Agreed, it's one thing if they don't want to pay say $10,000 (just a round figure for example) up front, but they should be paying a minimum of $15,000 in agree

Agreed, it's one thing if they don't want to pay say $10,000 (just a round figure for example) up front, but they should be paying a minimum of $15,000 in agreed upon installments on a contract drawn up by a lawyer or paralegal (whichever's necessary where you are). You're totally correct, when someone expects to pay you less for you assuming more risks and liability it's a shitty deal. The response should be along the lines of 'fuck you'. If they're genuinely interested, that means someone else likely is too, someone who probably isn't trying to screw you over. OP: If you're asking us whether this is a good deal or not, it's probably because you already know it's a crappy deal. Add 20% to your initial offer and say you're willing to take say 50% of advertising revenues as payment for maintaining the site (assuming you're making a profit off of it now). If they really believe they'll boost your readership + revenue streams then this way will negotiate out good, however that's not what it looks like they're interested in. This is like owning an apartment building and being made a buy out offer saying "We don't want to pay the 15% down payment, would you be willing to forgo the total amount in lieu of increased pay as the super if you increase occupancy rates." It'd be a retarded offer to accept.