Windy, there are people for whom $20 is a fortune right now. I know several. If they had it, they’d use it for food.
Welcome to the Bell family's monthly budget. I really do know how rough it is out here.
One time we were so broke, that we thought we'd be kicked out of our house any day. It was Freepathon time, and I happened to let it spill via Freepmail to someone who was working on the fund drive. That kind person got someone to donate on my behalf. That anonymous Freeper's generosity touched me deeply, and I won't ever forget it.
My suggestion to Jim about an alternative funding model is just that. A suggestion. I know that the generosity of good Freepers wouldn't be affected, no matter what model he eventually goes with.
That said, kudos to you and the rest of the 'up all night gang' who keep this thing rolling. Bless you!
Almost forgot to add....Jim could always decide to make the Basic membership free. Those folks could participate as normal, except they’d see all the ads.