I had the same issue last night, it said I had to be a full member to use that feature. I then tried to find info on how to become a full member but could not. This morning I tried again and found you can become a premium member and have those features for $24 USD yearly.

Sorry, I really don't know what HMF has in mind.One place says you have to be a premium member to use those features which cost $24 USD, I checked again and found at their sponsorship tab that it is $48 USD yearly for a silver membership to use those features. HUH?

"HMF members"

"HMF sponsors"

It isn't complicated. If you just want to register to gain access to all HMF features, you need to pay $24 for a premium membership. You might also want to register as an organization or commercial enterprise for a more costly Silver or Gold Sponsorship. So the points for me consider are: Do I need the extra features that $24 buys me? Do I think HMF gives me $24 in value each year anyway and deserves my support?

"How are we supposed to access rose parentage from one rose?"

It costs a lot of money to maintain a professional web site. I have noticed that the HMF web site does not show any adds. This means that they are not generating revenue. I am surprised that they did not charge for their services sooner. Personally, I think it is a much better way to generate revenue than putting adds all over the site. The way most adds work, the advertiser pays a set amount to place the add and in addition, some advertisers pay an amount above and beyond the set amount for each "click" on their add. How many of you actually click on adds on web sites that you visit? I maintain 5 different web sites on the internet and have never had much success with adds, hence I think charging for a membership is the smart way. Below is a link to a site I designed and run as a hobby. It is a garden forum similar to this one. I do not display adds (I find adds to be bothersome and intrusive on my web experience) nor do I charge any membership fees for this site. I have monthly drawings and give stuff away to attract new members. At some point I may have to charge for membership, but that will be a long way off. I also have a blog associated with this site and again, it has no adds or membership dues.

Here is a link that might be useful: My garden forum

I recently donated to HMF. I feel I should because I have so many pictures on there, and I use the site a lot. I used to have a membership in the ARS many yrs ago, mainly to get the magazine. But I quit renewing it, because I find better info and pictures online than in the magazine. Oh, the articles are great, but I like to look for and research newer roses, etc. The roses they show in the magazine are the same old things over and over. I don't exhibit, and while I usually do belong to the local Rose Society, I don't have time to participate in their activities anymore. To me, spending $25 to be able to access a wonderful site like HMF is much better spent than on a boring magazine that collects dust. I realize some people maybe just can't afford to pay it, but it's not that much when you consider the work and wealth of info provided.

I wouldn't object to paying HMF $2 per month as their resources are amazing.
I'll gladly pay for a membership.

Like Beth, I recently donated. I use HMF almost daily. That, and the Forum are my most visited sites. All the horse organizations I have to belong to because I am in the horse business charge for everything. In this economy, I dont mind this fee for the benefit I get. I just wish they would have put a notice up so the users would know the change in policy.
Judith

I was definitely going to donate. I am a procrastinator and have not got around to doing it yet.

If it means a fee, I am for it and understand the reasoning for it. We have been lucky to get it free for so long. Now I will pay my way.

Thanks and good luck HMF.
Pauline - Vancouver Island