Whether it is about selling something or about getting feedback on something to eventually sell, i really don't see the point in limiting it to contributing members only. There are other members on here who make "contributions" but are not paying to have the title. I only see it as fair that every member here, paid or not, should have the right to have their input to. And i am not offended, i am only pointing something out.
There are several here who make the same type of contributions AND pay a bit as well. I can't speak for the others, but I'll say that *I* did not "pay to have the title". I donated a small amount to support the website and try to ensure that it's around for quite a bit longer. Sure, in order to recognize those that contributed monetarily to help offset time spent, server costs, hosting costs, etc., jdeg chose to give out a few privileges... and sometimes we use them.
At times, it's cool to ask a smaller group of folks a question that I'd rather not put out there for the masses, because honestly, sometimes the non-committal masses slaughter a thread with meaningless "blah blah", whereas a more committed focus group tends to stay on point.
Having said all of that:
1) I'm not lumping you into the "blah blah" groups, so JIC, no offense intended.
2) MOST of the time, I do all my chit-chat out here where everyone can see anyway, as do all of the "contributors" that I know.
3) Perhaps it would be easier to think of it like... A Sam's Club? LOL (you guys have those up there, or something similar?)
4) It's really not all that expensive to help support the site if ya like it. Less than a buck a month and you can "HIDE" with us!
5) In case ya like #4:
http://nikonites.com/content/423-become-contributing-member.html#axzz3Jd1vVvTh
Peace, man!