Alternatives to donor based, ie, freepathon business model?

Click here if you wish to continue the donor based business model and free participation for all ^ | April 19, 2012 | Jim Robinson

[MSSC6644]

I’d be OK with whatever you decide to do. As always I’m open to producing FReeper gear as long as the proceeds go to FR.

I'd be interested in a red polo shirt with FR logo and a baseball cap!

[greyfoxx39]

[RedMDer]

LOL!

[rtwingxtremist]

I’ve been lurking since the Monica days and contributing only sporadically. Shame on me for riding in the wagon and not helping to pull. I just set up a monthly contribution. The site was unavailable for a while this morning and I was LOST without it.

[RedMDer]

All contributions are for the Current Quarter Expenses.


Every time a Freeper or Lurker signs up to be a New Monthly Donor

A generous Freeper donates $10!!

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[Dead Corpse]

Tiered membership works at other sites. Ar15.com comes to mind. Free, and four paid levels with varying extras added on.

I’m a Gold level member over there. I’d do the same here.

[onyx]

I was just asking if it would be better to pay a larger chunk instead of monthly -say giving $120 as one chunk would be $2 processing fee - $120 over 12 months is $24 processing fee, right? (Just trying to understand the fee structure)

Ah, I understand. I think the processing fees are a percentage. I donate $30 per month, which likely costs 1.5% or 2% to process, but Free Republic knows it getting that amount every month.

I think you're right, when it comes to Free Republic receiving the entire amount, that checks are better, but that leaves us with FReepathons and I like FReepathons and Monthly Donations!

Processing fees are part of doing business. Retail business are also stuck with processing fees. If checks bounce, Free Republic is stuck with the cost of those, without much recourse. I have no idea if that's happened.

[Longdriver]

I say roll with the ads. You deserve to make as much $$$ as possible and ads should do that, considering the traffic FR generates.

Anyone who complains about ads should use FF or Chrome and Ad-block.

[onyx]

# 1 0 0 !!!

[DrewsMum]

So let’s set up class system? And have some freepers more “prestigious” than others?

Why not the membership where you actually very something for your money instead of “look at me”, I’m better than you because I give more... Reminds me of a church I briefly attended where they have out “prestigious awards for the highest tithe payers (I’m not kidding)

I have long thought that the information on FR is too valuable for just anyone (DU trolls, etc.) And thought the info should be member based, perhaps with an option for sponsorship of long time freepers who are on very limited budgets, hardships etc.) ... Each case had it’s pros.and cons but, IMO awarding people with prestige just simply because they have more money is disheartening to some. But, it’s not my site and I stand with JR whatever he does and I intend on being a freeper for a while, well till Jesus comes actually.

[tomkat]

Outstanding !

[tomkat]

I thought about posting a reply, but you're simply not worth it.

<plonk>

[libertarian27]

No, and I have no desire to participate in outside funding organizations. Not particularly interested in big donations either. They’d have strings attached.

Any thoughts for doing merchandising in house?

I just searched for 'FreeRepublic t-shirts' and that link and a few more popped up...so someone(s) is making money off your product, wouldn't it be better to do it here? Authentic! As a Premium for donation?
ie: $50(?) donation and you'd get an authentic FR keychain - $100(?) donation for an authentic t-shirt, etc.
Rush 24/7 has 'bonus gifts' to generate more members, many places do.

[Ron C.]

IBTZ

This guy (or gal) deserves the boot outtahere!

[tomkat]

I'd first like to thank my producer, and of course . . .

[onyx]

Cowardly, bitter, dishonest, twerp. He can ride the lightning for the second time.

[cripplecreek]

I made a couple of coffee cups for myself with this design on them.



When I take my coffee down to the post office or to the local cafe, people ask about Free Republic.

[onyx]

THE SUN NEVER SETS ON FREE REPUBLIC!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, rtwingxtremist!!!!

GOD BLESS YOU!!!

MONTHLY DONORS ROCK!!!

[Interesting Times]

Server storage and bandwidth are remarkably inexpensive these days. You might consider a hosted solution.

[RedMDer]

Click

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