Subscriptions

[Scott]

Couldn't find any existing post about these, maybe I'm blind...but if not...

How do you feel about a forum offering subscriptions to its members? Usually, a few perks are given to members who purchase a subscription - does anyone have any suggestions as to what perks work and which ones don't?

I think subscriptions can be a great way to help support a forum's costs, but I'm not sure how many members are likely to actually pay for one.

Price is another important factor, "subscriptions" usually infers that it's something which is paid multiple times - would a one time payment work better?

I know WHT has had a lot of discussion about its premium account lately, hopefully we can focus on more general types of subscription here. :chairhide:

[cyberturk]

WHT system was the best i think. I am not a premium member on WHT. But if i would buy, i would prefer one time payment for year.

My forums are local forums in Turkey. In our country internet users don't want to support forums financially. This is about the income level of the country may be. So we are alone for the costs :)

[B33R]

WHT was a good compromise. Still not enough features to make it worthwhile for me but it was "middle ground" IMHO. I think as long as there's enough useful benefits and your forum users are the types who have money, it'll work.

I definitely think ads should be removed for paying members as well as the other benefits.

Price is another important factor, "subscriptions" usually infers that it's something which is paid multiple times - would a one time payment work better?I prefer subscription over one-time payment.
Purely because one-time is exactly that. Once. People need to know what you offer (experience it and get a feel for it) and some people will be put off if they have to pay a large amount once.

I think that a forum has to prove itself before people will support it in that fashion.

Subscriptions are better because people are more likely to be willing to part with smaller amounts of their money. There's always the "out" as well. If the forum turns bad or people don't feel they're getting enough benefits, they can stop paying.

[SoftWareRevue]

does anyone have any suggestions as to what perks work and which ones don't?I think it depends heavily on the community. What it's focus is and what normal members generally receive.

"subscriptions" usually infers that it's something which is paid multiple times - would a one time payment work better?
Or it means that you subscribe to a service. It doesn't have to be multiple payments. But I'm pretty leary of "one time payments" from a consumer's standpoint.

hopefully we can focus on more general types of subscription here
Hopefully. :angel: