Newbie type questions about paying for membership??

[estwig]

So the time has come when it looks like I may have to pay for membership of a forum!!

So a few questions if you would be so good.




The Paypal thingy, do I need a Paypal account to use this??

How will you know it's me, estwig, when it looks like this will not be mentioned anywhere on the Paypal forms??

I am concerned about remaining anonymous on UkBF, I don't want the punters finding me on here through Google, your average punter does not get 'being in business'
Will I be able to remian anonymous, after putting my details into the Paypal form??

Thank you.

 

[Gillie]

You can be a guest with paypal and just stick your details in as a one off!

 

[Tej]

So the time has come when it looks like I may have to pay for membership of a forum!!

So a few questions if you would be so good.




The Paypal thingy, do I need a Paypal account to use this??

How will you know it's me, estwig, when it looks like this will not be mentioned anywhere on the Paypal forms??

I am concerned about remaining anonymous on UkBF, I don't want the punters finding me on here through Google, your average punter does not get 'being in business'
Will I be able to remian anonymous, after putting my details into the Paypal form??

Thank you.

Am interested in knowing the answers too. The anonymity is important.
Have the same concerns as Estwig.Know nothing about Paypal etc.
I enjoy the forum, and the money is a small price to pay for the enjoyment.

 

[estwig]

Thank you Tej, I posted these questions up cause I thought I couldn't be the only one with them.

I don't think I can Gillie, I proper made a mess of setting of setting up a Paypal account many years ago, now they don't like me, I know, I know, how can anyone not like me?? Hard to believe innit!!!

 

[SLF]

by making a payment I would imagine only the admin will know your true identity. But anyways, arent you that dodgy builder they're all talking about in the private forum?

 

[Gillie]

Thank you Tej, I posted these questions up cause I thought I couldn't be the only one with them.

I don't think I can Gillie, I proper made a mess of setting of setting up a Paypal account many years ago, now they don't like me, I know, I know, how can anyone not like me?? Hard to believe innit!!!

When I went to renew last week, I also couldn't remember passwords and stuff as paypal was set up in another lifetime and my brain is sozzled now!

So I had the option when I clicked through to pay to go as a guest and just enter in details etc of how I was paying via paypal! Go stick in a new email addy etc and just ignore them when they say you have an account already!

 

[estwig]

by making a payment I would imagine only the admin will know your true identity. But anyways, arent you that dodgy builder they're all talking about in the private forum?

..........................

 

[cjd]

I just noticed that I'm no longer a fully paid up member too.

As I haven't noticed the difference I'm not at all sure why I should bother paying; I always thought it was a bit cheeky anyway ;-)

 

[estwig]

I just noticed that I'm no longer a fully paid up member too.

As I haven't noticed the difference I'm not at all sure why I should bother paying; I always thought it was a bit cheeky anyway ;-)

Me too, tis only a forum after all!!

 

[KM-Tiger]

Another newbie (at paying) here!

Really not sure what to do. As cjd says, it's not that different.

 

[oldeagleeye]

I can't see any benefit in paying either yet on another thread we were regarded as 2nd class hangers on by a couple of 'paid members'. Yea right.

There are some 700 paid members on the forum the other 36,000 don't pay or do we ?. Of course we do simply by being here a captive audeince for advertisers and without us where would Sift get the advertising revenue. Rob

 

[Gillie]

I just noticed that I'm no longer a fully paid up member too.

As I haven't noticed the difference I'm not at all sure why I should bother paying; I always thought it was a bit cheeky anyway ;-)

Another newbie (at paying) here!

Really not sure what to do. As cjd says, it's not that different.

What till your signatures go! Unless of course they aint important etc ... I just paid up, didn't think about it ...

 

[cjd]

This is almost entirely a newbie forum. Experienced business people get very little value from it whilst providing the majority of the educated content.

Unfortunately Sift appear to have a fixed policy of not allowing library information on the site which would make it a much more useful for both newbies and the experienced - I can no longer be bothered providing the same answers over and over again and the newbies can't benefit from already answered questions.

 

[SLF]

the forum couldnt survive on the paid membership alone thats really obvious - you wouldnt get enough threads and posts to make it worth visiting.

A paid membership meets the requirements of those who buy for status of some kind; there is always the customer who wants better than the rest, to have a higher status product, to have access to everything thus not be left out, a few different reasons really. Like anything free or paid, you ask yourslf what you personally would get from having paid. If its nothing, you dont pay.

 

[Gillie]

Will admit that each section should have an up to date article at the start of it that answers the most basic questions that others can then read and then post for further in depth information, without all this hassle of them being called 'stupid' etc for asking the questions!

 

[Gillie]

the forum couldnt survive on the paid membership alone thats really obvious - you wouldnt get enough threads and posts to make it worth visiting.

A paid membership meets the requirements of those who buy for status of some kind; there is always the customer who wants better than the rest, to have a higher status product, to have access to everything thus not be left out, a few different reasons really. Like anything free or paid, you ask yourslf what you personally would get from having paid. If its nothing, you dont pay.

Actually no, most of us who are now having to pay are doing so for the first time ... ie when it was introduced it started with some 25 then went to some 40+ who were given free full membership to see how it works, so your comment about status aint quite right!!

The thing I would miss most is loosing the larger inbox, it would mean being organised and keeping on top of it at the lesser level!

 

[cjd]

The thing I would miss most is loosing the larger inbox, it would mean being organised and keeping on top of it at the lesser level!

I've just deleted the lot. No problem

 

[Gillie]

I've just deleted the lot. No problem

Mine is hitting the near 500 mark and I just aint got the will to live to read through them all and see what I need to keep and some of them I know I do!! Phone numbers etc!

If I did new years resolutions perhaps that should be it!

 

[SLF]

@ Gillie

Someone above quoted 700 ish paid members. You said 25-40+ were given free membership at the beginning as a trial or whatever. That's not 'most' using my calculator.

But in any case, my comment is correct, as I was referring to thos who have paid and I made no mention of it being relevant to those who had been given free full membership at it's inception to see how it works.

But let's face it if ukbf offered us all free membership tomorrow, we would all take it and it would be nothing to do with perceived value. If it's free, you take it and why not? But if you are asked for a payment, you then work out the value to you.

 

[Tej]

This is almost entirely a newbie forum. Experienced business people get very little value from it whilst providing the majority of the educated content.

How very true.
Although for me it also provides a few laughs... helps some way to unwind.

 

[DuaneJackson]

Sillyness deleted, grow up!

 

[SLF]

the experienced people are here for their own reasons and as such they do get something form it, just not necessarily the same as a newbie would of course.

And not forgetting, everyone was new in business once, and had to start somewhere.

From what I can read, experienced business people seem to enjoy contributing their experience and advice and I can see that they also ask their own questions from time to time. But I imagine this forum wouldnt be the same if it was only aimed at experienced business owners.

 

[cjd]

the experienced people are here for their own reasons and as such they do get something form it, just not necessarily the same as a newbie would of course.

And not forgetting, everyone was new in business once, and had to start somewhere.

From what I can read, experienced business people seem to enjoy contributing their experience and advice and I can see that they also ask their own questions from time to time. But I imagine this forum wouldnt be the same if it was only aimed at experienced business owners.

Yup, I'm here because I enjoy helping and arguing. It's also a useful marketing tool - but those who come here just to do that soon leave.

I can't see any reason to pay for the privilege of providing help and advice though - the ads and the funnelling to other Sift content should be enough.

 

[DuaneJackson]

I can't see any reason to pay for the privilege of providing help and advice though - the ads and the funnelling to other Sift content should be enough.

I suspect (and I could be totally wrong) that Sift don't see the membership fee as a signifiant source of revenue. If they did it'd probably be much higher, offer more benefits and be more heavily marketed.

I'd happily pay the £36 just for the ability to make posts (like the one I made earlier today in the private forums) that are not seen by every tom dick and harry. And also posts I've made in the past in there that I wouldn't want my competitiors or associates to immediatley pick up on.

 

[Martin P]

TBH, I think I have saved myself at least 36 quid through the advice I've got from here

So more than worth it IMO

 

[cjd]

I suspect (and I could be totally wrong) that Sift don't see the membership fee as a signifiant source of revenue. If they did it'd probably be much higher, offer more benefits and be more heavily marketed.

Almost certainly - virtually irrelevant as a source of revenue I'd say.

I'd happily pay the £36 just for the ability to make posts (like the one I made earlier today in the private forums) that are not seen by every tom dick and harry.

That's the only benefit I can see but it would be better if it was a privilege bestowed rather than simply paid for - rather removes the point.

[btw - it wouldn't matter to me whether it was £3, £30 or £300 - just *****ing about the principle.]

 

[estwig]

I suspect (and I could be totally wrong) that Sift don't see the membership fee as a signifiant source of revenue. If they did it'd probably be much higher, offer more benefits and be more heavily marketed.

If it's not important, maybe they should drop it??


Duane, you do realise this isn't your forum?? Don't you??

Just that you seem to have rather a lot of strong opinions on things lately, as a mod.

 

[DuaneJackson]

LOL, yes - I know it's not my forum. I just have strong opinions - regardless of whether it be as a mod or not - and I don't mind stating them. A bit like you really.

Why drop it? Just because it's not a significant source of revenue?

I think it's good that there are seperate levels of membership. Noone has said, as OEE would like you to believe, that non-paid members are "second-class hangers on".

 

[estwig]

Just it would be nice if a thread where allowed to continue, without 'you' feeling the need to censor it and delete posts that 'you' feel are unnecessary.

This is supposed to be a community and not just a revenue stream for Sift.

 

[DuaneJackson]

You only see half the picture, Keith.

I can't think of any thread in the last few months (although I'm sure there are a couple) where I've got involved and deleted posts without it being because of posts being reported - but you don't see what get's reported, only what gets done as a result of the reports.

I've rarely stopped threads continuing.

 

[estwig]

No Duane, what I am starting to see is not good, decent members are being accused of bullying for sticking up for one another, loyalty.

This is fast turning into a place where newbies, be they scammers or newbies with silly questions are not allowed to be questioned, in case they get upset and don't come back.

Some of the silly banter between members that you have so diligently been deleting in favour of the newbie, is what builds a community.

 

[DuaneJackson]

No Duane, what I am starting to see is not good, decent members are being accused of bullying for sticking up for one another, loyalty.

By all means, point to specific examples. I can't defend myself or admit guilt unless I know exactly what we're talking about.

This is fast turning into a place where newbies, be they scammers or newbies with silly questions are not allowed to be questioned, in case they get upset and don't come back.

There's a big difference between being questioned and being attacked. I'm all in favour of questioning - but not attacking someone that is so far only guilty of being naive.

Some of the silly banter between members that you have so diligently been deleting in favour of the newbie, is what builds a community.

Again - examples please. Although it'd be difficult as they've been deleted! Why not give me a kick up the arse at the time if you think I'm out of order?

 

[estwig]

No I'm not gonna give you examples, they are too numerous and I can't be bothered, it just feels like it is turning into your forum.

If you are now the official voice of Sift and there is a policy in place then please say so, otherwise please leave try and leave some of the banter between members alone.

 

[DuaneJackson]

Without examples there aint much I can say really. If you see me acting like a c0ck or getting too big for my flip flops, I'd appreciate a nudge to let me know. We can all be guilty of that sometimes.

But I take your points on board.

I have been conciously more active in modding over the past couple of months. I posted somewhere as to why, can't be bothered to re-type or dig out the post.

But Sift should be having more (sift-employed) faces active from this month onwards so they can take some of the stick instead. (whether that be stick for deleting stuff or not deleting stuff)

 

[streetslocal]

Come on Estwig...
Join me on the other side.
Nice cups of tea in the members room.

Also on the subject of moderation i will not name the moderator involved in case i get an infraction again.....

But one moderator has given me two infractions in the past few weeks no one else has given me an infraction.
And that same moderator gave me an infraction for telling someone to stop acting like a child and go away even though the person i told to go away had already been insulting many members and went as far as calling a member on the forum a NONCE.......
He said someone was a nonce and i said to him stop being so childish and go away but because he was only 15 it insulted him

But apparently say he was acting childish is againist forum rules as it was offensive to the member even though that member had called somebody a nonce.
Talking of which the member was later banned...

 

[DuaneJackson]

Also on the subject of moderation i will not name the moderator involved in case i get an infraction again.....

That would be me. If you genuinely think you'd get an infraction for saying my name then you're a bigger than I thought you were - and that's saying something!

And that same moderator gave me an infraction for telling someone to stop acting like a child and go away

Incorrect

But apparently say he was acting childish is againist forum rules as it was offensive to the member even though that member had called somebody a nonce.

Incorrect

Talking of which the member was later banned...

Your point being that he would have been banned even without you behaving like you did?

 

[streetslocal]

That would be me. If you genuinely think you'd get an infraction for saying my name then you're a bigger than I thought you were - and that's saying something!

Duanne,This posting is un useful and againist forum rules as it is offenisve i have screen shotted this and will be contactng sift.
Duanne,Estwig is right its like the Duanne forums.
And i persoanlly thing you are not acting like a moderator especially with statements like this.
Duanne you may not like me and thats fair enough but your attitude towards me is rude and offensive at all times.
You are the only mod to give me an infraction and yes its only YOU....

Incorrect


Incorrect


Your point being that he would have been banned even without you behaving like you did?

Duanne,
YOU DID GIVE ME AN INFRACTION FOR CALLING SOMEBODY CHILDISH....

And yes Duanne you have a problem with me although you have stated that you dont.

 

[cjd]

I think it's time I retired from UKBF; I've come over all tired.

 

[DuaneJackson]

Duanne,This posting is un useful and againist forum rules as it is offenisve i have screen shotted this and will be contactng sift.

And your lawyers I presume? How can you have the cheek to call anyone else childish?

And i persoanlly thing you are not acting like a moderator especially with statements like this.

I can't really argue with that. I've said before that I'm a member as well as a mod. But I'm beginning to think the two aren't compatible

I should either bite my tongue and act like an impartial mod and not comment when I see you (or Tej or whoever else) acting like muppets, or I shouldnt be a mod.

I don't dislike you. I just think you're an idiot. You tend to prove it with a lot of your posts.

I'll give it some consideration as it's really not fair for me to be a mod AND spout off at [people] like you.

I'll either mod, and not get in to public discussions with idiots or I'll stop being a mod and carry on speaking my mind.

 

[streetslocal]

And your lawyers I presume? How can you have the cheek to call anyone else childish?



I can't really argue with that. I've said before that I'm a member as well as a mod. But I'm beginning to think the two aren't compatible

I should either bite my tongue and act like an impartial mod and not comment when I see you (or Tej or whoever else) acting like muppets, or I shouldnt be a mod.

I'll give it some consideration as it's really not fair for me to be a mod AND spout off at [people] like you.

I'll either mod, and not get in to public discussions with idiots or I'll stop being a mod and carry on speaking my mind.

Duanne the fact you have used the offensive tone againist me and then called a member a muppet i feel that you should stand down.

You have given me two infractions for less than this.

Duanne,I apperciate that you may put alot of your time to the forum but you attitude and moderation of late has been truly unreliable and the fact you have broken forum rules twice in one thread is wrong.