OP
OP
Right now, we are looking at adding several new features to the site. They include a photo gallery that the members can contribute to, Journals (Online diarys, or BLOGs for those familiar with them), auctions, classified ads, and a very large expansion to the video library as well as several other items that are still in the 'well, thats cool' stage. 
Many of these features require more server space, more server power and more than a little cash to buy the software. We are also looking at doing some mainstreme advertising, but as many of you know, that also costs some big-bucks.
I've been talking with a few potential investors about funding MT. The problem with investors is that they usually want to make a profit on their investment. Thats hard to do in a 'break-even' enterprise. We're in talks and I'll keep y'all posted on this if things progress. I was asked what it would cost to buy MT outright. That's a minimum of $50,000. In 3 years, I've invested $2,000-$4,000 cash and a conservativly estimated 7,000+ hours labor. (Thats almost a year in days, dang I need a life). Even estimating its worth at McD rates, thats $50k. That doesn't include the efforts of the rest of the staff to keep things moving forward and smooth. MT's a $200,000+ project so far easily, almost all a labor of love by it's staff and members.
I am looking forward to the day when I logon and see 10,000 members online, and that MT is at the multiple-load-balancing server stage. (Note- thats a ways off and will cost a lot of cash to do).
I have a vision for MT. I want it to be -the- premier martial arts information and resource site on the Internet.
That takes time, money and hard work.
You can help by:
- Sponsoring a forum (Only $125/year)
- Becoming a Supporting Member (Only $12 a year)
- Hosting through us - (Only $120 / year)
- Advertising with us (School page ads start at $25/year)
- Buy a tee-shirt (I have Lg and XL left, $10 ea. shipped anywhere US. Canada add $2)
- Link back to us from your own websites
- Tell your friends, classmates and instructors.
- Mention MT at camps, seminars and events
- Read MartialTalk Magazine
- and more!
Who knows...maybe we can become the AOL/Microsoft of the martial arts world..just with a better rep and less bugs?
I've deposited the first bunch of checks I received to my business account, and will be doing the same with the PayPal donations shortly. I've got confirmation that 1 of the renewing sponsors will be doing so, and we've picked up another new sponsor as well. Once money is received I'll update the tally again. We're at the half way mark. Soon as we hit the target, I order the server and we start the fun.
Thank you again!
Many of these features require more server space, more server power and more than a little cash to buy the software. We are also looking at doing some mainstreme advertising, but as many of you know, that also costs some big-bucks.I've been talking with a few potential investors about funding MT. The problem with investors is that they usually want to make a profit on their investment. Thats hard to do in a 'break-even' enterprise. We're in talks and I'll keep y'all posted on this if things progress. I was asked what it would cost to buy MT outright. That's a minimum of $50,000. In 3 years, I've invested $2,000-$4,000 cash and a conservativly estimated 7,000+ hours labor. (Thats almost a year in days, dang I need a life
). Even estimating its worth at McD rates, thats $50k. That doesn't include the efforts of the rest of the staff to keep things moving forward and smooth. MT's a $200,000+ project so far easily, almost all a labor of love by it's staff and members. I am looking forward to the day when I logon and see 10,000 members online, and that MT is at the multiple-load-balancing server stage. (Note- thats a ways off and will cost a lot of cash to do).
I have a vision for MT. I want it to be -the- premier martial arts information and resource site on the Internet.
That takes time, money and hard work.
You can help by:
- Sponsoring a forum (Only $125/year)
- Becoming a Supporting Member (Only $12 a year)
- Hosting through us - (Only $120 / year)
- Advertising with us (School page ads start at $25/year)
- Buy a tee-shirt (I have Lg and XL left, $10 ea. shipped anywhere US. Canada add $2)
- Link back to us from your own websites
- Tell your friends, classmates and instructors.
- Mention MT at camps, seminars and events
- Read MartialTalk Magazine
- and more!
Who knows...maybe we can become the AOL/Microsoft of the martial arts world..just with a better rep and less bugs?
I've deposited the first bunch of checks I received to my business account, and will be doing the same with the PayPal donations shortly. I've got confirmation that 1 of the renewing sponsors will be doing so, and we've picked up another new sponsor as well. Once money is received I'll update the tally again. We're at the half way mark. Soon as we hit the target, I order the server and we start the fun.
Thank you again!
