Announcement about paid memberships

[Doctor Q]

arn has decided to re-evaluate the mechanism for MacRumors memberships and possibly the benefits too.

Starting today, paid members will retain their status, even if the anniversary of their membership is reached or has passed, and no new paid memberships will be accepted. As before, only current paid members will be able to see an ad-free front page, participate in the Private forums, and have a "Demi" or "Contributor" status.

To repeat: Current paid MacRumors memberships will not expire. New paid memberships are not available.

As before, membership for reading and posting to the public forums is free.

The Contributions (http://www.macrumors.com/contrib.html) page has been updated to say "We are not accepting contributions at this time. Thank you for your interest."

FAQHow long will new memberships be closed? We don't know. We will tell you as soon as we know. We appreciate your patience.

Will benefits change? What benefits might change? We don't know.

Why now? The membership system has not been working smoothly and was in need of updating.

Won't MacRumors lose income? Yes, but arn is more concerned with the quality of the site and being fair to members than with contributions.

Is this a sign that MacRumors is going away? No.

I just joined. Thank you.

I just renewed. Thank you.

I was just about to join. We're sorry. You won't be able to join until a new system is in place, and we don't know when that will be.

Why didn't my membership already expire when it should have? That was one of the problems.

I was just about to renew. Thank you. Until further notice, your membership will not expire.

I just renewed and somebody else didn't, but the other guy gets to stay, which isn't fair. Agreed. We're aware that you could have kept your membership without paying during this period. Thank you for renewing. You are helping the site, and we're sorry that the system isn't perfect.

If I can't contribute for membership, how can I help MacRumors? By continuing to participate in the forums, by observing forum rules, by submitting news, rumors, or good ideas when you have them, by using the MacRumors Shop (http://macrumors.pricegrabber.com/) for price comparison and shopping, by supporting our sponsors, and by letting others know about MacRumors.

There is an outstanding problem with my paid membership. Send a Private Message to a moderator.

I have a suggestion. Please post it here or send a Private Message to a moderator.

I have a question. Please post it here or send a Private Message to a moderator, but be aware that this post reports what we know at this point.

[MacDawg]

Thanks for the update!
Looking forward to the new changes!

We appreciate all that the Mods do, and the value that MR brings to us.

Woof, Woof - Dawg

[jsw]

Thanks for the update!
Looking forward to the new changes!

We appreciate all that the Mods do, and the value that MR brings to us.

Woof, Woof - Dawg
Brown-nose. ;)

Ditto, BTW.

And, in case their powers get extended, let me be the first to say "All Hail our new Moderator Overlords".

[Veldek]

I was looking for new contribution rules just today, because I was waiting for a new mug or anything. It's nice to see, that something is done, but I hope it won't take too long, because I really want to contribute, but I also liked one of those mugs or something else, I have to admit. That's what I've been waiting for.

[emw]

Yeah, I checked the other day to contribute and saw the message. Disappointing, but they'll figure it out. Heck, I don't even want a mug. I figure I should at least pay for making people put up with my ramblings...

[aswitcher]

Ok, I didn;t realise there were private forums. How much traffic (and how good) do they see?

[jsw]

Ok, I didn;t realise there were private forums. How much traffic (and how good) do they see?
They're a lot of fun. We spend most of our time there mocking the other members who can't see the threads. ;)

Seriously, though, it's nice at times to go there because it's a bit calmer, as it were.

[zelmo]

edit... I figure I should at least pay for making people put up with my ramblings...

I'll PM my Paypal info to you :p

[emw]

I'll PM my Paypal info to you :p
Keep in mind I have only $20 to split amongst 45,000 members. Unless Doctor Q wants to compile stats of who has viewed threads I've posted in and how often, in which case I could prorate based on perceived damage.

So I think I owe you about 2 cents, which is probably quite appropriate, since you're always giving me your's.

[zelmo]

I asked my wife to make me a MR demi-god for Christmas, but I got a purple Apple travel mug instead..... :(

[zelmo]

Keep in mind I have only $20 to split amongst 45,000 members. Unless Doctor Q wants to compile stats of who has viewed threads I've posted in and how often, in which case I could prorate based on perceived damage.

So I think I owe you about 2 cents, which is probably quite appropriate, since you're always giving me [i]your's[i].

If you split that $20 among just the 400 members with 500+ posts, we could each get a whole nickel. Oooh...shiny.

[zelmo]

Yes, but only the newest members actually read emw's posts, before they learn not to.... ;)

Kinda like having to suffer the horrors of Windows to truly appreciate OS X, eh?

[solvs]

They're a lot of fun. We spend most of our time there mocking the other members who can't see the threads. ;)
I know you were kidding (I hope you were kidding), but now I'm all paranoid about it. And I can't even join up to find out what you guys are talking about now that I'm working again. Ah well, I'll try to provide some good banter for you the next time I'm in the Political Forums. ;)

Of course, by the time the contributions are back up, my job will have ended. It's only temp. :( Ah well, it's only ~$20. I'm sure it's worth it.

[emw]

Yes, but only the newest members actually read emw's posts, before they learn not to.... ;)
Yes, but there's always that glimmer of hope that there will something good out. Or at least something funny. Heck, that's why I keep going over to the Keira thread...

[Chip NoVaMac]

I am disappointed to see this.

I have been on board for a year now. And I was looking forward to making this one of the few boards that i was willing to contribute to.

Some of it was the recent posting about my ranking. But more because i see a value in the site. I love the "hands-off" nature of the mods in most cases. I love the sense of "family" that I see here. I love that the mods do not require a "single focus" to the threads posted.

I do hope that when they decide how to maintain the fiscal burden of the site, I will be able to support it.

[PlaceofDis]

I am disappointed to see this.

I have been on board for a year now. And I was looking forward to making this one of the few boards that i was willing to contribute to.

Some of it was the recent posting about my ranking. But more because i see a value in the site. I love the "hands-off" nature of the mods in most cases. I love the sense of "family" that I see here. I love that the mods do not require a "single focus" to the threads posted.

I do hope that when they decide how to maintain the fiscal burden of the site, I will be able to support it.

my sentiments to a tee, i will hopefully contribute by summer time

[Chip NoVaMac]

Can we hear more as to why there is not a push for paid members. For the recent post about postings made some of us feel guilty.

[Mr. Anderson]

Can we try and keep the commentary on topic here and not try the witty banter - this is supposed to be a q and a discussion.

As to why there hasn't been a push for new membership, I'm not exactly sure. The only person who controlled that was arn.... hopefully we'll get an answer for you.

D

[Doctor Q]

Can we hear more as to why there is not a push for paid members.Maybe arn just isn't a sufficiently ruthless businessperson. :)

But I know what you mean. If people want to join, why turn them down? Like, you, I'm waiting to see what arn has in mind next.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Can we try and keep the commentary on topic here and not try the witty banter - this is supposed to be a q and a discussion.

As to why there hasn't been a push for new membership, I'm not exactly sure. The only person who controlled that was arn.... hopefully we'll get an answer for you.

D

Not sure if this was directed at me personally. I wasn't trying for witty banter. I just realized just how much I added to the "overhead" of MR and was planning on being a more "contributing" member.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Maybe arn just isn't a sufficiently ruthless businessperson. :)

But I know what you mean. If people want to join, why turn them down? Like, you, I'm waiting to see what arn has in mind next.

And at the same point why turn down those that want to support the site. Like the likes of me.

[MacDawg]

Not sure if this was directed at me personally. I wasn't trying for witty banter. I just realized just how much I added to the "overhead" of MR and was planning on being a more "contributing" member.

I think it was probably me chip, but I've removed those posts now.

I do appreciate the forum a great deal and don't want to detract from the issue.

Woof, Woof - Dawg

[emw]

And at the same point why turn down those that want to support the site. Like the likes of me.
From reading the FAQ, it sounds like there was concern about the fairness of the membership management (in terms of tracking renewals, etc.) and arn wants to straighten it all out and make it work more smoothly.

I would hope all of this goes reasonably quickly, as by this point (5 months into my membership) I think I owe it to MR to contribute (mug or no :)).

P.S. Sorry about the witty (?) banter earlier, Mr. A. It's a Friday, and it's been a long week.

[OutThere]

Maybe arn just isn't a sufficiently ruthless businessperson. :)

But I know what you mean. If people want to join, why turn them down? Like, you, I'm waiting to see what arn has in mind next.

This is disappointing...I was looking forward to contributing today or tomorrow...I feel that I've put enough 'witty banter' onto the forum and used the site enough to merit paying...but whatever, if you guys are going to refuse my money it's not my problem. :rolleyes:

[Koodauw]

Or perhaps arn is secrectly building up demand for the mac rumors membership.

Perhaps you can tell us what some of the problems were, so we can help improve things. Perhaps we can come up with some ideas as well, if arn feels like taking our input.

[Chip NoVaMac]

I don't think so. There are some of us that give sites a year to gain our support. Add to that the guilt of the top posters. :)

[zelmo]

I think it was probably me chip, but I've removed those posts now.

I do appreciate the forum a great deal and don't want to detract from the issue.

Woof, Woof - Dawg

Most likely, the remark was directed at me.

I really like the people here, and enjoy the comments, information, insights, and differing opinions that have opened my mind a bit. Making a financial contribution to this site has been on my mind for a few months now. Didn't make the time to address it, and now I'll just have to wait until arn reveals all to us.

BTW MacDawg, exactly how do you go about deleting a post?

[MacDawg]

Most likely, the remark was directed at me.

I really like the people here, and enjoy the comments, information, insights, and differing opinions that have opened my mind a bit. Making a financial contribution to this site has been on my mind for a few months now. Didn't make the time to address it, and now I'll just have to wait until arn reveals all to us.

BTW MacDawg, exactly how do you go about deleting a post?

You have to have demi/contributor status to do that...
Otherwise, the best you can do is "edit" and delete the contents.

Woof, Woof - Dawg

[jsw]

You have to have demi/contributor status to do that...Somewhat ironic, almost, for this thread....

[edesignuk]

You have to have demi/contributor status to do that...
Are you sure, last i knew no one but mods could delete posts, even if it's your own.

[MacDawg]

Are you sure, last i knew no one but mods could delete posts, even if it's your own.

Uh, deleted most of mine out of this thread. :o
At least the "witty banter" ones!

Maybe I've been made a Mod! :cool:
Test it E, its the first option under Edit

Woof, Woof - Dawg

[jsw]

Uh, deleted most of mine out of this thread. :o
At least the "witty banter" ones!

Maybe I've been made a Mod! :cool:
Test it E, its the first option under Edit

Woof, Woof - Dawg
Works for me, too.

Perhaps the mods so enjoy your posts, e, that they don't want you to be able to delete them. For me, they've added a "Would you like to delete this post?" question every time I try to submit a reply.

[Blue Velvet]

You have to have demi/contributor status to do that...
Otherwise, the best you can do is "edit" and delete the contents.

Woof, Woof - Dawg


Aaahh.. I didn't know that. Another perk of being a contributor...

[Chip NoVaMac]

So what is the difference between Demi-God and a Contributer?

[MacDawg]

Aaahh.. I didn't know that. Another perk of being a contributor...

Glad I could finally enlighten you on something Blue.
I'm used to learning from your experience!

Woof, Woof - Dawg

[jsw]

So what is the difference between Demi-God and a Contributer?
Nothing other than the wording, AFAIK. 99% have "Demi-God/dess"; I think a few people have something different.

Edit: BTW, at least when I paid, the "Demi-God" title came automatically; there wasn't a choice to be titled "Contributor" or anything else. Those few with different titles petitioned an MR god for them, I believe.

[edesignuk]

Uh, deleted most of mine out of this thread. :o
At least the "witty banter" ones!

Maybe I've been made a Mod! :cool:
Test it E, its the first option under Edit

Woof, Woof - Dawg
Hmmm, well, I didn't know that. The option was always there. But it used to be that if you tried to use it you just got an error saying that you didn't have permission to do it.

If they've enabled it now, cool :cool: :)

[edesignuk]

So what is the difference between Demi-God and a Contributer?
Nothin. I think contributer came about because wdlove wanted to become a demi-god, but because of his apparent deep religious beliefs wasn't comfortable with the demi-god title. So "Contributer" was born.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Nothin. I think contributer came about because wdlove wanted to become a demi-god, but because of his apparent deep religious beliefs wasn't comfortable with the demi-god title. So "Contributer" was born.

That I can understand and respect. Regardless, I will look forward to when I can make a financial contribution to MR.

[MacDawg]

Nothin. I think contributer came about because wdlove wanted to become a demi-god, but because of his apparent deep religious beliefs wasn't comfortable with the demi-god title. So "Contributer" was born.

My wife freaked when she saw demi-god (as I was explaining why I was on the computer so much and that MR wasn't porn!) So I asked Doctor Q about it and he quickly obliged.

Woof, Woof - Dawg

[jsw]

My wife freaked when she saw demi-god (as I was explaining why I was on the computer so much and that MR wasn't porn!) So I asked Doctor Q about it and he quickly obliged.

Woof, Woof - Dawg
Hmmm. Between that, and your phenomenal MR Member Pictures search capability, your love of finding users with monkey names, your recent posting burst....

Are you Doctor Q? If not, are you trying to compete with his numerical mastery of MR statistics with your own vast and comprehensive understanding of the site's contents?

[Chip NoVaMac]

My wife freaked when she saw demi-god (as I was explaining why I was on the computer so much and that MR wasn't porn!) So I asked Doctor Q about it and he quickly obliged.

Woof, Woof - Dawg

So funny. I get accused of doing the "porn" on the computer, for as much time I am on. Then with some of the stuff I forwarded to him about our jobs, life, and such; and the support here - he realized that this was a "family" that is very loving and supportive.

[solvs]

he realized that this was a "family" that is very loving and supportive.
Sometimes... :p :D ;)

[Daveway]

I hope they bring it back because I promised myself when I get my avatar I would contribute and get my frosted mug. ;)

[voicegy]

Dang, I've happily forked over $$$ for MacRumors in the past (still have my mug from a while back) and do hope that things will work out where folks can contribute if they wish. This is the ONLY forum that I'm more than willing to contribute cash to.

[wrldwzrd89]

My apologies for pestering anyone about becoming a contributor earlier - I completely missed this thread. I would love to contribute as soon as the contribution system gets fixed.

[Ugg]

Well, not to add to the broken record effect, but I told myself that I too would become a contributor this year and lo and behold.... Anyway, hope the contributor thingie is up and working soon. I've gotten a great deal from this site and would like to help out a little.

[wdlove]

Nothin. I think contributer came about because wdlove wanted to become a demi-god, but because of his apparent deep religious beliefs wasn't comfortable with the demi-god title. So "Contributer" was born.

Yes, arn was kind enough to allow me to use the Contributor status so the I could still contribute to MacRumors. It was because of my religious beliefs that I felt uncomfortable.

Looking forward to hear from arn when he makes his decision for its continuation. IMHO it is great to be a member and feel like I belong.

[Mord]

grr i hope this is fixed, i wanted to contribute and just noticed this thread, any idea of when the system will be back up again?

[iGary]

Lot's of sites ask for members to give, and I don't.

I'd happily fork over some dough to thie well-run site.

Heck, Fred Miranda charges 5.00 a month for the privelege of posting pictures...not complaining, just saying.

[Doctor Q]

any idea of when the system will be back up again?That's up to arn, and he hasn't decided yet. We're not going to keep it secret when MacRumors is taking contributions again, so you'll hear when we all hear.

[StarbucksSam]

I am disappointed to see this.

I have been on board for a year now. And I was looking forward to making this one of the few boards that i was willing to contribute to.

Some of it was the recent posting about my ranking. But more because i see a value in the site. I love the "hands-off" nature of the mods in most cases. I love the sense of "family" that I see here. I love that the mods do not require a "single focus" to the threads posted.

I do hope that when they decide how to maintain the fiscal burden of the site, I will be able to support it.

I concur. I really do see this site as a great mix between community members and moderators and I just love the whole "hands-off" feel you see too. Best forum I've ever been to.

[gwuMACaddict]

agreed... count me in once you guys are taking checks again... or paypal or whatever...

for as much crap as i make you guys read that i write, i ought to be helping fund the site ;) :D

[Chip NoVaMac]

Also would love a nice coffee or soup mug with the MR logo on it....

[Daveway]

What about pens and posters?

[wdlove]

It would be OK with me if arn doesn't offer any products. That way all of my money will go toward the betterment of MacRumors.

[blackfox]

It would be OK with me if arn doesn't offer any products. That way all of my money will go toward the betterment of MacRumors.thanks a lot wdlove...now all of us who'd like a mug seem like selfish pr**ks comparatively. :D

For the record, I would like to reitterate my desire to donate towards the cause and purchase a MR mug (when available) as separate activities.

I will keep a lookout for updates in these regards.

[Sun Baked]

thanks a lot wdlove...now all of us who'd like a mug seem like selfish pr**ks comparatively. :D

For the record, I would like to reitterate my desire to donate towards the cause and purchase a MR mug (when available) as separate activities.

I will keep a lookout for updates in these regards.With arn's new job -- I don't think he has the time to fool with mugs at the moment.

So there may be somebody new mugging MR members for cash.

[wdlove]

I'm sorry blackfox, didn't mean it against anyone else. Just meant it for me personally. :o

Sun Baked I didn't realize that arn had a new job. Do you know what the job title is now?

[jackieonasses]

I'm sorry blackfox, didn't mean it against anyone else. Just meant it for me personally. :o

Sun Baked I didn't realize that arn had a new job. Do you know what the job title is now? I am sure you know this, but he is a doctor now.. Not sure how high up or anything. But it keeps him busy.


Just to let everyone know - i am a paid subscriber, and i never got a mug. But that doesn't bother me, i know i am a contributor to the greatest forum on the net.

kyle

[Chip NoVaMac]

I am sure you know this, but he is a doctor now.. Not sure how high up or anything. But it keeps him busy.

Did not know this. Best of luck with the added responsibilities to Arn.

Just to let everyone know - i am a paid subscriber, and i never got a mug. But that doesn't bother me, i know i am a contributor to the greatest forum on the net.

kyle

Some of us were tongue-in-cheek about the mug. Since it was mentioned in the old contributer page. But at the same point some of wouldn't mind showing off to others as well.

[wrldwzrd89]

Did not know this. Best of luck with the added responsibilities to Arn.



Some of us were tongue-in-cheek about the mug. Since it was mentioned in the old contributer page. But at the same point some of wouldn't mind showing off to others as well.
I too hope Arn does well in his new job. Personally, I don't care if I get a mug or not. I'm with jackieonasses - I'm satisfied just by contributing to these forums.

[Chip NoVaMac]

I too hope Arn does well in his new job. Personally, I don't care if I get a mug or not. I'm with jackieonasses - I'm satisfied just by contributing to these forums.

Hey, I would pay extra to get a mug, a mouse mat, and maybe both a t-shirt and sweat-shirt. :)

Just let me contribute beyond my words and deeds here on MR!

Please!

[wdlove]

Doctor Q is a PhD of Computer Science. arn has kindly promoted him to full moderator status, very worthy.

I'm sure that as soon as arn makes a decision, he will let us know.

[Doctor Q]

I promised to announce here when paid memberships were again available. As you can see from today's announcement (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/05/20050515123257.shtml), the time has come!