Well in this case, why wouldn’t people just use AI, which is free and already gives name suggestions as you said
8 Likes
I agree. I have spent 40 years creating this body of work only to have all our content stolen by the llms and traffic from search all but disappear. We have worked so hard all year to try to keep the forums free and at the same time to create a new site that truly offers a new and exciting approach to names.
3 Likes
Was there no possibility to keep the forums free with ads plus a premium subscription for those who choose? I would pay the $20 a year to support the site in that case. But as is, I am unwilling to do that because this all leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
21 Likes
We know. We wish it didn’t come to this. But if small specialty publishers like us are going to survive, it’s the only way. Otherwise, the only baby name information will come from AI and they won’t have individual experts to steal from.
1 Like
We really wanted to do that but the prohibilition on ads in the forums made it impossible.
1 Like
We do value you, but I still think this is a horrible mistake that will lead to Nameberry shutting down. I’m gonna give it a year at best
26 Likes
I agree ! I can afford to pay the annual and i would be willing to if others could access the site for free still. But at this point I feel like I’d be paying for a much smaller community since anyone who can’t afford it will be priced out.. I’d consider paying if there was still free with ads or something
I have seen this and will look into later when I’m on my PC. I am in the Lounge but my main issue with this set up is how much smaller the community will get, which in turn makes the subscription not feel worth it in general. There are plenty of users not in the lounge and new users yet to join who now may not stay in the community. [name_m]The[/name_m] community only has value when it has people contributing and I think if the only way to interact on forums is to pay, that’s not going to happen as much
21 Likes
I just sent you a private message
Agreed. It’s not that I don’t value what you do! It’s that I have so many subscriptions now that I have to prioritize, and I can’t afford all the ones I want. As much as I’d like to, I can’t prioritize a forum over things that help me with basic day-to-day life.
19 Likes
That was what we planned and hoped to do but we are forbidden from running ads on the forums and they cost $2000 a month out of pocket. I’ll send you a private message.
1 Like
They can and will and do use AI. What we’re offering in the subscriber site is something AI can’t do now and can NEVER do.
1 Like
[name_m]Can[/name_m] you please explain what this means? I’m having trouble understanding this. What does it offer that AI can never do? Sorry, maybe it’s just me, but I’m confused about this.
22 Likes
I appreciate your answer and honesty, this is all just so confusing, can you better explain what the new features are and how long we have before we are unable to post without a subscription?
17 Likes
How are you forbidden from running ads on the forums? Who is forbidding it? I agree with others that I have been using nameberry for over a decade at this point but that I feel like it will really box out the community and make it less enjoyable even if I was willing to pay for it.
27 Likes
I wouldn’t mind there being adds if it meant the forums state free
22 Likes
I have to say I’m very disappointed by this news. I understand the challenges NB is facing and that some things need to change. But I fear by implementing this you have signed these forums’ death warrant. You’re killing this community. [name_m]The[/name_m] average parent looking for advice won’t pay to access your site, let alone for access to these forums. [name_f]Many[/name_f] (young) regular and occasional users can’t afford it.
Also, the way we received this information isn’t very respectful. We ARE this community and these forums. [name_m]You[/name_m] could have at least given us a heads up.
56 Likes
I’ve been on this site (on different accounts) for over ten years now. So this really sucks.
I agree with ppl that a discord is the best way to go- we value each other because of the community we’ve fostered/created. It’s a lot of work to maintain and upkeep, but at least it would still be us.
[name_m]The[/name_m] paywall will do the exact opposite of what you guys want. I would honestly rather NB go down with integrity than recreate the endless loop of subscription-only content.
31 Likes
I wish we had that option. [name_m]The[/name_m] advertisers themselves now refuse to advertise on forums.
Are you a Lounge member? If so, you can get free access. Go to the Lounge where the link and code are posted.
I was a lounge member on my old account. If I had to, I could probably go through my notes and find the password. But I won’t be able to do it, simply because it feels unethical.
Edit for clarity: It’s not just about me, it’s about the community as a whole. I don’t really care about my own account, I care that people have access to a human resource with breathing opinions, experiences, interests. I could never abandon other people I basically grew up with just so I could bypass a paywall.
25 Likes