Niche Choppers Forum Goes Paid Already??

[NCMedia]

Yep, it's time to dissect this already.

The forum is indeed getting busy quickly, and even though I've made it private and guests can only view general crap, this hasn't stopped the n00bs and bottom of the barrel aff's from coming here to leech off of the gurus.

Thus my gurus are holding back, I'm even holding back a lil', and my forum WILL NOT suffer from FCB (ForumCockBlock) like some other places do... Here are a few scenarios I'd like to throw at you:

a) We charge a small fee to show people that we don't want just any n00b here leeching from a signup. We use the money to re-invest back into the forum, the community, aff bonuses, pot prizes etc. n00bs and trolls and leeches will be far from wanting to join.

b) Wondering if this would even be a good ClickBank product? hmmm nooo because then TONS of n00bs would be recruited and sold too - however even then I can still create private sections and n00b sections.... thoughts?

c) A one time fee for lifetime access?

d) Leave it as is and just create a VIP password section

At the end of the day, yes we need to weed out the wonkerheads here and so for now I'm going to create a private section only those that know the password can get into. You will only be given the password once you accomplish a certain amount of tasks on the forum and earned enough respect to mingle with the top 20 or so.

Please share your feedback, I want this place to continue to grow however I do not want to have anyone here taken advantage of either so throw in your .02 please.

[Vadym]

Look at the community now.

Does it work? Are people coming up with good content, good help, good information?

It looks like it.


My suggestion - Charge a one-time fee for the next 500 members. At 1,000 members, close memberships. Why? Because whether there's a subscription fee to the forum or not, enough people will accumulate to turn this into DP v2.0.

Hell, in a few months, you can clear out the inactives, and open up the memberships again to reach the 1000. The point being to rinse and repeat until you've got a 1000 people who already succeed, and a 1000 who are ambitious as hell to succeed and will soon enough.

It all depends on what's wanted here. NC can turn into a large-scale marketing forum, or it can stay a close-knit group.

[Ganceann]

At the end of the day, yes we need to weed out the wonkerheads here and so for now I'm going to create a private section only those that know the password can get into.

That might be a better way to go... similar to webmasterworld where there is a subscription section for people who pay. General guests would only see the general section, registered members would have more sections available to them and paying subscribers would have access to all sections. In effect a 3 tier system of access to the forum as opposed to the 2 tiers that currently exist (guests and members would become guests, members and subscribers/supporters).

A one-off fee probably isn't the way to go about it if you were going to re-invest the money in the community as it could easily dry up too quick.

It might be sensible to consider something like a 6-month subscription package for $30 (or $25) as opposed to $5 per month and you could then look at organizing some regular rewards/competitions.

There are many other considerations to look at as well... but definitely something to consider.

[NCMedia]

VIP section is made:

The only way someone gets in there is with a password. The only way to get that password for now is to earn it - the only way to earn is to continuously post great threads and help or be transparent when asking for help. Once you do enough great things for the community, we will invite you (one of the mods/admins). The passwords will change once in a while to keep n00bs out and others on their toes.

I thank you all in advance for opening my eyes and creating this section quickly to avoid n00baches. (.com that?). DO NOT PM ME ASKING FOR ACCESS PLEASE! You will be contacted, and are free to drop hints in your threads when you think it's time to let you into our 'IN THE VIP' section.

Please continue to chew the fat though, I still want to hear some core truth from more members.
N.

**EDIT - If you want access to the private section - please post a request here, sorry I just can't go through 500 members cherry picking at the moment, and I don't want to pick 10 obvious people that I know will be in there shortly so again - please post "I WANT IN" and tell me why you would make a good VIP here.

[vegas]

I say monthly fee or just earn VIP rights.

I have been holding back posting info because I dont want too much out in the general public. (no I do not have some magick formula , but just years of working online and with tons of different types of people / biz's)

I think this would be a great idea because it will get rid of junk posters and people who are not serious. Because if there is a fee a lot of people might cry, but if you can't spend some money to make money then you need to re-examine why you are trying to make money online anyways.

edit : I want in. I will make a good vip as I will share as much as I can, and also help out to anyone who would need it.

edit #2 : Also I think you could make part of the forum a CB section, with different areas for the pros ect..

edit #3 - keep the membership around or under $99 a month IMO

~Vegas

[Ganceann]

Regarding a recurring fee... and wanting to re-invest it in the community:

1. Monthly competitions with cash prizes for top 3-5 affiliates of nichechopper products

2. Monthly 'newcomer' award

3. Monthly 'most valuable contributor' award

basically looking at building Niche Choppers into an Affiliate Marketing Brand where the community is openly rewarded for their legitimate efforts.

There are a host of other possible awards with nominal prizes - including membership etc.

That was why I thought having a one-off fee would run the well dry as it would not be sustainable in the long-run, whereas a recurring fee (a nominal fee), would make it possible to easily invest back into the community (as Norb had stated he wanted to do).

Edit: If membership is capped at 1000 and had 1000 people paying $5 per month, it gives plenty of opportunities to have competitions for decent cash rewards... $500, $250, $100 and 3 x $50 and 4 x $25 = $1100 cash prizes and 10 awards (just for illustrative purposes).

[Vadym]

Regarding a recurring fee... and wanting to re-invest it in the community:

1. Monthly competitions with cash prizes for top 3-5 affiliates of nichechopper products

2. Monthly 'newcomer' award

3. Monthly 'most valuable contributor' award

basically looking at building Niche Choppers into an Affiliate Marketing Brand where the community is openly rewarded for their legitimate efforts.

There are a host of other possible awards with nominal prizes - including membership etc.

That was why I thought having a one-off fee would run the well dry as it would not be sustainable in the long-run, whereas a recurring fee (a nominal fee), would make it possible to easily invest back into the community (as Norb had stated he wanted to do).

Edit: If membership is capped at 1000 and had 1000 people paying $5 per month, it gives plenty of opportunities to have competitions for decent cash rewards... $500, $250, $100 and 3 x $50 and 4 x $25 = $1100 cash prizes and 10 awards (just for illustrative purposes).

If the group is capped and closed, people are much more motivated to go after the incentives, knowing that they have a set limit of competition, not an ever-growing one.

This would, in turn, get everyone working harder, of course, with much less people giving up.

[Ganceann]

If the group is capped and closed, people are much more motivated to go after the incentives, knowing that they have a set limit of competition, not an ever-growing one.

This would, in turn, get everyone working harder, of course, with much less people giving up.

Oh, I am agreeing with the cap... I was just pointing out that even with 1000 people, it is possible to have a decent amount of possible prizes... as the prize pool would be a maximum of $5000 (would be lower due to processing fees etc), but there would be plenty of scope to offer prizes...

As always, just like to present some possible ideas that can start a wave of brainstorming (I can't remember the PC term nowadays... something like mental digestion and exploration process or something ridicoulous) :P

[Vadym]

Oh, I am agreeing with the cap... I was just pointing out that even with 1000 people, it is possible to have a decent amount of possible prizes... as the prize pool would be a maximum of $5000 (would be lower due to processing fees etc), but there would be plenty of scope to offer prizes...

As always, just like to present some possible ideas that can start a wave of brainstorming (I can't remember the PC term nowadays... something like mental digestion and exploration process or something ridicoulous) :P

Haha, yes, I was adding on to your train of thought.

Anyways, yes, I'm guessing more feedback is good before I have anything else to chew on.

[kingwallace]

*bangin on the VIP door* HEY!!!! You guys left me out here......it's lonely out here. *cricket*

I WANT IN!

No clickbank sales in 5 days...damn daytime job...regardless, I'm focused now and it's time to make teh moniez baby!

[Vadym]

Another post to support my reason.

aww, thanks guys. I think the small tight community here was probably what attracted me in the first place... DP and Warrior are too big and scary for me :P

Am I starting to make sense now?

[JIMZ]

Hey Norb

I WANT IN.

If I am not part of the VIP community I can see my Porsche dream withering away. Can you deny a good man the opportunity to own his dream car?

Seriously, I hope I have added something to the mix so far. I was worried about giving too much away to the bottom feeders and I mentioned it, but a VIP section where you need a certain amount of "useful" posts before asking permission to enter would seem the way forward.

I don't think a monthly charge is appropriate, don't forget why you started this in the first place, it is about promoting your products in the main, not to make money from.

Anyway that is my 2p.

Jim

[lucidflux]

I am a proponent of monthly investments into the forum. Would allow for administration if needed, weed(out, not buy grass), and allow for possible purchases of high quality tools for members.

[MedicAffiliate]

If this is illegal no phlame plix: How about having a membership fee, but one where the money is used to get the latest aff. marketing ebook, course or tools as mentioned above. I don't know if one person buying the ebook and spreading it for free would be, well, nice but it certainly is something for people to work and build a reputation towards.

[Blackman]

As much as I love this community and Norb's products, but I wouldn't pay to stay here.

We already have VIP section, so that's should be good enough. As the forum is tight, we can quickly figure out lame people as they come and simply ban them.

[NCMedia]

I will post a formal announcement shortly. For now:

1. Registered members are only able to view the forum, no threads, no posting, I will be going through the DB and upgrading quite a few people for free over the next few days, please be patient - if you think you deserve to be upgraded then chances are you will be.

2. There is now a fee to join - $7 to get access to read/post/get help etc. Those that do not pay can still access the announcements, the product launch threads, and the general chat. VIP members are appointed, and you cannot buy your way in there.

Thank you, and I'm sorry it had to come to this, however this will in turn clean up a lot of crap here. I don't want a DP, I don't want to monetize clicks here, I only want to educate and help those that need it who aren't looking for a free ride or a handout. If you cannot afford $7/month, chances are this industry is not right for you. If you cannot make back your $7 within the first month of being a brand newbie, chances are this is definitely not for you.

Thank you kindly,
N.

[Smitty]

It makes sense to go paid, but I also think you need a general (free) forum for your average joe to visit. Post a few good threads that use incentives for the vip membership area. Other than that is sounds like a splendid idea!

[mikiowoko]

Just my luck, the day after I joined and before I got to look around.
Might be nice to get a few days trial, might have to skip a beer to look around.

[NCMedia]

It makes sense to go paid, but I also think you need a general (free) forum for your average joe to visit. Post a few good threads that use incentives for the vip membership area. Other than that is sounds like a splendid idea!

Cheers, actually there are still a few categories that people can indeed post in for free (general chats, announcements, product launches etc). There is:

Guest: Not signed up/Not logged in: Cannot view jack shit
Logged in Junior Member: Gets access to general/announcements/products
Epic: Paid members - get access to the whole forum except VIP areas
VIP: You can get upgraded from anything above into a VIP, by invite only, and no you cannot buy your way in

Hope that clears it up for you guys. The most important parts are still going to be accessible, however if you want help, want to post a thread or respond to one, you will have to be at least at the Epic stage of membership.

Just my luck, the day after I joined and before I got to look around.
Might be nice to get a few days trial, might have to skip a beer to look around.

Sorry mate, timing is everything, trials cannot be implemented as the proof is in the pudding, a few days free is all one would need to create the same problems that caused me to implement this whole paid thing.

$7 << Again, if you can't find $7 worth of value on this forum and or make that back in a month using the resources and help here, then I don't think I.M. is the perfect fit for you. If you are new or interm, and want to raise the bar on your game, get insight and focused conversion help, and be able to pick the brains of the pros anytime you want, this should be the best $7 you've ever spent in this IM game.

Cheers.
N.

[antantnz]

I thought things had gone a little quiet in the forum ... now I know why ...

I can definitely understand the reasoning and I think it is a shame it had to come to this ... but then this forum is like a pot of gold for anyone wanting to learn the ins and outs ...

I know I'm still a noob, but I would just like to say that I don't think all noobs were created equal ...

there are those that are here to learn, who research lots, who give things a go themselves and only ask questions if they get really stuck, who's goal is to make it big and be able to return the favour in the future ... i put myself in that bucket, as long as many of the others here

and then there's those who are expecting you to almost do all the work for them ... who ask a million questions, who if they spent more time trying things and less time asking questions would probably be successful ... sadly the forum has filled up with a number of those, even in my short time here

will the fee fix that? who knows ... but i agree you had to try something!

[cubecul]

and then there's those who are expecting you to almost do all the work for them ... who ask a million questions, who if they spent more time trying things and less time asking questions would probably be successful ... sadly the forum has filled up with a number of those, even in my short time here

I have to agree with antantnz here.

What I have noticed in both real life and online is that many people refuse to understand that things don't come automatically. One crappy article with no keywords probably isn't going to bring 10 sales within the next 30 minutes. It's just not going to happen. People expect money in their pockets very quickly. They expect results and if they don't, they will quit. I think DP has turned into an area where those people live and continue to bug the ones who really can learn and apply, and the fee was probably the best move.

Change comes from an internal motivation to do so. Those people that expect quick results probably don't know that. Those who do understand end up like Norb: constantly associated with success.

[LTY83]

Norb, your a cool dude but honestly i don't understand how you can charge any money (if only $7) for access to your forum. i mean these are the people who are trying to sell your products and make you more money - think about all the new people who might want to promote it but then don't because of the forum fee, is it worth losing $70 sale, possible $xxx or $x,xxx over $7 a month?


Spam and noobs will hit forums everywhere, its just how it is, thats what mods are for - but to charge the people who are making you money on a daily,weekly,monthly basis is kinda like shooting yourself in the foot...

Just my opinion.

[NCMedia]

Norb, your a cool dude but honestly i don't understand how you can charge any money (if only $7) for access to your forum. i mean these are the people who are trying to sell your products and make you more money - think about all the new people who might want to promote it but then don't because of the forum fee, is it worth losing $70 sale, possible $xxx or $x,xxx over $7 a month?


Spam and noobs will hit forums everywhere, its just how it is, thats what mods are for - but to charge the people who are making you money on a daily,weekly,monthly basis is kinda like shooting yourself in the foot...

Just my opinion.

**You still don't get it mate.

Here http://forums.nichechoppers.com/show...91&postcount=2

That might help you understand my point of view. This isn't about just attracting affiliates, and this sure as hell is not about trying to monetize people, this is the filter, spam noobs won't pay $7, real members get upgraded when they show effort (for free), they show effort through the forums that they ARE allowed to post in - all members and guests can still get access to the products, resources, and a few of the sections, I'm not stopping anyone from learning or selling. The extra sections is what takes you up a few notches, and trust me you won't find ebooks or courses like this for $7.

PS - Since making this change, we've actually had MORE interest from REAL affiliates, not less, this is not shooting myself in the foot - this is shooting the idiots that are here to do a lot more than be a spam n00b as you assume. I appreciate your opinion none the less, and mark my words that within time this will make sense for everyone.

[mikey1090]

To be honest if someone wants to promote one of Norbs products which will earn them $xxx+ per month the $7 forum fee is just a tiny cost that matters little, along with the hosting fee.

[ajhowell79]

Hi, my name is AJ. I am new to niche choppers. This post may be a little off base but I was reading through this thread and noticed the thought on newbies crowding up the place. I just wanted to throw down a little info on myself and secure my spot here.

I am a 29 year old father of 4. I am right now a stay at home dad. (this may sound a little geeky) but I am trying to get in the mix here. I have been affiliate marketing for about 4 months. I used to have an ebay store and made about 30k in my second month. Anyway, that's another story but I am not selling on ebay anymore. I feel that aff. mark. is where I belong. In the real world sales is my strong point. If you give me a product, I can stand in front of anyone and almost garauntee they won't leave without paying. I am a little behind times on the net (i had a construction company where I built houses). I am catching up quickly. I REALLY want to learn the ropes and I am as dedicated and hard working as they come. For example in the last 4 months I have only sold 3 clickbank products and I am still beating the bush 12 or more hours a day trying to figure this thing out. I have some good computer skills. I have web hosting and domains. I can write HTML in my sleep. I have built several websites for others and a couple myself. I am a little all over the place with stuff trying to find something that works.

I guess my point is I noticed people talking about newbies that may trash up the place. That was one of my main attractions here. I noticed it was clean and full of knowledgeable people. So, back to the point, I am here to learn and to help other people succeed in anyway that I can. I am dedicated and hard working, just need some guidance on how to do this business. I get the basics, I understand how it works. May just lack some skills in the technical side. Like SEO or whatever. So, if keeping hard working people in here that want to succeed is the point. I am one of those guys.

I have almost everday free to work on the computer. I can put in an easy 10 hours a day. I just need some direction. I have built crap all over the net that isn't converting. I have like 12 squidoo pages, several websites I have abandoned, blogs and everything else. Everytime I come up with a good idea, it gets scrapped before completion because I come up with another one. I think I am learning to fast sometimes. I have to reign myself in a lot and say "Ok, complete this one no matter what". I don't mean I don't complete things, I just want to make a good living at this and want to make sure I am doing it the right way. I am going to stop typing before I take up the whole page. Hope someone responds. Thanks. AJ

[Ganceann]

I have almost everday free to work on the computer. I can put in an easy 10 hours a day. I just need some direction. I have built crap all over the net that isn't converting. I have like 12 squidoo pages, several websites I have abandoned, blogs and everything else. Everytime I come up with a good idea, it gets scrapped before completion because I come up with another one. I think I am learning to fast sometimes. I have to reign myself in a lot and say "Ok, complete this one no matter what". I don't mean I don't complete things, I just want to make a good living at this and want to make sure I am doing it the right way. I am going to stop typing before I take up the whole page. Hope someone responds. Thanks. AJ

I just edited the quote down as it would have been too much to quote it all... but I used to have too many ideas and not complete one of them and struggled to make any headway.

At the end of may/start of june I decided to drop virtually all my ideas and look about getting successful with affiliate marketing. I am not successful yet, but if I follow my plans through I will become successful... the reason is I have cut out the distractions of fresh ideas for great websites etc and am concentrating on affiliate marketing.

In your intro thread I mentioned 2 things you could read to give you some guidance (many on these forums have used the same things to start earning from affiliate marketing - so you could apply them to your existing knowledge and maybe turn around some existing sites as well as get more sites producing an income).

These are the links to the posts:
http://forums.nichechoppers.com/7156-post5.html (All-in-one-SEO may help you a bit on that side of things)

There is also Lemonarian's Bum Marketing Guide:
http://forums.nichechoppers.com/free...blueprint.html

That guide will help you get a better grasp of how you can make article marketing work for you... without needing to spend money (although you can always outsouce things like article writing etc when you start earning some regular money so that you free up more time to use it more productively).

[ajhowell79]

Well, Gancanne,

I read the material in the links you provided. It pretty much confirms that what I am doing is correct, I just need to be more organized. I have thought about making my website a "review" site and linking all my reviews to it. Probably at this point, that is my best option. Thanks for the links and any more insight you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. AJ

[JIMZ]

Welcome

The type of newbies we can do without are the ones that can't be bothered to put the hours in, want everyone else to give their "secrets", ask the same questions over and over again (you know who you are!), complain when they write one article and don't make a sale the next day, Spam the forum or rip off other's content.

Other than that, ask away in the right places and there are plenty of us willing to help.

Good luck

JZ

[ajhowell79]

Ok, I have a question then. I started building a "review site". Can someone check it out and let me know if I am on the right track. Feel free to let me know what you think. I AM NOT SPAMMING WITH THIS URL! Just want someone to check it out and say yes or no. Mr. Techie by Free Css Templates
That's my site, let me know if I started building it correctly. My plan is to link all my reviews to it and then start posting my reviews there. build some SE rank with it. Thanks. AJ

[ajhowell79]

Don't mind the mr. techie by free css templates. I didn't change the title on the site yet. that was weird. it is ajswebinfo dot com. this forum must have pulled a feed from my site when I tried to list the URL. Crazy. Anyway, the destination is correct. Just click on Mr. Techie by free css templates. It is going to the right address.

[ajhowell79]

K, I think I fixed it. lets see. Product Reviews by ajswebinfo.com

[JIMZ]

It might be best if this is moved to another section as it should not be in this thread.

1) Firstly, get rid of the Adsense unless you would rather get a few cents instead of a potential $80+ commission.

2) You need a border to the left as the text starts right on the edge of the screen.

3) Your url is not going to be great for search engine results, needs to be more like MyReviews.com - Consumer Product Reviews etc. IF not your sub domains or additional pages need good keywords.

4) No need for calendar or any other distractions, you need to focus on getting people to click on the affiliate links or your sub pages.

Hope that is a start for you.

JZ

[ajhowell79]

Hey man, I appreciate the knowledge. This will be my last post I will move to another thread. Just wanted to say thanks. I made the appropriate changes. Changed adsense for a CB product banner. Moved page to center ( off the left side) just was missing a little html tag. Didn't show up on firefox (you must be using IE) got rid of the calender (was going to anyway) can't do much about the URL right now but I'll purchase another and see if I can point it to this site. Added some more content. Check it out again if you like but I don't want to bother you to much. PM me if you have any more suggestions. Again, thanks for the help. AJ