# If you can't resubscribe due to technical problems . . . **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [May 18, 2009, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812 "2009-05-18T03:05:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**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:** [May 18, 2009, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/1 "2009-05-18T03:05:14Z")
please come talk to me, send me a PM or an email. We’re not going to let you expire here, but we need to know if there’s a problem. ---
**Author:** ![PhiloVance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e19adc/32.png) [@PhiloVance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhiloVance)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2009, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/2 "2009-05-18T03:29:30Z")
:rolleyes: like, who cares. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Rico](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rico/32/3582_2.png) [@Rico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rico)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2009, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/3 "2009-05-18T05:17:25Z")
\ Uncalled for, **Philo**. We’re trying to be nice here. If you have a differing opinion, state your case in a conversational manner. In fact, IMHO, youhave just violated the number one rule of the SDMB: **Don’t Be A Jerk.** I’ll let it slide with an admonishment this time. \ ---
**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:** [May 18, 2009, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/4 "2009-05-18T15:55:07Z")
A few of you have reported technical problems negotiating the PayPal system – your transaction doesn’t go through for any number of reasons as you are trying to use the payment with the credit card side. (Standard PayPal transactions appear to be going through fine; this problem so far has been only for those not wanting to use PayPal but their own credit cards.) The problem exists inside PayPal and we have no control over it and no way of getting them to look at it or correct it. Here’s your options: 1. Set up a PayPal account linked to a credit card and pay for it that way. 2. Set up a PayPal account linked to a checking account and pay for it that way. 3. Ask somebody to assist in re-subscribing using their PayPal payment options which you will reimburse. (See the thread here in ATMB.) 4. Request a gift subscription. (Again, see the thread here in ATMB) 5. Become a Guest. (Which totally defeats the purpose here but it is a choice for you, after all.) ::: sigh ::: Or you could try calling PayPal and ask why this is happening to you using their system. 1-888-221-1161 That’s the PayPal phone contact number. Jerry points out – correctly – that this is a PayPal issue and not one we have any control over – it’s happening on their side. So there’s not much of anything he can do. If you’re having this problem come talk to me and I’ll do for you what I possibly can – but ultimately it’s your choices as listed above. I am sorry we can’t do more. ---
**Author:** ![fortytwo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f9ae1b/32.png) [@fortytwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fortytwo)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2009, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/5 "2009-05-18T21:07:22Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Here’s your options: > > 1. Set up a PayPal account linked to a credit card and pay for it that way. > 2. Set up a PayPal account linked to a checking account and pay for it that way. > 3. Ask somebody to assist in re-subscribing using their PayPal payment options which you will reimburse. (See the thread here in ATMB.) > 4. Request a gift subscription. (Again, see the thread here in ATMB) > 5. Become a Guest. (Which totally defeats the purpose here but it is a choice for you, after all.) ::: sigh ::: > > Or you could try calling PayPal and ask why this is happening to you using their system. 1-888-221-1161 That’s the PayPal phone contact number. > > Jerry points out – correctly – that this is a PayPal issue and not one we have any control over – it’s happening on their side. So there’s not much of anything he can do. > > If you’re having this problem come talk to me and I’ll do for you what I possibly can – but ultimately it’s your choices as listed above. I am sorry we can’t do more. You can sigh all you like **TubaDiva** but after spending far too long yesterday trying to renew my membership it’s option 5 for me. ---
**Author:** ![Find\_Friends](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c37758/32.png) [@Find\_Friends](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Find_Friends)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2009, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/6 "2009-05-19T00:37:50Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > please come talk to me, send me a PM or an email. > > We’re not going to let you expire here, but we need to know if there’s a problem. * * * Hi, everyone, here is a PM I received just two hours ago, at about 6pm, EDT, and my reply: "Titled: Re: I’m a charter member… > [@](#): > > and I would totally let you pay my subscription this year since I’m getting a divorce and have 0 extra money. Let me know if you still are offering. \*\*\*Yes, in fact, I have decided to reverse myself and extend my offer for two “charties” to the end of the deadline. After all, the non-charties don’t really have a deadline to worry about. The worst that would happen to one of them is that they would be unable to post for the number of days of a lapsed subscription. I’ll be back tomorrow, by about 10am (EDT) or noon at the very latest. Meanwhile, it wouldn’t hurt you or anyone to advise Tuba Diva of your situation. From what she has said, \* there can be a brief extension of the deadline (one day? I’m just guessing here. Ask!) but only for those who speak up abot it. Miss the deadline without catching her attention first, and you’ll miss out on continuing CMship, with the continuation of half-price.\*\*\* * * * - And I have just found where she pointed this out, so I’m pasting my response here. Everybody – don’t panic, just communicate! (Just to reiterate what TD said.) 🙂 /Junior quasi-administrating off! 😉 _ **- Jack** _ ---
**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:** [May 19, 2009, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/7 "2009-05-19T02:36:42Z")
No, you can still post if you are not a subscriber. BUT some people really love being a Charter Member and once that expires it can’t be renewed. The system used to give a bit of wiggle room but now it doesn’t so you need to resubscribe **before** your subscription expires. If there’s a problem post in the thread elsewhere in ATMB and let your friends help you. And come talk to me. If it’s a technical problem maybe I can help work you through it. But don’t let your Charter Membership expire unless you don’t care to be a member anymore. ---
**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:** [May 19, 2009, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/8 "2009-05-19T19:54:21Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > …BUT some people really love being a Charter Member and once that expires it can’t be renewed. The system used to give a bit of wiggle room but now it doesn’t so you need to resubscribe **before** your subscription expires. > > …But don’t let your Charter Membership expire unless you don’t care to be a member anymore. If I could make a request, please… The reminder notice from **TubaDiva** was evidently not posted until last Thursday, May 14. Charter memberships expire on May 20, less than a week after the announcement. I’m a Charter Member; this is now the sixth time that I’ve renewed…and I almost missed it. :eek: I seem to recall that the reminder notice was posted in past years a month or so prior to the charter memberships expiring. In the future, can you please give some more notice prior to memberships expiring? Six days is cutting it very close. If I’m out of town, I can easily go a week without logging into the SDMB. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Find\_Friends](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c37758/32.png) [@Find\_Friends](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Find_Friends)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2009, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/9 "2009-05-19T20:13:04Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > No, you can still post if you are not a subscriber… I stand corrected. 🙂 _ **- Jack** _ ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2009, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/10 "2009-05-19T20:31:29Z")
> [@robby](#): > > In the future, can you please give some more notice prior to memberships expiring? Six days is cutting it very close. If I’m out of town, I can easily go a week without logging into the SDMB. Thanks! Keep in mind that you don’t need to wait until the expiration date to renew. You can renew your membership at any time of the year. ---
**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:** [May 19, 2009, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/11 "2009-05-19T20:33:33Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > **Keep in mind that you don’t need to wait until the expiration date to renew. You can renew your membership at any time of the year.** What he said. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2009, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/12 "2009-05-19T21:17:20Z")
Not big enough. Put it in the FAQ where [del]everyone[/del] no one will read it. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![PhiloVance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e19adc/32.png) [@PhiloVance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhiloVance)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2009, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/13 "2009-05-19T21:50:25Z")
> [@Rico](#): > > \ > > Uncalled for, **Philo**. > > We’re trying to be nice here. If you have a differing opinion, state your case in a conversational manner. > > In fact, IMHO, youhave just violated the number one rule of the SDMB: **Don’t Be A Jerk.** I’ll let it slide with an admonishment this time. > > \ Sorry, I was in a bad mood. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2009, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/14 "2009-05-20T14:37:48Z")
> [@robby](#): > > If I could make a request, please… > > The reminder notice from **TubaDiva** was evidently not posted until last Thursday, May 14. Charter memberships expire on May 20, less than a week after the announcement… Similarly, I’m interested in renewing but don’t visit the Dope very often, and got an e-mail just yesterday, a mere 2 days before the expiration. I understand the Big Bold Letters about renewing at any time, but I’d just like to second that more notice is better for the users, which is ultimately better for the business, n’est-ce pas? Just a thought. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![vix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/a88e4f/32.png) [@vix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vix)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2009, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/15 "2009-05-22T05:52:12Z")
> [@Esprix](#): > > Similarly, I’m interested in renewing but don’t visit the Dope very often, and got an e-mail just yesterday, a mere 2 days before the expiration. I didn’t even get an email. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2009, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/16 "2009-05-22T06:00:59Z")
Hi Tuba, Please see my thread [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=518471). I hope you consider this a technical issue because my wife is already :rolleyes: about me paying to use a message board, and she’ll be positively :mad: if I have to pay twice as much. It will not be 🆒, and I’ll probably have to just be a guest and lose my comfy-sized PM box, and then I’ll be very :(. All because I made a 😕 . . . :smack: about timezones. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Tinkertoy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f19dbf/32.png) [@Tinkertoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinkertoy)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2009, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/17 "2009-05-22T08:03:20Z")
I didn’t get the reminder until 1 day before I expired so now I’ve lost Charter Member status and I cannot and will not reup for the full price. With both my husband and myself layed off it is my membership or the electric bill. I do wish I had been notified earlier though. ---
**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:** [May 22, 2009, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/18 "2009-05-22T10:12:18Z")
> [@vix](#): > > I didn’t even get an email. The notice is probably in your spam filter. Try it again – but don’t let any more time go by, please. ---
**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:** [May 22, 2009, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/19 "2009-05-22T10:12:41Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > Hi Tuba, > > Please see my thread [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=518471). I hope you consider this a technical issue because my wife is already :rolleyes: about me paying to use a message board, and she’ll be positively :mad: if I have to pay twice as much. It will not be 🆒, and I’ll probably have to just be a guest and lose my comfy-sized PM box, and then I’ll be very :(. All because I made a 😕 . . . :smack: about timezones. > > 🙂 Try it again. ---
**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:** [May 22, 2009, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812/20 "2009-05-22T10:16:53Z")
> [@Tinkertoy](#): > > I didn’t get the reminder until 1 day before I expired so now I’ve lost Charter Member status and I cannot and will not reup for the full price. With both my husband and myself layed off it is my membership or the electric bill. I do wish I had been notified earlier though. I am so sorry to hear about your situation and hope things look up for you and your family very soon. I’ve been able to pull your registration back on the brink here – please go resubscribe if you can, as soon as possible. There’s a thread here in ATMB where people who need help with this can get it from your friends here at the Straight Dope – see this thread: > **[SDMB Subscription Help 2009-2010 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=503682)** > > We’ve had some requests for a “subscription help” thread here in ATMB – as we’ve had before this is a place where people could offer to help Dopers having various problems/difficulties with the subscription process, sponsor other members, ask for... I hope this works for you. All best. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-resubscribe-due-to-technical-problems/496812.md?page=2)