Obviously, there's a problem with the vectors offered section.  Many new people go there and start a new topic saying how they need something done for them., basically, because it's the only thing they can see.

#4. Vectors.  We have a vectors offered, vector request, and vectorizing section.  Only Vectors offered is visible to those with less than 25 posts.  Once you get 25 posts (a good faith measure of you being a part of the community and not just a mooch) you will gain access to both Vector Requests and the Vectorizing section.  DO NOT POST REQUESTS ANYWHERE EXCEPT VECTOR REQUESTS! Doing so will result in them being moved, and you'll need your 25 posts to access your thread anyway.  25 isn't hard to do, but just helps us keep people from coming in and stocking up on vectors and then vanishing. Some of us have worked very hard to acquire or create our vectors and don't mind sharing them as long as you're willing to contribute to the community as well.

Any possible way we can just go right into a "download area"?

Vector Help and Requests, and Vectors Needed seem to be one in the same, to me.  Vectors Offered should be simply renamed into Download Area - which, at the discretion of the tin gods (offense not literal - only meant tongue-in-cheek, guys!), could be a place where you have to log-in, or even be a "Supporting Member", or something  To me - it's a totally fair idea.

well the actual conundrum lies in the fact that unless you have 25 posts, all you can see is the "Vectors Offered" thread.  Hereby, a new member wants a vector done, and he must post in that thread.  Which is basically the wrong place, and you'll constantly be moving them.  My suggestion will save you some effort.

It would also be nice to implement some sort of pay system - with funding going toward maint of site.  A "Credit" system won't work, because it would just promote a bunch of "junk vectors" being spewed forth.  I know - a lot of people would be against it.. but offering up free samples does take resource.. and that resource could be supported partly through "free will donations" for vectors.  It wouldn't have to be required, but strongly implied. 

_{When downloading these free vector images, please consider supporting vinylforum.org with a small donation to help keep this vector area free!}

something like that...  I wish I were a better writer, or could help in programming this,  but I'm no good at either.  I wish to make a donation myself, but the money won't be in PayPal until the 27th, cuz that's the way they roll..

Question,
  Can you take all the attachments in one forum section and view just the attachments from that area on the back end? My thoughts being that you could create a forum sponsored vector graphic library, but only accessible to people who make a donation, and would need to be upped every year.

My thoughts would be new people can still post and get a graphic made, but if made by someone in the forum, it would go to a library and maintained by volunteers in a categorized forum in a "donating members area".

I would think the donation would need to be minimal. When you are new, (which is usually when you need the help the most), is when you are tightest on $$$. Personally, I would and will donate to help out because I would hate to see this forum go down. As I make more, I will donate more. Still, $5 - $10 to get someone started X 150 members who actually donate is better than... $0.

This would do a couple of things, 1, build loyalty. If I have things in the library, I wouldn't want to lose access to the resource. 2, create a small income stream.

On a side note: Why not have an annual shirt donation contest. Every member comes up with a unique fun shirt, donate the design to the forum, and the forum could sell the shirts for income to support the forum expenses? I am sure with all the resources here, it could easily be done. Over time, a pretty good library could be made.

One thing to note, if people donate, make sure there is some form of recognition. (Sorry, I'm a business major), recognition goes a long with with motivating people to donate, and building long-term loyalty.

Just some thoughts... - McStewey