I reckon that even I on unemployment benifit could afford $5 a month although I like many others have the added complication of sending money from outside the US.

I do have my doubts about a regular payment or subscription system though as I fear it would enievatibly create an "us and them" situation (paid members and others) and I can see the question "well I pay, do you?" cropping up when things get a little heated or when a comment is made about Mudcat.

Personally, much as I hate banner ads, I prefer that option to a situation where there wouldbe a hard core of regular contibuters or subscribers.

Jon