Open Letter regarding subscriptions

[Jim Chinn]

Greetings fellow APUGers.


If you have not read the post yet, you will find that Sean has implemented a new minimum subscription rate per year of $24.

A few things about this increase. First I really have to question anyone's interest in traditional photography if they think that is to high. Folks we are talking 6.5 cents per day. Considering we are really talking about a $12 increase it is about 3 cents. Most of us can find that under the cushions and furniture at home.

For myself this site has provided enormous benefits. I have made new friendships and began many new professional relationships. It has encouraged me to attend workshops and travel to meet others interested in traditional photography. It has advanced my own craft and increased my appreciation of many methods, viewpoints and approaches to the medium.

There is no where else on the internet where there is such a world wide group of experts that will gladly answer any question, and share their knowledge. The ability to be able to interact and seek information from innovators such as Sandy King, Les McClean, Patrick Gainer, Michael Smith, and a myriad of others is worth far more then $24. Besides these folks I could list at least 100 names that come to mind that have worked in areas of chemistry, darkroom innovations, printing, alternative methods, etc all of them available in this forum.

This is a forum of varied backgrounds and cultures that has regular contributors from around the world. Yet Sean has handled the site with patience and an open mind, seeking advice and consensus that keeps this site on target and relevant.

I have said in many previous posts that APUG will probably be seen in 10 years as the single most important factor that kept Analog and alternative photography from slipping into oblivion. The potential of this site to influence and work with mfgs is just beginning to be seen. I feel that by not subscribing even at the student level is helping to bring on the slow death of analog photography.

Now if this site was brand new and Sean was asking for subscriptions to help with his income I would probably be dubious. But I challenge anyone to question his sincerity and motives if you have been an active participant for more then a few months.

I understand financial constraints one can be under. But I think the value so far outweighs the subscription cost any comparison is ludicrous.

I personally have put my money where my mouth is. I have sent in a subscription at $100 (27.3 cents a day or $1.71 a week). Personally I find APUG to an invaluable resource and wish it to continue. Three years ago I could not have commited that amount. Today I am able to. Next year may be a different story.

The important thing is that if you have gotten anything out of this site and want to see traditional photography continue as a vibrant art form, any amount you can spare is worth it, be it $1 or the yearly subscription rate.


Thanks for reading this long post,

Jim Chinn

[Monophoto]

Not a problem for me - this site is well worth US$24.

[Paul Sorensen]

Obviously everyone will be making their own judgement on the value of APUG to them, and this is as it should be. For me, however, it is worth a great deal and I am wholeheartedly in agreement with Jim. I have also subscribed at over the $24 level already and will probably increase it again next year. When I look at my expenses, APUG is among the lowest and most valuable.

I applaud Sean for taking this project on and for dedicating so much time to it. I also appreciate that he deserves to make an income off of his efforts and that these subscriptions are the most community minded way to have this happen.

[laz]

I posted this on the other thread concerning the rise in subscriptions, it belongs here also:

What each of us is willing to pull out of our pockets for anything is an extremely personal decision. This includes pronouncements on what constitutes an "insignificant" amount of money, again an extremely personal judgement

To question anyone's judgement of cost is bound to be offensive. I've been involved with a number of websites where these discussions have begun and they have all degenerated quickly into flame wars, hurt feelings and the loss of members.


-Bob

[John Bartley]

My opinion :

I just renewed at $12.00US. Had the subscription increase happened just before instead of just after my anniversary date, I would still have suscribed. $24.00US is not even the price of a magazine subscripton. Unlike a magazine, APUG is an interactive site filled with assistance, advice, community, and support. All of these are available for us to consume in any amount that we choose. APUG is like an unending analog photo smorgasbord. It's still cheap at the new rate.

cheers to all

[benjiboy]

What a good posting Jim, I agree with your sentiments entirely, since I became a member of this forum I have derived so much pleasure, knowledge, interest, and entertainment from it I am very happy to have become a subscriber recently, and will continue to do so. The only problem I have with it is I spend far too much time on it.

[jd callow]

I subscribe as well as donate when I can. If I had more money I would donate more. I get more out of apug than any magazine or internet photo source. 24.00 a year is fine with me.

[Travis Nunn]

I don't think I could state it any better than Mr. Chinn. I can only add my personal experience. I've asked many questions on the forum and always received friendly and helpful answers. I don't know of anywhere else where I can ask a question and have several answers within minutes or hours. The availability of knowledge here is more than worth the price of admission.

[Dorothy Blum Cooper]

Mega dittos to all of the above. Well worth the money spent.

[david b]

For once, I agree with Laz.