Need some ideas

[Matt]

The media server is starting to approach maxed out with all the vids & photos we've got there. It costs me 600 quid a year to run the server, and to upgrade it to the next level doubles that.

I can't really charge for advertising with it being boatmad since Dan, Cye etc all already pay to advertise on boatmad. I can't make it subscription only since no-one will pay. Using google ads is difficult since the content isn't dynamic enough.

Ideas needed.

[Peterjfinch]

Hi Matt, would it be acceptable, to charge membership, for access to, technical questions and for sale items. ?You do offer a pool of experienced people and possible buyers for boat orientated, buy and sell.

Just an idea

Peter

[the bandit]

Try begging.

[Gav]

Originally Posted by Matt

The media server is starting to approach maxed out with all the vids & photos we've got there. It costs me 600 quid a year to run the server, and to upgrade it to the next level doubles that.

I can't really charge for advertising with it being boatmad since Dan, Cye etc all already pay to advertise on boatmad. I can't make it subscription only since no-one will pay. Using google ads is difficult since the content isn't dynamic enough.

Ideas needed.

How about asking the boatmad members to openly contribute towards the costs ? Although there are a few trade banners, there are a lot of people who use the "trading post" who are traders and do not pay. and a few members that are regularly advertising stuff.

Another idea would be to organise a Boatmad Fund Auction where trade and private members can donate something and then auction it off here on boatmad.

[Rockey]

why not charge a samll fee say a tenner paypal it to you or jon , if enough members would pay it might not need to be that much

[sinkunit0]

scream and fly charge

[MrRob]

I am sure there are a fair few people on here who would pay to use the forum. I personally would pay a yearly fee but how many others would? Would it be enough to cover the costs of the server or even make a dent? What impact would it have on the forum? Less people posting because they dont really want to subscribe? Less new members because its a pay site?

I think sponsership would be the way forward. As we have seen with that hooligan in the P28 doing high speed passes on yachts and driving up our insurance costs boatmad videos are all over the 'boating' corners of the web so why not charge larger marine companies to sponsor the videos in the gallery section and add their adverts before and after each video clip?
It could work.

[Jon Holmes]

600 Squid divided by 1500 members equals £0.40p.

Cheques in post.

Seriously, i know how difficult it is to get people to put their hands in their pockets. Matt PM me to discuss sponsorship, im sure we can work something out.

Jon.

[JamesM]

Next time your out in your formula go back in half an hour early!!!

Or if you charge 10p for every stupid unhelpfull post they will pay for the server many times over.

[Jon Fuller]

Originally Posted by Matt

I can't really charge for advertising with it being boatmad since Dan, Cye etc all already pay to advertise on boatmad.

I dissagree.

Adverts that run in the media side, could be completely indipendant of those on the forum. there are currently no ads running in the media side, why not add some?

It would be a great shame o lose the media site.

Another option, is voluntary 'support', in the form of premium priced items such as branded Fleece's, shirts, hats, thongs etc, meaning, the member knowingly pays a bit over the top for a piece of branded merchandise, say 30 quid for a shirt that would normaly be 15, and the profit goes to the running costs of the server. Members who chose this option, would at least get a tangable exchange for their contribution, so it wouldn't feel quite as much like charity, in addition to keeping the site going.
They could also have an icon in their profile, showing them as a paying supporter of their site.

Would many people be up for that?

[Carl]

put me down for 1 thong but the boatmad logo needs to be fury

[Jon Fuller]

Originally Posted by Carl

the boatmad logo needs to be fury

That goes without saying!

[Carl]

wait till chaos heres about this,hell be so excited,best get a job lot in

[Maxim Gibson]

Yeh I'd buy some bits, already got a hat!

[Jon Holmes]

Good idea, id be up for some stuff.

Needs to be good quality gear to represent the quality of the Forum.

Id like a hat, some Tee's, some polo shirts & a Jacket or fleece.

[Matt]

I just spoke to chaos. He's skiing again.

Originally Posted by Carl

wait till chaos heres about this,hell be so excited,best get a job lot in

[the bandit]

I'm sure many of us would not mind paying a subscription however the idea of premiun branded items kills two birds with one stone as they say.
How about a donation to the RNLI should it take off...

I would like to add the info that i have learned in a very short time has been very valuable and i'm sure it could of saved me many hard earned pounds had i found this site a couple of years ago

[CB1]

Watch HM Customs and Excise Matt. You know they will always want their cut.

[MrRob]

Will they be offered in a range of sizes? Just thinking of my good friends Tony and Chaos...

[Foolish]

Originally Posted by Jon Fuller

Another option, is voluntary 'support', in the form of premium priced items such as branded Fleece's, shirts, hats, thongs etc,

Any more thoughts on this ? ... It's nearly my birthday and "Mrs" is hassling me for ideas, So far all her ideas are purchases i've already made and she doesn't know about them oops! so desperately need alternatives and this seemed a good idea (except the thong )