Changes in rules and site (1 Viewer)

[Lots2learn]

I’ve been an on and off member for several years now. For the last year I have not been an active poster. I have noticed a push for “paid” member status and discrimination towards guest. I have a complete set up to sale and would make a very good deal for a potential guest on this site to get into the hobby but your new forum rules prevent me and others like me from posting. I’m leaving the hobby now but I encourage you to revisit your requirements and take this back to the free friendly site it used to be.

 

[Diesel]

discrimination towards guest

You're kidding right??

Due to the fact Marsh has a Paid Membership benefits for years now it got even more friendlier, less Spam and No fly by sellers.
Marsh as a community does more for their guest than any other forum that I know of.

 

[DaAznGuy]

+1, Guests on other reef websites aren't even allowed to look at sales/trade threads.

 

[G-reef]

Well said diesel!!

Lots2learn,
Its for the safety of our members and guess alike that we try to regulate guest privileges. If you look at the bottom of the main page for everyone to see.
There are huge amounts of forum illegitimate users daily.
Im sure those who understand the constant battle against scam...understand.
If you have ever gotten an email... Starting "hey i want you're item....and I'll send a check and have a mover pick If up"....it did not come thru marsh!
This is one of countless reasons....we as a group appreciate those Who become members!
It's not cheap to operate this forum!!
We do not limit use to members only...so In my opinion MARSH IS GUEST FRIENDLY!
I can remember asking myself...."why should i have to pay just to be on here?"
It took me a while to understand.
I asure you that what ever happened to make you feel this way could have easily been explained.
Im sorry that you're leaving the hobby.

 

[Cody]

Isn't it like $40 a year for a whole family? I don't understand how anyone that has the disposable income to get into this hobby can't afford $40 a year to keep blood flowing through the organization that not only provides them with information, but allows them access to great deals on secondhand equipment and frags. When you're saving hundreds of dollars a year because of this website, wanting you to join up isn't asking too much. I'm of the mindset that members SHOULD have more privileges on here. However, I think it's important to make the organization accessible as well. Having said that, we do a great job here of being welcoming to new guests.

 

[malira]

The discount at the lfs more than pays for the cost of a membership. Then with activities like the aquarium tours, you can't beat it.

 

[Drao05]

The discount at the lfs more than pays for the cost of a membership. Then with activities like the aquarium tours, you can't beat it.

What discounts are available at the LFS? I need to start taking advantage of these

 

[malira]

Look at the Sponsors portion of the site and they state weather or not they give you a discount and on what items.

 

[reeftopia]

Bottom line is there is a cost involved in keeping this website operational. While this site is available for teaching and helping others free of charge
it is not a free classified section for anyone. It is free to those who support this website, those who are paying for it. If you had joined for the $25
you now would have been able to use the best classifieds in town to sell your system. Myself thinks $25 joining fee would be a deal for unlimited
advertising of your system

 

[jqsquared]

I agree with what everyone else is saying. I am on this site for more than an hour literally everyday if not waaaaay more, besides the point. I think at one point early on I asked the same question "why pay for it?" but I am glad that I did, I have met some great people on/off line here from Marsh even found co-workers that I had no idea were in the hobby!!! Now I see it as a small price to pay, sure the discounts at the LFS are nice, but I pay for cable/internet and everything else I use daily so why not pay for Marsh as well? If anything I think it should be more strict for non-members