Questions concerning the new Membership options can be asked here

2 Jan 2015

Quote by amy1967
I for one don't have much of an issue with any of this. Nothing really changes for existing members for the next 6 months, new members get access for 90 days. If you like it, you pay $10, if you don't like it you move on or live within the limits of what access free membership gets you. The silver and gold options are nothing new, so you're looking at 20 cents a week to keep what you have now for free. Think about how much time you spend here and what the site means to you and ask yourself if thats worth a quarter a week. I'd be shocked if it wasn't. It is to me.

I dont think its so much the charging for most people. I think for most people its the fact that it happened and there was hardly any notification for such a big change.

3 Jan 2015

Quote by amy1967
I for one don't have much of an issue with any of this. Nothing really changes for existing members for the next 6 months, new members get access for 90 days. If you like it, you pay $10, if you don't like it you move on or live within the limits of what access free membership gets you. The silver and gold options are nothing new, so you're looking at 20 cents a week to keep what you have now for free. Think about how much time you spend here and what the site means to you and ask yourself if thats worth a quarter a week. I'd be shocked if it wasn't. It is to me.

This.
Thank you, Amy.

3 Jan 2015

Quote by eagleman3880

I dont think its so much the charging for most people. I think for most people its the fact that it happened and there was hardly any notification for such a big change.

In case you hadn't noticed lush has a very long grapevine kekekegay

It doesn't take long for news to get around here and here you are.

My new Flash Fiction:

An Extraordinary Orgasm.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/flash-erotica/an-extraordinary-orgasm-2

3 Jan 2015

Quote by DaddyHank
Ok, I know it costs money to run this site, but lets do some basic math on this. There are over 250,000 people on here now. For the sake of argument, lets say that just half of them purchase a membership at the minimum $10. That's 1.25 Million a year in membership fees. Didn't realize that it would cost that much to run a website.

Of the 250,000 members I'd think 200,000+ are inactive or infequent visitors.

3 Jan 2015

Quote by eagleman3880

I dont think its so much the charging for most people. I think for most people its the fact that it happened and there was hardly any notification for such a big change.

I get that too. But as of now, you have 6 months notice. That's more than enough time to digest it. Me, I am not going to stand firm "on principle" over what amounts to less than $1 a month for something as unique and valuable as this. Even if it was seemingly brought on suddenly and seemingly in a poor manner (which I would quibble with, you try running site like this and not make a few unforced errors) it's not likely something they wanted to do, but the economics of a site that has grown so large dictate must happen. That's my My 2 cents

3 Jan 2015

Quote by chris_brown

can she afford to have all the loyal members who've been here for years leaving the site in droves?i guess we're going to find out now,wont we?

Let me see if I have this right:

1. You've been here 18 months
2. You've submitted no stories
3. You've posted 30 comments in forums, including the last three that object to the fee changes
4. You're going to bring Lush and Nicola to their knees by leaving

As far as I can tell, all you've done here is take what's been given to you for nothing. I don't see any part of Lush that you've helped build or support.

What will you take with you that anyone will miss?

3 Jan 2015

A good question for Gav would be if people can use gift cards if they don't have credit cards. (American Express, Visa and Master Card have them.)

Lush Stories is a very unique place. It is like an adult facebook. I know being an amateur writer this is like home for me. The other sites are just not nearly as nice as here. Here at Lush, we have a moderating staff that is superior. All stories are checked and verified. Other sites they are just checked and go right up in a matter of minutes. But, the quality is nothing like it is here.

I have seen other sites on the net that make you pay monthly dues. I really don't think $10.00 or $20.00 is going to kill anybody. Think of all the fun you have had here for the last 6 years on a free site.

I'm sure the monthly costs to run this site is enormous. I think the change will be good down the road. Perhaps, they will add other cool and exciting features.

Lush Stories is already a wonderful site for amateur writers. I imagine it will keep getting better.

I do believe I saw a forum posting from Nicola the other day. You all are getting a bronze membership until July. She is giving you time before you have to pay.

This is just my 2 cents.

Hugs and Licks...xoxoxoxo

3 Jan 2015

Quote by Porgy87

Let me see if I have this right:

1. You've been here 18 months
2. You've submitted no stories
3. You've posted 30 comments in forums, including the last three that object to the fee changes
4. You're going to bring Lush and Nicola to their knees by leaving

As far as I can tell, all you've done here is take what's been given to you for nothing. I don't see any part of Lush that you've helped build or support.

What will you take with you that anyone will miss?

That does not change the fact that taking away BASIC rights like having friends and talking to said friends is wrong.

3 Jan 2015

Quote by Magik

That does not change the fact that taking away BASIC rights like having friends and talking to said friends is wrong.

Basic rights? You don't have any rights in here. In here you have priveleges that is Nic's right to take away from you whenever she feels like. You can't even send a letter to your mum without having to pay postage for it, but you believe you have the right to send messages in here without being charged a tiny fee?

I might not be Nic's greatest fan, but from the time I have known her I doubt that her intention with this is so that she and Gav can go on a four week trip to Mauritius and light their cigars with $100 bills while enjoying their Dom Perignon '57. To be honest I'd say that making people pay to stay here is not only reasonable, it is also a last resort. Instead of users you are now customers. This increases the pressure on her and Gav to keep this site at a top level. You're not paying top dollar, but you're still expecting to be feed something good(unlike if you're a customer of Ubisoft. Then you pay a lot of money and get served shite).

Also, is it so that you can't block people unless you're Gold? Because I would reconsider that if I were you guys. Also how about another little perk for Gold members; They can recieve messages from regular users. I once was on a dating site where they had regular(free) users, plus and super(most expensive). Free users could only send messages to super users, plus could send messages to plus and super users and super could send messages to everyone. Is that possible or is that gonna give poor old Gav nightmares through his coding?

3 Jan 2015

Quote by Mysteria27
A good question for Gav would be if people can use gift cards if they don't have credit cards. (American Express, Visa and Master Card have them.)

Lush Stories is a very unique place. It is like an adult facebook. I know being an amateur writer this is like home for me. The other sites are just not nearly as nice as here. Here at Lush, we have a moderating staff that is superior. All stories are checked and verified. Other sites they are just checked and go right up in a matter of minutes. But, the quality is nothing like it is here.

I have seen other sites on the net that make you pay monthly dues. I really don't think $10.00 or $20.00 is going to kill anybody. Think of all the fun you have had here for the last 6 years on a free site.

I'm sure the monthly costs to run this site is enormous. I think the change will be good down the road. Perhaps, they will add other cool and exciting features.

Lush Stories is already a wonderful site for amateur writers. I imagine it will keep getting better.

I do believe I saw a forum posting from Nicola the other day. You all are getting a bronze membership until July. She is giving you time before you have to pay.

This is just my 2 cents.

Hugs and Licks...xoxoxoxo

Well said M Big Hugs

I personally would like to donate a can of WD40 to those who's arses are so tight they squeak when they walk...seriously $10??? Its hardly a rip off is it for such a wonderful site that we all enjoy.

Also Agree with Elitfromnorth above, If Nic and Gav wanted to rip us all of so they can "light their cigars with $100 bills" (LOL good wording btw) They could ask for a lot more money could they not??

On a final note, Nic has explained in her post what her reasons are and also how she wishes to move forward and use the money for and its all to improve the site for us.

Ok well thats my My 2 cents

The Duchess of Tart

Please check out my new story, co-written with the amazing Wilful.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/straight-sex/long-time-coming.aspx

And my latest poem, The Temptation.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/erotic-poems/the-temptation.aspx

3 Jan 2015

Quote by Porgy87

Let me see if I have this right:

1. You've been here 18 months
2. You've submitted no stories
3. You've posted 30 comments in forums, including the last three that object to the fee changes
4. You're going to bring Lush and Nicola to their knees by leaving

As far as I can tell, all you've done here is take what's been given to you for nothing. I don't see any part of Lush that you've helped build or support.

What will you take with you that anyone will miss?

I think we should all avoid confrontation with other members, even if I agree with you.
The point of the thread is to let members voice their opinion, without fear of comeback. All the people that post in the forum are adament that free speech prevails.

3 Jan 2015

Hell, what else can be said? I for one don't like the changes and sure as hell did not like the sudden ban last April either. If you wanna leave, leave. If you wanna bitch, bitch. It is still not gonna change anything though. You can go over every single pro and con comparing Lush to other sites, in the end, it is your call.

I can't imagine myself leaving honestly. I think I've subcutaneously just set up some road block that prevents me from actually leaving. I can get pissed off and say I want to, but I can't get myself to. Lush definitely has gone up and downhill many times before in my time since I've been here.

I'll probably end up renewing my membership, even though I said I wasn't going to in a blog post. What can I say, Lush has me hooked. (So, Lush, you do have to admit the irony there.) Even as it was down for short time today, I wondered frequently if it was back up yet. All I can do is hope that the mods and Nicola take time to let the site go back uphill.

Shout out going to Ruthie, Buz and Madamemolly for being the best mods in my opinion to make the site better for this author anyway.

3 Jan 2015

Quote by dpw

Of the 250,000 members I'd think 200,000+ are inactive or infequent visitors.

With all due respect DPW, you would have no clue how many accounts are active or inactive. You're guessing to try to make a point. You are speculating. Do you think, that with all the down time lush has had over the last year, inactive accounts would be the first things deleted to take stress off the servers? I don't know that for a fact either but I think it is a logic and reasonable assumption.

My new Flash Fiction:

An Extraordinary Orgasm.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/flash-erotica/an-extraordinary-orgasm-2

3 Jan 2015

Quote by Mysteria27
A good question for Gav would be if people can use gift cards if they don't have credit cards. (American Express, Visa and Master Card have them.)

Lush Stories is a very unique place. It is like an adult facebook. I know being an amateur writer this is like home for me. The other sites are just not nearly as nice as here. Here at Lush, we have a moderating staff that is superior. All stories are checked and verified. Other sites they are just checked and go right up in a matter of minutes. But, the quality is nothing like it is here.

I have seen other sites on the net that make you pay monthly dues. I really don't think $10.00 or $20.00 is going to kill anybody. Think of all the fun you have had here for the last 6 years on a free site.

I'm sure the monthly costs to run this site is enormous. I think the change will be good down the road. Perhaps, they will add other cool and exciting features.

Lush Stories is already a wonderful site for amateur writers. I imagine it will keep getting better.

I do believe I saw a forum posting from Nicola the other day. You all are getting a bronze membership until July. She is giving you time before you have to pay.

This is just my 2 cents.

Hugs and Licks...xoxoxoxo

Re the gift cards, I believe payments for Premium memberships are processed using PayPal, which allows you to link credit/debit cards and bank accounts so we never see your account info. I think one of PayPal's most recent features is to allow you to link a gift card to your account the same way you would a credit or debit card, so the answer is yes, you should be able to use a gift card.

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3 Jan 2015

Quote by kornslayer1
Hell, what else can be said? I for one don't like the changes and sure as hell did not like the sudden ban last April either. If you wanna leave, leave. If you wanna bitch, bitch. It is still not gonna change anything though. You can go over every single pro and con comparing Lush to other sites, in the end, it is your call.

I can't imagine myself leaving honestly. I think I've subcutaneously just set up some road block that prevents me from actually leaving. I can get pissed off and say I want to, but I can't get myself to. Lush definitely has gone up and downhill many times before in my time since I've been here.

I'll probably end up renewing my membership, even though I said I wasn't going to in a blog post. What can I say, Lush has me hooked. (So, Lush, you do have to admit the irony there.) Even as it was down for short time today, I wondered frequently if it was back up yet. All I can do is hope that the mods and Nicola take time to let the site go back uphill.

Shout out going to Ruthie, Buz and Madamemolly for being the best mods in my opinion to make the site better for this author anyway.

We all have our fave mods (they are all lush gems even the ones who have to kick your ass from here to Kingdom Come to keep you out of more trouble Embarassed

and again, if it weren't for the mods who VOLUNTEER their time (as does Gav) members would have been paying a lot more $$ and sooner than now or perhaps the site would have disintegrated.

Quote by kiera

Well said M

I personally would like to donate a can of WD40 to those who's arses are so tight they squeak when they walk...seriously $10??? Its hardly a rip off is it for such a wonderful site that we all enjoy.

Also Agree with Elitfromnorth above, If Nic and Gav wanted to rip us all of so they can "light their cigars with $100 bills" (LOL good wording btw) They could ask for a lot more money could they not??

On a final note, Nic has explained in her post what her reasons are and also how she wishes to move forward and use the money for and its all to improve the site for us.

Ok well thats my

1 bloody can?? ONE? Do you realise how much of that stuff they're going to need? Cheapskate. coffee

My new Flash Fiction:

An Extraordinary Orgasm.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/flash-erotica/an-extraordinary-orgasm-2

3 Jan 2015

Quote by trinket

With all due respect DPW, you would have no clue how many accounts are active or inactive. You're guessing to try to make a point. You are speculating. Do you think, that with all the down time lush has had over the last year, inactive accounts would be the first things deleted to take stress off the servers? I don't know that for a fact either but I think it is a logic and reasonable assumption.

As an avid profile surfer, and I mean AVID! and a serial forum poster, I don't think I'm way off the mark.

3 Jan 2015

I understand that tension is running high, as well as emotions.

However, please keep in mind that the intended purpose of this thread is to address any questions directly pertaining to the new Freemium membership model as far as how it works and what it entails. Anything that takes away from that intended purpose should be taken elsewhere (which shouldn't be a problem since you still have 6 months to do as you please for free).

A few other things to keep in mind:

1. This was a hard decision that Nicola had to make, and she's aware of all associated risks. What it all boils down to is: charge a fee or shut down the site.

2. Maybe no one will pay and the site will tank anyways, but we were headed in that direction anyway, as disclosed by Nicola, so why not give it our best shot?

3. No amount of insults and meandering will reverse this decision.

4. You have half a year of free access. Enjoy.

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3 Jan 2015

I rarely use block capitals but STOP SLAGGING OTHER MEMBERS! EVERY MEMBER HAS A RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINION.

3 Jan 2015

Quote by dpw
I rarely use block capitals but STOP SLAGGING OTHER MEMBERS! EVERY MEMBER HAS A RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINION.

Indeed...civilly, though...and relevantly. Personal attacks of other members are a definite no-go.

Thanks!

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3 Jan 2015

Quote by trinket

1 bloody can?? ONE? Do you realise how much of that stuff they're going to need? Cheapskate.

I have 23 cases as back up but I'm administeridg them myself

3 Jan 2015

Quote by dpw

I have 23 cases as back up but I'm administeridg them myself

I'll Donate 1 more that gives a total 25 cans now kekekegay

Who you calling cheapskate??? Where is your donation kekekegay

Quick question, the costs for the memberships is it in AUD or USD? This also makes a difference in the cost and may result in more WD40 being needed if it is indeed the former???

3 Jan 2015

Quote by Mysteria27
A good question for Gav would be if people can use gift cards if they don't have credit cards. (American Express, Visa and Master Card have them.)

Lush Stories is a very unique place. It is like an adult facebook. I know being an amateur writer this is like home for me. The other sites are just not nearly as nice as here. Here at Lush, we have a moderating staff that is superior. All stories are checked and verified. Other sites they are just checked and go right up in a matter of minutes. But, the quality is nothing like it is here.

I have seen other sites on the net that make you pay monthly dues. I really don't think $10.00 or $20.00 is going to kill anybody. Think of all the fun you have had here for the last 6 years on a free site.

I'm sure the monthly costs to run this site is enormous. I think the change will be good down the road. Perhaps, they will add other cool and exciting features.

Lush Stories is already a wonderful site for amateur writers. I imagine it will keep getting better.

I do believe I saw a forum posting from Nicola the other day. You all are getting a bronze membership until July. She is giving you time before you have to pay.

This is just my 2 cents.

Hugs and Licks...xoxoxoxo

Except Facebook is free. Not disputing your points. Just your analogy.

Also I can't help but notice a certain bias... It's easy for Silver/Gold members to defend the decision as they pay already and are unaffected overall. And yes, the free members are naturally against the new policies. Is there no middle ground to this? Is there no compromise? Why must it all be black and white?

3 Jan 2015

Everyone who was a member before the 1st January will have 6 months to deal with the impending changes. So for those who think that this has been dumped on everyone suddenly, like the changes took affect as of the 1st, need to just take a chill pill. Or, leave. Its really not that complicated..

Our Tumblr

3 Jan 2015

Quote by SydneySider
Everyone who was a member before the 1st January will have 6 months to deal with the impending changes. So for those who think that this has been dumped on everyone suddenly, like the changes took affect as of the 1st, need to just take a chill pill. Or, leave. Its really not that complicated..

As a gold member, that feels empty coming from you. It simply does not affect you. This whole argument needs a compromise not a back and forth debate.

3 Jan 2015

Quote by TabooReina
Except Facebook is free. Not disputing your points. Just your analogy.

Also I can't help but notice a certain bias... It's easy for Silver/Gold members to defend the decision as they pay already and are unaffected overall. And yes, the free members are naturally against the new policies. Is there no middle ground to this? Is there no compromise? Why must it all be black and white?

I meant like with walls, instant messaging, pictures, etc.

Xo

3 Jan 2015

Quote by Mysteria27

I meant like with walls, instant messaging, pictures, etc.

Xo

Yes. That you can mingle with for free. Not through monthly fees.

3 Jan 2015

This was suddenly announced and no common message which could have been sent out. This is like some underhanded way of slipping in a new policy and hope no one notices when it happens. And in the process leaves a ton of people pondering things. Some is not very clear.

I define nothing. Not beauty, not patriotism. I take each thing as it is, without prior rules about what it should be.
- Bob Dylan

Consistent, Persistent and Bullshit Resistant!
- Trinket

3 Jan 2015

Quote by dpw
I rarely use block capitals but STOP SLAGGING OTHER MEMBERS! EVERY MEMBER HAS A RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINION.

Careful, you did a whole lot of quoting in this thread, as you so on others. Most of which expressed a different POV than you, or said something you didn't like or agree with. Just saying.

Our Tumblr

3 Jan 2015

Quote by TabooReina
Yes. That you can mingle with for free. Not through monthly fees.

10.00 a year is not going to kill anybody. If you love your time here I'm sure you will figure out a way to pay the minimal amount due. You have until July to figure it out.

It seems this was necessary to do or they would just shut down the site completely.

Hugs and kisses,
Xoxo

3 Jan 2015

Quote by TabooReina
Yes. That you can mingle with for free. Not through monthly fees.

Indeed, but Facebook is free because of its ad revenue, which we currently do not have.

As explained in Nicola's thread in great detail, our membership is much too large to continue to keep the site going for free. Any money generated from this Freemium model goes directly into the maintenance of this site and its servers.

And, as mentioned numerous times as of right now, either we charge to use the site at full throttle, or there will be no site. It's a hard thing to admit, and a hard pill to swallow for many of us, but that's just the way it is.

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