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

We've got over 100 t-shirt ideas and there are now something like 8500 registered forumengers. If last years run of T's made some money to keep the forum topped up, I think this years should raise a shit-load.

It really would be worth running off extras (using some of the donations already in) on the most popular designs to keep on sale. I'm pretty sure there was a lot of late demand last time round and seeing as 10 people join everyday, there will be an ongoing market for these.

Throw in a couple of designs that work well on mugs, mousepads 'n' shit and for a smallish up-front investment* there's a regular income that isn't treading on other shops market. Plus a bit in it for the designers.

Add new designs with a competition twice a year, which could also evaluate new product ideas - say if everyone wanted an LFGSS iphone cover or themed spokey-dokeys.

• As with the T-shirts, to begin with this could be gauged by pre-ordering and adding a bit on top for noobs / johnny-come-latelys.
  
  

(I know this would then bring up issues of stock storages, despatching etc, but I'm sure they could be worked round with some volunteer action.)

(I know this would then bring up issues of stock storages, despatching etc, but I'm sure they could be worked round with some volunteer action.)

You should add cashmonies to that list as well. The point of the subscription is to alleviate VB's money worries not create more.

A subscription system would allow for stock / merchandise to be kept as there would be upfront "ready" to use.

True. I was thinking that with the current donations giving 4 months cover, plus what will come from the t-shirts, VB should be in the black a bit and could invest some of that in extra stock.

I would also plan that it would only be tight levels of extra stock initially until it becomes self-financing. Boutique trading.

villa nice idea, we need to diversify with the forum and VB needs to make sure there is always money coming in, mugs, t-shirts, the book when its done will all hopefully ensure this.

I think it's hilarious that people have a problem with VB making a profit.
Crazy stuff, if he does or does not make a profit it has nothing to do with me or anyone else.

If I were him i would aim to MAKE a profit, albeit a small one.
That's MY opinion and as such is irrelevant and bears no semblance to the problem at hand.

Whatever happens, change is inevitable, as is the story with everything that grows, and this forum is no exception.
If people have a problem with change, that's tough luck, it has to happen in the name of progress. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, VB can do what he wants, but I'm 100% positive (although i don't actually know him) he'll finalise upon the best decision for the forum.
Whatever changes are made, they must be made a and that is it.

I wholeheartedly agree

Without prejudice.

I rescind my offer of numerous beers per year. Moreover I wish you to delete all of my accounts and ban all my work and home IP addresses from this piss poor excuse for a forum.. I could put up with the abuse, I could stand the frequently annoying in-jokes, I could turn a blind eye to the perpetual mocking of ScottishAmerican frame builders and the bullying perpetrated to newbs by the old guard (I mean you Mr. Smith, BMMF, Platini, Pistanator, Object17, Scott not Scot et al). But, the frequent bastardisation of punctuation into emoticons is ridiculous. I can no longer associate myself with the LondonFGSS forum and the decrepit morons within.

You, Sir, are an asshat of epic proportion.

I love you, seriously this has brightened up my day.
Asshat he may be, but I still think we should buy him a yacht (if he wants one).

having a bit more of a message to the donate buttond, maybe turn it into a pint glass, and ask "have you bought the forum a beer, or two, or three, this year?" something like that to remind people that they still need to donate.

As I've suggested before, for those prepared to donate, it may be worthwhile having a subscription service to messages that prod the donor at regular intervals. I think I said at the time that I would willingly donate about a fiver every six months. My main problem is remembering how long ago it was since I last donated.

On the otherhand, if VB doesn't like putting his cap in his hand, have someone else do it. We don't all have to stand in the drunk and witless queue to contribute to this forum.

I want robots to do it.

Little fixed gear robots. They only have one speed, "nag every year".

seldom killer,

hear you, and agree, the thing I'm more concerned about is that those who are worried about an annual sub, not sticking their hands into their pockets when all we have is donations to fund the forum, a subscription model gives you a legitimate reason to ask them "you haven't paid your three quid yet, where is it?", a donation model rests on people being honest and truthful and giving.
Maybe I'm just being too cynical about it, but as with all things internet related, there's alot of "all mouth no trousers" going on. And I don't want this place to be used an abused as riding fixed, bike polo, riding track, become more and more popular and members new and old, get the information/comedy/companionship that this forum provides without stumping up to keep it going...

Nag (pearl white with a scratch on the top tube) every year.

as with all things internet related, there's alot of "all mouth no trousers" going on.

Newsreader style?

One hand typing?

Fap fap fap?

What are you trying to tell us CB?

just a turn of phrase illustrious leader, just a turn of phrase, you need to get out and enjoy the sunshine some more, the darkness in your furlined computer pod is turning your mind to strange and weird places.
;-P

I have another 3 weeks inside, then I get a day off.

Bloody (work|exams|forum).

VB... I will donate an additional ten pounds if you lock the "Last Post Wins" thread immediately following my next post.

Actually... 12 pounds.

Where's the money bitch?

Actually, I can't do what I was planning. You've already donated 9 days ago.

I was going to wait until you donated, and then unlock the thread. You missed that being part of the deal.

I will pay you £13.00 to lock the last post wins thread immediately after the post after Balki's next post.

Hahaha!

closes paypal

Plaigiarist, that thread was locked for about 5 minutes... I SERIOUSLY thought I had it.

Apparently VB has more integrity than I do.

Hi everyone. I'm still in the nursery but would pay £3 even now. I havnt had to post a thing because all the information i have needed is here. Thanks for all the indirect help!

Plaigiarist, that thread was locked for about 5 minutes... I SERIOUSLY thought I had it.

Apparently VB has more integrity than I do.
He probably opened it again because you type with lots of CAPITAL LETTERS.

Apparently my spelling leaves a little to be desired also.

people buy magazines for £3 with scantily clad hollyoakes "actresses" in them and chuck them out a week later, they pay £15 to get into shit clubs that they hate and leave after five minutes, they buy bikes and parts for many hundreds of pounds without question, only to sell them on for a huge loss two months later, they buy the latest mobile phone handset which is redundant and worthless in less than half a year. They spend £30 on a haircut which makes people laugh at them in the street..

maybe I'm jealous cos I've never done any of those things, but I can still afford £3 a year.

just pay the fucking money you tight cunts and get over it.

+10000000

but am veering towards indicating those who have donated.

If you do go this route, how about a full pint glass under name that reduces quarterly to an empty glass after 12 month thus also serving as a reminder?

*How much more work would this create and could it be fully automated with software tying in with donations?

*=Programming dimwit question