AjiNIMC - 1:25 pm on Oct 30, 2005 (gmt 0)

Another way to monetize your forum is "Bargaining for community using community". What does that mean? Let me explain.

Say you have a music community and mostly based in US or UK(may be some other regions too). What do they buy? Say they buy guitars. Approach a good company which operates in the areas where you have good community members, bargain for your community. $x priced guitar can be available to your community members for $x-$25 and you will get $10 commission through coupon systems. You do this for each need of your community (guitars, latest albums, musical groups …..).

The bigger your community the bigger bargaining power you have

This has two advantages.
1) You are helping your community get some discounts through memberships which will lead more and more people to join your forum. It is becoming productive to your members and you check the quality service for them.

2) Guitar company is saving some money on their ads and is getting bulk sales.

In long term this will help you establish as an authority in your niche market.