Name some ways Rallypoint can stay free in the future without filling our screens with Ads.

2014-01-24T09:10:45-05:00

I was thinking RP could have a "Donate" button in the bottom of the screen. Advertising is a way but lets think outside the box for a minute.

Obviously, RP executives must have maintenance fees in order to upkeep this website. We can't deny that they would probably like to get back the cash they invested, and pay outstanding loans, consequently have a steady income and get rich.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 24 at 2014 9:16 AM

2014-01-24T09:16:50-05:00

Its not about getting back the cash they invested or paying for loans, it is to offset and cover current and future operational costs, the site can't run on hope and faith, the funding has to come from somewhere, and we can't expect CPT K and MAJ W to foot the bill the entire time.

A donate option could be viable, but if you start making members pay, why would they stay when they can move some where else for free, or even go to other sites that are pay sites with more options.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 24 at 2014 9:17 AM

2014-01-24T09:17:27-05:00

SSG Parra; great job on thinking outside the box. I really like your idea of having a donate button. If the RP leadership agrees, maybe trying the donate button first to see if the needed funds are collected, if not, then go with advertising. Unless someone has a better idea to avoid advertisements. I personally would not like to see RP members getting charged membership fees.

Response by SPC Stephen Bobchin made Jan 25 at 2014 12:47 AM

2014-01-25T00:47:57-05:00

Setup a donation button, but attach incentives to donation, like a shiny profile badge. I say this from experience running numerous sites, people will rarely donate to fund operational costs, unless they get something that either sets them apart from others or provides tangible benefits.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 2:58 AM

2014-01-25T02:58:53-05:00

RallyPoint raised $6.6MM with two Seed funding rounds from Angel Investors and one Series A Venture Capital funding round.

This is not some shoestring website or nonprofit organization. The investors obviously intend to earn a substantial return on investment so don't expect them to be content running RP based on mere donations. There is profit to be made - that cannot be come from donations - perhaps by charging recruiters as described in the attached Forbes Magazine article - and perhaps by a variety of other creative means not yet described -

http://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2013/11/14/with-fresh-5-million-rallypoint-marches-to-build-linkedin-for-vets/

Response by MSG David Kalb made Jan 25 at 2014 11:08 AM

2014-01-25T11:08:51-05:00

Honestly, if a membership fee is imposed I would have to really reconsider the 'why' of staying. To date, the website really has not helped in any way with me finding a job (the 'Career Corner' only lists 6 jobs) or with insights into any of my current or past jobs. It may be nice for those still in, but from my view in 'life after the military' it has shown no value to date.

Response by SPC Barrett Tillison made Jan 26 at 2014 11:54 AM

2014-01-26T11:54:24-05:00

Perhaps Ads aren't such a bad idea! While Donations would help a bit, I don't think it would be enough to run a website (I know how expensive they can get!). Rather than abolish the idea of Ads completely why not concentrate on the TYPE of Ads? Would this community be totally opposed to having small business advertise on here? While Ads for corporations like Wal-Mart, Target,etc. have ruined other sites, what if RP made their ad space affordable enough for small local businesses to advertise? As MSG Kalb stated, there isn't a whole bunch that a user could benefit from by donating, and honestly things like "shiny profile badges" are a waste and would not bring in enough to run a website. However through directing the scope of advertising to focus on small local businesses the site could pay for its self, remain free to use, and would help spur local economies...after all where else on the internet do you see ads for Ma' and Pa' businesses?

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jan 26 at 2014 12:23 PM

2014-01-26T12:23:05-05:00

The amount of open space in the side bars on RP is fair game from a business stand point. I don't think we need to worry about big players doing advertising right now, but cheap space for smaller businesses that identify themselves as for military and veteran persons could help boost the economy, and line the pockets of the owner. Thus, he could grow his development team, and create an even better product.

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Jan 27 at 2014 2:07 AM

2014-01-27T02:07:36-05:00

SSG Felix P: You are receiving some excellent input to your very insightful question. Congratulations on thinking forward! 1. 1LT Annala is spot on. Forget donations and membership fees. As LCDR Nordman said, the membership is NOT the customer! 2.  RP does have a business plan. It must be pretty good because somebody has given them $6.6M, and believe me, people expect that money back...with interest!3. But YOUR question is GOOD! If, as MSG Kalb says, there are only 6 jobs posted on the Career Corners Page, how is RP making any money? Well, that is RP's problem. I am not being cold hearted. They have a plan and a lot of companies, including mine, are talking with them. They are working on it and learning as we interact. And for genuine heroes like MSG Kalb and other Retirees and Vets on this site, the only observation I can give you is that a lot of people just like you are trying to do this right. My corporations are here looking for people, but we just can't "advertise". We can already do that. We need to be able to do something more.4. Okay. Back to the SSG's question and thinking outside of the box. Here is some help to stimulate some of the 100,000 military minds out there in RP land. The business word for it is "merchandising". Girls Scouts sell cookies: Merchandising. Tab at the top of the RP page: RP Gear. RP mug, RP travel mug, RP challenge coin, RP pen, RP t-shirt, RP poster. However, they have to have kick-ass designs, patriotic, etc. As a bonus idea: RP has a very famous retiree join, get him/her to autograph some very famous photos, and sell those on the RP Gear Page, e.g. COL Gregory Gadsen, or better yet, GEN Hal Moore while he is still with us. There are a lot of great action pictures of him in the Ia Drang. I'd pay whatever to have a signed picture of him in action in Vietnam! His book "We Were Soldiers Once...and Young" costs about $250 autographed. $1500 if Joe Galloway also autographs it.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jan 28 at 2014 2:13 AM

2014-01-28T02:13:36-05:00

I'd rather see ads than to have any of our information sold even if identifying information is removed. Remember one important thing, if you're not paying for the service, you're likely the product. Ads can be done in ways that aren't obnoxious or have annoying audio that you wish you could mute.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2014 1:28 AM

2014-07-01T01:28:55-04:00

No ads, keep the site clean. Just my opinion, but I'm no business expert. Realistically, ads are probably coming on some form or fashion, but it's expected. This is a company that needs to have operating income, at a minimum. I hope it goes public, I'd like to invest (even though I'm not an experienced investor). I look at it like Green Bay Packer stock, I'd be happy to just say I own a piece of RP! I'm that proud of what it has come to represent.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2016 8:50 PM

2016-02-12T20:50:02-05:00

I wouldn't mind a donate option as long as it's not forced upon members, especially if they create a page which lists donations with optional links. That's a new avenue of advertising AND showing support. Linux Mint lists those who donate by name, country, and how much. Those who donate the most are always shown.
http://www.linuxmint.com/donors.php

Donations - Linux Mint

Linux Mint is an elegant, easy to use, up to date and comfortable GNU/Linux desktop distribution.