The Something Awful forums offer lifetime subscriptions, and they probably get more traffic than the Dope boards. Why doesn’t the Dope do this, in addition to the yearly rate? Perhaps price it around what three 1-year subscriptions would cost ($45). Wouldn’t it be a good way to encourage contributing posters to hang around indefinitely, instead of just quitting at around one of the renewing periods? In terms of finances, isn’t $45 now significantly better than $45 spread over the next three years? Sure, you may lose out on future fees from some members, but you’ll also gain the money from those who pay the lifetime fee and would otherwise have quit after 1 or 2 years. And there’s always those folks who stop reading the Dope for a while, and then come back a year or two later (which is what I’ve done a couple of times). If it takes re-subscribing to get back into it, some may just decide never to come back.
From what I’ve seen, the subscription system is fairly automated. So any changes are going to mean a lot of work.
I certainly get the impression that TPTB have little time left for overhauls after they do all the maintenance tasks. Although they could just be saying that because they’re busy spending the board’s profits.
Also TubaDiva has mentioned a couple of times that they’re not making big changes until they know more about what the new owners have planned.
So even if they like the idea (Personally, I like the idea) I bet the answer will be “Not Yet”
But do we really want to encourage certain people to stick around year after year after year? Some people just never seem to get the hint and leave already.
Hey, why’s everyone looking at me?
Because you look so pretty today. Have you done something with your hair?
embarrassed silence
Has she done anything with her hair? That’s it, buddy. Your honorary straight guy status is hereby revoked.
Hey Lisa! I’ve got a pair of shoes like that!
Those aren’t shoes.
.
.
.
I mean, who has time to shave every day??
Oh. Ha Ha. Why yes! I got it highlighted the other day. Do you really like it? Ha Ha! Do you want some chocolate?
That’s why they invented hot wax.
Oh dear god, yes.
I never realised you were a Hobbit
No, it’s not growing on her feet, it’s growing down to . . . um . . . her . . .
.
Eww!
Who does offer lifetime subscriptions anymore?
How much did Reader’s Digest and Playboy lose with their $100 life subscriptions?
Well, at least she highlighted it!
Wait! New owners? What new owners? Can they sell the Dope without the approval of us investors?