I'm not sure why you decided to go along with pay to play, but this will limit some users that are very eager to join. I know you need the money to support the site and game but it's a bummer as well.
Personally i don't mind ad's at this point.

However i love the game and my friends really enjoy the concept. This also not only has exercised writing skills but my reading as well. I'm usually a lazy reader but this has gotten me very excited and has remotivated me to read. Keep up the good work.