Well, I consider this to be "our" house. We pay our dues and I think we should have a say in how the board is run. If "they" (the powers that be) want a private board just for their friends, family, etc. then that is fine. But once you open it to the public and start charging money, then yes, I do think you are somewhat accountable to your customers.
Sure... ok.... how about we look at it like a tenant/landlord relationship then....
Nikos, Bev and 'em are the LANDLORDS. Members are the TENANTS. We "live" here (some days it seems that's what I actually do!
) and there are rules and guidelines we agree to per our "contract". And in case there is a BREACH of contract, then both parties agree to part or what a SMART OWNER would do is build the contract to reduce their risk of loss by including stipulations on what is improper behavior, etc.
We co-exist favorably. We interact and we share our experiences and offer SUGGESTIONS to improve our mutual experience.
As far as the $5 "charge" is concerned, unless somebody put a gun to your head and forced your fingers to type in a screenname and register, you are here out of your OWN FREE WILL. And you can apply that same FREE WILL to remove yourself, minus your $5 because I believe the guidelines say "NO REFUNDS"? I don't think LCHF receives any local, state, or federal tax dollars used here so technically, they could refuse membership. What they have the right to say is that all are welcome and the following rules (which you get BEFORE YOU PAY YOUR MONEY) must be followed.
And what's $5? Esp. compared to start-up and maintenance costs to run a website? One $5 bill ain't covering it.
Finally, I believe LCHF shows accountability by responding to questions and concerns, even this Suggestions - Q and A page is a way for members to offer suggestions and the owners consider it and make their decisions, as OWNERS have the right to do. They pay the cost to be the boss.... The most recent set of changes introduced the Relationship Forum. I personally would have preferred a distinct Natural Hair Forum (and I'm still believing for that one!
)
So I said all that to say what I said before, with sincerity and a pure heart: when you (or me) get our own websites, we can make it anything we want it to be.
Dear Owners: this post should be worth a year's FREE MEMBERSHIP!!!!