Roots Archives Forum

Dear Friends,

Running since 2002, we would like to thank you all for your contributions and your loyalty.

Beginning as a small and confidential website, we have grown more and more, reaching now more than 10 millions pages viewed / year (yes it's a lot considering we don't offer sound samples, videos, blogs, etc ... just a database).

Unfortunately, all of this has a cost and we are running out of money. Nothing is free in this world, and the cost for the server and sending packages for our contests is nearly 100 € / month. Considering we don't earn a single cent from Roots Archives, 1200 € / year is a lot, almost what I earn in a month with my job.

So, and I'm sure you will all understand, we have to find a solution.

4 options comes to my mind :

- google ads
- affiliation program with record sellers (like amazon, ebay, gemm, etc ...)
- donations
- selling products (like T-Shirts)

I'm not personally a fan of donations, giving money for nothing in return (I mean "nothing you can't touch") doesn't seem right to me.

Selling T-shirts looks like a fair option. But I'm not really sure we would sell a lot. The cost of making 180gr T-shirts is around 700 € for 100 pieces. Sending them internationally would cost something like 5 to 8 euros. So we would sell T-shirts from 20 to 23 euros, postage included ... Do you think that's affordable ? We'd like to have your point of view.

Affiliation programs may be a good idea as well but we're not sure how to do that for now, we don't want Roots Archives to be polluated by "buy this" icons everywhere (as many other reggae websites you probably know).

Google ads are technically the simplest option. We don't know how much we can earn from that as Google don't allow people to talk about their earnings and don't give any info about how much they pay websites.


A good solution would be to put google ads on Roots Archives and someone buying 1 T Shirt would have a special login allowing him/her to disable these ads.

Let us know what you think about it and don't hesitate to submit any idea.

Best,

Seb

I the shirts look good then they will sell but ... i think that 20 à 23 euros is al lot but hey i haven't seen them shirts so ...
make some and post a preview on the forum or have a contest and the best drawning will get to be printed?
And yes you work hard to keep this site going strong so a return to cover the costs is more then fair!

Bless & keep running strong

Hi Seb

I work for an online financial company in advertising and although the Google route is definitely easiest you are going to have to share the revenue with them - 50/50 - which doesn't make sense to me.

I will tell you how to do this if you feel it is the way to go.
I personally don't think it is.

I think you could generate a lot of revenue from relatively unobtrusive advertising.

Our site is similar in as much as we give people data, but they have to go from our site to buy or sell their shares. In fact, now I think of it is EXACTLY the same model.

Sorry, but I am up to my neck in it here, but will give more input when I get a chance.

T-shirts and other apparel would work if they are quality and appealed to your audience. Seems like there's a lot of cool graphic assets to work with in all the old labels, sleeve art and logos from the music. The roots heads I know would definitely spring for something like this.

Seems like you could get the roots catalog labels on board with clearance/licensing as well as promoting and selling their products through your site. It would be in their best interest.

Hello, donations will be the right solution....5-10 € each one & the problems will be solved...please let me know, and I'll be the first to make a donation....This site is too much important for every serious reggae lover in the world..keep on rootsing boys!!!!

Hi Moderators.

I would willing donate to keep this site in existance.

Whether it be a cash donations or a purchase of merchandise that you decide to produce.

T shirts are definately a great idea. Like keith_h says. You have a vast library of cool graphics from which to choose designs.

I love these types of T shirts and find it extremely difficult to find quality ones on line on in the shops.

Whatever route you choose, I for one will support you whichever way you decide id best.

Much Respect

DAve

Hi seb.
I think is fair the google thing i prefer see roots archives with some google ads to not see your web site.
why you don't try with stickers of reggae bands or roots archives logo or some studio stickers i dont have a clue about royalties or copy rights... also have you consider the idea of guide book of roots reggae...
just ideas...

I would be happy to make a donation and buy a shirt. I really enjoy this website.

I also wouldn't hesitate to buy a t-shirt and make a donation. I love this site. A simple t-shirt with the roots archives logo would be good enough for me, but t-shirts featuring classic album covers would awesome.

TOTALLY AGREE WITH mick d! everything i wanted to say....