[Cynthia Daniel]

Personally, I think all Internet forums should be free, regardless of topic. The Internet was intended as a free space, and even after rampant commercialization, most education and edifying spaces are still free. Yippee.

Sure, I'm happy when I can find the information I want without having to pay. But, if it's information that's really important and valuable to me, I don't begrudge paying because I know the amount of work it takes to put together and maintain a web site. For ages, the people who created this Forum software keep telling me I need to upgrade to the most current version. I've not done it through many upgrades simply because I can't seem to find the time to reapply all the customizations I did to make the Forum look like my main site.

I'm not sure that what the Internet was originally intended as is so important at this point since it's evolved so much beyond that. It's original intended use was for the government.

Surely there are many benefits to being a participant, and I am not disparaging that in any way. Also, I recognize that there are loads of tasks involved in the upkeep of membership and maintenance.

I don't think you have any idea how much work.

Aside from those facets, there are many benefits to you to be derived from free access, including the credibility it brings your organization, to prove that such luminaries trust you enough to spend a lot of their free time conversing around here. Anyone can find that out on their own, without an initial contact with you directly.

No doubt having this Forum brings some additional credibility over what was already there. But, many people knew and respected me already because of my years managing a portrait artist. And, many more came to know me through my attendance at the portrait society shows.

Additionally, since many of the Forum folks are also in your galleries, hits to this Forum will inevitably lead to the galleries, and to your home page.

The number of Forum members who are also my clients on the main site are actually very few - maybe 10% of the membership and most of those are not actively posting. Though I have gotten a few new clients from the Forum, the number is small compared to the amount of time put into creating and maintaining it.

I don't think it's a good idea. And if you still don't believe me, do a google search on my name and read the article I wrote (in favor) on the subject, right before my company went belly up.

Please give me a direct address if you would like me to read this.