LifeinAsia - 4:42 pm on Mar 4, 2011 (gmt 0)

I need to develope a business relationship with a webmaster that will be willing to consider him or herself a "partner".

I think that when most webmasters hear the term "partnership" in a business proposal, they automatically hear "Work for free now- you may get some money if the venture ever makes money." That's a big red flag to most folks, and they'll probably tune out anything you say after that. Especially if they also hear the word "risk!" If that's not what you mean, then certainly don't phrase it like that. If it is what you mean, you most likely have your work cut out for you...

That said, do some research in the specific industry. Since it's so big, there must be a number of sites that are critical of either the industry itself or one or more businesses in the industry. Target those sites as potential "partners." Even if you don't find a webmaster, you'll build up a network to tap into in the future for getting links, publishing press releases, contributing to your forums, etc.