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I’d have to say I agree with most of the other respondents. I likely wouldn’t pay a subscription or membership fee or whatever else it might be called, especially if the forum isn’t free (I can get the same information on other sites for free!) as people who post here oftentimes post on other sites such as Costa Rica Living. I also agree on the videos. If most people don’t find value in them, just stop making them or if they are from service providers, charge them a fee to have them on the site, just like the commissions received from real estate agents. Sure, we all understand that the business is probably taking a hit in terms of commission revenue at the moment and in the past offering a lot of free stuff was easier when substantial revenue was coming in the door from other sources, however others have tried this including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, and all of them failed. My guess is that even if the site is targeted to people in other countries who may be considering Costa Rica, and not current residents, you’ll like see a huge drop-off in new VIP member sign-ups, and even lose a chunk of existing VIP members. When I see these types of sites, I’m very hesitant about paying unless I’m pretty darn sure I’ll be a regular visitor. People who may be considering Costa Rica but are not sure would likely look at other free sites first. Maybe before making the change, you should query existing VIP members via email and see how much of an impact the fee might have, even at a reduced rate? It might also be a proxy for estimating what attrition rate you’ll have and what to expect for new members signing up. Just my dos colones!
Edited on Sep 16, 2009 03:51
Edited on Sep 16, 2009 03:54
Their service is out right now and we don’t know when it’ll be back on because we cannot even reach customer service. It’s been out for almost two days so far (I’m at an Internet cafe!), was down all night two nights ago, and out for four days in a row earlier in the month. So, draw your own conclusions….
It might also be good to read a recent article on here regarding a couple in San Ramon who brought their 98 year old father here with them. It’s remarkable to witness the many ways living in Costa Rica has lifted the significant burden of caring for an elderly/sickly person.
https://www.welovecostarica.com/members/2114.cfm
Andrew
San RamonI’ve found the best fares via kayak.com. I agree, TACA is a good airline. Usually, I find airfares to Guatemala City for only $200 and if you need a hotel there, the Hotel Princess in a safe part of the city is outstanding and reasonably priced.
Thank God someone else shares my point of view! I read “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and before I read John Reed’s analysis, I thought the same thing. It’s probably the worst financial book I’ve ever read. So many of my friends swear by Kiyosaki. It just goes to show you don’t have to be smart to make money, just be a good marketer!
I think Costa Rica may feel some impact from the world economic crisis however those of us living here are still seeing baby boomers/retirees continuing to visit here, purchase real estate and start new lives. There have been many stories about a tanking real estate market here but you need to look at where it is coming from. When you raise prices for properties such that they approximate U.S. prices (such as in some beach communities) and continue to recklessly add inventory, you’re bound to crash at some point. We’ve found here in the San Ramon area that if you follow basic business principles: provide a high quality product at a reasonable price, you can still do well. In the midst of the crisis in the U.S. in particular, retirees are still looking to Costa Rica as one option for living and investment; it’s just a matter of meeting their needs and not going overboard thinking your development or home has more value than is reasonable.
Edited on Oct 10, 2008 16:27
Edited on Oct 10, 2008 16:27
I have a friend who bought a Great Wall SUV and it’s been in the shop 16 times since he bought it NEW in 2006. They are HORRIBLY made Chinese knockoffs. I strongly suggest you look elsewhere! Plus, the service people there are horrible!
Scott’s right. While I like San Ramon and live here, I personally stick to San Jose for legal representation. They are often better educated, are bilingual and seem to be more sophisticated. In fact, you should never use the seller’s attorney! I’ve used First Costa Rican Title & Trust (www.firstcr.com) for several closings and have had excellent success with them. Yes, you’ll pay a little more for a San Jose attorney but I think it’s worth it–“penny-wise and pound foolish right?”
Andrew
Hi Ginger. Try this site as well: http://www.gaysincostarica.com
