Site Funding - thoughts and input?

[Deleted member 1]

Guys and Gals...and BackOffWarchild,

IWEI and I so far spent our own cash to get this place up and running. WE DON'T MIND. But we would love to be able to provide long term sustainability and improved services. This looks like keeping a fast server, trying to sponsor up and coming fighters, etc. We want to do something good here.

We have thought about the various options to do this and one we are trialing is putting some ads on the site. I can already see on the server side that about 110% of you are already blocking ads, so I have no idea if that is even going to work. But we are trying to not get to the point where we are hustling you like buskers on the corner or some non-profit telethon begging for your payout.

We aren't in the position yet to offer anything really for like a subscription service. And donations tend to trickle over time. So thoughts? Is this going to be a bad thing? We just want to create a good place to hang out for a sport we love and shoot the shit with a bunch of cool people we know online and otherwise.

Please give us your thoughts. How do we make this self-sustaining while keep that first goal of an open quality community?


Splinty

 

[IschKabibble]

I haven't trusted third-party ads since hearing that even Google's ad servers were hosting up malicious content. Too many variables, imo. Maybe a recurring donation drive would work. Sorta like Wikipedia does annually. I would be more than happy to pay my part.

 

[Morpheushasleftthebuilding]

its really a tough question, i've seen forums with ads and without ads disapearing, most of the time with ads owners see suddenly a profit opportunity and can't just resist the temptation.
another POV is that a hobby costs money, is this a hobby for the owners?

 

[Judobill]

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[Stillmatic]

I like the idea of a donate button.
Or you can try Amazon.
Lots of podcast that I listen to have click through Amazon banners on their sites.
A fraction of the sales goes to them.
And BTW I've never used AdBlocker my entire life.
I might be the only on here that doesn't.

 

[IschKabibble]

Amazon affiliation is a great idea. I buy tons of stuff from Amazon and would gladly use the affiliate link every time.

To expand on my previous idea of recurrent donation drives, I think it fits in with the transparent nature of the board. Server costs will likely go up, and as long as Splinty and Wild don't mind giving a general figure, we can do a donation drive on a regular basis (annually, quarterly, etc) where those who are willing can pitch in. I would honestly rather pay a lump sum towards the forum than knowingly block ads.
I just hope you guys aren't considering putting pics/vids/links behind a paywall... uke:

 

[Star-Lord]

Yea set up a bunch of affiliate stuff. You can also sell ad space to MMA brands and the like. I know we're small but a store would help, I can set you guys up with whole sale accounts if you're interested for certain companies and we can start an online store here and sell gear. I'm sure we all have connections with some businesses related to the sport that wouldn't mind reasonable ad space.

 

[Wild]

I just hope you guys aren't considering putting pics/vids/links behind a paywall... uke:

Lol hell no.


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[D241]

i've never been big on finances unfortunately.

i think what could do this site some real good, is by having a big named fighter, or highly watched interview contain a fighter mentioning "if you're tired of internet trolls and want an actual online place to discuss mma with no noob teen trolls, register at themmacommunity.com".

You just need to get Brock Lesnar or Conor McGregor to say it in an interview and you're golden.

 

[Wild]

i've never been big on finances unfortunately.

i think what could do this site some real good, is by having a big named fighter, or highly watched interview contain a fighter mentioning "if you're tired of internet trolls and want an actual online place to discuss mma with no noob teen trolls, register at themmacommunity.com".

You just need to get Brock Lesnar or Conor McGregor to say it in an interview and you're golden.

Oh consider it done then!

 

[lookoutawhale]

Theres a user on the UG called Shoemoney and hes awesome at combining websites with advertisements. hes like this super whiz that made the news. You could hit him up and ask him on how best to do this. Hes really awesome at this type of stuff.

 

[Left Hook Larry]

Theres a user on the UG called Shoemoney and hes awesome at combining websites with advertisements. hes like this super whiz that made the news. You could hit him up and ask him on how best to do this. Hes really awesome at this type of stuff.

I used to be in the same business as him although not earning what he was sadly. The affiliate stuff is your best bet right now imo. Amazon, mma clothing sites (gis, pads, headgear, shirts, whatever). Literally all you got to do is sign up and copy/paste the html banner code. Most of the affiliate websites have an incentive clause - meaning you can't pay or offer some goods/services in exchange for people buying stuff through your link. So a "blue name" kind of idea where people are required to buy through Amazon wouldn't be within their TOS (unless it's changed but i highly doubt it). Having a sticky topic though with the links asking for people to buy to help support the site would certainly be ok though and i've seen several sites with these kinds of deals.

Adsense is another option, through google. I'd say it pays out lower than the affiliate stuff but it will cater to a user's browsing habits. If the user is into black latex dildos, it will show content related to that so you got everyone covered for the most part.

If you had a poll of what sites people are buying from online the most I think that'd be the best place to start. Then you can sign up for affiliate programs which should cover the hosting cost each month imo after it's rolled out.

 

[lookoutawhale]

^ good stuff Shroom. Looks like this is your area of expertise like Shoemoney.

I have a script blocker (for sites that start playing advert videos like CNN!! when you dont want them too) in my browser but id take it off for this site if it was blocked. I think there should be some adverts on the side. You shouldn't have to fund this thing on your own. It would be nice if this place was self sustaining with ads. Its a nice little community built here with some cool features like the free pics. icons and this really neat new aggregator now!

Maybe some MMA company would put in a few bucks to have their logo somewhere?

 

[Wild]

Whale/Shroom - Thanks for the input. We're paying attention, and looking at options. Splinty is handling this part of it, and will likely be in touch to discuss further.

 

[Calavaro]

The best, for a startup forum like this, is to solicit paid banner ads. Say US$ 5 gets you a footer banner (eg. 250*250 px), US$ 50 gets you the top banner (replaces the current shitty cage pic) or whatever placement makes sense. The duration of the contracts would be based on either click throughs, or unique views served.

Affiliate links also work, but is only worthwhile if you can grab a high percentage of sales. You should really look into becoming affiliates for targeted companies (MMA clothing, gear etc, that does not sell through Amazon, but direct from their own sites).

You should also seek partnerships/sponsorships from larger companies (eg. Revgear) and run promos, competitions, giveaways etc in return for showcasing them.

Google ads and other text based ads generally do not work for forums.

You could also sell stuff.
Asking for donations is a bit tacky, but might work if your regulars want to feel like they are an integral part of the site.

 

[sgotwalks]

Blue names! jk

I'd be up for a small donation each year, but not until I get my head back above the surface this summer with some much needed bush work income. You guys are doing a great job over here.