I'm not bothered by the policy so much as I feel it makes no sense at all. It really does limit free member's ability to want to get more involved with the site when they have such a limited access to it. $10 isn't much sure, but you did limit and restrict what can be in stories published on here which did divert people elsewhere. Would a filter on such topics not have sufficed? I get some of the limitations, some did make sense, but squeezing tighter will not help. This decision needed input from your members, not this "accept this doctrine or leave!" Listen to input. I know not all of us know a business or how to run it or a site, but don't alienate people for it!
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Active Ink Slinger
Quote by TabooReina
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.
Gold members chose to support the site from the beginning prior to all of this happening. Had we all supported from the start this might not have happened.
So I want to say thank you to all the previous Gold members that supported the site while I free loaded for a while. Just sayin'....
Quote by DaniBut isn't this limiting free members more than it honestly should?
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.
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by AriaLove
I'm not bothered by the policy so much as I feel it makes no sense at all. It really does limit free member's ability to want to get more involved with the site when they have such a limited access to it. $10 isn't much sure, but you did limit and restrict what can be in stories published on here which did divert people elsewhere. Would a filter on such topics not have sufficed? I get some of the limitations, some did make sense, but squeezing tighter will not help. This decision needed input from your members, not this "accept this doctrine or leave!" Listen to input. I know not all of us know a business or how to run it or a site, but don't alienate people for it!
very well said
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
- Bob Dylan
Consistent, Persistent and Bullshit Resistant!
- Trinket
Candy Connoisseur
Quote by TabooReina
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.
You're right, it doesn't affect me. Why? I supported this site when I first joined, so much so, I was made moderator. So its my free time that I volunteer to help the site stay clean and free from all the nasty pieces of work out there. And as a bi product, making people pay for certain privileges is one way of weeding them out. Trust me, there are plenty.
Quote by InsatiableLoverAgreed, but you will see good people with brilliant minds leave. I don't think it will kill the site, but I have a lot of good friends here. I'd be saddened to not be able to freely speak to them on here. Don't suffocate the free members into leaving or staying.
Gold members chose to support the site from the beginning prior to all of this happening. Had we all supported from the start this might not have happened.
So I want to say thank you to all the previous Gold members that supported the site while I free loaded for a while. Just sayin'....
Quote by SydneySiderYou would raise a very good point if the new policy didn't smoother free members. I plan on staying by one route or another, but strangling your free members is poor and promotes elitism. I won't criticize your contributions as Nicola clearly values you and your trust, but don't act as though the bulk of free members are parasites.
You're right, it doesn't affect me. Why? I supported this site when I first joined, so much so, I was made moderator. So its my free time that I volunteer to help the site stay clean and free from all the nasty pieces of work out there. And as a bi product, making people pay for certain privileges is one way of weeding them out. Trust me, there are plenty.
Quote by InsatiableLover
Gold members chose to support the site from the beginning prior to all of this happening. Had we all supported from the start this might not have happened.
So I want to say thank you to all the previous Gold members that supported the site while I free loaded for a while. Just sayin'....
Bravo babes, I think you have likely made the best point thus far in this thread...Not criticizing people who didnt choose to go gold/silver prior to this but you make an excellent point here
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
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
Weaver of Words
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.
yes, there are over 250, 000 members, but probably less than 25% of them have been active in the last three months. many join, visit once or twice and never return. plus, I'd be willing to bet a good percentage of those are multiple accounts. So, now we may be down to as few as 50,000. 50% times $10 is more like $250,000 a year. And even that may be a conservative estimate.
Quote by adeleYou raise valid points Adele. Even if estimates, you're not entirely wrong.
yes, there are over 250, 000 members, but probably less than 25% of them have been active in the last three months. many join, visit once or twice and never return. plus, I'd be willing to bet a good percentage of those are multiple accounts. So, now we may be down to as few as 50,000. 50% times $10 is more like $250,000 a year. And even that may be a conservative estimate.
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by SydneySider
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.
If you'd bothered to read the thread you'd see I haven't even given my POV!
Just saying.
Weaver of Words
Quote by BabyBlonde123
I'm quite put off by the new regulations...So we can receive private messages, but not respond to them? That seems a bit silly to me... Also, will our currently uploaded images be removed from our profiles? And we can't upload pictures anymore? We can read stories and publish ones of our own, but not comment or respond to anything? I'm a bit confused... I'll be saddened to leave after my 90 day trial is up...that's a shame. OH, and we can accept friend requests, but not add anyone..?(Plus, the idea of even having friends is a bit pointless now...since we can't interact?)
Have you never been on other sites? Lush has the best chat rooms around. I have not seen another site where you can select the member you want to address without actually typing their name. plus very few sites allow private messages or instant messaging without paying a premium. and as I said earlier, that $10 fee is what some charge per month. the best parts of Lush are still free. how much money do you spend on shoes or makeup or hair products every month or year? clip a few coupons or polish your own nails once. go an extra week between haircuts. What Nicola is doing is trying to save the site from going under. you don't like not having email or Balck boxes? How about not having Lush at all??
Senior Analyst
Quote by Magik
That does not change the fact that taking away BASIC rights like having friends and talking to said friends is wrong.
The ability to talk to your friends is a right. The ability to talk to your friends using a resource provided by someone else for free is not.
What is "wrong" is the presumption that Lush has an obligation to provide free services to all comers, forever.
If you think the provision of a free, loosely-moderated space for strangers to use for their own pleasure is such a wonderful idea, do it yourself. I'm sure you'll find lots of people who will happily take advantage of your service.
Convict
Quote by Magik
That does not change the fact that taking away BASIC rights like having friends and talking to said friends is wrong.
I'm sorry Magik but as far as I can see, you have NO basic rights and never have had. Up until now, you have been surfing a free site. Personally I think that gives you the right to make suggestions, but not to expect anything for free. As far as I can see, it will be a privilege for anyone to see anything on this site without paying. Those who will continue to choose to be free members WILL be supported by those who choose to pay. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't complain about that if I weren't already Gold.
My new Flash Fiction:
An Extraordinary Orgasm.
https://www.lushstories.com/stories/flash-erotica/an-extraordinary-orgasm-2
Weaver of Words
Quote by amy1967
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
Here, here. Someone who gets it! I do agree that they do need to have a better way to disseminate these type of announcements, rather than just posting in the forum, but as stated, there is a six month time period for existing members. I defy all the complainers to take that 6 months and find a better site that is completely free.
Quote by Shotgun011
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.
Agreed..
First they took out one of my favorite categories and now this.. It's not even about the money.. It's just the principle..
Senior Analyst
Quote by dpw
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.
You have a point, up to a point. "...without fear of comeback" doesn't mean "...without fear of criticism," does it? I agree that "You are an idiot who should have been aborted" is an unreasonable response to a complaint. (As is "F you, A-hole" and all its variants.)
However, if a comment makes the implicit claim that "You'd be nothing without us," I think it's well within bounds to ask what the commentator brings to the party.
And beyond that, if a comment carries the message, "Give in to my demands or I'll go away," then I think it's an entirely reasonable response to say, "Go!" don't you?
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by Porgy87
The ability to talk to your friends is a right. The ability to talk to your friends using a resource provided by someone else for free is not.
What is "wrong" is the presumption that Lush has an obligation to provide free services to all comers, forever.
If you think the provision of a free, loosely-moderated space for strangers to use for their own pleasure is such a wonderful idea, do it yourself. I'm sure you'll find lots of people who will happily take advantage of your service.
For me, this is the the most sensible port.
Active Ink Slinger
I just joined this site a short week ago, the main draw being that free members could still make friends and have private discussions. Since I don't have a credit card or paypal account or the spare money for a cup of coffee most days I guess I'm going to have to find somewhere else to talk to the friends I have made here so far. I'll miss this site after I lose the ability to chat with friends
Weaver of Words
Quote by AriaLove
I'm not bothered by the policy so much as I feel it makes no sense at all. It really does limit free member's ability to want to get more involved with the site when they have such a limited access to it. $10 isn't much sure, but you did limit and restrict what can be in stories published on here which did divert people elsewhere. Would a filter on such topics not have sufficed? I get some of the limitations, some did make sense, but squeezing tighter will not help. This decision needed input from your members, not this "accept this doctrine or leave!" Listen to input. I know not all of us know a business or how to run it or a site, but don't alienate people for it!
If someone gave you a choice between paying $2 for something like a big mac or getting it for free, who in their right mind would say they wanted to pay. Business owners need to make tough decisions at times to raise prices or go out of business. there are times when asking for feedback makes sense and times when it doesn't. asking members here if they want it to remain completely free or pay (A VERY SMALL AMOUNT COMPARED TO OTHER PAY PER USE SITES) is completely ludicrous as the answer would be completely predictable, and a total waste of time. And what they are leaving as free is the main parts of this site: the forums, the chat rooms and the stories. boo hoo that you can't post on friends walls or email them. meet them in a free chat room or use or
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by SydneySider
You're right, it doesn't affect me. Why? I supported this site when I first joined, so much so, I was made moderator. So its my free time that I volunteer to help the site stay clean and free from all the nasty pieces of work out there. And as a bi product, making people pay for certain privileges is one way of weeding them out. Trust me, there are plenty.
Bi product? I take it you don't publish many stories, just saying.
Convict
This will be my last post on this thread because we are all going around and around in circles. The decision has been made, nothing is going to change it.
I'm not pointing fingers at anyone here, but after following this thread since the beginning, I am appalled at the number of members that expect something for nothing. In the 'real world' who can go to the movie theater for free? Who can hire a movie for free? How many things that are considered to be entertainment that someone chooses to do, are free? I can't actually think of any.
So many members think they are owed something, just because until now, and until July, they have had the privilege of being able to do what they want on this site for free. For those of you who feel you are being hard done by, take a moment to think about the fact that you have been lucky enough until now to have been able to use this site for free. That you are even being given a choice of how much to pay for certain privileges. Most paying sites round the membership price to only one price for everything. You don't get to choose. To the members who are complaining the most and the loudest about a small amount of $10 a YEAR and saying that you can't afford it, there has got to be something in your life you can give up, in order to find $10 for Lush, if it is that important to you.
Perhaps some members could stop sitting around w**** so much and try to find a way to get that 10 bucks.
I'm not pointing fingers at anyone here, but after following this thread since the beginning, I am appalled at the number of members that expect something for nothing. In the 'real world' who can go to the movie theater for free? Who can hire a movie for free? How many things that are considered to be entertainment that someone chooses to do, are free? I can't actually think of any.
So many members think they are owed something, just because until now, and until July, they have had the privilege of being able to do what they want on this site for free. For those of you who feel you are being hard done by, take a moment to think about the fact that you have been lucky enough until now to have been able to use this site for free. That you are even being given a choice of how much to pay for certain privileges. Most paying sites round the membership price to only one price for everything. You don't get to choose. To the members who are complaining the most and the loudest about a small amount of $10 a YEAR and saying that you can't afford it, there has got to be something in your life you can give up, in order to find $10 for Lush, if it is that important to you.
Perhaps some members could stop sitting around w**** so much and try to find a way to get that 10 bucks.
My new Flash Fiction:
An Extraordinary Orgasm.
https://www.lushstories.com/stories/flash-erotica/an-extraordinary-orgasm-2
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by adele
If someone gave you a choice between paying $2 for something like a big mac or getting it for free, who in their right mind would say they wanted to pay. Business owners need to make tough decisions at times to raise prices or go out of business. there are times when asking for feedback makes sense and times when it doesn't. asking members here if they want it to remain completely free or pay (A VERY SMALL AMOUNT COMPARED TO OTHER PAY PER USE SITES) is completely ludicrous as the answer would be completely predictable, and a total waste of time. And what they are leaving as free is the main parts of this site: the forums, the chat rooms and the stories. boo hoo that you can't post on friends walls or email them. meet them in a free chat room or use or
I do understand this, I have helped with many free sites in the past and do understand this is a business and business needs money. I'm just saying I don't have an extra dollar most days, let alone enough to pay for a site. I do enjoy this site very much but my chatting will be done on it seems. I do chat in the free rooms but sometimes you just want to talk to one person and not be bombarded by 50 others as happens in chat
Unicorn Wrangler
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
First off... Thank you Mysteria for your kind words. We do strive to have a site with quality stories. If this site had the ad traffic Facebook had, we wouldn't need to charge. But if you think about it, all the "games" with the "in game purchases", the money doesn't just go to the game company, but to Facebook at well. This is why there are the three levels. Being given the gift of a Bronze membership for the first six months for those who didn't already have a Silver or Gold already is generous.
It is true that we have Moderators working hard to make sure quality stories get posted. Trust me, we see more than our fair share of crap that we keep from ever reaching the home page (though some of you may not always agree.)
Plus, unlike other site, Lush will promote up and coming authors and it allows us to promote our ebooks (and for the record, I don't have a book yet, just a story in an amazing anthology thanks to another member here.)
Everyone has the right to their opinions. It saddens me to see so many people threaten to boycott Lush over something so simple. I hope once everyone has some time to realize this isn't the end of the world.
Convict
sorry I forgot to add. To date I think we have donations of 23 cases and one bottle of WD40. I'll round it up and make it 50 cases. Thanks 
My new Flash Fiction:
An Extraordinary Orgasm.
https://www.lushstories.com/stories/flash-erotica/an-extraordinary-orgasm-2
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by Porgy87
You have a point, up to a point. "...without fear of comeback" doesn't mean "...without fear of criticism," does it? I agree that "You are an idiot who should have been aborted" is an unreasonable response to a complaint. (As is "F you, A-hole" and all its variants.)
However, if a comment makes the implicit claim that "You'd be nothing without us," I think it's well within bounds to ask what the commentator brings to the party.
And beyond that, if a comment carries the message, "Give in to my demands or I'll go away," then I think it's an entirely reasonable response to say, "Go!" don't you?
The only point that I've been making is not to have a go at other members that have a different opinion.
Active Ink Slinger
After reading the entire thread and understanding both sides of the story, I wonder if there may be a solution that will suit all instead of the bickering.
How would it be if there were two free memberships?
One free membership for just reading stories and one free membership for just the social side of Lush? I know that many come for just the stories and many just come on here for their friends/chat/forums. Maybe this could be discussed with admin?
As for those who do not want to pay for membership because they don't have paypal or credit card, you can simply send me the money via post and I will happily gift you the membersip
How would it be if there were two free memberships?
One free membership for just reading stories and one free membership for just the social side of Lush? I know that many come for just the stories and many just come on here for their friends/chat/forums. Maybe this could be discussed with admin?
As for those who do not want to pay for membership because they don't have paypal or credit card, you can simply send me the money via post and I will happily gift you the membersip
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by dpw
As an avid profile surfer, and I mean AVID! and a serial forum poster, I don't think I'm way off the mark.
You're incredibly way off the mark. 50% of accounts never make it past day one. Over the last month there were around 17,000 active members.
Warning: The opinions above are those of an anonymous individual on the internet. They are opinions, unless they're facts. They may be ill-informed, out of touch with reality or just plain stupid. They may contain traces of irony. If reading these opinions causes you to be become outraged or you start displaying the symptoms of outrage, stop reading them immediately. If symptoms persist, consult a psychiatrist.
Why not read some stories instead
NEW! Want a quick read for your coffee break? Why not try this... Flash Erotica: Scrubber
Why not read some stories instead
NEW! Want a quick read for your coffee break? Why not try this... Flash Erotica: Scrubber