A little irritated cont..

[jakedoza]

To answer your questions..
I was referred to this forum because I am setting up a reef aquarium and there is a lot of information on here. I was also referred to help sell some of the aquarium stuff I have.. but I can't do that without paying a "fee".
While here I noticed a photography section and since I am a photographer I thought I could be welcomed and be able to post and answer any photography questions that people may have. But there again I can't.
I'm not trying to start trouble, I'm simply trying to figure out why someone would have to pay to be apart of such a great forum. If this is indeed a non-profit where does all the money go? That is public information. If this is a Private Club, then that would be privileged information. Then again if this was a Private club there shouldn't be an open forum available to the public.
I can understand there being members only areas of the forum, but I don't think that the ones that are currently, should be. There is no advantage for a photography section of the forum being members only. If there are contests with prizes then maybe a section of the forum should be labeled contests and make that a locked members only forum. That would make sense.
As far as you locking the thread before I could explain myself... That was very rude and immature and shows me that you don't want me asking questions or pointing out how I think the forum could be better for non-members.
Again I'm not trying to start trouble, just trying to understand and point out how to make things better.

[hobogato]

To answer your questions..
I was referred to this forum because I am setting up a reef aquarium and there is a lot of information on here. I was also referred to help sell some of the aquarium stuff I have.. but I can't do that without paying a "fee".
this regulation on the for sale forums has been discussed and a change is on the way - please be patient
While here I noticed a photography section and since I am a photographer I thought I could be welcomed and be able to post and answer any photography questions that people may have. But there again I can't.
this is one of the regulations that have been put into place to offer extra benefits to charter members to justify their contribution.
I'm not trying to start trouble, I'm simply trying to figure out why someone would have to pay to be apart of such a great forum. If this is indeed a non-profit where does all the money go? That is public information. If this is a Private Club, then that would be privileged information. Then again if this was a Private club there shouldn't be an open forum available to the public.
MAAST is in the final stages for approval as a not-for-profit organization. all monies collected are documented by the treasurer and posted in the board meeting minutes. those monies are used by the organization not only for web hosting, but also to fund meetings, guest speakers, TMAC, etc. this web forum is merely one facet of MAAST.
I can understand there being members only areas of the forum, but I don't think that the ones that are currently, should be.
these regulations were voted into place by current or past boards of directors, and are constantly up for discussion and vote by the board. There is no advantage for a photography section of the forum being members only. If there are contests with prizes then maybe a section of the forum should be labeled contests and make that a locked members only forum. That would make sense.
your suggestions are noted and will likely be discussed by the board.
As far as you locking the thread before I could explain myself... That was very rude and immature and shows me that you don't want me asking questions or pointing out how I think the forum could be better for non-members.
your tone seemed quite argumentative and several people tried to address your concerns. it was determined that the thread had run its course.
Again I'm not trying to start trouble, just trying to understand and point out how to make things better.

no worries, glad you are here and look forward to seeing your future contributions.

[jakedoza]

Thank you for a respectful and professional response. I hope that some things change and I will wait and see.

[justahobby]

Welcome to MAAST. Hopefully you are as fierce of a learner as you are on the keyboard because you heard correct, There is a lot of information to be obtained here in the way of mastering this great hobby.



I think photography questions can be answered in the lounge or general reefkeeping forums. You should post a bio in the General Reefkeeping forum so we can learn about your tank, how long it's been running, what type of set up you have, and get to know you better. Again, welcome to MAAST!

[Bill S]

Jake,

As is typical, I was out of town for the weekend. Welcome to MAAST. A couple of points that may not have been noted:

The MAAST membership fees of $25 are VERY nominal. You might not agree, but for the help and information that MOST hobbyists get from this site, it IS nominal. In addition, many of our sponsors offer significant discounts to MAAST Charter (paid) members. For many, it is more than enough to offset the dues.

As for hosting - hosting forums with large databases and picture files, along with software fees, and some minor hourly consulting fees aren't huge, but they are not zero.

MAAST is undergoing some transformations. With the impending non-profit approval, we are planning on making even more of an investment into education.

I hope you hang around, and then find that you you feel a $25 membership might actually be worthwhile.

[jakedoza]

Jake,

As is typical, I was out of town for the weekend. Welcome to MAAST. A couple of points that may not have been noted:

The MAAST membership fees of $25 are VERY nominal. You might not agree, but for the help and information that MOST hobbyists get from this site, it IS nominal. In addition, many of our sponsors offer significant discounts to MAAST Charter (paid) members. For many, it is more than enough to offset the dues.

As for hosting - hosting forums with large databases and picture files, along with software fees, and some minor hourly consulting fees aren't huge, but they are not zero.

MAAST is undergoing some transformations. With the impending non-profit approval, we are planning on making even more of an investment into education.

I hope you hang around, and then find that you you feel a $25 membership might actually be worthwhile.

What kind of discounts and where? Is there a list of benefits somewhere?

[hobogato]

each sponsor has the choice of what discounts he/she will offer. best thing to do would be to ask the sponsors. many of the sponsors offer a 10% discount if you show them your MAAST charter membership card. if you are setting up a tank, that 10% will amount to much more than your $25 membership dues.

[jakedoza]

It would be nice if the sponsors would advertise their discounts to members. Maybe members could encourage them to do so.

[hobogato]

some do - look thru some of their forums. many of the online sponsors provide special discount codes for MAAST members.

[captexas]

You just found the site and immediately want to get all the benefits that it has to offer? Sounds like you should become a charter member. $25 isn't that much considering what you are apparently hoping to gain from it (selling your stuff and gaining exposure to your photography business). Especially considering you are already advertising you business website in your signature line for free!!!!!!!

Seriously though, join up and then you get to take advantage of all those extra perks that come with being a charter member if that is what you want. If not, then you can still learn a great deal here and if you have time, go to one/some of the monthly meetings. You'll learn a lot and also meet some great people.