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London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
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@forms
Edd, i didn't mean to pick on you personally, though i realise that that is what my previous comment might have done. Your comment was simply at the bottom of the pile (nearest the quick reply box), and seemed to mirror other earlier comments.
It seems to me, and i could, and quite possibly am wrong, but older members (especially those who frequent drinks and other forum meetings) are quick to show there approval of the £3 donation scheme, and quite rightly point out that it's less than a pint and all that. But the amount of money isn't the issue that doesn't sit well with me. I would quite happily pay more, as you and many others would, as long as i was still enjoying and benefiting form the forum. But a big part of what i love about the forum is the fact that it is a free space. Somewhere where older members who may have built up 'relationships' of sorts directly through the forum, or by actually going out and meeting other forum members can come together and chat about obscure bike parts, gear ratios, and all that other thoroughly entertaining but pretty pointless crap. But also a place where people can get advice, help, an alternative to ebay etc. Some new users will become 'forumgers', and others won't.
The problem i have with the idea is that it will put people off joining the forum, and may even turn away older members who use it less.
I joined about a year ago, and i knew very little about fixed gear bikes. Now they have prettty much taken over my life and i use the forum every day. My point is that if i had had to pay for it, i probably wouldn't have joined.
Having a fee would maybe not change the dynamic of the forum for you, but the dynamic would definitely be dramatically changed overall if a fee was put in place.
TBH i feel as if i'm playing Devil's Advocate a bit, because whatever happens, i will definitely pay the fee. And i'm definitely not anti VB getting money to benefit the forum, and for himself (IMO he deserves a salary for what he's created and maintained). I am worried about the effect on the forum, of introducing a fee...
Sorry if this is a bit all over the place, i'm a bit drunk.