Thank you for the feedback.. I will try to touch on some of this--
I have the same goals for this forum that I had when I created it back in 2004:
- It needs to be a place that is helpful and relieves the workload on me answering questions via email
- It needs to be able to pay for itself via ads, premier memberships, etc.
Nothing has changed there.
We have maintained about 20-30 new members per day for the last umpteen years so those are the metrics and trends by which I decide if something has gone awry with the ability to read and/or view the forum.
I don't like the ads either but I also have goal number 2 that must be met. (for the record, you do not see a "Premier Member" badge next to my name in the forum. I use and view the forum with ads turned on just like many of you.)
The latest update, which was necessary, created some changes with the current theme but those are being worked on and while things don't happen as quickly as we like, they will happen soon.
My last point is that premier memberships are something we did in response to those who don't like the ads and want to turn them off
however, there is absolutely no obligation.. it's there if you want it, otherwise it can be ignored
Based on comments I see every week, most people who have decided to sign up for it love the browsing with no ads.
We now have given you the option to
purchase memberships monthly as well as 1, 2 and 3 years or a lifetime membership.
Let me know if you have further questions about any of this and I will do my best to answer.
I appreciate all of you who help out day to day in this forum.. it is what SMF has always been about and will continue that way.
Peace out