Hi everyone,
Lots of things to cover, here goes...
Jasper - please don't apologise, you make a good point in that much of the site's worth is down to the quality of contributions from the members. Unfortunately, though, it does cost money to run it: We have server, net access and a very small editorial cost (our experts answer questions for nothing by the way). By far the biggest cost is in the time and effort of four people (three pretty much full-time, one evenings and weekends).
We have never been paid (in over 2 years), despite the fact we've have childcare costs etc. Please understand we are not looking for profits but there comes a time when you think you can't go on doing something for nothing forever - quite apart from anything else, it's not fair on our families.
You could argue that we shouldn't bother with expert questions, product reviews, a noticeboard, updating the home page, developmental emails, competitons etc. Just have a talk board up there - this would demand less time to run and oversee. The problem is I don't think we attract new members that way and mumsnet would fast become a closed community.
Actually we don't expect subscription to raise enough to pay us a salary (intially at least) but it's a start and the more people who join (and hopefully we will continue to grow and the books will bring many more members), the more chance we will have of making mumsnet viable. (Particularly if the climate improves and we can start attracting some decent advertising revenue/ sponsorship). If we don't it will fold... simple as that.
Tinker, you have the option of not being on the subscribers page - if you pay by credit card - just untick the box, if you pay by cheque/ PO box, don't include your nickname. I can see why you may not want to be included (you noble soul!) but we'd very much like to publicly thank people who don't mind being thanked.
PamT I think the total number of subscribers tally is a great idea and we'll get on to it (may take a few days as tech is in NYC!)
SofiaAmes/pupuce will raise you're point with tech on his return.
Wickedwaterwitch - gift subscription is on its way - it was an idea that one of the members came up with when we first discussed subscription and it's a really good one - it's just technically a bit more complicated than ordinary subscription. Give us a couple of weeks.
SueW we have always posted major site news/ mail outs on the home page of the site (the one that went out about subscription is here www.mumsnet.com/s/mn.SubsIntro)
We'll make a point to always post them on talk as well from now on. You could of course just change your preference to receive mails from us. You'd only get our fortnightly parenting news round up (very handy and not that long) and development emails charting your child's progress until age 5 (they are really good quality, honest!)
Mollipops, the pop ends tomorrow - sorry for the annoyance (it covers a month's server costs, though!)
Thanks again for all you suggestions/ support,
Justine, Carrie and Rachel