promotion of S_E specific services - time to charge a fee?

[Shug]

Site doesn't cost loads and isn't hosted by Sanjoy - never was. Was hosted by Ironside's old work, now by another member (who has now made his views perfectly clear - thanks Fergus).

Greg had a valid query - as a Lawyer, he's always keyed to possible revenue streams. So I don't think there's any necessity to go questioning motives.

As for the way 'advertising' works, if you don't like something, tell a Mod. We assume as there are no complaints, there are no issues. Most of the guys regularly posting that could trace financial gain (including AMP3, Dan, the various detailing, photo companies, etc) from the site also add in terms of knowledge and content. We're assuming that most members are happy with the compromise of keeping the blatant stuff to a minimum, but still keeping useful companies like these posting and accessible to the membership.

[Rusty]

what would you class as promoting? username? cause i could be held accountable at that point

yet i don't promote myself for work apart from just posting on the forum. Also for the past 2 years i'v done the press shots for the AMP3 day, which i did for free due to it being for charity. If anyone off the forum wanted a photoshoot of their car i'd give them a discount cause they are on here. if i had to pay subs to "advertise"(in having my username as my business) then i doubt i'd do a discount as well.

if you want to charge for advertising of the businesses, be prepared to pay for the services, and not have them as available for free advice/discounts.

Adam

[kenny]

It ain't broke so let's all stop trying to fix it.

[Shug]

It ain't broke so let's all stop trying to fix it.

Amen.

[Titanium S1 111S (gla)]

Would another firm of Glasgow solicitors also like to make a donation?

10% of all fee income received as a result of introduction.

[Corranga]

I agree with everyone above saying that those in industry supply loads of advice to those that need it and it's great to be able to get their advise, and also to see the different opinions.

By introducing money into the equation, you also introduce new rules and give the appearance of SE endorsement.

For instance, look at people who do the same thing, lets say Dan pays up and recommends himself, but Ali @ SLS doesn't pay, yet still recommends his services. It looks to n00bs like SE are more in support of Dan.

Also, if Dan wasn't to pay, that might mean he feels he shouldn't offer advise..

Apologies for picking on our 2 mechanical business men

If we need to cover the cost of hosting, then put up a thread with the amount we need and ask for it as a donation. Ask for a maximum of something stupidly low like 50p and i'd imagine enough people would cough up to keep SE hosted. Update the thread with the number, but keep it all anonymous, that way no one knows who is giving what etc.

- but it seems this is all covered anyway from posts made whilst I wrote all this...



Chris

[Titanium S1 111S (gla)]

Sorry I was wrong about the hosting, don’t know where I picked that bit of nonsense up.

A vote of thanks to FD for provision of the ethereal computer services required. It is his generosity and that of many others (notably the mods) that make this thing work.

In passing I’d like to say that it is good to hear views on these issues. I suspect that Greg started this because he was looking for a lively debate to brighten up lunchtime. Unfortunately everybody seems to agree.

Come on Greg, say something more controversial, there is nothing like a proper barney.

[xcl]

It ain't broke so let's all stop trying to fix it.

Amen.

quite agree, been on the committee of several off road and diving clubs and arguments and politics are always caused by money.

[GregR]

To clarify:-

Shug, what you're referring to as having been debated in the past is (I think - happy to be corrected) the membership being charged a fee. That then gives rise to constitutions - members, definition of the club etc etc that we all agreed was bad.

What I'm suggesting is a voluntary (albeit a strongly urged ) donation by those that benefit from direct market exposure - we're giving it away for free and money could be made for charity or for an event.

If the disagreement persisty notwithstanding the clarification - no probs

HAs something happened to p*ss you off Greg? I dont think we have any issues the way it currently is and especially dont want to put off any potential 'advertisers' whom i could benefit from
Where would we draw the line?

Not at all. Since you questioned my motives I'm happy to run you through them. I'm actively involved in the Fundraising for a number of causes, charities and my local sports club (also on the committee - until recently as fixtures sec - not fun). I've been involved (this morning) in pulling together a reception to celebrate my Spots Club's successes (Scottish Cup winers, District and Reserve plate winners) with sponsors and club members so I've been brainstorming ideas. As a result I've been looking at ways of generating income with no/next to no increase in overheads - SE advertiser scheme = easy money for good causes/the club. Other sites do it, SELOC, RS246.com, Detailingwhatsit. Anything that generates money for charities or other good causes is worth it imo - simple.

[Shug]

Fair enough mate. I, for one, don't think the slight mauling you've got from a couple on this thread is warranted - it was a fair question.

Other sites have committees, we don't and don't want to. That's the barrier. In all honesty, the problems I have with other sites like SELOC usually start at issues around funding and the associated sh*t-fests. I don't think there's any hunger for that side of the issue.

Agree it's a revenue stream, but as we're not a club and don't want to be, the issues outweigh the benefits

[r055]

To clarify:-

Shug, what you're referring to as having been debated in the past is (I think - happy to be corrected) the membership being charged a fee. That then gives rise to constitutions - members, definition of the club etc etc that we all agreed was bad.

What I'm suggesting is a voluntary (albeit a strongly urged ) donation by those that benefit from direct market exposure - we're giving it away for free and money could be made for charity or for an event.

If the disagreement persisty notwithstanding the clarification - no probs

HAs something happened to p*ss you off Greg? I dont think we have any issues the way it currently is and especially dont want to put off any potential 'advertisers' whom i could benefit from
Where would we draw the line?

Not at all. Since you questioned my motives I'm happy to run you through them. I'm actively involved in the Fundraising for a number of causes, charities and my local sports club (also on the committee - until recently as fixtures sec - not fun). I've been involved (this morning) in pulling together a reception to celebrate my Spots Club's successes (Scottish Cup winers, District and Reserve plate winners) with sponsors and club members so I've been brainstorming ideas. As a result I've been looking at ways of generating income with no/next to no increase in overheads - SE advertiser scheme = easy money for good causes/the club. Other sites do it, SELOC, RS246.com, Detailingwhatsit. Anything that generates money for charities or other good causes is worth it imo - simple.

got to say my question was more out of curiousity and me being a nosey barsteward.

I dont think you got a 'slight mauling' from anyone...

[GregR]

I dont think you got a 'slight mauling' from anyone...

Me either, fundraising ideas and p!ssing people off normally go hand in hand.

[campbell]

Greg's enquiry sounds entirely rational and open-minded.

Fd has made clear the extent of cost issues (essentially nil - thanks mister) and most importantly, the basis on which such would continue. Excellent.

But the fundamental of SE is indeed its committee-less arrangement, and OK so there's a sprinkling of moderators to keep the forum chat vaguely humane, however we are a very flight of foot and informal community and I for one am here for that reason.

Look at what we've achieved in 10 years, emphasis being on fun, friendship and facilitation of problem solutions (couldn't find an F for that one easily sorry). No cash required, end of.

Keep SE Free I say

Campbell

[alicrozier]

Look at what we've achieved in 10 years, emphasis being on fun, friendship and facilitation of problem solutions (couldn't find an F for that one easily sorry).

hmmm...'problem solutions' beginning with an F...

...facilitation of fixes. ???

Long day Campbell?


and ding

[tut]

Greg

Go stand in the corner of the Classroom and play with yourself for a while, that will keep you amused and out of trouble.



tut