Heads Up Everyone... - WickedFire - Affiliate Marketing Forum

Jon · 09-24-2007, 05:35 AM

...WickedFire is going to become a paid forum very soon. I mean it this time. Honest goddamnit!

I've decided to go this route due to yet another crackdown by large social networking sites. FaceBook this time. Myspace last time. Government many times. Shady networks trying to spam our members behind our backs. Lame newbies trying to get something for nothing.

I'm tired of it. I miss the old quality of WickedFire. I miss the bash-a-thons. I miss just shooting the shit and having fun.

We're going to go the route very similarly to that of SA. The change will be made final by October 1st (of 2007.. not 2010 you smartasses!). This was also a very spur of the moment decision I just decided on too.

We're going to keep sections open for free/basic. Industry News, etc.. whatever.

The paid area will be cheap too. Most likely a low monthly fee. $25 or less. Or maybe a one time annual recurring fee. I want to get rid of our dependency on the large banner ads on top, and allow users to buy ad space here and use it for fun or to market their services for cheeeap. I want to be able to segregate the newbies who are retards from the newbies who may actually become valuable.

I'm still going to keep a very high premium paid area (the current $55/mo one -- wooo soooo high!) and expand on that. So in short, we'll have THREE levels.

1- Free/basic = lots of annoying ads for you people. Not that much great info. More news for the industry, networks, events, etc. More open fucking around with the new member type stuff. Not much quality. The place where we'll be launching most of our services for the industry. We'll also start promoting again via the search engines and let anyone who wants in to come in. Very likely that there will be no sig links allowed. Premium members will be allowed to do lots of fun stuff and bash all day long in certain sections if they feel like it, sort of like having a hall pass and a license to beat the shit out of the new kids whenever they like (although it will be allowed in only a few sections). I guess you can consider it our way of hazing people to see if they are worthy to make the cut and cross over to the premium side, possibly for free for a limited time. We're going to limit what these members have access to as well. Very limited if any Private messages. Very limited if any abilities to post in the Buy Sell Trade area. Etc.

2- Premium = Everything good about WF from the past, present and future. Sig links allowed. NO search engine access. No spying from outsiders. Just good, solid fun and information, the way it used to be, and the way it's supposed to damn well be. There will be ads, but it will be done in good taste, and we'll be covering topics that other forums won't touch. Including a much suped up mailer section, BH SEO, Gray hat, shady ideas and tactics, programming, design, etc. Much more into sharing and caring. All members in here get free passes to all conferences and parties during industry events we secure for our members. Sections for posting all sorts of "entertainment" themed goodies that we started to get all strict on before. Rewards program. Etc.

3- Super special area = Reserved for the super special areas that are too super cool for the Premium section. Meaning, what our uber awesome Premium Section is right now, will just get a one up level boost and stay the same. Not very much activity, but the shit that is posted, is fucking awesome compared to anything else we have. Some premium members will be able to create their own super cool and exclusive paid sections here, but only if they have a topic worth covering, and want to keep it VERY exclusive/limited.

There will also be a private area JUST for networks and affiliate managers. So now you people can have a sweet section of your own to wheel and deal your crack deals without prying eyes from the greedy affiliates!

This actually works out very well for our goals to overhaul WickedFire. Now we can finallllllly get new channels set up, and keep our creative ideas and content flowing.

I'm also going to issue a limited quantity of discount passes for the premium area (that would be a number 2 on your menu), so people who have been around here for a while, and proven themselves, can get in, for freeeee, for a month or two until they pull their own weight in the making cash dept. We're also totally open to bartering, I mean come on, this is owned by a Jew! Haggling is in my genes! If you're willing to produce quality content, or help promote or do something useful enough that you haven't done already, I'll gladly trade ya for free access to the Premium area.

That's all bitches. If you think we are being cruel, fuck you and leave! I'm tired of spending my time on the newbies, or answering questions, or worse, explaining the rules.

The big boy rule of them all is going to be... regardless of section 1 or 2, even if you paid, if you break a rule for that section, you're gone. No refunds, no 2nd chances, done for. I mean, hey, you can join up again, but your ass is going to have to pay again too. That alone should stomp out the idiots. (thank you L0wTax for inspiring me)

Jon · 09-24-2007, 05:38 AM

Oh yeah.. if the USD doesn't jump anytime soon, we are going to be charging in Euros or GBP's! Shiiiiet!

emp · 09-24-2007, 05:46 AM

Fuck.

Sorry, but those "old times" you reminisce about:

Quote:

I'm tired of it. I miss the old quality of WickedFire. I miss the bash-a-thons. I miss just shooting the shit and having fun.

Were free.

::emp::
<-- waiting for the banhammer (and waiting for pricing for section 2)

pfgannon · 09-24-2007, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emp

Fuck.

Sorry, but those "old times" you reminisce about:

Were free.

::emp::
<-- waiting for the banhammer (and waiting for pricing for section 2)

True, but it was also (for the most part) free of bullshit, spam, and noobs (although I think I'm still in this category).

I too miss the 'old WF'.

Cheers on the decision Jon

John · 09-24-2007, 05:57 AM

I'll be there

productionhead · 09-24-2007, 06:18 AM

too much $$$$ I revolt

Webferret · 09-24-2007, 06:30 AM

good fucking luck

Ajay · 09-24-2007, 06:50 AM

*Waiting for premium pricing 2.

ubaidabcd · 09-24-2007, 06:50 AM

I think it's a really good idea. I really don't like the idea of so many lurkers around. I get so much information from here and do what I can to help people that are new. I might not be the most informative, but I do like to help, but I hold back many times since I don't want to give the wrong answers.

If you know what you're doing, and the value of the information on this site, then your common sense would tell you KNOWLEDGE > $$$$

Just keep us informed with the new fees and what-not, instead of keeping it a secret!

emp · 09-24-2007, 06:57 AM

Funny thing is, you won't keep the SE spys out.

For all you know, I could be a Googler, and I'll be able to pay any price you ask.

::emp::

pfgannon · 09-24-2007, 07:10 AM

^German google spy

Jaysin · 09-24-2007, 07:28 AM

hmm... that sucks.. i'll never pay to be a member of any forum, as its useless as there is tons of forums out that do the exact same info that are free.. not to bash WF or anything, i like it here i really do, but not worth paying a monthly fee to be a member...

and about the n00b comment, i guess i am a n00b, but shunning n00bs isn't always the greatest as just because they are new to WF doesn't mean they are new to the industry or anything else, people really underestimate what newbies to a board can really do and just think because they are new to said board, that they don't know what they are doing or anything...

I've seen a few "newbies" from boards who happen to be big names in the industry they work in, but nobody cared because they didn't have a early join date, or post count to be recognized.

a shame really.

</2 cents>

ehlo · 09-24-2007, 07:39 AM

So just recently it's been a choice to pay for the good stuff in the premium section or live with the "normal" stuff. I can accept this.

Now we are going to have to pay for the "normal" stuff as well?

So in essence, people will be paying to use a chat forum and hoping they may be thrown a crumb of useful knowledge. Without a guarantee of what will be received for paying, many people will be reluctant to do so.

Wickedfire is a diverse community and (shock horror) will receive a fair share of noobs and trolls, but there really aren't many boards that don't.

Ok so the price may not be very much, but the principle of paying for something and receiving exactly the same content you could get for free (possibly with less noobs & trolls) really doesn't fill me with excitement.

Just my 2 cents, I really don't know what to make of this, I hope you are either a) joking or b) you will reconsider.

ubaidabcd · 09-24-2007, 07:40 AM

It isn't about noobs, or it could be, but I'm still here and I still have so much to learn. If you care enough about your goals and why you're here then those things don't make a difference.

They key is, to do your research and use search. Ask legitimate questions that you couldn't find an answer for, and nobody will have to say anything. That's the only reason noobs get bashed is since all the information is here, but they just want to get spoon-fed. If this isn't you, then nobody would think you're a noob and you wouldn't have to worry about it.

If you're fine on your own and don't want a membership, then that's your decision. You should be out working on your projects and making money anyway, right? So it's no big deal. You can go on your way.

Honestly, browsing forums is a downfall for me, wasting time, when I should be working! Maybe this membership will get me working more on what I should be

I think with or without the membership stuff, this site should atleast ask you to register before you can even browse the forum as some sites do, that way you don't have to ban as many noobs that try to sell ebooks or whatever. Without any intention of being a member of the site.

PreZ · 09-24-2007, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaysin

hmm... that sucks.. i'll never pay to be a member of any forum, as its useless as there is tons of forums out that do the exact same info that are free.. not to bash WF or anything, i like it here i really do, but not worth paying a monthly fee to be a member...

Ive learned a few things here that make me a few thousand a month, trust me its worth it. Even $55 aint that bad of a price. where do we pay at Jon and is the private section active?

aff_tim · 09-24-2007, 07:50 AM

make sure level 3 is pricey enough to keep membership way down, there is some good stuff back there and it would suck if it all got broken in a week, like the facebook thing

if someone can't figure out how to recover the cost per month then they are too stupid for life and suck

prez, the private section is live but not very active, the last post is getting pretty old... it is a quality and not quantity thing

BlaZeR · 09-24-2007, 07:52 AM

I've been lurking for a really long time now and learnt tons, paying a little cash doesn't seem too bad.

Jaysin · 09-24-2007, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PreZ

Ive learned a few things here that make me a few thousand a month, trust me its worth it. Even $55 aint that bad of a price. where do we pay at Jon and is the private section active?

true, but WF isn't a board of uniqueness really, i like it here for the atmosphere and members attitudes, information is a plus, i came to help people too as i like to help out with stuff I'm knowledgeable about, but if i have to pay to help others, i'd rather got joblowflorum.com and do it for free there... just my opinion.

micfire · 09-24-2007, 08:03 AM

I wonder why I'm not surprised

Excellent strategy Jon.

ubaidabcd · 09-24-2007, 08:17 AM

I don't think this is post has to be a debate. I think it's funny how the same people against the membership are making up BS about the site, like they really want to stay and leech, and think if their voice is heard about not agreeing with the membership, maybe it will make a difference....LOL...

If the information here, isn't worth paying for, why are you here in the first place? You just like wasting time reading stuff you already know? If you want to do that go to DP. You can waste your whole time over there reading basic stuff everybody knows and stupid threads.

If DP asked me to pay a membership I wouldn't have an answer, since I wouldn't be there in the first fucking place, since it's a waste of my time. I consider where I am and the value of my time very seriously at all times.

09-24-2007, 05:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jon Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 7,333 iTrader: (0)	Heads Up Everyone... ...WickedFire is going to become a paid forum very soon. I mean it this time. Honest goddamnit! I've decided to go this route due to yet another crackdown by large social networking sites. FaceBook this time. Myspace last time. Government many times. Shady networks trying to spam our members behind our backs. Lame newbies trying to get something for nothing. I'm tired of it. I miss the old quality of WickedFire. I miss the bash-a-thons. I miss just shooting the shit and having fun. We're going to go the route very similarly to that of SA. The change will be made final by October 1st (of 2007.. not 2010 you smartasses!). This was also a very spur of the moment decision I just decided on too. We're going to keep sections open for free/basic. Industry News, etc.. whatever. The paid area will be cheap too. Most likely a low monthly fee. $25 or less. Or maybe a one time annual recurring fee. I want to get rid of our dependency on the large banner ads on top, and allow users to buy ad space here and use it for fun or to market their services for cheeeap. I want to be able to segregate the newbies who are retards from the newbies who may actually become valuable. I'm still going to keep a very high premium paid area (the current $55/mo one -- wooo soooo high!) and expand on that. So in short, we'll have THREE levels. 1- Free/basic = lots of annoying ads for you people. Not that much great info. More news for the industry, networks, events, etc. More open fucking around with the new member type stuff. Not much quality. The place where we'll be launching most of our services for the industry. We'll also start promoting again via the search engines and let anyone who wants in to come in. Very likely that there will be no sig links allowed. Premium members will be allowed to do lots of fun stuff and bash all day long in certain sections if they feel like it, sort of like having a hall pass and a license to beat the shit out of the new kids whenever they like (although it will be allowed in only a few sections). I guess you can consider it our way of hazing people to see if they are worthy to make the cut and cross over to the premium side, possibly for free for a limited time. We're going to limit what these members have access to as well. Very limited if any Private messages. Very limited if any abilities to post in the Buy Sell Trade area. Etc. 2- Premium = Everything good about WF from the past, present and future. Sig links allowed. NO search engine access. No spying from outsiders. Just good, solid fun and information, the way it used to be, and the way it's supposed to damn well be. There will be ads, but it will be done in good taste, and we'll be covering topics that other forums won't touch. Including a much suped up mailer section, BH SEO, Gray hat, shady ideas and tactics, programming, design, etc. Much more into sharing and caring. All members in here get free passes to all conferences and parties during industry events we secure for our members. Sections for posting all sorts of "entertainment" themed goodies that we started to get all strict on before. Rewards program. Etc. 3- Super special area = Reserved for the super special areas that are too super cool for the Premium section. Meaning, what our uber awesome Premium Section is right now, will just get a one up level boost and stay the same. Not very much activity, but the shit that is posted, is fucking awesome compared to anything else we have. Some premium members will be able to create their own super cool and exclusive paid sections here, but only if they have a topic worth covering, and want to keep it VERY exclusive/limited. There will also be a private area JUST for networks and affiliate managers. So now you people can have a sweet section of your own to wheel and deal your crack deals without prying eyes from the greedy affiliates! This actually works out very well for our goals to overhaul WickedFire. Now we can finallllllly get new channels set up, and keep our creative ideas and content flowing. I'm also going to issue a limited quantity of discount passes for the premium area (that would be a number 2 on your menu), so people who have been around here for a while, and proven themselves, can get in, for freeeee, for a month or two until they pull their own weight in the making cash dept. We're also totally open to bartering, I mean come on, this is owned by a Jew! Haggling is in my genes! If you're willing to produce quality content, or help promote or do something useful enough that you haven't done already, I'll gladly trade ya for free access to the Premium area. That's all bitches. If you think we are being cruel, fuck you and leave! I'm tired of spending my time on the newbies, or answering questions, or worse, explaining the rules. The big boy rule of them all is going to be... regardless of section 1 or 2, even if you paid, if you break a rule for that section, you're gone. No refunds, no 2nd chances, done for. I mean, hey, you can join up again, but your ass is going to have to pay again too. That alone should stomp out the idiots. (thank you L0wTax for inspiring me) __________________ There's someone in my head... but its not me.

09-24-2007, 05:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jon Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 7,333 iTrader: (0)	Oh yeah.. if the USD doesn't jump anytime soon, we are going to be charging in Euros or GBP's! Shiiiiet! __________________ There's someone in my head... but its not me.

09-24-2007, 05:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
John Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sewageville Posts: 4,938 iTrader: (6)	I'll be there __________________

09-24-2007, 06:57 AM	#10 (permalink)
emp Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,422 iTrader: (5)	Funny thing is, you won't keep the SE spys out. For all you know, I could be a Googler, and I'll be able to pay any price you ask. ::emp:: __________________ My blog -Blind Ape Seo ¦ My WickedFire articles TopContentData.com Get Free and Premium Content Databases for your Empire!

09-24-2007, 07:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
ehlo Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Essex, UK Posts: 83 iTrader: (0)	So just recently it's been a choice to pay for the good stuff in the premium section or live with the "normal" stuff. I can accept this. Now we are going to have to pay for the "normal" stuff as well? So in essence, people will be paying to use a chat forum and hoping they may be thrown a crumb of useful knowledge. Without a guarantee of what will be received for paying, many people will be reluctant to do so. Wickedfire is a diverse community and (shock horror) will receive a fair share of noobs and trolls, but there really aren't many boards that don't. Ok so the price may not be very much, but the principle of paying for something and receiving exactly the same content you could get for free (possibly with less noobs & trolls) really doesn't fill me with excitement. Just my 2 cents, I really don't know what to make of this, I hope you are either a) joking or b) you will reconsider. __________________ Copeac kicks a$$ Price Comparison Site

09-24-2007, 06:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
productionhead pay per stroke Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 981 iTrader: (1)	too much $$$$ I revolt

09-24-2007, 06:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
Webferret Scooby Fuckin Doo Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 552 iTrader: (0)	good fucking luck

09-24-2007, 06:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
Ajay Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 214 iTrader: (2)	*Waiting for premium pricing 2.

09-24-2007, 06:50 AM	#9 (permalink)
ubaidabcd Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,037 iTrader: (3)	I think it's a really good idea. I really don't like the idea of so many lurkers around. I get so much information from here and do what I can to help people that are new. I might not be the most informative, but I do like to help, but I hold back many times since I don't want to give the wrong answers. If you know what you're doing, and the value of the information on this site, then your common sense would tell you KNOWLEDGE > $$$$ Just keep us informed with the new fees and what-not, instead of keeping it a secret!

09-24-2007, 07:28 AM	#12 (permalink)
Jaysin Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 38 iTrader: (0)	hmm... that sucks.. i'll never pay to be a member of any forum, as its useless as there is tons of forums out that do the exact same info that are free.. not to bash WF or anything, i like it here i really do, but not worth paying a monthly fee to be a member... and about the n00b comment, i guess i am a n00b, but shunning n00bs isn't always the greatest as just because they are new to WF doesn't mean they are new to the industry or anything else, people really underestimate what newbies to a board can really do and just think because they are new to said board, that they don't know what they are doing or anything... I've seen a few "newbies" from boards who happen to be big names in the industry they work in, but nobody cared because they didn't have a early join date, or post count to be recognized. a shame really. </2 cents>

09-24-2007, 07:40 AM	#14 (permalink)
ubaidabcd Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,037 iTrader: (3)	It isn't about noobs, or it could be, but I'm still here and I still have so much to learn. If you care enough about your goals and why you're here then those things don't make a difference. They key is, to do your research and use search. Ask legitimate questions that you couldn't find an answer for, and nobody will have to say anything. That's the only reason noobs get bashed is since all the information is here, but they just want to get spoon-fed. If this isn't you, then nobody would think you're a noob and you wouldn't have to worry about it. If you're fine on your own and don't want a membership, then that's your decision. You should be out working on your projects and making money anyway, right? So it's no big deal. You can go on your way. Honestly, browsing forums is a downfall for me, wasting time, when I should be working! Maybe this membership will get me working more on what I should be I think with or without the membership stuff, this site should atleast ask you to register before you can even browse the forum as some sites do, that way you don't have to ban as many noobs that try to sell ebooks or whatever. Without any intention of being a member of the site.

09-24-2007, 07:50 AM	#16 (permalink)
aff_tim Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 161 iTrader: (8)	make sure level 3 is pricey enough to keep membership way down, there is some good stuff back there and it would suck if it all got broken in a week, like the facebook thing if someone can't figure out how to recover the cost per month then they are too stupid for life and suck prez, the private section is live but not very active, the last post is getting pretty old... it is a quality and not quantity thing

09-24-2007, 07:52 AM	#17 (permalink)
BlaZeR Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 14 iTrader: (0)	I've been lurking for a really long time now and learnt tons, paying a little cash doesn't seem too bad.

09-24-2007, 08:03 AM	#19 (permalink)
micfire Spämmed Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 477 iTrader: (0)	I wonder why I'm not surprised Excellent strategy Jon. __________________

09-24-2007, 08:17 AM	#20 (permalink)
ubaidabcd Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,037 iTrader: (3)	I don't think this is post has to be a debate. I think it's funny how the same people against the membership are making up BS about the site, like they really want to stay and leech, and think if their voice is heard about not agreeing with the membership, maybe it will make a difference....LOL... If the information here, isn't worth paying for, why are you here in the first place? You just like wasting time reading stuff you already know? If you want to do that go to DP. You can waste your whole time over there reading basic stuff everybody knows and stupid threads. If DP asked me to pay a membership I wouldn't have an answer, since I wouldn't be there in the first fucking place, since it's a waste of my time. I consider where I am and the value of my time very seriously at all times.