Just to be clear about Trad Gang and your membership ...

[lone hunter]

Crap! my bad...Nov. Thanks for the info, I'll edit post. Mike

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by tomsm44:
Just curious.  I'm kicking around becoming an associate sponsor next year.  Will this automatically make me a contributing member, or will that be a separate membership if I decide I want access to the contributed classifieds?

Thanks for an awesome site.
Matt Toms

all sponsors - full, associate and corporate - will automatically have full classifieds access.

[riverrat 2]

It's a good thing that TradGang doesn't charge a nickel everytime most guys (like myself) get on the site. Bet I'd spend a dollar a day. Glad to contribute,makes me feel a part of things.  rat'

[Archie]

I can't believe all the whining going on by people who are pooh-poohing a $30 contribution to use the classifieds.

I used to say "There's no such thing as a free lunch," but with TradGang, that's not the case.  I used this site for years without paying a penny to it.  TG literally took years off my learning curve with traditional bowhunting, and I've made lots of friends, gone to events, found excellent vendors, and followed along on countless hunts as other TradGangers post their stories on the forum.

I am obliged to pay subscription fees for all kinds of internet resources, and I accept that because I know that there are costs involved in hosting and running every single site on the net.  Consumer Reports, people finders, music or photo downloading -- we pay for all that stuff when we want it at a premium level.  In my opinion, everything on TradGang is at a premium level.  And it's free, unless you want to buy or sell.  And the $30 annual contribution fee is a bargain when compared to e.b.a.y. or the classifieds in the local paper.

Frankly, I'd be too embarrassed to publicly whine about paying a measly $30 fee on TG.

[Robert Marvin]

I dont see the whining? I dont use the classifieds anyway.

[nineworlds9]

Originally posted by Tim:
Trad Gang is so much more than the classifieds!  

How many of you use the Shooters Forum for advice, the Pow Wow to share your stories and learn old school methods of fletching, string making, etc.  How many of you have reached out to folks in other states for advice on hunting, vacations and possible relocation?  How many have shared photos of your families enjoy this wonderful sport? How many have searched posted photos for hours looking for the right wood combo?  How many have searched the vendors list for products?

I could go on for hours about the incredible "resource" this site has provided for folks who all share the same interest.  This is where folks come to show their success and get help when their struggling.  Most of the time I come here just to check in with friends, as my wife says...."my face book".  I also buy and sell stuff.  

This site has grown immensely since I signed on in 2003.  Since that time I've seen several changes, some I've agreed with others I question, like many of you.  I don't know Terry personally but I do know his heart has always been in the right place and his goal was too make this a campfire atmosphere where folks become friends and share their passion for traditional archery.  So far that is exactly what he and the mods have done.        

As for the $30 charge to use the classifieds. Traditional archers are known to be a frugal group of individuals who would rather improvise and make it by hand than buy it.  I hear you and share your frugal spirit, but my $30 check is in the mail. I find it difficult to understand why folks feel it necessary to debate over such an issue that is more than fair.

Tim hit the bullseye.

[Skates]

Well said Tim!!!

[wooddamon1]

I looove the classifieds, but I loooove the site as a whole even more, my money is coming soon.

[JAG]

Sent mine in by snail mail.
Don't use the classified much, but like to look!
Worth every penny.
Cheap at twice the price.
Terry keep up the good work.
Johnny/JAG