Hate to stick out like an aching goat but ....

╔(σ_σ)╝

I find it a bit unfair that people have to pay $15 just to get an avatar and signature.

I think everyone should be entitled to it.

I hope I don't come off sour but is there some sort of reason why only people with paid subscriptions have it.

VB already provides it by default.

russ_watters

It helps defray the cost of the website. No one's getting rich here.

Math Is Hard

Gold memberships help to support the forum. If you don't want to pay the $15, you might see if Project PF Proliferation is still active:

http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=338366

Members can earn a gold membership by posting a flyer about PF at their school.

edit: ah, I see you have already paid. Well, maybe for next year. :)

╔(σ_σ)╝

I don't have a problem paying. I honestly think I get more out of this site than $15.

It just that the fact that certain aspect of VB are kept away from users because of $15 is not so sweet tasting to me.

I believe people who pay for the gold membership don't do it for the avatars or ads etc... It more like voluntary donation.

I paid just to contribute... I mean the didn't even get ads before (adblocker did it's job) neither did I pay just to get an avy.

Lacy33

I pay and PRAY so that Evo dosen't trip, fall, bump into, break, develop anything uncomfortable or blow up nuthin in order to preserve the environment.
I belong to other forums and would like to say thank you to them as well.
But "They just don't get it."
"Stupid is as Stupid does!" That I get. Now...

╔(σ_σ)╝

Yeah madam, I see the chocolate sprinkles.

JaredJames

Out of curiosity, why do you think everyone should be entitled to it?

I see it as a perk of donating to the site. He help pay for it, they give you something in return. You can't claim you're getting the content of the site in return because you can get that without even registering.

╔(σ_σ)╝

I think everyone should get them because it is something VB provides by default with no extra cost to the owner. It seems a bit cheap to keep it away from user for a ransom of $15.

I don't follow your logic. Don't you have to register to post ?

JaredJames

Something is only free on the site when it is decided by the owner it is free. If the owner says the whole forum is only accessible for $15 then that is how it is, even if the underlying software is free.

The deal here is registration to post is free, if you want to support the site in return you get some additional perks such as avatar and signature.

Everything on this site is a cost to the owner. Each avatar, each signature takes space and bandwidth. Although individually not a lot, together it can mount up. So although the software may be free, it's use certainly isn't.
To post, but not to collect knowledge (although it's not easy without search).

╔(σ_σ)╝

The total cost per month of unlimited bandwidth for vb forums is not that high if I recall correctly.

If there are 300,000 members with 20kb avatars it will only come up to 600mb or so.

However, I do see your point.


Part getting knowledge for me is not reading what others post but asking questions myself.

JaredJames

There is no such thing as unlimited bandwidth. The bandwidth is on the hosting system.

Even if offered, there is a clause in the terms and conditions which states something along the lines of "if we think you are using to much, we cap you / fine you".

Also, remember that each time a person who doesn't have the file in their cache accesses the page it needs to download it so that again takes bandwidth.

So by restricting the system so only those who contribute can have an avatar and signature, you are effectively ensuring the cost of using those items are covered.

Like I said, it may seem insignificant but if everyone could do it then it could certainly have an effect.

Now I'm not saying that is the reason it's done, but it's certainly something to consider when running a website.

Integral

IICR this was done to offer an incentive to contribute. Shouldn't contributors get SOMETHING as a recognition for going the extra distance? Avatars and signatures have no effect on your ability to post or read the real content of this site they are purely cosmetic. Not having them does not effect your ability to activally contribute. It really seems like a very good way to encourage donations.

Guess we could just send a thank you email.

Danger

It's nice to have the avatar and signature, but not necessary. I would gladly pay 10 times the price without them, just to help ensure that this site continues.
We don't think any less of someone who doesn't contribute, because the simple fact is that some people can't afford even that token sum. There have been times when I couldn't.
I don't know what expenses are involved in operating PF, but I do remember that Greg has had to move to a new server twice since I joined, just to keep up with increasing activity.

Lacy33

I'm waiting for PINK. I don't care how much it cost, Danger will get it for me.

stevenb

Here's my suggestion. Allow everyone to have an avatar, but require the fee if you want to see everyone elses.

I think seeing other's avatars is more useful to us than seeing our own. So, there may be more donations that way. I think most here can afford the fee and dont mind kicking in, but people tend the take the path of least effort, unless motivated by something -- like curiosity when they read comments among the regulars about avatars, but can't see them.

Right now the people who pay 15 bucks don't have the pleasure and utility of seeing avatars from all people. And, those that don't pay get the benefit from seeing all available avatars.

DaveC426913

You have a deal.

Give me $150 per year and I will guarantee that the site stays alive.

DaveC426913

Look, no one else is going to, so I'll say it...

"stick out like an aching goat"??