Would you pay a subscription to keep GN going in these difficult times?

Swizzywhiz I hadn't thought of that.

The only thing that would concern me about GN becoming a subscription forum would be the issue relating to security. In the past Mumsnet was hacked and people’s personal data was stolen and leaked. That’s bad enough but if it is paid for and then was hacked, credit card information would be stolen as well. Plus the fact it’s a paid for service makes it a much more attractive target for thieves and hackers.

My answer to the OP is a definite 'no'.

Are any of them called - let's think - George Sand? Currer Bell?

Elegran, yes there are indications in the names that suggest that "all maybe not be what it should be" in relation to gender identification within this membership"

Others have confessed to me openly and I expect also Rufus2 by way of heartbreaking PMs with regard to their lack of courage in hiding behind names that will not make their (pardon the word) sex obvious to all on this forum. ?

I have encouraged them to "come out" but to no avail as the fear of facing outright the ladies of this forum is too much for them to even to realistically consider.?

As for our planned male-only trade union for this forum Elegran, it will most definitely be a closed shop so as to encourage those of "small courage" to come out in full to disclose their (pardon the use of the word) sex. ?

Don't forget Mick in the roll call of gentlemen on GN!

Re the subject of adverts - I don't get any! I use an Acer Chrome and SIL set it up for me with an ad-blocker. Does everyone else use their smart phone?

Someone suggested £50 a year, that would generate a lot of money, you do realise that there thousands of people registered on GN. Levy a charge and the numbers would drop to a few hundred I would imagine, it would become boring and stale.

Some names are ambiguous, some indicate something about their owner, some are misleading!

If I notice or remember any others, I'll post them, and perhaps you can canvass them, Grandad? There is strength in numbers, after all. You will be operating a closed shop, I assume?

Rufus I do hope you got some medical advice for your male member.

Elegran, I did not realise that other members of our (pardon the word) sex inhabit this forum besides me and Rufus2.

I have had reason to believe that there are other members of our (pardon the word) sex on the forum but they remain incognito under the gise of female titles (cowards). ?

However, if what you state is correct there may be sufficient numbers for us to create a male-only trade union within the forum. ?

The rest of David's username has come to me. It is Davidhs

Grandad1943 Between you, you and Rufus cover the ends of the spectrum of male GN members, but you are not the only representatives of your (pardon the word) sex. I can think of Grumpa, Cunco and Davidsomethingorother straight off, and there are others who post quite a lot too, but whose names escape me for the moment. I daresay someone else will add them.

Rufus2 as senior members of the male fraternity on this forum (in fact we probably are the entire male fraternity) I suggest we act as "scrutineers" for all those males who now will be looking to join the forum. ?

I am in no doubt that the above will be the case as I have suggested to the GM management that there should be a special concessionary subscription rate for males when pricing for the forum is introduced.?

However, I am suggesting that we become the scrutineers for all males joining as we by way of our exemplary precepts would set a standard below which none would enter if judged below. ?

In the above, we would ensure that no one of uncouth behaviour or loutish personality would upset the good ladies of the forum with their posts. ?

With us as scrutineers decorum would be maintained throughout the forum. ???

Would i be willing to pay? Not a hope in hell.

I tend to think that income should come from advertising and that the cost of maintaining and moderating the site should be under expenditure.

Am I the only one who gets ads that completely cover my iPad screen when I am typing out responses? Only been happening recently and often find my pearls of wisdom have disappeared when I eventually get back. Very frustrating. Even more so if I paid for the privilege.

The side bar ads don’t bother me but the total lack of control does. Not being able to edit out the large number of predictive text bloopers is annoying and often interrupts the flow of a thread when it takes three or four attempts to make corrections. A time limited edit button is a good idea.

Also wary of how easy it is to forget that posts are used on Facebook to lure in new posters particularly if sensitive matters come up.

Isn’t a contingency fund good business practice?

Without the amendments a definite no from me.

Age (UK) or Age Concern as it is often referred to is a UK based Charity , with its own shops .
Those shops have suffered thanks to current situation , but have read the Chancellor is supposed to be giving money to those charities in the UK in order to survive .
Mick

Grandads shed became invaded at one time by members of the alternative sex and therefore was abandoned by its rightful owners.
Grandad That's right! There was a push by certain grannies to induce male members to seek a Doc's advice over any worrying affliction and I even volunteered to help, but was told they weren't interested in details of my ops. that would have shown there is nothing to fear.!
They preferred to natter about women's things, hence its demise!
Btw; do I detect a hint of flirting? Be careful! I copped a few "deletions" when I was reported for that! At my age too! I should be so flattered!
No doubt there will be more to say on this thread; until then!
Good Health

Rufus2 I believe that Grandads shed became invaded at one time by members of the alternative sex and therefore was abandoned by its rightful owners. ?

However, it very much appears that more of us males will have to be encouraged onto the forum if those that own GN are to continue to make a few Bob, (or should that be dollars in these times).?

However, In the above situation, I feel we males will be as unwanted quests or even unwanted outsiders. ?

Therefore so as the wonderfull ladies on this forum can still talk exclusively among themselves I propose that a Granmas shed should be erected on the site where we as true gentlemen will pledge never to enter.?

Well, until it suits us that would be. ???

We have on the forum a "Grandads Shed" section, that could be repeated for women
Grandad I think we can drop the "1943" bit, don't you, 'cos there ain't no other "Grandads" around to cause confusion!
Not too sure of the idea of a "L:adies" shed. As reported earlier, the "Gents' was riddled with woodworm and condemned, although there have been 3 gents poking their noses in this year, but they seem to have disappeared
I think there was a proposal to rename it "Grandad's Cave", but that has too much of a Neanderthal ring about it, which wouldn't be very complimentary!
Perhaps the ladies have a few (polite) suggestions!?
I can't think why, but the following link came to mind!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJG_qmYL_4M

OoRoo

My mind blanks out all advertising, as it is irrelevant to me, so I would not pay for any site online. When the internet was invented, it wasn't so we could be bombarded by constant advertising; it was set up so people could keep in touch with others they didn't see directly or regularly.

Callistemon
?????

I have adverts for plants at the moment.
I don't mind that, although I am hesitant to order anything now.

Mine's an expensive red then, please
And steak with all the trimmings.

Although a Hot Cross bun and coffee might be nice.