I finished my project today (yay me!) and just wanted to post a note about ace membership.
Ross (@scrivna) does an amazing job maintaining this site. For free. Ace membership is only $USD20. That's $18 Aussie dollars for the Aussie peeps. Really that's not all that much for the site in itself, but then you get all the extra stuff. But extra stuff aside, it is worth it for the site, no?
Professionals on this site have complained about people expecting photography to be free because it is digital. I've also noticed just how many people on this site, some better than others, have set up photography businesses. Why? because digital is cheap and largely free. But this site costs to run, and why should we have it completely free?
This site is professional and I think we should be paying for professional services. It is such a small price to pay and while I respect Ross for making this place available for all, those of us who have got a lot out of it and can afford it shouldn't begrudge $USD20 ($AUD20 peeps!) to keep it running.
Well said, Siobhan! I couldn't agree more. I know how many people benefit personally from this site, every day. It's not a lot of money to pay for an excellent service.
I know it's stupid but I need to figure out Pay Pall first; I normally do all my online payment via Ideal (don't own a credit card)... plus I wanted to make sure I'm able to keep up with the project, god knows I need every monthly dime! But I definitely want to become an Ace, as I love the project.
I believe there is a free version for those that don't want / can't afford to pay.
I know my kids wouldn't be able to and I can't afford Ace for all our household. They have a free account BUT this is paid for by the ad banners they see.
I do agree with Siobhan, I certainly feel I get such a lot out off this site and the cost of Ace membership is very small. In the days of good old prints we would pay that much to process a roll of film! As it is you get free and very useful critiques, you make friends all over the world and I personally learn something new every day from reading the storylines behind photos from photographers in far off countries and studying other peoples techniques and ideas. Thank you Ross for your amazing work in setting this up and maintaining it.
This is a well run site. Maybe not perfect but it has a reputation that is top notch. Most everyone can agree it's free of trash and attracts a high caliber of photographers of all levels. I for one would not waste one penny if this quality diminished and I currently recommend this site to everyone and anyone interested in photography.
Totally agree! I held out for the first half of my project because I didn't think I could afford the ACE membership (hadn't looked into the cost at all) - when I saw that it was a one-time cost of twenty bucks, I wondered why I hadn't done that a lot sooner. I've gained soooo much from this website (knowledge, inspiration, tips, confidence in my abilities, and most of all, good friends) that I thought it was long overdue that I give a little back. And it's such a very little to give. Thanks Ross!
I would recommend trying a pre-paid card so that you don't have to open an actual line of credit. Most pre-paid's are recognized as visa, etc by the machines.@elke
As for an ACE membership, it is totally worth it to support this site.
@faire@srivna I agree with you complety. Ross doesn't get enough appreciaion for what he has achieved..first setting up this wonderful website and maintaining it so professionally ..it all cost money so a charge of $20.00 or more should be applied not only to ace members but to all of us. hopefully this way we are assured that it will run years to come to the ones staying on after 365 and all the new people joining us. THANK YOU ROSS.
The twenty dollars was some of the best money spent this year. I also sometimes break down costs based on what the value of $20 really is today and realize that I have gotten so much more out of my ace account and this site than the things listed below.
Five Mocahchinos at Starbucks (or in my coworkers case, one week supply of really silly sounding coffee)
Three deli sandwich lunches purchased
Less than one night out at a pub
In my car I can only drive 150 miles on a twenty.
This site is well worth the $20 ace membership and more! I'm enjoying every minute of being here and have picked up some GREAT photo ideas and editing hints that are worth far more than I could ever pay! I've also met some of the nicest people around! ☺
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
I know my kids wouldn't be able to and I can't afford Ace for all our household. They have a free account BUT this is paid for by the ad banners they see.
As for an ACE membership, it is totally worth it to support this site.
Five Mocahchinos at Starbucks (or in my coworkers case, one week supply of really silly sounding coffee)
Three deli sandwich lunches purchased
Less than one night out at a pub
In my car I can only drive 150 miles on a twenty.
I agree with everything you guys said and + thank you!