explanation of the groups

[wolvenstien]

I am looking for an explanation of the groups.

I see MEMBER, and CONTRIBUTING MEMBER are used mainly so i am wondering what separates the two?

I would assume that a Contributing Member was someone who Contributed to the site via knowledge, but I see new members with only one post as contributing members so that cannot be it....

Thanks

Wolvie

[HorsehairBraider]

I'm new too, but I like to guess. I think a "Contributing Member" has contributed cash via the donation button you can find in your "Controls".

Once I have a bit more money in my PayPal account I am going to test this theory.

[Johanna]

"Members" are people who have registered on the site. "Contributing Members" have donated $$ to the site, and their names are blue. To donate to the site, click "Purchase Paid Subscription" in "My Controls", or click the Paypal button in my signature.

The software to run the forum is not free, and neither are the extras like the "Live Chat". As the site grows, web hosting costs rise. Donations from members make it possible to pay the expenses, add new features, and keeps the site available to all. Donations are not being used to fund a Jamaican vacation for the staff, though offers would be gleefully accepted.

No one expected to chip into the kitty, but we do appreciate it when it happens. At each budget meeting, we cross our fingers and hope for the best. We would like to start offering our own video and real-time live demos, integrate a wiki-type database compiled by and for members, and overhaul all of the promotional pages for our members' and friends' links and contact info. We will probably experiment on the Contributing Members first because we have a sense of humor. No, seriously, the potential for the site depends on member support unless we offer some (yuck!) advertising. We'd rather depend on the members.

Johanna

[wolvenstien]

Thats what I thought.... but wanted to be sure by asking....

Thanks Johanna and HorseHair