I guess the lack of comments (from my normally very loud corner anyway) has been because I haven't really got an opinion. I agree that some recompense for producing this site (which I really enjoy using by the way) is more than fair. I also would prefer to keep the site relatively unbiased (from commercial concerns anyway, trying to stop people expressing opinions would be a complete waste of time - besides, I like spouting off from a position of complete ignorance).

I have to admit that I personally almost never use banners or click through ads, preferring to use sites recommended to me by other people. I also buy most of my paddling gear the old fashioned way - from a shop, with real people, where I can see, touch and try the equipment. I buy from local shops with people who know what they're talking about (or should, anyway). I do research items and prices on the net, and reviews from retailers of equipment (clearly stated as such) would be useful in this regard. I think our Boat Debate is fantastic, and urge other people to review their own boats or boats they've used. I don't think linking to commercial advertisements from this page is really appropriate, as people can find that sort of thing on their own.

So in summary -yes to sponsorship if the site producers can find a method that they think works well and doesn't compromise the site.

Readers, this is actually a good opportunity for you to have a say in how this site runs.

Here are my thoughts.

RBP is a business, and while we set it up with philanthropic / community minded views, it is still a business.

In terms of a web site, it is quite successful with high rates of readership, input from readers and our hit rate makes us one of the more significant paddling sites out there.

Our readers come from around the world, however the majority are from Australia.

It does not cost us much to run the site, however there are costs.

We are very aware that the Australian paddling community is supported by the local retailers. By this I point out that the racing & social paddling scene would not be as strong in Australia if the retailers folded up due to local paddlers buying their boats & accessories through internet providers.

Thus RBP launching into traditional forms of revenue raising, i.e. promoting the sale of specific boats, I don't think that would be in line with our original philanthropic / community minded views. This means that we don't want to become a virtual retailer & exploit our strong market position at the potential expense of the local retailers.

I would like to consider opening up the RBP internet market to local retailers, so that they can do their job a little better. For example, through allowing retailers to write reviews of products & post them online. This may be on a fee per article basis. I would only condone this approach if each commercial article was clear that it was a paid submission, and not some subtle sneaky 'placement' ad'.

I would encourage private conversations with commercial providers, and would then continue the discussion with our readers.

Cheers,

WP.

How much do you pay for hosting? I can get you hosting (unlimited everything) for $4 a month.

we could start a paddle school at bali and smuggle drugs in the boats