Another idea rather than 'going back on their word' SH could let the free members keep their memberships but limit them to one each and then as they add new features they could be made to pay for those, so in effect they are still getting free what they did when it changed to paying but then having to pay for the added things like shrep and multi rooms and that type thing.
If we are to pay for the extra added things why shouldn't they as well, that way the choice is everyone's if the want to use and pay for them.
As things are, a lot of people are finding it hard to pay for 1 or 2 profiles and im guessing that they would rather you asked their opinions on upgraded that weren't necessary or whether it would be preferred to keep it simple and cheaper!
The couples accounts really do need to be multi logging as those of us with 3 profiles (2 singles and a couple) it would make more sense but then i guess that's how sh is making its money!
The simple fact is that SH is being funded by only 72% of the members.
When we signed up we weren't aware that our fees were paying for such a large number of free members to use the site.
Whilst we accept that SH feel that they have to honour a promise to keep the site free for those members who joined prior to the end of 2005, we feel that SH would be keeping that promise. Since 2005 SH has made plenty on new innovations to its site. Surely these should be outside the promise, and therefore those free members should be asked to pay if they want to use those features, such as the new and improved chat.
If all the free members left tonight, the site would still have all the features you pay for.
I still maintain the price would not go down now matter how many people pay because this is a profit making business ,if a million people join tonight they price will not go down either.
When I first joined as a paying memeber I didn`t throw a wobbly when I found out that there were free members, if they had free membership in legacy then fair play to them, I still paid my subs and even had extras.
The way I look at it is that this is a "leisure activity" it is not vital so like others have said you pay your money and you take your choice, I was rather lucky and inherited (so to speak) a free profile from my partner, however I would still of continued paying if this hadn`t happened.
Theres another thread running about the cost of clubs, and lets face it you probably pay a membership fee for most clubs, plus a fee on the night, taxi, baby sitter, hotel room, drinks, new outfit etc, all for a few hours of fun once or twice a month if you`re lucky, for much less you can be on here 24/7 365 days of the year if you wanted to and for less than you`d spend on a night out.
People do leave but most come back, what does that tell you?
ive been reading thru the posts and have noticed that the most verbal peeps are the freebies,as i see it the price increase is putting alot of payer off rejoining so at some [point in time if there arnt that many payers left then the site will either have to charge the freebies or shut down.i agree that the costs should be spread evenly,swinging is about sharing after all. x
I too have read many of the posts, and most importantly, Aurora's original post.
I can see her points and do accept them. I can also apreciate the points raised by the majority, who are supporting the minority. However as a free member, I only find myself in this position through no fault or choosing of my own. Though I could arguably cancel my membership and rejoin as a payer, that's a no brainer, especially as I'm quite unsuccessful here, unlike others who no doubt do get value for their money.
I don't set the rules of the game, I simply have to play by them, and in this case I have free membership.
In closing I too have enjoyed viewing Aurora's pictures, especially the black and whites, and the bondage and candle pics. Aurora you look just dreamy.
Firstly let me say..I am a free member.
thing is the site needs to keep membership numbers high....so as to attract new members. This is a commercial site after all. If they asked for a fee off old members, I think you would see a severe reduction in the numbers.
Can i suggest a compromise solution. Why not ask the old, free members for a one off £50 charge..and for that offer free lifetime membership. I think most of us old members would see that as good value and fair. The site could also potentially gain a large slice of income !! Just an idea.
i don't think there are many examples of where a group of people have a unanimous set of criteria. most groups function on a scale of relative values. so following this idea seems to have an unlikely outcome.
perhaps this free membership is precisely why sh is seen to be a leading site on the net. to undermine that quality seems self destructive.
I know it looks like that from my forum avatar and details, but check my profile, I joined in Sept 2003, so well before the cut off for "free" membership. Not sure why it's different on my forum details, maybe first date I posted in the forum, not sure :dunno: Hope that clears up your query?
!!!! Thanks for clearing it up !!! 
It is the site in the wrong for not treating it's members fairly, yes free membership is all well and good but when things inflate and others have to pay for it ....
