Subscriptions vs. donations [LWN.net]

Subscriptions vs. donations

Posted Aug 1, 2002 18:06 UTC (Thu) by stonedown (guest, #2987)
In reply to: Is it really The End? by sharkey
Parent article: Is it really The End?

Some people are more comfortable with subscriptions, because they feel like they are "getting something" for their money. Other people are more comfortable with donations, because they like giving, rather than paying for a service.

Ultimately, I like the subscription model, because I think it stands a better chance of keeping LWN.net afloat. Even public radio and public television give away lots of bennies, in exchange for donations. Also, their customers have to put up with interruption of service, due to the fundraising drives. Public broadcasting is what it is, due to the limitations of the medium. Broadcasters can't charge directly for their services, because there's no way to restrict content. So, they either advertise, or they ask the audience to support them with donations. This is a constant battle fought by public radio stations. *Considerable* resources are spent in public broadcasting, in order to ensure that the money keeps coming in.

LWN.net is published on the web. Therefore, it has the capability of making some services free, and charging for others, in order to support the business. I think this will ensure a more continuous and predictable revenue stream, rather than relying on people's good will. Waiting a week is a small price to pay for people who can't afford to subscribe, but it provides an incentive for those of us who can afford it and are interested in the very latest stuff.

Consider your subscription to be a donation. It's just that, in exchange for your support, you get a special "thank you", in the form of special perks to reward you for *doing the right thing*.

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