Comments on: “Paid” Wordpress forums? [EDIT] The correct answer is a resounding NO http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/ Weblog Tools Blogging Tools Blog Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:24:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: the fork in the road « wordpressâ„¢ wank http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-930819 the fork in the road « wordpressâ„¢ wank Sat, 11 Nov 2006 20:12:58 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-930819 [...] But we're getting to a stage now where the userbase is large enough for paid services to no longer be unthinkable; where wordpress is starting to become a serious competitor to MT. How about MT-style paid support? A site devoted to supporting the commercial site of WP? A wordpress book, to go with the half-dozen about Movable Type? [...] [...] But we're getting to a stage now where the userbase is large enough for paid services to no longer be unthinkable; where wordpress is starting to become a serious competitor to MT. How about MT-style paid support? A site devoted to supporting the commercial site of WP? A wordpress book, to go with the half-dozen about Movable Type? [...]

]]> By: David Russell http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-151576 David Russell Wed, 28 Dec 2005 20:15:01 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-151576 orangeguru: if your suggestion was followed, then developers would have a financial incentive to put bugs in the code in the first place orangeguru: if your suggestion was followed, then developers would have a financial incentive to put bugs in the code in the first place

]]> By: Chris http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-42108 Chris Fri, 22 Apr 2005 14:49:25 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-42108 I would love to see something like this. I'll tell you why? I have had some bugs in the program and for the life of me, I can not figure out how to fix it. I have posted many times that I am willing to pay someone to help, but so far I have not see anyone that is familar with this program that can fix these problems. If anyone can help me out, I am looking to hire someone. http://wordpress.org/support/topic.php?id=31200 http://wordpress.org/support/topic.php?id=31239 LOOKING FOR A LOGOUT PLUGIN: http://wordpress.org/support/topic.php?id=30557 Can anyone turn the my feed: http://www.systemtradingblog.com/wp-rss.php into a RSS, ATOM, and XML feed? If I was a programmer and could answser all questions pertaining to this nice piece of free software, I would charge a very small amount of money and at least frustrated bloggers could find fast answers to their problems. I would love to hear from anyone that can help me. I would love to see something like this. I’ll tell you why? I have had some bugs in the program and for the life of me, I can not figure out how to fix it. I have posted many times that I am willing to pay someone to help, but so far I have not see anyone that is familar with this program that can fix these problems.

If anyone can help me out, I am looking to hire someone.

http://wordpress.org/support/topic.php?id=31200
http://wordpress.org/support/topic.php?id=31239

LOOKING FOR A LOGOUT PLUGIN:
http://wordpress.org/support/topic.php?id=30557

Can anyone turn the my feed:
http://www.systemtradingblog.com/wp-rss.php

into a RSS, ATOM, and XML feed?

If I was a programmer and could answser all questions pertaining to this nice piece of free software, I would charge a very small amount of money and at least frustrated bloggers could find fast answers to their problems.

I would love to hear from anyone that can help me.

]]> By: Matt http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3346 Matt Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3346 I would recommend a Google Answers method where the answers and content are viewable by anyone. GPL only covers modifications to the code being distributed, you should be fine otherwise. I would recommend a Google Answers method where the answers and content are viewable by anyone. GPL only covers modifications to the code being distributed, you should be fine otherwise.

]]> By: orangeguru http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3347 orangeguru Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3347 I think it is a good idea to 'invent' as system that: a. Lets User put their money on what they want/need. b. Give developers a benefit for fixing bugs. Overall I like the OpenSource idea - but it should also inlcude the chance to make some OpenMoney?! Still the programs should be free - but developers who contribute important (WANTED) functions or fix annoying bugs would be rewarded. I think this would be EXCELLENT! Overall a micro enonomy would befit projects, developers and users alike. And it would make OpenSource much stronger - since people would put more effort into it. IMHO most user would like the idea of free software, which you could expand according to your wishes and your pocket. I think it is a good idea to ‘invent’ as system that:

a. Lets User put their money on what they want/need.

b. Give developers a benefit for fixing bugs.

Overall I like the OpenSource idea - but it should also inlcude the chance to make some OpenMoney?! Still the programs should be free - but developers who contribute important (WANTED) functions or fix annoying bugs would be rewarded. I think this would be EXCELLENT!

Overall a micro enonomy would befit projects, developers and users alike. And it would make OpenSource much stronger - since people would put more effort into it.

IMHO most user would like the idea of free software, which you could expand according to your wishes and your pocket.

]]> By: skippy http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3348 skippy Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3348 I like the idea, and I'd be tempted to provide the occasional solution; but I think there are several factors against this: 1) many users want fixed <strong>now</strong>, and the pool of developers may not be able to work at that speed (especially if they're each tackling multiple projects in addition to Real Life). 2) most people aren't willing to cough up money to fix something which they received for free. I wager that a for-pay support system would see a lot of people waiting for <em>someone else</em> to ask about -- and pay for -- specific solutions. 3) the transfer of money-for-service creates an atmosphere of liability. Even if the developer(s) disclaim their work, there may be unforeseen consequences, either from unsatisfied customers or unscrupulous developers. I like the idea, and I’d be tempted to provide the occasional solution; but I think there are several factors against this:
1) many users want fixed now, and the pool of developers may not be able to work at that speed (especially if they’re each tackling multiple projects in addition to Real Life).
2) most people aren’t willing to cough up money to fix something which they received for free. I wager that a for-pay support system would see a lot of people waiting for someone else to ask about — and pay for — specific solutions.
3) the transfer of money-for-service creates an atmosphere of liability. Even if the developer(s) disclaim their work, there may be unforeseen consequences, either from unsatisfied customers or unscrupulous developers.

]]> By: Podz http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3349 Podz Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3349 I just lost the first comment posted.... so here's another. This will attract and enrich coders and only coders. Do I need to add the rest ? I just lost the first comment posted…. so here’s another.

This will attract and enrich coders and only coders.
Do I need to add the rest ?

]]> By: Mark http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3350 Mark Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3350 I disagree. You (Podz) could personally answer more questions than a LOT of php/wordpress developers that I know! I disagree. You (Podz) could personally answer more questions than a LOT of php/wordpress developers that I know!

]]> By: Paul http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3351 Paul Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3351 <a href="http://www.experts-exchange.com/">Experts-Exchanged</a> had a somewhat similar model. You are granted a number of "points" for signing up. When you have a question, you offer a certain number of points for the answer. If someone gives you a good answer and solves your problem, you give them the points. You can also buy points if you balance runs low plus you can earn points yourself by answering others' questions. It's a pretty good system. Experts-Exchanged had a somewhat similar model. You are granted a number of “points” for signing up. When you have a question, you offer a certain number of points for the answer. If someone gives you a good answer and solves your problem, you give them the points. You can also buy points if you balance runs low plus you can earn points yourself by answering others’ questions. It’s a pretty good system.

]]> By: Gary http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3355 Gary Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3355 Well here's my proverbial 2 cents. I don't answer too many posts on the forum because I'm coming to them pretty jaded from other forums. Point in particular, I think that post was a load of rubbish. The guy doesn't know enough to run nightlies then cries because he can't make it work and people won't help him <em>right now</em> I'd ignore posts from anyone running nightlies who can't grasp the basics because everybody advises people not to unless you know what you're doing...and I'm not as easy going as Podz ;) Jeez it's like somebody complaining that they crashed a car when they hadn't passed their test. "Well the keys were on the counter...." I'd also argue that implementing something like this would be as big a task as getting wordpress builds out of the door. There's nothing stopping somebody from setting up a site offering WP support for a fee or gratuity, or doing a deal with a guru for a wishlist item or something. But there's no need to panic about the forum or community when a user get's out of their depth. My advice would have been "Go back to 1.2.2 and read a few books before you start on nightlies". I wouldn't think coders would want to get involved in this. The likes of Podz wouldn't because he does it because he likes/wants to. There's a gap there for enterprising and knowledgable individuals but I don't see them in the community right now - probably because it is a community... Well here’s my proverbial 2 cents.

I don’t answer too many posts on the forum because I’m coming to them pretty jaded from other forums. Point in particular, I think that post was a load of rubbish. The guy doesn’t know enough to run nightlies then cries because he can’t make it work and people won’t help him right now I’d ignore posts from anyone running nightlies who can’t grasp the basics because everybody advises people not to unless you know what you’re doing…and I’m not as easy going as Podz ;)

Jeez it’s like somebody complaining that they crashed a car when they hadn’t passed their test. “Well the keys were on the counter….”

I’d also argue that implementing something like this would be as big a task as getting wordpress builds out of the door. There’s nothing stopping somebody from setting up a site offering WP support for a fee or gratuity, or doing a deal with a guru for a wishlist item or something. But there’s no need to panic about the forum or community when a user get’s out of their depth. My advice would have been “Go back to 1.2.2 and read a few books before you start on nightlies”.

I wouldn’t think coders would want to get involved in this. The likes of Podz wouldn’t because he does it because he likes/wants to. There’s a gap there for enterprising and knowledgable individuals but I don’t see them in the community right now - probably because it is a community…

]]> By: Greg http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3356 Greg Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3356 It's nice to know my late night rantings may actually have some good come out of it. I spent most of last night and half of today banging my head against a proverbial brick wall and it took a few of the support board people to calm me down and guide me through the pacticular issue which thankfully has been resolvd... Anyways, that aside, as a dumb-ass user, I'd be all for a "pay-as-you-go" support system (if only for the most extreme cases or beta support), especially if it went towards the greater WP good... The Experts-Exchanged system probably sounds the best option. It’s nice to know my late night rantings may actually have some good come out of it. I spent most of last night and half of today banging my head against a proverbial brick wall and it took a few of the support board people to calm me down and guide me through the pacticular issue which thankfully has been resolvd…

Anyways, that aside, as a dumb-ass user, I’d be all for a “pay-as-you-go” support system (if only for the most extreme cases or beta support), especially if it went towards the greater WP good… The Experts-Exchanged system probably sounds the best option.

]]> By: jyoseph http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3357 jyoseph Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3357 I just shelled out $70 for Movable Type last week. I paid for the licensed version for 2 reasons, mainly. 1.) the promise of support 2.) to support the cause I'm not happy with the program and am testing out Wordpress as we speak. I am trying to install the Pictorialis for a photoblog. If I get this working you can guarantee that I am going to utilize the 30 day money back guarantee Movable Type offers. Guarantee support is a good way to go. It's more of a tiered support. I can't afford, in money or in patience, to post a topic on a forum and not hear anything for a week. This is the one and only reason I went with Movable Type. I submitted 3 trouble tickets today and they all got taken care of (they were all minor mistakes on my behalf). The person who answered the ticket provided a link to the help section that is 'member only' If you ended up doing this, I'd be game. But beware that I would not pay per issue. I would pay to be a member which would entitle me to support. Support has it's limitations though. For instance, MT wouldn't even entertain the idea of helping me with a plugin, but they did provide a great deal of information during setup. Things to think about. . .now. . . .back to my Wordpress Installation, wish me luck! I just shelled out $70 for Movable Type last week. I paid for the licensed version for 2 reasons, mainly.

1.) the promise of support
2.) to support the cause

I’m not happy with the program and am testing out Wordpress as we speak. I am trying to install the Pictorialis for a photoblog. If I get this working you can guarantee that I am going to utilize the 30 day money back guarantee Movable Type offers.

Guarantee support is a good way to go. It’s more of a tiered support. I can’t afford, in money or in patience, to post a topic on a forum and not hear anything for a week. This is the one and only reason I went with Movable Type. I submitted 3 trouble tickets today and they all got taken care of (they were all minor mistakes on my behalf). The person who answered the ticket provided a link to the help section that is ‘member only’

If you ended up doing this, I’d be game. But beware that I would not pay per issue. I would pay to be a member which would entitle me to support. Support has it’s limitations though. For instance, MT wouldn’t even entertain the idea of helping me with a plugin, but they did provide a great deal of information during setup.

Things to think about. . .now. . . .back to my Wordpress Installation, wish me luck!

]]> By: jyoseph http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3358 jyoseph Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3358 . . . . In other words a good way to set it up would be. Free version = no support (only forums) Paid version = support Where do I sign? . . . . In other words a good way to set it up would be.

Free version = no support (only forums)
Paid version = support

Where do I sign?

]]> By: jyoseph http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3360 jyoseph Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3360 . . .some time later . . . i am sorry but the directions for pictorialis are a bit vague. . . .some time later . . .

i am sorry but the directions for pictorialis are a bit vague.

]]> By: kyramas http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3361 kyramas Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3361 Well paid support sounds like a nice idea. But that probably will result in all the nice people that help us non-coders in the forums right now to turn to help people in the paid forums. Isnt that right ? If I was a coder I would probably do that. Help people and get paid. I am sure there are people that still want to help for free. Just for supporting the "free" ideal. Lets not tempt them. Well paid support sounds like a nice idea. But that probably will result in all the nice people that help us non-coders in the forums right now to turn to help people in the paid forums. Isnt that right ?
If I was a coder I would probably do that. Help people and get paid.
I am sure there are people that still want to help for free. Just for supporting the “free” ideal. Lets not tempt them.

]]> By: craig http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3366 craig Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3366 Well, I just wrote a reply rant, and it was lost immediately after I hit the POST button. I'm really tired of people who play with BETA versions and then crap all over WordPress and the VOLUNTEERS who do their best to help everyone. When they claim that "this is the problem with Open Source" they really show their ignorance. When they state that if BETAs are so unstable, why does WordPress allow access to them, they show their ignorance. Mark, I'm surprised and angered that you would even give that rant the courtesy of a link. It's not related to support issues with WordPress. Many people get help. More often than not, people get their questions answered, but not always quickly. To read how WordPress support has failed is a kick in my stomach. Podz and I, along with many other people, DONATE a lot of time and energy doing everything we can to help WordPress users, and this is how we are recognized for that effort. Why should we or anyone else to continue helping out then? I guess that you are asking or implying that the only good support is paid support. Well, I just wrote a reply rant, and it was lost immediately after I hit the POST button.

I’m really tired of people who play with BETA versions and then crap all over WordPress and the VOLUNTEERS who do their best to help everyone.

When they claim that “this is the problem with Open Source” they really show their ignorance. When they state that if BETAs are so unstable, why does WordPress allow access to them, they show their ignorance.

Mark, I’m surprised and angered that you would even give that rant the courtesy of a link. It’s not related to support issues with WordPress. Many people get help. More often than not, people get their questions answered, but not always quickly. To read how WordPress support has failed is a kick in my stomach. Podz and I, along with many other people, DONATE a lot of time and energy doing everything we can to help WordPress users, and this is how we are recognized for that effort. Why should we or anyone else to continue helping out then? I guess that you are asking or implying that the only good support is paid support.

]]> By: craig http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3367 craig Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3367 Podz hit the nail on the head, Mark. If people will pay for support, they will want to know your qualifications. A list of experience with PHP and MySQL and CSS and XHTML along with all the programming languages known will get paid for while "Long-time forum volunteer and support document writer" won't cut it with the paying public. Podz hit the nail on the head, Mark. If people will pay for support, they will want to know your qualifications. A list of experience with PHP and MySQL and CSS and XHTML along with all the programming languages known will get paid for while “Long-time forum volunteer and support document writer” won’t cut it with the paying public.

]]> By: craig http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3368 craig Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3368 I've borked my trackbacks so here's a link to a post about this on my site: http://blog.nuclearmoose.com/archives/2005/01/20/a-kick-in-the-face/ I’ve borked my trackbacks so here’s a link to a post about this on my site: http://blog.nuclearmoose.com/a.....-the-face/

]]> By: Mark http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3369 Mark Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3369 Craig and Podz, <blockquote>the only good support is paid support</blockquote> is exactly what I am NOT saying. However, a lot of people are under that very impression and thats what is hurting the support effort. The reason for this post was to gauge the feelings across the board. I personally DO NOT think that the only good support is paid support (look at support for almost ANY commercial software). However, this outcome is inevitable. People already offer "consultancy services" for WordPress blogs. This might formalize those offers and give the people that donate their time to the forums something to smile about and something in return. Craig and Podz,

the only good support is paid support

is exactly what I am NOT saying. However, a lot of people are under that very impression and thats what is hurting the support effort. The reason for this post was to gauge the feelings across the board. I personally DO NOT think that the only good support is paid support (look at support for almost ANY commercial software).

However, this outcome is inevitable. People already offer “consultancy services” for WordPress blogs. This might formalize those offers and give the people that donate their time to the forums something to smile about and something in return.

]]> By: craig http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3370 craig Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/19/paid_wordpress_forums/#comment-3370 Watching people run to paid support forums because my support isn't good enough as a volunteer is hardly something to smile about. Watching people run to paid support forums because my support isn’t good enough as a volunteer is hardly something to smile about.

]]>