Please don't get me wrong, I was being facetious on some of my posts. A fee or some membership requirement would be a good idea, but I see difficulties when people are paying out for UKPSF membership, Millenium id cards etc (sorry US, don't know what you got). I'd be willing to contibute reasonable cash money, as it is an excellent resource.
I also agree that more weight needs to be added to certain areas. We need to get more of the big names, from company owners to stars on board. This would help give push to certain aspects of the sport (esp recognition)
Yes I can understand that they are kept away by the frivolous nature of the foums at times. But it is a diverse and vibrant community. Also people are meeting people, checking in with new teams, and although I'm sure we're a pain in the jacksee, it does make PBall more popular. Retaining the social side of Pball keeps people interested and playing the sport hence spending money. I think small investment on their behalf could go a long way (I've done at leats 2 grand at Smartparts, 1500 @ WDP and 500 & LPS within the last 6 months alone excluding paint tournies etc). Which is influenced by the forums, experience and the magazine as much as each other (oh, I'm a bit of a marker whore though).
I s'pose the forums a pain, but is a (kinda) long term investment strategy in the progress of paintball. Look at how companies invest in Community programs etc. I mean 5 million GBP for your local art galleries etc, ok dosen't return a yield or revenue in the short term, but long term increases brand awareness and other tertiary benefits.
It may sound a bit like a stuck record, but how about an almost two tier forum structure, with membership requirements for each. The lower level can view but not contribute to the higher level (big names, company owners, mahooosive experience, team owners, well known and vetted members), unless each post is approved. The lower level is open to all, but less stringently moderated (sort chatroomy in parts).
I know sponsership moneys is tight, but given that the forums do indirectly contribute to company revenues, perhaps small sponserships could be granted (eg Bling Bling marker forum sponsored by WDP).
I know the mod's sometimes wanna stick their markers up our arses and pull the trigger till the hopper goes whuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrr, but please don't shut em down.
(excuse the spelling mistakes, was rushing to output).
