View Poll Results: How should SaabWorld be funded?

**nordwulf** · 15 December 2010

This has to be addressed sooner or later. I'd rather do it sooner so we stay ahead of any possible issues. Growth can be slow but it can also happen overnight.

The site is currently hosted on a shared hosting plan. This basically means limited admin options/access and one server can host hundred's of different websites. I think the site has been pretty reliable and pretty fast so far. There were a few times when the site was unavailable for a few hours but nothing too bad.

There are a few options:

1) Donations from members and visitors
2) Advertising (Google) for visitors
3) Advertising (Google) for members and visitors
3) Advertising (sponsors) listings/links in dedicated Sponsor forum
4) Membership upgrades - offer additional features, do not show advertising for paid members etc.
5) No funding, this site should be free to use without advertising

How should a site like this be funded? I would like it to be independent as much as possible but it should also be a quality, reliable site with new features and software for many years to come.

You are the customer so let's vote and discuss how it should be funded. Any other ideas? You can vote for one or more in the poll.

**jlrSAAB** · 15 December 2010

my vote goes to step 5.
a free forum is the best choice to get members and visitors.

**Shazam** · 15 December 2010

In a perfect world, I would love to have this forum kept free, but to keep it running costs money. Wulf set this up, well knowing that, but I see no reason why he shouldn't make a little something to cover the costs, and even if he gets some on top. That being said, the last thing I want is where you are forced to pay for it, or the ads become distracting and take up the whole page, but I wouldn't mind a small ad that takes up blank space, for example like at other forums (SC). I also think donations would be great. While I doubt many would actually donate, I know people will. While it will be small, ever penny can count towards new features, and maintenance for the site.

**euromobile900** · 16 December 2010

Um...the only fundraising I've ever liked doing/partaking in is putting on tractor-pulls and selling tee shirts

I can say I am all _against_ membership upgrades. And we see what has happened to SC, them being in the pocket of PartsForSaabs and all, but I do think we could do better than that. If we could get parts sites to give us exclusive deals, coupons, etc, that would be very nice. I haven't voted in the poll yet, because I really have no idea. Like Shazam, I would love to have this forum kept free, but I'm a nice guy, so I won't expect Wulf to fund this forever.

Perhaps a hybrid solution is best. A few unobtrusive ads which Wulf could modulate in quantity depending on how much money goes through them, donations, a tee-shirt, and maybe a sponsor coupon deal once we're bigger.

**jlrSAAB** · 16 December 2010

I wish my best for SAAB-world and I will keep in the line of the leaders thoughts and goals.
as a visitor we all can be considered as ambassadors of Saab's name. dealers and car makers are passing the crisis time, also some visitors...
What ever is good for for SAABworld.net ......."welcome to forum sponsors"

**nordwulf** · 16 December 2010

Thanks for the feedback so far. You probably noticed the new Sponsors forum already. We just have to see how it goes and adjust over time.

There is a lot of free open source software available, including forums. There are also inexpensive web hosting options available so you can run a site on the cheap. I just want to stay ahead of potential problems and offer the best and fastest site experience possible. As usual, you get what you pay for.