What if Google buy Pictures Of England.com?

Well, the isn't locked yet, so here's my two cents.  (That's not my donation Chris and Sarah.  lol  I can afford a little more than that). 

First kudos to you both for hosting this site and to everybody else for making it quite special.  And thanks so much to you, Ron, for helping to maintain it, and to you too, Sue H.  You all do a FANTASTIC JOB of hosting this site.  I am very grateful to you because the beauty of the site and the new friends I've made here have enhanced my life greatly.  MANY THANKS!

I guess what I'd like to address is the lessons to take away from this.

First, I think we need to be aware of the "art" of online communication.  We don't have the benefit of face to face contact - facial expression, body language, tone of voice.  So it's really important to choose your words carefully.  A point can be made without it sounding accusatory or insulting to any individual.  It's also a good idea to not let your emotions lead.  Go ahead and type something offline just to let steam off your hot button, if need be.  Then walk away for a few minutes before you hit "post".  Come back, read what you wrote, and I'll just bet that if it's probably in everybody's best interest to not post it, your good judgment will prevail and you won't post it.  Like Sue mentioned.  Deep cleansing breaths lol

There is a genuine regard and affection among the members here that I don't think any of us wants to lose.  And all this long-winded advice I've just typed is what I learned the hard way - from experience.  And haven't we all?

The next thing I'd like to mention is a small idea to help support the site.  I, too, like the idea of the two-tier membership system and would be willing to pay dues.  But should Chris and Sarah decide against that, I wouldn't be at all offended to have the Please Support This Site Paypal Donate button more prominently displayed.  Several people have stated they weren't aware of it, and I surfed around this site for quite a while before I ever noticed it.  Chris, you might want to consider placing it prominently (like next to the title)  of the Submit Pictures page.  There are hundreds of people who upload pics to the site, but don't participate in the forum, who perhaps are also unaware of the donations link.  I'd even add a small blurb of a couple sentences stating the need for donations in order to help keep the site free and clear of "corporateness" for lack of a better word.

And one last thing about donations.  They are strictly voluntary.  That means it's individual choice whether or not to donate and how much you can afford to give. Anyone who either donates or who can't afford to donate shouldn't feel guilty or feel like they have to make a full financial disclosure to the world as to whether, why or how much.  But to those who can afford a few bucks or quid, well, I've always been a great fan of the user pay system.  And if you use the site a lot, and can afford a little donation, even a small one, it's really the right thing to do.  Like anything else worthwhile in life, there's a cost involved and you get what you pay for. 

Hi Ruth,

Referring to your two posts above: I am filled with admiration by the wise and eloquent way you have summed up the whole situation. you have hit the nail on the head with a mighty blow, epecially concerning online communications. (By the way, I waited a little while before hitting the button.)

Take care,

Ray

Lyn, I've just responded to Pauls email as referred to above and made that very point, as well as apologizing for a total misunderstanding whilst thanking him also for his donation and support with some fantastic pictures, what more can I say? You only have to get the punctuation wrong in that email and you can be in big trouble!

Thank you to everybody for their input, but as for locking the thread, well where is the freedom of speech in that? Ultimately Chris and Sarah will have to make the decision.

Great advice Ruth! thank you, and thank you to everyone else too for your kind words of support and great ideas on how to help the site. The two-tier membership seems like a great way forward, and the fairest way for all members. We'll be looking into this system more over the next few days and hopefully as soon as we can something will be put in place.