, membership ( forum ) dues are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!!!! So you really aren't paying for this forum at all B-) 

OK, time to pipe in.

First, we need to disband the concept that this is a "free of cost" forum. Although we are asked for any money, it is expected that we will share information whenever possible with each other. This takes our time away from our businesses, just as much as it does the moderators time to create the forum and moderate. (fortunately, there is little or no moderation needed).

I'm not in the same business as you folks, I don't engrave, I don't sandblast, and I don't sublimate beyond personal stuff at Christmas. And yet, I read the posts nearly everyday....it is not time yet for me to stop learning.

I'm not an advocate for a pay based forum, certainly not until I see some of the mystical content that we are being promised. Nothing makes me more angry than when my cable company raises my rates, promising more channels in the future...never to be seen without even more increases! I feel that at this point, the bulk of the information offered here is as a result of the efforts of the members...and compensation is the shared learning.

Now, when we see something of content, it certainly is to be considered. I believe that the concept of 900 active members, even lurkers is a hugh stretch, be surprised if there was half that many...depending on price set, it could be such a paltry amount that it would barely cover expenses.

I have belonged to many organizations over my professional life, all have collected at least a modest fee to belong...to cover expenses. The group sharing of information and expectation of mutual sharing was the other "fee".

As for the pay system of this forum being so as to make it a revenue generator for the "owner and moderators"...count me out....unless possibly I become one of ya and can actually use the information.

Nuff said from me!

Doug

David,

I could not and never would argue the value of this forum. Why it is so populated when others are not, I do not know, but I suspect it has something to do with the sense of commraderie that I do not feel on other forums. This forum has a "personality" to it.

But I would dissagree that you are missing an opportunity by not talking a bit about the new features that will become available when the site goes to a pay venue.
The reason I say this is two fold. First, members that are on the fence about paying would be able to have a sense of what they would be getting for their money, and secondly, it might spark some ideas and discussion about features and benefits that you and the other moderators have not thought about.
If you intent truly is to provide for the betterment of the members and the industry as a whole ( and I believe it is), then I think member input would be very important.

My two cents. Want change?

Doug, I am sorry to hear that none of the members are buying any of your wood products for engraving......

Oh! That would make you an industry supplier, wouldn't it?

:O 

Doug,

To continue to grow around the foundation of this forum it is going to take a great deal of time to administer the effort, and that could potentially mean the investment in a salaried individual focused specifically on that task, along with the support of our stupendous tech, John Fish.

So much of what David wants to do is in the conceptual stage because it takes so much time to move it from concept to action. It will not happen on its own, without David sacrificing a substantial amount of his time, therefore, a graet amount of his persnal income.

You may look at it as David trying to make an extra buck. This couldn't be further from the truth. I know the man and I look at it as David's willingness to work his tail off to build an even better tool for me to become a better businessman with stronger technical skills, which will in turn contribute strongly to my bottom line. We just haven't given him the incentive to sacrifice his time and income. This is why the enhancement process will continue to flow at a snail's pace, rather than at a speed that will end up improving our bottom lines more quickly.

Say what you may, but I would love to provide enough revenue for David to give 100% of his time to this effort. We could hit the road running and see exactly what he has in the plans for us.

Now that I have stuck my nose in with a couple of posts on this subject, I will make one more comment and then shut up.
You mentioned a possible annual subscription price of $75.00. I don't know how that compares with other forums that charge a fee and I suppose it is not set in stone at this time but for me it is a bit expensive.
I'm not saying that the information here is not worth that much and more but just not within my budget at this time.
$50.00 would seem a reasonable and affordable price.
I really hope that none of you take offense that a newbie like me would insert my opinion here but that is all it is and should be taken as such.
I love this forum and check in multiple times a day and probably have learned more than most from it. Now I will zip it and let the experts sort it out.

LOL! I like $50 too...eh, $50 / $75 either way that's about a round of golf I'll tell my husband he better pass up this year. ;) 

Insert obnoxious laugh HERE!