Do you think its common that there are popular websites out there that can't self-support? Meaning, they use too much bandwidth and system resources that they can't pay them off via advertising? Also disregard sites like video streaming and picture hosting, since those eat up monster bandwidth w/out actually having to be popular. Reason I'm asking is because a site I visit has recently started taking up donations. Now this site is HUGE, and I would think that they would be making tons, but they said that they need funding via donations, and I smell bullsh*t. Do you think keeping a site like this running is worth it? Do you think these types of sites are common?
I think it's the smaller sites that would have trouble keeping up with the overhead. A popular site can cover their overhead with advertising.
Well look at YouTube.com...they weren't making enough to cover their servers costs..idk about now since they're part of google but they werent back then.
Most sites should be able to cover hosting costs with ads. Sites that can have problems making enough money with ads are forums and file sharing sites.
Bigger sites look at advertising as more than 'Adsense'. There are so many other ways to monetize a site other than PPC. For example, targetted CPA offers to members would be a good way since the members are already loyal to the site. Or get sponsors for a contest. Or... So I would assume that larger sites should be able to sustain themselves.
What is this website? It might be in a niche where people don't want to advertise to them (ie they have no money) AND they don't click on ads. This could be a forum for people under 18.