[vwsmity]

I'm considering starting a message board to make a little money. Is this a feasible idea, or should I just consider having a message board as more of a hobby? Thanks!

[vwsmity]

Is this a viable way of earning money through advertising? It will be a car-related board. Thanks for input!

[melennet]

Well message boards usually don't get you too much money... but it depends...
For example if you do a message board for a school/college... maybe you can get the college to pay you....
If you make a gaming message board or something like that you probably won't make any money.

[Wayne-S7S]

Going by your username, I'm assuming it will be a VW related board? If so, realize that vwvortex is probably the biggest (certainly not the only) VW board.
I'm an admin on www.stratusphere.org, and a moderator on a few others, and am hosting one board for a friend of mine.
Even in on a msg. board with a LARGE following, I don't see the opportunity to make much money off of it. Most enthusiasts are there for the free information, and when talk of charging for anything comes up - only those that are down for the long run will donate anything.
As for advertising, you need to prove that YOUR message board stands above the rest, and will bring money into the company that is advertising. Chances are you'll get small vendors that won't want to pay for advertising, but will offer discounts to the group on purchases of their items - or group buys at most.

Not trying to shoot down what you want to do, but I've been there, and done that. :)

[iblive]

If you do start it and can get some traffic to it, another way of making revenue would be sponsorship of specific forums. For example, you could have a section that discusses tires/wheels. Then in addition to having that section sponsored by XYZ Tire Company, XYZ Tire Company would agree to participate in the boards and provide "expert" advice or recommendations. This would get people to start posting. I have seen this done pretty successfully.