The future of Cache Up NB

This article was originally published on Cache Up NB. It has been mirrored here for archive purposes only.

Every once in awhile I put up an item on here to address certain things about this website specifically. I’ve tried very hard to insure that Cache Up NB always has recent content, and tries to showcase a community of cachers in a way that is not-so-typical for geocaching websites.

With things such as hosting the Come Out & Play Contest, live blogs, status ticker, random caches, calendar of events, chat, and other features, Cache Up NB has always tried to be less like everyone else, and stand out as it’s own community. Thanks to the hard work of our community members, I believe we’ve done a great job.

That having been said, there’s always more that can be done. I’m always trying to come up with some new ideas and different ways that I can engage the users of our site. I’ve got some cool new things coming in the near future and I hope you guys like them.

When Cache Up NB first launched in 2010, I was asked if advertising would ever become part of this site’s content. At the time, I was very much against it as I didn’t want our users to be bombarded by ads that were intrusive to the material being read. I still feel the same way about intrusive advertising but as the site continues to grow, so does the cost.

Many folks may not realize it but there is an actual financial cost to run a site like this. No, the cost is by no means expensive, and until now, I have been fine with footing the bill (I can provide exact cost amounts if you are interested). I added the donation link at the bottom of the page, and some of you have indeed made gracious donations (thank you) which have been put directly on costs associated with the site. In fact, some of the money received went directly towards something that will be released in early 2012.

But as things continue to grow here, I find myself wanting to give the community more and more and for some of those items, there is a financial cost associated with it. Thusly, this brings me to where I am looking for feedback from our community in how best to move forward. I do not feel that it should be my decision alone to decide so I am asking for your sincere opinion on how we should proceed.

I have considered adding a small block of geocaching related advertising in some sections of the site. This could be used to generate some revenue to help keep the site moving forward. I would however make a solemn promise to you that I would never place any advertising within the main body of any news item, or anywhere within the comments. To me, that would feel too intrusive and be more annoying than anything else. The idea is to generate revenue, not irritate our community.

The revenue generated by the advertising would be used to pay for the cost of hosting the site, and also be put towards other Cache Up NB projects. Things such as geocoins, lanyards, shirts, and other merchandise would be easier to produce for those who are interested if we had some base  revenue to use to get things made.

The money could also go for prizes at events, donations to local trail providers, and lastly, the money could also be used to help fund special projects for Cache Up NB readers. Whether it be apps for your iPhone/Android, or special features we integrate into the site, for some of those things, there is a cost involved.

So the real question to you, the members of this community, would the presence of advertising on Cache Up NB have an affect on whether or not you continue to visit, and contribute to this community? Do you have any alternate means of raising some money to help offset these costs? Please do not hold back in your comments to this. I want to know exactly what you think, what your concerns would be, and any ideas you may have. Remember, I’m not trying to get rich here. I just want to try and offset some of the costs I’ve incurred (especially lately with some of the new stuff I want to provide) in having this community.

Please, let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

– Matt (Zor)