I've read the preceding thread re: Sponsors/dealers with great interest. It seems to me that many valid points have been raised by individuals on both sides of the issue.
I can certainly see matters from Herb's perspective. While my knowledge of web servers/support is limited I imagine that there is significant cost involved (both financial and in terms of the administrator's time). It seems reasonable that the administrators would express some indignation and expect some support from those using AstroMart to conduct for profit business.
On the other side I agree that it would be quite difficult (if not impossible) to determine who is, in fact, a dealer and who is an enthusiastic hobbyist. I also agree that many of the Top Users are (as was mentioned) a portion of the 'heart' of AstroMart.
I wonder what people might think of giving each AstroMart member a certain number of 'free' ads and then giving them the option to 'purchase' more should they wish. In such a fashion the issue of support shifts from trying to ascertain who is and who is not a dealer (which, as I've mentioned seems rather difficult) to simply paying for use should one wish to exceed a set threshold. Both dealer and non dealer ads cost the same for the server to support.
Just some thoughts...any idea?
I can certainly see matters from Herb's perspective. While my knowledge of web servers/support is limited I imagine that there is significant cost involved (both financial and in terms of the administrator's time). It seems reasonable that the administrators would express some indignation and expect some support from those using AstroMart to conduct for profit business.
On the other side I agree that it would be quite difficult (if not impossible) to determine who is, in fact, a dealer and who is an enthusiastic hobbyist. I also agree that many of the Top Users are (as was mentioned) a portion of the 'heart' of AstroMart.
I wonder what people might think of giving each AstroMart member a certain number of 'free' ads and then giving them the option to 'purchase' more should they wish. In such a fashion the issue of support shifts from trying to ascertain who is and who is not a dealer (which, as I've mentioned seems rather difficult) to simply paying for use should one wish to exceed a set threshold. Both dealer and non dealer ads cost the same for the server to support.
Just some thoughts...any idea?
