>Yea, 2¢ is about what it's worth. . .
>
>Now, about the customers having to shell out for infrastructure improvements. . .
>I see you want to change the world, or at least the standard practise of the vast majority of for-profit corporations and business that do this as a matter of course. Why is it acceptable for the phone company, the cable company, the hospital, the bank, the baker and all other goods and service providers to do this yet "a travesty" for Michel to do so?

It's only a travesty when it is selective. All those you mentioned don't give ANYONE free services and don't raise their rates to pay for the freeloaders.

>
>Regarding elimination of "regular" (my term for non-PUTM) membership. . .
>
>Possibly Michel feels that it was that very mechanism that got him the PUTM membership he enjoys today.

. . .or won't have tomorrow because he tried to 'milk' it to keep it 'free'

And it is quite possible that it will continue to do the very same thing into the foreseeable future.

. . .for so long as people decide to practice social awareness and benevolence for the benefit of the UT principals.


>There is also the question of affordability. Just because you can easily afford $50. does NOT mean that everyone can (and you actually say that you don't pay anything, making it even easier for you to make these statements). Call it a silly attitude if you want, but I see the Internet generally and UT in particular as being an enourmous potential help in "levelling the playing field" across the world. I see that as a good thing.

Great. . .you contribute the costs of the upgrade and maintenance or lets call Bill Gates and see if we can get the UT on his $1 Billion charity list. Heck, I think it would further his self interest. MS$ might pay this tab.

>It doesn't really matter that 'UT is a business'. It is, but there are countless ways to run a business and some even put a thing or two ahead of draining every penny of profit out of a product or service.

We don't need the UT serving as our director of charities.

>I personally believe that a FREE BASIC MEMBERSHIP IS CRITICAL TO THE UT.
>

Then why not make it free to all and hope that the performance will take care of itself.

>And the real fact of the matter is that, as is commonly done, "members" will vote with their feet if they feel that a product or service is not up to snuff or if they find a better service/product.

First thing that we agree on.

>
>You know, John, I wrote privately to someone well over a year ago that it sure felt to me that you were the VB trojan horse on the UT. Maybe you've added the foxforum/wiki to your "list of clients".
>
>I was truly disappointed to see that you didn't stick to your "threat" that you were 'outta here'! Looks like you have some problem practising what you preach!

Are you threatened by JVP? It sure seems that way.

Bill