[nabs-l] Learning Ally new prices

[bookwormahb at earthlink.net]

Hi all,
With budget cuts to many nonprofits, Learning Ally lost their federal funding.
They are now charging individuals a large fee annually for membership; when I joined years ago, I paid $35, but
its much more than $35 now!
Have you heard the news?
I received word today via my email from Learning Ally that effective September 1
individual memberships are $99.
It said the following:
  a.. On September 1, 2011 Individual Memberships will be $99 per year -a little more than eight dollars a month. 
  b.. For a limited time only, we are offering a special opportunity to renew your current membership for $79 (a savings of $20). Take advantage of this special membership offer, renew on/before August 31, 2011. 
So what do you think? Will you pay this fee?
I know many of you may be tight on money; I hope your family can chip in or some group can sponsor you. Budgets are very tight. Personally, I enjoyed the free books. But I do understand the rationale to begin charging once again. They are a nonprofit after all. Other college students pay a lot for their texts. I think a membership to audible.com is more expensive than this.
As for me, I plan to take more classes at community college even though I graduated in 2009 with a BA degree. I need to keep my writing and study skills active. I think I will renew my Learning Ally membership. They recorded several books for me during school; the staff at the studio is very friendly. Good thing I have a paying internship to help cover the cost.
I knew this was coming when I heard Learning Ally was losing funding. I knew it months ago prior to their announcement today.
Learning Ally has their flaws, but overall their books are helpful. I cannot study with a human reader at midnight, but I can pull out my Learning Ally book anytime and hear a human voice read to me.

Ashley