An opinion from an Aussie
 

As I live in Australia, and in a fairly small town, as well, my access to quality representative artists is fairly low. The two that I know are very jealous of their knowledge and absolutely will not teach (or share).

Until I found this forum 2 years ago, I felt I was living in a vacuum, unable to improve, and not satisfied with what I was able to achieve. When I joined, I felt that I had found people that I had something in common with. I do think it was more interesting to visit before people were vetted. I must admit, I have been reading and not posting (although I do log in when I read).

It is the only forum I visit, I check in every day. I would like to see more postings, and more activity.

As a result of the confidence I have gained from visiting, reading and putting advice into practice, I am now working on a major exhibition and several commissions.

Even though my daughter's application was rejected just this week, I hope the forum stays, so she can reapply in the future. I think that the forum is probably more use to artists who are still learning their trade, than to the full time professionals.

I did vist WetCanvas once, and got blasted by some sick, jokey thing that someone posted. I logged off, disgusted.

I can understand your dilemna, Cynthea. Your time is very valuable and access to this forum for artists all over the world is invaluable.

Ii'm not sure that charging a fee would work, although I would be prepared to pay a small annual subscription. Maybe a 30 day trial might work. You have to be able to get people to visit regularly before they will see the advantages of subscribing. Perhaps you could offer limited access to the Forum to non subscribers. Maybe there could be areas they couldn't view. The knowledge that there is more info available than they can currently view might make them appreciate the opportunity to subscribe.

I appreciate the look, the layout, the "no pop ups". I think some people get a bit full of themselves sometimes but that is true of any group. I enjoy the heavy discussions, even if I can't figure out what they are on about sometimes.

regards, Margaret Port

I would be willing to pay a fee. The way I look at it, all the information and experienced viewpoints are easily worth a small fee considering all the other things I seem to spend money on. I'm a tightwad and the cost seems well worth it to me. Not much in this world is free anymore and I'm surprised all this good information has been available for free thus far.
Amy O.

I think Michele has a good idea there. Charge a one time nominal fee for continued participation in the forum for existing members and any new members upon approval into the forum. 30 day initial viewing trial period is a good idea.

I think that people are more receptive to a one time "setup" fee than an annual fee.
This is by far the classiest and most informative art forum in existence.

I'm in favor
 

I think this website and forum is without a doubt one with a very high quality, loaded with excellent information for the serious portrait artist.

I would be willing to pay a fee, I hope others feel the same way I do. I feel it's very much worth it. The SOG forum adds to ones on going education in the field of portraiture and fine art. This place raises the standard and makes one want to try a little harder, which is very good for ones career.

I mean where else can a person so easily collaborate with such top successful portrait artists in the field?

Uh-oh
 

Have I been kicked out already? My reply to Scott's new work in demonstrations is not being posted.

Well Jimmie, I have been kicked out with you ...I tried posting to Scott's twice and it wont post.!

Jimmie,

You have not been kicked out.

No one has been kicked out. Perhaps it's a momentary or not so momentary glitch on the server.

Lisa Gloria's membership has been removed at her request.

Feedback to fee
 

I'd like to pay for some information, like Cynthia's advice on photogragh taking, there are many others, just an example.

Teachers of the university I graduated read this forum, ... that is my concern, too.

Fee for membership
 

Hello - I've never posted before, but would like to add my opinion(s) to the discussion regarding charging fees for membership.

First off, I'd like to say thanks to all of you (Cynthia in particular) for taking the time and energy to keep the site going. I've been painting professionally for 3 years, and have found nothing on the web the comes close to the quality of your site.

However, I was unaware that my lack of posting was a problem. I'd lost my password and was too lazy to do anything about it until now, but I will certainly participate in the forum in the future.

Yes, I would pay a fee - and in particular, would pay more on top of the fee for demos.

Bottom line - I think we all need this!!

Thanks - Lynn Der