Dealing With CoverItLive's Changes

As you can imagine, I was a wee bit concerned and surprised when I heard about the changes CoverItLive announced this week and will put into place come July 1. CoverItLive is near and dear to my heart. I love using it, not to mention, it is the home of #SIDChat.

When I logged in to host #SIDChat, I realized something was up when I saw a new look, design and interface on CoverItLive. At first, I didn't think much of it. But then I saw the clicks counter, and alarm bells went off that something was amiss.

I did a little digging and found that the 'Basic' (a.k.a. the free account) was now allowed to have only 25 clicks per month. The next step up - the "Starter" plan, allowed for 250 clicks per month at $9.99 per month PLUS $0.05 per click over 250.

Given the fact #SIDChat averages 25-30 persons during a live chat and then 3-4 times that check the transcripts each week, I was worried about the viability of the chat remaining with CoverItLive as well as using CIL for my school's athletic contests. My budget can not afford an addditional $120 (minimum) for a live chat service.

Then I did some checking.

As I looked at the new plans and the pricing, I noticed right under the details for the five plans - which range from free to $149.99 per month, a box saying this:

Don't see a plan that fits your needs? ... If you represent a qualified non-profit or educational institution fill out a Custom Application and one of our representatives will contact you.

It is a very simple and easy form to fill out. Once you submit it, CoverItLive will contact you within 24 hours. In the form, I explained I use CIL for our athletic events and for #SIDChat. That was it.

I submitted the form on Wednesday, and on Thursday, I heard back from CoverItLive notifying me they were switching me to the "Not for Profit" plan, meaning full access, no click limit and no cost to me.

Problem solved.

If you have any questions, please let me know.