What are the different options listed on the subscription (payments) page?

[Whack-a-Mole]

I got an email that I need (or rather am encouraged) to renew my SDMB subscription.

I know I do not have to do it but I figure I should contribute so I can continue to annoy people.

That said, I am confused at the options I see:

• Straight Dope Board Membership (seems the obvious choice)
• Friend of Cecil (what is that?)
• GIFT Straight Dope Board Membership (is this to give to someone else?)
• GIFT Straight Dope Board Charter Membership (totally confused)

[Colibri]

This thread explains the most recent subscription options.

Regular Membership means you don’t see ads.

Charter Membership is only open to those who purchased it when we went pay to post for a time. It has to be renewed annually, although there have been a few times when people with lapsed Charter Memberships have been allowed to renew it.

Friend of Cecil is a relatively new option for those who wish to donate.

@TubaDiva

There’s a new category called “Friend of Cecil.” I had hoped to be able to set this up so people could contribute anything they liked, but the system doesn’t work like that. So I came up with price points from $10-$50.

Right this minute Friends of Cecil don’t get anything tangible for their donation except our everlasting thanks. (BUT as I get my hands on merchandise, yes, we would send you something for you contributions, so at most you’ll just have a bit of a wait while supply catches up to demand.) And you also get the satisfaction of knowing you helped make things go better around here and who can put a price tag on that?

The GIFT options are so that you can pay for someone else’s membership. I assume you can also pay for the renewal of a Charter Membership by someone who is already a Charter Member.

There is also an option to pay for a custom title.

[Whack-a-Mole]

Great…thanks!

I did not do Charter Membership (was poor at the time). Never fails to bug me that one.

Thanks though. Will pony up my next year.