What would you do if the forum had a subscription fee (to post classifieds, etc)?

Would it be possible to do something similar here - perhaps get Evans or similar on board to give members a discount - i know they aren't everyone's favorite store, but we all go in there to get essentials from time to time. I am sure some of the other more boutique shops would be up for this too

Any way what i am saying is that i would gladly give 25 quid or so if i got some real world benefit and a couple of spoke cards/stickers/danglers whatever - and i am sure that any discount offered by a shop as a benefit would work out well for the retailer in terms of business.

that's a really nice angle there VV, a very good idea !!

rather than rely on lots of people giving little, rely on less people giving more.
Its more viable if it was a £25 Subscription with %10 discount and exclusive deals as a forum privilege.
One of the best ones yet i should think.

Good idea indeed--it's been a key feature of LCC membership for donkey's years. 5-15% discounts in the vast majority of all bike shops in London. It typically repays for the membership fee easily within a year, and for the average regular of this forum is likely to do it several times over. ;)

Oliver (LCC)