I can't help thinking that while it is right and proper that the costs of
a service to enthusiasts should not be borne by the people doing the
work, a formal subscription would bring in a lot of bureaucracy.

The London Player Piano Group (PPG) has had a three or four times yearly
roll auction called Post Bid for about the last 20 years.  After being
handled inexpertly by several different members, it gravitated to Frances
and Michael Broadway who were at the time efficiently producing the PPG's
Bulletin.  They could use the same production system and mailing list for
the auction list.

Things ran smoothly for about seven years after which the Broadways
discovered they were out of pocket on the auction costs and suggested a
buyer's premium of (I think - I've never been part of the PPG's admin
system) 5%.  This was accepted after some ruffled feathers were calmed on
the committee and again Post Bid proceeded smoothly.

Then the Broadways put in a bid for a 7% premium.  The PPG refused this
and after an exchange of letters re-launched Post Bid with another member.
The Broadway's continued their own auction under the name Post Bid
Enterprise and have now introduced an additional subscription to the
auction catalogs.

I would guess that the subscription will have the effect of gradually
reducing their market, where the premium does not.  Fringe subscribers
who might if retained become heavy bidders when their circumstances
change will resign by default and be lost for good.

I suspect a similar effect will be noticed with subscriptions to MMD.
Considering the international nature of MMD, they will also require a lot
of additional work.  MMD would be adequately funded by charging for a
limited number of advertisements.

Dan Wilson