Donations to keep forum free

I make regular use of another forum, and pay £20 a year as a 'supporter' - this also gives me the right to place classified adverts, which I haven't ever done. I also get 'supporter' on my avatar FWIW.

It's voluntary and not the same as a 'paywall'.

There is already a 'paywall' here as I mentioned in my previous post. The digital archives are behind it (for digital subscribers) as are some articles, accessible to all subscribers (print and digital).

The forum can't ever be really free - someone has to pay for it!

Aside from the limited advertising, it comes out of magazine sales income, the benefit being attracting and helping retain readers and subscribers, the argument for keeping access 'free'.

Neil

Hi Neil,

Morton's should have realised the running costs involved when taking over this magazine. I don't buy a car with a V8 and expect others to fill the tank.

I see an Elitist Forum in the future, one which will not attract anyone considering taking up the hobby. The funds needed to pursue this hobby are slowly being eroded away by the increase cost of materials, energy and the machinery needed to make things. Your "Paywall Fee" will be something that will eat into the Workshop Budget, as it is only going to get more expensive to renew as time goes on, hence the Elitism.

I know of several Model Engineers who have already gone over to making things from wood, due to the high cost of steel.

I also foresee the "Disposable Income" will soon be a thing of the past.

Regards

Gray,