Date: 10/14/2002 7:51:00 PM
From Authorid: 39127
What?!? I don't like that Idea... but hey they gotta do what they gotta do.  |
Date: 10/14/2002 7:52:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
i know but really were gonna lose some great newbies I mean I always tell people how great this site is and how its free (unlike a lot of things) and one of my friends just found this $5 thing out and now they cant join! sorry but argh it should be mentioned and voluntary  |
Date: 10/14/2002 7:54:00 PM
From Authorid: 35720
OMG! I AM SO GLAD THEY'RE DOING THAT!  |
Date: 10/14/2002 7:55:00 PM
From Authorid: 49101
hmmmm, I'll have to think about that and get back to you... I am a bit confused.  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 7:55:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
i know its a good thing but not everyone has money is all i'm sayin I mean yeah its $5 but there are some people out there who just cant do that... |
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Date: 10/14/2002 7:58:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
another prob is u can only do it by credit card and not everyone is even old enough to have a credit card! |
Date: 10/14/2002 7:58:00 PM
From Authorid: 53806
well maybe you should look at this way...someone is paying for this site to run and maybe it's only right for us to help out with the payments you know it could be worse they could have asked for $5.00 a month or even more...$5.00 is not alot for a child many children get some type of allowance.  |
Date: 10/14/2002 7:59:00 PM
From Authorid: 25481
I don't like the idea. I think its unfair that there are those of us who got to come here for free and now everyone else is going to have to pay. It's not fair. Im not saying they should make all of us pay, because if that happens I would leave. Im just saying that there shouldnt be a fee.  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:00:00 PM
From Authorid: 53806
I understand about the credit thing maybe they should have a pay by check or money order button too. |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:00:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
yeah but not all kids have credit cards :p lol |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:01:00 PM
From Authorid: 35720
All I'm saying is, alot of "trash newbies" join and cause a bunch of problems. I think it's a great idea to only allow SERIOUS users to join. :) |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:01:00 PM
From Authorid: 42515
I don't think its fair either...  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:02:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
yes but rika do u have a credit card or access to pay pal that way? I mean if it was requeired for me I wouldnt be able to be here! I know theres trash newbies but in with the bad theres always treasured good |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:02:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
hey will someone go start a petition or something against this? I'm outta my 2 post :( |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:04:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
yeah but its not fair to the good people who are looking for a place like this. |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:04:00 PM
From Authorid: 3688
i think it's a good idea, yeah there will be a lack in some members but we'll keep the members who repeatedly cause problems out of USM...and THAT makes it good.  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:05:00 PM
From Authorid: 12103
I'm with rika, i think this is a great idea!  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:05:00 PM
From Authorid: 24732
Well I guess it's good for me because- 1) people who can't get on USM go to my website now 2) I don't charge at all and we have to pay for the domain name and everything 3) We don't censor Makes www.clubalien.com, and other websites, look better. I have a feeling their foolish descisions will back fire on them.  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:05:00 PM
From Authorid: 35720
Yes, I do have a credit card. :) And I'm not trying to be nasty, but I really think USM will be a much better place with this requirement. And I don't think it's permanent. |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 3688
unfortunately life isn't fair...and people have to take the punishment for those that refuse to follow the rules.... |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:06:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
lol rika u do? I didnt think anyone under 18 could get one. Well most kids I guess dont have one. I think u guys are really bein unfair to newbies I mean most of us couldnt do this if we were new (minus the paypal and credit card people :p)... |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:07:00 PM
From Authorid: 49101
ERm, they DO have a place where you can send in the donation. I think we are overreacting just a little. (No offense, I am just making a statement) I think Rika is right. Haven't you all noticed how long it hasbeen since the "New User" button was up. We have a lot of yucky people comein and start causing trouble, and I really do feel that this will help us out just a little. |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:08:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
why should people who havent been here suffer? I know there have been bad members (I have been here over 2 years) but with every batch of newbies at least 1 or 2 good ones have come and stayed and now are great contributers to us! |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:09:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
okay I see that now I am sorry i thought it was mostly credit card and paypal but i still disagree I think it shouldnt be manadtory |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:10:00 PM
From Authorid: 1631
Wow, this is going to shake up the balance. I think in theory it's a good idea, but I see some problems with this. This site has become geared for kids, and most kids don't have credit cards to pay the access fee and not many parents are going to allow their kids to join for this reason. This leaves adults as the main target group and let's be honest....not many adults will not be happy paying to be monitered by teens. It will be interesting to see where this goes...  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:10:00 PM
From Authorid: 35720
I have a junior visa, yes. |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:11:00 PM
From Authorid: 24732
Well I know someone who can get people old partially-used acounts ;) |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:11:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
fixed miss c we dont need no name callin :P. I guess I have lots of respect and such for ginger and radman and I know that this donation is a good thing but really a lot of people cant do this I know!!! And its so sad too on the people we may lose... I mean first the 2 post per 2 hours rule (psychic advice, serious advice, and msg to admins count as post even though 2 of the 3 dont show up on the front page) and then this and the double homepages...Ugh whats happening to my lil safe haven?!?! |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:13:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
lol alien seriously if u do msg me I'd like one :). Yeah i mean rika a lot of kids cant get credit cards or people are saving and I mean if I personally see a site askin me for money I just leave no matter how much I wanted it cuz well lol I'm poor! I mean if it was me I wouldnt be able to join and I love this site! |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:14:00 PM
From Authorid: 15033
I see it this way, if kids can't afford it, then maybe with their parents permission, like they should have been getting to come here in the first place, they can pay it for them. I think it will cut out so much crud by making those that take this place for granted have more respect for being a member. I would pay much more than that amount 'every month' to help others here and participate in a positive way.  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:15:00 PM
From Authorid: 52866
I think it's a fine idea, considering what an awesome site USM is! People will make sure to use their accounts if they pay for them...so many people just sign up, stay for like a week, and leave...  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:16:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
thunderhead dont get me wrong if I could I would but Im sayin peeps like me who contribute good stuff (well i hope u all think i contribute good stuff :p) and have other things to do cant afford this. I mean i understand please everyone dont get me wrong but i think ur being way to judgemental of newbies |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:17:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
i know luv bug but everyone is really judging it as if EVERY NEWBIE does either 'bad things' 'doesnt appreciate the site' or 'leaves after a week' and thats not always how it goes.... |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 15033
I see Ali's point but many of the teens already here have proven a commitment to being responsible and caring, and are great for the site. I would have no problem being monitored by them, money or no money. |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:20:00 PM
From Authorid: 24732
I personally don't have another acount, but I have connections. Will USM become an aristocratic society? |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:20:00 PM
From Authorid: 53836
wow, had that been the case when I signed up, I wouldn't have...for one, I don't spend $ online, and second, I don't have a credit card...nor do I have any plans of getting one! So I will be really sad if they decide to charge those of us who have already established membership, and feel like they may be shutting the door inadvertantly on a lot of future talent, both young and old alike :(  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:21:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
exactly.... Well i gtg to bed Im go going to raise some more heck over this in the morning. USM my sweet site I fear for you because this is gonna discourage a lot of people and it makes me think twice but my beloved site. |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:22:00 PM
From Authorid: 15033
I just went and read the page where you sign up and it said: "We offered free membership for years until some bad visitors started coming to our site and caused a lot of problems. They kept using different IP addresses and we were unable to block them. So in order to stop them we implemented a new system that we feel will be just enough to keep them from coming back. For a (one time) $5.00 donation we create your account and send it to you via e-mail. You must promise to follow the rules otherwise your account my be cancelled. We will warn you a few times via personal message if we think your going over the line but, depending upon the severity, your account may be cancelled immediately. Click here to donate (button here). AWESOME IDEA!!!!
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:23:00 PM
From Authorid: 12266
I don't think that it's fair for people who want to check it out but I'm glad we did'nt have that fee 'cause I won't use a credit card online and I woul'nt be a USM user if there was a fee- I wonder what made them do that? It should be a voluntary donation.
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:24:00 PM
From Authorid: 12341
I would pay five dollars a month, this is the only web site where I would pay. But I believe it has to be across the board, everyone included. And most teens spend more than five dollars a month on just one movie. As far a credit cards go, mail the money in. I agree with what Thunderhead and Ali both said, both made good points. I have been "using" this site for a long time, and I don't post or comment much but I still value the time I do spend here. Five dollars sounds reasonable to me.  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:25:00 PM
From Authorid: 51070
Rika, I'm jealous! I want a credit card! LOL! J/k. It's not a bad idea that they charge money now, and five dollars isn't squat. At least, that's my opinion. Besides, it keeps the jerks out, right? And nobody around here likes being trashed for no reason.  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:27:00 PM
From Authorid: 49498
I think not only will it weed out the "bad seeds", it will bring more responsible individuals  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:27:00 PM
From Authorid: 54987
What about present members? Will sthey have to pay $5? Please answer asap.  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:28:00 PM
From Authorid: 16442
HOORAY!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:31:00 PM
From Authorid: 13897
that's kinda sad... i liked how it was free to join.. at least it's only a one-time thing.. and not every month or something...  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:35:00 PM
From Authorid: 4614
I will personally donate for any new hot chicks that would like to join ;) lol  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:40:00 PM
From Authorid: 7157
I CAN see where they are coming from,how ever I don't agree. I wouldn't be able to join now! There are a LOT of teens here who can't pay it or don't have a credit card (like my family!)If it's going to pay for the site I might be able to see it but if it's just for the people who aren't well off thats not fair. I am NOT well off at all,I'm not complaining because its not bad enough to ask people I don't know for money. I agree with you!  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:41:00 PM
From Authorid: 20956
hmmm, how does this work for overseas usmers?  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:44:00 PM ( Admin-MG )
I would pay what ever $'s they asked for! Usm is one of a kind! No one will ever be like usm! |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 855
I dont really like it, I've been a member on this site for about 3 years now,and my husband wants to join,but when i saw that 5 dollar donation fee, i was kinda shocked, why cant a member that has been here for at least a year kinda like sponser a new member,like say put in a good word for a want to be member..I know myself i wouldn't let anyone join who i thought was a jerk, I've got 3 years here why would i mess things up for me..  |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:51:00 PM
From Authorid: 28190
Actually after going and looking myself, I think its a rather good Idea... It's better than having to deal with the bad members over and over, harrassing peeps...But then I see the flip-side of it too.. I'm sure it will be fine, and maybe none of the current members will be charged anything :) *hugs* Love, Amanda  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 8:57:00 PM
From Authorid: 855
so even old members gotta pay to??? |
Date: 10/14/2002 8:58:00 PM
From Authorid: 16845
interesting. I'd pay it :)  |
Date: 10/14/2002 9:02:00 PM
From Authorid: 8278
i see both sides of this. i see that this will make it difficult for younger people to join. but i also see that it will allow only serious people too join. USM has had problems with "bad seeds" many times. and people with multiple accounts making up stories. i can see where this can really help. but i also think it would be a good idea to have another way to send money because alot of younger people do not have credit cards. all in all, i think this will do USM some good.  |
Date: 10/14/2002 9:12:00 PM
From Authorid: 53052
i'm happy i came here before that kicked in or else i wouldn't be here right now.. i don't own a credit card and i wouldn't get one just to sign up to things online... and with how my finances are i don't have a spare $5(american) just laying around to spend on things online i already have a $40 montly internet bill(what i do split with my BF) and i can barely cover food for the month let alone transportation to get me to job interviews... is this new $5 thing manditory?? or is it more of a donation that they are asking for(kinda like how hotmail has it's sign up where they want you to "pay" for additional space but if you scroll really far down and very small you can sign up without paying it)  |
Date: 10/14/2002 9:25:00 PM
From Authorid: 47151
This is a good site, and everybody is really nice and it IS like a big faily.. but still.. im a hand to mouth musician.. I cant afford to pay for this..  |
Date: 10/14/2002 9:59:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
I really hope this is a JOKE. I have a lot to say about this but I am in a bit of a hurry right now. There are SO many reasons why this is a bad thing...  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:02:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
Okay I am going to MAKE time to reply to this. Reason number ONE that its a bad idea: Not everyone has a credit card. Reason number 2: Not everyone is willing to pay five dollars to join a website. i sure as heck wouldn't. That means a lot of COOL people who just happen upon USM won't be joining. I know that I wouldn't have sent in the five dollars back when I first found USM. Reason number 3: That five dollars goes to the people who need the donations? Guess what, I don't WANT to donate money to any of the people at USM. Sorry, but I donate my money to causes that I know are real. OMG... I really should shut up about this before I get myself into trouble... |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:04:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
And another thing-- like Kaja said, what parents are going to allow their teenagers to send money in to some website that they don't know anything about??? PLUS, this site is SO chid oriented right now, its going to be very odd to see mostly adults joining USM. Do you think they are going to be happy with the way so many things are censored here? |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
AND another thing. They say this will keep out the people who keep causing problems here. I know of two people right now that have been banned from USM that have came back and created new accounts only to be banned again. They were AWESOME debators, and their posts and comments were very interesting. If THAT is the kind of people they are trying to keep off of USM that makes me sad. |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:07:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
Heresw ANOTHER thing. I do NOT want ANY ONE here to know my real name. If I have to make some kind of donation, won't they be able to find out my real name? |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:07:00 PM
From Authorid: 15033
Did some of you actually read the page? it says you can send the money by CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TOO!!!! No one has an excuse so that "bad seed" can keep getting on here. Do any of us like to be harrassed and insulted? Not me. Keep the repeat offenders off! |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:08:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
Who cares HOW you can send the money. It makes me sad that people will have to make a "donation" to join the site. BUT it isn't my site (I'll go on and say that before one of you reminds me) But I am simply voicing my opinion about it. |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:09:00 PM
From Authorid: 15033
Dizzy, isn't that the point of the other site you frequent? They are free to go there and debate away in whatever way they wish...AND IT's FREE...:-) |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:11:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
Oh great so now this is gonna be a 'G" rated site that kids have to PAY to come to-- yet how many kids are going to actually send in the money???? THINK ABOUT IT |
Date: 10/14/2002 10:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 54155
I agree, a huge majority of people using USM are teenagers and kids, and they shouldnt have to miss out on such a great site because they have to join 5 dollars...dont get me wrong, I honestly would pay money if I 1.) had it, and 2.) was allowed to give ppl money over the internet money...well my sisters bf needs the net so I g2g... good post. I think usm is awesome by the way dont get me wrong!  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:25:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
I have another question. How exactly will this weed out the "bad seeds"? If someone is so determined to cause trouble here, whats gonna stop them from just sending in five bucks? |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:28:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
Thunderhead-- and your point is? Just because people can go to another website and speak freely has NOTHING to do with this discussion about how they are trying to force new users to donate money to people they don't even know yet. |
Date: 10/14/2002 10:28:00 PM
From Authorid: 9295
There is absolutely no way I'd ever pay to join any website, it's simply not worth it, not even for USM. But, while we're on the subject, I'm curious to see how things will change now. In the past I've seen countless users told that if they don't like the site to leave, that they're not paying for it. With this new system, that's no longer a valid argument. Will the phrase "The customer is always right" apply here now? Also, the owners are asking new users to "donate" money to currrent users of the site- users they know absolutely nothing about. Something about that seems a little....odd. Maybe it'll work, who knows. I just don't see it.  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:30:00 PM
From Authorid: 15033
Because they can still get kicked off after they pay it, and if they want to come back, it's another $5, eventually they'd get fed up with paying, don't ya think Dizzy? as I was just saying to one of my sis's "The one's already here have been time tested. They've proven they deserve to be here. The new ones would have to put up their promise to be good at the beginning, so what's the difference? |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
It says to "donate"-- for all they (new users)know they could be donating to some internet fraud! |
Date: 10/14/2002 10:34:00 PM
From Authorid: 16950
LOL @ Sundance... And I also feel Dizzy makes a very valid point when she said, & I quote "PLUS, this site is SO chid oriented right now, its going to be very odd to see mostly adults joining USM. Do you think they are going to be happy with the way so many things are censored here?" That is a very good point Dizzy. I can see why some adults wouldn't want to pay to join when so many posts are more greared toward the younger crowd & also with the G-Rating USM currently has. But I can also understand why they are giving this a try. It seems like a lot of newbies just don't respect USM or USMers. Sad but true. Unfortunately we will be missing out on some cool people now but I guess ya gotta take the good with the bad. Take good care everyone & Bless you all! :o) Love & hugs,  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:35:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
I think my husband (NOVA) has an EXCELLENT point!!!!! |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:36:00 PM
From Authorid: 16950
Very good comment, Nova. :o) |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:46:00 PM
From Authorid: 16845
although I will say with the debating going on here......donation is just that....a donation it's not a manditory thing....however now their making it manditory for an account.......it's no longer a donation.....it's a fee... |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:47:00 PM
From Authorid: 15033
Dizzy, A fraud to me would be something I can't see (and read). I think a look around the site would prove it exists and some jerk isn't just tricking people into to joining something non- existant. |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:52:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
You know, there have been several posts here in the past that have asked if people would be willing to pay to be a member of USM. As i recall, many people said no they would not pay. Its not like five dollars is a LOT of money, I mean most people can spare five dollars, but who is actually going to do it? Like I said earlier, I do NOT want anyone on the internet to know my real name, and I am sure others feel the same way. I think this whole thing will change USM a lot. We have already lost so many wonderful people because of the "politics" of USM. I wonder how many wonderful people we will never get to know because they are not willing to give money away to a place that they aren't even familar with? (I think I just totally repeated one of my earlier comments...lol sorry) |
Date: 10/14/2002 10:53:00 PM
From Authorid: 14754
What a great idea!!!!!!..but this will get very interesting now!!!..  |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:54:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
Thunderhead-- I don't want to donate money NOW, and I have been here 2 1/2 years. How are "newbies" going to feel knowing that they are forced to "donate" to strangers just to be a part of this place? USM is a wonderful place, and so many people are going to be missing out on it... The new users can look around, they can read the stories, but I wonder if that will be enough to make them pay the "fee" (as Becky called it) |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:55:00 PM
From Authorid: 14754
well we loose alot of people due to "politics" no matter where we go...and is your REAL name really going to be made public? |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:57:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
Tweeti-- I don't think it would be made"public", but I don't want any of the admins or even the owners of the site to know my name :) |
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Date: 10/14/2002 10:58:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
What I am saying is there are alot of paranoid people out there who don't want anyone on the internet to know any of their personal info :) I am one of them... hehe |
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Date: 10/14/2002 11:00:00 PM
From Authorid: 14754
yes you are right about the paraniod part Dizzy Me..i dont blame you at all about that..but it seems to me that the people who join here, already have friends here, and iam sure they know how safe usm is to send in 5.00..iam not sure what they are going to do to get around this, for people who want to remain anonomymous |
Date: 10/14/2002 11:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 21867
Would I pay $5 for a USM Membership?? Well...yes, I would...now. But thats only because I have been here near on 2 years and have grown quite fond of it. However, would I have paid $5 to join at the beginning...without any real experience of how the site operated and the discussions held...probably not, for similar sites which are free (and granted may well not be as good) would have got my vote in the beginning. While I do agree and support any efforts by G&G to recoup the cost of providing this site - for it certainly MUST cost something...and probably more than most of us would guess at...I will admit to having some concerns with this new method of acquiring membership. One major concerns is that this site is great yes because of the nice layout, the ease of use etc etc...but its major draw here is its members. A website can be as flashy and well produced as you like...which is a credit to the hardwork of the webmaster (George) but at the end of the day it sinks or swims ALSO because of its members. Each one of us contributes something to the whole that is USM. Each one of us contributes time, emotions, energy to those who need a listening/sympathetic/empathetic ear. Each one of us contributes with posts and replies that fill up the front page, that provide the interaction, that basically provide the 'guts' of the entertainment and 'experience' that is USM. In that way I have concern that newbies...like ALL of us were ONCE...may be excluded, or choose to go somewhere else because of the joining fee...and sure, it may weed out the 'trouble makers'...but I would also wager it will weed out future members who would have no doubt become a valueable and wonderful 'asset' to USM. In a way we ALL provide this site...through being here. Peace,  |
Date: 10/14/2002 11:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 22433
If I had to pay to join when I first found USM (almost 2 years ago), I wouldn't. I wouldn't pay $5 to join a site where I didn't know anyone, where I didn't know if I would like it or not, etc etc. I've seen a lot of you say somethin to the effect of "yeah i'd pay the $5 cuz USM is awesome!", of course YOU know it's awesome. YOU have been here for a few months, a year, some of you even a few years. Of course you know it's awesome. But what about a newbie? How do they know it's awesome? how would they know whether they'll like it or not after they sign up? I've signed up with a lot of sites that I gradually got tired of visiting after a week, or two weeks. Why would someone pay $5 to sign up at a site that they might not like in a week? Also, $5 is a lot of money for some people. People who strive to make ends meet as is, people (like me) who live in Canada and in the end it'll come out toooo let's say $7.50 (after exchange) PLUS the $3.50 it costs to get a money order (since most people my age don't have cheques or credit cards), so that comes out to $11! That's an hour and a half of work for me! That's A LOT of money. And i'm not even counting the .60 cent stamp.  |
Date: 10/14/2002 11:20:00 PM
From Authorid: 30229
I think this is a GREAT idea... I have personally known of several people who have been kicked out and came on again and again... One even created about 8 new accounts in case they got banned again... that would curtail that.... In fact, I would go so far as to say that each ISP number should be charged a monthly fee of $1.oo... Payable by the month or the year, and that would further make the site better in a lot of ways. I am a parent and I would have loved to paid a measley $5.oo for any of my kids to have a G-rated site to go to, it is a form of protection. When my grandson gets old enough to be here, I will pay $5.00 for him too so that he will have a place to come that is G-rated... Yep, this is a great idea... I love it.. :) And Thundy, Siswiththesamemiddlename, I agree with ya!!! :)  |
Date: 10/15/2002 12:31:00 AM
From Authorid: 49546
I agree with everything DizzyMe has said .... i think this is 'dumb'...  |
Date: 10/15/2002 12:50:00 AM
From Authorid: 59960
Its good in some ways and bad in others. I personally don't think its really all that fair. In one of the comments someone said why would they pay five dollars for a site if they didn't know it was good or not. I agree when I came here I didn't know if I would like usm or not, granted its a great place but for someone who is new here why should they have to pay if they dont know what there getting. You know what I mean. Everyone else got on free I dont see why others have to pay *~*SinistarEdge*~*  |
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Date: 10/15/2002 1:05:00 AM
From Authorid: 15033
If there were a $5 fee when I came here 2 years ago, I may not have paid it. But instead I would have been an observer for awhile, which anyone is free to do. I could have checked out the posts, read the comments and gotten a real good feel before I decided to pay it. If I decided I didn't want to pay it...oh well, I would have NEVER found a site comparable to this one and I'd have been back eventually, just like so many do. |
Date: 10/15/2002 1:16:00 AM
From Authorid: 54070
THIS IS THE STUPIDES THING EVER!!! Frankly, I would not be wasting my own money on a website. I agree with everything Dizzy has to say, and, well, yeah! There have been some people on this site that I feel need to be kicked out for, lack of a better word, "attitudes" and haven't, whilst there have peen others that haven't hurt a fly, and get swuished like one. You can't change people, not even with money. Although I don't mind being bribed...hehe... Anyway, this whole thing is blown out of proportion. It's a website, and just like the actual world, there are people that are going to be utter jerks. There's nothing we can do about it... But hey, I'll just shut up. I don't feel like getting argumentative with anyone. Hey you! Get off the lawn!  |
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Date: 10/15/2002 1:17:00 AM
From Authorid: 54070
stupidest* Darn those typos, lol. I know what the purpose is for the money thing, but as I said, you can't change people easily...nonetheless by donating money... |
Date: 10/15/2002 5:53:00 AM
From Authorid: 25828
WHAT A GREAT IDEA say all the ones that are already a member, sure it's a great idea because YOU don't have to pay. no, it is not a good idea...for one, not everyone has a credit card TO pay, even if they wanted to...i'm 30 years old and i don't use credit cards, so i couldn't, if i had to -----it's easy for people to say it's a good idea, as long as THEY don't have to pay it, ya know?  |
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Date: 10/15/2002 5:54:00 AM
From Authorid: 25828
and besides, it's only the ones of us that has been here that would WANT to pay, a newbie, wouldn't give a rip about the people and AREN'T hooked on usm, so they're not gonna pay anyway -----only the ones of us that are 'hooked' already could be forced to pay to stay if we had to. ---and THEN, they'd have to come up with a way other than credit cards --- |
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Date: 10/15/2002 6:18:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
yeah i dont see how its gonna weed out the bad ones either... There is good news :p ginger let my friend join free so THANK U SO MUCH GINGER!!! I still feel this is gonna make us lose a lot of good people though because yeah as dizzy me said for all a newbie knows it could be a fraud (honestly thats what I'd think if I ddint know...) |
Date: 10/15/2002 6:21:00 AM
From Authorid: 23796
(Sigh) I agree with DizzyMe and Nova On this one. I can see why people are upset about the "Bad Seeds" but should the Good Be put in the same pile as the bad? A lot of people think that $5 is nothing, but to some people it is a couple loafs of bread of a package of cheep diapers. Some people come here to visit from the library to talk to people and chat. Does this mean only the income elite are allowed on the internet now? Only the Privilaged are allowed? There are alot of assumptions on this site about how people live and how things should be for money...etc but there are cases where people just can't live up to those expectations, yet those are the people that have to pay, isn't it and no one really cares. YOu say they can go to other sites, but are there other sites that are out there as monitored as USM that is safe for our children? Should we have to PAY for the safety of our children now? And as for the use of "Donation" That is not an accurate word. This is a "FEE" not a Donation. Donations are optional and like Dizzy me Said, I personally don't like giving out that much of my personal information over the net, especially with the problems usm has had over Hackers in the past. And as for Sending it "Postal" that is Still Personal information that someone out there could abuse (Not saying that USM would) But it is a gamble I wouldn't allow my children to make. The only Sites on the internet I agree should be pay sites are the sites that most of us believe shouldn't be on the net in the first place. This site is a great site, but it has nothing on it but a forum and chat room and I could go else where for that. It is not as if I am going to get weekly news letters, any benifits (beyond a tag), nor have any say on how this site gets managed. How about this one....it you want a tag, "donate" Five dollars or if you get booted off, pay a fee to get back. I know I would have paid $5 for my taggie. But I am sure even some people would disagree with that. I just think this place should be free. It is a sad thing to see USM fall into the category of every other internet site on the web. :( Peace & Love  |
Date: 10/15/2002 6:22:00 AM
From Authorid: 57995
As long as the people who are already members don't have to start paying anything I am fine with it. Sapphire Dolphin  |
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Date: 10/15/2002 6:35:00 AM
From Authorid: 25828
that's a great idea...pay for the taggie...and yeah i would have found a way to pay for mine too!! 8-) |
Date: 10/15/2002 7:20:00 AM
From Authorid: 22102
i dont think its fair for kids, coz not everyone has a credit card..  |
Date: 10/15/2002 8:12:00 AM
From Authorid: 40145
a free trial membership for maybe a week if they like it then when its time to pay 5 dollars... that is a good idea that way they know if they like site or not. IMO  |
Date: 10/15/2002 8:21:00 AM
From Authorid: 12835
I am so glad that they are finally going to keep the poor people out of here. Only the rich ( whose portfolio's exceed $5 ) can entertain the idea of joining the rest of us elitests....  |
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Date: 10/15/2002 8:24:00 AM ( Admin-JGB )
Hey I think the person that said something about a sponsorship thing has the best suggestion yet... we could sponsor a new member, kinda vouching for their being able to follow the rules... would that get around the five bux if they dont' have that much money, or don't have permission to pay a site on the net?? I like that idea :) |
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Date: 10/15/2002 8:27:00 AM
From Authorid: 25828
has nothing to do with money st.pete, has to do with access to a form of getting it to usm.....i pay cash for everything, i believe in OWNING what you have instead of paying for it over and over again through interest ---so, i simply would have 'no way' to pay ----whether i could afford it or not. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 8:29:00 AM
From Authorid: 25828
hey jungabel, that sponsorship thing is a good idea, as long as the reason for the 5 dollars is to keep the bad seeds out and not just to make money. cause if it is to make money, and disguised as keeping bad members out, then they WON"T go for sponsorship...we shall see. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 8:32:00 AM
From Authorid: 24732
That brings me to another point- and I don't mean to make it sound like your friend is bad for joining for free- but if some people have the option of joining for free and some don't that really doesn't seem right. After all we know some people get more priveledges then others here, and of course admins friends would not have to pay. Then again if I had a charging website I would probably let my friends on free, but I don't charge at my website. Bringing money into the whole scene of USM I don't think is a good thing at all. I know that they do spend a lot of $ running USM. But it's really insane to pay money to become a member of a website. People brought up politics, and this is very similar to politics. Those with more money obviously suceed. Since you have to put your name and address it is known who all donates money. Sometimes people "donate" money to politicians campains if the politicians do something in return for them. Maybe it isn't that corrupt, but that is really what all of this reminds me of; soft money. I agree with a lot of what Lady Shaman said too. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 8:44:00 AM
From Authorid: 15033
LOL!!! I was thinking the same thing, Pete!!!...just like anything good in life, you pay for it. Rules and boundaries are always set once the bad invades it. How pitiful, but true. |
Date: 10/15/2002 9:14:00 AM
From Authorid: 22852
I for one agree with this and when I make my son his new account I will gladly pay the money.  |
Date: 10/15/2002 10:01:00 AM
From Authorid: 51173
lol @ Pete. Maybe we can finance the $5? Ya know, like floating junk bonds or something? There's gotta be a way of making a buck off this somehow! Peace, Tom  |
Date: 10/15/2002 10:08:00 AM
From Authorid: 20104
I think it is a good idea because it must cost a lot of money to keep this site up and running.  |
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Date: 10/15/2002 10:18:00 AM ( Admin-JGB )
hmm so is this a way for Rad and Ginger to make money, or is it a way to make a fund for charity? If it is money making why begrudge that? they pay out of thier pockets for this site to be here for us to enjoy... and if it is for a fund to help those in need, what is wrong with that? to those that say they don't wanna donate to charity, is it better for a pay site to have the money go to somones pocket for running the site, or to GIVING to help other people? Both sound ok to me... but that's just me. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 11:04:00 AM
From Authorid: 9130
Sponsor a member???? Oh for crying out loud-- why would you sponsor some stranger just so they could join a website??? |
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Date: 10/15/2002 11:05:00 AM
From Authorid: 9130
St. Pete-- five dollars may not be a lot to YOU but there are some people who need every cent they have. PLUS what about the people that USM takes donations for that can't even pay their BILLS? |
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Date: 10/15/2002 11:07:00 AM
From Authorid: 9130
I think one of the best ideas here would be what Lady Shaman said about maybe paying the five dollars for a tag. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 11:12:00 AM
From Authorid: 9295
Honestly, the fact is that if USM had been a pay site from the beginning the vast majority of us would have never come here. By making it a pay site now you're not only stopping "bad seeds" from coming back, you're potentially stopping a huge amount of otherwise welcome new users. Seems like a very bad trade-off to me. |
Date: 10/15/2002 12:00:00 PM
From Authorid: 46486
DizzyMe brought up a EXCELLENT point.. How do people who want to join know that USM isn't some Internet Fraud? Yes USM has a lot of teenangers on here. USM just has something special that makes teens think that this is a cool place.. *I suppose..* But when they ask for 5$ and they're parents ask WHY they need the money they say "To join a message board on the internet" My parents would say no, I think most of them will.. I guess I see good and bad parts on this idea, but it is not my site.  |
Date: 10/15/2002 12:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 16069
Did you guys ever think that maybe Radman and Ginger dont want anymore new members?  |
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Date: 10/15/2002 12:10:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
LOA-- that would be awful! |
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Date: 10/15/2002 12:23:00 PM
From Authorid: 46486
LOA, I never have thought of that reason.. As Dizzy said, it would be awful.. |
Date: 10/15/2002 1:00:00 PM
From Authorid: 55533
;( i am sad, because what if i lose my password my parents won't let me send money here, they will think it is fake ;( please change it USM!!!!  |
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Date: 10/15/2002 1:04:00 PM
From Authorid: 55533
If I had to pay to join when I first found USM (almost 2 years ago), I wouldn't. I wouldn't pay $5 to join a site where I didn't know anyone, where I didn't know if I would like it or not, etc etc. I've seen a lot of you say somethin to the effect of "yeah i'd pay the $5 cuz USM is awesome!", of course YOU know it's awesome. YOU have been here for a few months, a year, some of you even a few years. Of course you know it's awesome. But what about a newbie? How do they know it's awesome? how would they know whether they'll like it or not after they sign up? I've signed up with a lot of sites that I gradually got tired of visiting after a week, or two weeks. Why would someone pay $5 to sign up at a site that they might not like in a week? Also, $5 is a lot of money for some people. People who strive to make ends meet as is, people (like me) i am nearly poor!! NNOO don't agree to Gail LadyLuck!! It is just her!! My parents won't let me come here if i have to pay money!!! I like this site, but i will jump in a lake (i mean it) if i lose my password and i can't come here ;(. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 1:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 59392
man o man |
Date: 10/15/2002 1:43:00 PM
From Authorid: 53427
LOA, you may be right. Because thats exactly what they are gonna get. People will just stop joining at all.  |
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Date: 10/15/2002 3:10:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
I just am saying newbies dont know to trust to pay $5 I mean and I cant blame em because if I came here and found oh u have to pay $5 I wouldnt trust it or join (most things u cant trust on the net....) Yes I know the money goes for good please dont get me wrong there but yeah this makes it harder for teens and Im still highly against it! Maybe if we gave newbies a week to prove themselves or so and then their gone for good after that...I dunno because I've dealt with bad newbies (lol omg my islamic debate that one person ugh...) but i have met so many sweet newbies....! |
Date: 10/15/2002 3:21:00 PM
From Authorid: 30051
You told me your real name when I was newer Dizzy:) I guess you decided it was a secret?? LOL!  |
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Date: 10/15/2002 3:27:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
Coryann-- no one here knows my full name-- and I sure as heck wouldn't have told YOU |
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Date: 10/15/2002 3:32:00 PM
From Authorid: 30051
I thought you ment your first name..you did tell me..:) |
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Date: 10/15/2002 6:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 30229
Holy cow.. George and Ginger pay a LOT of money out of thier pockets each and every month for all of us to be here, and to ask for a donation is NOT unfair at all. So what if people dont want to pay, ??? It does NOT matter that "when you first found this site"... because that is all in the past, what matters now is that we are all here and the vast majority WOULD come up with the money to stay, ... some wouldnt of course, but most would. Anyone can read all of USM without being logged on to SEE if they want to donate $5.00 to join.. if they do it is great, and if they dont, OH WELL! I think it is a great idea and I am glad it is in place.. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 6:23:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
Gail its not being selfish it is the fact some people cant pay (I know that sounds crazy but its true!) why shouldnt they enjoy what we do with the gift of posting and replying? |
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Date: 10/15/2002 7:34:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
Apparently Gail didn't read any of the replies to this post. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 8:46:00 PM
From Authorid: 855
Dizzy when i said sponcer someone...i din't mean strangers....hello thats kinda stupid...im talking about the people that i know personally who want to join..not some idiot who just wonders in!!!! |
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Date: 10/15/2002 8:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 855
For all the other people who cant have someone sponser them...then maby they should pay the five dollars just in case they are some jerk. now you get the point???? |
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Date: 10/15/2002 8:56:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
No Name-- why would I want to pay five dollars for someone else to join even if they are someone I know? |
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Date: 10/15/2002 9:04:00 PM
From Authorid: 855
ohhh man!!!! I'm not saying that!!!! I'm saying sponser them as in "put in a good word" that is if you know the person well.....then the 5 dollar fee would be waived.... |
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Date: 10/15/2002 9:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 855
And for anyone who is a stranger to the site..meaning.."does not know anyone on the site" then they pay the 5 dollar fee |
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Date: 10/15/2002 9:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
NO fee should be waived (sp?) just because a member might "know someone" thats not fair to everyone else who would have to pay. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 9:17:00 PM
From Authorid: 855
well the way i look at it anyone who's been here over a year without causing any problems,can be trusted when they say well i would like to sponser,someone who they know very well, that usm member is responsible for the new members actions for a certain time period..if thier guest member should cause trouble then both get booted off..then if they want rejoin then they will have to pay the fee...so as to being unfair to the people who dont know anyone on here,well thats the only way this site will keep out the weeds.. |
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Date: 10/15/2002 9:30:00 PM
From Authorid: 9130
NoName-- no offense but that sounds awful. |
Date: 10/16/2002 12:53:00 AM
From Authorid: 18516
WOW..I just learned about this a minute ago..I see the good and bad points about this. 1.Most teenagers and kids don't have credit cards and I'm sure parents aren't going to let their kids send money to people they don't know. I'm sure they wouldn't give their credit card numbers to a site that they don't know anything about either. (such as the people who run the site) 2. I CAN see george and ginger's view about weeding the bad apples on the site. I know they spend their OWN money to keep the site up and running. 3. How do people know that usm isn't just a scam to get money? These people aren't apart of this site like we are..they don't know the admins like we do. They could think this.  |
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Date: 10/16/2002 2:26:00 AM
From Authorid: 30229
Give it a rest Dizzy... I did read ALL the replies and I stand behind what I said. I think it is a great idea and I further think that we ARE selfish to think George and Ginger can keep on paying for us to be here forever, nothing in life is forever and if they decide to charge everyone here so they can keep the site going then count me in... If they are taking the $5.00 to add to the USM Fund for people who find themselves on hard times then I am in for that too... If I find one of my friends or family who desires membership here and cannot afford it, then I will pay it for them. I think George and Ginger have the RIGHT idea here and I AGREE with them.... EVEN after reading all the replies, LOL. |
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Date: 10/16/2002 6:10:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
NoName thats not really fair because I mean I found this site, I wasnt referred and so if i seen 'oh if you have a friend to sponser u its free but if you dont $5 please.' I'd be 1) offended 2)not trustworthy and 3) I wouldnt join. You'd all miss me wouldnt ya :p? Gail I know that there are good and bad points to this it just seems like chasing your tail trying to figure out a solution that makes a good chunck happy... |
Date: 10/16/2002 6:53:00 AM
From Authorid: 3835
It costs on average over 1100.00 A MONTH to keep USM going for all of you, and it has all been free. Now everyone wants friends and so on and so and so to join, that is fine too, but it raises the costs of more people submitting posts. You want G Rated and fun and lots of things to do without advertisements and pop ups? Then that 5 bucks will come out of the pocket easily. With you already being a member, you are waived from paying that ammount. I think everyone is just getting all worked up without thinking first of what it has cost the owners out their OWN POCKETS to operate USM every month these days. You want USM to remain? Then go with the flow of changes is the way I look at it. I stand by the owners in this decision, and will defend their rights to do what they please on USM. Look at porn sites, do they not charge you to see their filth? I would rather pay less than what they must charge to see something wholesome and entertaining.. and g rated. Thank you for allowing my vent on your post. Love ya and ok merry meet and blessed be.  |
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Date: 10/16/2002 9:30:00 AM
From Authorid: 855
dont get me wrong...but if anyone should get the money it should be ginger and george...let them use the money to keep this site going..then anything over at the end of the month put that in a fund for whatever....this site is so great when i first started here i was just so glad to become a member..now i dont come in everyday...because of the fact i got 2 teenage daughters who i have to fight with to use the computer..but when i do get here i can just relax read the stuff i like to read...this is my escape from being mom all day long...so i guess what ever it takes to stay on here i'll do but i want the money used for the site |
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Date: 10/16/2002 11:27:00 AM
From Authorid: 30229
Sur5r, I totally agree with ya.. you said it better than I did.. :) |
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Date: 10/16/2002 11:27:00 AM
From Authorid: 30229
Kaja, I am not "chasing my tail" to try to find a solution... George and Ginger already have found one... I am adding my opinions, and if you dont agree with me then so be it... but they are MY opninions... |
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Date: 10/16/2002 12:18:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
no gail i didnt mean u personally I just meant the whole site... I know this is their solution. Sur5er I agree and I mean yes I understand they arent asking much its just the sponsership ideas, the fact that there are poor people out there (teens, some adults so forth) and i mean it really isnt fair to them but i do understand what george and ginger do and I am ever so grateful! When I make it, I'm going to donate a bunch of my money to the site but until then I cant do to much though I'd luv too.. |
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Date: 10/16/2002 1:02:00 PM
From Authorid: 30229
Kaja, I DO understand what you are saying, and I understand that some people cannot pay for it. But facts are facts and to think that the site could be closed down because it is too expensive to maintain really scares me. Charging a small fee isnt out of the question, and isnt unreasonable. I admire you for saying that when you make your own money that you will send some.. good for you.. :) Your desire to help maintain the site is really very sweet. |
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Date: 10/16/2002 1:54:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
awww gail thanxs |
Date: 11/16/2002 11:12:00 PM
From Authorid: 54668
well...i do have an opinion myself,but so no one gets mad...i agree with everyone!:D yumie_eyez  |
