DSXchange

<p><b><i>The DSXchange is here to serve you.</i></b> Before any discussion of premium services begins, that needs to be clearly and emphatically stated. We haven't built an almost 6000 member community through 'fleecing'. Also we are very grateful to the gurus who volunteer so much of their time and expertise to help others learn and experience success. With that in mind, the question of community interest in premium services is all about <b><i>how we can afford to serve you better.</i></b> </p> <p>Let's look at two important variables: "How much would it cost?" and "What would be provided?" These are both questions you can help us answer.</p> <h3><b>How much would it cost?</b></h3> <p>There are two ways to look at this question: What is the cost to the community member, and what is the cost to the DSXchange. Either way the more robust the service, the higher cost. Our desire is, at the very least, that community pay for itself. Simply put, we'd like to hit that sweet spot that would include the most members, provide the greatest benefits and cover our costs.</p> <h3><b>What would be provided?</b></h3> <p>Though there are numerous possible offerings for premium services, there are two main areas which we are currently exploring: a download section with routines, software, etc. and specialized help.</p> <p>Please let us know your thoughts.</p>

While I voted I have no interest it is really based on the fact that I know my company would not be interested in paying for these services. I might be willing to pay a minimal onetime amount for some worth while downloads on administration. Since I am not involved in the "programming" part I would have no interest in that.

I have to admit that part of the real value of this forum is that it is absolutely open to anyone interested in it and it is egalitarian. Putting in memberships would severely curtail it's benefits. On the other hand I don't see why people should put a lot of energy and effort into this without any remuneration at all but levying an across-the-board charge wouldn't be the right way to do it. I don't have a general solution though, just adding my comments since I voted against the membership change.

I would like to see membership benefits as long as it doesn't impact on the core forums. There are plenty of examples of sites out there that started off as free and then added premium services when they became successful, as long as they keep the original services free they keep visitors happy.

That does make sense; but would someone, a non-member, still be able to look around and perhaps getting the problem resolved that brought him or her here in the first place? If so, then I am all for it!

Mt first question is will the exising infrastructure that is in place remain the same or are you going to charge for the current system.

hi..
i am pretty new and may be one of the youngest in this group..
i am working in company which directly not involved with ascential corporations..
we are developement parterns of ascentical customers..
so let c where ...future goes.....
but because i can say more than 50% of members in this forum are using this forum..as they need ..some solutions..in for that ..
projects and that also for timebeing..

if there jobs change ..they might shift to some other ETL technology..
but..personally i will be happy ...if this premium service will comeup with some ..new idea of getting jobs..through this...Forum...

this is just ..my view..

thanx..all

What's with all the fullstops? Is that your Captain Kirk impersonation?

I agree that some premium services around jobs could work, probably not a lot of money to be got from people looking for jobs, better to get money from companies looking for experts/contractors/consultants.

And creation of custom code.

And specialised diagnosis services.

And a few others I'm too lazy (tired) to type up just now!

I've seen an IT product analysis site where you add evaluations of products. You have the option of making yourself available to receive calls on your field of expertise. For every 15 minute call you take you get $100 into a bpay account.

Then I think I would give up my day job in favor of the $400/hour I could make helping others in 15 minute increments!

I 've been here just because I can share knowledge with others and get the feeling about how am doing in my job.

yet, if there is a ready made code that will save me two days of work I might spend a cent or two.


And when it comes where every thing is priced ,,, I would rather watch not to pay. <-- this what I am afraid of.

I don't mind paying a certain token to support administrative cost of maintaining a website like this, but for People looking for talent or headhunter they should pay a certain fee, not to get a free ride.

But [color=darkred]People[/color] who benefit from this [color=blue]freebie advice [/color]should contribute a token amount. :?

I don't think you can charge for core forum functions like question and answer, that goes against the philosophy of having an online forum in the first place and it will force people across to ADN instead. There are a lot of options for premium services, or perhaps a advertising or sponsored links.

Don't forget this sites predecessor (Olivers email list) eventually shut down when the volunteer running it couldn't support it any longer. We cannot assume the people behind this site will always be available, it needs to be self funding to ensure a long life.

I'm not quite sure how to tell my company how and why to pay how much to whom...

I understand that DSXchange is not a company in the liability sense of corporations. Are we incorporated? Are we (DSXchange) planning to become a corporate entity?

Would the premium services make the other services (free exchange) "slide" in its service level?

Is there a notion of contract expected? Billing? PayPal?(!)

What would the relationship be:
Company to DSXchange?
Company to DSXchange member?
DSXchange member to DSXchange member?

Where would to money go?

Hmmm...

tom