enged
12-29-2001, 11:27 AM
I am really sorry to see all of the frustration being expressed over the issue
of "joining" this site just to have quicker access. The truth is that the
number of hobbiests using the site has increased over the years and like
anything else will slow down access to the site. I understand the frustration,
though.
That being said, I have been coming to this site since 1996 when I first
started flightsimming. Over the years I have certainly taken alot more away
from the site than I have contributed - files, advice, new ideas, and a general
satisfaction with the hobby. All of this has to cost someone to make it
available to me and others who make this site what it is, the best!
As a result, a little over a year ago I "joined", not for better access (cause
I get on at 5am when nobody else is on and I have no trouble LOL), but because
I felt that helping to keep this site alive and weighing what I had taken away
for free vs the small cost to join was making a statement about my hobby and
the people who have worked so hard for all these years on and for this site. I
considered it a donation and getting better access was not even a
consideration, just a positive side effect. When I calculate the cost vs. the
amount of time I have spent on this site, it does not even compute as a
percentage.
I have tried the other free sites and their is no comparison - Flightsim
forever! I will continue to donate a "joining fee" just to show my appreciation
to the people who run this site for all of us to enjoy. My wife says it is a
lot cheaper than my other hobbies and she said she would even give the money if
need be.
I would hate to see some of those expressing their frustration give up on this
site, as many of them contributing is what helps make this site what it is.
Thank you for letting me express my opinion.
Tom Burnett
Hello, Tom, and others interested,
I compliment you, Tom, on so clearly stating an opinion I also happen to
hold. I've been coming to flightsim.com almost since its start. I've had
First-Class Membership since it was offered. I've never had a bit of problem
wiring in, whatever the time of day, time of year or whatever.
To amplify on some points: Every year, shortly after Christmas, there's a
big rush as new folks enter the hobby. I welcome them and expect the extra
messages (and traffic). Add to this the obvious high interest in FS2002 and
it's no wonder that the free nodes get filled. As for times of day, remember
that we're an international hobby and hence North American middle of the night
may be prime time for someone or other.
As for the "Freeware" argument, I make a distinction between hobbyists such
as myself who enjoy building and uploading free planes and the good folks such
as Nels who do the hard work of maintaining this site. In a very real sense,
it's the difference between a sports player and the fellow who keeps the
playing field nice and neat.
I know the extreme pleasure I gain from up- and downloading stuff. I suspect
that running the site doesn't offer such pleasures.
Last, I have no problem with those who feel otherwise. In some cases (Mutt,
for one) I'll miss the camaraderie, but he's certainly entitled to his view.
All in good fun. -- Dennis S, FSEngEd@aol.com
of "joining" this site just to have quicker access. The truth is that the
number of hobbiests using the site has increased over the years and like
anything else will slow down access to the site. I understand the frustration,
though.
That being said, I have been coming to this site since 1996 when I first
started flightsimming. Over the years I have certainly taken alot more away
from the site than I have contributed - files, advice, new ideas, and a general
satisfaction with the hobby. All of this has to cost someone to make it
available to me and others who make this site what it is, the best!
As a result, a little over a year ago I "joined", not for better access (cause
I get on at 5am when nobody else is on and I have no trouble LOL), but because
I felt that helping to keep this site alive and weighing what I had taken away
for free vs the small cost to join was making a statement about my hobby and
the people who have worked so hard for all these years on and for this site. I
considered it a donation and getting better access was not even a
consideration, just a positive side effect. When I calculate the cost vs. the
amount of time I have spent on this site, it does not even compute as a
percentage.
I have tried the other free sites and their is no comparison - Flightsim
forever! I will continue to donate a "joining fee" just to show my appreciation
to the people who run this site for all of us to enjoy. My wife says it is a
lot cheaper than my other hobbies and she said she would even give the money if
need be.
I would hate to see some of those expressing their frustration give up on this
site, as many of them contributing is what helps make this site what it is.
Thank you for letting me express my opinion.
Tom Burnett
Hello, Tom, and others interested,
I compliment you, Tom, on so clearly stating an opinion I also happen to
hold. I've been coming to flightsim.com almost since its start. I've had
First-Class Membership since it was offered. I've never had a bit of problem
wiring in, whatever the time of day, time of year or whatever.
To amplify on some points: Every year, shortly after Christmas, there's a
big rush as new folks enter the hobby. I welcome them and expect the extra
messages (and traffic). Add to this the obvious high interest in FS2002 and
it's no wonder that the free nodes get filled. As for times of day, remember
that we're an international hobby and hence North American middle of the night
may be prime time for someone or other.
As for the "Freeware" argument, I make a distinction between hobbyists such
as myself who enjoy building and uploading free planes and the good folks such
as Nels who do the hard work of maintaining this site. In a very real sense,
it's the difference between a sports player and the fellow who keeps the
playing field nice and neat.
I know the extreme pleasure I gain from up- and downloading stuff. I suspect
that running the site doesn't offer such pleasures.
Last, I have no problem with those who feel otherwise. In some cases (Mutt,
for one) I'll miss the camaraderie, but he's certainly entitled to his view.
All in good fun. -- Dennis S, FSEngEd@aol.com