How far are we from a subscription model?

Talk Discussion in 'BeerAdvocate Talk' started by Mgh2001, Oct 10, 2022.

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  1. Mgh2001

    Mgh2001 Crusader (444) Dec 3, 2021
    Trader

    Jfc, Todd, if there are any more ads this site won’t be functional.
     
    #1 Mgh2001, Oct 10, 2022
  2. basaywhat

    basaywhat Grand Pooh-Bah (3,021) May 20, 2013 Illinois
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    #2 basaywhat, Oct 10, 2022
    sulldaddy, jakecattleco, REVZEB and 11 others like this.
  3. alucard6679

    alucard6679 Savant (1,009) Jul 29, 2012 Arizona

    This feels a bit dramatic
     
    #3 alucard6679, Oct 10, 2022
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  4. bbtkd

    bbtkd Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,790) Sep 20, 2015 South Dakota
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    There are ads?
     
    #4 bbtkd, Oct 10, 2022
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  5. ilikebeer03

    ilikebeer03 Pooh-Bah (2,616) Oct 17, 2012 Texas
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I'm a society member so I don't see ads. However, that is a fairly recent accomplishment (society member via beer karma). Definitely achieved that during this year, and if memory serves, within the last 4-6 months. I'd been a member since 2012 - checking my profile, I'm a week from 10 years! - so would have been immune from ads until very recently. I honestly can't say I recall seeing any. And certainly not being inundated with them.

    Maybe related to my adblocker? Give that a shot.
     
    #5 ilikebeer03, Oct 10, 2022
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  6. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    #6 PapaGoose03, Oct 10, 2022
    Bitterbill, dcotom, mickyge and 4 others like this.
  7. DIM

    DIM Grand Pooh-Bah (4,788) Sep 28, 2006 Pennsylvania
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Since it's free for me I'm forced to support this great site by buying beer and glassware. Dammit:grin:

    OP, totally worth $20 to support BA!
     
    #7 DIM, Oct 10, 2022
    sulldaddy, Bitterbill, mickyge and 3 others like this.
  8. Todd

    Todd Founder (13,518) Aug 23, 1996 Finland
    STAFF Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah

    We've had a user-based subscription model since 2017:

    https://www.beeradvocate.com/society/
    We made a good chunk of revenue with BA magazine (RIP), but our beer fests were our core revenue driver. Unfortunately we haven't been able to host any during the pandemic, the beer events space has changed, and while virtual fests/beer boxes have been awesome...the margins are very slim. Gear and Society memberships bring in a little bit, but not enough to keep things running.

    So, it's web ads that are helping to keep the lights on right now and the number of ad placements for logged in users hasn't really changed for a couple of years. Regardless, you can report any ads (on the ad itself) that are causing any usability issues/malicious ads the sneak their way onto the site. It happens and our web ad partner can help address any issues.
    It's only $9.99/year right now for zero web ads + more + you're helping to support BA.

    https://www.beeradvocate.com/society/
     
    #8 Todd, Oct 10, 2022
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  9. Giantspace

    Giantspace Grand Pooh-Bah (3,043) Dec 22, 2011 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I see ads but they are far from bothersome. There is one at the top and at the bottom of the screen. Honestly, till the op mentioned it I really never noticed them. I am 100% phone based if that makes any difference. My laptop has issues I need to figure out but I do prefer laptop over phone.

    Enjoy
     
    #9 Giantspace, Oct 10, 2022
    alucard6679, Todd, ChicagoJ and 1 other person like this.
  10. Beersnake

    Beersnake Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,884) Aug 17, 2013 California
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    It's free for me as well, but I support BA in other ways (BA gear purchases). $9.99 per year to support this site? That's about how much @Resistance88 is willing to pay for a stout! I couldn't think of a better way to spend $10.
     
    #10 Beersnake, Oct 10, 2022
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  11. ATL6245

    ATL6245 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,984) Aug 16, 2018 Georgia
    Society Pooh-Bah


    Before I became a Society Member I didn't mind the ads at all, especially if it helps you guys keep the lights on!
     
    #11 ATL6245, Oct 11, 2022
    Bitterbill, dcotom, PapaGoose03 and 3 others like this.
  12. BigIronH

    BigIronH Grand Pooh-Bah (3,762) Oct 31, 2019 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I minded the ads. So I paid the 20$. If I was to break down hours spent on this site in a year, the investment was well worth it. This guy just wants something to complain about.
     
    #12 BigIronH, Oct 11, 2022
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  13. ATL6245

    ATL6245 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,984) Aug 16, 2018 Georgia
    Society Pooh-Bah

    True. I don't know about the finances but I'd think the subscriptions don't raise much revenue versus the ads. Shhhhhhhh! Don't tell them the membership is a great bargain. :slight_smile:
     
    #13 ATL6245, Oct 11, 2022
    sulldaddy, Bitterbill, PapaGoose03 and 1 other person like this.
  14. Resistance88

    Resistance88 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,462) Apr 9, 2015 California
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    im only into SP now, jokes on you
     
    #14 Resistance88, Oct 11, 2022
    unlikelyspiderperson, mickyge and BigIronH like this.
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