Okay, I am back. I plan on getting something released before the fireworks fly on the 4th... This is like one of my favorite holidays so I have to celebrate (the other two being Xmas and Halloween).
I have the hack mostly finished, it just needs some polishing. I have picked some people to test it for me. (Please don't email or PM me at the last minute to be picked).
While reading the latest posts, I can see some valid points. I would like to address some of them.
If people get upset about preferential treatment given to subscribers, that is their own problem. I for one will not remove any rights or privileges given to current members. New members will still have all the same rights. However Premium members (subscribers) will be given access to more features. This will allow them to use the system better. It will be more than a fancy title. It will be access to features.
I will also be giving SPF members a couple of ways to pay for their premium membership.. They can purchase it by contributing to the community and earning credits towards the membership or for those who don't want to contribute as much they will be able to eventually pay by cash. However, I will be pushing the contributing method heavier.. Why? Because we can already get a decent income for targetted ads. While not great it is fairly good income. My main goal is to be able to do this full time and pay my volunteers a small monthly stipend. If that is greedy then so be it. As of now, I have no pop-ups on the site, however that will change and only for quests. I am planning a unique pop-up campaign that will be geared towards getting the guests to register. These will be dynamic, self closing windows that stay on the screen for up to 15 seconds, not to invasive if you ask me.
AS far as increasing the major income potential of the site, I feel that it isn't in the current ad structure or even in subscriptions but I do have a few ideas and working on them now. Too soon to discuss them and once in place, I will share.