Gate off [all|most|part] of the archives; only paid members get them all.

As you said, this would really inconvenience new readers and bite your advertisers

Only subscribers may post comments.

Don't like this, but an alteration might to be to impliment a separate list for exclusive member use

Annual Subscribers get an exclusive something.

Sounds good

A Donation system for those with a few bucks lying around

Can't hurt

Get more payment options in: credit cards & money orders

Always good to increase ways people can support you

How about a student-level membership

I don't see the point. This is an entertainment resource and your membership fees aren't that high. If someone really is that poor, they can support you through visiting advertisers.

Auction off limited-edition items regularly

As you said, irregular income, but every bit counts.

How about more merchandise

For those in a position to buy it, great.

What about those of us who just can't afford it

Support in other ways, as you pointed out.

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I'm not subscribed, though I would like to be, because I don't have any way to pay from China. I do have a credit card with an Australian bank, but the bank seems to be dis-allowing international transactions. Either that or credit verifiers have a problem with me trying to use an Aust. credit card from a Chinese domain (which is understandable). And my bank's internet facility doesn't support Linux, of course (though the guys there said some customers have got it working, I think I need to wait for Blackdown Java 1.4 and possibly upgrade to Konqueror 3.01. I live in hope!)

Another idea: Members get an @userfriendly.org email address with extensive spam filtering thrown in. OR even better: If you can register columbia.net, you could allow registered users to become customers of UF's very own ISP. OH NO!!! the UF-themed gateway! Stef is in extacy (or should that be ON extacy)