$25 a year may uphold the site and maintain it's standards - after all, it's tough years under the Gillard Guillotine. And how many of (really) apart from the Upper Crust "we have the money to lose set" are making much money in shares at present? Seems to be in a state of paralysis! MOney making I mean. And Hot Copper has to bear the brunt of people's subsequently reduced circumtances.
I for one would pay such a fee (of course Tony Abbott subsides me as I have relatively strong view on the current Shipwreck Australis under Ms. Gillard's captaincy and say so regularly!! (and if you believe that you'll believe anything) but then, once having paid, you would then get very unimpressed by having a mod vet a viewpoint.
However, I think the modding on HC is overall fair and balanced, and it must be remembered that these people are volunteers as far as I know.Perhaps mods could be paid a nominal fee - and lose this should they be seen to show any personal bias.
But it could be interpreted that a paying Member has rights which a casual member does not. Although the same can be said of any Club membership - where security is entitled to throw you out if you drastically misbehave.
Someone remarked that they could get the same info off the street by talking to others. Well, no you could not (much as I am wary of forum stock opinions - which are just that!)
There is a mountain of information on here which has to be kept spot on, up to date, and topical to the nth degree! And that would be no mean feat.
If their is the slightest suspicion that I am somehow connected to HC and therefore "pushing their barrow" - just have a look at my suspensions re. Politics!
But at the same time, it has been voted the best stock chat site - and Aussies are notorious for always wanting something for nothing. And this is a diverse, varied, interesting, and (nowadays) friendly site, providing many with camaraderie in their often lonely "trading at home" days.
Contentious - yes - but very, very worthy of further consideration. $25.00 per annum = what - 50c a week?
At least we'd find out whether the "big boys" are reading this - or not!! When the FMG, IOH, BHP. Rio, et al, cheques roll in for THEIR memberships! You'd tell us, wouldn't you, HC admin? I feel if we enjoy the site - it's beholden on us to support it.
All the very best to all for a Happy and Content and Peaceful New Year! Remember, making money, and conformity, and "achieving your goals" (if that means only materialism) aren't everything in life. Have the imagination to dream - to fly - and to take yourself in a different direction and do what it is you really would love to do in life! It's YOUR life - no-one elses!
Education is NOT the be all to end all. Not passing a VCE is not a disaster, nor a measure of the man (or woman). Sometimes what seems a disaster turns out with the benefit of hindsight to have been for the best.And they say youth is wasted on the young. I don't think so! Our young are very courageous!
Stephen Vincent Benet (whomever he was) tells us:-
"For money is sullen and wisdom is sly, but youth is the pollen that blows through the sky, and does not ask why."
