Would you pay $5.00 to be a member of MCC (read first, then answer)

I agree.  Only I would make it $75 and make it a lifetime membership.  I'm all about barriers to entry.  Best way to save yourself time and make sure the time you invest is with serious individuals.

I would certainly be willing to pay the $5.00 a month.  If someone objects to that then they probably are only a member in name only.

I probably wouldn't have joined if there had been a fee from the get go.

It took me a while to decide if and how I wanted to participate in this group, and after a little time lurking I decided it was the best thing since sliced bread or perhaps since "hello, hello"

My suggestion would be to create a free time period so people who are unsure of whether they want to "take on something else" can determine if the group suits their needs.  Take the credit card info up front and if they cancel their account by a predetermined date, no charges.  If they don't then the recurring fee begins.

I think it's a great way to pay for the site and the services you offer Terry, then maybe you can afford to hire some help.  ;-)

BTW, I've been a paying member for some time now because I believe that what MCC does is important to my social life....err... business.  It's well worth the price of admission.

Hmm, interesting.  I guess I object to the assumption that free equates to "not serious."  After all, there's a charge for just about everything else - live events, lunches and breakfasts.  So, if someone is "serious" they'll pay to attend those.

Perhaps for many members, it's enough just to participate in the online discussions.  Speaking for myself, I've not been able to attend any lunch or breakfast near me because the days and times offered always conflict with standing client meetings.  That doesn't mean I'm not "serious" about Motor City Connect.

Also, I question why there is a problem with 4,000 members, or more?  I remember a year ago when you were thrilled you broke 1,000 members.  Isn't the purpose of this group to network?  Why establish such limitations?  If the membership number takes a hit, where is the value? 

And, where is the value if it's the same people going to these events over and over?  That makes it more of a closed "club" than an open networking group.

Debbie-

We aren't establishing limitations on the # of people who are in the group. We would be establishing limitations on people who don't participate.

As a longtime online group leader I understand that there are "lurkers" those who will read and learn, but not ever share. And that's ok, but we are looking for people who will be active in what we are doing.

Sorry to read that the schedule hasn't worked out for you. We will be moving our meetings around and hopefully you can attend one that best fits you.

To the rest of you-

Thank you so much for support. Pat, I think there will be a free trial period (obviously anyone who got this note is already getting one since they're here now).

What is the goal of creating a barrier to entry to MCC?  I joined to get a pulse on the activity in the Detroit area and review topics that are of interest to me.  One of the benefits is I can choose when and if I want to join a discussion or if my input is required.  There are many of us out here in the social media world that are passive members by choice.  No, I would not be willing to pay $5 a month. 

As someone who is unemployed and networks with others who are, I'm less likely to participate or recommend the group if there is any cost.   Every $ counts.

If you only want the group to include people who are currently in jobs, then the cost is fine.

You may end up excluding some who need it most.

I agree with Debbie's post. 

All groups have a working core group and then the members....it is nearly impossible to get everyone to join in.

Many people join for different reasons and at times may not be able to join in.  Every organization needs different people, levels of interest and volunteering availiability.  At times some of the members won't be able to attend or "do", but might be able to in a few months or may have interest in the next event and then contribute greatly. 

Also, with the Detroit area hit so hard with lay-offs....this might eliminate some really good people from joining.

If MCC *has* to charge, then do a nominal fee of something like $20/year.  I like that you are giving a price break of $15/yr for current members.  Can elaborate or go into detail of what great things could be done with the annual fee?

I'd support $5 per month.

I'm in favor of a modest monthly charge of $5.00, I have met many people that have become friends and business associates. I'm especially pleased to see that there are now sub categories so that I can better connect with the members that have business interests similar to what I'm looking for.

For all the members that haven't reached out to the 4,000 other members here's the deal; you can continue to do business the old way and hoping that you will eventually score a deal or you can become active, meet some great people, and grow your business while helping them grow theirs. It's easy to do, make it a goal today to go to the ASK section of the website and read what your fellow members are requesting help with and find someone you can help. You will accomplish two things you will make a new acquaintance and introduce yourself to someone that is there to help you as well. It's not that difficult, so promise yourself that you are going to do this before the end of the day.

Well, that will be just swell...

I used to belong to the Macomb Chamber of Commerce. Their initiation fee of $125.00 and Annual Dues of $250.00 (cira 2002) were bad enough. All the non-support I got for my business was even less than enough if any, unless, of course I would attend $20.00 a crack social meetings and donated hundreds more and for what? My business went no where and my membership ended after that first year.

Now, I find a networking group that was free and maybe could help my business. Hey, there hasn't even been a "hello" or "how are you" from any member of MCC and no hits on my profile. So, now I should pay $5.00 a month ($60.00 a year) and get the same support I am getting from the FREE network?

That is a pathetic idea. Why, because you have 4,000 members with about 75% of them who seem to be in the same boat as me and probably can't affort it anyways.

Great, limit it even more. Who thought this one up and who want's to destroy the group and the good idea it started out as?

One last observation...

Terry, why is it the only name I ever see on these e-mail, is yours? If we have 4,000 members, where are they and why is it that no one else seems to step up to the plate and swing the bat?

I think that $5.00 is a very reasonable fee.  I plan on attending some of your upcoming networking events and hope to derive some business from it, as well as help others grow their businesses as well.

Cheryl Carey

Sign me up!  Come on... $5.00 per month to network online and participate in events with a modest charge, seems like a no brainer to me.  I've been to one event (I know, shame on me!) learning about how to create an ASK that really gets people thinking of how to help you.  It was powerful stuff that a chamber membership doesn't offer.  And a heck of a lot less expensive.  $60 per year for a wealth of knowledge that far out reaches a typical chamber membership, I'm in!