Charging members?

Do you charge your members for anything? Do you charge them for being a member on your forum(Some forums make members pay a monthly membership)? Do you have a premium membership program? Charging them to view special content that other users can't?

 

I don't charge my members for anything at the moment.

 

I have "gold members" that get a handful of perks like a larger avatar, a pretty coloured name, and a custom usertitle to name a few.

 

I have a VIP membership on one of my forums for additional benefits and features.

 

I don't charge my members anything and I don't plan on it til my community is a lot larger.

 

I think anyone should be allowed to join a forum free of charge. But it is always a nice addition to add a paid subscription for extra features regular members don't get.

 

I really think that the issue deals with what kind of target market you have. I mean, if you have a forum with a bunch of teenagers, how likely is it that they are going to pay for membership and what form of payment? I think it depends on aspects of the community.

 

Isn't that somewhat deceiving? I mean how would you feel if DP suddenly charged for membership? If I were a member I'd prefer knowing upfront.

Totally agree in the end it will also depend a lot on your niche.

 

i dont charge my members
they might leave my site if i charge them

 

You can always ask for donations though, I do that sometimes and if you give good features, every now and then you can get a little.

 

If your site provides something worth paying for then it can be a good idea ... what is your site about anyways?

 

I think a better question could be "What does your site have that's worth paying for?"