beware of closing down the content.

beware of closing down the content.

There are several big problems with the idea of closing down the content for non-subscribers. It boils down to "you'll loose readers".
I'm sure you can imagine why, so I wan't bother...
It's IMO far better idea to give these folks a few peanuts (mostly "recognition") in addition to what everyone else gets, and leave the main content freely available. Personally, I don't need any aditional peanuts, but do offer them - you'll get more subscribers.

If you really consider closing down the content in order to get more $$, do the following:

* Big friendly "Doomsmeter" on the front page
* Site is open for everyone as long as the "doomsmeter remains in the good shape.
* Site is open only for subscribers if the "doomsmeter" is in the red zone.
* When the site is closed for non-subscribers, they discover a note explaining what's going on, how much money is missing, etc. instead of content.

Ah, one more thing. Look at MandrakeClub pricing model. I'll give you $50-$60/year without thinking, but I wan't give you more than that because I don't consider it worth more, and I don't have too much $$ on my account either. Other people may be in a better mood, or simply have more $$, so give them the oportunity to do so. Also take a look at the original "street performer protocol" article, for more details.

Btw, don't be surprised when some trolls start calling you "beggars" just because you don't demand money, but instead kindly ask for it. I had to endure that kind of (sometimes rather personal) attacks for months, but MandrakeClub contributes 10% to mandrakesoft income today, most of the members seem to be quite satisfied, and these trolls are finally giving up now.

There are people out there who are uncapable of understand the idea of supporting something you do not HAVE to support, and they will bother you from time to time (call you names and such). Leave the possibility to post comments (this is NOT a main feature of LWN, so you can do it without losing readers) to paying customers, and these poor bastards wan't bother you.

Good luck, and please do offer this subscription so that I can join. :-)

yours
Denis Havlik (Deno)