Adblockers deprive websites of income.  That's why I never use them.  

Forum advertising and website advertising are two different beasts.

I don't click ads, I don't buy stuff from ads. I got an adblocker. I see no problem. If you depend on ad revenue for a website, force it on the user. Don't take the middle road and complain.

Unlike you starkers, there are many who 'use' the site and download art without a care to helping defray the costs of the site.... 

The idea of 'ad blocker' extensions disabling the "download" button would seem to neutralize the policy which is in place of allowing a certain number of downloads to non-members (to encourage membership).

It might be more beneficial to only allow 'trialware' to apply the skins which come with it (if that's possible), and to decrease markedly the amount of Mb's which can be downloaded by non-members.

Perhaps rendering the ads "ad blocker" proof (if that's possible) for non-members is the way to go.

Ok, so what could be an answer? Raising revenue to be able to maintain a forum is important is what I hear. How else to continue making it available?

Some forum/website also must help make money for the owners - as part of their income - I'm not saying anything wrong with that, it's totally up to the site/forum owners, they provide for us, we provide for them.

But on a forum where that is not a factor... I imagine a web community driven for its own existence, the money making could stop each time the hosting and maintenance costs are met... monthly? yearly? Or should just always keep raising money for 'the future? (your idea?)

And there are few ways to get to any needed amount - donations, ads, selling things on website. (your idea?)

I've thought of one idea for a different member experience: regular participants in a community can have no ads.
This means casual visitors, or just down-loaders can still enjoy themselves, but they 'contribute' by having ads.

And of course, a member who actively participates with posts, replies and artist feedback, or a most valuable person - skinners/artists who provides content for the community to consume, could have no ads!

What do you think? Any other ideas?

As you might imagine I am very curious about new dynamic ways to interact with a web community because of the new Skinning Community Forum which I am helping administrate at the moment. They are trying to think of ways to give something different to the skinning community.

I want to pose your questions and ideas to them.

Yes, I'm waiting to see how much bandwidth a skinning only site might build up to. I can get about 500gb of bandwidth a month for $10AUD/month - with community donations, some advertising income and my own contributions - I'd think that would be more than sustainable, even for a moderate or large community.

What did you think of my 'money model' for a forum Jafo - do you think it's impossible?

As for the desert of skinning sites... here's hoping - I have confidence in our ideals.

'We shall succeed, because we know we shall, and we are different. Though some before us have fallen, they have fallen from different horses! Ours she is a strong and loyal steed.'

*giggle* Come riding with us.

Careful Heavenfall! That's a punishable admission!

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I don't find the ads intrusive.  (I did when there were two ads per thread though!)

Btw: mods, do you know when you will be able to fix the "advertisement counts as a reply number" bug?  It must have been there for a month or so now, so it would be great if you could fix it sooner rather than later!

Wait, so...they'll be extradited now unless they buy a subscription?

Silly....lol.

My take on the quoted bold part of your quote is that you agree not to block the ads from happening on your personal WC site.  By using an ad blocker, you simply ensure that YOU don't see the ads. They're still there for everyone else. You haven't stopped the ads for anyone other than yourself and that is fine.

good point RND, I read that bit about the ads the wrong way - it *does* seem to be aimed at the user stopping *others* from seeing the ads grrr, read it too quickly!

I actually renewed today and it only cost me $8.95!