I’ll admit that I don’t have any info on the server crashes, but I am happy for the $15 fee. I signed up for thirty days and swore on high that there was no way in hell that I would pay for an internet BBS (and even wrote an email to the admins to that effect). But I was converted.
Since you have to pay $15, it limits the discussion to only the serious users and the trolls will go somewhere else to have their fun…
[QUOTE=jtgain]
Since you have to pay $15, it limits the discussion to only the serious users and the trolls will go somewhere else to have their fun…
[/QUOTE]
From your mouth to the ears of…anyone!!
[QUOTE=Khadaji]
Those of us who were members when it went to a paid subscription - and paid our dues - were given the title Charter Member. We also get to pay half the regular fee for being amongst the First.
[/QUOTE]
Hmmm.. I must be doing something wrong. I’m a charter member and I’ve paid the $15.00 fee ever since my first year subscription expired. I’m guessing it’s because I let it lapse for a year or so when money was tight.
No matter, still cheap entertainment.
My cable company has worse service than this board, which is a good thing, 'cause when the TV’s on the fritz, this is where I wind up.
On Edit… it seems that I am no longer a Charter Member, even though I’ve been a member since 2001. Goes to show how long its been since I last posted anything. :smack: 
[QUOTE=SylverOne]
My cable company has worse service than this board, which is a good thing, 'cause when the TV’s on the fritz, this is where I wind up.
[/QUOTE]
We’re #2-Woo hoo!
[QUOTE=Czarcasm]
We’re #2-Woo hoo!
[/QUOTE]
That is soooo NOT what I meant!! :o
This board isn’t even on the Shitty Service list in my house. 
Sure! I don’t post in months and I now go and attract the attention of a Mod.
What’s not to like here? We have:
Interesting and intelligent threads (most of the time. There are exceptions. Ahem)
Interesting and intelligent members (for the most part, again, exceptions do occur).
A community of members who support one another, but also challenge one another when needed (and sometimes when not needed).
Wit, humor and snark.
Traveling court jesters who come in and spew nonsense, but provide much entertainment to the Teeming Millions.
It’s worth $15/year to me. Where else can you find all this at such a cheap price? Heck, the standards for grammar and spelling are reason enough for the fee.
You sound constipated, Zambini57.
Is there a list of the hot topics for Group Five?
I paid for what?
Autism?
Global Warming?
My missing Foreskin? (an oldie, but goodie)
My Dead Cat?
(x) people are different than me and I’m afraid of 'em?
Grargh AAARRROOGH! Hubba GonK! SNARF!!!
THEY are doing (y)!
There should be a FAQ.
[QUOTE=Zambini57]
Well, that brings us back to my original questions.
What exactly are the nuts and bolts of an operation of this type?
I’ve seen other posters post that the “vBB” software for a site such as this can be purchased for under $100.
As for server space: How much? Does the SDMB own it’s own servers or rent space on others? And how much does that cost?
As for maintainance: What is that exactly? The mods work for free, but of course they just monitor the content, and have nothing to do with running the board (or DO they?)
If the SDMB has their own servers, they are probably in a room with a hundred others, run by a company for a set fee. If they share, probably the same thing only cheaper.
Is that how it works?
All I have asked for since the beginning of this thread is for some solid facts and figures from people in the know, without any foolish wand-waving from geeks who are more interested in demonstrating their prowess in the computer field than providing cogent answers.
[/QUOTE]
Gee, a calm, rational post. This may be the first time in the history of the Pit where an OP has chilled down (as opposed to melted-down) through the thread.
I have to say, though, that this thread has featured “some solid facts and figures from people in the know” – even if not from TPTB in the Reader hierarchy. Since it’s unlikely that one of them is going to come in and say “the Board costs X and we’re getting Y revenue from it” educated guesses from RJKUgly and the others is as close as you’re going to get.
[QUOTE=Zambini57]
Yes, I re-read Post 21.
And yes, this question may have been asked before. So, what’s wrong with pressing it? It’s called “customer feedback”.
If “Ed Zotti” should get the impression that many of those who have paid their money are unsatisfied, he may endeavor to find out why, and, reacting to that data, may offer an explanation, or not.
It’s really his input I am looking for, not that of his apologists.
[/QUOTE]
If you think Ed needs to know something, tell him. He’s a normal guy just like every one else that has an e-mail.
As the OP has been suspended, it’s only fair to close this thread.