ProBlogger Launches Subscription-Based Community
Darren Rowse’s ProBlogger has launched a subscription-based discussion forum, located at ProBlogger.com (the ProBlogger blog has long been located at ProBlogger.net). The concept is that for an introductory $1.95 per month fee, bloggers get access to “collaborate with like-minded folks” and “learn from the pros (and each other)” in a private and moderated forum environment.
Early reaction seems to be very positive. Kevin Muldoon of BloggingTips reports a lot of early activity on the boards, writing that, “…around 450 people have signed up to the forum today and nearly all of them have posted already, which gives the impression of an established forum rather than one which was only online a few hours.”
Retire Young and Wealthy notes that the ProBlogger Community will likely be criticized by some for charging a fee to join but counters by stating that “I suppose that is a good way to keep spammers out.” Team Nirvana’s Query agrees by reflecting that the fee will improve the quality of the community,
bluntly writing that “you are aware of how the other forums are becoming like.”
Finally, Daniel Scocco of DailyBlogTips gushes: “Given the value that the forum will have for its members, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Darren raising the price to $19 monthly or more in some months, and if you get in now you lock your price at $1.95.”
Discussion areas include making money, blog design, technical issues, and growing audience.
If the ProBlogger Community proves to be popular, look for other high traffic blogs to roll out their own subscription-based community and/or content-based products.
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