schmedidiah - Out of respect for the moderators here, I won't get into an argument with you over your "personal" comment.
Suffice it to say that in my mind neither of us was whining, but rather Mike and I were discussing the business model used by this website. Mike's point was a good one, however, I am not sure I agree that it is the only way they can make money.
Back in the day, most musicians I knew hooked up through The Recycler, which provides free ads for that purpose and others, and has stayed in business for many, many years. My thought is that free contacts and a set of attractive features for those who decide to pay might be jst as successful economically (maybe even more so) due to the increased traffic.
The current system is sure to turn a lot of people away, as it's simply an exercise in frustration for those attracted to the site who can't afford the (approx) $100 - $180 required.
You see, no one here thinks the site should operate at a loss and everything should be free. It's jst about the approach they are currently using.
But don't worry about misreading the economic points Mike and I were making. You'll have 8 years to get caught up.
Now Mike (assuming you are also reading this), I must admit that I have been so impressed so far with the general quality of the music I am listening to here (including your excellent tunes), that I am considering signing up for a Premier account, for a few months at least, while I put my band back together.
We'll chat more perhaps soon on youtube or Reverbnation, if that's OK with you.
Again, really liked your music. Oh yeah, one more thing. The "Pat" I seek is on my "music list" You could simply click on his avatar to connect. Thanks again for that.