Personally I think the chess icons for membership level are a great idea. Even IYT has the red symbol vrs no symbol to distinguish paid members from non paid. Membership does have its perks. :) No matter the symbol used, people would know the difference. Most, I'm guessing, don't think much about it.

This site is well worth supporting. It's a player's site. If the members want it, and Fencer can impliment it, it's a done deal.

I don't mean to presume anyone's financial situation. But, for just ten bucks you can have 6-months and give membership a try. 18 bucks a year gives you a Knight level for an entire year. Save up, beg, borrow, (don't steal) give hints for birthday presents and of course Santa could leave you something in the form of a BK membership this year too (if you're good).

Now maybe Fencer could add a Brain Bishop account and charge $14 for six months (13 is an unlucky number) and $22 for a year. These numbers are halfway in between the Knight and Rook fees. There could be a limit of 100 started games and maybe 3-5 tournaments. This type of membership might be good but it may have drawbacks. I don't use the full benefits of a Rook membership but the Knight membership is not enough. The Bishop membership would meet my needs (except that I am currently in 14 tournaments...so...). The drawback is that if Rooks downgrade to the Bishop membership....well, you get the idea. I'll bet Fencer thought of this already?

Just trying to stay on forum theme. :)