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Would you pay for forum membership.

RLinnRLinn Posts: 596 ✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Another thread raised the issue of this forum's future in light of CU stock prices. While most don't see any real threat, it got me to thinking. Would you pay a subscription fee to participate in this forum. Or would you pay for a PCGS Collectors Club membership if it was a prerequisite to forum participation?
Buy the coin...but be sure to pay for it.
«1

Comments

  • kieferscoinskieferscoins Posts: 10,017 ✭
    A CC membership would be alright (I already have one), but paying...no. These boards are supposed to draw new collectors to PCGS and a subscription would keep people away.

    Cameron Kiefer
  • mercurynutmercurynut Posts: 3,207
    Pay to look at the boards ..... Nope
  • mbbikermbbiker Posts: 2,873 ✭
    No i wouldn't, i like to come here and learn about all different things about coins but i wouldn't want to pay for it, this forum is a way for me to pass my time (as well as learn things) but i could always find another way to pass the time.
    Gold + Silver for sale on BST, Eagles, Pandas, ATB's...
  • petertdavispetertdavis Posts: 34
    Why would anyone pay when there are other places as good or better that are free?

    rec.collecting.coins
    Coin Talk
    WINS

    Just to name a few...
















    Are you saying that CU will charge or is this hypothetical?
    Peter T. Davis
    Free Silver American Eagle for the first 5 people with 100+ posts at Coin Talk
    Yep, it's for real.
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    Yes, I would. I already do at another forum. The information, knowledge and education is of value to me so I am willing to pay for that value. Bandwidth and storage are not free and businesses only survive long-term if they are profitable, regardless of what the internet generation seems to think. You have only to look at tha thousands of sites across the web that are now nothing more then a 404 error to realize that the free lunch is over.

    Russ, NCNE
    eBay consignment sales | | Collectibles from Resco CCC
  • RLinnRLinn Posts: 596 ✭


    << <i>Are you saying that CU will charge or is this hypothetical? >>

    Clearly hypothetical and am in no way suggesting it is even a worthy idea. I am just thinking through how much I value the interactions found in this forum.
    Buy the coin...but be sure to pay for it.
  • petertdavispetertdavis Posts: 34


    << <i>

    << <i>Are you saying that CU will charge or is this hypothetical? >>

    Clearly hypothetical and am in no way suggesting it is even a worthy idea. I am just thinking through how much I value the interactions found in this forum. >>



    It's not the place, it's the people. I think you'd find the interactions just as valuable wherever the venue.
    Peter T. Davis
    Free Silver American Eagle for the first 5 people with 100+ posts at Coin Talk
    Yep, it's for real.
  • gmarguligmarguli Posts: 2,225 ✭✭
    No, I wouldn't pay. There is nothing here that can't be duplicated at other sites for free.

    This site is a customer service tool. If they wanted us to pay for customer service then I would leave ASAP.
  • PetescornerPetescorner Posts: 1,220 ✭✭
    I would pay a nominal fee. I think that would go a long way towards cleaning up some of the trolls. Plus, I get a lot a valuable information out of this site, and I would use it (to a certain extent) to promote my sales amonst other collectors (if I sold much.)

    As far as other free sites, rec.collecting.coins is a joke. I wouldn't post there if they paid me! I don't think you can read two posts in a row without people attacking each other. (Here we can go 3 or 4 image )
  • DCAMFranklinDCAMFranklin Posts: 2,862 ✭✭
    Uhhhh......... let's see......... No!!
  • RLinnRLinn Posts: 596 ✭


    << <i>It's not the place, it's the people. >>

    Of course, you're right. But for me it is this particular group of people that I have come to enjoy.

    I am also sympathetic to points raised by Russ. CU will only host a "free" forum so long as it fits and meets their objectives. They owe nothing less to their stockholders. I am a Collectors Club member and use their services realizing that this forum is part of their being good citizens of the coin community and is also part of the value I receive from CU.
    Buy the coin...but be sure to pay for it.
  • KlectorKidKlectorKid Posts: 3,723
    I wouldnt pay what is the point if lots of people are new to collecting or are young would u want to pay to answer questions if u are a expert or pay when you are brand new to collecting.
    image
  • littlewicherlittlewicher Posts: 1,822 ✭✭
    Nope. Don't give CU any ideas.image As Cameron said, it's supposed to bring new people in, charging money would keep them away. Just my ever so humble opinion on this matter.image


    For some life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever.
    -Laura Swenson

    In memory of BL, SM, and KG. 16 and forever young, rest in peace.
  • CharlieBCharlieB Posts: 441 ✭
    Not a chance.
    "location, location, location...eye appeal, eye appeal, eye appeal"
    My website
  • gmarguligmarguli Posts: 2,225 ✭✭
    CU can't just getrid of this forum. People would move over to the NGC forums. How long before people liked it over there and started submitting there instead of here.
  • copperheadcopperhead Posts: 288 ✭
    Everything seems to evolve around the almighty dollar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO if PCGS isn't making enough money THEN WHAT??? Lets start charging forum members for meeting here. GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I certainly don't think that would be good for their business. Nor do I think it will ever happen. If it does. See ya'll at the NGC board.
    AL(Copperhead)
    Gotta love them Mercs
  • Dog97Dog97 Posts: 7,874 ✭✭✭
    HELL NO!!!
    Change that we can believe in is that change which is 90% silver.
  • RotatedRainbowsRotatedRainbows Posts: 2,085 ✭✭
    Nope.
  • nuckleheadnucklehead Posts: 1,500 ✭
    Nope no way nada.
    Friends are Gods way of apologizing for your relatives.
  • lathmachlathmach Posts: 4,720 ✭
    PAY??????
    I'm here because I thought maybe I'd get a high relief Saint or something once I got to 20,000 posts.
    Don't tell me Collectors Universe doesn't do that!!!

    Ray
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    I would have to say NO. These Forums are the best advertising PCGS could have
    and I will not pay for the advertising privelege. Bearimage
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • DHeathDHeath Posts: 8,472 ✭✭✭
    RLinn,

    I appreciate your question, but IMO, we already pay for this forum. PCGS is nice enough to provide the community and host us, but we pay through membership fees and grading fees for all that PCGS does, including this forum.
    Developing theory is what we are meant to do as academic researchers
    and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
  • merz2merz2 Posts: 2,474 ✭
    I also would say no.This board and it's members do IMHO generate business for PCGS/CU.I don't believe they'd ever try to charge to be a member.
    Don
    Registry 1909-1958 Proof Lincolns
  • KeyrockKeyrock Posts: 961 ✭
    Pay? for what. The quality of the boards has dropped dramatically IMO. People whining about this that and the other thing, calling each other jerks etc...

    I rarely come to the boards now as it is. PCGS should pay us since they advertise the registry sets and we make it what it is.

    If people got back to talking about coins and stopped the complaining the boards would be better. (IMHO)

    Rich
  • ClankeyeClankeye Posts: 3,928 ✭
    Don--
    I could imagine them trying to charge, but I think it would be one of those classic business mistakes like Coke changing its flavor, or Jack In the Box changing their name to Monterey Jack's.
    Brevity is the soul of wit. --William Shakespeare
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    Rich - Whats wrong with having a little whine with dinner?
    Make mine Merlot. Bearimage
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • CalGoldCalGold Posts: 2,608 ✭✭
    No. And I wont pay for sex either.
  • AgflyerAgflyer Posts: 948 ✭✭✭
    Not a chance! If I wasn't here I would just find somewhere else to go.image
    Rick II
    I've had great transactions with people like: drwstr123, CCC2010, AlanLastufka, Type2, Justlooking, zas107, StrikeOutXXX, 10point, 66Tbird, and many more!
  • clackamasclackamas Posts: 5,615 ✭
    no
  • BSqrBSqr Posts: 543
    NO
  • dpooledpoole Posts: 5,940 ✭✭✭✭✭
    How pretentious is this! The whole idea (presumably) was to draw people repeatedly to a place where they would be exposed to the PCGS name and service. This is a marketing tool, and a very good one, at that! PCGS gets thoroughly discussed here, and PCGS has the golden opportunity to take the pulse of its clientele and respond to specific problems and concerns (as per the Q&A forum), all for only the cost of a website! This is a classic win-win situations, for PCGS and for us.

    How unbelievably self-defeating and short-sighted it would be for them to CHARGE US to come here! NGC has already set up one alternative (among others), and the vast majority of people here would simply switch over there, in a snit, if nothing else (look how many people went over there when CU Forum was down for only a few days...).

    You better believe it, if PCGS started charging people to come on this board, that would be a clear symptom of their impending death, and desperation.

    Having said all this, we should remember that this discussion has NOTHING to do with anything PCGS has said or proposed! image

    Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...



  • dragondragon Posts: 4,548 ✭✭
    I think that CU should charge a $19.95 monthly membership fee which would include 50 free posts per month, and then 50 cents per post if you go over your limit.

    Dragon
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    Dragon - Are you trying to scare small children again by flying low over the village.,
    breathing fire. Bear
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • Dave99BDave99B Posts: 8,529 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sure, but not much. Maybe $15/year ...

    Dave
    Always looking for original, better date VF20-VF35 Barber quarters and halves, and a quality beer.
  • IrishMikeIrishMike Posts: 7,737 ✭✭✭
    It's not the coin business that is the drain on it's earnings, its the dramatic drop in prices and interest in sports card collection which has led to a drop in grading submissions. Would I pay...hello...no.
  • ElmerFusterpuckElmerFusterpuck Posts: 4,722 ✭✭✭✭✭
    No. Setting up tollbooths in this forum (and on the Web) will only help kill it. CNN charges you $x a month to give a shot at some jerky videos that you can get for free on something called the TV. Don't feed the tolls! image

    10-4,
    Erik
    My registry sets

    My Instagram pictures
  • BladeBlade Posts: 1,744 ✭
    What if the price for the forum was $15/yr, about the same as a magazine subscription, but you got 1 free Economy submission and and 5% off all other submissions? PCGS would get a new revenue stream, and further increase loyalty. Not that I'm advocating charging, but that could work (pay something to get something of value in addition to our sparkling personalities)
    Tom

    NOTE: No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

    Type collector since 1981
    Current focus 1855 date type set
  • tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,162 ✭✭✭✭✭
    no
    Early Dollar Set
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    Tradedollarnut - You are a man of few words. But those that you use, come straight
    to the point. Bear
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • gemseekergemseeker Posts: 276 ✭
    No
    I kept getting these rumor messages that ICQ was going to be a pay service. What a crock.
    Anyhow, I got my PC for free, don't pay to get online now, got many things and money for doing business online, etc. So would I even consider paying after getting all those goodies? NO WAY JOSE
    Recommended reading - The PCGS Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection and The Coin Collector's Survival Manual and NCI Grading Guide
    For the Morgan collectors - The Morgan and Peace encyclopedia by Van Allen and Mallis

    What would your slabbed coins be worth if the grading services went out of business? What would your coins be worth if the Internet was taken offline for good?
  • GeomanGeoman Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭
    Nope, I won't pay. I would find another board.

    -Geoman
  • numobrinumobri Posts: 1,473 ✭✭✭
    Yes i would.You people are like GOLD.Glad i don't have to pay for this.
    NUMO
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,636 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Being able to read these posts is worth a small fortune.
    The ability to post is worth a great deal.
    But I wouldn't pay even a cent.

    The new Q&A forum is (was) quite valuable also.

    Fortunately being able to read these posts is probably more valuable to our
    hosts than the little cash they could raise by charging, so it's unlikely that it
    will happen. Please no more ideas like this.
    Tempus fugit.
  • leothelyonleothelyon Posts: 8,459 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Two cents seems right..

    Leo

    The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

    My Jefferson Nickel Collection

  • laserartlaserart Posts: 2,255 ✭
    yuor kidding, right? No I would not.
    "If I had a nickel for every nickel I ever had, I'd have all my nickels back".
  • 1956Quarter1956Quarter Posts: 400
    NOPE....
  • halfnuthalfnut Posts: 1,619
    Never will pay - already have stopped going to one site because they went to a must pay system. I would head across the street to the OTHER forum.

    Dan

    U S NAVY WITH PRIDE - MY IDEA OF A WEAPONS INSPECTION'S IS TO DROP A FEW SMART BOMBS ON IRAQ AND THEY CAN INSPECT OUR BOMBS UP CLOSE AND PERSONEL.
    U S Navy Retired 22 years - ENC(SW) Ret. - Travling Nuclear Maintanence Contractor - Working Indian Point Nuclear plant Buchanan New York
    image

    ">Franklin Halves
    ">Kennedy Halves
  • TrimeTrime Posts: 1,863 ✭✭✭
    I might but from the look of things there would be no one to talk to.
    Seriously if I owned CU ( from the look of the stock, I would rather not), I would consider this forum one of the most successful promotion ( advertisement) programs going. They have the attention of active customers including dealers, collectors and speculators. There is competition waiting in the wings. I would give a bonus to the person who dreamed this up. I wonder how they handle this asset on their books.
    Trime
  • nwcsnwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
    I would not pay to be a forum participant. Not enough value for me. Unless it was like $5/yr. or included as part of the collectors club stuff.
    Blog and Pics
  • pontiacinfpontiacinf Posts: 8,915 ✭✭
    lol

    theyre lucky they got 179 for the crappy grading job done on my free submissions.
    image

    Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill

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