in reply to Is PerlMonks economically viable?
The question here seems to be are we (and I mean we) ready to undertake a business endeavor? That is actually what I feel is the underlying question. For if we take on a a business endeavor then we would be ensuring the longevity of PerlMonks and not watch it go the way of so many dot-coms that were great ideas but were run by people with no "business" experience.
I don't have an MBA, but I am old (enough) and know that when you make the dollar the bottom line you are talking business. This is where I get almost off topic.
I have been playing many different musical instruments now for almost 32 years. (I told you I was old) I always had that artist mentality. You know, "why can't the world see me for the truly great artistic genius I am?" Then I had an epiphany. "Truly great artistic geniuses don't get any recognition until they are dead." I want recognition, but I don't want to live as a pauper and die young.
Finally after years of struggling in several unsuccessful bands, I gave up and got Peter Nickle's "Doing music and nothing else" course. Eureka!
If you want to be a successful musician you have to devote 50% of your time to music and 50% to business. 66% of your budget needs to be devoted to advertising. Two music business rules. I'm sure every professional(sic) developer is familiar with business rules.
If someone had told me when I was a teenager that I could be a successful musician by getting a dual degree in music and business or for that matter just plain business, I would not be writing this today. I would be dead and very well recognized.
Yes it takes money to keep bandwidth. The question that looms large in my mind is "how much." Any beginning business venture needs a business plan and a budget. If vroom reveals to us how much is needed then we can make a budget.
I do believe that vroom is already aware of what needs to be done. Look Here! I smell the beginning of a business venture. Either that or vroom is looking to profit from us all. (Which I highly doubt)
I think that this node is an extremely valid one and should be brought to vroom's attention, although I can't imagine him not knowing what's going on here at the monastery. Two things to consider:
1.) Will this be run like a monastery where we request religious donations
2.) This is a dot-org.
Thanks you for bringing this up. I do not want to see the monastery crumble, and will do my part to help.