Member's Only?

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by Z Factor

snip.........
First I will take the easy one. I grant you that the engine designations are not vital. Still most forums have ways of distinguishing "newbies" from "old timers" and/or active participants from occasional posters/lurkers. So our forums method is a Corvette related way of doing it. Some people view it as a badge of honor, others are, shall we say ambivalent.

Not really a fan of it and it has holes. It would seem to breed automatic newbie status to someone very experience with the ZR-1.
and other holes but.... no biggie

Originally Posted by Z Factor

As to the general designation of currently paid club members vs. former/non club members, I'm not sure how positive a thing that would be for the overall forums well being.
Would anyone be any less inclined to read and/or respect the view of a former member than a current one? Lets say a respected tuner like Mark or Scott made a technical contribution to the forum, would it carry any less weight than if they were a paid member. Are the positive contributions of non club members any less valuable than those who are current club members? I think we would need to answer those questions for ourselves to see how useful it would be for everyone to know.
Without having thought it through, one concern I would have is that some might start taking an us vs. them mentality.

I know it may seem not positive but would reflect fact. Non members always have a choice to pay the very few $ to be a member.
Does it take away from anyone's technical contribution? Not at all. I don't think anyone would think that and I certainly did not imply or say that.

Originally Posted by Z Factor

The forum has always been a place where everyone is welcome to enjoy and learn about ZR-1's whether they are a budding enthusiast, own several, or are former owners who still enjoy coming here and contributing to the forum.
So while it is certainly something to consider, we would not want to do anything to create fractious dissension, or to change the aforementioned open arms tradition on which the forum was founded.

I can see your point and agree this is a place where all are welcome to learn and help support the car. What better reason to show that support then to be a member. And while this simple designation (ie Member or Non-Member) would not make diddly difference to me personally if it were shown on my profile, I do see that many would want to not have it known they are not paying members. As I understand it, our dues pays for this forum, I mean what costs that there are. I see that "Moderators" have special designations and yet that does not divide us. How can the designation "Member" do so?

Frankly, I'm really not sure why I should pay dues when I could just drop out and get all this free and no one reading my post would know I'm not paying................ so....... hmmmm. Something to seriously ponder.
Any way, it's just a suggestion not really a criticism from a paid up member.