I suppose most businesses are hurting these days thanks to the recession. I'm definitely seeing a trend on APUG of members choosing financial hardship subscriptions or 3 month subscriptions instead of the regular subs. This is understandable, so lately I have been diverting a lot of my time to building new websites for the photocentric ltd. portfolio. Basically concepts I have been sitting on since 2005 and will now be giving them a try. I just wanted to state this in an announcement because I have been a little scarce lately and wanted to explain why. I have one of these new sites launching hopefully next week and 2 additional sites following over the next 2 months (the other two sites involve partnerships which ensure I can spread the workload). I'm hoping these new ventures will keep me in the black vs. heading back to a corporate cubicle somewhere. Another issue that complicates matters is the NZ dollar which is unusually strong. There were times when $1.00US dollar would convert to $2.20NZ (the good ole days!) but now $1.00US converts to around $1.30NZ. So... my focus for the next couple of months is to find new ways to increase revenue and for that I apologise if it leaves me scarce at times on APUG. I'm still usually lurking on APUG several times a day, answering helpdesk calls and managing the web server.. so if you need anything just ask. I'll keep you posted on the new sites and once the dust settles from that I'll definitely be far more available.
I think those of us that can should subscribe at the $40 level not the $24 level. Plus if you have a business and can afford it, consider buying a banner ad at $45. Why not top it up to $100 ($40 subscription plus $45 ad plus $15 donation) if you can. Seriously. We need to keep this site alive.
My first time in NZ, my $200 US only got me $150 NZ...but then I could also walk down to the village from Lincoln College with only one NZ dollar in my pocket and get 3 pieces of fish and chips (wrapped in a newspaper), then walk across the street and get a jug of beer -- and still have a couple cents left over. Ahhh, the good old days...
(Silver lining: It's a fantastic time to buy film and photo equipment by mail order from the US. The exchange rate has already saved me a lot more than the cost of my APUG subscription )
I have always reupped my membership at the higher "donation" rates, including just a few weeks ago. Considering how much enjoyment I get back from this site it's about the best return on an investment that I make.
I would love to be able to spend more than the Student rate... but, as I am a student, I cannot. Though, if I ever begin selling prints again.. I will make a donation
I think those of us that can should subscribe at the $40 level not the $24 level. Plus if you have a business and can afford it, consider buying a banner ad at $45. Why not top it up to $100 ($40 subscription plus $45 ad plus $15 donation) if you can. Seriously. We need to keep this site alive.