401 replies to this topic

[arcwulf7]

I think if Atlas manages to set up a system to pay by debit cards, available to anyone who has a bank account, by law, in most countries, and puts in a realistic price structure, that takes into account there are many free competitors out there, but also realizes it has developed a loyal customer franchise over the years -- and that getting a VOLUME (rather than cherry picking the affluent) of subscribers is their major task (the only hope?) -- this at least has a chance. But i don't see any light at the end of the tunnel yet.

[djned]

i have been reading atlas since 1995.
i love this site.
i love my.atlas and all of the awesome features on it.
i fully understand the reasons atlas wants people to pay. to recognise it as a professional site, etc.
for many people it's probably worth it too.
i am unemployed.
i have no income.
i have no credit card.
i am saddened by the way this was just sprung on me and all the other loyal readers - many are more active than me and i feel bad for them !

i think it's because i have been online for a while - before 'e-commerce' was a word, when the internet was about the free and fluent sharing of information etc - i think that's why i am so insulted by this. it's like a kick in the teeth.

sure, i'm a freeloader. but... over the last year i've been working full time with no income on a similar (motorsports unrelated) website - www.inthemix.com.au. we're only just starting to attract advertisers but this is a new concept to me - it was never about money, it was about passion for a subject, and sharing that enthusiasm. i'd never ask anyone to pay to share in my passion.

paid sites are the weakest link. goodbye !