My weekend History Lesson

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by sarettah

That was a quote from Vick back in 2001 and back then I was learning the biz and how to convert a surfer to a sale, so back then it was an "us".

It wasn't my quote, it was Vick's. I believe it was meant to be funny and reflected the attitude of the webmasters on the board back in 2001, as did the quote from Serge and webfather, although I find webmasters "fresh faces" to ring very true.

And, a 1:100 conversion would still be a decent conversion today for many folks.

All I was saying was just because it was a flat board does not mean there wasn't a shitload of good reading there, whether you agree with it or not.

Only 1:100 or less conversions Ive seen in the past 2 years have been from SE traffic.

[Jace]

Originally Posted by gonzo

Only 1:100 or less conversions Ive seen in the past 2 years have been from SE traffic.

hell, with the amount of spam in the SE's these days, 1:100 is fucking great for SE

i remember 2-3 years ago when I would get 1:20 off SE traffic, now I am lucky if I get 1:200

[Mike AI]

Traffic is only one element of conversions. AI can still convert better then 1 in 100 with the right site. It not only takes a great site, with a hot girl, but solid processing.

Quality traffic has all been bastardized, and the large SEs are squeezing pennies out of the industry every day.

How many free site webmasters make good livings in 2006 compared to 3 years ago, or even 5.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by Mike AI

Traffic is only one element of conversions. AI can still convert better then 1 in 100 with the right site. It not only takes a great site, with a hot girl, but solid processing.

Quality traffic has all been bastardized, and the large SEs are squeezing pennies out of the industry every day.

How many free site webmasters make good livings in 2006 compared to 3 years ago, or even 5.

Those that have learned to research and adapt. Its a lot tougher than it ever used to be.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by Mike AI

Traffic is only one element of conversions. AI can still convert better then 1 in 100 with the right site. It not only takes a great site, with a hot girl, but solid processing.

Quality traffic has all been bastardized, and the large SEs are squeezing pennies out of the industry every day.

How many free site webmasters make good livings in 2006 compared to 3 years ago, or even 5.

I would love to see some real numbers. My own observations suggest that less than 2% of those active in the business today make more than $50K without having their own paysite(s).

[Peaches]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

I would love to see some real numbers. My own observations suggest that less than 2% of those active in the business today make more than $50K without having their own paysite(s).

I think you're wrong. Let me think about it and I'll come up with a number that I think's closer, but it's at least 20X the 2% you think.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by Peaches

I think you're wrong. Let me think about it and I'll come up with a number that I think's closer, but it's at least 20X the 2% you think.

So you think 40% are making $50K or more?

I call bullshit.

My number may be low, but your's is WAY WAY WAY too high.

I'm defining "active" as anyone who is out there trying to figure out a way to rustle up a hit to send to a sponsor to make a buck. I'll guestimate there's around 15,000 of those at any given time....it could be much higher especially when college is in session.

And when I say $50K, I'm talking solely what they derive off of adult. No day jobbers.

[Peaches]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

So you think 40% are making $50K or more?

I call bullshit.

My number may be low, but your's is WAY WAY WAY too high.

I'm defining "active" as anyone who is out there trying to figure out a way to rustle up a hit to send to a sponsor to make a buck. I'll guestimate there's around 15,000 of those at any given time....it could be much higher especially when college is in session.

And when I say $50K, I'm talking solely what they derive off of adult. No day jobbers.

Yes, I do think it's closer to 40% IF you take away those that have dayjobs. I know what *I* was making with free sites and even in the worst of times was making more than $50K and I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box