We said we were taking the "masks" off, and this "brainstorming session" is for everyone. Thor, I'm about to "abuse" you. :-)
I also feel that paid access is not the answer, but it does bring up the issue of site expenses as related to growth. I think that Dr. D. and I can continue to upgrade the site using the existing tools that we have, (all freeware stuff), for a while, and let me say that I am only speaking for the two of us. I think that the graphics and writing staff have been doing a great job, and can probably continue with their exisiting tools, much the same as Doc and I. At some point, if the site gets *really* crowded, we will need to start spending money, but of course, we don't have any. So, from time to time, ideas about generating revenue are put forward. Paid access is already being used on the web, but I would rather that, if the time comes, MarsDawn is "sponsered".
The only models that I have to work with are the early days of television and radio. Already, "entertainment networks" are being established on the web, and full-time staffed media houses are producing "shows" for them. I believe that MarsDawn is ahead of the pack, as it were, because we are "interactive", and few sites have been able to do this effectivly. I would like us to grow, but I feel a real comradirie with all of the xcommies, and don't want to lose that. Hence, my ideas for the level 3 "officers club" bbs. New members will join us at level 3, and I welcome that. Imagine an old club 2 or 5 or 10 years from now, that has never admitted a new member. How stale that would be. In my life, there have always been those few who I like to talk with once in a while, old friends that I have many memories with. Perhaps we xcommies could use email for this, or perhaps we could have a club somewhere, maybe even here, where new members are admitted *very*
slowly. I just don't know. At any rate, I consider all of you who are here to be "charter members" of MarsDawn, who should be accorded all privileges and respect, however big the site gets. You have all given me great joy by joining us here at MarsDawn.
Thanks everyone,
SkyKing, aka Al Powers, aka Glenn