Jon

...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

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

__________________

emp

Fuck.

Sorry, but those "old times" you reminisce about:
Were free.

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

__________________
Get your own Bot army!
Use promo code blindape199

That's because all programmers are also ninjas.(but not all ninjas are programmers) - LogicFlux

Blind Ape Seo

pfgannon

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

__________________


Need LP Copy That Actually Converts the First Time Around? PM ME.

John

I'll be there

__________________
http://i33.tinypic.com/ip3vh1.jpg

productionhead

too much $$$$ I revolt

__________________
IT IS a very shallow knowledge that can be grasped in a few words or a few books.

Webferret

good fucking luck

Ajay

*Waiting for premium pricing 2.

ubaidabcd

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

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::

__________________
Get your own Bot army!
Use promo code blindape199

That's because all programmers are also ninjas.(but not all ninjas are programmers) - LogicFlux

Blind Ape Seo

pfgannon

^German google spy

__________________


Need LP Copy That Actually Converts the First Time Around? PM ME.

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...

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

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

ubaidabcd

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

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?

__________________
Funny Videos

aff_tim

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

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

Jaysin

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

I wonder why I'm not surprised
Excellent strategy Jon.

ubaidabcd

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.

Jon

It's okay. I just banned you to help you out in your decision when leeching in the future you ungreatful fuck.

__________________

Musashi

I'm new here, I've been searching around on this forum, and I've found tons of useful information that I've been able to put to good use. Why wouldnt I spend a couple bucks a month for it?

Most forums are filled with so much noise it's a waste of my time, and my time is money. I'm on another forum, it's a paid subscription, and it's attracted intelligent, creative members who feel free to share much more than I've seen anywhere else so far.

Shit, I cant even go out 1 night on the town for $55 bucks. Joining a creative group for that price, per month, is a no brainier. I'm in...

morphy

Hey I don't give a shit about what are you going to charge but tell us what are our payments options
I don't use PP, actually I don't have it at all

Madrox

Wow, this is Jaysin, just wanted to say sorry if i offended you, i was just giving my opinion, i wasn't trying to be ungreatful or a leech, if you reread my comments, i said i came here to help with what i knew about and learn also... if wanting to help out is being ungreatful or leeching i guess my ban was justified... but ok whatever... just wanted to say sorry.

John

hahahahaha shapow!!

__________________
http://i33.tinypic.com/ip3vh1.jpg

pax

no deal

turbolapp

Jon the crack pusher. He got me hooked and now I have to pay.

emp

Well, this IS web 2.0 as in the famous definition:

--> You make all the content, They keep all the money.

BTW: Payment options and pricing?
For me, Paypal would be sweet.

::emp::

__________________
Get your own Bot army!
Use promo code blindape199

That's because all programmers are also ninjas.(but not all ninjas are programmers) - LogicFlux

Blind Ape Seo

Stanley

I'm for it.

BlondeTM

Well then.



I'm in. WF has helped me more than any other forum. Sometimes it's the place/post/people that keep me from giving up. I don't need super-dee-duper secret info because I'm not a BHer or very knowledgeable about PHP.

But I love this place, and I'll help support it.

LazyHippy

I think it'll be a shame that WF threads will no longer appear as answers to people's questions on Google, but I can understand the reasoning behind it.

Price it in GBP (or at least an option pls - save paypal fees!), give us a reasonable annual rate (hate monthly subs) and I'll be in.

__________________

Jon

You didn't offend me. I just wanted to help send you on your way to find your joeblow forum. You claim to have came here to help people, and you don't think WF is unique, so why are you here? To help people, or to upsell them on something? By all means, stay and "help". But don't sit around and tell me that you know anything about this place when you haven't even been a member for an entire month. Ya dig?

__________________

Jon

We have a merchant account setup, so we can take CC's without Paypal. We'll offer it though just because there is an active plugin on the forum for it anyhow. As for pricing. Not sure yet. I'll give it some serious thought, and come back with an answer by the end of the week and let you guys duke it out with me then. For the super cool area, prices will vary depending on the type of content and people in charge of the section. Nothing is set in stone yet as far as pricing is concerned.

You don't HAVE TO switch either if you don't want to. Yeah, you're going to miss out on a lot of good shit, but overall, the forum will still be accepting new members, and we'll open up the flood gates for more newbies to come in for free and fend for themselves. If they can hack it, they'll have the option to join up in the premium area, if they can't, we'll send them packing to DP or SPF.

__________________

nachoninja

Looks like the dog will be eating dry food again, those gourmet canned dinners will be the WF budget

__________________
Copeac Affiliate Network + Liquid Web VPS = $$$$$

John

did you even sleep last night jon?

__________________
http://i33.tinypic.com/ip3vh1.jpg

Jon

Nope. All nighter yet again.

__________________

seocracy

Im against it. I think its a poor idea and WF will suffer because of it.

But good luck to you man!

__________________

Seocracy.com

Drake

Wow, $25 seems a little high.

But I can understand why you might do this. I looked through the names for a certain person and there are tons of zero and 1 post people, scares the shit outta me who might be reading.

Sometimes people talk a little too openly about specific sites, hacks, exploits etc.

Jon check your PM for an idea.

DruSam

hater!

Stanley

$25 or $5, I don' t think the price is very important.
The mere aspect of setting a price will filter out 90&#37; of the empty users.

loyolabenson

no!!!!!!!!!1111

Ebay Canned food coupons

Madrox

ah, sorry about that, i was just expressing my opinion, could you please unban my name?

Xrproto

Initiating the shit filter...about time.

__________________
I can assure you I am as insane as the next man.

barman

Looks like the kids won't be eating anymore

__________________
Where Affiliate Marketers go for News. and Weed.

turbolapp

...cutting out husband's porn subscription...

matthew1471

Innit. My girlfriend can wait another year for the engagement.

__________________
Quick and free Google, Bing and Yahoo! website ranking checker.

Lord B

Well, DNf has had this free/paid model and is one of the most successful forums out there. And the exclusive section is expensive as hell. But that also means that only the people who are actually serious / doing well get to play. I think that a paid forum is a good idea....

Though Jon, you might want to stick some freebie merchandise up every one's asses if they pay.

__________________

cashflowrusty

I have an idea: When banned users try to log in, redirect them to blah blah

BTW, I look forward to the pricing also.

ebiz

Yes Yes,

Freebies will ease up my decision a bit!

But, freebie or no freebie, paid or no-paid - Im hooked to this forum and will always be come what may!

lulo

daa... ok, once I earn those affiliate cash, I'll also join
even with so many info stuffs, still haven't quite learn how to make decent cash yet.