Brian Hansen wrote:
1. It would do the obvious and possibly eliminate some of the banner
ads and the need for Phil to look for extra support.
I have no problem with banner ads as they provide revenue as well as additional information.
2. It would drive off some of the trollers and other unwanted posters
from this group that seem to have nothing better to do.
Trollers are like bad drivers. They're a part of the landscape and you either get use to them or go nuts.
3. All in all make for a more usefull site.
None of what you described above will make this a more useful site.
Would you be willing to pay? If yes how much? If no, why
My below is not trying to be nasty or otherwise, it's intended strictly in the thought provoking vein.
Phil needs to do the math as to what it costs him in time and effort. A reasonable evaluative process. He then needs to figure out if he's doing this as a labor of love or he's doing it for profit. If this is a commercial venture, advertising dollars are a finite commodity that needs to actively be pursued as the advertising dollars don't come in the door voluntarily. That means, office overhead, sales staff, meetings and yes, actively advertising for new subscribers in different photo mags to get and maintain a subscriber base.
Food for thought below:
I have a business and have had for twenty-three years. I'm degreed in Professional Photography and as of recently, aquired a very nice lens kit that would allow me to pursue earlier dreams of pro-photography. BUT, I already have a viable business that treats me VERY well. For me to switch over to professional photography at this time and point, would throw me into a HUGE learning curve, business wise. The point, just because you can do it, doesn't make it the wise choice.
That being said, it's up to Phil to decide since he wants to make this a subscription based venture, costs need to be offset by revenues. How many subscriptions will he need to sell and what additional benefits will he provide above what is already being provided. Benefits, which I am greatful for I might add. Then it's up to Phil to sell the idea that he'll be providing, as of the stated date, a subscription based service and it will be up to the consumer to decide if they'll want to give up their credit card number once a year to help support a fee based web site.
Changing to a fee based site is not an unreasonable thought but since people are notoriously cheap and there are so many excellent photographic sites, I must say, the "we are spoiled" factor might kick in.
I'm not against the idea, I think there's more to the conversation then just Phil and I were talking, what do you think guys.
Hope the above is helpful.
