I just don't see Rich as the type of guy lining his pockets by threatening to shut down the BOI. From what I can tell, he's just too good of a guy to do that.

The problem with the BOI is that everyone wants to use it, but doesn't want to pay for it. I bought a membership there initially to be able to post ads (back when posting ads wasn't free). Then I wanted to become BOI good guy certified, and to also be able to leave feedback for others (which you have to be a member to give trader feedback or vote in BOI polls) so I've kept up my membership.

I think its an important service, and quite frankly, I wish more people would cough up the $25 a month (only 6.8¢ a day) to keep the service going and to be able to participate in feeder tradeback and BOI voting. I'd rather spend that money and be able to research anyone I'm purchasing from before buying. $25 a year is a lot cheaper than getting scammed or sick animals from someone you didn't know is shady.

I know its saved me from several purchases (*cough* Big Daddy Reptiles and Powerhouse Reptiles *cough*) that I was thinking of making before seeing the BOI threads. W/o that service I probably would have bought from both of them, and possibly ended up regretting it.