Subscriptions – Going Forward

[SillyOldDuffer]

On SillyOldDuffer Said:

On Diogenes Said:

…

It is going to be a case of ‘use it or lose it’ – I’d guess that probably includes the forum too, if it all sinks?

Of course.  If the magazine fails to make money, the forum is of no value to Mortons.  It’s a honeypot, intended to lure newcomers into the hobby in hope they will buy the magazines.    Probably makes a few quid from advertising, but I doubt that pays all the bills.

We provide the honey.  In return Model Engineers get a club on the internet, where we can meet.

…

 

Only Mortons know whether or not the forum pays.  If they decide it doesn’t, we’re done.   Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that!

We could organise an alternative.   The SMEE forum could be expanded, but considerable organisation and volunteer effort would be needed.  Or maybe SMEE could be persuaded to fund this one.

Dave

How much does it actually cast to host a forum I wonder….

Mortons is a large and successfull company and I would have thought that even if the forum runs at a loss it is still promoting Mortons itself and other magazine titles.

I am sure Mortons could do better in ‘selling’ subscriptions to forum users. Yes there are a couple of ‘subscribe’ adverts but once one scrolls down to read posts they disappear off the top of the screen, why dont they just stay fixed whilst the posts scroll?

Personally I would not mind more adverts if it helped ensure the existence of the forum (as crappy as its software is).

I subscribe to a few other forums most of which seem to be hosted by individuals with little or no adverts, I wonder how they can fund their forums, as the impression we get is that this one is a big drain on Mortons finances (not that we know its even in the back their minds to cease it).

Ian P

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Well I do know having looked into it a while back.

Of the other Model type forums they keep the costs down by either limiting the size/number of images that can be posted or simply don’t have a facility to post images , the user has to host them elsewhere. Others have more adverts and/or ask for donations.

Of the three that I can think of and visit traffic is a lot less than here so again that keeps costs down as price is dependant on activity and storage.

All have volantry moderators which again keeps admin costs down.

[Author]

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