6,750 members as of today!

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2013
Messages
30,486
Location
Sarasota, FL
Congrats Sharks, we hit 6,750 "real" members as of today! A terrific milestone. Our Google Analytics show some amazing grow in traffic as well with nearly 40,000 unique visitors and almost 800,000 hits in the last 30 days.

Thanks guys for making this journey so much fun!

If you have suggestions for making Audioshark a better forum - I'm all ears! I've been looking into a few things like a new graphics/layout, but I would love to hear from you guys on ideas you may have.

I would like to ask this question: would a nominal annual fee of $20 or $25, with all proceeds going toward site costs, prizes, etc. be a worth while idea? Members would receive benefits like PM'ing, etc. There is one other site that does this, but most do not. The thinking here is if you pay for something, you may actually use it more? Or is that a crazy idea?

Anyway, I have some exciting new announcements coming out (content related) in the near future.

MShippo37915.jpg
 
I think its great and I have no issue with a $20-$25 membership fee...........:)
 
Mike - Congrats! I don't mind giving a donation (yearly) to keep the site working well and also in order to do some innovation/upgrades as needed.
 
Ritmo said:
Mike - Congrats! I don't mind giving a donation (yearly) to keep the site working well and also in order to do some innovation/upgrades as needed.
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It's not about donation, I'm thinking if we had a small nominal fee, people would be more inclined to participate more regularly????


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If you go to a fee based forum, you need to ensure that there are value add services to the "subscribers". I don't believe paying a subscription is reason enough for people to come back and contribute. What makes AS attractive is the camaraderie, tips, equipment news, music experiences, etc... In a real, transparent, fun, non political and safe environment.

My 2 cents Mike....
 
Ritmo said:
If you go to a fee based forum, you need to ensure that there are value add services to the "subscribers". I don't believe paying a subscription is reason enough for people to come back and contribute. What makes AS attractive is the camaraderie, tips, equipment news, music experiences, etc... In a real, transparent, fun, non political and safe environment.

My 2 cents Mike....
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Yes. PM'ing, Fish Market (used gear sales), etc. I don't want to do it - just bouncing ideas around to see how we can get participation up and more great thread topics! I would love our members to create more great topics for discussion.


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Mike said:
Yes. PM'ing, Fish Market (used gear sales), etc. I don't want to do it - just bouncing ideas around to see how we can get participation up and more great thread topics! I would love our members to create more great topics for discussion.


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Just my opinion Mike, but I prefer the soft sell approach that has always been the AS method of "donate what you can, when you can" but I also understand this same method likely doesn't pay the bills and relies HEAVILY on your own pocket.

Taking away the free functions (PM, Fish Market, etc.) that folks have been using might drive some members away if they're suddenly made to pay for these features going forward.

Personally, I'll continue to donate yearly (or pay a membership fee if that's the direction AS ends up going) as long as I enjoy myself here and find value in the knowledge shared by the fine membership.

As to posting new and exciting threads/topics.....you better look elsewhere than myself. I've been busy with lots of things lately and am quite boring when it really comes down to it. :hey:
 
I agree Mike. Just trying to figure out ways to get people to participate more. That's all. We are all busy, but we can surely make a few minutes to think about some interesting topics for discussion. You could start one on different metallurgy and even crazy things like helium used in cables for example. Does pure silver sound the brightest? Is copper the most natural? Why on earth use helium in cables (Stealth)?
 
Mike said:
I agree Mike. Just trying to figure out ways to get people to participate more. That's all. We are all busy, but we can surely make a few minutes to think about some interesting topics for discussion. You could start one on different metallurgy and even crazy things like helium used in cables for example. Does pure silver sound the brightest? Is copper the most natural? Why on earth use helium in cables (Stealth)?
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Ha!.....before launching into a topic like that, I'll need to drive 3 miles and first make a choice as to which of six MJ dispensaries I'll be visiting for some writing-fuel. :celebrate008_2:

But seriously, I'll give it some thought Mike.
 
Personally I believe these internet sites should be free to visit and be a member of. Put more adds on the pages if you need to.

I used to pay for the other site and frankly being outside of the USA was pretty useless for me so I opted out.
 
XV-1 said:
Personally I believe these internet sites should be free to visit and be a member of. Put more adds on the pages if you need to.

I used to pay for the other site and frankly being outside of the USA was pretty useless for me so I opted out.
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Thanks for your perspective.
 
happy to make a donation, but membership-only may detract from getting new members. keep up the good work!
 
KeithR said:
happy to make a donation, but membership-only may detract from getting new members. keep up the good work!
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Thanks Keith. I hope everyone understands - I'm just brainstorming ideas for new topic posts, greater participation, etc. Our numbers are excellent...but you know...always wondering what we can do better.
 
Mike said:
It's not about donation, I'm thinking if we had a small nominal fee, people would be more inclined to participate more regularly????


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I don't think so. Hit me up for a donation anytime but not a fee. There's an ideological difference.


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La Dolce Vita said:
I don't think so. Hit me up for a donation anytime but not a fee. There's an ideological difference.


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To be honest, I'm never going to "hit anyone up" for a donation. It should be voluntary.


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Mike said:
I agree Mike. Just trying to figure out ways to get people to participate more. That's all. We are all busy, but we can surely make a few minutes to think about some interesting topics for discussion. You could start one on different metallurgy and even crazy things like helium used in cables for example. Does pure silver sound the brightest? Is copper the most natural? Why on earth use helium in cables (Stealth)?
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Sounds like you want quantity and I can understand and appreciate that. As someone who frequents and values the forum very much I don't. I want quality! I want well thought out insights and perspectives not oh crap I forgot to sign on today and I'm not getting my $25 or $50 worth! For me, it's all about passion and enjoyment. Otherwise there is no sense to it (unless of course motivations differ) hope this helps and thank you for a great forum


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Really? No. I want quality. But 40,000 visitors a month, 6750 members and how many come up with interesting discussions? I know a lot of people are shy - hopefully they come out of their shells! Lurkers - join and post!


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The best things in life are free and Audioshark is one of them :D I personally don´t think a fee would increase participation and might be a deterrent for new members, the purpose of any good forum is the sharing of good quality information and experiences, turning the basic right to communicate into a privilege is for me going against the spirit of this site, as is the introduction of a "cast" membership based on who pays and who doesn´t. That being said I wouldn´t mind strategically placed ads at all.
 
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