Well, this is my second post on this topic. As I said before, I have no hesitation in paying $35.00 to keep the service running, b/c the help I have got here has been really helpful.

But some of the topics that have been brought up are what extra perks do we get on paying the membership fees as opposed to just coming here for 'free' help, is indeed interesting. I would suggest that let there be some kind of guaranted help on your topic (not that it will def resolve your problem), if you are a paid member. Now the question is who will provide the support and would they provide it in the same manner as to a non-paid members. Would there be any kind of benefits to these supporting members??

guarenteed help is one thing that won't be erm... guarenteed. This board is used totally voluntarily, and it's quite possible that no one might know the solution to a given problem. I don't think it's fair to expect help.

Chris is correct. Becoming a contributing member will in NO way get you any priority when it comes to getting posts answered. I want this to be very clear (and think I have made it so ).

--jeremy

<Q>Any specific examples of sites that you have seen this happene to? I have studied very closely a few sites that have done this and I am really trying to learn from others mistakes. A few more sites to look at may help avoid a pitfall I overlooked. I would like this to go smoothly and make sure that we stay the friendly community that we are now. Thanks. </Q>

It seems to me that I was on the Mandy forum one day (or somewhere, dammit I can't remember exactly!) or somewhere on IRC and some of the newbs were really getting pushed around...which I didn't like so much because I am quite the newb myself.

G

Don't worry, we don't let that happen around here, or at least try not to. Usually we might tell every once in a while to go RTFM, but its rare around here. Yeah, we get alot of the same questions, some of the newbie first time questions over and over, its all good.
But every so often, when there is something already out there to read up on, I feel any one person shouldn't have to type out a repeat of basically the howto or man pages already tell us..

-trickykid

I agree completely, I can't emphasize enough to a potential newb that you have to be willing to read, comprehend, and apply concepts yourself...I learned real quick in the last week! I was just putting my two cents in. I don't get the bad vibe from this place anywho...quite the opposite actually. Keep up the wonderful work.

G

Well i must throw my input in as well. I would donate only as anonymously. Not because of shame, but rather as the mingling of one of a newbie groove feel. As one might notice i connect once in awhile due to the ideas of what people want to achieve and how they resolve. Also I think the search should be emphasized more to cut back on double posting. But overall shhhhh- I would donate

I am OK with it too.

Thank you all for your suggestions. Based on this thread I am going to move ahead with the idea. Starting later today you will be able to become a contributing member of LinuxQuestions.org. I have decided to keep the addition of the Contributing Member title for now. It will be removed if it becomes an issue.

--jeremy

Just wanted to let everyone know that now in addition to Credit Card and PayPal you can subscribe using your checking account.

The Contributing Member system has been live for a week now. If anyone has any suggestions or input let me know. Thanks again.

http://www.linuxquestions.org/member/

--jeremy

Jeremy, what if a person is unemployed or students and wants to help out but the $35 is not viable for them? Don't cut yourself off frm those that maybe able to contribute monitarily but on a smaller scale. I am unemployed and wld like to contribute to your excellent and much needed site.

You can click on ads or try to answer questions to help others out.. that is always a way to contribute.

i agree. i can't donate anything now but i always try to click on banners on any site i go which i like.

I would like to stress that no one should feel obligated to contribute. If you like the site AND can afford it, great. If you like the site, but cannot contribute monetarily I encourage you to contribute in other ways. Reply to posts, tell a friend, write a tutorial and send it to me, find a bug and report it - the list goes on and on. I have (and will continue to) award memberships to people that have not paid money but have greatly contributed in other ways. The system is not in place for anyone to make money, it's there to ensure that this site is always here for everyone to enjoy.

I would also like to add that I am always looking for feedback on the system (and the site). If you have an idea or comment let me know. This site is here for you.

Thanks,
--jeremy