The Poll Thread and Poll results are still there Pete, just go to this section. You must be the ones of those who bookmarked "new post" to get into TU.
The 1st thing I did when I got back from my trip was to check into TU and notice the post. However I differed offering an opinion as I have to find the time to read and understand what it is all about and weight the pros and cons. By the time I'm ready to vote, it's closed.
Anyway, thanks to Coley for opening this new thread.
Here's my 2 cents:
There will always be people who are willing to pay for a site access and those who don't; then some who are undecided. The most important criteria will be if the site content or community is something unique enough to warrant a paid subscription.
I support Jerry's plans for the expansion and enrichment of TU website. And I fullfheartedly feel there is a lot more that can be done for the site. However, at this present stage of TU; I do not feel a paid access to the
whole site is a viable option and definitely not quitting a day job to go full time on the site just yet.
A win win situation could be -- maintain a free forum with paid access to what Jerry have in mind like more exclusive information, syndicated component buying, etc etc to the paying members. Other options include TU site hosting, paid gallery sapce, TU Store etc; with each having their own price structure so members will pay for what they need and not an all out payment to come to TU for bonding with other like minded hobbyist or like some senior members whom I notice are volunteering their time to help other enthusiast. Although Jerry did mention a discount structure for "valued" members, I have doubts on the enthusiasm continuing to "paying to share my idea". There are members who are generous enough with their ideas and "mentoring" which ppl will be willing to pay for but are now giving it out for free on their own time. It doesn't make sense to make them pay for the privilege of doing that. It does sound calous, but ppl pay for something tangible. I see a lot of yes for paying a subscription but as you read the reasoning, a lot are agreeable on goodwill, how long will the goodwill extend to make it a good business model? This will all be very subjective.
However if someone paid for a TU Store, Gallery Space or website then it is something tangible which will compel them to keep the subscription running as they have something to loose if it is discontinued. This will be a better business model. Extending the concept will be to say offer "mentoring workshop" subscription like how software are selling technical assistance where you have staff on hand to offer assistance in tackle making. Maybe a share profit structure with some existing members with the knowledge and experience to offer such mentoring.
There is also Ad revenue to think of in the free forum. I don't think there will be any objections at all for those surfing the forum for free to see strategically placed ads. There ae bloggers who are making a few K from ad revenue that rely on the fans that read the blogs. With the traffic of TU and targeted Ads, sponsors and pay-per-view ads, it is a viable income source.
So in short, what I am suggesting is to break the payment/subscription into components. Everyone pays for what they want and those who want the free content still get what they want (cost somehow offset with ad revenues). Win win for all and there is less concern of loosing members too if the site is locked into just a subscription model (not forgetting an extended subscription content that is available only to paying members - the free content acting as a dangling carrot to entice members to subscribe
)
Lot's more options but I think I wrote enough for now as a general direction I feel that is more viable.
Best Wishes to you Jerry on whatever decision you make for TU site.
