Sponsored Hosting

[Odd Fact]

Is this a good idea? I was thinking of approaching a few providers about sponsoring or providing hosting of a forum.

[SoftWareRevue]

I see it as a win-win.

Most providers have more than they need. All they can lose in sponsoring a community (especially a startup community) is the little time it takes to set up an account.

Even with larger communities, I see them as winning. Because the question always comes up (provided the site is running fine and sometimes when it doesn't) "Who hosts this forum?"

Of course, if they'd of read the footer, they'd know. :D But, I think it's always good publicity for a provider to support a community, even if they don't participate. It only reflects well on them.

As far as the community that is supported, I always looked at that as further validation that someone else sees value in it. That the community isn't anchored in one person. It has the support of others as well. And, I must admit, seeing who is providing the hosting is one thing I look at when I first visit a forum.

Cuz I wanna know! :bonk:

To sum up my view . . . Yes. I think it's a good idea. :)

[adb22791]

I agree with Dennis, sponsorships not only benefit you, the forum owner, but also the company who sponsors you. Companies like to show off, and having a productive, large, and well run forum (especially if its stable, then the company can really brag) to show off to potential customers can be a big bonus. It's definitely worth pursuing.

[HostFrog]

Sponsorship is a great way to do business. I also agree with Dennis, the only thing the provider would be out is a few GB of bandwidth (which could be made up in sales on your community) and the time to setup an account. Seems to me this is a good option.

[TheDPQ]

I've noticed a lot of mediatemple (mt) images on design-related sites before. Are those sponsored or just discount for advertising? Or do people just think they rock? ;)

[Doug]

I think (mt) may just have a good affiliate program or a good amount of their customers really like them. :) I think sponsoring is a good idea, but many larger hosts with true 24/7 support, etc. won't do it.