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Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

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Unimatic1140

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Joined
Apr 26, 2001
Messages
10,107
Location
Minneapolis
I have been extremely busy lately so I have not had much time to even look at the website, much less do any programming. When I do get some free time this is what I'm planning to do. There will be two types of memberships available, the standard membership (free) and the upgraded membership (donating member). Click here to see the table comparing features between the two memberships. The BUY-NOW button has not been enabled as its still in test mode, but you get the idea of how it will look. The feature table is how it stands right now, changes will be made (before going live with this) at my discretion/as I see fit.

Upgraded memberships will cost $2 for 30 days, $7.50 for 1/2 year or $12.00 for one full year. When you log in on the Navigation bar will be an area that shows how many days you have left in upgraded status. I wrote an option to upgrade for another user if you wish. I you decided to do this, please send them email letting them know. All upgraded members will have a symbol next to their user name in the posts to show them as upgraded.

All website business including announcements, bug reports and information will be posted in the Super Forum, that way everyone has access to the information.

I will let everyone know in advance when I'm planning on implementing the new system.

Just to be clear I'm clearly not going to get rich with this, I'm doing this to raise funds to run this website. Since we first we on-line in 2001 I've spent almost $5000 out of my own pocket to run aw.org and I would like the membership now to absorb some if not all of the future costs.

Questions/Comments? Discuss...
 
Seems fair to me Robert

but you should also figure in what the time you spent on keeping up this site is worth too...I bet that would add antoher couple of thou to the total of what this site has cost you easily...PAT COFFEY
 
It seems more than fair, Robert. In fact I think that $12 is too low... I would gladly pay more to help support the site - the information, parts and vintage appliance leads, and offers of housing for when hubby does finally decide that I have 'one too many' dishwashers is worth much more to me!
 
Yes paypal via their secure website will be the only way to pay. While I agree that $12 seems fairly low, if enough people donate it will hopefully cover the costs for running this site. If not I will look at other options.

I didn't figure the costs of my time, but I did take into account the actual costs that I've had to pay with my own money. For a few years around 2005 Jon Charles donated as well for a separate video server, those costs are not included in the $5000 amount as well. Bandwidth is cheaper now that it was five to ten years ago so one server is all that is needed these days.
 
Robert -

For what it's worth, the free membership is probably all I'd use, though I have enjoyed the 'edit' function more than a couple times to fix my tupographical errors. I have little or no desire to read or be involved in the 'Dirty Laundry' stuff, as I get my enjoyment out of the three original forums (but THANK YOU for filtering the junk out of the Super).

That said, I would pay the $12 without blinking an eye, in fact I'd pay that ten-fold and consider it a bargain for the value and fun I've had with this site. How do you put a value on new friendships anyway?

So, when you decide on a donation amount, just let me know.

Gordon
 
Will happily pay $12... not neccessarily for the new forums, but mainly for the edit and wash/rinse/spin functions - wouldn't be without them now.

Thanks again for the great site,

Jon
 


It's a very reasonable price Robert. You've been more than gracious with your money for far too long. I'm excited about "Dirty Laundry" and what may be found there after it's secured!
 
Robert

I would have happily paid regardless of any new functionality...

...you do a fantastic job and this is one website that deserves support.
 
Thanks everyone!

I do it all over again, the money I spent was a bargain considering I've made some of the best friends of my life through the creation of this site. Not to mention the fact creating this site and Vacuumland brought Fred and I together, which is truly priceless.
 
Hi Robert. I have requested to be signed up for a year. That is the least we can do with all the time and effort you put into this website year after year.

Ross
 
Robert, you mention PayPal only but you have credit card logos under the "Buy Now" button. So we'll be able to pay via one of those cards that hsa a respective logo?
 
you have my money and more

This has been a haven for making friends, learning and a great Psychiatric aid for me. Robert, thanks so much for all your hard work and time. One of these days I will attend one of these wash-in's I can see it in the cards

Philippe
 
I agree with many above. You can't put a price on a new friendship and all the validation it brings to the table for both people.

I agree with many above on another thing. $12 per year is incredibly reasonable. I pay more than that for magazines I usually don't even read anymore.

Ralph
 
I'm pretty strapped right now....

...not a lot of extra cash, but I think that even I can manage $12 a year. That's more than fair! :)
 
Cool!

I would be more than happy to donate.

When do these changes apply, may I ask?

$12 sounds more than fair for such an awesome site.

:)
 
Question Robert..........

I wholeheartedly agree that $12 annually is so very dirt cheap for what we have here in AW.org. The information, knowledge, camaraderie, caring, sense of belonging and just an awesome place to share our appliance interests.

This is a place I very much enjoy visiting every day and would happily “donate” to support the site and keep it up and running, regardless of what “added features” my donation may give me!

So now my question Robert: You have the 3 donation amounts to choose from, would you consider adding a “lifetime” membership donation option? And / or offer a “fill in the (donation) “blank” (with a pre-set max amount?) for those who want to “donate” more then just $12?

Thanks so much for everything you do and have done with AW.org!
Kevin
 
Robert, $12.00 yearly membership is a little too low. Most websites ask for (29.95) $30.00 1 year for membership. But whatever the price you set, so be it.
But please make a option for those who wish to give more through PayPal because the work you put out through the years has been priceless and we all cannot thank you enough for your devoted dedication to this wonderful website. Also..., thinks about considering using age verification for accessing the red district that daddy goes to visit and momma whispers about.
Something to think about later in the future.

Thanks,

Larry
 
I agree whole-heartedly

that $12 is extremely reasonable. I'd suggest you make it a MINIMUM donation of $12, thus allowing those who wanna sweeten the pot to do so. You have our admiration and gratitude, Robert. At risk of sounding redundant, thanks!
 
Robert, are any of the "montgomery ward" dvd's left over? ooooohhh buy it now buttons, for memberships DVD's and T shirts. I am totally in. Robert you and Fred are gonna end up on QVC. Seriously This is wonderful news and being able to contribute to the cost of our fav website is LONG overdue. arthur
 
Larry, IIRC the use of Pay Pal is designed to limit paid memberships to people over 18, as supposedly under age persons don't have the means to set up a Pay Pal account, and therefore they wouldn't be able to access the more adult districts on the web site.
 
Fees

For what we gain its a low amount compared to other groups / organisations!!!

I think you should do the fixed fee pay button but then have the option to alter the amount up if people want to do that!!!

It may pay then for you to buy developer time to build other areas, say the museum & restorations areas etc...

Ta for all you do!!!Mike
 
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