Just had an invitation by email to take part in a survey about the future of The Times Health Club.

After asking what sort of improvements we'd like to see, it asks "Would you be willing to pay £25 a month for an improved website?"

What!!??!!

Just did the survey myself, was more than a little perturbed by that one! Said absolutely not!

... we may have to start an underground movement if they try that!

Just completed survey - you can see what they're angling for. The free period was obviously there to guage interest/work out bugs! If they start charging I'll be leaving as I have no disposable income and things are o nly going to get worse.

No no no no. £5 - maybe. We can set up our own discussion forum for free, and between us we know enough sites to log our calories, exercise.

I've not received an invite - but I can't access my spam folder at the moment so it may be in there.

Agree with the above would not pay for the website.

I think they might struggle with that one - there are so many free sites and options out there.

I must check my emails and see whether I've got this. If everyone says no, then it would be a little churlish to go ahead...

£5 or less maybe,



I take it you have the necessary contacts Fiona!

I had a survey invite - it did say that some aspects of the site would remain free (library and forum, plus one other thing that I now can't remember) but then there might be a charge for further services, if you wanted them.

I could live with that I think - its mainly the forums that I use anyway.

I haven't checked my emails to see if I have received anything, but I think it was clear from the start that any company will be looking to charge for something if they can get away with it.
I certainly would not have joined had there been a charge as it is not something that I felt I really needed. It was something that I was attracted to and clearly thought would be helpful, but I wouldn't have investigated further at that point for a fee.

Just had a look. They don't seem to have been interested in my opinion.

I've taken it and said no to paying!

I have taken it and also said no to paying!

Just got back from holiday and it's there amongst the 78 emails waiting for me. I definitely wouldn't be prepared to pay for the site - they would lose a lot of their members. I can't afford that sort of money.

When I did the survey the 5 was missing from my browser - it said would I be prepared to pay £2 a month - I am obviously a real miser because I said no to this too.

I also (like Teresa) thought that some parts of the club would remain free, but wasn't sure whether it contradicted itself on this later.

Hi everyone,

Thank you to everyone who has already taken part in the survey to help improve your health club. On reading your posts in the forums, I can see it has certainly got you all talking and wanted to reassure you all that at this stage we are just doing some research to help us find out what you like about the club what you don't like - plus, what you'd like to see in the future.

Your opinions are important to us in shaping the future of the club and we're hoping you'll have some great suggestions and improvements we can make. Whatever new features we bring in as a result of your feedback, there will always be a free element to the website, so you'll be able to choose any extras you might like to pay for. If you do have any concerns, please feel free to get in touch.

Thanks
Em

Just like to add that I wouldn't pay either.
This site and the people on, it is even used in the Saturday Body & Soul supplement so is helping The Times.
i already pay for my paper and i'm sure most people on here read the Times, because how else would we all have joined?
I was the very first person to post on this site and it's great, but I still think a chat room, especially one for each group would be great. Sometimes that could be really helpful when you are struggling or looking for an answer to a question.

Loobylou

I would be bereft and cast out at sea now without the genuine support and frienship I've found here. Some great things have happened - the Moonwalk with the Ab Fab team being one of the highlights of my life.
The Times didn't want my opinion, but I certainly wouldn't pay a penny.

How's things with you, Louby? Good to hear you!

I read somewhere (can't remember where now) that the forum would still be free. The paid bits would be optional extras according to what you might want out of it.

Realistically, no-one is going to pay a monthly fee for a forum when there are so many other options out there that don't cost. I could see why they would want to charge for say personalised exercise or diet plans, or the facility to download exercise "classes" etc, not that it would interest me, but as long as you have the choice...

True, but you can download free "personalised" running plans elsewhere and perhaps other things too. I really agree with Sue Reed about the support and I've never met anyone.

You don't know what your missing. Although it was a 190 mile round trip, it was well worth it, we had a geat time. It was my first time to meet anyone.

Hi Sue

and thanks for the welcome back!!

Been so very busy and even more so now as moving house within UK and also to thailand where we are going for about 6 months - have bought a house there.

still onwards and downwards, with the weight i hope.

love your pic, very sporty

Looby