Actually making money - Forum Project

[dc_publius]

This 'challenge' comes at the right time because I was going to do the same thing.

I think the tech specs are only recommendations. We agree what most of us will use as default, but anyone should feel free to use whatever they want if it suits their project better.

For hosting, I did my research and plan to sign up with http://dreamhost.com/ They are decent enough and they have coupons going around on the web for $97 off of first year hosting, which should bring the first year hosting down to $20 or so. You can't beat that. Dreamhost has one-click installs for alot of these CMS packages like Wordpress/Joomla so it should be easy even for those who are not tech savvy. After 1 year, I will decide whether to stay or find another host.

In terms of niches, I don't think it's super important that none of us pick the same niche. I think it's actually OK. We are all small and will have hardly any sales, so instead of canibalizing our customer base, if we don't make the sale our prospects will be directed at sister sites of our members who can deliver a slightly different pitch for similar sale. It might be beneficial to both sites, IMO. Obviously, we don't want to have 50 sites exactly the same, but a few sites that are doing the same thing is OK, IMO...

[bludem]

I'm sorry to throw cold water on your idea, but I'm about 90% sure you'll fail with the current game plan. My credentials: I've been in the business of owning websites full-time for 6 years, and right now I own some very popular sites making about $10,000/day from Adsense alone. If people are interested in the independent confirmation, choose some trusted member, and I'll send him the proof. I might provide some information about why I think you'll fail and some possible fixes (though I won't be sharing too many secrets) if you choose a niche in which I have no sites and that I have no interest in entering.

[dc_publius]

bludem, perhaps you can elaborate and point us in the right direction...

[bludem]

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bludem, perhaps you can elaborate and point us in the right direction...

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Here is the main issue you will encounter if the current game plan is followed (anyone with enough SEO experience will notice it immediately, so it's not much of a secret): your sites will be algorithmically penalized (or banned) by the search engines. I may be able to expand on it or provide fixes once your niche is chosen and I have some motivation to do it.

[avfletch]

I wish everyone the best of luck but I spent the last couple of months trying to make it in the "Making money" niche and it's one of the most competitive on the Internet. Personally I would recommend you find an easier niche that is more beginner friendly in order to keep more people around longer.

I'm sure the smartest people here will succeed in whatever niche they pick but for the average guys here you will find "Making Money" a lot harder than you think.

Just my 2c.

[Diecast321]

Dont do the making money thing. It sucks, horrible idea. no money in the making money niche

[avfletch]

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Dont do the making money thing. It sucks, horrible idea. no money in the making money niche for beginners

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FYP

[NNH]

Max,

I'd like to make a suggestion. It seems this project has started off a bit messy. I think because of the scope of the project, 50+ participants, things are going to continue this way. There are too many people trying to make decisions.

I'd like to see us vote for some (for lack of a better word) project leaders. I would say Max and 4 others would do. Ideally, theses project leaders would be people that have some experience in this intardnet business. All participants would get to voice their opinions, but in the end, the 5 project leaders would have the final say as to the direction of the project.

I can't speak for others, but for me this is more of a learning experience. In that sense, I feel it should be a more regimented exercise, otherwise we'll never get going.

Just my 2 cents.
-NNH

[jaym]

I concur. This is def a learning experience for me more than anything else. If I make a little coin in the process, good game. If not, I'll hopefully be armed with a little experience, some know-how, and some tips from those smarter and wiser than me when it comes to this kind of venture so I can start all over again.