# Changes in subscription pricing here at The Straight Dope **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [August 8, 2018, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294 "2018-08-08T19:13:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/41 "2018-08-09T14:45:21Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > **blob** hints at an issue: It might be nice if the ability to pay were more out front, where people can see it. It would help with how humans work: out of sight, out of mind and all that. It would also let new people see it. > > I also would like to recommend a smaller donation category–basically, the smallest you can get away with and still make money after fees and stuff. Allowing a small amount will make it more of an impulse purchase. You have some extra change, and you see that donation button, and so you figure “why not” and throw it in. > > I know I always find it easier to throw in a dollar or two than to try and go through than to pay something like $10. I know that 10 $1 donations aren’t as good as a single $10 donation, but I think the increase in uptake might make up for that. > > And if I’m reminded by a simple but unobtrusive button or thin banner at the top of the page, I’d be more likely to remember and drop a couple bucks when I have it to spare. It’s how every other site I contribute to has worked. I’m asking for a donation box/tip jar on the front page of the Straight Dope site, but this is a STM/WordPress deal and I don’t have access to those controls. But I am asking. I will add $1 and $5 categories to Friend of Cecil. I DO have access to controls over the Paid Subscription function on the board and have made these changes myself. It’s a wonky thing, the “Friend of Cecil,” but it’s the best I can come up with in the face of what I have to work with. I have no doubt the STM people can come up with a more elegant solution. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/42 "2018-08-09T18:51:59Z")
Altho the prices changes are reasonable, it seems like you are penalizing those that actually, you know- contribute, and letting the deadbeats get away with paying nothing. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/43 "2018-08-09T19:31:43Z")
**Moderator Note** > [@DrDeth](#): > > Altho the prices changes are reasonable, it seems like you are penalizing those that actually, you know- contribute, and letting the deadbeats get away with paying nothing. Please do not refer to our guests as “deadbeats” in ATMB. It’s a bit insulting. We tried pay-to-post. It didn’t work. Without our non-paying guests, the SDMB is not sustainable. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/44 "2018-08-09T19:35:16Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > **Moderator Note** > > Please do not refer to our guests as “deadbeats” in ATMB. It’s a bit insulting. > > We tried pay-to-post. It didn’t work. Without our non-paying guests, the SDMB is not sustainable. Yes, that’s true. and of course newbies are guests. But we have a lot of very active posters, those who always complain, and who never pay. I think the term is right for them, but I understand your point. I am not saying pay to post, just either some limits on NPs or some benefits to paid members. Maybe NPers can only make so many posts a day. Or Paid members can get a old warning dismissed if no recent warning. Or something besides a meaningless title. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/45 "2018-08-09T19:57:51Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > AND … coming soon: The Great Charter Membership Resubscription drive. Stay tuned for this $30 option to regaining your lost Charter Membership. Here is a newsletter I am interested in. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/46 "2018-08-09T22:19:21Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Yes, that’s true. and of course newbies are guests. But we have a lot of very active posters, those who always complain, and who never pay. I think the term is right for them, but I understand your point. > > I am not saying pay to post, just either some limits on NPs or some benefits to paid members. > > Maybe NPers can only make so many posts a day. Or Paid members can get a old warning dismissed if no recent warning. Or something besides a meaningless title. I’m totally against marginalizing guests. There are people for whom just $20 is unaffordable. It’s also plain unwelcoming. I pay to support the board, not to gain some illusory moral high ground. I’d be fine with doing away with all the titles. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/47 "2018-08-09T22:46:37Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Maybe NPers can only make so many posts a day. Or Paid members can get a old warning dismissed if no recent warning. Or something besides a meaningless title. But why do you care if all you get is just “a meaningless title”? Your main point seems to be that paying is the right thing to do. If you really believe that’s actually true, then surely you should do it for that reason alone? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Crap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.crap/32/3131_2.png) [@Dr.Crap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Crap)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/48 "2018-08-09T23:17:59Z")
In the interest of this boards viability, why not allow members who have been banned to restore their status by paying for membership? If they re-offend, they can be re-banned. That’s a virtuous cycle. ---
**Author:** ![blob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blob/32/489_2.png) [@blob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blob)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2018, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/49 "2018-08-09T23:49:14Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > **blob** hints at an issue: It might be nice if the ability to pay were more out front, I looked for the information, couldn’t find it. What I did find (before I gave up) didn’t seem to be correct/comprehensive like the reply I got in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/50 "2018-08-10T00:16:19Z")
> [@Dr.Crap](#): > > In the interest of this boards viability, why not allow members who have been banned to restore their status by paying for membership? If they re-offend, they can be re-banned. That’s a virtuous cycle. I would support this. On a related note, I’ve often wondered if the policy of permanent bans on the SDMB has had the effect of cutting off our collective nose to spite the face. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/51 "2018-08-10T00:54:04Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Great idea. I get a chance to redeem myself for letting it lapse. And I’ll bet there are a few others in the same boat. Yes, indeed. I was furious when I realized that I had let it lapse (it took me months to notice that I now had “guest” under my name). ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/52 "2018-08-10T02:02:04Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Altho the prices changes are reasonable, it seems like you are penalizing those that actually, you know- contribute, and letting the deadbeats get away with paying nothing. Perfect example of the attitude of the elitists. This is why I stopped paying. So now you know **DrDeth** why I refuse to pay. Your attitude. Congratulations. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/53 "2018-08-10T03:08:11Z")
I completely support this! I will be donating. One request: please make the categories and explanations simple. The older I get, the stupider and more literal-minded I become. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/54 "2018-08-10T04:00:53Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > Perfect example of the attitude of the elitists. > > This is why I stopped paying. > > So now you know **DrDeth** why I refuse to pay. > > Your attitude. > > Congratulations. Yeah, well, since you hadn’t paid for quite some time before I made that post, my post is hardly the reason. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/55 "2018-08-10T04:22:55Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Yeah, well, since you hadn’t paid for quite some time before I made that post, my post is hardly the reason. :rolleyes: Maybe you should read more carefully next time. :rolleyes: Because I did not say it was your post. :rolleyes: I said it’s your attitude. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/56 "2018-08-10T04:27:34Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > Maybe you should read more carefully next time. :rolleyes: > > Because I did not say it was your post. :rolleyes: > > I said it’s your attitude. :rolleyes: Like, you knew my attitude on this years ago…:rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/57 "2018-08-10T04:28:18Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Yes. You can give more if you like (see “Friend of Cecil”) but all paid memberships prior to the price change are in effect for the full length of the subscription at the old price. Once I get through the summer months I will be doing some donation or other. Heck, I spend more time here than I do church and often get more out of it so why the heck not? Thanks, kiddo! ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/58 "2018-08-10T05:37:02Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Like, you knew my attitude on this years ago…:rolleyes: The elitist part of your attitude has not changed over the years. It comes out on many topics. For instance about people who enjoy a certain TV show, (that you got topic banned from), and have no interest in reading the books that preceded the TV show. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/59 "2018-08-10T12:33:45Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Yes, that’s true. and of course newbies are guests. But we have a lot of very active posters, those who always complain, and who never pay. I think the term is right for them, but I understand your point. > > I am not saying pay to post, just either some limits on NPs or some benefits to paid members. What, not enjoying the lifetime supply of self-righteous, self-aggrandizing indignation that apparently came with your membership? ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2018, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294/60 "2018-08-10T13:17:03Z")
**Moderator Note** **Drunky Smurf** and **DrDeth** , knock off the bickering. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-subscription-pricing-here-at-the-straight-dope/819294.md?page=4)