Fund Drive vs. DUes

[Revolution]

Lionessa (666 posts)      Mon Nov-14-11 04:10 AM
Original message
Re: Fund Drive vs Dues
 I keep reading the same thing over and over in comments in the various discussions about the changes coming to DU's way of financing itself. What I keep reading is, "nothing will be different than it was for the non-payers/free users," or something to that effect.

So here's my question, and I haven't seen it asked, so I'll ask.

Why if to date Skinner etal. have been able to grow and expand to the level they have in the past years, as described in Skinner's post, and free users have the same set backs (or contrarily paid users have the same perks), then why exactly is the funding manner changing? I can't seem to determine if he wants more money or what? If he's mainly going into maintenance mode after this next upgrade, as I believe I understood from his OP, then why would Skinner need more than he already gets with the seemingly successful donation drives (I've yet to see one not reach it's goal and I've been watching for 10 years).

So, I don't have a valid complaint about changing the financing, I'm not in a position anymore to donate and previously I was a reader only, not a member. And I never see ads because I use Firefox and Adblocker and NoScript, so I never see an ad, not even the GrovelBot or the thermometer banner. I'm simply confused and am curious what is hoped to be accomplished with the change.

Lastly, and just my opinion, totally worthless in the scheme of things, if I could, I'd be more likely to donate than to pay a membership fee, and I'd be more likely to pay a larger amount. Somehow donating makes me feel generous and thoughtful, a membership fee for participating in a talk forum seems like a being part of a clique.

Well, off to the unrec pile for this I'm sure. Have a lovely day, thanks for reading. If anyone can explain the answer, I'd be pleased to "hear" it.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2302620

Unterprimitiven goodness. There's already a TS in the thread, and it's still just a burning ember...

[USA4ME]

Lionessa

Lastly, ... if I could, I'd be more likely to donate than to pay a membership fee, and I'd be more likely to pay a larger amount. Somehow donating makes me feel generous and thoughtful, a membership fee for participating in a talk forum seems like a being part of a clique.

Now if we could only get you to view taxes the same way you view a membership fee and private organizations the way you do donating, you'd be on your way towards being human.

.

[md11hydmec]

This has to be an experiment by Skinner.  He's a true blue capitalist.  Those lemmings will bitch and moan about paying a fee, but, they'll pay it and Skinner knows it.  He knows he'll make a killing.  I'm beginning to think ol skinner is a dirty rethug by not caring about the poor.  ACtually he's a typical wealthy liberal, rails against capitalism yet secretly its a great way to make money and fleece the flock. 

[tanstaafl]

Boy, if Badcat's DUmpster Diver could be run on the DUmp and the Elmers right before the update to DU3 then again, in say a week, after the update I think the crossover numbers will be astounding.

It might slow down the server at the Elmers, the increased traffic due to all of the little RATs abandoning Skinners cash cow. But then, maybe not.

Then watch Andrea explore a mandatory fee ala Skinner's. Why, she could be rich. Beyond her wildest dreams. Like Skinner.