Thanks to those that promote ExplorOz

Peter, please order your promotional cards from the shop - see Site Link

Thanks Sand Man, the saying is exactly right and I'm always comfortable that we have a good product/service - but of course it all depends if they get the results - ie. that our readers respond to their advertising in terms of clickthroughs and sales. 90% of advertisers who start with us now are renewing their contracts and usually increasing the exposure of their campaigns (= $). We don't expect you to do anymore than just give us the referal. The word of mouth is sufficient and much appreciated :-)

I 110% agree with you the cost is nothing comparing to the knowledge that you will gain and learn

Thank you Rambler,
Yes Membership is very valuable to us and is an important part of our business. This is why you will notice that we go out of our way to give the members MORE features everytime we launch a new site facility. For a person that actually uses the unique parts of the site, the raw cost of the Membership Benefits more than outweighs the fee, which is just $30/yr with an initial joining fee of $20. But as you say, there is also the intrinsic satisfaction of being a Member, knowing that its optional but making your financial contribution to something that you value/enjoy. We know that not everyone wants to be a member, and don't expect anyone to feel guilty if they aren't, but please know that it is very very much used to help run the site. Did you know that we are soon going to setup a Members Blogs-style facility? Oopps, secret's out!!

Why? when we can reach a larger audience on the site than at the show and the shows costs an exhibitor an arm and a leg plus you have to be there everyday for the period of the show, and some of them run for 5 days. That's a lot of expense when you consider downtime in the office and the cost of being interstate etc on top. Given that the real tangible things we "sell" are advertising (which is not for consumers who would be attending the show), maps and books (which are not our own publications, but those of people like Hema already at the show) and the site is generally free to use for the public, it is a cost-justification thing that YES we've looked at but can't justify. What would we actually put on show - a few computers offering login to the site? Then I need broadband at the exhibitors site, which has ruled out some exhibitions as they don't offer those facilities. Gets hard as you can see. You all just want to have a chat with us don't you! Tee hee hee - if so, then you'll just have to catch up with us when we're out travelling! LOL