The original post was an assembly of thoughts from the fantastic team helping to keep CTH level and steady. It was accidentally published prior to my review.. /SD.
The Treehouse previously operated on the WordPress/Automattic platform without a lot of fanfare; a genuine labor of love. At first it was just a blogging platform, but as technology became more sophisticated, things got better for you, the loyal reader and the admin team. Specifically, CTH was able to monetize the site with advertising, which allowed me to spend more time doing research, writing articles and managing the direct concerns of the readers. Running ads was a checkbox, we turned it on and it just worked.
It’s safe to say that we were unaware of the amount of technical value, managing day to day technical issues, that blogging platforms like WordPress.com delivered. That all changed when CTH was deplatformed by Matt Mullenweg’s WordPress.com.
Fortunately, the software that operated the site was “open-source,” which means we had the option of moving the whole site to new servers without a lot of TECHNICAL issues. It was was really the scale of content and the goal to preserve the decades-long library (w/internal citations) that provided the greatest challenge. However, keeping the machines running is a different game when every page view now comes at a cost.
Within the migration process we also discovered the dynamic of cost driven by the commenting system; the conversation on the porch about the stories, research and analysis. As we have often repeated: it is the conversation that matters; that conversation is your comments and fellowship.
These lessons about self-hosting a website have been very expensive. It turns out the popularity of the site requires a six-digit annual budget just to maintain the technical status quo. Independent server costs, the cache system, the CDN and bandwidth allotments, the auto-leveling needs for stability, the software licenses, the email notification system and the support developers all come with an expense. Those costs do not include all of the unpaid effort by loyal moderators, tech support and volunteers that are managing these things right now.
The initial saving of CTH and the relaunch (a great accomplishment by some fantastic tech support) was also expensive. CTH was blessed and thankful to have people that care about truth reach out to offer assistance; and CTH readers were generous in offsetting those emergency costs. Many people stepped in to help save our little corner of the internet and with a core tech team (scruffy but smart) we stand on solid ground again.
My task now is to find a revenue model that works best for the important people, you; the Treehouse readers.
Advertising seems like the obvious move, but like many nowadays, we have long been suspect of things like covert tracking (3rd party cookies); and we accept the entire content delivery ecosystem is in flux at the moment. Privacy has been our CTH priority for years, and recent events -which include our own targeting- affirmed the wisdom of putting privacy at the forefront of our discussion.
As we are seeing corporations are now openly operating their businesses with the intent to influence politics, their advertising money is now a weapon they can use to generate leverage over website content. Not only is Big Tech making ideological determinations over monetization, but advertising companies are now using their budgets to align with Big Tech’s ideological goals. This is not a good outcome. Corporate fascism is on the advance.
As Scott Adams points out in the tweet below, ad revenue is now determining the type of information we can find on the internet. Many “conservative” information websites and platforms are increasingly making content determinations in the same way that MSM cowers to the almighty corporate dollar. You might be stunned to know just how prevalent this is; I know I was.
It won't be long before consumers of ad-based news media are seen as mental slaves to ridiculous narratives while the consumers of subscription-based news are the only free thinkers remaining to preserve our system. @RubinReport @ggreenwald
— Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) April 19, 2021
My priority with content has always been to stay steadfast to the motto: “The Truth Has No Agenda“, and CTH has declined financial offers because we never wanted to be in a position where outside elements have any influence on our content or conversation. Additionally, our crowdsourcing efforts not only produce great results, but our community credibility is our strength.
With all of the operational costs in mind, here is what we need to figure out: What is the best revenue model for the readers of the Treehouse?
I need to figure this out soon, or there is a slight risk there won’t be a Treehouse. Fortunately, software is soft, meaning we can experiment with models until we get it right.
We like the idea that we are in charge of our own destiny in that we are running our own servers and out of the reach of Big Tech, so while other “Free Speech” platforms like Substack, Locals and Minds look very attractive, it’s always going to be somebody else’s platform, making the enterprise dependent on their viability (remember MySpace?).
Additionally, from the outset I have always wanted to provide information free to everyone; that remains my priority. I do not like the idea that information comes with a cost; as a result a subscription based website was always a non starter for me. That said, I foresee coming up against pressure to find a revenue model (which pays for the expenses) before it’s too late.
That leaves CTH with a few paths forward to consider:
- Turn on 3rd party Advertising (we’re likely going to do that for now)
- Some kind of crowd-sourced sponsorship (PBS annual drives, Reoccurring PayPal or Subscribe Star)
- Subscription with tiered content (not all content is free) [I don’t like]
- Pay-to-not-get-what-you-don’t-want (Pay to turn off ads)
- Something else (because we are considering everything)
There also might be something else I just don’t know what it is.
As I look at the landscape I see in front of us, my goal would be to establish a proprietary system for revenue via ads that allows CTH to work directly with sponsors and not with 3rd parties. In that process we would have full control and retain 100% privacy. But to achieve that goal CTH would need to have seed capital to launch a business model and at least one person to coordinate it.
The Conservative Treehouse has always been about you, not me. For me the sharing of information is a labor of love; I truly enjoy the fellowship, the research and the writing assembly. Together with tips, crowdsourcing and research we put the information together and write articles about the ‘Occam’s Razor’ conclusions. Through the years CTH assembled a network of allies in the fight who form a deep rebel alliance of information. However, staying outside the reach of Big Tech and keeping the site anti-fragile to their attacks is a little costly.
So I turn to the experts… the people who really matter… YOU !
Before any decisions are reached I want to hear what scenario makes the most sense to you. Let me know, below.
Love to all,
Sundance
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 54-17]
$100 up front or $10 per month for a year.
Invaluable information here.
Thank you everyone.
Please see and comment on Michael Lindell’s CCP election fraud video.
“Absolute Interference” on lindelltv.com or his new social media platform frankspeech.com.
We need to determine if the evidence is compelling and share and discuss with everyone. The Republic depends on standing up and overturning this evil nightmare.
I’d pay for a subscription in a New York minute. I do hate advertisements though so if you could let subscribers opt out of ads that would be wonderful.
whatever steady-income-stream program you decide, Sundance
and an at-the-ready Bat Signal to throw up when you get hit with an unplanned contingency and need to replenish in a hurry
you’ve got a few regulars here in the couple-hundred-a-year tip jar category, I’m sure they’d respond in short-fuse emergencies
… and also pursue deep-pocket sugar-daddy benefactors
Dial up Don Jr and have him collar couple of his corporate / captains-of-industry guys and say “Hey – you wanna contribute to a worthy cause?”
I am sure we will all do whatever is necessary to keep Treehouse online.
Hopefully the solution will not be a subscription as our cashflow varies greatly from month to month and I suspect we are not the only ones. If inflation ramps up our cashflow will become even more irratic.
I definitely do not want any form of pay-to-comment options. I don’t worry about trolls; I want to see what everyone has to say whether I agree with them or not. Considering what is going in the country today free speech is more important than ever.
Critical, do nothing that takes away the ability to read content — it keeps people coming. Do nothing that discourages camaraderie. This is a “rag tag bunch” of “conservative misfits” and that makes us a family.
START A REAL “CLUB” for the “rag tag bunch of conservative misfits.” Charge a reasonable fee — add a graphic to posts of club members. If the annual fee is enough, there could be a free gift as a “Misfits” mug or pen or pad of paper.
Second, sponsors likely can make larger donations than most individuals. If sponsors prefer not to be named, respect that — if they want to be named, there could be a sidebar listing corporate sponsors and/or large donors, sort of like you would see at a Center for the Performing Arts so to speak.
Third, ASK for donations. Not simply a “click here” to donate that can go unnoticed, but additionally every so often have a post like this one where you ASK for donations. If we are slacking off and you are running low, tell us. We are a family so share the responsibility with us.
Fourth, yes to an annual or semi-annual fund drive.
Fifth, merchandise — perhaps a choice between words for or initials of CTH, but also a generic alternative such as “Freedom” that could still be ordered as gifts for silly friends and relatives who are liberals. Promote this when people would be ordering for holidays such as Christmas. Make it easy to do all of their shopping here by offering a separate shipping address for each item if they choose (obviously with a shipping charge for each).
Sixth, and speaking of holidays, how about a separate post at Christmas/Hanukkah where for a small fee people can post a holiday greeting of a certain length for their fellow misfit friends here at this site.
Agreed,
Where is the merch? T-Shirts, Mugs, Hats, Music, Patriot Juice, Comics, games, trading cards… Heck, just a polo shirt with the patriot holding the Elephant and Ass would be great for work.
Work with My Pillow to have a CTH line of logoed Pillows and Sheets and Slippers.
Collect some of Sundance’s favorite Posts into Books or E-books for sale. Have a self published Russiagate book just collecting all the related posts.
Create and sell education material for the Home Schooler Market – Give parents that now have to educate their pandemically isolated kids a real American History Book Series, based on the musings of Sundance.. Start planting the seeds of knowledge and faith in the younger generation.
Start looking to sell Pod Casts. Check out Overlord DVD. Create a CTH avatar and a voice remodulator, and read your blogs. Sell audio versions of your blog for the less technically savvy audience.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeCJB88u93eq91U0rlJsW-A
You do great work Sundance, and sadly with the passage of people like Rush, we are looking for well rounded thinking and reason and faith to fill the void, and we will pay good money to keep it going.
MyPillow needs to go full “Amazon” in selling Made in the USA products (of all kinds).
Their advertising is a fixed cost, so adding more product revenue is accretive to the bottom line immediately.
MyStore list of suppliers is growing almost daily. I bought a Sweet Dreams ceiling medallion for my guest room, just cause his is a just cause. The MyPillow products are on a different page. It’s pretty cool and going frosty!
I think someone else may have mentioned this already, but to add to the above great suggestions: Whatever method you choose, please provide alternative ways to pay other than Paypal. Paypal is our enemy and I refuse to support them. If that’s the only way to donate or subscribe, I’ll be gone and I’d wager I’m not the only one. I realize that Paypal is the big cahuna in online payments, and I won’t fault you if you provide that as a payment option, but please please please, don’t make that the ONLY option. I’d rather send you cash or a check in the mail than support that oppressive, leftist, censorial company.
Yes! Please put up a mailing (PO Box) address we can snail mail our donations into. Left PayPal back in 2016 and have never looked back.
You can use a credit card for payment, but looks like it does go thru PayPal anyway. I have no PayPal account and I doubt I’d use it for anyone but Sundance and the CTH crew.
Put on a show and save the town! Hire every outta work stand up comedian in the U.S. & U.K.
Put on a Gigantic Free Speech Arena Event at Marlins Ballpark in Miami. Make sure it’s a world-famous success and then take it on the road. Call it the “Awaken The Woke” tour. Something. Anything. Sockit to’em but good.
Free Speech is not a conservative talking point. Free Speech is a human right. There must be at least one genius impresario remaining in the English speaking world who isn’t a tool of the cultural Left with enough guts to organize and promote such an event. Hit Them Where They Live. Making something like that happen would affect Leftists like that witch melting in the wizard of oz…and would raise a lot of cash money really quickly. Nothing is faster than cash except the speed of light.
Having thought about this for the day, I don’t seem to have any strong feelings one way or another on how I’d like to recommend the best way forward. I trust ya’ll to make the best decisions.
However, I do have one major concern (which won’t be a surprise coming from me):
If there are options to donate or subscribe, etc.; I still want the ability to comment anonymously, even if I donate or subscribe, etc. I don’t want my ability to comment tied explicitly to the subscription or donation that I have made. If the choices made going forward would require an “account” (which, alone, would be fine with me), but it was tied to the forum posting ability – then most likely I would not subscribe; if I could not continue to post anonymously.
I dont like advertisement at all but a strictly vetted Patriot ad would be OK.
Realtime question here; Where can I send some physical $ as I dont do bank ? The way the commie\NWO march is progressing a little ‘cash stash’ might become very important for future operations.
I will support any path you mob choose to take, except a swearjar.
Joe Dan runs the names of contributors, even of poor (cheap?) cousins, and I get a kick out of that.
I wouldn’t mind some kind of modifier for our handles and even avatars for those that have chosen to make regular automatic Paypal contributions. It wouldn’t necessarily betray the degree of support, probably oughtn’t, but would signal a Treeper with some skin in the game and encourage others to do the same.
I run so many Ad Blockers it might not matter to me, but I really don’t enjoy seeing Ads plastered about, nor the gaps left when they’re blocked. CTH is so readable, especially CTH 2.0, I would like to see it stay clean and neat. I also don’t like the idea of all y’all having to deal with advertisers and all that rigamarole, you have your hands full now, doing amazing work, and that can only be a distraction at best.
I never have reservations about encouraging anyone to check out the Treehouse, but I can imagine new people possibly being turned off by Ads before they’ve even had an opportunity to really discover what a treasure this place is. I know, their loss, but that would be our loss too.
I agree with most of your post, yet the labeling of individuals for status, monetary contribution or ego would be playing the same game that the enemy does , you might write better than I that does not mean you are better, I might have more money than you that does not mean I am better,every poster here has a forte that another doesn’t and it shows on this site which shines on through here reading the comments.
The fools that enter here are normaly shot down by the posters here by “giving them enough rope”if one of the moderaters dont get em first.
Thats the key to a ragtag bunch of misfits, diversity in opinion and strength enough to be able listen to others without the claptrap of progammed dogma as inclusive.
I lurked here from the beginning and made my first post ever on this site a few years ago , one person respondered with a responce that amazed me with the encouragment needed to become an inside misfit instead of an outside misfit.
Do I get an extra star or point? If I did I would be disgusted and never return.
To agree to disagree is sanity at its best.
Hope you understand my point.
Of course I do. Your points are valid. (Sometimes ?)
Yes, poor kids are just as talented as white kids.
The gab model seems to work well. As one poster said, those who can will cover those who can’t. Those who won’t, will toddle along soon enough.
I don’t like PayPal and think they might/will put a crunch on you eventually.
However, if you continue with them, then I will use it to donate.
I have had a PayPal account since forever, I no longer use them considering them our enemy. We can not in any fashion hook up with the likes of PayPal.
Just an FYI on donations. I despise PayPal, closed my account years ago and will not open another one. When I tried to donate, it wouldn’t take my credit card last night. Tried again this morning, same thing. Finally tried a different credit card. That one it liked. So if you’re like me and running into donation problems, try another card.
I would strongly recommend another payment option. Something that cannot be turned off at the whim of a woke corporation. I’d love to do a recurring option too, but can’t do that without setting it up in PayPal. If that’s the case, I’ll need recurring reminders to donate as I refuse to make my relationship with PayPal formal.
Fine to use PayPal at this point, just make sure that there is an option to set up pay by check, as well.
I’d be fine with a yearly subscription, pay all at one shot. I’d gladly set it up with my bank to make this recurring.
Good luck. For a long time, I hesitated to pay for content. Then, a friend needed some ongoing support, which I set up. I’ve used the Substack payment system; for some, it’s the least expensive option.
I would love it if Gab or other platform gave the option for support of those providing good content; they do have the upgrade for pay, which I’m toying with using. It’s probably worth it to keep at least ONE social media site out of the hands of the Left.
One thing Alex Jones does is sell his own products. This keeps revenue flowing while not having to worry about a sponsor dropping him because of something he said.
For TCH the right product would be suspicious cat items.
This would entail a third party to handle or need to hire employees. I would imaging you would need to achieve at least 1m annual sales to make this viable.
I disagree. What might be a better approach is to offer e-books (with the option for drop-ship of paper books) of Non-Leftist authors who are having trouble getting distribution via Woke channels. Perhaps you could approach other similar sites, such as Front Page, The Gateway Pundit, and others to share the distribution costs.
On the other hand, by staying separate, you don’t give the Left a larger target.
There really is no GREAT solution – there are only kinda-sorta OK solutions. Which might be the best we can ask for, at this time.
You,me and us are the solution by hangin loose and staying free.
Yes. Sell a plushie Suspicious Cat. He could be like Project Veritas’ Retracto the Correction Alpaca. I don’t think Mr. O’Keefe is actually selling those yet but I will buy one the minute it becomes available.
I’m more than wiling to pay an annual membership fee Sundance and also buy CTH specific merchandise. You have saved my patriot heart and soul here. We can spend more on one meal out without thinking so to pay 29.99, 39.99, 49 99 per year for your incredible writings and a sense of community is priceless and incredibly worthwhile.
I agree with Mark
I agree. Make payments available without PayPal. Checks would be good. I have one specific credit card that i use for all of my on line donations.
Hello @Mike,
Fully agree and I’d absolutely support the annual membership fee, and on a credit card or even a check; but no to Venmo, Paypal etc. We don’t want TCTH beholden to advertisers or rely only on donations. I hope that the ~$30-50/year is enough to cover costs. If it isn’t, then I’d add donations via a check or credit card in addition to the annual fee.
Thank you.
Sorry @Mark, autocorrected Mark to Mike, my apologies, thank you.
Thanks for the update. I agree with many of the commenters that the knowledge has to be free and available to all who might wander in.
I don’t know how much could be raised by donations, but I think that is where I would start. You’d have to create some sort of non profit foundation in order to be able to keep the donations without a huge tax bite. Make it a tiered level in order to entice folks to dig deep. Make sure you can also make it so that you recognize and value the $10-20 dollar donors.
I’d avoid corporate donations. Many might come with good intentions, but big donors have a way to want their money “valued” more than others. Avoid the potential rift from the beginning.
I’d also look at quarterly podcasts for donors. Make them feel special.
I’d also look at annual get togethers for the donors. Make us feel closer to the family.
Doc, I feel pretty dang special every day I’m not kicked out of here!
And sometimes you should,but who am I to speak !
Hey! No telling!
Maybe some ‘core’ posts to give them a taste? With full access limited for Premium Content to subscribers (perhaps with a trial subscription)?
I wouldn’t avoid Corporate donations entirely, but I would set up a limit so no one Corp gets any ideas.
Something like CTH accepts max $1000 from a Corp. That’s significant enough, but also not enough to exert influence.
Stand up a monthly “subscription” with the understanding that the subscription goes toward keeping the site up and running and not towards check marks or other forms of recognition. It would be nice to get a thank you note on Thanksgiving.
Swag. Tees, hats, blankets. Say yes to swag.
Ask for “donations”. Youtubers found this out a long time ago. Gab has been successful in getting their operating costs covered by asking for donations.
No ads – please no ads. Anything but ads.
Gamify the experience.
That means give digital awards and recognition to the people who do stuff.
Yes, you get a badge for donating. It’s a small “thank you” and makes all feel the better.
I’d say, don’t complain if someone who donates gets a badge, if you didn’t donate. Recognize the help, don’t dismiss it because someone who doesn’t donate doesn’t like it.
I would even say, people who donate (say $100/month) get a boost to their comments (if possible). Why not? It’s because of them the site is free for all…
Yes, please no ads, and definitely keep big corporations out, I would be willing to pay for my for opportunity to post. You can read for free but you have to pay to post, I would do that!
Sundance, for committed CTH readers, drop the e-mail notifications. We’re coming here anyway!
if it an emergency arises, make that an exception.
Lucianne, where I scarcely post any more, has an ad blocker (which doesn’t work!) has an annual fee.
Keep up your excellent work for the cause of Freedom which we will never abandon.
I don’t need swag, but if you ever contemplate such, CTH would make a wicked challenge coin!
I will be more than happy to pay/donate for a subscription based plan or, pay to not see ads. Bottom line is I am willing to pay to keep reading and keep CTH up and running.
What about a ‘legacy’ program – make it easy for people to leave something in their Will for CTH?
Maybe with a digital memorial ‘wall’ or ‘tree’ listing – people may be less concerned about being doxxed after passing.
The Treehouse does a great job sharing people’s prayers in times of need – you might be surprised with the generosity out there in the CTH community!
Legacy! I like it.
I don’t really understand why you would say that a subscription-based website is a non-starter. I have always felt that a paid subscription would make a great deal of sense. I wish you would rethink your stance as many Treehouse members I believe would strongly support a subscription concept. Thanks again for all you do Sundance.
D, the concern over a straight subscription model is that one of the epically awesomest things about CTH is anyone being able to wander in and participate. CTH has a mission and I reckon that openness is vital in fulfilling it. That’s not to say that voluntary subscriptions would be a bad thing in the least, just don’t close the door, or even raise the bar, to newbies or randos
When we have some system of support established, visible but unobtrusive, something that reflects the spirit and culture of the Treehouse, folks will learn of it through osmosis and respond well I believe.
I agree with @DHarvey, I’d absolutely sign up for an annual subscription, and if it also has a monthly option for others, good too. As Sundance points out, costs to keep and maintain the site are real.
Nothing is for free, someone is paying (and also volunteering) for it. The TCTH community can and should financially support it. I think, my opinion, that subscription is best. If a nominal ($3-5/month or $30-50/year) subscription costs aren’t enough, we can raise more by request for donations.
For us to be ‘truly free’ to share, openly, all our logic, opinion and even needs & wants, we can’t be beholden to the whims of the advertisers/sponsors, otherwise the end state is like those of MSM, which are mere propaganda and innuendo. thank you.
Oh, I’d sign up for a subscription of sorts in a heartbeat, but we don’t want a model where not having a subscription limits access or participation. A voluntary system of subscriptions or regular automatic donations arrangement that is effectuated in a fashion that encourages our camaraderie without stifling participation or burdening our hosts with mindless administrative tasks I think would be ideal.
If managing the content is of considerable cost, consider using Social Networking apps such as MeWe. I know that AT does it that way, however perhaps for different reasons…such as threats of de platforming.
I realize that doesnt meet your 100% privacy goals so offer the same 100% free speech as a service to other conservative platforms and provide a ‘portal’ concept…safe haven for others to not get de-platformed. The financial costs of the initial funding can be shared.
Merge with or acquire The Epoch Times the only print/online free press out there that I know of. Or set up a real online newspaper with local reporters for each community.
Bro! The Epoch Times is published Globally in 35 languages! They have websites, a newspaper, and are starting up a magazine now, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them doing a streaming video news service some day and would jump on that in a heartbeat, but they are a huge operation, a very different animal, one that I happily subscribe to, they do have free access for some but not all.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/author-ntd-television
I’ve been watching NTD for awhile.
Danke!
I would go with whatever you and your team decide, Sundance. Privacy and content are nearly equal in importance to me. I do know that I am LONG overdue for a donation, and will do so very soon. Thank you and your team for all that you do.
Sundance
What ever you need to do. I fully support.
Tea
@Teaforall, agree 100%! Thank you.
I don’t mind ads as long as they can’t track me. I donate now, but sometimes just forget that it’s been awhile. I’ve seen other sites that have a donate button but every so often they have a “fundraising drive” where they basically are reminding people who already donate and also asking others to contribute.
There are other sites I like that I feel I should contribute to but I usually only donate here because if there was only one site available to read, I would definitely choose CTH. I don’t like any kind of tiered system. I donate what I can and hopefully it makes up for some who cannot donate.
So I guess I’m saying do fundraiser maybe twice a year, keep the donate button for those who can do regular donations and take non-invasive ads
I gave up my subscription to the local rag (paper) 5 years ago. When I found TCTH it didn’t take long before I realized that this place is my GO TO for my NEWS and RESEARCH every day. So I simply applied those fees from the local rag to this wonderful free speech site. The education I get here has helped to keep me sane and informed.
Just the info on Ivermectin was worth more than I can pay.
This site is a gold mine and a subscription fee is just fine with me. Cancel your rag and apply it here.
This site and all of the people associated with it is a special place. I would gladly pay for access and buy Treehouse merch to help support it.
Whatever Sundance decides is ok with me.
There are a myriad of excellent suggestions here. I am in, regardless of methodology.
Preferences:
That’s the spirit!
Well, if you just ask everyone who wants to continue the ad-free format to simply mail you one ounce of silver, I calculate you would only need about 3,300 folks to comply. In addition, after a few more weeks of this Potemkin “administration,” you would likely have enough to stay operational for several more years. It would also be a great way for you to get the most bang for your emaciating fiat currency before it simply becomes the solution to our next toilet paper crisis. Provided, of course, current rates of national disintegration are stemmed a bit, and don’t make continuing a rather moot point. On the other hand, if everyone who SAYS they are sincerely praying for you actually are, it should be VERY interesting to simply plow on and see exactly how God decides to ease your burden. Don’t lose any sleep over this, however. We won’t let you be silenced. Godspeed, Sundance.
There is the Trump Store, maybe they would be willing to advertise here. and the My Pillow Guy as well. Maybe there are Treepers who have hobbies or things they sell who could buy some advertising on the site?
I would prefer the Pay-to-not-get-what-you-don’t-want (Pay to turn off ads) method but would support any decision you come to.
I love coming to this site for the content and the sense of community and am willing to pay for that. It is refreshing not to deal with ads, but if you have to go that route, I will still visit daily – would just prefer a subscription. Please do whatever you need to keep the Treehouse free from unpatriotic influence and from those who may want to harm the work that you do. I also like the idea of merchandise. Right now I can afford to pay but I can envision a time where I might not be able to, so I would also be willing to pay for one or two other subscriptions for those who might be unable to pay. Maybe others would too.
When the rubber meets the road it’s always more costly than expected. Not sure exactly why Andrew Breitbart brought in the Mercers (deep pockets) didn’t change Breitbart until Andrew (died) was killed (when he died it was suspicious to me, now with what I’ve witnessed since 08 I’ve moved from suspicious to the swamp killed him, but I digress) But, a deep pocket could be the cleanest option, with a non-interference clause in the contract.
Anecdote: I have another site that I’ve used for 5+ years came up all of a sudden with a fee for entry and tiered the fee $4.99 silver, $9.99 gold, $19.99 premium. At first this site lost half of it’s patrons but over time most have come back.
They are dealing with a much smaller audience than CTH, but if you went for $4.99 a month or .15cents a day, most people would go for it. With the size of your audience $2.99 might get it done.
Merchandise would be cool, I’d buy a tee shirt, but this will have a peter principal dynamic and swag is not free.
Ad’s could work with the “right” companies. Be selective. Most boards are not stupid and understand where the real money is at and the real majority resides…our side. This would require some vetting on CTH’s side but these companies exist and would love to get millions of views on their products.
Maybe do all of the above?
Note: Nothing is free and this includes this wonderful site. Don’t let it get desperate then you lose your ability to negotiate.
God Bless! …my .2cents worth or $2.99…ha.
Seems to me mere association with a major donor is a liability and creates an opening to attack the credibility of CTH. I don’t think it would be worth it. Though if I had the means I’d happily gift a bunch and be done with it, no strings, no accounting, no worries, I trust CTH like no one else.
I have been following but not commenting at all since before the 2012 election – the analysis and insights provided here have been spot on, and even when I wasn’t a die hard trumper, TCTH convinced me to bypass my reservations and go all in on MAGA – so glad too.
When big tech started going after TCTH I wondered how you were able to pull off the move. As a web professional, pastor and engineer, I know quite a bit and I know it isn’t cheap.
One possible path for you: if TCTH were a 501-c3, you could apply as a non-profit with Microsoft and they would give you $3500 in Azure credits. I know a number of churches that do this (including my own) and haven’t had any issue there. I know they are big tech still but it’s an option.
Aside, I like the idea of asking for donations or a fundraiser or two. Swag is also a plus but I know there is a lot of upfront on that which could make it prohibitive.
Will keep TCTH and the community in prayer…. keep up the great work
You may want to confer with the folks who run Focus on the Family related media ventures. They too have had their struggles. But in line with your ISA passage above,the Lord has always blessed them and their efforts to spread TRUTH.
I’ll stay regardless but ads are annoying.
The subscription model perhaps the best. $5 – $10 a month. Leave the open threads for free but the rest of your research and reports should be behind a paywall. Conservatives need to understand that we must support our own and cultivate a credible alternative media and that doesn’t come for free.
Sundance and CTH have proven to be invaluable. Let’s support their continued work.
Another thing to consider is blockchain technology and crypto tokens. This is a new space but one that conservatives should look to get ahead of the curve. We have lost so much ground with the Left when it comes to technology but in blockchain and cryptocurrency, there’s an ecosystem that’s inherently built to be decentralized and beyond the control of big Tech. Something to consider.
Good idea to consider that ‘open threads’ are free; brings in new viewers/future subscribers to the CTH site.
Monthly membership.
Banner ads of advertisers Sundance/team have vetted.
The Brave internet browser offers a tipping mechanism for signed up websites. The way it works is the Brave browser serves ads to those who use the browser and rewards them credits over time for getting those ads. Those credits can be tipped by the Brave browser users to the content creators they like. Putting your viewers in control of the advertisement dollars. Might be worth looking into.
https://creators.brave.com/sign-up
Here are some suggestions in brainstorm fashion:
– sell schwag (mugs, t-shirts, your stuff)
– sell other people’s stuff in a store (MyPillows, others’ books, etc.)
– Sponsored posts (influencers pay to have a post on your site)
– Events or virtual events (fundraisers)
– Auctions (sell items donated by the wolverines)
– Write a book by Sundance to pour into the budget
– Ask President Trump for support
– Become part of a conservative media network. Different page tabs go to different sites.
Wow, lots of great feedback so far!
Beyond the gracious donations from appreciative treepers, advertising revenue is essential…
Note to potential marketing/advertisers here @ CTH:
You don’t need to rely on ‘invasive’ micro-marketing techniques here. You’ve got a captive, yet widely diverse audience, that are bound together by some very basic core beliefs that our Republic was founded on…
If your company shares those values, make it known! And, We The People will recognize & patronize your businesses…
In short , you don’t need to know who WE are. WE need to know who YOU are, and will spend our $$$ accordingly.
I’ve seen where people like Dan Bongino have mentioned a “parallel economy”, and IMHO, he’s spot on. In this world where globalism seeks to squash the ‘little guy’, the way forward for Patriots is simply to support businesses who share the same Pro-America values. We ALL have a chance to VOTE, with EVERY purchase we make! Smart businesses will focus their marketing on ‘us’ & be rewarded with loyal customers. I hope these businesses will flock to CTH for Ad space…
Spend wisely, Patriots!
And THANK YOU for all you do, SD!!!
(time again to click on the donate button)
I pay American Thinker not to see the ads. I will do the same here.
It would be helpful to understand any drawbacks to some of these scenarios. For instance, the idea of an annual fund drive sounds the best to me personally. I envision it would be similar to what wikipedia does. I like this scenario because it doesn’t sound like it would be labor intensive that would add to the annual costs of running the website. But are there drawbacks to this that Sundance knows that I don’t know about? For instance, does this scenario create the possibility for the breach of privacy if a third party somehow gained access to the list of people who donated?
I just saw a list on citizensfreepress yesterday of corporate entities who support conservative causes. I would feel really good about any advertising on the tree house if I knew that these were companies that all patriots should be aware of and support.
That’s my two cents.
If Sundance selected Advertisers who produced “made in the USA” products, where the Advertisers were vetted by Sundance, not the other way around, then I would actually look at the ads.
Google is now asking why I don’t want to read their ads. Fools can’t grasp that I don’t want to drink their poison.
CTS has an audience with a sizable wallet.
I think an periodic (first of the month?) honest and brief and straightforward post by Sundance highlighting:
1) The structure of CTH – the fact that there is no commercial influence etc. – thus the need for donations.
2) Feedback as to how the prior period financial obligations are deemed to have been met (same post).
3) Update on the metrics of the site – general idea of the scope of influence etc.
I get it, but I really don’t need the details and don’t want to give our adversaries the opportunity to see them.
From my perspective, three things matter the most and I would prefer they remain “open” to all.
Now how to keep these available in the same way with the costs of doing business as a “free enterprise.” No small matter. I have read most of the comments and they are sensible and imaginative and sometimes might significantly alter the atmosphere. Sundance, if you can find the sweet spot to make the bucks you need to exist, remain safe, and thrive, I think everyone is on board. My preferences:
My donation is on its way. Unfortunately it has been a little while – circumstances. I agree with some other commenters: I hate PayPal.
I endorse your post, especially about maintaining the atmosphere and spirit of CTH, and further suggest that whatever approach CTH takes presents the least workload, the least distraction, the least deviation from mission, and the least obligation to anyone but to CTH. It’s already mind-blowing how small a team accomplishes all this! I don’t want their bandwidth wasted on what might seem to amount to hucksterism, they are too valuable, and I don’t want their influence diluted by feeling the need to take on hires or outsource any control over the site.
Godspeed CTH!
There are many good ideas suggested, some are really good.
I am a Gab pro subscriber the charge very reasonable but was not necessary to post and read. I joined in order to support them. I would do the same here as well.
This may mean I may not be able to do other things that are pleasurable from time to time as my cash flow fluctuates, so be it.
I would appreciate knowing when CTH is a tight for cash regarding necessary upgrades, maintenance etc. Email reminders to donate would certainly not offend. Teaming up with Occasional ads, special offers from good people such as Mike Lindell was suggested good idea.
But we gotta stay from corporations, advertisers I have no interested in this pristine environment being polluted.
Nevertheless, I am confident knowing the caliber of CTH core members will do whatever is necessary to ensure our fellowship and freedom of expression remains in tact.
After all considering the vile wicked left would gnaw off their right arm to advance their march against all things good and wholesome, how can we not be willing to sacrifice if necessary to keep our refuge not only alive but thriving and vibrant.
Sundance, I am sure you will do what is right and good for all of us.
Sundance,
Subscription to view/post doesn’t seem like a good solution as some people might not be able to afford it. It would stifle new visitors to the site, which goes against the CTH soul of sharing information. A paywall would also restrict our ability to share the fantastic articles from you with others that don’t regularly read CTH.
I like the idea that others have put out there of quarterly or semi-annual income drives. Put a little widget on the right margin to let us know how we are doing. Find more options than just PayPal (tracking) and include USPS PO Box. You’ve always had a ‘Donate’ button, but I think you’ve been too proud to come right out and ask for money. Lay it all out there Sundance, I believe that Treepers will surprise you.
I don’t think you’ll need to increase your expenses with an ‘endowment expert’ for this to work, it sounds like the easiest to implement, and you can always look to advertising or subscriptions if it doesn’t work.
I’ve always liked the ad free look and feel of CTH, but advertising of vetted companies is an option, I just don’t think there will be many that want to ‘self-identify’ by advertising here. As for third party advertising and paying to turn it off, those kind of ads invite tracking and it looks trashy. Trying to have a site that has advertisers that don’t try to influence content would be difficult because you’d be the first.
Like many others that read this article, I used the Donate button today. I hope many more Treepers can do the same.
I’m out living my best life and I hope you’re doing the same.
Try posting an address to which one should send a cash contribution – paper only. See what that raises. Folks prefer not to use credit cards and a reminder now and then to send in your contribution would be a good start.
You should check this co out for payment sys
https://cornerstonepaymentsystems.com/solutions.html
“What is Cornerstone Payment Systems?
Cornerstone Payment Systems is a Christian Credit Card Processing company founded in 2001 with the goal to honor the Lord in all its processing.”
Sundance,
I think your best way forward is two-pronged.
First, follow the Gab.com model. Offer a “PRO”- like membership for those who want to post images or video in the comments, or html formatted text. If you don’t want to pay, everything is free as it always has been, including joining the comments (sans meme posting). The die-hards here will go for it, and they were the only ones who would sign up for a subscription model anyway.
Second, your “PBS annual drive” reference. Ever participate in a Ron Paul money bomb? (If not, shame on you). They were a blast. Don’t just stick a donate button on the front page, make a party out fo it. Drive starts and ends at specific times. You are there in a live chat. Spend a couple hundred bucks on some cheap crap to give away.
I oppose putting any part of the content of this website behind a paywall. The community will not grow if you do this. I stopped visiting the Townhall Media sites in large part because of their VIP service (well that and the neocon vibe). I share your concern about third party advertising, but selected sponsorships would be fine. Paying to turn off ads is tacky.
Good luck.