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COMMUNITY : FORUMS : COMMUNITY BLOG


Instructables Pro Accounts Have Launched

The initial version of Instructables Pro Accounts is now live! Sign up to create private Instructables, send digital patches to other members you admire, and to proudly display your Pro Badge. Check out the homepage's "New Pro Members" leaderboard to see the latest pro members.

There are more pro features on the way! Come check out the pro forum to have your say about which features we should develop next, or which bug you really can't stand (we can barely stand it either).

As I previously wrote here, if you registered prior to now, you'll get at least 3 months of free access to the features we are turning pro. During that time I hope we can convince you that going pro is worth it.

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1-100 of 497Next »
albertahoney says: Apr 24, 2011. 1:00 PM
I "went Pro" a year ago, never even used the site, actually stopped getting the emails for some reason, and then today I got a notice from my bank account that Instructables was trying to get money for another year through Paypal. I changed banks between then and now, so they didn't get the $$ but I can't find where to go to get out of this mess. If someone could help me get back to peasant status, I would be grateful.
164
Kiteman in reply to albertahoneyApr 24, 2011. 2:15 PM
You need to contact HQ at service[at]instructables[dot]com.

You should get a quick response there.
8
Rotten194 says: Jun 5, 2009. 7:51 PM
I really think this is a bad idea. Every other site I've become a member on had/ got a membership feature. And every time the same thing happens. Suddenly, because of the special forums, privileges, etc., If you don't/cant pay for membership, its not really as fun anymore. All the older members who are more devoted to the either can buy membership or have it donated by adoring fans, so all the "cool people" get membership. Then all the new people decide the best way for them to get started and be recognized is to buy membership, because that's what all the older members have. So the members forum gets spammed up with stupid people (NOTE: I didn't say "new people" here, as most new members to Instructables actually have a neuron to fire. But the ones who feel they really need to buy membership to get people to recognize them are usually the dumb ones) who cant post their bug topics or "AMAZING AIM CONVO !!1!!" to the "mere mortals" section, and the members forum begins to get annoying. At the same time, the other forums are full of people who want membership begging for it however they can, complaining about it, etc., because they all think that its awesome to be pro. Of course, none of the pro users will admit that its starting to suck, so people finally get it from someone so that they will finally stop begging or break down and BUY it, get access, and after a few hours, agree with the other pro members. Of course, now they can brag and act godly around normal members because they have a stupid badge/colored name/other member benefits. I'm not saying that this will happen to Instructables necessarily, as the membership comes with other benefits besides forum access. But it will have side effects, just look at all the protesters already. Instead, I would just have a donate button (With some thing like a badge, but no real benefits. Most people would donate just to keep this site running.), coupled with new merchandise in the store and more advertising for the store. You can order wristbands printed with custom words and images to sell, hold design and product contests, sell "Instructables" kits with the parts for popular Instructables (giving a cut to the authors, of course). All said, I don't think this pro thing is a good idea. It might work, but its too much of a deterrent (in my humble opionion), when you charge for half of a free show and tell.
164
Kiteman in reply to Rotten194Jun 6, 2009. 8:50 AM
Translation:

"I do not like the change, therefore I am going to presume they will fail. I will then sit back and watch what happens. If it fails, I already have my "told you so" post written, and if it works I will simply pretend I was not so negative in the first place.

The site was paid for through advertising, but the adverts are drying up.

Without advertising revenue, the choice is pro members or no members.
1
Klappstuhl in reply to KitemanNov 12, 2009. 4:40 AM
Or creating a FREE Instructables Community on LiveJournal. No need to stay here.
164
Kiteman in reply to KlappstuhlNov 12, 2009. 12:44 PM
I had a quick look, I can't see one...

I wonder why?
17
sensoryhouse in reply to KitemanJul 12, 2009. 2:07 PM
(removed by author or community request)
164
Kiteman in reply to sensoryhouseJul 12, 2009. 2:36 PM
I'm not a "wannabe", I am a member of the Feature Team.

Ad hominem attacks and anonymous moans will not give your arguments much credence, especially when your insults are inaccurate - you seem to have missed my various comments regarding the negative side of the pro-implementation.

If you read what I actually posted, you will see that I (unlike you) have not attacked individuals. What I have responded to are ill-informed moans that appear to say that all members deserve something for nothing. My comments clearly weren't so bad as you imply, because none of them have been flagged (go on, feel free to trawl back through my archive and flag a few, just to prove me wrong). Just because it's on the internet does not mean it's free.

Giving pro status to all active members is problematic (define "active"?) and bad business - the idea is to raise money to keep the site going. Everybody who is pro has paid for it, even payroll staff.

Nobody is forced to go pro.

If you want to access the core content of the site, the bit that has value, then you can do that even without a membership. OK, so it isn't quite as convenient as it used to be, but the site has existed without "all-steps" for than it has existed with all-steps. The site grew just as quickly then as now.

If you don't want to go pro, that's fine, but the site still costs money to run - is it too much to ask for people to see a few adverts?
16
Lithium Rain in reply to sensoryhouseJul 12, 2009. 2:22 PM
Ad hominem attacks again? How...passe.

>Sigh<

Must we go through this every time?

The only tool and pathetic wannabe I see around here is you.

Kiteman has not be hypocritical in the least, as you imply. He's actively made known the parts of pro he does not like, in public. He is also a valued member of the community by any measure, and personal attacks don't help your point at all. They only make people want to poke you with sharp pointy things. :S
2
Madrias357 in reply to Lithium RainJul 13, 2009. 6:47 AM
Agreed. I've attempted to give ideas, tossing something out there. Sensoryhouse has been throwing digital punches. Kiteman hasn't done much better because he's letting himself be provoked into fighting back. Will you 2 children give up, go to your respective corners, and talk it out there?! I'm trying to predict the future of instructables, and all I see is fighting. That in mind, I'm starting to see a definite split already between Pro and Non-pro members. And within the Non-Pro are another 3 way split: Pro-unable, indifferent, and Anti-Pro. And would someone please explain to me this 'ad hominem' thing?
9
kelseymh in reply to Madrias357Jul 16, 2009. 2:56 PM
And would someone please explain to me this 'ad hominem' thing?

Google is your friend, as is Wikipedia. Try them, you might like them.
2
Madrias357 in reply to kelseymhJul 20, 2009. 12:26 PM
Thanks for the advice. learned a lot from Wikipedia.
16
Lithium Rain in reply to Madrias357Jul 13, 2009. 1:26 PM
It's not unreasonable to respond to his allegations when they're as ridiculous as they are.

There need be no split. I firmly believe this is temporary.

People hate change. They go through a few basic stages when reacting to change - they get angry and upset about it. Then they doubt it and resist it. They go on to experience discomfort and anxiety. At this point, they either go on to realize that it's not the end of the world, start to see good in the change, and move on to accepting and maybe even liking the change - or they go back to the first stage. Let's don't get bogged down here. Let's move on to seeing the good in this change, instead of going back to the beginning negative reaction. That doesn't mean we have to go along with any part of it - we can disagree with parts of it, and politely and respectfully make that known, and suggest alternatives, without getting bogged down in overly emotional reactions and irrational flaming.

As for ad hominem, please just google it.
8
Rotten194 in reply to Lithium RainJul 13, 2009. 4:34 PM
Can you just give up already? Sensoryhouse has brought up valid points to the discussion, as have almost everyone in this thread before it turned into a boxing match. He, and many others, don't feel that paying for more features is worth it or fair, and is entitled to that opinion. however, apparently some people haven't realized THAT ITS OVER. Obviously Eric and the staff don't give one anymore, as is shown by the fact that none of them have commented here in over a month. All that's left is two or three people throwing punches over an argument that essentially ended weeks ago. Could you in least start a new chain so I don't get all these email's? :(
16
Lithium Rain in reply to Rotten194Jul 13, 2009. 5:02 PM
I'm sorry, but I'm going to defend my friends when they're insulted and respond to others saying the community is irreplaceably broken - whether you like it or not.

Has it ever occurred to you that Eric and the staff have lives of their own? That instructables is not the only thing they've got going on right now? That they might be busy with other things? Eric has extensively responded to postings by various members on the subject. Just because you don't get a reply from the CEO every 10 minutes doesn't mean it's wrong to keep discussing.
8
Rotten194 in reply to Lithium RainJul 13, 2009. 5:15 PM
I was not only directing my reply at you, more at Kiteman as well, and SH. Why resurrect this? Its DEAD. Let it DIE. If someone bumps it, and this applies to everyone, please just ignore it! My original post no longer applies, I have already expressed that I now how switched sides and support Pro accounts, yet you, SH and Kiteman continue to tussle over it! It doesn't matter anymore, only a select few members are still against Pro accounts,m most have seen the light and see that they care about Instructables enough that paying some money is worth this site, and those that don't have every right to. Also, apparently Kiteman making Ad hominem arguments against me is OK, but SensoryHouse replying with them is not?
164
Kiteman in reply to Rotten194Jul 14, 2009. 10:54 AM
I am sorry if you thought I was attacking you, but I was actually referring to your comment.

I don't see the split as being between pro and non-pro, but between those who accept the need for pro, and those who still think they should get something for nothing.

As for the Admins not posting, in addition to what Lira said, they do read as much of this as they can, and there is an awful lot of stuff going on behind the scenes that most members (including most pros) are not party to.

(I'll stop now)
8
Rotten194 in reply to KitemanJul 15, 2009. 11:11 AM
Thanks for a sensible and non-angry reply. :)
8
Rotten194 in reply to KitemanJun 7, 2009. 8:02 AM
Please read my reply to Keith-Kid: I understand that the money for Instructables is drying up, and that's why they need the Pro members. I can read, thanks very much. My point is that it targets certain members with the money to buy pro and makes them more important than normal members. My post was simply suggesting alternatives so that Instructables could lower the price at least. Paying 30something dollars for a virtual membership is hard in these times, but I'm saving to donate because I don't want Instructables to die. As for the translation, the heck? I was suggesting alternatives. I don't really care if I'm right or wrong, why should you assume that?
7
Keith-Kid in reply to Rotten194Jun 6, 2009. 8:39 AM
Read randofo's comment

This is not a matter of Instructables getting some more pocket money, its a matter of Instructables continuing to exist in these dire economic times.

Ibles isn't the only place this is gonna happen. Sadly these next few years will be filled with similar events.
8
Rotten194 in reply to Keith-KidJun 6, 2009. 4:58 PM
I realize that Instructables needs more money, and i appreciate that. I'm just saying that there might be other ways to get the money or in least reduce the price as to make it easier for members to contribute. I'm planning on buying Pro once I have enough money anyways. Its not the best move, and I've seen other sites get messed up from it, but Instructables can probably weather it, especially with the 3-month trial thing. But most users wont be buying for the features anyways, but to donate, like you said.
17
sensoryhouse in reply to Rotten194Jun 5, 2009. 7:54 PM
2nd
2
crapflinger says: Jul 2, 2009. 1:53 PM
just want to ask a question at the top here for clarification (since these two points seem to be the biggest points of contention)

All steps: the only difference between pro and free is that pro(s) can set this as a preference...i.e. every instructable they look at will show up automatically as all steps....but free folk can still just click the all steps button (first slide in the instructable time line at the top of each one) and see all steps on one page right?

secondary images: that's been answered http://www.instructables.com/community/Pro-Instructables-Accounts/ ...obviously it was rethought and now everyone has all images right?

the other features don't seem all that frequently used...like pdf downloads....i've never even thought to try that...just print the whole page if you want a paper copy.....the patches? that's just silly IMO...favorites list was nice...as it made things easy to go back to...but...i can live without it

so basically...for free users....nothing changes except there's a new forum that they can't get to...they've got to click one extra button when viewing an instructable....and they can't favorite stuff...seems like a small trade off for the site staying up

i think people who are complaining have never tried to host a website....do any of you have any idea how much space this site takes up on a server? (i'm sure the admin team has an exact amount)...but with all the pictures, video and other content this thing has to have a HUGE footprint...that stuff costs money...also with all the traffic this place generates the bandwidth required for all you people to look at your k'nex builds is freaking massive...

who cares if "they" need to find a way to pay for the upkeep...and heck kudos to all involved if you're trying to make a profit! what advantage is there for the owners of the site to be working this much for free? it's ridiculous to assume than a site this large wouldn't generate some form of income for the creator(s)/operators
143
ewilhelm (author) in reply to crapflingerJul 2, 2009. 3:58 PM
New users need to have pro accounts to access viewing all steps on one page. Old registered users still have access to it for at least 3 months from the launch of pro accounts.
16
Lithium Rain in reply to ewilhelmJul 2, 2009. 4:15 PM
How about youthful registered users? ;)
105
trebuchet03 in reply to crapflingerJul 2, 2009. 2:01 PM
but free folk can still just click the all steps button (first slide in the instructable time line at the top of each one) and see all steps on one page right?

No - free accounts will not be able to do all steps on one page.

....like pdf downloads....
I thought the same... but apparently a lot of people use 'em :p OR, they're just saying that....
2
crapflinger in reply to trebuchet03Jul 2, 2009. 2:04 PM
gah?...in the list-o-pro features it says allsteps preference.....that suggests that it's a preference setting not an all out go or no go... that needs to be rectified (as far as documentation is concerned since this thread and the one i linked say different things)
105
trebuchet03 in reply to crapflingerJul 2, 2009. 2:17 PM
That is a bit confusing....

http://www.instructables.com/community/Pro-Instructables-Accounts/ Does not say preference - but to date, it's been a pro feature (not the check box that says automatically all steps)

Official Clarification is probably necessary to avoid confusion
French t0ast says: Jul 28, 2009. 12:24 PM
This is so sad. People making money off of other people efforts. This was a great resource for people, and DIY. But not anymore. They are taking away what this whole DIY thing is about.
9
kelseymh in reply to French t0astJul 29, 2009. 10:50 AM
Did you actually read anything in this thread before reposting the same tired comment?
French t0ast in reply to kelseymhAug 2, 2009. 8:02 AM
Maybe everyone is saying the 'same tired comment" cause you know...its the truth?
9
kelseymh in reply to French t0astAug 3, 2009. 1:48 PM
So you didn't actually read anything. Good to know; thanks!
16
Lithium Rain in reply to French t0astJul 28, 2009. 1:43 PM
Grah! I'm so tired of hearing this response! That's utter bunk. The site is still a great resource for people and DIY. They did not take away what "this whole DIY thing" is about. Last I checked, DIY meant Do-it-yourself, not Everything-is-free-to-me.
French t0ast in reply to Lithium RainJul 28, 2009. 10:23 PM
I know not everything is for free, in fact, Im a paying member to one of the nets largest paintball forums (MCB). This on the other hand is a bit different.

""The site is still a great resource for people and DIY"
So part of DIY is not resourcing for parts? Alright.

Well thanks so much to everyone that contributed to this site, I have had so much fun making many of these projects, that you took YOUR time and money to teach me, and the rest of the internet. Your great.

Peace
16
Lithium Rain in reply to French t0astJul 29, 2009. 8:52 AM
How is this different? Why do you object to paying for this but will pay for a forum? Do you imagine the forum takes more time, money, and effort to run that instructables (I guarantee it doesn't)? >So part of DIY is not resourcing for parts? Alright. I confess to not being entirely sure what you mean...
3
DuctTapeRules! says: Jul 25, 2009. 4:25 AM
Yay! All images are back! :D I'll consider getting pro now if I can convince my dad to stop being cheap :D
3
bylerfamily says: Jul 20, 2009. 6:19 AM
Who likes my new photo?
2
Madrias357 in reply to bylerfamilyJul 20, 2009. 12:26 PM
To each their own.
3
bylerfamily in reply to Madrias357Jul 21, 2009. 6:04 AM
I like my new pic better...
3
bylerfamily in reply to Madrias357Jul 21, 2009. 5:28 AM
Huh?
2
Madrias357 in reply to bylerfamilyJul 21, 2009. 1:51 PM
Everyone has their own preference. I like my Upside Down Pro logo. Your new Give Back my Allsteps logo works as well.
17
sensoryhouse says: Jun 5, 2009. 7:44 PM
WHAT A SLAP IN THE FACE TO THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED MAKE INSTRUCTABLES WHAT IT IS. At first I thought Pro accounts were going to be cool.........until I found out that you simply have to buy one. WTF. Talk about a great idea executed in the worst possible fashion. Pro accounts should be for users who contribute the most, for those who generate traffic, to those who create the content for this site - not for those who can afford to buy one. And for what? To access once free features such as PDF downloads, or new features that nobody cares about such as PATCHES THAT YOU BUY AND DON'T EARN. THIS IS THE SADEST DAY IN INSTRUCTABLES HISTORY. Signed, Disappointed
17
sensoryhouse in reply to sensoryhouseJul 12, 2009. 2:06 PM
I have gotten some emails regarding the pro accounts. People want to post there opinions but are afraid of being attacked. Like I was by Kiteman (a total tool and pathetic instructables paid staffer wannabe). Here is one of many: "i thought I would send you a pm and not respond in that thread, as people tend to hold a grudge around here. You could have taken the words right out of my mouth with that responce. What I don't think most of the crowd here gets is that we would be happy to buy a pro account if we were not forced to. I think they hsould have given all current members whom contribute pro status then worked on new members. what I cant gather is that if I dont go pro can I not see my own secondary pics? LOL... funny as... have a good day dude." I guess I'm not the only one that thinks the Pro feature was implemented in the worst possible fashion.
6
Kryptonite in reply to sensoryhouseJun 11, 2009. 5:59 PM
I believe something could be done for those people who help Instructables a lot like Kiteman or Lemonie and those of the sort, but I don't mind the small amount one can pay. Although... I'm not keen on the way it's executed so as to make you feel that you must buy in now, but I believe it's helping Instructables become a better site.
33
=SMART= in reply to sensoryhouseJun 10, 2009. 12:44 PM
Flagged for being inappropriate, You obviously like instructables so why wouldnt you support it ? You can use instructables without being a pro. The whole idea of the pro thing is to help instructables and in return we get something for our money ! It is a great idea. Well done instructables.
6
Kryptonite in reply to =SMART=Jun 11, 2009. 6:00 PM
I agree but please don't flag him, he's just letting his beliefs be known.
4
xACIDITYx in reply to KryptoniteJun 11, 2009. 7:10 PM
Agreed. You may not agree with him, but his opinion is still valid.
41
Weissensteinburg in reply to sensoryhouseJun 6, 2009. 4:03 PM
Ads aren't bringing in enough money, a store has proven itself to not be lucrative enough. What would you suggest?
5
gimmelotsarobots in reply to WeissensteinburgJun 14, 2009. 7:17 AM
Well the store isn't wxactly advertised well, the link is at the bottom of the page! and it only sells T-shirts.
4
cheeto4493 in reply to gimmelotsarobotsJun 24, 2009. 11:50 AM
There's a store? I never look at the bottom of the page. I initially thought a "pro" was one that had a certain number of instructables (with a certain rating) or won a contest or something. Now anyone can be a "Pro" Why not call them "enthusiasts" or something that shows their support and not inflects talent. I agree with others. Leave the pre-pro functionality, specifically secondary images and basic PDF downloads, add new enhanced features for "supporters" and think of new features to increase revenue. I like robbtoberfest's idea of downloadable versions.
26
robbtoberfest in reply to WeissensteinburgJun 10, 2009. 11:03 AM
Purchase individual instructables prepared in a downloadable ready format for the Kindle, Ebook format, or even a smart phone (Iphone or Google phone.) Like buying a music file with credit and maybe a percentage to the author.
41
Weissensteinburg in reply to robbtoberfestJun 10, 2009. 11:14 AM
I like that idea a lot. I'm not familiar with how the kindle works, would it be easy to upload? It wouldn't be enough to support the site, but it could definitely give them some extra spending money.
6
Kryptonite in reply to WeissensteinburgJun 11, 2009. 6:13 PM
I think to view an Instructable should be free (which it is so that was a pointless bit of sentence) but to download as a PDF should be some-what like iTunes. I think that would be a good idea, because one can easily just copy and paste the instructions if they wish but it's easier and helps Instructables to just pay.
2
Madrias357 in reply to KryptoniteJun 12, 2009. 7:51 AM
Agreed on this! First, viewing an instructable should stay free. You change this, 90% of the people disappear immediately. Second, they could just write a code to block out Copy/Paste so you have the options of: 1: print out 90 million pages of which you need 30. 2: Download and pay $ for your copy that you can use in any method you want. 3: type it all out yourself and print. Third: They should put the PDF file in a folder (for reference, let's call it Downloads) so that once you've paid for it, you've always got it. How many have had a computer crash after paying for something and completely losing it? I'm still waking up (10 in the morning here), but another idea would be to offer a book of the 100 Greatest Instructables, or a series of books (Best Robotics, Rubber Band Warriors, etc) that people could buy to have a hard copy for those times they're working on a project or need inspiration and don't want to spend 8 hours sifting through a million Knex RBG's trying to find 2 or 3 good ones. While I know Instructables is "For Profit," offer a button similar to Donations, but use it as income. I know people who would support Instructables but who wouldn't want Pro stamped all over their accounts. In fact, while I don't know them, NachoMahma has mentioned this at least once in this thread. (Note: Forum Admin with some forum slang still rattling around) The best solutions are sometimes the hardest to make, because they require the most conscious of thought and the most justified path to make people agree on it. And not everyone will agree.
6
Kryptonite in reply to Madrias357Jun 13, 2009. 10:13 PM
Very well written, I agree but I think they should at least let copy and paste if the author is happy for that.

"And not everyone will agree."
People seem to lose sight of this, because no matter what, you cannot please every body. Some people think that their idea is best and will satisfy the needs of every one, but sadly this is not so and never will be.
2
Madrias357 in reply to KryptoniteJun 14, 2009. 6:13 AM
I keep the "Not everyone will agree" in mind while writing. While those who are content with viewing ads and carrying a netbook to the work area for info. viewing, wouldn't want to pay, say $0.50 to load an instructable directly to the computer with no ads, could still do so, there's also something good for those who would spend $8 a month on downloaded instructables (the Downloaded folder). My goal is not to please everyone, but to get a fair compromise between all the options. The Downloaded folder is so that once you've bought and paid for your PDF of the instructable of choice, you aren't stuck worrying about your system crashing. However, I'm also keeping the theoretical prices low for 2 reasons: it's 8:15 where I live and I'm still waking up, and so that possibly more would buy the PDF for convenience of having a concise, 15 page booklet of information without ads and wasted ink.
6
Kryptonite in reply to Madrias357Jun 22, 2009. 12:58 AM
I just do that whether or not I'm awake.
D4VOBRO in reply to WeissensteinburgJun 6, 2009. 6:07 PM
Maybe donations, for example you could have people contribute a small fee if they liked an instructable as a choice. or you could charge a small fee to enter competition. A sort of pay what you want. i don't like this pro feature thing. it going to break up the awesomely nice and friendly community
7
frollard in reply to D4VOBROApr 21, 2013. 7:48 PM
donations have always been an option - but they never asked.
41
Weissensteinburg in reply to D4VOBROApr 22, 2013. 6:45 AM
Donations can't support a business. They have salaries, rent, equipment, supplies, etc to pay. There might be a spike at the beginning, but there would not be a stead stream of income.
8
Rotten194 in reply to WeissensteinburgApr 23, 2013. 8:13 PM
Donations can prop it up though. I am a member of a site that often sees 50-100 dollar donations, and has about the same member base as Instructables.
164
Kiteman in reply to Rotten194Apr 24, 2013. 6:31 AM
Donations have been suggested, but:

  • they will not cover Instructables's expenses (I bet the other sites you mention did not have memberships in the hundreds of thousands).
  • Instructables is not a charity - allowing donations to the site could well be illegal.
6
Kryptonite in reply to KitemanJun 11, 2009. 6:03 PM
How would allowing donations be illegal? I've seen many websites with a little
"Do you like this website? Donate now!"
and it appears to work...
164
Kiteman in reply to KryptoniteJun 12, 2009. 2:39 AM
Most websites are not also for-profit companies.

I think (having read other peoples' comments) illegal may be stretching the idea, but it certainly makes life complicated, and if your IRS are anything like our evquivalent, "complicated" can land people in deep doodoo.
6
Kryptonite in reply to KitemanJun 13, 2009. 10:21 PM
Ahh I see, thanks.
41
Weissensteinburg in reply to KryptoniteJun 11, 2009. 6:16 PM
I don't whether it's legal or not, but the difference would be that those sites are usually run by people in their spare time, and not actual companies.
8
Rotten194 in reply to KitemanJun 7, 2009. 12:33 PM
First point: I never said they would, I just said they would help out Second point: OK, you got me there.
12
dombeef in reply to Rotten194Jun 9, 2009. 9:53 AM
It wont be illegal to get donations
9
kelseymh in reply to dombeefJun 11, 2009. 3:54 PM
How do you know? Can you cite IRS code to support your position? Goodhart has already provided a counterexample; his is based on state law, but state tax laws are necessarily broadly consistent with each other and with Federal code.
38
Goodhart in reply to dombeefJun 9, 2009. 10:52 AM
I found this answer to a similar question elsewhere concerning a for profit and a non-profit partnership:

I'm not sure what role you intend your for-profit company to play in this. If you plan for the for-profit company to receive "donations," directly, it will be income to the company. You can label it donations if you wish (assuming that such a label is not misleading), but for tax purposes, it will be income to the company and it will not be deductible to the "donor".

http://www.justanswer.com/questions/1arn7-profit-production-company-want#ixzz0HxLtPdQ1&D

Your mileage may vary however, as this is Indiana based law...
12
dombeef in reply to GoodhartJun 9, 2009. 2:28 PM
But they are in California.
38
Goodhart in reply to dombeefJun 9, 2009. 8:12 PM
I didn't have time to look through the CA laws, just picked up on the most recently asked and answered question on the subject.
12
dombeef in reply to GoodhartJun 10, 2009. 10:58 AM
Oh ok
38
Goodhart in reply to dombeefJun 10, 2009. 12:40 PM
I am sure most states have similar laws, this one in Indiana doesn't prohibit donations, but does not count them as donations either, they are income to the receiver, and money spent by the giver.
164
Kiteman in reply to dombeefJun 9, 2009. 10:14 AM
Eric thinks it is.
12
dombeef in reply to KitemanApr 22, 2013. 2:32 PM
Oh ok
50
gmjhowe in reply to sensoryhouseJun 6, 2009. 1:36 PM
How come my friend, the people whom have contributed the most, were the first ones to snap up Pro accounts? while people like yourself, with no I'bles, are complaining? Just an observation, not a flaming session. You need not reply.
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sensoryhouse in reply to gmjhoweJun 6, 2009. 4:59 PM
I don't know who told you I have no 'ibles but they were telling a lie.
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gmjhowe in reply to sensoryhouseJun 7, 2009. 4:56 AM
Aha, clicked the wrong name when I checked that one out, regardless, people whom have poured alot more into this site are over joyed to be able to give something back. I think you forget about the great people whom made this site from scratch. Just for one moment think about how much Eric has put on the line for this site, and how he continues to risk everything to keep this site going? I think you need to take a step back, think, then go about giving something back to a site that has given you so much.
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JellyWoo in reply to sensoryhouseJun 6, 2009. 12:08 PM
I agree. Although I understand the fact that instructables needs money to keep this site going during the grim economic times, this is a little overboard. I am basically being forced to go to pro or all the features of being a member will be disabled after three months.
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Kiteman in reply to JellyWooJun 6, 2009. 12:44 PM
Not all the features - you will still be able to look at projects, to post your own, and access the majority of the forums. Most of the "pro" perks do not involve extra content, merely a richer way of accessing it.
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ReCreate in reply to sensoryhouseJun 6, 2009. 11:16 AM
Agreed
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Kiteman in reply to sensoryhouseApr 22, 2013. 6:49 AM
...THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED MAKE INSTRUCTABLES WHAT IT IS...

What, like you? Those who have really made the site what it is are the one who have been forced to make this move to save the site.
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sensoryhouse in reply to KitemanJun 6, 2009. 1:15 PM
(removed by author or community request)
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Lithium Rain in reply to sensoryhouseJun 6, 2009. 1:54 PM
Flagged. I also call an ad hominem argument.
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sensoryhouse in reply to Lithium RainJun 6, 2009. 3:56 PM
Actually the ad hominem came from Kitman. I have the right to express my opinions without Kiteman attacking me personally. I would say that I have contributed more than the average user. The ad hominem came from Kiteman who suggests that I have contributed nothing because I haven't contributed as much as he/she has.
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kelseymh in reply to sensoryhouseJun 11, 2009. 7:27 PM
You raised an argument about a particular group of I'bles users (those who have contributed substantially to the site over a long period of time), with the clear implication that you were a member of that group. Kiteman has asked, legitimately, what leads you to classify yourself that way. His question doesn't invalidate your argument, but it does invalidate your claim to membership to that group.
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Lithium Rain in reply to sensoryhouseJun 6, 2009. 5:18 PM
Mmm, fraid not. You called him a bad name.
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Kiteman in reply to sensoryhouseJun 6, 2009. 4:12 PM
You really ought to pay attention to what I actually type.

I wasn't forced to start the "pro" system. I am not financially dependant upon the income generated by this site.

You, on the other hand, have chosen to moan about being asked to help save the site. I haven't seen you offering alternative ideas that would allow everybody free access to the site whilst still raising enough revenue to ensure the site continues to exist.

Ad hominem? True, but at least I didn't need to resort to a random obscenity.

Maybe the time you spent finding out what ad hominem means could have been better spent solving the site's financial problems instead of moaning about the chosen option?
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sensoryhouse in reply to KitemanJun 6, 2009. 5:44 PM
And the aggression continues.................
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Lithium Rain in reply to sensoryhouseJun 7, 2009. 3:31 PM
Aha. So countering your arguments is aggressive? What a brilliant plan, this way you win every argument by default...
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Kiteman in reply to sensoryhouseJun 7, 2009. 1:46 AM
If you think that's aggressive, you've lived a sheltered life. Try working in McDonald's and see how you get treated.
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NachoMahma in reply to KitemanJun 6, 2009. 12:00 PM
. I quit after looking at six of them, but it appears that the vast majority of the complainers are the same ppl that contribute very little or actually get in the way. And, as I commented to Jessy earlier, a lot of the ppl that are signing up are the ones who contribute the most (eg, Kiteman and jessyratfink ;) ) . There do appear to be a few ppl that just can't afford it. If someone would be willing to act as a "clearinghouse", I would be willing to contribute $5-10 every now and then to help sponsor a deserving person.
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Kiteman in reply to NachoMahmaJun 6, 2009. 12:40 PM
I think that would need to be done through the site - we've tried to coordinate donations to a good cause before, and one member ended up paying the lot.
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NachoMahma in reply to KitemanJun 6, 2009. 5:25 PM
. That was a small nightmare, wasn't it? Which is exactly why I suggested that someone else do it. heehee
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Lithium Rain in reply to NachoMahmaJun 7, 2009. 10:57 AM
>has guilt<
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NachoMahma in reply to Lithium RainJun 7, 2009. 11:52 AM
. It wasn't anyone's fault and I was glad to do it. It was a minor PITA, but worthwhile doing. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Rest peacefully and with a clear conscience. :)
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jessyratfink in reply to sensoryhouseJun 6, 2009. 7:03 AM
How else would they make the money? They can't just give them away to people. That makes no sense whatsoever. And to be fair, many of us who generate a lot of content for the site have bought a pro account because we love the site and we want to keep it around! What is your objection to paying $24 a year?
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NachoMahma in reply to jessyratfinkJun 6, 2009. 11:48 AM
. A quick look at the list of subscribers (I'm boycotting the term pro) shows quite a few of the ppl I think of as very-valuable-contributors (in a perfect world, Ibles would be paying them to post).
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Keith-Kid in reply to jessyratfinkJun 6, 2009. 8:31 AM
I completely agree with this comment.

I cant use paypal, so I gotta mail a check....these are gonna be the longest *insert necessary period for mail delivery here* ever!
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