Groundspeak Lifetime Membership

1.3k · February 23, 2011

If GS offered a lifetime membership, would you take advantage of it? Maybe even 10 year memberships. I definitely would subscribe to it. I'm 40, so let's say I plan to cache for 25-30 more years. That would be $750 - $900 to renew annually at the current rate. I'd definitely purchase a lifetime membership for $500-600 dollars. That gives GS more cash flow, more interest-earning income potential, and less paperwork.

Edited February 23, 2011 by TerraViators

2.7k · February 23, 2011

How does reducing your overall long term payment mean more money for Groundspeak? It just means more money for them NOW, but less in the long run

1.3k · February 23, 2011

duplicate post

Edited February 23, 2011 by TerraViators

February 23, 2011

If GS offered a lifetime membership, would you take advantage of it? Maybe even 10 year memberships. I definitely would subscribe to it. I'm 40, so let's say I plan to cache for 25-30 more years. That would be $750 - $900 to renew annually at the current rate. I'd definitely purchase a lifetime membership for $500-600 dollars. That gives GS more cash flow, more interest-earning income potential, and less paperwork.

I definitely would not at this time even though I'm only 55. Things like this don't hold my attention long enough to commit to something like a lifetime membership. Not real happy with the direction I see it going either.

1.5k · February 23, 2011

If I had the money I might.

1.3k · February 23, 2011

How does reducing your overall long term payment mean more money for Groundspeak? It just means more money for them NOW, but less in the long run

If you read my post, I never mentioned that if gives GS more money. I stated that it gives them more money now that can earn interest and increase cash flow. Also, what if I decided I want nothing more to do with the game after 5 years. Well, they got $600 from me instead of $150.

20.7k · February 23, 2011

I would if the price was right. 500-600 dollars is not 'right'.

2.1k · February 23, 2011

I would, I know how capital needs go for computer companies.

And I'd rather not have to remember to renew each year. I'd even take a two year option for 55$.

Edited February 23, 2011 by MooseJawSpruce

18.9k · February 23, 2011

I would if the price was right. 500-600 dollars is not 'right'.

My thoughts exactly. I was thinking more like $250 to $350 max.

2.6k · February 23, 2011

I would if the price was right. 500-600 dollars is not 'right'.

I agree.....also at my age I'd like to see something like a " sliding scale " or " age indexed ".

11.5k · February 23, 2011

I'd go for a two-year discounted membership.

$500 is a HUGE amount of money to me!

2.7k · February 23, 2011

How does reducing your overall long term payment mean more money for Groundspeak? It just means more money for them NOW, but less in the long run

If you read my post, I never mentioned that if gives GS more money. I stated that it gives them more money now that can earn interest and increase cash flow. Also, what if I decided I want nothing more to do with the game after 5 years. Well, they got $600 from me instead of $150.

Right. But I suspect the money will be more needed by Groundspeak later, if Geocaching suddenly becomes less popular with the mainstream crowd. All depends if Geocaching is going to keep growing, or suffer a MySpace moment later.

On the other hand, it would be nice to have some [ LIFETIME ] badge on our profile pics / forum titles to indicate we ponied up big bucks to keep the site going today.

1.3k · February 23, 2011

I'd go for a two-year discounted membership.

$500 is a HUGE amount of money to me!

Agreed that $500 is alot to some and pocket change to others. I paid $750 for a lifetime membership to my fraternity. That basically gets me a lifetime membership card and pin, the monthly publications, email notices, automatic alumni association memebership and I can attend fraternity meeting and vote. I don't do any of it. I would do much more with a GS lifetime membership.

Lifetime hunting and fishing licenses are fairly expensive, but folks gobble them up, also.

It would definitely be a chunk of change to throw down at one time. But, maybe they could do a lifetime membership and something like 3 or 4 installments over a year.

1.2k · February 23, 2011

I think it depends on a lot. Who knows what Geocaching will be like in $10 years. Will you still enjoy it? I would have to strongly consider a Lifetime membership for $500 since I'm only 26. That could easily work out to $10 a year for the next 50 years.

3.2k · February 23, 2011

In a heartbeat, in fact, I have suggested this before. Even raising the price suggested in this thread it would still probably attract a significant number of users.

The lifetime subscription to QST magazine I have, a mag for the Amateur Radio crowd, is a little over $1500 vs. $39 a year to subscribe.

19k · February 23, 2011

I would if the price was right. 500-600 dollars is not 'right'.

I agree.....also at my age I'd like to see something like a " sliding scale " or " age indexed ".

I agree. At my age, I think $35 would be about right.

February 23, 2011

I'd do it in a heartbeat even if it was $1000 or more. Even if I don't live long enough to get my "value" out of it I would hope others would benefit.

20.7k · February 23, 2011

What if a person gets banninated in two years? $250 a year seems kinda steep.

19k · February 23, 2011

What if a person gets banninated in two years? $250 a year seems kinda steep.

That sure would go a long way towards keeping some folks in line, wouldn't it? Especially those young whipper-snappers that are on the high end of the age-indexed price.

3.8k · February 23, 2011

With the collapse of the middle east and our own internal strife, there's not a chance that I would do a lifetime unless it was so unbeliavably cheap, you'd be stupid to pass it up. But our current world events are a precursor to WW3 so I am spending my money on duct tape and bottled water.

2.1k · February 23, 2011

Just for comparison purposes, a North Carolina Statewide Comprehensive Hunting License is $30/year (for residents of the state). The equivalent Lifetime license is $250.

I'd pay $250 for a lifetime membership here.

4.2k · February 23, 2011

Don't platinum members have a lifetime subscription.?

8.3k · February 23, 2011

Don't platinum members have a lifetime subscription.?

yes, and they did not have to pay for them.

3.8k · February 23, 2011

Don't platinum members have a lifetime subscription.?

It'd be a miracle if this ridiculous notion of a platinum membership ever died. Thanks for railroading another topic.

2k · February 23, 2011

I would hate to see anything that morphs into the used car dealership type pricing that many fitness clubs have.

Have a price and what it is, is. Make a yearly vs monthly thing and raise rates, if necessary as needed.

19k · February 23, 2011

With the collapse of the middle east and our own internal strife, there's not a chance that I would do a lifetime unless it was so unbeliavably cheap, you'd be stupid to pass it up. But our current world events are a precursor to WW3 so I am spending my money on duct tape and bottled water.

So, you wanna go out caching with me this weekend and grab everything? Might be our last chance.

19k · February 23, 2011

Don't platinum members have a lifetime subscription.?

It'd be a miracle if this ridiculous notion of a platinum membership ever died. Thanks for railroading another topic.

What's the sound of two trains colliding?

7.4k · February 23, 2011

I have concerns about the long-term viability of this game, and I wouldn't outlay that kind of money right now.

If Groundspeak got its act together and started to demonstrate a genuine commitment to quality and progress, I might consider it.

7.4k · February 23, 2011

Don't platinum members have a lifetime subscription.?

It'd be a miracle if this ridiculous notion of a platinum membership ever died. Thanks for railroading another topic.

If anybody is railroading the topic, it's you with your ridiculous, off-topic political commentary.

Sounds like someone's jealous that he didn't get in on the platinum membership.

9.3k · February 23, 2011

Don't platinum members have a lifetime subscription.?

It'd be a miracle if this ridiculous notion of a platinum membership ever died. Thanks for railroading another topic.

Since the topic continued, it looks like the interjection of a bit of humor didn't "railroad" the topic, contrary to your hyperbole.

1.3k · February 23, 2011

Don't platinum members have a lifetime subscription.?

It'd be a miracle if this ridiculous notion of a platinum membership ever died. Thanks for railroading another topic.

If anybody is railroading the topic, it's you with your ridiculous, off-topic political commentary.

Sounds like someone's jealous that he didn't get in on the platinum membership.

What the heck is platinum membership?? I've never heard of it.

February 24, 2011

With the collapse of the middle east and our own internal strife, there's not a chance that I would do a lifetime unless it was so unbeliavably cheap, you'd be stupid to pass it up. But our current world events are a precursor to WW3 so I am spending my money on duct tape and bottled water.

Don't forget the ammo.....

2.2k · February 24, 2011

I've been doing this for more than seven years now, which is longer than almost any other hobby I have so I don't think it will be my interest that wanes. However, the price would have to be quite cheap for me to consider "investing" in any web company for the long term.

I'm quite happy paying on an annual basis as it gives me more flexibility:

- IF my interests or health changes I can quit paying.

- If Groundspeak starts doing things I don't agree with I can stop paying.

- If the hobby becomes overrun with power trails I can stop paying.

- If the local caching community changes and isn't as friendly as they are now...

etc, etc

7.7k · February 24, 2011

Platinum membership privilege issues aside, one reason Groundspeak is not likely to offer lifetime membership is that there is no easy way for Groundspeak to verify that an account owner is, erm, mortally challenged.

You can, however, get 10 years of membership for $300 right now though

February 24, 2011

I don't think i'd go for a lifetime membership, us being only 22 and 26. We can hope geocaching will still be around in 30+ years but you never know, and that's a lot of money to throw down in the hopes that it will be.

Now the idea of a 2 of 5 year membership is appealing to me as it would be much more convenient!

February 24, 2011

Don't platinum members have a lifetime subscription.?

It'd be a miracle if this ridiculous notion of a platinum membership ever died. Thanks for railroading another topic.

If anybody is railroading the topic, it's you with your ridiculous, off-topic political commentary.

Sounds like someone's jealous that he didn't get in on the platinum membership.

What the heck is platinum membership?? I've never heard of it.

I was wondering the same thing.

4.2k · February 24, 2011

Don't platinum members have a lifetime subscription.?

It'd be a miracle if this ridiculous notion of a platinum membership ever died. Thanks for railroading another topic.

If anybody is railroading the topic, it's you with your ridiculous, off-topic political commentary.

Sounds like someone's jealous that he didn't get in on the platinum membership.

What the heck is platinum membership?? I've never heard of it.

I was wondering the same thing.

A recurring joke that railroaded the topic. Although a lifetime membership would be platinum in a number of ways.

Edited February 24, 2011 by mulvaney

2.3k · February 24, 2011

I am having a difficult time committing to the idea of another years worth of membership at this time as the services I am paying for are not necessarily services I use and I feel that handing money over to this business would be akin to opening up my wallet at Walgreens corporate and saying "Hey you don't offer me anything I need but here's some money anyways."

I may consider doing a reduced rate 2 year membership. But even then I'm weighing the service I'm paying for. Is it really worth the money to me or could it be better spent on travel bugs or stuff from their store? When I buy a membership realistically they lose a sale there for me too. And really I know I get enjoyment out of the stuff I buy from them.

Anyhow that's how I view it.

1.3k · February 24, 2011

I am having a difficult time committing to the idea of another years worth of membership at this time as the services I am paying for are not necessarily services I use and I feel that handing money over to this business would be akin to opening up my wallet at Walgreens corporate and saying "Hey you don't offer me anything I need but here's some money anyways."

I may consider doing a reduced rate 2 year membership. But even then I'm weighing the service I'm paying for. Is it really worth the money to me or could it be better spent on travel bugs or stuff from their store? When I buy a membership realistically they lose a sale there for me too. And really I know I get enjoyment out of the stuff I buy from them.

Anyhow that's how I view it.

Valid point, however, at least with a membership, you get something that will last more than a month, unlike TB's which disappear like roaches when you turn on the lights.

February 24, 2011

nope

February 24, 2011

If GS offered a lifetime membership, would you take advantage of it? Maybe even 10 year memberships. I definitely would subscribe to it. I'm 40, so let's say I plan to cache for 25-30 more years. That would be $750 - $900 to renew annually at the current rate. I'd definitely purchase a lifetime membership for $500-600 dollars. That gives GS more cash flow, more interest-earning income potential, and less paperwork.

Actually there is this thing called deferred revenue, which is considered a liability until it becomes relevant to the business at hand, such as a payment received for work that has not yet been performed.

In other words, the revenue for future membership benefits cannot be recognized until those benefits are being used.

1.3k · February 24, 2011

If GS offered a lifetime membership, would you take advantage of it? Maybe even 10 year memberships. I definitely would subscribe to it. I'm 40, so let's say I plan to cache for 25-30 more years. That would be $750 - $900 to renew annually at the current rate. I'd definitely purchase a lifetime membership for $500-600 dollars. That gives GS more cash flow, more interest-earning income potential, and less paperwork.

Actually there is this thing called deferred revenue, which is considered a liability until it becomes relevant to the business at hand, such as a payment received for work that has not yet been performed.

In other words, the revenue for future membership benefits cannot be recognized until those benefits are being used.

If it were me, I'd take my chances.

February 24, 2011

If it means I get a forum title "Lifetime Member" I am all in! :lol: Most I would pay would be around $250.

1.3k · February 24, 2011

A bit off-topic, but let's say you have a family of four, and each memeber wants an individual account. Why not offer a family-pak for $100 instead of $120. Seems that would also generate revenue. I know several family cachers who say they would be willing to paid for individual memberships if there was a price break.

2.2k · February 24, 2011

I'd do it in a heartbeat even if it was $1000 or more. Even if I don't live long enough to get my "value" out of it I would hope others would benefit.

Me too.

Well, maybe not a thousand, but 500 I would do, for the reasons stated above.

Reminds me of when I bought a life memberships in USCF, some 30 years ago.

At the time they were begging people to do it, because they were in a cash crisis. About a year ago, there was a push by some to reneg on the life memberships, because we were freeloading on the "paying" members.

I support:

Public libraries

State Parks

Animal shelters

Natural food co-ops (Remember those?)

and geocaching

I don't necessarily look at any of them in cost per year to determine how much they benefit me.

6.7k · February 24, 2011

I am having a difficult time committing to the idea of another years worth of membership at this time as the services I am paying for are not necessarily services I use and I feel that handing money over to this business would be akin to opening up my wallet at Walgreens corporate and saying "Hey you don't offer me anything I need but here's some money anyways."

I may consider doing a reduced rate 2 year membership. But even then I'm weighing the service I'm paying for. Is it really worth the money to me or could it be better spent on travel bugs or stuff from their store? When I buy a membership realistically they lose a sale there for me too. And really I know I get enjoyment out of the stuff I buy from them.

Anyhow that's how I view it.

You say "the services I am paying for are not necessarily services I use" yet it is a rare day that you do not play in Off Topic, a moderated forum provided as a benefit to Premium members.

Any one of the services available through Premium membership is well worth the membership fee to me, and yes if I could get them even cheaper per annum by buying a lifetime membership I would.

7.7k · February 24, 2011

Anyone suggested this on the feedback site? I'd vote for it.

February 24, 2011

I'd take 60 months for $60 in celebration of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Any period longer than that ... nah, no thanks.

1.2k · February 24, 2011

Lets face it. The monopoly won't last forever, its clear that GS is fearing that now (yeah, I know, separate discussion).

So, that raises questions...

How pissed will you be when a yearly membership drops from $30 to $12/year. Would you want your "lifetime membership" to be prorated?

How will you feel when GS is no longer the largest site out there? Would you expect a refund?

What will your reaction be if GS drops geocaching, in favor of Waymarking, Wherigo, or what ever other concepts they think people want? Remember, your "membership" includes all of GS's sites, not just geocaching.

2.3k · February 24, 2011

I am having a difficult time committing to the idea of another years worth of membership at this time as the services I am paying for are not necessarily services I use and I feel that handing money over to this business would be akin to opening up my wallet at Walgreens corporate and saying "Hey you don't offer me anything I need but here's some money anyways."

I may consider doing a reduced rate 2 year membership. But even then I'm weighing the service I'm paying for. Is it really worth the money to me or could it be better spent on travel bugs or stuff from their store? When I buy a membership realistically they lose a sale there for me too. And really I know I get enjoyment out of the stuff I buy from them.

Anyhow that's how I view it.

You say "the services I am paying for are not necessarily services I use" yet it is a rare day that you do not play in Off Topic, a moderated forum provided as a benefit to Premium members.

Any one of the services available through Premium membership is well worth the membership fee to me, and yes if I could get them even cheaper per annum by buying a lifetime membership I would.

Off Topic to me is not worth $30/year. If my membership lapsed I wouldn't particularly miss it. I look at the value of what I'm getting and really favorites and off topic forum are not worth $30 to me and that's mainly what I use. $30 can get me a handful of travel bugs which I would use. But that's just me. Which is why I'm looking at this year by year. This year I'll probably renew but at each year goes on and there aren't any new bells and whistles added that I may get more interest from or help me justify that cost I will eventually let it lapse. Probably sooner than later.

Groundspeak Lifetime Membership

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