The loss of Susan Prior is much to be regretted both for OLO itself and for Susan personally.

Speaking as a complete moron on the issues raised in this sad article I suggest it might be worth considering the possibility of some sort of voluntary subscription. By that I mean some insertion for each article writer and each 'commenter'asking if they would like to may sub of a few dollars. I know that I could chuck in some cash now. But the fact is that I do not. Maybe if I was asked - cheerfully - something like 'have you put in your voluntary sub this year? I might actually do it because I would know that I was not alone in doing so. OLO could mention how many subs came in last week which would keep us in good heart! Or make us feel guilty and do something about it.
Sorry for the ramble. I just think that something between a compulsory membership fee and the present situation might be possible. Now the great OLO tradition happens - I get told what a dumb idea it is. And that really is the great thing about and why it is worth keeping it going preferably with Susan.

What did we do before OLO came along ? Graham and Susan, thank you for your dedication and even-handedness, although sometimes it really must seem like herding cats.

Eyejaw's idea of 'voluntary subscriptions' might help: just work out an annual figure, like $ 50, i.e. $ 1 per week, crack the whip every so often and we might come good :)

Joe Lane

Graham,I've a suggestion to how you can make OLO viable and independant.I'm willing to pay 20 cents for each comment I make.The advantage of this is that OLO can remain independant of Govt/Corporate interests,but also,this improves the quality.People will really think before they post,hence the intellectual standard of your site will improve,thus you will have a competitive edge.

Why not charge more for General Discussions?

dear online opinion - really saddened to see susan prior go - and wishing her the best of luck in the future (which i am sure will snap-up her great skills and disposition asap!). it is important that online opinion should continue so looking forward to future ideas and issues. every good wish, jas

Susan:
You have been an indomitable spirit and your skills have been a great contribution to OLO. I wish you all the best wherever the future leads you.

Graham:
OLO is invaluable in our society and must go on to even bigger and better things. I think some sort of user-payment system must be introduced, but I doubt whether it will work if it is voluntary. Arjay's idea of a payment-per-post in the forum seems worth consideration, although that alone will probably be insufficient.

Anyway, congratulations to both of you for a wonderful job over the last few years.

Stephen Crabbe

Like others, I feel concern at the departure of Susan Prior. There is an elusive genuine "balance" acheived here, in contrast to most msm, that ensures ideas are prioritised. If Prior, as editor, is responsible for this, her departure would constitute a serious write off, Fairfax-like, of intellectual capital not accounted for in the books, particularly for the future.
Yet my gut feeling is that blogging has moved beyond its first flush going back half a dozen year. Something big like an election draws bloggers from their respective tribal lairs, but at the moment, in the wake of the protracted mid year election and with Xmass on the horizon, it seems blogs generally are marking time, just now.
I think its a Sunday morning after a Saturday night for bloggers, anyway. Most hoped that blogging could "make a difference".
But the dominant political formations seem to have reacted by withdrawing even further, when it comes to upfront conversations about policy and other political issues, in response to public pressure.
People had hoped for a definitive change in politics after 2007, but that project in turn, whatever its accomplishments, has become mired in indecision, compromise not always for the best of reasons, and a consequent welter of half measures designed by politicians like Conroy.
People despair terminally now, of a healthy change in the way politics is done in this country and have retreated back to apathy and hedonism, tinged with defeatism/ fatalism.