My sites got over 6000 users. Only about 1400 of them login within the last 30 day period.
I have a photo section... (using photopost) which I use iBill for member access. They handle and automate signups.... and rebills etc.... it works fairly well. About 275 users have joined for photo gallery access. Some for simply a month, some for a year, and others for recurring monthly billings.
Then I have "sponsors" on my site... where people who donate (any amount) will get access to a few sponsor only forums, []
[email protected][/] email address (with web based interface) and a few other "perks". About 175 users have contributed to this. Some sent a one time donation of $5-$25. Some have sent $100-$500 one time donation. Some send $25-$50/quarter... a vast majority of the "regulars" send $10-20/month. For this I use a PayPal donations button. Some will send a check or money order to our PO Box.
So far <knock on wood> this is working well. We have to sometimes bring the "money issue" up for donations to start pouring in. And each time I add an upgrade, or a bunch of new features... I add "if you like what you see... become a sponsor".
Just what it's like in my little world.
