Duke_of_Url - 9:03 am on Aug 23, 2002 (gmt 0)

zoinks, monster thread.

I don't make any £ from any of my websites (hobby type) although their optimisation (maybe with a view to making £ one day via them) does interest me.

Echoing what many have said, I'd go for keep reading free, after all lurkers = more interest = fresh blood into the scene. Part of what makes WebmasterWorld special is the 'family' feel to the place, and newbies will only get that feeling once they've experienced the tone and quality of this place over a period of time (even if theyre only reading). We were all newbies once.

As for posting, have registration compulsory and no payment required for the first month (say) so that people can dip their toes in the water. Likely as not they'll see real benefit from being involved, and for a small annual payment after the first month could continue in that way. I fully understand the reasoning for generating some $$ for this, and as long as it can be done without stifling new people getting involved then fair do's. How you'd handle people paying up without credit cards efficiently I don't know.

DoU.