[taxcontrol]

How about members don’t have to see the ads, and non-members do?

[lightman]

How about members don’t have to see the ads, and non-members do?

I could second that motion for "FreeRepublic Premium".

[chrisser]

How about members don’t have to see the ads, and non-members do?

Personally, I think that and having your "handle" indicate that your are a contributing member would be a good approach.

Maybe another option would be to offer some sort of trinket (mug, t-shirt, etc.) that only members could purchase. Sometimes a little prestige goes a long way. Works for PBS (OK, maybe it doesn't work that well or they wouldn't be taking taxpayer cash).

Plus, I suspect paying members would be less likely to make zot-worthy comments, since presumably membership would be non-refundable.

Could also limit the ability to post new threads (or even to post comments) to members only, or put a per-day or per-month limit on those posts for non-members. Would also be a way to filter out DUmmies without blocking the ability for the public to read the site.

[PA Engineer]

How about members don’t have to see the ads, and non-members do?

That is an interesting idea.