Gentle Reminder.

[Sam Conder]

If people want to build their own private club in order to find and secure more deals, sheez, go ahead. If, on the other hand, you want me to contribute some money, just ask nicely.

No one was ever implying anything like that. Please re-read the original posts and I think you'll agree.

As far as "asking nicely", that's why I created this page: http://www.bt3central.com/payments.php which is linked to up in the "Fund Drive" header at the top of every single page on the site. I can't figure out how to make it any more accessible or friendly but, as always, I'm open to ideas.

[Todd Cioffi]

Very interesting thread. I'm basically a lurker. I have benefited from finding bargains here. I have posted a couple of times to update how many more bargains can be found at such-and-such a place. I have also read around in other categories other than the bargain one. So here's my point: I didn't know exactly how this site is funded and if I were asked in a pleasant way to contribute $10, $20, and the like, I probably would. I don't have time to read about the history and every other aspect of this site. I found the site after buying a BT3100 and have loved checking in every so often. I certainly am not trying to take advantage of anything or anybody. If the site were to start splitting things up based on who gives money, who plays nice, etc., then I'll probably go elsewhere. The one thing that attracted me and keeps me coming back to this site is the idea that it is a type of community, even in regard to bargain alerts. If people want to build their own private club in order to find and secure more deals, sheez, go ahead. If, on the other hand, you want me to contribute some money, just ask nicely.

Todd

[BrazosJake]

Hey, if I would have known that a topic like "Belly Button Lint" was open for discussion, I could've had about 100 more posts by now...

Thanks,

Jim K

OK, now we are off topic for the BA forum, unless we're talking about a free (and disgusting) source of finishing rags.

[IBBugsy]

WOW!! Just too many posts to read!! But I think I understand.....

My experience??

I contributed once I realized all the help this site had given me. I cruised around to a bunch of sites when I started getting interested in woodworking and this one became my home.

If it was a "completely Paid" site, I'd have never joined. If only the Bargain area was fee-based, I would still have joined due the help of the other areas. But I think the money I saved due to the Bargain area made my decision easier. I've saved a bunch due to that area.

Whatever you guys and gals decide is fine with me. Just want to say thanks and you have my support!

[Thom2]

I'm sure it's in the archive somewhere (unless one of the mods deleted it for humanity's sake).

You're not THAT lucky

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=18972

[Russianwolf]

Hey, if I would have known that a topic like "Belly Button Lint" was open for discussion, I could've had about 100 more posts by now...

Thanks,

Jim K

I'm sure it's in the archive somewhere (unless one of the mods deleted it for humanity's sake). It has more info on belly lint than I ever thought was out there. Including some scientific stuff, if you can believe that.

[Russianwolf]

By the way, did you ever finish crocheting that area rug?

No, but I've stuffed three doggie beds with the stuff. I figure by year end all 9 pups will have belly lint stuffed beds.

[JimK]

I can tell you that I made a big leap in my status when I started a topic about "Belly Button Lint" (seriously, I did). I won't say which direction the leap was in.

Hey, if I would have known that a topic like "Belly Button Lint" was open for discussion, I could've had about 100 more posts by now...

Thanks,

Jim K

[Sam Conder]

I can tell you that I made a big leap in my status when I started a topic about "Belly Button Lint"...

By the way, did you ever finish crocheting that area rug?

[Russianwolf]

This is the first time I've created a message where I was extremely self conscious about my post count showing. It's also the first time that I was concerned that someone may look up whether or not I'm a patron. It's the first time I wondered where I stood and where I fit in. The point is, it's the first time I felt that I would be judged while part of this community. Jim K.

Oh we judge everybody, everyday. It's just we are judging them on the "crackpot" scale.

I can tell you that I made a big leap in my status when I started a topic about "Belly Button Lint" (seriously, I did). I won't say which direction the leap was in.

None of that stuff you mentioned (post count, patron level) matters. Just the "crackpot" scale.

[Adele]

I just want to echo what Sam has said. I have followed this thread closely and wanted to put my two cents in several times. However, because I sleep with the guy who makes the final decision I held my tongue. Sam said it perfectly this forum is a family. You all have been there for us and many members of this forum through thick and thin.

I am also very proud of the decision Sam has come to. I think this is a community and if we want to add people we need to leave it open to all who would want to come. If you can afford to help support BT3 that is great, if not that is fine as well. Sometimes we need to get gentle reminders to remember what we appreciate the most.

Thanks for such a wonderful place to hang out.

Adele

[gad5264]

First off let me say "THANKS" Sam.

Secondly, BT3Central has been and should always be a "WE" site.

[LarryG]

This Foum has the feel of a family and to seperate into us and them, no mater how good the intention, would send the wrong signal. Making B.A. a restricted site hints to the thought"I got mine, now you get yours".

Having slept on it, and having read the many more posts that were added to the thread since my last look at it yesterday afternoon, I am now in agreement. From the outset I was sure, and I remain sure, that Greg's intentions were nothing but honorable. His suggestion to make Bargain Alerts a patron perk was in no way an attempt to create a "private" or "exclusive" club, nor -- worse yet -- to set up an "us" versus "them" climate.

But it's clear that some people would perceive it that way, and that perception alone is enough to make Sam's "supreme decision" the correct one, IMO. As I said to close out my last post yesterday, there were some excellent points being made on both sides of the discussion, and I'm now better able to see the other side, and to appreciate viewpoints other than my own.

Above all, I'm just grateful for having had an opportunity to participate in such an exchange without it turning into an e-slugfest. This truly is a great place, and threads like this one ultimately serve to strengthen it.

Yes ... thank you, Sam.

[messmaker]

I support your decision. This Foum has the feel of a family and to seperate into us and them, no mater how good the intention, would send the wrong signal. Making B.A. a restricted site hints to the thought"I got mine, now you get yours".We would get less input and may end up with everyone missing out. This is not what this place is about. I have always appreciated how kind and helpful everyone is here. Nobody takes theirself too seriously. That is a good thing and somewhat of a rarity. I think a lot of credit goes to Sam who seems to steer this ship while staying under the radar. I am sure this is no accident.
Thank you Sam.

[crokett]

Well said, Sam. I figured the community would come around to this.