Posted by Lorraine on March 22, 2001, at 13:46:55
In reply to Re: advertising, posted by Dr. Bob on March 22, 2001, at 2:53:39
Bob: I threw out a lot of ideas in the last 3 emails that I sent. Maybe too many and I'd like for us to get a bit more focused before we go forward.
Let's define our goals. As I see them, they are:
First: to cover the cost of the site so that you are not out-of-pocket
Second: to reimburse you for the time you put in to administer the site--This is time you could otherwise be putting into your practice so this makes sense even in the non-profit context. (The site is also your "calling card" so to speak and hopefully enhances your reputation and client base.)
The approach that I would advocate would be (and this is in the order of ease):
First: Redesign the site (slightly) to:
1. Make the contribution solicitation more prominant
2. Make the affiliation with Amazon more prominent (Down the line we can add different affiliations that you feel comfortable with later after researching the available options and determining your comfort level. I would think you could do at least 2 and possibly 3 without seeming to be the huckster. (By the way, music IS a mood enhancer. And some people only achieve a full remission with a pet. LOL).
3. Create a page soliciting a sponsor.
Second: Explore moving the site to another host provider. (This is going to require a fair amount of research. I have created a spreadsheet of the potential host providers. My list ends up being different than yours. I'm not sure why, but you should take a look at the spreadsheet. If you give me your email address, I'll attach it. I assume I can't attach it through the site. Also you mentioned that you are concerned about this eating into your time. Is there anyway that others could help with this? Do we have any members who have an expertise in technology that could help either evaluate the potential hosts or help in the transition itself? Maybe you need a page on the site noting volunteer needs and soliciting them from the members? )
Third: Actively start seeking a sponsor for the site. (I'm not convinced you can't get an advertiser--look at Dr. Grohol's Psych Central--he has one. Do we know him well enough to ask how he went about this? Do we have anyone on the board with an expertise in media placement? A sponsor would be ideal because it would accomplish your goals without the crassness you so distain :-)
As I see it, this approach would increase revenues modestly from steps 1 and 2. Step 4 would lower your costs substantially so that the combined impact of steps 1,2 and 4 will be a break-even in terms of cash outflow. Covering the cost of your time on the site would be the icing on the cake covered by obtaining a sponsor.
Going the full non-profit route, incorporating, seeking IRS status, maintaining these filings, and using services like iGive I think would be a major undertaking. (It would take a lot of time and work before we know if it will work.) I know that I have vacillated on this, but it takes time for things to sink in and perculate towards a solution for me.
Tell me what you think of this approach.
poster:Lorraine
thread:619
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20010315/msgs/869.html