[MJM]

Nobody HAS to start with vB. There's many free alternatives, and the only person that can justifiably complain about the cost of vB is someone living in a 3rd world country earning $1 a day.
The fact is, when it comes to investing $$$ for interactive internet software, the cost of vB is a pittance compared to all the other expenses involved, especially if one takes into account the time and effort needed to develop a site.

Pre 2000, I never wrote period, never touched a keyboard/computer or used the net.
My interest was never about the computer internet, rather, how to use this medium to share specific interests, ideas and experiences with others around the world.
I had wrongly presumed in 2000 that internet technology was more advanced more user-friendly ... To the contrary, it has been a wild ride along the razors edge of technological innovation, and after 5 years I'm somewhat battered but 90+ % satisfied with the results.
It's the 10% that I may need mods/plugins.

If I end up having to pay for some, so be it, I'll start saving up.

But the fact that many have offered their mods for free should never be underestimated (in this dog eat dog world we live in)

It's unfortunate that to hear that few bother to contribute with a donation.

A suggestion ... auto include a succinct line encouraging installers to donate.

Think of how other NP org's phrase things in their fund drives.

There are many benefits to supporting/contributing to free services.
The community spirit is one.

I'm very glad that the vB.org community exists, as this is where I can learn all about the cutting edge, far out stuff that can be done with vB.

For a starter, I would like to see an easy method/ directory/list of coders and the free hacks they have produced.
If each coder had a link to their site, with paid versions, so much the better!

I personally will base my mod choices on the track record of what a coder has contributed to vB.org AND of other vB/non vb related products that they may provide.

Let's face it, when you use a software app of any kind it's like entering a marriage of which divorce could be brutal.
We using vB are fortunate, with I hope, few divorces.
And though we might gripe about some things not panning out as anticipated, we can always come to vB.org for therapy

~ Mark