Well,
First, guys, I'm not completely offended by the thought of a $5-10 membership. And I'm not losing my cool. If you're taking it that way mitsos, sorry... But it seems these days, I just can't pass up a good cup of coffee and a nice debate. Must be a cultural thing.. As is the tounge in cheek writing style which some folks just seem to take literally, no matter how absurd the content is...
But, I completelry disagree with the idea of fees. Fees do absolutely nothing to keep that "riff raff" out which I thought was the main goal here. The people who steal are usually the first to pony up the fees and why should the rest of us be "penalized" for that. Crooks don't care about the things you're talking about. You're the mark. Getting to you. That's all they care about. If it costs them $5 to get a few hundred (or thousand) back, do you actually think they'd give a flying 990 (man, that just keeps getting more disgusting every time I think about it) about the fee? Man.. I sure hope not. Cause if you do, I gots me a bridge for sale here... For you.. Special price...
Bottom line there is, fees would just give you the illusion of safety here. And potentially expose Ethan to a bunch of little laws that "pay per view" clubs expose themselves to. Like liability. Any good litigation lawyer would tell you that disclaimers and agreements mean very little when it comes to liability. Especially in places like the USA... And in "The Hague".
I thought I made that perfectly clear in what I said. And actually it has quite a bit to do with socialism. Within a social community. And socail responsibility.
And I completey agree with kepeb with respect to simplicity. Even if my windedness alludes to the contrary...
'Nuff said on that side...
Now, on the other hand, I rather strongly believe that Ethan should see a little something extra for his effort, as that has value as well; beyond what he gets from the White Market fees. And I think the t-shirts and other swag are possibly a way to do that. Most of us who actually are interested in this place have dumped a few bucks into that kitty as well. Because we know that's what it's for. Not just the "cool" t-shirt. So, again, as I had already done, people can put in something towards that. Even if it's sweat equity (giving advice for example). Or even hit the donate button once a year. Even $10 times 50 members... Lest this go the way of schematicheaven... Tons of downloads and they poor guy didn't even see a penny when all was said and done.. Despite the "cool" logo...
There are also bunches of lurkers out there who actually don't get much from this, other than to spread the "good word" around (we hope). But I'm sure there are also several of those that have also purchased completely assembled units from guys like Igor and wouldn't have even seen this if they had to drop a few bucks to "lurk". And get bitten...
I also really think that the feedback mechanism (when used responsibly), ala what you see on something like ebay or gs, is a much better way of approaching this. And Ethan is already working on that (thanks btw).
And another thought... Maybe a "wall of shame" Meta? Most people would click on that topic, just because...
I nominate myself first there. If only for this massive passing of gas...
Or a glossary where important phrases like "flying 990" or "raw 5532" could be elaborated on for those unsuspecing lurkers...
Now, personally I'd beware of that 5999 price on an 8088, especially if it was just serviced
. Even from a well repsected and credentialed member
. Also PM'd!! Just incase...
BTW, I do have that bridge for sale too and I think there's a nice custom 20 input Helios console that's part of the sound system there... But, I'll have to check the warehouse as that's been in storage since we acquired the bridge... It's even color coordinated with that 8088... And it's all part of the package
.
As are my occasional pontifications... It is a brewery after all... Hmm.. another one brewing... (now do I reach for the 5532, or... yuck... ok... enough...)
Signing off with best regards and happy new year to all who've made this place what it is today! And venom for those who would dare to steal from "us". (now where did I put that soldering iron...)
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