Moving Forward with Paid Subscriptions

Three years ago, I was searching for a way to connect to other moms, and I just wasn't having any luck. So, I took a leap of faith and started my own online group for moms. Even though it's been a crazy three years since, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. :)

For the past three years, friendships have been made, and we've formed a wonderful group that can provide a ton of support and information regarding just about any subject related to parenting (and some subjects completely unrelated to parenting). We've grown from a handful of people to a very active community with a great deal of diversity.

But, we've grown too much for our own good. And, it's time for me to start managing this community not only for what it can provide for moms today, but what it can become tomorrow. My goal for DAM has changed dramatically over the past three years. At first, I wanted a place where I could talk to other moms nearby and that was my only goal. Now, I would love to see DAM grow to become even better than it is today. I want it to become a resource for every mom in the Dallas area, and I have a ton of ideas for how to improve the site even more and make it "Mom Central" for the Dallas area.

So, before reading further, I would like for you to stop and think about what you've gained from this community. How many moms have we helped to have a succesful breastfeeding relationship? How many of you have found close personal friendships here? How many of you have found reassurance in knowing that other moms have experienced the same toddler tantrums you have? Even through the debates and disagreements, we've made each other laugh, smile, and cry with joy.

We've come to the conclusion that the best long-term decision is for us to remain with data center hosting. So, it is necessary for us to move foward with the plan we discussed last month, with a few changes.

Signatures
The new rule for signature size is three lines of default text. You can include up to two smilies, but this rule may need to change in the future.

Attachments
Registered Users will no longer be able to upload attachments in their posts. You will still be able to host the photo elsewhere and use the IMG tags to put a photo in a post, but you will no longer be able to upload them to our server via the Manage Attachments option. This privilege will be reserved for paid memberships (see below).

Avatars
Registered Users will no longer be able to upload avatars. This privilege will be reserved for paid memberships (see below). No animated avatars will be allowed for any usergroup.

Private Messages
Registered Users will only be able to have 25 private messages in the private message folders at one time. Paid memberships will be allowed more (see below).

Private Forums
The following forums will only be open to those with paid memberships:
Girl Talk- will still require an email asking for access, but only those with paid memberships will be allowed
Private Playdates- a safer option to the public playdates forum (update: no longer a paid access forum)
Private- the best place to post sensitive subject matter that you'd rather not be viewable by everyone
The Podium- our debate forum (update: no longer a paid access forum)
When you purchase a paid subscription, you will automatically gain acces to The Podium , Private Playdates and Private forums. The Girl Talk forum will still require an email stating that you agree to the guidelines and request access. But remember, even though there are four paid access forums, there are still 30+ forums that are free to everyone. And none of the support forums (like Breastfeeding Support or Working Moms or Health Concerns) are paid access, so you'll receive just as much support as you always have.
These four forums will have dual restrictions-
30 days/100 posts and paid membership
Members will have to meet both requirements to gain access to these forums.

Paid Memberships
$20 per year
DAM Supporters will have the ability to upload avatars and profile pictures, as well as upload attachments. They will also be able to have up to 100 private messages in their pm folders at one time and will have access to the private forums.

Payment Information
To subscribe to the paid membership, please go to your User CP, then Paid Subscriptions. From there, you will be able to pay through Paypal. You do not need a Paypal account to use this method. If you do not have a Paypal account, there is an option to enter your credit card information by following the link for non-Paypal members.
The paid subscriptions take effect immediately, but there will be a 2 week grace period for you to make a decision before losing your additional privileges. Please be sure to download any private messages you'd like to keep prior to the end of this grace period (instructions are here (http://www.dallasareamoms.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4456&highlight=download+private+messages)).
I am planning to sell the gift certificates that were purchased for Melissa, and anyone who donated can use their portion towards their membership. So, if you gave $20, your membership is paid for for the year. If you gave $5, you only have to pay the additional $15. Please do not follow the link through your User CP if you are in this situation. Contact me, and I will tell you how to proceed. If you made a donation that exceeds the $20, you can allocate the remainder to go toward a gift membership to another member (please contact me for this). If you made a non-monetary donation, your item will be returned to you.

Gift Memberships
If you would like to gift a membership to another member, please follow the link below.
Gift Membership (http://www.dallasareamoms.com/forums/gift.php)

Free Memberships
Registered Users without the added privileges will not pay an annual fee, and the paid subscriptions are completely optional. There is an option to gift someone a membership. Posting on DAM in most forums remains free.

No refunds will be given for any reason.

I posted this earlier, then had to take it down to fix a glitch. So, some of you saw this briefly earlier. Just didn't want you to think you were imagining it.

OH!!!! I wish it didn't have to come to this!!!! :( :( :( What a bummer! We are budgeted so tight right now. I know there is no way dh will let me spend $20 on this. I'm so bummed!!!

I guess I need to go clean out the 300 PMs I have in my box! :) I'm sad that I won't have access to the private forums, but at least I still have the other forums...I love, love this board, but I can't afford $20, as little as it seems to most people, it's a lot for us. I think you found a good compromise, Nicole and you're doing a great job!

Just a suggestion but maybe if you guys sell something on ebay you can make up that $20... It works out to be $1.67 a month.. I know it's been wonderful having this free service but if you guys have something lying around you can sell... you know? :wink:

When will this be taking place?

I'll be hitting DH up this week. I gotta have my DAM!!! And all of it, too! LOL

Here you go, ukqueen.
The paid subscriptions take effect immediately, but there will be a 2 week grace period for you to make a decision before losing your additional privileges.

no doi.. and I read that bit too :)
I guess I'm sleepy or summink...

Also, think about birthday and Christmas. I bet someone could buy you a DAM membership for a year! ;)

Gather up loose change. Recycle cans. Garage sale. If it's important enough, you'll figure out a way! <----- That's the addict in me talking. Haha!

Well, there was a LOT to read. :)

no doi.. and I read that bit too :)

I guess I'm sleepy or summink...

oh CathyAnn you shouldn't I couldn't take such a Nice gift !!!! LOL

Will unpaid members still be able to link to their own avatars on their own websites? Or will they not be able to show an avatar at all unless they pay?

Even when you link to an avatar, the software uploads it to our server. The reason for this is that it's the only way to control the size of an off-site avatar.

So yes, only paid members will be able to have avatars, even if it's linked off-site originally (because they don't end up that way in the end, anyway).

Where is the link to pay via paypal?

Go to your User CP, then find Paid Subscriptions on the left sidebar. The link is in there. :)

I will pay asap - I can't go without DAM!

Nicole, I assume that's 15 or 50 pms total? I just cleared out most of the ones in my inbox... but I saw I have 622 in my sent folder. :bag Egads! Guess I need to work on clearing those out too, huh?

You're doing a great job, Miss Moderator! I'm glad you've been able to keep the costs down. $20 a year certainly isn't a bad deal for all the entertainment, fun and support I get here!

$20 a year certainly isn't a bad deal for all the entertainment, fun and support I get here!
Amen to that!

Whew! I love this place, so Im going to start digging for change. I know ALL about not having the $...with 3 kids in school and all their fees, now that they are in a decent school, money is tighter than ever! Uniforms,reading fees,band,fieldtrips,$1 for wearing jeans on Friday,carnival,teacher appreciation.....the list goes on.
Nicole, thank you for creating this board.....this is the only moms place I belong to now, b/c I love it here! Im sure we all understand the need for the changes and the board is definatly worth the $20 a year, even if it takes 10 weeks to come up with it,lol.

How would we go about doing a gift membership but not necessarily specifying a person? or if I specify a person and she has already been gifted a membership, can it just go to a general scholarship fund?:lol

Teri, you can just put "Whoever" in the username spot. Would you want me to just choose someone? Based on what? You can pm me if you'd rather talk about it there.

When you say $20 will pay for a year, does that mean we won't have to pay until Sept next year? And who will keep track of who pays when and when you need to pay again?

Yes, 365 days from when you pay. The software handles it all for me. :clap Once your subscription runs out, you'll be bumped back down to Registered User until you subscribe again.

Cori- yes, those are totals for pm's. I'm going to raise them a bit, though. Probably to 20 and 100.

Rachel - go to User CP and then Paid Subscriptions, it will link you to paypal to pay it.

I'm going to raise them a bit, though. Probably to 20 and 100.
Oh good, because I'm horrible with remembering to delete PMs.

I know $20 all at once seems hard to comeby for some, but I think it's well worth it. Will there be some type of payment plan for those who can't swing it all at once?

Payday is Thursday for us! Yay!

I think it is a great idea! That way we have security for things that are more private!
GOOD JOB NICOLE!

Cyndie, it would really be a bookkeeping problem for me to do a payment plan. I'd really prefer someone just put an envelope under their bed and add whatever they can a week until they have the total, then send it all at once.

ya, I was just thinking yesterday why DAM wasn't completely private?

Monette, I don't want a private group. I like the idea of having a few private forums, but I want most of the support forums to be open to everyone. :)

I know $20 all at once seems hard to comeby for some, but I think it's well worth it. Will there be some type of payment plan for those who can't swing it all at once?
I agree. It's a little tough but I'll make it work. I couldn't live without my DAM!!! Deleted the rest... question already answered.

Guess I need to read this before I ask questions at the kitchen table.

Well, sorry we won't be able to make playdates in our area anymore. They all seem to be listed under the private one. But there is just no way we can afford $20.00. And sure I could sell something to make it but the money I make selling stuff needs to pay the bills. Plus with us moving out of town sometime withtin the year it just does not make sense right now.

I'll post my other thoughts later when I can gather them.

Nicole, when does this go in to affect? I think DAM is well worth $20, but may need to wait on it.

I just want everyone to please not be offended by any of this. I know money is tight for some (believe me, I know) but Nicole is between a rock and a hard place. If you saw her post *What a difference a year makes* then you can see how much this site has grown. It's beyond her control. The money it takes to host this site, the software, etc. comes out of HER pocket. I think it's unfair to expect her to continue hosting this site without help from us. So please do not get offended, hurt, etc. that these changes are taking place. They have to in order for DAM to continue.

Laura, there is a 2 week grace period before I start taking down avatars, etc.

Laura, there is a 2 week grace period before I start taking down avatars, etc.

Thanks!

I just want everyone to please not be offended by any of this. I know money is tight for some (believe me, I know) but Nicole is between a rock and a hard place. If you saw her post *What a difference a year makes* then you can see how much this site has grown. It's beyond her control. The money it takes to host this site, the software, etc. comes out of HER pocket. I think it's unfair to expect her to continue hosting this site without help from us. So please do not get offended, hurt, etc. that these changes are taking place. They have to in order for DAM to continue.

If you are referring to what I posted, I understand Nicole needs to do something. I know she has been paying for it. But I do still have a right to be sorry that I can not help. All I did was state a fact that the playdates that take place by my house seem to all be posted in the private playdate forum and I can not afford it. To be honest one of the only reasons I joined this site over a year and a half ago was because it was free. We do not have any extra money at all. I am not saying Nicole needs to keep paying for it. I just can not help right now especially coupled with the fact that by the end of the year we will be moved out of state as it is.

No, I understand. It's just that to me your post came across a tad bit put out and I just don't want to see Nicole receive any backlash. That's all... no hard feelings. :)

If you are referring to what I posted, I understand Nicole needs to do something. I know she has been paying for it. But I do still have a right to be sorry that I can not help. All I did was state a fact that the playdates that take place by my house seem to all be posted in the private playdate forum and I can not afford it. To be honest one of the only reasons I joined this site over a year and a half ago was because it was free. We do not have any extra money at all. I am not saying Nicole needs to keep paying for it. I just can not help right now especially coupled with the fact that by the end of the year we will be moved out of state as it is.

Danielle, you could always just have someone email you the information about the playdates. Would that work out ok, Nicole? Then we can still get to have you here! :)

Danielle, you could always just have someone email you the information about the playdates. Would that work out ok, Nicole? Then we can still get to have you here! :)
That is exactly what I was thinking!

I won't be able to do the paid subscription, but I think it's a great idea. :hug Nicole! Thanks for the wonderful site!

How long until we have access to the private playgroup forum?

I have to wait until the end of the grace period to make those changes across the board. But, I can manually add anyone who contacts me to let me know they need access now. I'll go add you. :)

How long until we have access to the private playgroup forum?
I think it's the one that's already in place. The subforum under the Playdates, Get-Togethers, and Chat forum.

ETA: Okay, maybe I'm confused... :confused :scratch
ETA again: Okay, Nicole. I got it! LOL

Yes, that's the one. It was being done by request only, but will become an automatic promotion in two weeks.

Melissa hadn't asked for access before, so she didn't have it. But, I just added her. I dropped the ball on that forum- it wasn't publicized enough for everyone to know it was even there. Now, I've made it to where all forum names are visible to all registered users. You can't see any posts, but you can see that the forum is there.

I can see how it will ultimately benefit DAM's which is great, it really is. I know that it will be awhile before I can come up with the extra funds, though. I have to pay my own domain (which I host a parenting board on) in September, then Both kids b-days and holidays, it's always tight around this time of year for us. So maybe next year, but for now I'll see all of you in the non paid forums!

Now, I've made it to where all forum names are visible to all registered users. You can't see any posts, but you can see that the forum is there.
That's cool because when I first joined I kept hearing about all the private forums and wondered what all was out there. It's nice to know now when you join.

Yeah, it's only taken me three years to figure out how to do that. :rolleyes

Ok... so that means my first year is taken care of since I donated $20 to Melissa's gift right? My next question then is, will the software give us a heads up next year before it's time to renew so we won't just log in one day and have our avatar and pms be gone? Thanks again for all your hard work Nicole! this is a fabulous board and I love being a part of it! :thumb

Julie, I'm not sure, but I doubt it. I'll look into it, though.

I will be around in the free boards too.. We can't afford any extra anything right now.. We are having enough trouble trying to pay for our own bills and things here...and praying for a miracle to help in those areas too. Maybe someday I'll be able to give $ for this site but for now I'll stick with the free stuff.

huggs Brandy
ps Nichole You are doing a Great Job with this board.

I tried to post 2 places and my posts never show up am I missing something?

I'm working on a glitch, Nicholle. Both my girls are napping (the only positive of Ashton being sick- she naps), so I'm working on it now.

I'm working on a glitch, Nicholle. Both my girls are napping (the only positive of Ashton being sick- she naps), so I'm working on it now.

Is this also why we can not see the Private Forum or the Private Playdate Forum? I thought we had two more weeks before they were taken away?

PS: I hope Ashton Feels better soon!

Yes, Danielle, it's all messed up. I have to turn those forums off for the day, and I'll take the whole board down for an hour or so tonight to fix everything. The replies to your post are in a que as being moderated, so I'll pm you the responses that people tried to post but couldn't.

I'm sorry- this software confuses the heck out of me.

Oh no big deal. I just wanted to make sure I understood! :)

Good luck! Sounds confusing!

Well, I know you have to do something Nicole. And I totally understand that. But this sucks for people like me who are flat broke!!!! I can't save extra change around the house, because I'm already doing that to pay rent! I post in the Private and the Podium thread most often, so I'm really gonna miss those. I'm so bummed! :(

You might be gifted, Kristi. :) I know we have a few searching for someone to gift a membership to. Don't be bummed yet.

Nicole, I know I talked to you about getting the book sold that was originally to go to Melissa, so I can pay half of my paid membership. When exactly will you be selling the gift certificates and other items? Will it be done before the 2 week grace period? I'll have to scrounge pennies for the rest of the money, too. With dh out of a job, it's hard to be able to justify spending money like that. But, this is a great board and you've done such a great job with it. You are so right about helping each other with bf'ing issues, marriage issues, personal, health, etc. What would we all do without each other?!?! THANKS!!

Tks Nicole for all your extra time put into organizing this site. I found DAM one day when I really needed another mom's opinion. I'm going to be deleting my pm's & asking dh about the $20.

Going OTT until Oct 1(the mountains then the beach) hope I can catch a playdate when I get bk.
Ciao~

I pm'd you, Amber. :)

My next question then is, will the software give us a heads up next year before it's time to renew so we won't just log in one day and have our avatar and pms be gone?

You can always add yourself a reminder on the DAM calendar.

good point cori. :) I think I'll just do that. :upthumb

Nicole, I've been away from the board for a while so I have a few questions related to this thread.

What happened to the gifts intended for Melissa and her husband as a "thank you" for hosting the board? Should people that donated gifts (less than or in excess of $20) assume that whatever value of their gift will count as a credit towards payment of their subscription? If not, will the person who collected those gifts be returning them accordingly and if so, when?

I'm sorry if these questions have been answered before but like I said, I've been away for a while and I feel lost!

Thanks!

Hi Luisa, welcome back! :)

Anyone who made a monetary contribution will have that amount applied toward their membership. If you donated an item, it will be returned to you. :)

Is a gift certificate considered an item? Who's in charge of returning them? Thanks, Nicole!

For a gift certificate, I can either return it or sell it at face value and apply that amount toward your membership- your choice. Teri has all of the stuff still (Ashton's been sick, so we haven't been able to arrange a pick up time), but you can either work it out with her, or I should have the stuff soon, and I can return it to you then.

I am thankful for the DAM and will be saving money for the DAM- I have been hinting to my parents. So we will see, but after all the hospital, dr and med for Alison we are broke and that is fine, I will be a paid person somehow (hint hint Mom and Dad)

Nicole, please return my gift certificates at you earliest convenience. Thanks and good luck! :)

Will do. :)

I do not want my gift certs back. Whoever goes to Cold Stone Creamery can have them. Im on a diet.:)

Alicia, can I use them as a prize for a contest sometime? :)

Yes, please do!:)

Cyndie, it would really be a bookkeeping problem for me to do a payment plan. I'd really prefer someone just put an envelope under their bed and add whatever they can a week until they have the total, then send it all at once.

I know with Paypal, you can set up a subscription, it will withdraw a set amount every month. Just FYI.

Aw man! I don't think I can do the $20 now...or even for a while for that matter. I am flat broke being a single mom and student and my parents are broke form helping me out so much! I will just post in the free forums.
Nicloe...I agree with all of the others...you are doing a GREAT job!

Update: I've decided not to make the private playdates forum a paid forum. It will remain "by request only", and you have to have met someone from the board in person, but it will remain available to both paid and non-paid members.

Reminder: the grace period ends this Friday.

I have a few people that have requested a gift membership, if anyone can help them out. :)

The grace period is now over. Please let me know if you run into any problems so that I can fix it.

Give up a few Starbucks....

Give up a few Starbucks.... Huh??? :scratch

Huh??? :scratch
I think she didn't realize it was an old thread and was responding to the people who didn't have the $ to subscribe.

Give up a few Starbucks....
What Starbucks? :lol

I was, LOL!! I was watching a movie and posting!! That will teach me not to do 2 things at once!! How embarrassing....
I noticed right after I posted and told my son. I was hopeful no one would notice girls!!