Premium Membership Benefits & Changes? - Saxperience

Simo^p · 22nd January 2017, 15:31

For many years, the main source of support for the running costs of this community has come from members purchasing Premium Membership.

With the community no longer as busy as it once was and the number of Premium members significantly reduced, I'd like to hear your views on what would make you consider purchasing Premium Membership... and also what is stopping you from doing so.

Maybe you don't realise it exists? Maybe you think it's too expensive? Maybe you think you wont use any of the benefits?

Let me know please...

The premium member benefits were introduced many years ago and the internet has changed quite a lot since (for example, uploading photos online is now a lot easier than it used to be), so if you think some changes are needed to make the Premium Member benefits more attractive and useful, let me know what you think needs to change.

Currently only the 'online' Premium Membership is available, but the previous 'Full' membership could make a return if there is enough interest to make the setup worthwhile.

Have your say...

Current Online Premium Member benefits shown below :

Ability to use Premium Member Pager System (sax- instant messenger)
Ability to upload & ATTACH images to forum posts (Upload quota 30.0Mb)
Direct acccess to the for sale & wanted forums (postal details confimed via Paypal)
Ability to create your own user picture album (store max. 100 pictures)
Ability to directly UPLOAD a custom avatar image to user profile. (usually need >100 posts)
Ability to directly UPLOAD a profile picture to user profile. (usually need >100 posts)
Ability to add signature text/images to forum posts. (usually need >100 posts)
Access to Premium Member How-To Guides
Access to Premium Member Videos
Access to Premium Member forums
Ability to store 240 private messages. (usually 50 (new member) or 80 (regular))
Ability to send a private message to 5 people at once. (usually 1 (new member) or 2 (regular))
Ability to edit forum posts and post titles (usually need >100 posts)
Username will appear in bold type face within the online users bar, including a red 'P' to signify Premium Member.
User rank will change to Premium Member and show 5-gold stars.
Ability to use 'invisible mode' (username will not appear in the users online bar).
Ability to to register for Premium Member Prize Draws.
Eligible for special discounts offered by select companies.
Ability to post and manage your own BLOG.
Ability to access the online Saxperiece Games Arcade.
Ability to create user-defined social groups to chat with members with common interests.
Ability to edit the colour scheme of your user profile page.
Ability to add your vehicle(s) to the Saxperience E-Garage.

Simo

MartinObviously · 22nd January 2017, 19:54

What's the difference between online and full membership now?

Is it still stickers, card and an email address?

Simo^p · 22nd January 2017, 20:46

They are the normal differences yes... but full is not currently available. I need to figure out if changes are needed before committing to anything with regard to 'full' membership.

Simo

ESD1711 · 23rd January 2017, 06:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simo

For many years, the main source of support for the running costs of this community has come from members purchasing Premium Membership.

With the community no longer as busy as it once was and the number of Premium members significantly reduced, I'd like to hear your views on what would make you consider purchasing Premium Membership... and also what is stopping you from doing so.

Maybe you don't realise it exists? Maybe you think it's too expensive? Maybe you think you wont use any of the benefits?

Let me know please...

The premium member benefits were introduced many years ago and the internet has changed quite a lot since (for example, uploading photos online is now a lot easier than it used to be), so if you think some changes are needed to make the Premium Member benefits more attractive and useful, let me know what you think needs to change.

Currently only the 'online' Premium Membership is available, but the previous 'Full' membership could make a return if there is enough interest to make the setup worthwhile.

Have your say...

Current Online Premium Member benefits shown below :

Ability to use Premium Member Pager System (sax- instant messenger)
Ability to upload & ATTACH images to forum posts (Upload quota 30.0Mb)
Direct acccess to the for sale & wanted forums (postal details confimed via Paypal)
Ability to create your own user picture album (store max. 100 pictures)
Ability to directly UPLOAD a custom avatar image to user profile. (usually need >100 posts)
Ability to directly UPLOAD a profile picture to user profile. (usually need >100 posts)
Ability to add signature text/images to forum posts. (usually need >100 posts)
Access to Premium Member How-To Guides
Access to Premium Member Videos
Access to Premium Member forums
Ability to store 240 private messages. (usually 50 (new member) or 80 (regular))
Ability to send a private message to 5 people at once. (usually 1 (new member) or 2 (regular))
Ability to edit forum posts and post titles (usually need >100 posts)
Username will appear in bold type face within the online users bar, including a red 'P' to signify Premium Member.
User rank will change to Premium Member and show 5-gold stars.
Ability to use 'invisible mode' (username will not appear in the users online bar).
Ability to to register for Premium Member Prize Draws.
Eligible for special discounts offered by select companies.
Ability to post and manage your own BLOG.
Ability to access the online Saxperiece Games Arcade.
Ability to create user-defined social groups to chat with members with common interests.
Ability to edit the colour scheme of your user profile page.
Ability to add your vehicle(s) to the Saxperience E-Garage.

Simo

Now, I wouldn't like this to be seen as criticism in any way - i'm currently waiting on payday coming around after whats been something like a 6 week month since being paid early in December - but i'll most likely purchase a premium membership for the sake of supporting the site regardless.

But, in my opinion, a lot of the features are either somewhat redundant to me (eg the ones you need >100 posts for), or I just wouldn't use at the moment.

Of all the ones you've listed, I've put in bold the ones which WOULD currently benefit me.

LIke I say - I don't want it to sound negative in any way, more constructive than anything else, but theres a lot of features in there which I just wouldn't use - not sure if perhaps other members are in the same boat?

Simo^p · 23rd January 2017, 06:53

This thread is for people to discuss what is of interest to them so don't worry about criticism. Just be honest

For me he main benefits would be uploading photos directly, but that wasn't something you thought would benefit yourself.

That's why it's interesting to find out what people are interested in and if changes can be made to make membership benefits better/more upto date that's what I'd like to get out of this thread.

Thanks

Simo

ESD1711 · 23rd January 2017, 09:36

I guess for uploading photos i'm just so used to chucking anything I want on to photobucket where I can use it across different forums / platforms etc - its habit more than anything else.

But yeah, can see why uploading pics directly in to a thread would be a handy thing to have, particularly if there are folk who perhaps aren't all that savy with image uploading and IMG tags etc.

For me, I think i'd rather see the premium membership include something like a sticker pack / lanyard / keyring type thing together with access to preferential discounts or whatever - but appreciate those aren't necessarily easy to set up and require a lot of effort to arrange and manage.

Above all, I probably consider the fee as more of a donation than anything else - given the amount of information and useful advice I've taken from this site - I don't grudge that and don't really expect a whole lot in return for the sake of a tenner.

elliotthorwood · 23rd January 2017, 15:54

I agree ^^ i see it more as a donation towards all the information and help you can gain from the site. I guess some people don't appreciate that enough to cough up the money. i rarely post on here but i am always lurking, mostly because i have nothing useful to say and not very funny.

been a member for 2,430,720 minutes now and have been premium for most of it, in the gaps it has been because i haven't realised it has run out. which is right now so i shall sort that out!

KamRacing · 26th January 2017, 13:45

Another club im on socially has a Club Donor scheme. Its not really giving a privilege but people support the club and its noted on their name rather than calling them a member.
Maybe do similar but if you can get perks at the same time thats even better....

deano_123 · 26th January 2017, 15:38

It could come with a free blow up doll but if nobody is posting on the site and there is no content of interest then there is no benefit to that lovely list of brucey bonuses is there

Bedford126 · 26th January 2017, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by deano_123

It could come with a free blow up doll but if nobody is posting on the site and there is no content of interest then there is no benefit to that lovely list of brucey bonuses is there

This is my opinion, it's alright when you need advise but for us that don't have a saxo there is no benefit. Especially when it's one or 2 members giving the advise all the time.

willsy · 26th January 2017, 22:56

Bare with me on this one:

One thing that I've come across recently is that the early Mk1 VTS now qualifies for modern classic type insurance. I guess over coming years the later ones and some other models may also qualify.

Part of the application usually asks if you're the member of a club. I assuming that a slight discount is given, however, my stumbling block usually comes when it asks for the club. Saxperience doesn't feature on the dropdown menu but 'other club' does. It invites you to name your club and include your membership number.

So if a discount was available for insurance by being a club member (membership number only issued to premium members- if the insurer wanted to double check they could easily see the premium P next to the username) then it would make sense to join & support the club.

Hopefully I havn't interpreted that wrong as surely there would be no point having the option to state that you're a club member otherwise.

Simo^p · 27th January 2017, 05:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bedford126

This is my opinion, it's alright when you need advise but for us that don't have a saxo there is no benefit. Especially when it's one or 2 members giving the advise all the time.

And that's fair enough...

But the point I have tried to make many times in recent months is that if the community don't step up to the table with a way to support the running costs of this community, it will cease to exist.

Whether funding comes from Premium membership, clicking ad banners, donations, or pimping out blow-up dolls, the end result needs to be the same.

Quote:

Originally Posted by willsy

Bare with me on this one:

One thing that I've come across recently is that the early Mk1 VTS now qualifies for modern classic type insurance. I guess over coming years the later ones and some other models may also qualify.

Part of the application usually asks if you're the member of a club. I assuming that a slight discount is given, however, my stumbling block usually comes when it asks for the club. Saxperience doesn't feature on the dropdown menu but 'other club' does. It invites you to name your club and include your membership number.

So if a discount was available for insurance by being a club member (membership number only issued to premium members- if the insurer wanted to double check they could easily see the premium P next to the username) then it would make sense to join & support the club.

Hopefully I havn't interpreted that wrong as surely there would be no point having the option to state that you're a club member otherwise.

Some insurers do just use club name and take it for granted you are a member, others pass referral codes, which are typically communicated in member only areas. Both work.

Out of interest... I will be looking to get the VTS back on the road soon (I hope). Which insurer is listing the VTS as modern-classic? Could be worth a look...

Simo^p · 27th January 2017, 05:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by KamRacing

Another club im on socially has a Club Donor scheme. Its not really giving a privilege but people support the club and its noted on their name rather than calling them a member.
Maybe do similar but if you can get perks at the same time thats even better....

Donations is something I used to do a LONG time ago before Premium membership was introduced. Its something I can consider again.

Thanks.

holdawayt · 27th January 2017, 13:40

I only paid for premium back in the day because it got me access to the premium section of the forum and there was normally a lot of banter in premium gen chat.

6 years later and I doubt I'd dream of paying towards the forum, most of the members I used to speak to a lot are on my facebook and I've had no interest in Saxos since mine blew up 5 years ago.

Not trying to be negative here, but personally I wouldn't miss the forum if it died off.

Tom.

willsy · 27th January 2017, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simo

Some insurers do just use club name and take it for granted you are a member, others pass referral codes, which are typically communicated in member only areas. Both work.

Out of interest... I will be looking to get the VTS back on the road soon (I hope). Which insurer is listing the VTS as modern-classic? Could be worth a look...

Got mine with Lancaster. I think Craigy180 has got one on his aswel. Usual criteria of can't be your main car, limited mileage (not sure what the limit is?) mines standard so I'm not sure if there's any modification restrictions. Can't grumble at £200 fully comp :-)
How long has yours been off the road now? Last time I remember seeing it was Trax at Silverstone before I did the 16V conversion on the old yellow Saxo, many moons ago!

BUMMERS · 6th February 2017, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by holdawayt

6 years later and I doubt I'd dream of paying towards the forum, most of the members I used to speak to a lot are on my facebook and I've had no interest in Saxos since mine blew up 5 years ago.

Not trying to be negative here, but personally I wouldn't miss the forum if it died off.

Tom.

That's like me saying i wouldn't care if scoobynet died because I don't own a subaru. It's kind of short sighted though as in the future you or your mates may well end up with a saxo again and all the posts, guides, how to's etc will be lost forever.

I'm not saying you should donate, just that the attitude of 'don't care if it dies off' is a bad one.

BackSheep · 8th February 2017, 09:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by BUMMERS

That's like me saying i wouldn't care if scoobynet died because I don't own a subaru. It's kind of short sighted though as in the future you or your mates may well end up with a saxo again and all the posts, guides, how to's etc will be lost forever.

I'm not saying you should donate, just that the attitude of 'don't care if it dies off' is a bad one.

You're definitely right there - the amount this forum has helped me is unbelievable. Even now sometimes I'll just search Google with my question and Saxperience shows result after result.

---

£10/year is pretty decent imo, especially considering I originally thought it was £10/month.

BUMMERS · 8th February 2017, 11:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by BackSheep

You're definitely right there - the amount this forum has helped me is unbelievable. Even now sometimes I'll just search Google with my question and Saxperience shows result after result.

---

£10/year is pretty decent imo, especially considering I originally thought it was £10/month.

That's exactly how I found the site, bought a saxo, needed to look up an issue and BAM - first 20 results on google were all sax-p.

Bedford126 · 8th February 2017, 12:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by BUMMERS

That's like me saying i wouldn't care if scoobynet died because I don't own a subaru. It's kind of short sighted though as in the future you or your mates may well end up with a saxo again and all the posts, guides, how to's etc will be lost forever.

I'm not saying you should donate, just that the attitude of 'don't care if it dies off' is a bad one.

Why would he end up with another saxo, I wouldn't take a saxo for love or money, they are old cars with a huge amount of problems that he's got out of once .

BackSheep · 8th February 2017, 12:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bedford126

Why would he end up with another saxo, I wouldn't take a saxo for love or money, they are old cars with a huge amount of problems that he's got out of once .

It's a great first car, so others may find all the posts helpful, even if he doesn't get another one - others he may or may not know may get one.