Cheers BB, I have used viral successfully on a few occasions on my other sites. Much easier in a narrow niche established site, where you already have a foothold.
Where I was coming from with my model was, that I reckon that there must be people on here currently carrying affiliate banner ads that are not performing. It might be worth their while to take a short term gamble on my site with the promise of a decent commission in a few weeks when the site is up and running.
Other models that I am considering are:
- Fixed affiliate commission per free sign up say €0.50 which would get me to target for a few hundred euro following which I would introduce an attractive % based commission for paid membership.
- Newspaper and magazine advertising of free Premium Membership.
- Beer Mats / Night Club promotions
- Paid banner ads with the likes of you guys.
- Free Banner Swop with another webmaster(s)
Another angle that I am considering is to leave the site with Free premium membership for all to become a traffic focussed site.
Thanks for the feedback and kick starting the discussion !
Stuart