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[Kino]

Re: Running forums as a full-time business

Enough with the fighting. We all have different opinions, but this isn't the place for them. Lay off the flaming or you'll get a warning. Thanks.

 

[cpvr]

Re: Running forums as a full-time business

There's something like 60,000 people living off of blogging alone, so it is definitely possible. It's a lot of work but the same can be said about anything.

Ya, its just about driving traffic - and having a lot of content. I know Kontera and a few other ad networks are good for forums. Adsense doesn't pay that much unless your traffic is good, and advertisers are good in your niche - but you have to watch the type of content that's being posted.

I also know that when your community is bigger you can sell your own in-house ads for more.

 

[MrJohn]

Re: Running forums as a full-time business

I like your optimism Craven, I hope to be at that mark some day.

 

[JayJACKEL!]

Re: Running forums as a full-time business

A job isn't the only way to make money. I've made more money last year from forums alone than people who have made money at their job(s), and this year I'll do it again.

Then why ask?

There are plenty of forums out there that (just from the stats in the footer) you can see are a business, not just a message board.

Think about the owner of 4chan (otherwise known as m00t). He makes upwards of $250,000 a year alone from just /b/.

 

[Ascent]

Re: Running forums as a full-time business

A job isn't the only way to make money. I've made more money last year from forums alone than people who have made money at their job(s), and this year I'll do it again.

Then why ask?

Asking what?

Asking this? "Has anybody ever considered running forums as a full-time business?"

That's asking YOU, if YOU'VE ever considered running forums as a full-time business. It's not asking if I, Craven, runs forums as a full-time business. It's funny, since nobody has actually replied to the topic yet.

 

[MissTake]

Re: Running forums as a full-time business

I should imagine that MANY people consider running forums as a full time business, I should also imagine that many of those reconsider that thought pretty quickly afterwards. 😉

 

[froggyboy604]

Re: Running forums as a full-time business

If you are making templates, software and scripts for forums to sell to costumers then they will expect a forum for technical support from staff and tech savvy members who can help them with their problems.

I read online that technical support forums for software, scripts, and web hosting tends to increase sales for products like a template since costumers will know they will get tech support on holidays or when tech support is closed since forums are open all the time.

But, I think it can be very difficult making cash from a "general discussion" forum which usually have no product or service to sell since members do not go on general forums to buy products and services, but just to chat with friends and socialize.

 

[Rich Edmonds]

Re: Running forums as a full-time business

Except selling ads, how do people make enough money?

Affiliates is a huge pool of revenue to be tapped into, as well as advertising.

The only one here who makes enough to live off of is Spyka.

I'm sure there are a few people here who can (or do) make enough online to live off comfortably. If I quit my day job, I could live on my online earnings. However, the majority of it is from freelance journalism as opposed to forums but every little helps.