I look at it this way, i will compare geocaching to the X-box 360.
X-Box 360, about 300 dollars to get a good one
Geocaching, about 300 dollars for a good unit
------------------
now here is where it all ends FAST!
games for 360=60 dollars a pop, .....let's face it you will get bored on one game fast, so it can add up( i personally own over 20K in games )
X-Box Live Membership ( Gold) 50 dollars a year (I have 4 one for me, my 2 sons and my wife)
Geocaching/Groundspeak Premimum membership= 30 dollars..............
HMMMMMMMM, seems like we are getting a awesome deal for our money here, NO?????
Last time i checked, servers, HVAC controls for those servers, renting space to house the servers, and the bills, electricty, ETC do not come cheap at all............... NOW finally add in the staff, WE are luckly to be paying $30.00 dollars a year to such a awesome web experience, friend making game, and for something that is a absolute Blast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!