Gentle Redhedds, beloved friends, the time has come to convert Redhedd.com from a free site to a subscription-based community.
Rehdedd is approaching 10,000 members and the server shows the weight of so much redheaded love weighing on the database. This love is heavy, folks. We wouldn't have it any other way, but it's heavy.
I've poured countless thousands of dollars into Redhedd that I will never see returned. I have been happy to, all this time, it is after all a labor of love. But the money is not limitless. Times is tough, and I can't afford to continue operating at a loss. The site needs a new server in order to avoid the database freezes that occur nightly, as well as other upgrades that make redheads happy and keep them interested..
I know that many of you see this site as perfectly enjoyable as long as it's free. I understand that position just fine, and won't blame you a whit if you end up leaving us. I'll miss you, but I'll understand.
I also know that many of you love it here, and would pay if you could, but are unable to make the $25/year subscription. To me, that is incredibly sad, but again, I can't afford to keep bankrolling site costs without seeing some income to fund operations. I will hate to see you go. I will miss you. The site will miss you. But this is the way it has to be.
I am happy to announce however that there will be a merit scholarship that will afford a free subscription for ten members. These scholarships will be awarded based on seniority and contribution scores to ten deserving members. Please only apply for this scholarship if you are truly in need. You can apply by sending me a message with the subject line "gimme danger."
I am hoping that the rest of you will see that this site adds a bit of value to your lives, and that you are willing to give something back in exchange. I feel that $25/year is a reasonable amount to ask, and will be able to put the funds from the payments toward a new more powerful server and further upgrades to site function.
As you all probably know, the subscription fee can be paid via paypal. Please sign up here: http://www.redhedd.com/join/
Some of you may not be able to use paypal. In that case please contact me for alternative payment methods.
The site will convert over to the subscription-only system on November 1st. Until then, all ye free members enjoy, and all ye already subscribed, thank ye for your continued support.
-Steve
