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Comment by Dorian Benkoil on May 27, 2009 at 7:11am

@GPHughes Can you expound a touch more on the idea of paying to play in a social network? In other words, I pay $150, and can then say "My Chrysler Is a Great Rise" but if I hadn't paid, I coudn't? Do participants know who has and hasn't paid?

Comment by GP Hughes on May 26, 2009 at 6:58pm

Okay... I thought I was responding to the " Is Free the right price for news" topic . Since there is no edit function (I hate that about this software because I always have to re-write) ... I'll dispense with additional points of wisdom :)

Comment by GP Hughes on May 26, 2009 at 6:52pm

This is a great topic.

First, let me suggest that the answer to all the problems are solved by the melding of social networks with a hyperlocal news mission.

I know that a lot of journo folks dismiss the idea because of ... well for the same reason I've had editors that insist that no story should exceed 25 column inches which is frigging arbitrary.

However this particular topic promises to give a way to open minds.

First off, news is a social good that ought to be free if we are to have a free society. So no, you don't charge for news.

However, social networks are a different beast all together and in a social network, you'll find folks like enhanced status. If you get enough folks in the network, not only will the network effect work in your favor, but the status of users to earn "recognition" - to be part of the group, to have specific 'enhanced' permissions, to be respected in the group because they show their support for the group ... are all things that can be sold.

And businesses can also be sold the ability right to be mentioned by others. Literally, folks pay me $150/yr for the right of their customers to put their business name in the title of a topic.

Yes, folks will pay to play in a social network.

GP Hughes

Comment by Dorian Benkoil on May 22, 2009 at 9:47am

Thanks, Maya, Lead generation is a great idea. In fact, I'm aware of some sites using leads from lawyers, doctors and the like to do so and will incorporate that into our feedback.

Comment by Maya Avrasin on May 22, 2009 at 9:36am

Amy -- look at ServiceMagic.com -- they ask contractors/agents to pay for listing them in the directory. You can offer this for free in the beginning but get paid on the backend for every lead these agents get from your site. Then, when you start getting traffic, you can offer sponsorship deals for them to be "featured" in the directory, which would give them a highlighted index or something else of value to them.

Comment by Dorian Benkoil on May 21, 2009 at 1:28pm

Hi, we're looking for help on our Business Assessment tool:
http://rjicollab.ning.com/profiles/blogs/help-us-figure-out-the

Comment by RJI Collaboratory on April 12, 2009 at 6:26pm

From Amy Senk: I'm working on setting up a local news site, and of course I'm trying to figure out creative ways that I might get advertising once I've got some traction. One of the things I think might pay off is to create a space that is for local apartment or house rentals. Right now, my community uses Craig's List, handbills on palm trees and street lamps, or MLS listing (meaning you need an agent) --our local newspapers don't really cover the market. I'm trying to figure out how to work with local agents in a way that they don't steal my ideas. I'm thinking maybe offering free ads for now, with an honor system in place that they pay me a token amount if someone uses my site and actually follows through with a signed lease. At least, until I get more traction and eyeballs. Anyone have any thoughts on this?