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And these guys had well-established competitors! But one competitor was a lot less functional, and another had a business model of "provide a free version with

And these guys had well-established competitors! But one competitor was a lot less functional, and another had a business model of "provide a free version with incredibly aggravating ads so that users buy a premium version." Instead I immediately moved to RideWithGPS when I heard about it & tell everyone else about it. But I don't think they're making money off of me. I should probably donate now that I have a real job, since I'm a pretty heavy user. Another cool way they could make money off of me would be selling ads tailored to the kind of riding I do and the kind of bikes I ride, since I've given them that information. That'd actually be pretty cool.

cullenking 16y ago
We are exploring non-ad based revenue models primarily, but, are open to tastefully done ads like you have described. We have plans on greatly enhancing our gear section (can you tell it hasn't been touched in two years?) to encourage more detailed inputs. This will let us do more relevant targeting. If we do ads, I want to attempt to only show ads that are beneficial to a user. Since we are location based, that means maybe only allowing local ads for users, or maybe any ad as long as it is a sweet deal. Users might not be turned off on ads if they are for 25% off stuff the want anyway. As far as donating, I am working out how I want to handle early donors considering we are nearing the launch of paid accounts. We will be treating our early donors well, they will receive much more than they might otherwise for a normal paid account, but we haven't put any actual "policies" in place. I am constantly surprised by the levels of donations. We received a $200 donation at the end of last week from a single user! The average has been around $22.50 - I have intended on writing a blog piece on it, but haven't managed yet :)
- dustrider 16y ago
  Dude, the user has just asked for advertising :) why are you even mentioning donations? Giving the user access to stuff they want to buy, when they want to buy it and where they want to buy it, without giving them anything they don't want, when they don't want it, etc is a great value offering for both user and advertiser, it's great that you've got the attitude that advertising has to be beneficial for the user, but remember that it's also beneficial for the advertiser as they don't have to waste money or time on people that wouldn't buy. If you've got access to your users bike choices, mileage and location, just contact all the bike servicing shops you can manage and offer them a deal, I will bet money the majority will take you up on it.
  - cullenking 16y ago
    I still believe that advertising will be a small source of revenue in comparison to paid accounts. But, within the context of advertising, I am pulled towards local, value added advertisements like you mention. It also helps that we have maps on which we can show markers of nearby bikeshops while someone plots their route! And, I mentioned donations because he directly referred to donating money to our site! I was just giving him the headsup on what we are thinking in terms of donors and our premium accounts, since we should be at that point within a month.

cullenking 16y ago

We are exploring non-ad based revenue models primarily, but, are open to tastefully done ads like you have described. We have plans on greatly enhancing our gear section (can you tell it hasn't been touched in two years?) to encourage more detailed inputs. This will let us do more relevant targeting. If we do ads, I want to attempt to only show ads that are beneficial to a user. Since we are location based, that means maybe only allowing local ads for users, or maybe any ad as long as it is a sweet deal. Users might not be turned off on ads if they are for 25% off stuff the want anyway. As far as donating, I am working out how I want to handle early donors considering we are nearing the launch of paid accounts. We will be treating our early donors well, they will receive much more than they might otherwise for a normal paid account, but we haven't put any actual "policies" in place. I am constantly surprised by the levels of donations. We received a $200 donation at the end of last week from a single user! The average has been around $22.50 - I have intended on writing a blog piece on it, but haven't managed yet :)

dustrider 16y ago
Dude, the user has just asked for advertising :) why are you even mentioning donations? Giving the user access to stuff they want to buy, when they want to buy it and where they want to buy it, without giving them anything they don't want, when they don't want it, etc is a great value offering for both user and advertiser, it's great that you've got the attitude that advertising has to be beneficial for the user, but remember that it's also beneficial for the advertiser as they don't have to waste money or time on people that wouldn't buy. If you've got access to your users bike choices, mileage and location, just contact all the bike servicing shops you can manage and offer them a deal, I will bet money the majority will take you up on it.
- cullenking 16y ago
  I still believe that advertising will be a small source of revenue in comparison to paid accounts. But, within the context of advertising, I am pulled towards local, value added advertisements like you mention. It also helps that we have maps on which we can show markers of nearby bikeshops while someone plots their route! And, I mentioned donations because he directly referred to donating money to our site! I was just giving him the headsup on what we are thinking in terms of donors and our premium accounts, since we should be at that point within a month.