Brainwave - but need help!

Donations - do they work?

[adamnichols45]

I just had one of those moments when you think you have just dreamed of a great idea!

I think I have and im excited!

BUT...

Im interested in offering this as a free service and just ask for donations!

Does this format work? What other ideas have people used in these circumstances?

[fiu88]

I wouldnt rely on donations... too " wishy washy" even if they love the service and have every intention of paying, its just as easy to close the browser

[piatkow]

I run a web site for an arts organisation funded by a combination of donations, Adsense and Amazon we cover costs. I have never yet been able to transfer a profit to our general funds.

[adamnichols45]

No i did feel that the donations side would not work!

How have other people made money in these circumstances?

[ispy]

It may work enough to pay for itself if you push the donation angle. It probably would not make you rich or generate profits.

[RailMan]

donations might work, you never know until you try
normal methods of monetising a free service etc will include adsense / affiliate links etc
you might also like to try "giftware" - ask people to send you a gift instead of money - could be more fun!

[edited by: RailMan at 8:42 am (utc) on Jan. 10, 2007]