As it worked out, this resulted in everyone posting technical questions in the General forum, and hostility between the different levels of membership.
So ... over the coming weeks, I'll be converting the club to one flat membership level. Non-members will still have access to all the information on the forums, but will not be able to post anywhere. Members will have full unlimited access to everything. The standard annual rate for membership is a measly £5.
But I've already paid!
All existing members have two options. Their membership can either be part-refunded, or converted into a longer membership. For example, if you paid £10, I can either convert your membership into a 2-yr membership (2 years @ £5 pa) or refund your 2nd year.
The other benefit is that people wanting to spam the forum with multiple accounts will have to pay to do so. Chances are not so many people will be keen to do that.
The downside is that we'll completely lose people who do not want to pay, which is a regrettable shame.
This solution has been at great length, and is intended to solve problems, but if you're completely unhappy, I'll be more than happy to refund your membership. Pro rata, of course
Unfortunately, the membership levels are tied into every aspect of this site, so will take a while to re-do. Watch this space ...
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