There's a lot of previous threads discussing this topic. Basically the biggest value is in having a seperate area for threads with a lot less newbie questions. There isn't necessarily a ton of additional information that isn't already available in the open forums. The discussions just assume a higher level of understanding than might always be expected in the open forums. If you already have a really good understanding of what you need to do, then you can sometimes have quicker discussions without needing to include a lot of basic explanations. If your not able to figure out how to make money from the information in the open forums, you're not likely to find anything better in Jr.VIP. Regardless of what membership level anyone is, most information can be found in the general forums. If that weren't the case you wouldn't see nearly as many threads and replies from Jr.VIPs or Exec.VIPs in the open forums.
Here's an unofficial explanation that I've posted in other similar threads about membership levels.
BHW Membership Level requirements:
Newbie = 0-49 posts
Regular Member = 50-99 posts
Junior Member = 100+ posts
Premium Member = Paid Donation (click the Donate link on the top menu bar)
Jr. VIP = 100+ quality posts and paid subscription (click the Donate link on the top menu bar)
Jr. Executive VIP = requires a thread was moved to Jr. Exec VIP and admin approval.
Executive VIP = by invitation only (given only after vote from Exec VIP's)
Moderator in Training = by admin approval (click the Staff Application link on the top menu bar)
Moderator = by admin approval
Super Moderator = by admin approval
Administrator = by site owner approval
Super Administrator = by site owner approval
Quality posts are any posts made in the main forums excluding the Lounge, Downloads, and Forum Suggestions. Members are also expected to follow the rules and not make pointless posts just to inflate their post counts.
Premium Member vs. Jr. VIP
The main difference between Premium Membership is the post & time requirements and access to the Jr.Vip forum. Both will cost you a $97 donation, get a
Donor icon under your username, give you a larger PM box, and allow you to post links in your sigfile.
- Premium membership can be paid without having 100 posts, but there is NO automatic upgrade to Jr.Vip once you reach 100 posts. You would have to donate again to become Jr.VIP.
- Jr. VIP membership can only be paid for after reaching 100 quality posts and being a member of BHW of 60 days. Jr.Vip recieves every advantage of Premium membership PLUS access to Jr.VIP forum.
The advantage of becoming a Premium member is if you're selling something it allows you to include links in your sigfile
without waiting for 60 days and 100 posts. The thing to remember about that though is the mods don't allow just any links, (at the present time the rules are interpreted to only allow affiliate referal links, links to your approved BST threads, or links to other BHW threads or pages).
So basically, unless you want to promote an affiliate product or link to a BST thread in your sig without waiting to qualify,
you're getting more for your money if you wait till you have 100 posts and been a member for 60 days so you can join the Jr.VIP.
If you ever decide to become a Premium Member or Junior VIP just go to the "Donate" link on the top menu.
Here's a few previous threads regarding membership levels:
Here's the thread in which Essential Clix gives an official explanation about membership levels:
Jr. VIP, Avatars, & Signature Questions?