I've been thinking about this for awhile and the Tephra/Cobb relationship makes it even more obvious.

There is a group of individuals that have a "EVO" knowledge base way higher than most of us. And most of us look to them for help.

So what if we created a special membership area where we could post threads and this special group could provide answers for us. Same as it is now. However, in order to get into this area you had to pay a fee

But they would be paid. By whom you ask, well the members that want to have access to the special area. It wouldn't be a lot of money that they would get, but at least it would be something for there time.

I would easily pay a small fee to have access to this special area!

I prefer to volunteer model on forums. You make this a pay forum and I'll be the first to go.

I prefer to volunteer model on forums. You make this a pay forum and I'll be the first to go.

:+1:
and i the second.

I prefer to volunteer model on forums. You make this a pay forum and I'll be the first to go.

It would be just a special section. Not the whole thing.

I've been to other forums, where there's a tiered membership system and I cannot imagine ever paying for something like this. Granted, if there is a particular member that goes above and beyond expectations to help me out, I am not above sending a donation their way (much the same as Tephra takes donations). You gotta remember, the real knowledgeable folks who post here, like the gearheads, likely do it happily without compensation.

Also remember that even an 'expert' is not infallible. A cordoned off section for certain topics would restrict the flow of information, both out of the section and into it by new folks who might be just as knowledgeable as the currently accepted experts.

You wouldnt expect to call up a tuning shop asking for help/troubleshooting/advice so why would you have to pay on a forum?