Cheap Treat
Doug Kimball ·
April 27, 2012 at 9:43pm
Ricochet has a very, very low protective wall which consists of two very small bricks, but these bricks are sufficient to keep the barbarians at the gate. Yes, I’m talking about our latte sized monthly fee and our code of conduct. Quite frankly, if Ricochet did not require any fee and simply asked for contributions, it would likely raise significantly more money. And as for the code of conduct – the Ricochetoise don’t really need it. Never has there been a more congenial, polite, respectful group. Our two little bricks are not there for us. Without our little wall, I’m sure the left would invade our conversation and attempt a hijacking. Deterred by the cost of a coffee and a promise to be civil. Amazing.
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Comments:
Feb '12
Re: Cheap Treat
No doubt, the membership fee and the CoC have served to maintain the quality of the conversation on Ricochet. But as time has passed, I think they have established a culture that is even more effective at preserving that quality
Two things are particularly striking to me. First, I am continually surprised at how much I learn here; from Contributors, sure. But equally if not more so, from other members. Second, there are issues over which members profoundly and intensely disagree, yet I find those discussions reach great depth and maintain a mutual respect that I haven't seen anywhere else.
My only regret is that it took me so long to join.
Feb '10
Re: Cheap Treat
All,
Thanks so much for the kind words and praise! Yes, the idea of a membership fee really is brilliant on several levels. (And it wasn't my idea-- I probably wouldn't have thought it would fly, because we're so accustomed to free Internet accounts everywhere.)
Keep up the great commentary and community, and remember to invite your friends and family-- see the link at the top of the page!
Dec '10
Re: Cheap Treat
Mendel, if your #27 gets flagged, it's my fault. I fat fingered my smart phone while trying to quote you. Sorry. It's the lack of an edit feature or back button which keeps me from participating in podcasts or meetups. So far. I'm finding the Ricochetti a very generous crowd.
Mar '11
Re: Cheap Treat
No worries WC, if you're trying to denounce me to the Ricostapo, you don't have to hide it.
Kidding aside, I would be interested in your response if you still have the patience with your smartphone.
Jul '10
Re: Cheap Treat
All You lurkers out there Who have gym memberships, but never go? Cancel them and pony up Here, because You do know where You do go.
Plus You can read Franco's posts in the Member Feed!
Edited on April 28, 2012 at 1:29amNov '10
Re: Cheap Treat
I suspect that the powers that be would be happier if we all posted more freely and less carefully. All of you who only post when you have something "different" or "significant" to add, think how much most of us have enjoyed FeliciaB's "Great Big Like" posts, and jump in. I don't think a simple "I agree" hurts most threads, and I think Ricochet benefits from lots of participation.
Edited on April 28, 2012 at 4:01amSep '10
Re: Cheap Treat
Jimmy Carter: All You lurkers out there Who have gym memberships, but never go? Cancel them and pony up Here, because You do know where You do go.
Plus You can read Franco's posts in the Member Feed! · 41 minutes ago
Edited 41 minutes ago
And not just me of course. There are great posts and comments there that never get out. Heck I've been stuck in the Member Feed so long I have Stockholm syndrome. I don't want to leave!
Aug '10
Re: Cheap Treat
Doug Kimball
Quite frankly, if Ricochet did not require any fee and simply asked for contributions, it would likely raise significantly more money. And as for the code of conduct – the Ricochetoise don’t really need it. Never has there been a more congenial, polite, respectful group.
I don't know if I agree. It seems to me that only asking for contributions would cause a few to contribute a large amount and most would come in low compared to what the proprietor's of the site would hope from each user (if they contributed at all). I'm willing to pay a higher fee (Venti Latte, anyone?), especially if Ricochet needs it to continue to do well.
Regarding the CoC, I noticed a handful of incidents during the primary season. I don't know if some of those were brand new people that thought they could make inappropriate comments like elsewhere on the Internet, or if they were more established members that let slip once or twice. Consequences for one's actions are good, and it keeps us all accountable.
Dec '11
Re: Cheap Treat
Instugator
Hmmm. I went to his profile page and he hasn't posted since Jul 2011 - just ended, and there was only 1 CoC violation in the final comment thread.
I find it hard to fathom he had been booted (assuming I am not reading into the earlier comment #11 and the reply #12.)
Has anyone tried to DM him via twittter?
No, but I've been emailing him and he misses Ricochet and I miss him. Wish he could get his avatar back and start posting again.
Aug '10
Re: Cheap Treat
Ethompson
Tell Kenneth that his wife is welcome. We need more beautiful women and less snark thoughts from Marin County .
Just as we welcome competition to improve business, lapidary reasoned argument improves conversation. Kenneth , if that is his real name , should bring it gracefully.
To atone
Edited on April 28, 2012 at 3:25amDec '11
Re: Cheap Treat
flownover: Ethompson
Tell Kenneth that his wife is welcome. We need more beautiful women and less snark thoughts from Marin County .
Just as we welcome competition to improve business, lapidary reasoned argument improves conversation. Kenneth , if that is his real name , should bring it gracefully.
I prefer to think that Ricos are grown-ups and can handle a little snark in light of great passion, intellect and immaculate writing.
Re: Cheap Treat
Wow, insightful—and you only just joined today! Welcome.
Sep '10
Re: Cheap Treat
David Kreps:
For any lurkers who read this and think, "Yeah, that's me," come on it. The intellectual waters are fine, once you take the plunge. · 6 hours ago
Edited 6 hours ago
Did you tell the lurkers about the Gold Circle hot tub and rum parties on Friday after work?
Oct '10
Re: Cheap Treat
Diane Ellis, Ed.
Wow,insightful—and you only just joined today! Welcome.
Yes, a little too insightful. I thought I was hiding it so well.
Dec '10
Re: Cheap Treat
Lucy Pevensie: I suspect that the powers that be would be happier if we all posted more freely and less carefully. All of you who only post when you have something "different" or "significant" to add, think how much most of us have enjoyed FeliciaB's "Great Big Like" posts, and jump in. I don't think a simple "I agree" hurts most threads, and I think Ricochet benefits from lots of participation. · 4 hours ago
Edited 2 hours ago
Squirrel!
Dec '10
Re: Cheap Treat
For those lurking: join, post, comment, participate. If my post about a urinal can make the main feed then anything goes. Don't worry about sounding stupid, unless you're a liberal, then just accept it as the state of nature.
Jun '10
Re: Cheap Treat
The money is a small price to pay just to see the likes of my friend Dave Carter. The rest of you wonderful folks are icing on the cake.
Oct '10
Re: Cheap Treat
When yer drunk on yer virtue
Face down in the gutter
It's hard to get over the curb
Let alone a brick wall
Even only two tall
Ringing that site superb
If that 'twixt yer ears won't span it
There ain't coffee enough on the planet
[Sorry, WC. Your words just cried out for rhyme]
Edited on April 28, 2012 at 6:51pmApr '12
Re: Cheap Treat
my contribution to civility
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKC-lRhvdNY&feature=channel&list=UL
Oct '10
Re: Cheap Treat
It's hard to convey the flavour of the Member feed, but it really is something special, even those posts that get no comments - sometimes all you can do when the Last Word has already been said is nod.
Edited on April 28, 2012 at 8:02am