I need your honest opinion

Anne

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I am thinking about new ways of making this site pay for itself. The costs are running high in terms of marketing and servers, not to mention the time I put into it.

How would you feel if I started an optional membership plan? That would mean that those who wish to help will be able to pay for an official TCS membership at a reasonable price. By optional I mean that no one has to pay, as I don't want to restrict access to any of the cat info on the site or on the forums. I think this place has actually helped save a few cats and I won't have that compromised for money.

As it's going to be optional, so will be the price. I will offer various prices and members can pay as much as they think they want to pay for what they get. Payment will be made with credit cards on a secure third party server, so it won't be a hassle with checks and all.

What do you think? I really want your honest opinion on this one. I don't want to do anything that will make people resent me or the site.

Thanks!
 

swalker

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Hi Anne, I can't even imagine how much time, energy and money it must take to keep this site up and running. I would be more than happy to pay a membership fee. If you could give me or us a little more info.
 

sandie

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Thats fine, I am sure I could deal with a reasonable amount. After all, hubby made sure to justify DSL.
 

kaaren sander

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Anne, I was actually thinking about this the other night. I would certainly rather pay a membership fee than see this site disappear. I've paid a fee to be able to play solitaire and I certainly get more pleasure from this site than I do playing games.

 

deb25

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I agree completely. I would pay a fee in a minute rather than see this site go by the wayside.
 

rene

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I would certainly pay a fee to continue to try to help cats on this site - also, have you contacted advertisers? There are a lot of people on this site and perhaps you can interest cat merchandise people?
 

femkat6

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I could handle a reasonable fee as well. I just found this site...I'd hate to lose it! It's a wonderful site. You're doing a great job!
 

spikeadelika

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No problem to pay a fee, it will be worthwhile and I too have just found the site and would hate to see it go.

Spike
 
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  • #12

Anne

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Thanks everyone! I really apreciate your response. What do you think about new people? Do you think they might be put off by the request? It is going to be voluntary.

I guess I will go ahead with it... It'll take me a while to set everything up.

Thanks again!
 

threeleggedkat

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I'm in too! What ever it takes to keep the site. It is my favorite place on the Web. When I joined in March we did not even have 400 members and now in less than 2 months almost 800! I think advertisers should learn about this,but I don't know how you go about that. Also, everyone should be encouraged to visit the "store" on a regular basis because that helps pay for the site.
 

gayef

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I am happy to contribute a membership fee Anne. You have a great site, and the number of new members is growing every day. Thanks for all you do, and please...if I can assist you in any way at all, please let me know. I work as a self-employed internet professional from my home, and currently, I am purposely between contracts. In other words, I have some time I can donate to the cause. With Dad's condition iffy at best, I didn't want to commit any time to anyone professionally until we better knew his prognosis. So, I'm free right now. Let me know if I can be of assistance.

Yours, as always,

Gaye
 

debby

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Anne, I would be more than willing to pay a modest fee to you, each year, to help keep this site going!!!!

Please let me know how much you need for this year from me, and I will send you a check....I think you have my real e-mail.....if not, let me know.....I really want to keep this site alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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  • #17

Anne

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I will set up a page about how to support the site and it'll have a link to a secure server where people can contribute money via credit cards. I'll put options for all sorts of sums and let people decide how much and how often they want and can pay.

Thanks again everyone! You've really cheered me up!
 

illusion

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I'm going to be honest; I am not willing to pay a membership fee. I do love this forum and feel right at home here, don't get me wrong!

Now, if you had click-through ads on your pages I would be more than happy to click a few ads whenever I come here to help you get more funds. I am sure most of your regulars here would be willing to do that for you also


Don't forget your store portal! I have my eyes on the book The Cat House. Whenever I do buy it, I'll make sure to come here and buy it through your shop portal. You should remind everyone from time to time that you do have this shop service.
 
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  • #19

Anne

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Thank you for your honest reply - I appreciate it.

I am going to set a "support the site" page and in it will be link to voluntary membership fees + encouragement to use the shop and to visit sponsors.

Thanks again!
 

threeleggedkat

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anne; I like your latest "Support the Site" idea. Will you let us know via e-mail when it is up and running? I always check the site store before I purchase any pet related books or appliances. . . .
 
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