Ausfish Premium Membership option

After many requests for a paid subscription with less ads, etc, I have now setup an Ausfish Premium Membership option. This is a voluntary option, you are welcome to leave your subscription as is if you like.

It is a 6 months paid membership to Ausfish.
$39.95 for 6 months, that's just $6.66 a month

You get
Less ads
No video popups
No 728 x 90 top banner
No 160 x 600 side banner
You will only see the banners at the top and through the forums. This may decrease as well as more people take up Premium Membership
Access to the Pemium members Section

More message storage, 500 PM's can be stored

More gallery images, 10 galleries with up to 20 pics per gallery

No charge to post in the Classifieds

Member status will show - Ausfish Premium Member

Payment is via Paypal or credit card via the Paypal credit card system. just follow the on screen prompts. It only takes less than a minute to do.

To take advantage of this feature just click on Member CP - Edit Options - Paid Subscriptions

It is a completely voluntary option.

Thoughts, comments, requests for additional features welcome


Screen shot of what it looks like without the two main ads.

http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/images/1noads.jpg




Instructions on how to subscribe



Click on Member Control Panel, located in the top right corner of the forum

http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/images/2noads.jpg


On the next page you will see the following at the bottom of the selections, just click on Paid Subscriptions

http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/images/3noads.jpg

Then on the subscriptions page select the Premium subscription and follow the on screen instructions.

You can pay via Paypal or Credit Card

Have added this to the first post as well.


.

Done, thats great, thanks Steve
But no fish in the member level???

Will fix that.

Thanks for the subscription.

How do I get rid of the ant, it will not die?

Dont forget Steve....!!
The secret gps marks section...only for Premium members!

Yep, can do that

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ausfish

Will fix that.

Thanks for the subscription.

How do I get rid of the ant, it will not die?

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Thanks steve,,,the ant is annoying is'nt it ?;D
Cheers Grant

Steve as it stands & the advertising today the site is as great as it has ever been & have no complaints however :-X

I did notice adverts at the bottom of members photo thumbnails in threads today which I don't agree on IMO ;)

As far as subscriptions are concerned I have no issues with that ;D

PS: AF did ask for comments :) good or bad :(

Geday Steve ,
I just signed up for 6 months & happy to do so .
Its the best value for anything that i've spent on boating or fishing for years 8-)

See you at the River to Mud .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Black_Rat

I did notice adverts at the bottom of members photo thumbnails in threads today which I don't agree on IMO ;)

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Attachments, images, pics, whatever you want to call them, are a huge user of bandwith, and therefore cost. This was implemented a few days ago to try and off set the cost. There is very little restriction on the number of attachments/pics members can have on the site, which is a good thing as far as the members are concerned. Unfortunately it does come at a high price as far as site running costs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Searaider 2

Geday Steve ,
I just signed up for 6 months & happy to do so .
Its the best value for anything that i've spent on boating or fishing for years 8-)

See you at the River to Mud .

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Thanks, much appreciated

See you at the R2M

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ausfish

Attachments, images, pics, whatever you want to call them, are a huge user of bandwith, and therefore cost. This was implemented a few days ago to try and off set the cost. There is very little restriction on the number of attachments/pics members can have on the site, which is a good thing as far as the members are concerned. Unfortunately it does come at a high price as far as site running costs.

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Steve,

Not against advertising at all ;) What I don't agree on is if a member (despite there "status") wants to attatch an image to there post (being a fish / boat / or sharing something) for everyone to share :) I don't agree with slapping an advert on the bottom of that image which I saw for the first time today :)

Damo.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Black_Rat

Steve,

Not against advertising at all ;) What I don't agree on is if a member (despite there "status") wants to attatch an image to there post (being a fish / boat / or sharing something) for everyone to share :) I don't agree with slapping an advert on the bottom of that image which I saw for the first time today :)

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The advert isn't attached or part of the image, it is on the page below it.

That is correct. The advertising is not attached to the image/attachment. It is sitting below it on the page.

I'll edit the code for you so you can see a gap there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mod5

The advert isn't attached or part of the image, it is on the page below it.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ausfish

That is correct. The advertising is not attached to the image/attachment. It is sitting below it on the page.

I'll edit the code for you so you can see a gap there.

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Multi quote :P

I know it's not part of the image or attatched but it is in your face when you just want to see someones image they have specially selected for us to see and/or admire :)

I'll leave it at that ;)

Would love to sign up, but i dont have a credit card.....how do i do this?

Greg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Simmo2

Dont forget Steve....!!
The secret gps marks section...only for Premium members!

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Steve,

secret gps marks section?? fact or fiction?? if fact, I'm in on a Premium M'ship.

cheers, Mark

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Black_Rat

Multi quote :P

I know it's not part of the image or attatched but it is in your face when you just want to see someones image they have specially selected for us to see and/or admire :)

I'll leave it at that ;)

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No different to the way the rest of the site works, viewing a post, PM, etc

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sleepygreg

Would love to sign up, but i dont have a credit card.....how do i do this?

Greg

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Just setup a Paypal account, you can use your Bank Account if you don't have a credit card.

See http://www.paypal.com for details

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hornet Rider

Steve,

secret gps marks section?? fact or fiction?? if fact, I'm in on a Premium M'ship.

cheers, Mark

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A GPS marks section can be setup just for Premium Members. It would be up to the Members to add the marks.

Make that - A GPS Marks section has been opened for Premium Members.

It's late..............the deckie has just come home after being run off her feet................SORT THE HEALTH SYSTEM RUDD!.................I'll sign up tomorrow.

kev

Why would you want to divide the community..? ignore the ads. Personally I wouldnt subscribe, and knowing that I was only in part of the forum and there was an "elite" elsewhere I would lose interest. I would be very surprised if the forum didnt suffer from doing this. I was talking to a member tonight who is selling his new boat under financial pressure of rising interest rates and costs...fishos like him are not going to pay $40 for 6 months.Sorry to be a dissenting voice but I think this is a bad mistake. Much better to reduce operating costs by limiting posts to one photo or other cut backs.

Even though I think this one is a really bad idea wnat to congratulate admin on running a really good board.

Sounds like a good idea

Would love to sign up, but i dont have a credit card.....how do i do this?

Greg


Me, too, only cheque.

I'm in favour.

It will allow those running it to take the pressure off trying to find money to run it.

It will give Ausfishers more bragging space (for those that need it - I can't catch fish, so I don't need it!);)

I had asked myself previously how these folks manage to run this without personal cost. Many thanks for doing so, I bet it's been more for love than money. I very much appreciate it!;D

$40 for 6 months? Hell, that's chook feed for the majority, and it's the majority that have to be catered for.

I think it's well done to have the no paid option. It is important to retain full content viewing for this option - the gps section won't show any really funky spots anyway, if I know fishermen!:P

Cheers

Steve,

It amazes me how you continue to offer great innovations, upgrades and options to this site. It just goes go show that you listen to the membership and have your finger on the pulse.

If everyone had seen the humble beginnings of Ausfish, they would now be appreciative of how far it has come and how it keeps up with the times and in fact is a market leader.

One of the most attractive offerings of the site is its ' options ', you have a choice... most internet forums will NOT offer this.

All innovations come at a cost to the Administrator and it is up to them how these costs are funded or absorbed. By offering choices to the membership, creates the options, this is probably similar to buying a new car... still a great car and will do everything you want it to, but you can have the extras at a nominal fee, the choice is yours.

The current offers are fantastic, nice work.

I'll get working on my GPS submission list asap. ;)

Cheers Phill

Just a suggestion - Make it a straight $40.

When I'm charged 95 cents on the end of a price, I feel like I'm being ripped off somehow.

To me, $40 sounds better than $39-95

Its a two figure amount, rather than a four figure amount.


Well, it makes sense to me anyhoo. :P


Cheers, Ross

.....just follow the on screen prompts. It only takes less than a minute to do.

feeling like such a dumb @rse - can't find the link to sign up ????
where is it please ??
Mal

Personally I have no problems with the adds.
As a small business person I understand your need for advertising to cover running costs.
As Mindi stated earlier, I would be hoping elitism doesn't raise its' ugly head, though I doubt it will, given the quality of the membership.
I am a member of quite a few similar sites both here and OS, IMHO this is by far the best in Aus and certainly equal to anything OS.
For me it is the quality of the membership that make this site so good, most folk are fair dinkum, happy to both give friendly helpful advice and receive it from others, and most importantly from my (older) POV, happy to embrace the concept of respecting others and their sometimes contrary opinions. It is this wonderful maturity of attitude that sets this site apart, IMHO.
Whatever you want/need do in your wisdom as site owner/administrator/moderators etc is fine by me.
I appreciate this site very much, but at this point I am happy to remain an un-subscribed member. I thank you for the choice, and for the opportunity to remain an active site-member.
Best wishes, nigelr.

I have been on ausfish since 2001 - close to the beginning - and I am not thrilled with this. I am not poor, but I do watch how I spend my money. I think it will split this site into the elite and the rest. I'll put up with extra adds for now and see what happens.

I would prefer a user pays system. Make those people who want to post heaps of photos and have galleries pay a small additional cost for the privelege.

Last thing, a bit more transparency might help convince me and maybe others to bear the extra cost. What are the running costs for this site? Tax deductable? What is the advertising revenue you make? Are the moderators paid?

Jeremy

Just like to reiterate that this site does a great job. I just subscribed, although the ads and speed never really bother me as I have a pretty fast connection. I look at it as a sign of support more than anything.

As for having an elite area (like GPS marks), it doesn't bother me too much, but why not allow PLATINUM members to also get access. That way anyone who is true committed to the site is rewarded.

Keep up the good work, it is truly appreciated.

Dave

I thought the site was fine as it was - bloody good in fact.
I was happy to pay the small amount for listing in the 'for sale' section.
I guess this in not a poll and you've already made up your mind about this however I would've suggested increasing the price of advertising to cover costs e.g. compare listing price v.s. the likes of bo@tpoint or other websites.
I'm not going to rush out and spend the $40 but I may come around later, I won't argue with the owner because...

great idea steve i will get this onto my to do list, and i will pay asap.

regards,
keechie

will the premium memberships be divided into categories also to show how long the person has been around on ausfish?

Jeremy

I think it is a bad idea.

Apart from the regulars that frequent and post a lot, there are many lurkers that come on and view. When you open sections that are only available to paid up members, these lurkers will reduce in number. Which will reduce the overall numbers on the site. Possibly reduce the advertising income. Of course I have nothing to back this up. It is just what I think will happen. I lurk on a couple of sites, but not a member. If I found that I was only seeing part of those sites, I would stop visiting them.

I suppose there are 2 parts. The fee, and the paid members only section(s). Keep the paid section if you like, but don't exclude non paid members from anything.


Cheech

I don't care either way.

I enjoy reading whats on here, and joined so I could comment and be part of it all.

Have since met some great people, and had some great times, seen some great places.

I would join the Eletest's if I thought it would benefit me, and may do, but at this stage I don't see the need for me personally, alllthoooouugh the thought of being an ELETE and rubbing others the wrong way, hmmm;)

Steve is that GST Inclusive for the tax minded;D

Mate you have to cover costs and that's a fact of life so go for it, those that wish to become Premium members will and those that don't? well some of them will whinge as seen.:'(

Jeremy

Quote:

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Last thing, a bit more transparency might help convince me and maybe others to bear the extra cost. What are the running costs for this site? Tax deductable? What is the advertising revenue you make? Are the moderators paid?

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You have to have enitial cost first and there is none, so what's extra cost?:P and as it is Steve's business, we don't really need to know.

Just my opinion

Rob T8-)

I think it's on the money:) but personally it is neither here nor there atm, will be interesting to see where it goes, cheech's comment above might hold some reality given time. There has been a captains club on another site for years I have noticed, not sure if it was more of a charity like payment that didn't exclude, not sure if this one strictly does or not, people can be pretty fickle regardless, given a little time might see the mods big red button getting a workout over in economy class LOL!

cheers fnq

I visit Ausfish nearly every day and then a few times a day when I'm around. I guess for those for whom the advertising/speed thing is an issue an unencumbered premium membership access may have benefits.

Extra PM space? Just means I accumulate more - anything i want to keep a recod of i do a copy paste and drop into my ausfish file so that's not so much an issue for me,

Extra photo gallery space? again currently not an issue as I haven't set one up.

As far as elitism - it will only happen if we allow it to. As far as dividing the site or discouraging visitors, time will tell.

GPS marks??? We mostly find our own, wouldn't want to profit at the expense of someone elses hard work.

Steve, its your site, there are costs, if the $40 is an expression of support - It's only a carton of beer and I'd reckon most blokes here would not have a problem and shout you one every 6 months for the privelege of participation any way, and you've kept the door open for those who want participate who don't like a drink so no harm donw.

I gues its one of those suck it and see things...if the visitors or numbers drop off, it might need to be reviewed, but I would expect as costs are escalating everywhere, there will be a lot more user pays stuff emerge. I know of churches where parents pay to have their kids in sunday school or creche now - what ever happened to Christian Chivalry???

But Ausfish is an enterprise so no problems here with your proposal.

cheers

Rhys

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cheech

I think it is a bad idea.

Apart from the regulars that frequent and post a lot, there are many lurkers that come on and view. When you open sections that are only available to paid up members, these lurkers will reduce in number. Which will reduce the overall numbers on the site. Possibly reduce the advertising income. Of course I have nothing to back this up. It is just what I think will happen. I lurk on a couple of sites, but not a member. If I found that I was only seeing part of those sites, I would stop visiting them.

I suppose there are 2 parts. The fee, and the paid members only section(s). Keep the paid section if you like, but don't exclude non paid members from anything.


Cheech

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Hey Cheech is right - if we get rid of Lurkers we might not get so many bogus ETEC threads, and we won't have anywhere near as much fun!;D;D;D;D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BobbyJ123

Would love to sign up, but i dont have a credit card.....how do i do this?

Greg


Me, too, only cheque.

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See reply number 18 to this thread