The hard part- what would you pay for?

[Derek]

One of the reasons I?m seeking feedback on how we run the forum is a simple matter of finance: the site costs me about $850 per year in hosting, plus another $200 or so to licence vBulletin. Boards+ subscribers help to finance some of this cost, but the site generally runs at a loss, one I incur personally.

At the moment, we have Boards+, which for a measly $10 a year gives you
- avatar and custom title privileges
- access to additional member-only forums hidden from public view

When the Boards+ program first launched I was offering a higher tier of service, one which included ESPN Insider-style additional content. I very rapidly burned out trying to keep up with that schedule, and readily admit I bit off more than I could chew; my real-job work commitments would make that even more difficult now, even if I miss writing and want to get back to it.

That said, the new vBulletin has a content-management bolt-on that would mean instead of hosting Ozhoops? news site and The Boards separately, I can bring everything in under one system- one logon gives you access to comment on articles, participate in the forums, and (if you?re staff) upload stories or other media. Having only one server to maintain also saves a few hundred bucks.

So I guess the question is- what can I offer that you would pay for? What is it that I can provide that you would consider worthwhile? And what price are you willing to pay? I?m not going to get rich off the site- and I do have a day job- but I don?t want to litter the forum with Flash and banner ads just to try and break even.

Any reasonable suggestion considered!

Derek

[Clips]

As has pointed out a few times recently for different reasons, $10 has been a bargain. If the cost went up a little I wouldn't have a problem with that at all. $20 isn't a problem as far as I'm concerned.

Oh, and I'd still take up the Naughty Corner access for an extra $10

[mattic]

I haven't visited OzHoops for years and only did so about quarterly before then. I forgot it even existed before you just mentioned it.

All I want is The Boards, not really interested in anything else. Would doubling the price help? $20 is still measly enough for most people to keep subscribing.

[Cussy]

More full frontal nudity. You can even have naked women too.

I think that the Boards plus section needs to be somehow opened up to show some of the non-Plus members what they are missing out on. Not full access but perhaps a "week in review" section at the bottom of the main page where you show some of the best discussions and comments from the previous week.

[Clips]

I think that the Boards plus section needs to be somehow opened up to show some of the non-Plus members what they are missing out on. Not full access but perhaps a "week in review" section at the bottom of the main page where you show some of the best discussions and comments from the previous week.

We can do this right here:

On Board+, there is currently a topic started called "If it isn't positive, it's negative" and we rag on people who aren't in boards+. It has been a hot topic in the past few days, but are we talking about you?

Give Derek $10 and find out!

[Clips]

More full frontal nudity. You can even have naked women too.

Where has Hound been?

[Prodigal]

I was a + dweller in a previous life. I'm not sure if I want to dip my toes in there again but I'm willing to pony up 20 bucks to lurk for a while

[Cussy]

I was a + dweller in a previous life. I'm not sure if I want to dip my toes in there again

Why is that?

[Clips]

Make a rule D-rex, + members must make one post in off topic per week or they lose access to OT for a week.

[Prodigal]

Why is that?

Because you're all c&^*s

[metalslugsman]

Because you're all c&^*s

insightful and to the point (and honest too)

[Silencer83]

Although I am happy with current package that is offered here some items that might appeal to people.

- Access to the game chat like what you did for the GF series. You could pick out a game of the week and do that or have 2 or 3 staff members take different games.

- Access to read and comment on a weekly wrap-up column (like Boti's in the Adelaide Advertiser) written by a staff member

Really I think plus is it's own reward and a weekly highlights thread along the lines of Clips teaser trailer would pull some people in.

Also a price increase to $15-$20 would not be out of the realms of reasonableness. I know that I tend to drop in a bit extra when I subscribe anyway and I am sure others do the same.

[Cussy]

Because you're all c&^*s

Stop being such a fag. I am not a c***. I have never liked you anyway, or your family.

[Prodigal]

Stop being such a fag. I am not a c***. I have never liked you anyway, or your family.

Ipso facto

[Silencer83]

stop being such a fag. I am not a c***. I have never liked you anyway, or your family.

Join off topic and find out the story behind these comments!

[Prodigal]

Join off topic and find out the story behind these comments!

(Unnecessary extra words so as not to infract)

[Cussy]

But seriously, why doesn't it appeal to you any more?

[CGG]

I'm dirt poor at the moment and even I think that we're well overdue with a catch up with inflation Derek. Plus is fun and full of useful stuff to boot. I LOVED that live chat during the game that you did, that would be a great drawcard - not sure how you would go about making it + exclusive though. Do others even know what's included in the + section? Discussion of other sports and gaming etc?

[Julian]

Bring back the Almanac.

[Cussy]

not sure how you would go about making it + exclusive though.

Don't tell anyone about it unless they are in the Plus. Have an NBL Plus section for that sort of stuff. Maybe we can also leave our unsubstantiated "R*ssell H*nder is a cock" comments in that section too.

[Prodigal]

But seriously, why doesn't it appeal to you any more?

it just wasn't making me happy any more. Bit like my ex wife. I divorced that b&^ch too

[KEVY47]

Before reading this i'd honestly forgotten there was on Off-Topic section - probably since my name/login change.

I don't post much anymore but still pop into the NBL forum occasionally for a quick read, laugh and head shake.

Might have to put up the $10 again... even if it's just to create a "KEVY47 - Hawks Club Person on the Year" appreciation thread.

[Julian]

Modesty is a virtue.

[Catsfan]

To be honest I had forgotten there was a plus section.
Think $20 would be more than fair. Would like to see a Boti-style wrap up, everything else is great

[Young Gun]

This is really snobby, but I'd pay for a section for 'true basketball fans'... admitted into the group by Derek. Prerequisite is duration of membership in Ozhoops, posts inciteful points of view in the past and doesn't just post one-eyed crap or how cute a particular player is