More on membership

Howdy folks, Joe here again.

First of all, I want to express my gratitude to those who've already bought a founding membership. I'm really proud of what's happened in the last few days and you should be too - your support is going to help tremendously with everything we've got planned in the coming months.

Thanks - it really does mean a lot.

Secondly, there are still a few questions hovering around about membership which, in the interest of clarity, I thought deserved a Blipblog post of their own. So here they are...

Will people still be able to use Blipfoto free of charge?

Yes.

The philosophy behind membership is very simple: those who pay will be given access to a range of attractive new features. Non-paying contributors will continue to enjoy the site exactly as it is now and will always form an important and integrated part of Blipfoto.

So, by becoming a member either now or later, you're not only helping yourself to some cool new stuff but also helping Blipfoto as a whole. 

What does membership cost?

The standard paid membership package will become available within the next six months and will be based on a cost of £25 per year. (I say 'based' because you'll be able to pay for periods other than a full year.)

The founding membership is only available until 28 February. It costs £40 and includes 18 months standard membership, starting on the day we introduce it. So, if standard memberships become available on 1st July 2009, founding members won't need to renew until 1st January 2011.

What additional features will members get?

We've got a fairly good idea what these will be (thanks in no small part to your suggestions), but I want to involve everyone in shaping their final form. However, I don't mind saying at this stage that at their core will be several important upgrades like the ability to upload, store and retrieve full resolution files, and display larger images on your journal.

Expect a detailed announcement on this soon.

Aren't the people who started two years ago the real founding members?

No. This is the first time we've asked anyone for money and the first time we've announced any sort of membership package.

It doesn't matter if you've been here two years or two days - the fact is we're all here right now, at the start of something which is going to be more exciting than anything which has come before.

Every single person you see around the site with a little 'f' next to their name is helping to create a strong foundation on which Blipfoto can survive and grow. The money is important and will help us cover costs, but their commitment is also a massive vote of confidence in everything Blipfoto stands for. 

That's why they're called Founding Members and that's why they have a little icon. What they really deserve is our eternal gratitude for making sure this can continue - they already have mine.

Won't this create a two-tier site?

No. Divisions will only exist if we create them - we value and appreciate every blipper and their contribution.

Everyone will be able to maintain a daily photo journal and participate in the community just as they have for the last two years.

As I said in my original announcement, this is about making sure Blipfoto has a secure and viable future which retains its original principles of simplicity and integrity. No other method of funding meets those criteria in the way a paid membership does.

Security and viability have always been my responsibility. That's why I made this decision and why I have complete confidence it was the right one.

Simplicity is about a solid, well designed website - something which will continue to underpin Blipfoto as it develops.

Maintaining integrity is something everyone's played a part in and, I hope, will continue to in the future.

I hope that helps clear things up - if not, you know where I am.