Membership Site Owners - I need your opinion

Do you have an example site that you're doing this for? If so what script are you using for it?

I have all my own scripts and host them on my domains. The ideal is also to have your own programmers, developers, writers, and salespeople all inhouse. I just use a modified membership script that I bought for $47 (Membershit Manager) and had it redone because it can be installed on dozens of domains for no extra cost. There are also some very good commercial membership scripts available such as amember, which provide full installation services.

Absolutely agree on all point from Dominic here... In my opinion, hosting on your own server is the only way to go. Good luck on your online ventures!

Alex Kaplo

Self-Hosted and therefore Self-Managed always wins in my opinion.

I'm running Internet Marketing Profit Machine on the 'Joomla 1.5' platform, 'Access Expiration Control' for the payment system, and 'iDevAffiliate For Joomla' for the affiliates.

Few problems and restrictions here and there but there's always workarounds for everything.

Hope i've helped

- James.

Andy,

It's not really surprising that most people would choose a self hosted solution. A managed solution is great for someone who can afford the monthly outlay and doesn't mind putting their business in someone else's hands.

The vast majority of people, from what I have seen anyway, are going to prefer a one time expense that allows them complete control over a monthly fee for a service that they only have partial control over.

With a managed solution you are completely at the mercy of the merchant you are hiring to control your membership areas. If their server goes down you have no control over when it will come back up. If they go out of business you are left high and dry. They have complete access to your products, your customers, and your private data. Also, with a self managed solution you can install it on as many domains as you want and sell as many products as you want without any extra expense, most of the time.

Some people who have already become successful will opt for the risks but most people who are just starting out will be more inclined to have more control. Again, this is just based on what I have learned from 2 years selling a membership solution and is not meant to be an all inclusive answer but just my obvservations only.

Because it's his business. Maybe if he could hook you up with a few of his customers, past and present, you'd get a clearer picture.

AWeber. Best investment i've EVER made

- James.

Andy,
Actually I also use my own custom coded optin mail list system too.. Why use other services and pay them when I can just code my own and use my own server.

I code mail systems into just about every script and site I release and many of my clients that have 50,000+ members use my custom coded mail list system without any problems.

It is always best to keep full control over your own stuff if possible...

James