I am heart broken that ESO will have a subscription but I also completely understand that its the game that could actually do well with one.

I am just not willing to pay a subscription each month. I would, however, be willing to pay a lifetime subscription as I love the Elder Scrolls and would play it for a very long time. I did this with The Secret World and don't regret a cent I paid.

I hope that there are options for things like a lifetime sub as I just want to buy the game a play in perpetuity.

FYI - from the FAQ:

• What payment model will The Elder Scrolls Online use?We will be announcing exact payment methods at a later date, but globally we will be supporting multiple payment options. Players must purchase The Elder Scrolls Online in order to play it. They will have unlimited access for the first 30 days following activation and can continue beyond that with a subscription of $14.99/month (€12.99 / ￡8.99).

This has been common knowledge for a long time but subscription method is the best and only method to have a full and thriving game

I can see that ESO will have substantial overhead and development costs, but the success of Guild Wars 2 and the no subscription model there has maintained a thriving game environment.

Even Activision/Blizzard is considering alternatives.

Although it may be common knowledge to some, I only bothered to find out once I received a beta invite. I would have researched it once the game was close to launch but felt no need to until my very recent invitation.

I do hope that they will consider offering lifetime subscriptions. At around $200 I could easily play the game until that cost is reduced for me and they would receive an injection of cash up front to help cover development costs.

The payment method is currently not for discussion on the forums.
When we get more info, and closer to release date, the topic will be allowed again in the Official Payment thread opened by a moderator