We're up to around 80 paying members now, almost enough to keep things running once the server switch is done, plus the paying members will have their own dedicated pipe (more bandwidth/space), and we're working on methods to encourage paying members, as well as open things up, and provide more services, plus cut expenses.
I *will* be introducing a 'pay only' service soon (StudioNoWhere), involving some new software I've been working on, that I think most will want their hands on. It's not the same as simple mp3 hosting/streaming, and there is very few places you can find this sort of technology. In fact, it might be the only one with the power soon, since the only real competitor I see has washed up...
We'll see how things evolve, right now, I don't think the pay only method would fly. NWR3 is chock full of problems and ugliness. I think the decision on that will be made well after the NWR4 release, as the entire dynamic of NWR will change when that happens, so will expenses, traffic, etc..
NWR might seem like it's always on the edge, but as musicians, you know this is pretty commonplace. It's coming up on 5 years that NWR has been around, and it's survived on peanuts (and slave labor
) that whole time. NWR, and the ideas behind it, will never die, not as long as I live.
Heck, if I had a full time job with decent pay, NWR would never have a problem, I could easily support it with how I've structured it. We go through high times, and low, just like any business, or individual for that matter.
Until things change, think of NWR as any public radio station, support is voluntary, and those who support it will benefit the most. All of us on (and in) NWR are indies, and as indies, the value of the dollar is really high. Even $2.50/mo. can be alot for someone looking to get their music heard, so I'm trying to create a new 'economic model' that will work for us all. Time will tell, but worry not, it'll never die.
W.