Membership fee is now required at ZHPMafia.com

[danewilson77]

Guys/Gals,

As of about three weeks ago, I started requiring each new member pay a $10 lifetime membership fee.

The reasons for implementing this are:

1) Quality contributions of many of those signing up were few and far between. This ensures we both have skin in the game, and they really want to be a member (not that $10 is asking a lot). It really became time consuming to process all of those that joined, to only end up with 1 out of 10 quality contributing members. Each new member at a minimum is screened for location via ip address, and username searched for inappropriate posts. This somewhat ensures we (as a Mafia Family) end up with only those members that want to contribute in a respectful, mature manner.

2) 75% of those newly signed up members, only joined to sell a car. A $10 fee was required to sell your car. This membership fee takes care of that. Those that became members before the "paid" date will still need to donate to sell a vehicle. Again...it's very much appreciated.

3) It would not be fair for me to leave out the fact the monetary contribution of everyone (via membership fee's, donations, sponsorship, and affiliate advertising) really helps me pay the server fee each month.

Thank you to all the members for making this be a site that I wake up to each morning excited to serve.

I hope you guys continue to enjoy the site, as we build friendships and learn about our vehicles, on equal ground, in a friendly enviroment.

The friendliest forum on the planet!

[johnrando]

Like it boss. As you said, I've definitely noticed many people are just joining to sell cars (or get info/help on a car they want to buy) and not contributing.

[WOLFN8TR]

Great idea Dane. How much will it cost me to become a Moderator? [emoji2]

[BavarianZHP]

Ah, you'll end up donating more than that to this site anyways over the course of your membership... With such good/helpful enthusiasts around, it's hard not to. You've saved me hundreds!

[NoVAphotog]

Ah, you'll end up donating more than that to this site anyways over the course of your membership... With such good/helpful enthusiasts around, it's hard not to. You've saved me hundreds!

+1

As far as I'm concerned this site is my "warranty"...I knew in advance a lot of what to expect and have had wonderful experiences, help in working on the car and much much more since I first joined.

[toddness]

Seeing as I probably should have died twice by now, I'll double it. Donation sent.

[Fenrir]

Just noticed this. Consider it done on the first. :thumbsup

[TheFinanceGuy]

Fundage sent.

Question: Not that you need to answer, what is the average yearly cost of running the site? The site is great and extremely helpful! I'd be happy to give a yearly contribution if needed.
I know over at b'fest I pay a 6 month subscription fee. That gets my name in purple. Often the regulars will ask other members who have become regular to pony up and "join." Might be an incentive if you the site needs the cash.

I'd hate to hear that you needed to pay out of your own pocket the keep the site up.

Many thanks!

[ELCID86]

Since I have two cars I figured I'd give twice and I rounded it up to $1/mo/car. (I also hope my Amazon Prime habit works in your favor!)

[slater]

thanks for all you do, dane - i'm sure most of us take it for granted. $10 is well worth it!

peter

[danewilson77]

You guys are awesome. The outpouring of donations up to this point has been very much appreciated. I know I stated that I put in a lot of time on the site to provide an above average site for you guys, but it does not go unnoticed that there are those of you, that go above and beyond to ensure the site stays friendly, cordial, and relevant.

For that, I am additionally appreciative.

A look ahead:

I really want to do shirts, beanies, stickers, etc, but with all that's hit me since retiring from the Navy, it's been a bit of a struggle.

I'll find the time to make some of this stuff happen. Thanks for being patient and understanding.

[az3579]

You guys are awesome. The outpouring of donations up to this point has been very much appreciated. I know I stated that I put in a lot of time on the site to provide an above average site for you guys, but it does not go unnoticed that there are those of you, that go above and beyond to ensure the site stays friendly, cordial, and relevant.

For that, I am additionally appreciative.

A look ahead:

I really want to do shirts, beanies, stickers, etc, but with all that's hit me since retiring from the Navy, it's been a bit of a struggle.

I'll find the time to make some of this stuff happen. Thanks for being patient and understanding.

PM me if you'd like some help...

[NoVAphotog]

+10


I believe my Amazon Prime purchases have helped, but just to be sure, I wanted to throw a little more in. :thumbup

[Oli77]

Good idea boss!

I found that fascinating that 75% of those who join do this to sell a car! We're data hogs Dane, throw more our way!

What else do you know about the site's statistics that you can share?

[Fenrir]

Good idea boss!

I found that fascinating that 75% of those who join do this to sell a car! We're data hogs Dane, throw more our way!

What else do you know about the site's statistics that you can share?

Ditto, that's actually really interesting.

[TeMercZHP]

Sorry to hear you don't get too many donations, with all these users and their BMWs you'd think you'd get more than you need to host the site.

Just donated, and happy to do so.

[JupiterBMW]

Nicely done Dane, I'm glad to hear this. Please do not ever feel bad about asking for continued donations to run this site. It is a wonderful base not just for knowledge, but also for networking. I have made many great friendships from the Mafia. If there is ever a time that the operations of the Mafia require you to reach into your own pocket, TELL US. That should never happen the way I see it. You do the work, we're all the ones that should be dipping into our pockets.

Thanks again for an amazing piece of the internet. :thumbsup: :wub

[Silber92]

Dane, I'll second what everyone else has said about your efforts and the amazing thing this forum is. The advice and help I've received from generous members has saved my butt numerous times with my current zhp and the other E46s that have passed through my garage (four if you're counting...).

Best forum I've ever seen, honestly.

Thanks again, dosh sent!

[mbeckel]

You guys are awesome. The outpouring of donations up to this point has been very much appreciated. I know I stated that I put in a lot of time on the site to provide an above average site for you guys, but it does not go unnoticed that there are those of you, that go above and beyond to ensure the site stays friendly, cordial, and relevant.

For that, I am additionally appreciative.

A look ahead:

I really want to do shirts, beanies, stickers, etc, but with all that's hit me since retiring from the Navy, it's been a bit of a struggle.

I'll find the time to make some of this stuff happen. Thanks for being patient and understanding.
Like I told you in my PM, I appreciate everything that you've done and are doing for us. My donation is just a token of my appreciation for everyone that's involved on here. I can't begin thank everyone here who's been here for me enough! Y'all are awesome!

[Johnmadd]

Most of the posters here that have donated $ are already contributing... it's the "lurker" I believe that needs to donate funds imo. #justsayin

[danewilson77]

Thanks for all of the kind words. Forum wouldn't be what it is without my moderators and the keen wisdom of Mark Handy. Additionally, you guys are what makes the forum excellent. Keep it up!

[WOLFN8TR]

Money sent Dane. :thumbsup

Love the new sig photo!

[orange260z]

Done... thanks for everything you do to keep this site up and running!

[Hermes]

done :D

[Fenrir]

Donski. Thanks for running such an awesome site Dane. Such a great community.

[330blast]

Donation sent.

Thanks for the effort to keep the Mafia community running strong.

[sixty5vdub]

I see no problem asking for a membership fee to this site.
I am involved with several Jeep / 4x4 websites, and they all ask for membership fees as well. Usually the fee gets you things like a bigger inbox for more PM's, larger avatar size, more sig lines, different color "stars" next to your name signifying membership level, etc. Just little incentives for people to become members and pay a small fee to help with site maintenance costs.
And one site I am a member of donates half of the fee to the BlueRibbon Coalition, which fights for responsible off highway vehicle recreation and keeping public lands open for all of the public.

Donation will be sent shortly.

[Smilez]

"Certified Member" would be cool

[ELCID86]

bigger inbox for more PM's:begging

[UdubBadger]

just saw this, I think it's a great idea. Do we all get an ID badge now?

[UdubBadger]

or at least something fancy to flash to get us into all the hot clubs around town?

[mbeckel]

or at least something fancy to flash to get us into all the hot clubs around town?
+1 constant VIP!

[danewilson77]

Lol....

Blood in.....blood out. That's what it gets you.

No flame suit required!

[UdubBadger]

You know where my allegiance lies Sir

[danewilson77]

You know where my allegiance lies Sir
Your loyalty (as everyone's) is very much appreciated.

You guys keep me coming back, hour after hour....day by day.

No flame suit required!

[flavo]

$10 is a pittance to have a place to go where folks aren't rude to each other on a regular basis:cheers

[danewilson77]

$10 is a pittance to have a place to go where folks aren't rude to each other on a regular basis:cheers

That's the goal flavo.

[UdubBadger]

agreed. love this site.

[Fenrir]

agreed. love this site.

+1

[Johnmadd]

@Dane That's your best sign pic! Seen it b4 n still loving it!

[danewilson77]

Thanks Johnny.

No flame suit required!

[Au1994]

I made a 2 lifetime donation.

So I've got that going for me...

[danewilson77]

Lol. Thanks again...