ezboard Inc., an online community provider, Friday unveiled a business model
that counters diminishing advertising revenue.
Through its Community-Supported Communities program, the site is seeking
user support via semi-annual contributions of $2 per month.
“The revenue model is based on the highly successful National Public
Radio public listeners campaigns,” said says Vanchau Nguyen, ezboard’s
founder and CEO. “Community-supported communities is a ground-breaking
platform for establishing user-based online community support.”
Those who support the community will receive enhanced ezboard services,
including no banner advertising, as well as public recognition for their
contributions.
The debut of the program is part of the application service provider’s
launch of version 6.0, which offers improved user features based on customer
response, according to Nguyen.
“Testing was aggressively conducted during the 6.0’s development to make
sure it met core customer needs and expectations,” he said. “Based on user
feedback, the 6.0’s features include a new user interface and an enhanced
personal control center designed to make online community creation, use and
management more intuitive and user-friendly.”
The community site’s content includes games, chat rooms and shopping
opportunities. Backers include Labrador Ventures, Scripps Ventures and
Staenberg Venture Partners.