Where are the boot-strappers camped out? I'm very interested in joining that camp.
If it feels a bit like networking... thats because it is.
Another alternative is Amy Hoy's (ahoyhere) 30x500: http://30x500.com/
Those are a couple of the public-access gates. Enter therein, and bring with you optimism, a willingness to share knowledge, and determination.
At $50 per month, it certainly seems like a good way to keep the owners employed, at least.
If the community isn't worthwhile, then even $5 would be too much.
If the community helps your business to grow, then $50 is a trivial price.
I'm not a member, but I read Rob's book and it's was worth FAR more than the cover price.
I have revenue. Not as much as I want, but enough so that even a tiny increase in conversions is worth quite a bit, if the increase is permanent.
Pass.