[AML] Re: AML Discussion Board

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I'm a little surprised to learn that the membership fee is required to
participate in the forum. I am a one-time and future member, but not a
current member for many of the reasons I've already heard listed.

I think making the list a paying members' forum only is a big mistake. The
new economy requires tons of free content in order to get people to pay for
other things. Look at how bands have been working around the label system by
giving away music on MySpace.

Now, since the list is readable by anyone who registers, there is some free
content. But more than presenting content, a forum is about building
community, and becoming part of a community requires participation.

Making parts of the forum such as introductions, events, reviews etc
available for nonmembers to participate in is a good start, but I think the
question that really needs to be considered is what purpose the forum
serves. I.e., is it a reward for membership or a proselyting tool?

One other thing to consider: not only are schmucks like me prevented from
commenting, but a public, google-searchable forum like this may attract
people looking for reviews of their new work. And if, say, Richard Dutcher
stops by to see what his old forum is saying about "Evil Angel", we're much
more likely to get a onetime comment from him if he doesn't have to pay $25
to do it. Same with a casually visiting Jared Hess or Scott Card or any
other such-a-one.

Lastly, the more people who can comment, the more comments there will be,
the more healthy and vibrant the community will appear, the more it will be
seen as a force to be reckoned with.

Anyway, I'm still in favor of this move. If I'm not able to post for a year
or so, I'll stop by once or twice a month and see what's up. If I can post,
I'll be by a few times a week.

For what it's worth.

------e-


ps: keep up the innovating--it's what keeps us alive-----