[jbarhydt]

After my initial reply I have kept up with all of the other great ideas and comments generated. Here is one more half-baked idea that maybe someone on the forum can turn into a great idea. What if a user could post a question that a more knowledgeable person could answer in return for a contribution to the cause. For example let’s say a question is a real head scratcher and requires deep knowledge, and a member is willing to pay $50US for an answer/solution. The member that answers the question gets some amount credited towards the membership fee while the forum gets the cash. I can think of questions that I’ve had over the years that I would gladly have paid an expert to answer. Here is one example – I had an Avant 55 that died, but I salvaged the working speakers and motorized movement before heading to the recycle center. I’d be happy to pay for a solution on how this can be reused, wiring diagrams and such. Maybe this is outside the scope of the forum, but it is an example of something where the manuals and schematic don’t seem to be readily available. Maybe there is a member that sees the question and says that they can answer it for a “b ticket”. I go to the Beoworld store and buy a “b ticket” for a set price. In some ways this is similar to buying the postage to mail a prize. The member that answers the question gets some level of credit from the answer. Maybe it could be as simple as the “buy Lee and Keith a coffee button”, but it is a payment for someone’s membership. Anything to keep this site viable. Cheers.

[jbarhydt]

Lee and Keith – big thanks for what you’ve done to keep this forum going. And Steve, thanks for your sponsorship; you’ve been fantastic to work with over the years. I learned about you when I joined the forum. As the closest dealer to my home is a 6 hour drive, Beoworld has become my go-to resource not only for technical advice, but to learn more about the capabilities of the equipment that I have.

I don’t participate in social media platforms with three exceptions; Beoworld and two other automotive forums. Both of the automotive forums ask for donations or membership fees to remain viable. When I joined BeoWorld, I selected Gold for access to the brain-trust and to support the forum. I didn’t pay attention to the prize draw until I won.

I’d consider adding a premium level that is closer to $100 USD annually, and perhaps make this new level eligible for more premium benefits – wiring schematics, access to B&O experts, and perhaps the drawing if you decide to keep it. Perhaps a membership fee funded drawing each Christmas is enough. More frequent drawings could be funded by a raffle entry fee that is in addition to the membership fee.

Whatever the decision regarding the drawing, to me keeping the forum financially healthy is more important than the drawings.

Thanks again for all that you do for us.

 

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