# Pay to Post? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 9, 2001, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487 "2001-11-09T18:54:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![CnoteChris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/278dde/32.png) [@CnoteChris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CnoteChris)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/261 "2001-11-10T06:24:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Silver Fire \* > \*\*Originally posted by some fuckwad who apparently has no grasp on reality whatsoever \*\*- Silver Fire more than insinuates that racinchikki’s being “weeded out” because of the fee-based proposal is not only good, but should be something to be look forward to- simply because she disagrees with her opinion… I assume the reference “some fuckwad who apparently has no grasp on reality whatsoever” is meant for me? What reality do you think I live in when you post this- \*\*:hands racinchikki a tissue: Anyway, if she doesn’t want to pay so what? This place is finally going to get weeded out. Natural selection and all that, you know? REJOICE!\*\* My reality tells me you meant that towards **racinchikki** , and racinchikki alone. What fucking reality do you live in? Oh, I know, the reality that agrees with the trend of the thread and not with your feelings, that’s it- you go along with it all, until it’s challenged. None of this, ‘Well, I meant it to mean that if one legit member is lost for every five trolls than all is good’ shit that you eventually come to- you meant what you said and you don’t have to balls or the courage or the… shit, you don’t have much of anything or your own, do you? You’re a follower… and a pathetic one at that. That cheesy-assed rip without ripping and without others really noticing it crappola is pathetic… and sadly, fitting for you- it’s all you’ve ever done around here. Sad. You want to rip on me or take issue with me? Fucking name me and come out from under that bullshit, weakassed, shell. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Frink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/977dab/32.png) [@Mr.Frink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Frink)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/262 "2001-11-10T06:26:42Z")
I don’t think that charging for the SDMB will work for one simple reason: In the last few weeks before the “members only” change-over occurs, we’ll see a rash of threads pointing people over to other free message boards with the same format as the Straight Dope. Or one of the members here who already has a message board will change their forum catagories to: “General Questions” “Great Debates”, etc… I have no doubt that before this board is locked, most regular posters will have put the word out pointing people to another board. One-by-one we’ll drift over there, see the names of ex-SDMB’ers we’re familiar with, and we’ll settle into our new message-board/home I sympathize with the plight of The Chicago Reader; but as SLATE and other subscription websites have learned, _as long as there is a free alternative, pay-for-access will not work!_ ---
**Author:** ![VeraGemini](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/e9bcb4/32.png) [@VeraGemini](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VeraGemini)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/263 "2001-11-10T06:26:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Silver Fire \* > **The point I’m getting at is, while we may lose 50 real, genuine members, we still lose a million trolls. It’s a trade I’m willing to make.** While I am not the “fuckwad” you quoted in such a respectful manner, I am the one who originally seized on your “weeding out” comment. A _million_ trolls? Really. Gee, I guess I oughta read the boards more often. I seem to be missing a lot. Hyperbole aside, insinuating that the majority of those who cannot or will not pay for a subscription aren’t “real, genuine members” is EXACTLY the kind of elitist bullshit I was referring to. I don’t know what world you live in, but in mine “troll” does not equal “everyone who doesn’t agree with me” ---
**Author:** ![Planet\_Ape](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/85e7bf/32.png) [@Planet\_Ape](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Planet_Ape)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/264 "2001-11-10T06:27:49Z")
That’s my take on the response. I don’t think you’re eligible to apply for some Sept. 11 funds, either. What a quandry! I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision! ---
**Author:** ![CnoteChris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/278dde/32.png) [@CnoteChris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CnoteChris)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/265 "2001-11-10T06:28:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by racinchikki \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Silver Fire \* > > \*\* > > > > > [@](#): > > > > > > \*Originally posted by racinchikki \* > > > \*\*Pardon me for assuming yours was, too. \*\* > > > > Assume, ass, u… Well, you’ve heard that old saying. \*\* > > Clever. I want to be just like you when I grow up. \*\* Remember… her mentor from before was the infamous **Freak Freely**. Trust me, you don’t want to be like her. ---
**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:** [November 10, 2001, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/266 "2001-11-10T06:28:28Z")
I haven’t read this whole thread, as I’m just now discovering the ramifications of all this, but I gotta chime in. Frankly, I feel like I’m had by the balls - I’m sure they’ll be shocked to find out I feel like I have no choice. But then, that was the intent. Carmel-covered crack, indeed. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/267 "2001-11-10T06:28:38Z")
Current exchange rate means $US20 = $NZ45.60. If things came round to subscriptions being charged – I might be able to just scrape by and pay this. Even though I dread credit card transactions over the Net. It’s an entertainment cost that, to me, would be justified because I love being able to add my 2 cents worth in the company of wonderful, talented people. But I’d hope like hell it was less. Much less. At least until I can get a job. So, I did pre-register – I’d hate to miss out on the chance of affordability if/when this happens. As I’ve said before – this really does bum me out. ---
**Author:** ![EvilGhandi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@EvilGhandi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EvilGhandi)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/268 "2001-11-10T06:29:48Z")
Course, all you fuckweeds know, anyone who would read into a 6 page thread: Would pay for the privelege. Long live the dopers. ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/269 "2001-11-10T06:32:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Stoid \* > \*\*Reading more about the whole “pay to give the license” stuff, can anyone come up with a SINGLE instance in which the Reader has profited or even USED your writing for any purpose whatsoever? Don’t you think you are making a mountain out of a boilerplate molehill? > \*\* Not aimed at you, **Stoid** , but just so my meaning is clear: I have a huge bias against vanity publishing (too many scams intended to bilk would-be authors…read the SFWA [Writers Beware!](http://www.sfwa.org/Beware/) site for why). Somehow, on a not-logical, purely-emotional level, paying the SDMB for posting privliges _feels_ like vanity publishing, even though there are clearly vast differences between the two. But no-one said gut feelings need to be logical. And since it’s not logical, I’ll almost certainly be signing up. Fenris ---
**Author:** ![milroyj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@milroyj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/milroyj)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/270 "2001-11-10T06:33:37Z")
> [@](#): > > Many drive to the grocery store to buy all generic food and can’t afford produce because it’s too expensive Oh c’mon. First the 38 cents/week is too much for some people, and now they can’t afford produce? Banannas are going for 29 cents a pound this week. I could walk out to the street right now and find 29 cents lying on the ground, without hardly trying. Some of the “poor me” folks need to get a grip. I’m thinking of the “poor” college students, in particular. Did your Mama teach you that life was fair? I’m quite sure she did NOT. ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/271 "2001-11-10T06:35:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Stoid \* > \*\*😕 Huh? What worth does your content have to them if it continues to be free? Right now your “content” \* costs them money!! \* To whom is that “fair”? How is it “fair” for them to \* pay for you to add to their bandwidth costs \* ? Please explain this to me, because I fail to see it. > \*\* Observe: > [@](#): > > By posting on this board you grant the Chicago Reader, Inc., and its successors and assigns a nonexclusive irrevocable right to re-use your posting in any manner it or they see fit without notice or compensation to you. Now, while I’m no **Fenris** , I’ve contributed knowledge (earned over the course of hard years and much labor), and some (maybe) wit to these fora. Those comments and posts are my intellectual property. Per the agreement I (and everyone of us) made when joining this board, I surrendered to the Chicago Reader the priviledge to use my intellectual property in any way they saw fit. In exchange, I was granted the priviledge to post here. Now, they wish to have full, free access to my intellectual property, _and_ have me pay for the priviledge of making it available to them. Sure, the current situation costs money. That is the price the Reader pays to have full free access to all the intellectual property of _thousands_ of posters, placed here over the course of years. _You_ may not find my commentary and contribution to be valuable, nor perhaps anyone else, but it’s _mine_, and I’ll be damned if I’ll _pay_ for the “priviledge” of surrendering control over my intellectual property. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/272 "2001-11-10T06:39:57Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by CnoteChris \* > I assume the reference “some fuckwad who apparently has no grasp on reality whatsoever” is meant for me? Did you type what I quoted? Wow, you sure are a quick one! > [@](#): > > My reality tells me you meant that towards **racinchikki** , and racinchikki alone. Didn’t mommy ever teach you the difference between “reality” and “whacked out assumptions”? > [@](#): > > What fucking reality do you live in? Oz. (No, not Austrailia. That place with the Emerald City.) > [@](#): > > …shit, you don’t have much of anything or your own, do you? Well when the boards go to pay, I’ll still have my membership. > [@](#): > > You’re a follower… and a pathetic one at that. :takes her tissue back from racinchikki: I think I’m gonna cry! :sniff: > [@](#): > > That cheesy-assed rip without ripping and without others really noticing it crappola is pathetic… Umm… “rip without ripping”? Is that even possible? So did I rip on her or not? And if no one noticed it, how come you keep posting? Can I get some of what you’re on, because it looks like a lot of fun. > [@](#): > > it’s all you’ve ever done around here. What’s that you say? You’ve read EVERY SINGLE ONE of my damn near 3000+ posts, and you mean to tell me that THEY ARE ALL THE SAME?? The hell you say? :confiscates shithead’s crackpipe: > [@](#): > > You want to rip on me or take issue with me? Fucking name me and come out from under that bullshit, weakassed, shell. Why does everything have to be so complicated with you? :sigh: “Originally posted by CnoteChris, that fuckwad who apparently has no grasp on reality whatsoever” If I could, I would edit my post _just for you_. Honest, I would. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/273 "2001-11-10T06:42:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by VeraGemini \* > \*\*insinuating that the majority of those who cannot or will not pay for a subscription aren’t “real, genuine members” is EXACTLY the kind of elitist bullshit I was referring to. \*\* Well, glad to know you don’t find me at all elitist, considering I never “insinuated” that. The real, genuine members we’d lose would, of course, be those who are unable/unwilling to pay for the service. READING COMPREHENSION IS YOUR FRIEND! ---
**Author:** ![CnoteChris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/278dde/32.png) [@CnoteChris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CnoteChris)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/274 "2001-11-10T06:43:27Z")
I remember the first time I drank too, **Silver Fire**. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/275 "2001-11-10T06:47:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by CnoteChris \* > I remember the first time I drank too, **Silver Fire**. BWAHAHAHAHA!!! No seriously, that actually made me laugh. I’m sure gonna miss you when this place goes pay, kid. ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/276 "2001-11-10T06:53:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\*I just had to re-post that. Because I think it’s unfriggingbelievable. I need to hold my tongue here, obviously. Carry on. > Jill \*\* No, you _don’t_ have to hold your tounge. In fact, if you can show me where I’m wrong, I’d appreciate it. I don’t think you can, but I’m willing to listen. **Folks** , this is an important thread, but I’ve got things to do tomorrow, it’s late, and so I’m outta here for a bit. I’ll check back in tomorrow night and see how it goes, if it’s not gotten too long or locked by then. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/277 "2001-11-10T06:53:55Z")
**Esprix** said > [@](#): > > Frankly, I feel like I’m had by the balls - I’m sure they’ll be shocked to find out I feel like I have no choice. > > But then, that was the intent Cite? **Planet Ape** said > [@](#): > > SDMB + $ = Dead SDMB Cite? **frinkboy** said\*\* > [@](#): > > sympathize with the plight of The Chicago Reader; but as SLATE and other subscription websites have learned, as long as there is a free alternative, pay-for-access will not work! You are correct, Sir, in the short run. But just you wait, 'enry 'iggins, just you wait. > [@](#): > > It’s not like this hasn’t been clear to those of us paying attention for a while now. > > For those who care, I’m marketing director for a publisher of magazines and newsletters. In addition, I run a game news site (which I don’t think I’ll mention here). I mention these facts to establish my bona fides when I say this: > > Within 5 years the majority of commercial sites on the web will be subscription-based. > > Just that bald statement. I’ve been on the bleeding edge of this for years now and I know I speak the truth. > > I have, in the past, attempted to earn money on the web by: > > Advertising > Sponsorships > Selling editorial (something no one in journalism should do) > Subscriptions to emailed newsletters > > Nothing works properly. Demand is there but not the type of demand that leads to dollars. > > Given that these sites are commercial, what purpose do they have other than to make money for the firms that establish them? > > There are some things (co-marketing ideas and such) that can work. They just haven’t been proven to yet. > > So I’ll pay. I can see the curve here. **Jonathan Chance** from [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=98125&pagenumber=2) ---
**Author:** ![VeraGemini](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/e9bcb4/32.png) [@VeraGemini](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VeraGemini)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/278 "2001-11-10T06:55:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Silver Fire \* > **Did you type what I quoted? Wow, you sure are a quick one!** > [@](#): > > **Oz. (No, not Austrailia. That place with the Emerald City.)** > [@](#): > > **Can I get some of what you’re on,because it looks like a lot of fun.** > [@](#): > > **:confiscates shithead’s crackpipe:** > [@](#): > > **READING COMPREHENSION IS YOUR FRIEND!** These are the retorts of a child. You don’t have the wherewithal to defend your position, so you resort to name-calling. Tsk tsk. ---
**Author:** ![naughtysiggie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c4cdca/32.png) [@naughtysiggie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naughtysiggie)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/279 "2001-11-10T06:55:29Z")
I haven’t been around that long, but I understand the need to cover server costs and such by charging a fee, but if a fee is to be charged, I won’t be posting anymore. Not that anyone here will miss me, but I can’t see spending money just to post on a board. ---
**Author:** ![Klaatu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Klaatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaatu)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487/280 "2001-11-10T06:58:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by OpalCat \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Klaatu \* > > \*\*I recall one of the main reasons given for nixing donations was that some people who donated larger amounts might try to use that as leverage against the mods/admins. > > \*\* > > I agree that this is unlikely. When fathom had a fund raiser donation drive to buy a new server, there were no problems. I realize that we’re a much smaller board, but consider that during the fund raiser I banned 1/2 of a couple on the board, who had donated a significant chunk of change. I never heard any attempts to get special priveleges. \*\* Thank you for the reply Opal (BTW, I enjoy your board) I am a lurker on your board, but I remember when you solicited donations, and albeit on a smaller scale, it seemed to work great. Perhaps my meager question and suggestion has been lost amongst the vitriol and bullshit flying around this thread. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-to-post/92487.md?page=15)