Q. Why would anyone pay to join an online groop?A. About 30 years ago, many people asked the cable companies a similar question: why would anyone pay for television? The answer to both questions is essentially the same: quality programming.
Quality information. One of the main reasons people join on-line groups is so they can get information. Free on-line groups that are both free to start and free to join are much like the average webpage – a waste of cyberspace. When a groop administrator or administration team is being financially compensated to maintain the groop and its content, the quality of information the groop provides increases significantly.
Increased participation. Another reason people join on-line groups is to socialize or network with other people. Participation in these groups by members is almost non-existent. The chances are, they are members of dozens of free groups and participate very little and any one. However, when a member makes a financial commitment to a groop, the participation of the member within that groop increases significantly.
Groops that would otherwise not exist. Imagine buying the latest book from your favorite author, and inside seeing a URL for an iGrOOp specifically for that book where you can not only discuss the book with other readers, but communicate with the author him/herself via on-line messaging or even voice chat! Most authors and/or other celebrities could not devote the time to fans – unless it was part of their business. If the author can set the membership fee for his/her iGrOOp, he or she can offer those who are willing to pay for this membership a unique information sharing experience. This same concept can apply to consultants, coaches, teachers, professionals of any kind – basically anyone that has valuable information to provide.
