Not attempting to get on your bad side Cliff, just applying a little "mature" rationale and reasoning from a forum member perspective.:

First and foremost, TINSTAAFL or basically, "There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch" and that is what you have been providing us, and many of us, including myself have taken advantage of that from time to time, but in the end, this is still your forum and/or house.

Even at the bare minimum of $60.00/year for a membership and knowing your costs are averaging $1,000.00/month (or roughly $12,000/year), that only gives any individual 0.5% (less then 1 share) in your site. Not much voting power let alone say if this was the real economic market.

Much like COMMON STOCK in the marketplace, one can own shares, but the individual doesn't have much say in what the corporation actually does, especially if his share is so miniscule (ie: a 0.5% investment) thier voice becomes even less heard, if at all.

Therefore, an individual can b*tch and groan all they want if they pay for a membership and doesn't mean they will get what they want in the end, just shows their maturity level if they attempt to pull that "excuse". "Corporate Island Booting" can then be used.

We'll leave any PROXY voting out of the equation.

Now if it was PREFERRED STOCK...

Anyways, I understand where you're coming from. You started and host the greatest site when it comes to Fiero's and people being able to meet and get together.

To me, it would be worth spending a "membership" fee which I (as well as others) fully understand it does not grant myself (us) the "Oyster to the World" to do whatever we want in your principle place of business. Still have to abide by the "Corporations" wishes, rules, goals and directions. If somebody doesn't like it...they can discontinue participating which, as others have stated, may clean up some of the "riff-raff" that may be coming to your site to do nothing more then cause problems. Those that are more serious and willing to contribute to the knowledge or assist others in a positive manner, will be willing to contribute to continue this sites exsistance.

Cliff, your obviously a proud man, with alot to be proud of. Many of us here seemingly are willing to pay for a membership with the maturity and understanding that it does not grant us special priveledges or anything else just to do what we want, when we want just because we would elect to pay for the privledge to be here or come to your house.

I am concerened about the "BANNER" thing. May or may not work. In time, if it isn't directing traffic (since I hate clicking on banners myself to begin with), over time, you may find individuals pulling and electing not to pay for the service. You will then be right back in the same boat, with a big leak in the bottom, sinking for options.

Membership might or might not work. I am sure there are several households, like mine, that have more than one person with a user name, that use the forum. So, with that in mind, I would only pay for, afford, one membership and our whole house would have to share it.
The amount of users would also diminish drastically.
There are not many forums out there, which charge membership fees, that arent porn sites.

Well thats my two pennies.
Thanks Cliff, and I know I never thank you enough !!!!!!!!

I even think placing a banner at the bottom wouldn't be a bad idea, and would double the sponsor's visibility. At the size you've shown in your example, they are far from obnoxious, and like other members have said, they will even help people find parts or new vendors for parts.

1,000 dollars a month is a large burden to take upon yourself, and if there is any way we can help, we will do it!

Also put up a donation link with a way for people to send in a few bucks here and there. You'll be suprised at the amount people will help, and if anyone thinks that they are paying their way and can have their say...we'll show 'em the right road. I don't mind sending in a couple bucks to keep this going.

My 2 cents.