Doug,

To continue to grow around the foundation of this forum it is going to take a great deal of time to administer the effort, and that could potentially mean the investment in a salaried individual focused specifically on that task, along with the support of our stupendous tech, John Fish.

So much of what David wants to do is in the conceptual stage because it takes so much time to move it from concept to action. It will not happen on its own, without David sacrificing a substantial amount of his time, therefore, a graet amount of his persnal income.

You may look at it as David trying to make an extra buck. This couldn't be further from the truth. I know the man and I look at it as David's willingness to work his tail off to build an even better tool for me to become a better businessman with stronger technical skills, which will in turn contribute strongly to my bottom line. We just haven't given him the incentive to sacrifice his time and income. This is why the enhancement process will continue to flow at a snail's pace, rather than at a speed that will end up improving our bottom lines more quickly.

Say what you may, but I would love to provide enough revenue for David to give 100% of his time to this effort. We could hit the road running and see exactly what he has in the plans for us.

Now that I have stuck my nose in with a couple of posts on this subject, I will make one more comment and then shut up.
You mentioned a possible annual subscription price of $75.00. I don't know how that compares with other forums that charge a fee and I suppose it is not set in stone at this time but for me it is a bit expensive.
I'm not saying that the information here is not worth that much and more but just not within my budget at this time.
$50.00 would seem a reasonable and affordable price.
I really hope that none of you take offense that a newbie like me would insert my opinion here but that is all it is and should be taken as such.
I love this forum and check in multiple times a day and probably have learned more than most from it. Now I will zip it and let the experts sort it out.

LOL! I like $50 too...eh, $50 / $75 either way that's about a round of golf I'll tell my husband he better pass up this year. ;) 

Insert obnoxious laugh HERE!

Laura (and ALL),

The "typical" engraving shop is open 5-6 days a week. That is 260-300 days a year.

Going back to my accounting days, we are looking at .25-.30 per day... I go back to my "argument" that if this forum can't increase the bottom line by this amount, the forum is NOT worth it to that person.

$1.25 per week is ONE cup of Starbucks/Dunkin' Donuts coffee or ONE beer for those of you that prefer that beverage..... It is about 5-7 cigarettes at today's prices in major markets..... This is per WEEK, not per DAY.

So......... we can get healthier without spending a penny more than we do now by just giving up one of the above once a week!

:-) 

There is still the option for the old EE. That forum will still be viable, and will still be a place to go for those that don't want to pay...yes it has some banner ads, but so will this forum.

I suspect there will be a split set of factions. Those that are stubborn enough to shift back to delphi forums EE and continue on for free, and those that want the smaller more active group that you would get with a pay forum. I honestly don't see this forum growing at all without a free trial period if David is looking for 50-75 annual subscription. My experience with people that are internet savy is that they expect most information to be cost free (outside of the cost of their cable bill anyway). The internet is pretty much founded around the free exchange of information....

This should a very interesting experiment.

I have seen a professional photographers forum that has a two tiered system. you must have a certain number of helpful posts on their entry level free forum before you can join their pay forum at around 60 bucks a year. This keeps the "professionals" in a group to themselves and protects them somewhat from the general competition that is out there otherwise I guess. My understanding is that this forum is around 1200 paying members at this time.

Brian G.

Michael, If you are missing out on profitable work just to read the forum, well........ perhaps you MIGHT take another look at your priorities.

I wouldn't expect anyone to come to the forum instead of doing orders UNLESS they ran into a problem and needed help right then and there.

As for specifics on my numbers, I will let you confirm the costs of what you would be giving up in your market.

As for increased income, there are more than enough posts saying "OH! That is how you do it" or "I just saved X steps by trying it your way." Let's not forget the posts "I had a customer ask for...... and I have never done it. Can anybody help?"

BTW, how much ARE the "5% or less" worth?

I am NOT saying anyone should spend a penny on membership unless they feel they are getting their money's worth... but I also don't believe anyone should try to disuade someone from continuing in a "Pay to play" forum just so THEY won't lose their free ride.

Ken,

Your point about the newbies is an important one. A few of the ideas that have been tossed around to entice the newbies are:

1) On the home page of the EE website, list the ten most current threads being discussed.

2) Provide a link to a web page that gives examples of some of our more interesting threads.

3) To allow them to read, but not post questions, for a free 30 day trial period.

I would go with option 3, 'allow them to read but not post'.
But from what's being hinted at, the forum will only be a part of the offering. Would that 30 days reading extend to the articles and other areas?

The ten most current list might not include "which laser should I buy" or the other topics that are popular with newbies. A chosen sampling would be more valuable. Though someone paying to learn which laser is 'the best' might not be too happy...

Ken,

I like option 3 as well, because it gives a the prospect a more complete view of what they will be getting.

The way I understand it, there will be a public side to the website and a private secured side. I assume there is the potential to offer advertising opportunities on the public side of the site.

One of the many things I have recommended is establishing a sister website to the EE site that will be used to promote the services of subscribing members to the general public. Sort of a here's-where-you-can-buy website with a search by zip code and service option.

I believe this thing will really grow from the ideas that are shared by the members. It will evolve into something of great value, but it will take time and $.