@Arimus - finally a new member with something nice to say!
Welcome to Gamebanshee - I am sure you will enjoy your stay
Frankly I do not understand all the angst and bad attitude in this thread. Why should Buck have to justify himself personally to people who have never contributed to the site?? This site - which Buck referred to as "ours" in his post - is more than an outstanding reference library, it is a community, and one of the finest, well moderated and mature that I have come across. Who do these people think they are? It is £12 he is asking for, for a wealth of accurate information - information that is also contributed to by the Gamebanshee community. Those that choose to register to complain are selfish IMO, if you don't like it why did you bother signing up to say so? Was it really worth your effort? I have seen nothing more negative than a general disappointment that it has come to subscription from existing and more long term members, though the vast majority have been supportive and in fact surprised at the small amount that has been requested...did you ranters know that Buck had tried to avoid this? There was a donations route, but not enough took it seriously until there is no choice.
The forums are still free, this will help those that can't afford to subscribe and this in itself was a generous move IMO.