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As many of you have noticed I have recently added a Video Subscription area to my site, to access this area a small payment must be made to view the online content. Why is this?
Why would I charge for my video content? Aren't I trying to get as many visitors as possible? Aren't I trying to self promote as my #1 aim with this site?
Yes, but....
... the video section takes a lot of work,heck this website took a lot of work, but the videos actually require me to get out of my chair and go looking for something to film.
Also it has now forced me to obtain some video editing software and now I have to spend a few weeks learning how to use it so I can put decent film clips up on the site for you to watch.
Like many of you I like to get paid for my work, and as such I am charging a small subscription to help cover my time.
Also bandwidth costs money, that is the data that flows in and out of a website, also webhosting costs money, and so does living. To help cover these costs is also my justification in this move.
I chose a $5 initial fee with $3 recurring as this amounts to about 1 beer a month, I was thinking that if we were talking face to face for an hour in a bar and you found me entertaining and interesting, possibly helpful then you'd likely offer me a drink. I think the same for my website, if it entertained you, was interesting or possibly helpful then maybe you'd buy it a drink?
On top of that I have had multiple requests to purchase a DVD of my early wrestling matches, by placing them on the site directly I am forgoing a source of income, therefore there should be some cost attached even though this is an easier delivery mechanism for myself.
With only a handful of subscribers to date many would panic and see it as a waste of time, but like this website it will take time to grow, my current goal is to achieve 100 active subscribers which will equate to just under $300 a month - which is not a lot of money when it comes down to it for a lot of work.
BUT once I do the work once it stays done and the subscriptions will continue, once I gain some mainstream media attention the site will multiply it's earnings significantly, so my lousy $300 a month from videos might jump to $3000 a month - which is a very respectable sum - unfortunately if I am working in a movie that generates that much interest I think I won't have any money problems anyway.
Some people say but I can watch all the videos I want for free on Youtube, yes you can, most of it is rubbish but there is a lot of good content too. BUT again it is random video clips.
This site tells a story, it tells the story of my career to make it from a skinny schoolkid with big dreams to being an Internationally known Superstar. The words, the photos, and now the videos are all part of this story. Goodness, you'd pay $20 for a fictional book. This is cheaper and real.
Check the Conan Stevens Online Video Library for more information.
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