Pay to access

[Shawn Gossman1]

How do you feel about a free forum creating specific sections, pages, and content types that require payment to see?

Could this be a good way for a community to monetize itself?

For the right kind of information, could you see yourself paying for something like that?

 

[joelr]

I think that can be an great way to provide value-added services for VIP members such as exclusive content.

 

[Shawn Gossman1]

I think that can be an great way to provide value-added services for VIP members such as exclusive content.

Yeah, definitely.

But I wonder if you could take it even further.

Offer a monthly/annual VIP feature where members can upgrade and access everything or, as an alternative, offer limited access events to specific exclusive content and events.

Of course, this is geared at community managers who are looking to earn money with their community.

 

[Uncrowned]

It can be done right and have success, but it also needs a massive amount of planning and needs to be well implemented to be a feature and not a paywall.

 

[Shawn Gossman1]

It can be done right and have success, but it also needs a massive amount of planning and needs to be well implemented to be a feature and not a paywall.

You're right.

I think any strategy that you want to be successful requires a good amount of planning.

I think a lack of planning is where most forum owners go wrong.