Ads or subscriptions?

I agree thoroughly with the points raised here, especially those by Angelo.  It makes sense to have a bar to show how much is being raised (just look at Wikipedia for an example of how this can be implemented).

Maybe if enough money is raised, we can perhaps have rewards for reviewers, collaborators and even normal members?  Like a prize draw or something, for those who have contributed.  Of course, it wouldn't so secretive then, but I think something could be arranged.

I am not asking to be paid for my work, but to get a reward back (like a free CD, a book, a t-shirt &c.) in return would make me happy.  It's not essential though.

Geck0 wrote: I agree thoroughly with the points raised here, especially those by Angelo.  It makes sense to have a bar to show how much is being raised (just look at Wikipedia for an example of how this can be implemented). Maybe if enough money is raised, we can perhaps have rewards for reviewers, collaborators and even normal members?  Like a prize draw or something, for those who have contributed.  Of course, it wouldn't so secretive then, but I think something could be arranged. I am not asking to be paid for my work, but to get a reward back (like a free CD, a book, a t-shirt &c.) in return would make me happy.  It's not essential though.

Well, for me there is enough reward in discovering new artists and I try and pay back by reviewing stuff that isn't well known.  I think the happy medium is to have ads that are predominantly musical in nature, don't intrude with sound, and aren't scams.  Make it a pay site and I will go away and I hope that's not some sick kind of encouragement to anyone here who'd like to see my annoying ass go away.


Edited by Slartibartfast - December 09 2007 at 15:53

yoohoo people..... the ads ARE the problem....

M@X wrote: Guys, Good news; I think I found the ads in the 3rd party ads network that was causing it , I will need confrimation that no one experience it. Bad news, I can't remove the banner ads because the website wont' survive, the high cost of web hosting. This Ads Network show ads that I don't control. I would like to remove them but I need a new revenue source to help the site. Let me know. Other solutions are welcome M@X

Edited by micky - December 09 2007 at 16:06

please make all donations payable to "Chester Edwards" in the form of certified check or money order.  Cash will also be accepted, but please no personal checks.  I don't trust you lot. 

Seriously though, if we are donating, shouldn't it be for the good of the site and not for our own personal benefit, whether that benefit be tangible in the form of mugs or t-shirts, or intangible in the form of added control over the site.  Then it ceases to be a donation and becomes a purchase.  Let's not turn our beloved PA into a business enterprise.  Let those who wish to donate do so, with no expectations of any return.  Just my two cents.

Pretty well agree with everything that's been said here (had not seen this thread earlier today), especially on this donation not obligatory. Younger members simply couldn't afford it.

I still say using Firefox and Adblock plus is the answer.

I never see any ads on ProgArchives, ever.

Tony, I'm sorry but I don't know what the f**k you're talking about

I have the exact adblockers you have
and I still have the exact ads as before

How much would donatios be?

What about having an ad-free site for subscriptions, and having ads on the site for non-subscribers. Just throwing it out there.

Two questions:

1. Are the profits from these "shady" ads really that big?
2. Is the server hosting really *that* expensive?

Maybe one other alternative would be to try to find a cheaper hosting service ... I don't know about Canada, but in Germany there are hosters like www.hetzner.de who don't charge any traffic fees (unlimited traffic at least with a 100MBit uplink).