"TRF Members"

[mrbill2mrbill2]

First off I don't want to single out anyone or piss anyone off.

It is just my own opinion. Why are there "TFR Members" with posts well in excess of 1,000 whom are not a "pledge member" of some sort? Have you not enjoyed this forum? You spend thousands on a watch - but cannot donate $20 - $30 to a forum you enjoy?

Just me.

[perpetualman88]

well said

If you spend lots of time on here donate cuz this forum doesnt keep working for nothing

[JustABreathAway]

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

First off I don't want to single out anyone or piss anyone off.

It is just my own opinion. Why are there "TFR Members" with posts well in excess of 1,000 whom are not a "pledge member" of some sort? Have you not enjoyed this forum? You spend thousands on a watch - but cannot donate $20 - $30 to a forum you enjoy?

Just me.

Personally, I am hesitant to trust online sources with any form of payment after being involved in a HUGE hack and identification theft fiasco earlier this year.

[Scott95]

Will do - as soon as 2012 pledges are accepted. I agree, it will be worth every penny.

[77T]

Originally Posted by JustABreathAway

Personally, I am hesitant to trust online sources with any form of payment after being involved in a HUGE hack and identification theft fiasco earlier this year.

Steve should post a way for people to snail mail pledges who prefer it over on-line donations.

[Linzjnr]

Agreed , with tens of thousands of members who enjoy TRF so much I am surprised more people don't wish to pay a small amount to support it Can't be cheap to run, so come on fellow TRF'ers lets make 2012 the year of the Pledge and support Steve & team

[Maxfli]

A small contribution to TRF is money well spent IMHO.

[johnbeth]

I agree, I also suggest that anyone who wishes to post a sell or wanting to purchase ads, that should available to pledge member only!

[Time2time]

Well said!

[JUSTROLEXES]

Also look at the bright side guys this forum offers great TOP DOLLAR Giveaways that are held few times a year
Simple just click on the link below
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=158527

[Dan2010]

Anyone tell me where I can pledge......................?

[JUSTROLEXES]

Originally Posted by Dan2010

Anyone tell me where I can pledge......................?

It looks like you're up to date Dan but here is the link anyway
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=158527

[Dan2010]

Originally Posted by justrolexes

It looks like you're up to date Dan but here is the link anyway
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=158527

I was just being silly........

[FeelingTheBlues]

Another thread has been started about this subject a couple of weeks ago. I posted something in it and will in this one as well: I believe money should be given if people want to. Pledging is indeed a great part of this forum's maintenance but the fact that somebody participates a lot by posting shouldn't force him to donate and he shouldn't be judged in any way because of this neither.

Just my opinion.

[roger0770]

it's a personal choice. if he/she does not feel comfortable doing so, so be it. and there is nothing wrong with it. we all come together to this great community to enjoy and share the passion of horology, especially with a particular brand. this thread does feel somewhat "peer pressure" i have to say

[TheVTCGuy]

I do agree that if a member would rather donate by personal check or money order, there should be a method for them to do so.. A PO Box maybe? Does anyone know if there is one set up? I don't think it would be a big deal for Steve to accept them... although... international checks.... ?


Just a thought.

[johnbeth]

I agree with people donating if they feel, however,whats annoying members been here for a month or two with 17 posts, are in the FS section selling and that sucks.

If you are going to make money out of a forum from selling, then have the descency to become a member and pledge and support the place that is allowing you to make an income.

All the trusted TRF sellers are members!!

I strongly suggest that anyone who wishes to post a sell or wanting to purchase ads, should available to pledge member only!

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by johnbeth

I agree with people donating if they feel, however,whats annoying members been here for a month or two with 17 posts, are in the FS section selling and that sucks.

If you are going to make money out of a forum from selling, then have the descency to become a member and pledge and support the place that is allowing you to make an income.

All the trusted TRF sellers are members!!

I strongly suggest that anyone who wishes to post a sell or wanting to purchase ads, should available to pledge member only!

You make an interesting point John and perhaps you find it annoying to see people coming here only to sell some watches (although I strongly doubt they will with a very few posts here and there. Don't forget that people will usually trust a seller with a good reputation that usually comes with a lot of posts rather than a new member who just has 17-18 posts and has been here for three weeks), I can understand it makes this forum look like another ebay made for watches and some people may take advantage of that without respecting its first purpose: talk about watches and form a great community.

However, and this is where I see a problem, like Roger mentionned, it seems to me like this thread is putting some pressure on non-pledging members who have been here for a long time or have posted a lot. Why can't we just be proud and especially humble if we donate money to the forum instead of making non-pledging members look like they just take everything without giving? After all, as I said, pleding isn't an obligation.

As well, I don't believe in the argument of saying some can afford a Rolex but will not donate some money. I find this rather insulting towards them as we don't know what that purchase involved for them and it's none of our business.

[GradyPhilpott]

I am in favor of the current system.

It should also be noted user-generated content in and of itself has value.

[esm]

I think helping out/make contribution to the running expenses of an online forum is a good cause.
I once asked if it was possible to make a donation to the forum and not to have the colour of my name changed - the request was denied by the boss

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

You make an interesting point John and perhaps you find it annoying to see people coming here only to sell some watches (although I strongly doubt they will with a very few posts here and there. Don't forget that people will usually trust a seller with a good reputation that usually comes with a lot of posts rather than a new member who just has 17-18 posts and has been here for three weeks), I can understand it makes this forum look like another ebay made for watches and some people may take advantage of that without respecting its first purpose: talk about watches and form a great community.

However, and this is where I see a problem, like Roger mentionned, it seems to me like this thread is putting some pressure on non-pledging members who have been here for a long time or have posted a lot. Why can't we just be proud and especially humble if we donate money to the forum instead of making non-pledging members look like they just take everything without giving? After all, as I said, pleding isn't an obligation.

As well, I don't believe in the argument of saying some can afford a Rolex but will not donate some money. I find this rather insulting towards them as we don't know what that purchase involved for them and it's none of our business.

I agree Carl and I have no issue with things as they are. However, for the for sale section, I already have explained my thoughts on that as I feel anyone to post ads should be a paying member. Support the system that supports you to make money. All the excellent TRF sellers here do support the system and always donate to giveaways. Not fair on them to be the only supporters is it??

[esm]

Originally Posted by johnbeth

I agree Carl and I have no issue with things as they are. However, for the for sale section, I already have explained my thoughts on that as I feel anyone to post ads should be a paying member. Support the system that supports you to make money. All the excellent TRF sellers here do support the system and always donate to giveaways. Not fair on them to be the only supporters is it??

If you make those sellers to pay for the right to sell... Then wouldn't it be the same as the eBay?
In that case, wouldn't TRF has to sort out any compliants and bad sales?

[Lol-x]

We are not running a 'commercial enterprise' here.

We are not engaged in 'trade and commerce' here.

You will not find advertising banners popping up or getting in the way because we don't do that, unlike many other sites.

TRF is and has always been free. However, it does cost money to operate and I am very appreciative of the fantastic support received, but I would in no way shun those who do not wish to financially contribute. In fact in some respects funding it myself entirely is still an open option for me, due to my fortunate personal financial situation with my 9-5 job and income therefrom.

I do truly appreciate all the support received for the forum, and I do feel allowing members to contribute unites members and gives them pleasure and self-satisfaction in helping out, but again it is entirely voluntary and a personal matter.

[moviefreak]

The fact that TRF does not force you to "buy" your right to sell some stuff, "buy" a special merchant membership...is what makes it great...knowledge is free for everyone...

[Rallyboat]

Read all of these posts and I must admit this year I did not become a pledged member. A lot of people seem to say you should become one if you wish to sell on here as you might make a profit yes I agree but just because you pledge does not mean that you are a trusted seller if you want that then maybe you should give trusted sellers and we know who they are something different so that new members know at a glance. Like most have said let's make 2012 year of the pledge.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

Another thread has been started about this subject a couple of weeks ago. I posted something in it and will in this one as well: I believe money should be given if people want to. Pledging is indeed a great part of this forum's maintenance but the fact that somebody participates a lot by posting shouldn't force him to donate and he shouldn't be judged in any way because of this neither.

Just my opinion.

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I am in favor of the current system.

It should also be noted user-generated content in and of itself has value.

Well said.

[watchf]

Originally Posted by roger0770

it's a personal choice. if he/she does not feel comfortable doing so, so be it. and there is nothing wrong with it. we all come together to this great community to enjoy and share the passion of horology, especially with a particular brand. this thread does feel somewhat "peer pressure" i have to say

You conveyed my views exactly. Its a personal choice and no one should ever be made to feel 'pressured' in anyway to pledge.

[DiamondJack]

For me..... paying a few $'s to help out a forum that doesn't have wall to wall adverts is more than fair compensation.......

I just can't stand those sites where the whole purpose is to try to make the site owners money.......

The fact that TRF doesn't operate that way is a real breath of fresh air and I will HAPPILY continue to contribute towards running costs or whatever else is required to keep it that way. Long may TRF continue in it's current and fantastic form

[ArcticMoose]

I'd be happy to if there were other payment options than PayPal. There is no way I'm giving those thieves any of my details.

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

I'd be happy to if there were other payment options than PayPal. There is no way I'm giving those thieves any of my details.

I've personally never had a problem with paypal and use it regularly..... What's the issue?