Why does Yoursphere charge a fee?

Most social networking sites are free, why does Yoursphere charge a fee??

With "free" comes creepers: predators, sex offenders, pornographers targeting youth, and people setting up fake profiles, often with the intention of hurting others. At Yoursphere, your child is welcomed into the first online community truly comprised of their peers. Safety is our first priority, and that means creepers are not allowed.

Yoursphere has implemented industry-leading safeguards that are second to none. Of course, placing such a premium on safety also means that our site can't be free. Yoursphere's modest $4.95 per month (or $39.95 annual) membership fee pays for security features the free sites simply cannot provide, including identity verification and sex offender screening. Further, by charging a low cost-recovery fee, we can continue to reinvest in the human and cutting-edge technological resources needed to keep our members as safe as possible online. While we can never guarantee anyone's safety 100%, we can assure you that no one -and we mean no one-can claim safety standards as stringent as Yoursphere's.

Integral to the Yoursphere mission is the concept that youth should be encouraged to explore their interests and pursue positive goals. Thus, a portion of membership fees also support our Create Your Future Program-scholarships, mentorships and other unique educational experiences that directly benefit Yoursphere members. Yoursphere does not rely on advertising to sustain our business.