Updated poll-2x6 Challenge Fee?

[Stytooner]

This poll concerns issues in this thread.
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=26949

There will be an entry fee for the annual 2x6 Challenge for BT3Central. I think $10 or $15 is the amount some of us have been kicking around. Members that want to enter will be charged this fee to do so, however they then become a Patron as well by helping to support the site and it's upkeep as well as a few perks not offered to regular Members. The chance to win prizes is the finish coat.
The question is, should Patrons that have already donated this year to BT3Central also be charged an entry fee? This poll is only to get a consensus.

I updated this poll and locked the first one. If you voted before, you can now vote again. This one has more options. I received guidance from Thom. He seems to be quite the Poll Meister.

If you voted other, please post your suggestions below. Thanks.

[steve-norrell]

I don't know what a "Patron" is and that is probably because I am a relative newcomer. To me it implies something like a "sponsor", like a manufacturer or vendor.

I would have no problem with paying for a subscription or membership dues, if that is how the term "patron" is used here.

Regards, Steve

[Adele]

I don't know what a "Patron" is and that is probably because I am a relative newcomer. To me it implies something like a "sponsor", like a manufacturer or vendor.

I would have no problem with paying for a subscription or membership dues, if that is how the term "patron" is used here.

Regards, Steve

Steve,

BT3Central is kept running buy the wonderful members of this site. As you may have noticed we are in the beginning of our annual fundraising now. That is what the Fund Drive 2007 at the top of your screen is showing. The members that choose to help out become "patrons". Of course this site is always free. However, without the support of the the members Sam and myself could not afford to keep BT3 going.

Thanks for asking and let us know if you need any help.

Adele

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Existing Patrons should be charged an entry fee. = goot

[Tom Slick]

I think a small entry fee is fair. maybe a discounted fair for patrons, maybe free for big donators.
I also think if we had some participants that were feeling extra giving they could donate 2 fees and the other fee could be given to someone that wants to participate but can't afford it right now. I learned that from a chief master sergent who would always buy double tickets for fundrasers and give the extras to the airman who needed it most.

[LarryG]

I have been interpreting the "Existing patrons should be charged an entry fee" to mean that everyone pays an entry fee to participate in the challenge, patron on not. That is, the two things are entirely separate.

As someone mentioned in the other thread, if someone is already a patron and pays an extra fee for the challenge, but a non-patron enters the contest and also becomes a patron via his challenge entry fee ... that's not fair to the people who already are patrons.

[Stytooner]

You are right, Larry. The mods are batting around ideas to alleviate that particular element.

[Ed62]

As someone mentioned in the other thread, if someone is already a patron and pays an extra fee for the challenge, but a non-patron enters the contest and also becomes a patron via his challenge entry fee ... that's not fair to the people who already are patrons.

I was the one who mentioned that. But if we are trying to get more patrons, maybe it would be fair to charge the newbies $15.00 if they wanted to enter the challenge, and also become a patron. Or they could pay $10.00 to become a patron *OR* enter the challenge. Just another idea.

Ed

[Lance]

Sam & Adele,

I clicked on the prorated option, but am re-thinking my vote.

Here's my view (at least for now! ):

I became a patron because I wanted to support the site, which I enjoy and value. This site is a worthy cause that I hope will continue to thrive.

The contest is a fund-raising tool, and will help support the site, which is the #1 priority, at least to me. So I would support whatever will raise the most for the site. In this case, I think that would be to keep them separate, which I assume would also be the simplest for our beleaguered bottlewasher. (And no matter what you choose, you'll have my support!)

Well, that's my $0.02, and if I keep going, someone will probably need to hand me a soapbox!

-Lance

[TomBar]

IMHO, patrons should be charged say $10, and non patrons should be charged more, say $15 or $20. But I believe that a non patron who enters the contest should not automatically become a patron. Becoming a patron should be separate.

[Tom Miller]

I haven't been following this discussion too closely -- this option must have come up....

Limit the contest to patrons only.

[edit: not to try to be exclusive, but as a way of bringing folks in.]

I'm not sure what the minimum cost is to become a patron, but perhaps this is close to the "differential" amount that some folks are recommending, anyway, between member and visitors. Maybe a slight ($5) discount off the combined membership plus contest entry could be thrown in during this period.

Regards,
Tom

[ScottGolden]

Here is my 2 cents.

I became a patron for the following reasons.

1. I save a bunch of money with many of the deals found on this site.
   
2. I have had every question I asked answered in a very timely manner. (everyone should congratulate themselves on their knowledge and willingness to help others)

I did not become a patron to be get a free entry to any contest but I would not turn it down.

To sum it up, this site is one of the best maintained and an extremely valuable resource. If a fee for entering the contest is needed to support this site I would gladly pay it.

Scott

[LYU370]

I think there are two different ways to do it, patrons only, or everyone.

It you allow everyone, I think the non-patron fee should be higher than the patron fee. (One of the perks of being a patron).

If you do patrons only, have a tierd fee. Platinum - Free(Perks), Gold - $5, others $10.

[4estgump]

If you are a member of most any club that pays dues, and they have a raffel, contest, competition, or club activity that you win a prize, you almost always have an entry fee. Even if its buying a raffel ticket. I can think of many ways to get the 10 or 15 dollars to enter. I don't think anyone should be exempt from the fee, member or not. Just my thoughts.

4est