Written on October 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 am by Darren Rowse
ProBlogger.com is Live! JOIN with 1200+ Bloggers to Improve Your Blog
What would happen if the thousands of bloggers who read ProBlogger each day decided to work together to improve their blogs?
This is a question that has been on my mind lately – I thought it was time to find out what the answer is.
So far 800 1200+ bloggers have agreed to join me in finding out – will you join us too? We’re offering it as a special introductory price of $1.95 a month for access to the forum (once you’re in at that rate you’re locked in at it and it won’t rise).
UPDATE: the introductory price of $1.95 is over. The monthly price is now $5.95.
I’ve been asked to add a forum area to ProBlogger for almost as long as this site has been live (5 years last week). It’s something I’ve been open to but never quite got around to doing – but lately a number of things have changed my mind including:
1. The success of the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Forum – this temporary forum/community rocked and led to quite a few bloggers going into partnerships and collaborations with other bloggers.
2. More and more reports of bloggers forming alliances or collaborative relationships – bloggers have joined together in networks and groups for years now – but lately I’ve been hearing a lot more stories of bloggers forming alliances and collaborating.
3. The realization that while here on ProBlogger people do collaborate in comments – that a blog is really not the medium for it to go to its potential.
Out of all this – I’ve decided to finally launch ProBlogger.com in collaboration with the team at b5media who are looking after the back end of the site.
So far I’ve invited those on my email list to join and 800 1200+ have signed up. Today I’m launching it to the wider community.
Note: You can get much of the information below in a video at the bottom of this post if you prefer that format.
What is ProBlogger.com
- ProBlogger.com is all about community, collaboration and learning together.
- It is a paid forum ($1.95 USD per month subscription – more on why it’s paid below)
- It is a private and moderated forum – walled from the general public, search engines and spammers
- It’s currently in version 1.0 – a forum but we plan to add features as it grows.
Why is it a Paid Community?
I’m aware that the idea of paying to join a forum is not going to suit everyone and I don’t pretend that it will appeal to all – but there are a number of reasons I’ve taken the decision to put a $1.95 monthly subscription fee on it.
1. I want to staff the forum – there’s nothing wrong with volunteer moderation (and we’ll add this as we go) but I wanted this community to be administrated by a paid and dedicated staff member (Lara Kulpa who many of you are familiar with) to ensure that the forum is as useful as possible. We’re dedicating 100% of the income of the first 1200 or so members purely to cover this (and then a % of all further membership). My goal is to have Lara full time on this task.
Having a paid community manager is important to me because I know it’ll be run well, well moderated, more useful and that members will be looked after by someone accountable and focused on the task.
2. It’s valuable and I want it to be seen as such – my experience of forums in the past is that they tend to attract a lot of lurkers who join but rarely turn up and contribute. While having a cost on the forum may keep some away I believe it gives those who do join a little more reason to participate. If something costs you’re hopefully more likely to use it and a forum that is actually used is more valuable for everyone.
3. Discourage Spammers – while I fully expect members will successfully promote their blogs in this community – that’s not what it’s really about and I hope that putting a fee on it will keep spammers and self promoters a little more at bay. Feel free to tell us about your blog – but do it appropriately and as a good citizen of the forum. Spammers are not welcome.
The Details on Price and Introductory Offers
The introductory price of ProBlogger.com is $1.95 USD per month. Payment is via PayPal (sorry to those who are not able to use PayPal but at this point it’s the system that is easiest for us to use and is the most widely used option).
This introductory price of $1.95 is a limited time offer. I’m yet to decide on the price that we’ll put it up to but if you join at this rate you’ll only ever be charged this much per month for access to the forum. Those who join later will be charged at the higher rate.
I’m also offering 50% off the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog workbook to anyone who joins the forum in the first month. This is purely an optional thing and not something that I expect everyone will want or need. You’ll be given a discount code once you register and pay for your first month on the inside of the forum for this.
To join simply follow this process:
- head to the registration page of the forum here – add your details and join the forum.
- go to the forum and hit the ‘complete the registration process by clicking here‘ link
- hit the ‘$1.95′ option in the ‘cost’ drop down menu and click ‘order’
- this will take you through a process where you can pay with PayPal and set up the subscription – once you have you can head back to the forum and start posting.
Will You Join Us?
At this point we’ve had 800 1000+ members join as paid up members and we’d love to have you join us. You can unsubscribe at any point if you find that it doesn’t fit your needs and stop future payments. While I know it won’t fit with everyone’s situation I do hope that you check it out and join the community as an active member – this will be as good as we make it so get involved!
Here a video (also on the front page of ProBlogger.com) where I go through a lot of the above information for those who prefer to watch and listen over reading!
UPDATE: the introductory price of $1.95 is over. The monthly price is now $5.95.
94 Responses to “ProBlogger.com is Live! JOIN with 1200+ Bloggers to Improve Your Blog” - Add Yours
Fadli Wilihandarwo
October 2nd, 2009 12:28 am
I have joined this..
I love this, because I can meet serious blogger here.
Thanks darren for opening this forum.
Gordie Rogers - Lifestyle Design 4U
October 2nd, 2009 12:33 am
I’ve also signed up. $1.95 per month to be part of an awesome blogging community is nothing. Thanks for making it so reasonably prices Darren!
SATISH
October 2nd, 2009 12:44 am
Joined the forum in its pre-launch, and so far its been a great learning experience.
I was so impressed that, I want all my readers also to join the community, so blogged about the paid forum and the community on my blog – First Look at ProBlogger.com[munity]
Congrats and all the best Darren.
Rahul Jadhav
October 2nd, 2009 1:10 am
wow this is awesome. Joining it now!!!
Roschelle
October 2nd, 2009 1:13 am
Darren,
Once again you’ve come up with an idea that serves as a springboard to blogging success. The $1.95/month is nothing compared to the wealth of knowledge we all stand to gain by joining the forum. I hope bloggers from those who are just beginning to seasoned veterans take full advantage. I’m in!!
DeeNice
October 2nd, 2009 1:13 am
Great way to jump start my blog efforts. will share with others.
DeeNice
Kevin Muldoon
October 2nd, 2009 1:17 am
I’ve been a member a few days and I’m really enjoying it. $1.95 a month is a bargain, I’m still surprised it’s so cheap.
Web Design Company
October 2nd, 2009 1:18 am
I am regular reader. Happy to see it again.
Thanks..
Ajay
October 2nd, 2009 1:19 am
This seems a serious forum for bloggers.
Looking forward to join it.
Thank you.
Huzzer Magazine
October 2nd, 2009 1:26 am
Congrates Darren.
I hope the forum will be a huge success along with your other blogs.
Cheers!
Robert Barr
October 2nd, 2009 1:42 am
Congrats Darren! Been a member since pre-launch. Anyone considering, take the plunge, it’s well worth it!
Jesse
October 2nd, 2009 1:57 am
I won’t be signing up. The fee is more than I want to spend to be a part of any community. I might change my mind if there were a free trial or something of the sort, but in my current situation it’s not worth it.
I definitely wish you the best with the forum, and hope everyone else is enjoying it!
Andreas Rilinger
October 2nd, 2009 2:07 am
You came up with a great idea, Darren. And definately like the pricing. It’s not too much, and makes your community unique, cause i have paid for it.
Looking forward how big this community will grow and what it is going to develop to in the future.
Max
October 2nd, 2009 2:08 am
Really great read – are you having fun with it? Keep up the good work and good luck with your site!
Lara Kulpa
October 2nd, 2009 2:18 am
Jesse – you can cancel at any time… if you sign up and don’t like it, you’ve gotten 30 days to check it out for less than two bucks. I understand if money’s tight – you’re definitely not alone there. I just wanted to make sure you were aware that you wouldn’t be locked into recurring payments or anything.
The only reason I say anything is because we will be increasing the price later on, so those who don’t lock in this price now will be paying more later.
Chris Kilber
October 2nd, 2009 2:43 am
You can bet I’m going to join. You can bet this is worth 20 times the price or better. I’m sending this to my list.
Chris Kilber
http://www.ChrisKilber.com
Home of Daily 101 FREE Traffic Generating Strategies
Shane - Inspiring Your Success
October 2nd, 2009 3:26 am
When I mentioned this to you the other day I could have sworn it was more expensive! At this price I will defintely join.
CMcKane
October 2nd, 2009 3:39 am
@Jesse I’m usually a wait and see kind a gal but I figured to give it a shot.
Seeing the intro price and like Lara mentioned it’s eventual raising was a big motivator. Plus, since 31DBBB I’ve been waiting for it.
I really like that you can use paypal to pay and there are some a lot of threads booming already. Never been on a board with photo albums but think it’s a great idea.
Free Microsoft Points
October 2nd, 2009 4:49 am
I just joined, payment made and everything. Can’t wait for it to pick up! Love your site!
Jordan Cooper
October 2nd, 2009 5:14 am
I will attest that this forum community is shaping up to be a *must-use* for anyone serious about blogging or looking to get their blog to the so-called “next level”. In only two short days of participating, I’ve picked up so much extremely detailed advice on many aspects of blogging that I find myself weak in.
In addition, it’s also a perfect community to meet & collaborate with other bloggers that are in a similar niche to your own. I’ve already found 2-3 doing video game/MMO based sites and it’s been valuable sharing blogging tips & techniques with each other that are more geared towards our specific visitor demographic.
The only concern I have is the forum becoming *so* popular that threads will get drowned out a little too much.
Blogatu
October 2nd, 2009 6:04 am
Congrats Darren.
Scrooge
October 2nd, 2009 6:51 am
Well worth the tiny price tag, should end up being an invaluable resource.
Ronblogger
October 2nd, 2009 6:55 am
Will surely join there.Count me in
Kimberly
October 2nd, 2009 7:10 am
Awesome idea and awesome introductory price! Can’t wait to join and connect with other bloggers.
Andy Merrett
October 2nd, 2009 7:14 am
Wow, nearly $2k per month is a pretty cushy position for administering a forum.
Unfortunately, when I joined and read the first posts I remembered who the moderator was, and for that reason I will be leaving. Sorry to say it, but it already feels very crowded. Still, good luck for those who will find it useful and can get on with the administrator’s style”.
From Darren: Hey Andy – sorry to see you go. Not sure what your issues are with Lara, she’s been a life saver for me on numerous occasions. If you have any constructive feedback for me and/or Lara we’d be more than willing to hear it – I think you’ve got my email so feel free to shoot me a note. I hope it’s something that is just a misunderstanding or an issue that we can resolve as I’d love to have someone with your experience as part of the community.
From Lara: Hi Andy – I’m not sure what I may have said or done to make you have such strong feelings against me. To be totally honest, I don’t ever recall having any kind of interaction with you, and I apologize if I’m mistaken but I really don’t think I am. I’m thinking you may actually have me confused with someone else? In any event, as Darren said, I’d be more than happy to hear any constructive feedback you may have, however I too hope this is all a misunderstanding or a case of mistaken identity.
Dayo Nurudeen
October 2nd, 2009 7:38 am
Count Me In..
Congrats Darren!!!
Technology Slice
October 2nd, 2009 9:16 am
Congratulations. Finally got forums up and running.
hokya
October 2nd, 2009 12:10 pm
wow, great
anyway, is there any “free trial for beginner” ?
Dave Doolin
October 2nd, 2009 12:19 pm
Paid is good and the price is right. Keeps the spammers out!
Teejay
October 2nd, 2009 12:58 pm
Cheap. I already signed up. Thanks Darren.
Sunny
October 2nd, 2009 4:46 pm
Nice initiative at an affordable price. Sometimes, small changes can make big differences. But where to begin? Guess you have the answer.
Lee Ka Hoong
October 2nd, 2009 6:01 pm
Darren, I wonder is there any other way I can subscribe to Problogger Community Forum? I try to subscribe via Paypal but it required a verified paypal account to proceed. I’ve yet to verify my paypal account because I don’t have a credit card, I’ve applied one and still waiting for the approval.
How can it be done Darren?
Thanks,
Lee
Rajan
October 2nd, 2009 6:52 pm
Hi ! Good initiative . am eager to check it out.
I have one doubt though , Suppose I join this month and if i take a break for couple of months and rejoin again , will I still have the benefit of the initial offfer , I joined ?
Tonny
October 2nd, 2009 8:27 pm
Very cheap, 1.95 is almost FREE :)
Wayne Tully
October 2nd, 2009 8:50 pm
Yeah thanks for this new forum community, I signed up for the early notification and have joined and I find it amazing how it has grown in the short amount of time you’ve had it up( er the problogger.com community that is!!)
Looking forward to contribute more and yes hopefully collaborate with other artists or affiliate marketers on there!!
Cheers Darren!
ilaxi
October 2nd, 2009 8:53 pm
Congratulations, Darren. Count me In – from Outside:-) Paid always bring great results. Good you did this – Just keep somethings for some ‘Free’ – Cheers!
Kathy
October 2nd, 2009 10:09 pm
THANK YOU, I appreciate the price, I am still trying to make my first $1, so this sure fits my budget. Hoping to meet other newbies so we can grow together, and catch some tips from those more established.
Typhoon
October 2nd, 2009 10:21 pm
I have joined it when you sent out information about it in your newsletter. And Today also took it’s subscription..
Hope to Have fun with other on ProBlogger Forums. Here is my member profile there: http://www.problogger.com/forum/member.php?u=54
Regards
Typhoon a.k.a Sushant
http://www.smartbloggerz.com
Typhoon
October 2nd, 2009 10:23 pm
Hey!! One more thing….
Darren Please bring one LifeTime or One Time Payment also. Please..
ITrush
October 2nd, 2009 10:38 pm
Hmm, looks like Typhoon is right. It’s good to have some options, this is really a very good idea Darren and congrats for opening this to us.
Nathan @ Logo Co
October 2nd, 2009 11:00 pm
Darren,
Great work with launching problogger.com.
I love that you’re all about giving and serving… it will always come back to you when you have an attitude like that.
Keep up the great work!
Nathan Hulls
http://www.logoco.com.au
IndianCashMaker
October 2nd, 2009 11:04 pm
that’s a great initiative darren…..i can bet your revenues will increase a hell lot….great step
Louis
October 2nd, 2009 11:36 pm
Hi Darren,
I’m In, see you inside!
Mailing List Building Blog
October 3rd, 2009 12:11 am
Oh that simply a great idea. This is a wonderful opportunity to the bloggers. I might join, thanks.
work at home
October 3rd, 2009 12:26 am
One great invention by problogger. I will definitely join in this group. I am so eager to meet blogger like me. Thank you for this great service.
Debt Free Hispanic
October 3rd, 2009 12:30 am
Darren, this was a wise move. People are hungry for community. I’m on board, see everyone in the forum.
Firas Steitiyeh
October 3rd, 2009 1:08 am
I have already joined! it’s amazing!
You get response and feedback immediately whenever you post any question or inquiry! In addition to the huge amount of knowledge and Information available over there.
Excellent Job Darren! :D
Best,
Firas
Tech Maish
October 3rd, 2009 2:00 am
Great, i am ready to join.Thanks problogger
Switchon
October 3rd, 2009 2:27 am
A reallly great project and terrific value at the price.
WinnerMindset
October 3rd, 2009 3:01 am
I joined it already and I can say it’s been great so far… I really agree with Darren’s “paid forum” idea
Nature Sounds
October 3rd, 2009 3:28 am
Darren, This is a really great service for the price. Count me in. I am going over to register for this opportunity.
DataCool
October 3rd, 2009 11:23 am
Congratulations to you. Hope you can give som extra value for your blog with problogger live on the internet around the world…
AdSense Revenue Sharing
October 3rd, 2009 11:42 am
Darren, this is awesome, very much live, I’ll try this opportunity
Lara Kulpa
October 3rd, 2009 12:32 pm
@ Lee Ka Hoong – I’m sorry but currently the only way to join is via PayPal. Hopefully your verification comes through soon!
@ Rajan – If you cancel your membership, and then try to join again later, you will be charged whatever rate is being charged at the time you rejoin.
@ Typhoon – We’re trying to work out additional options for payment term lengths. We’ll make an announcement in the forum (and I’m sure here as well) if and when we do that.
mytheory
October 3rd, 2009 2:02 pm
nice offer with nice intro price, i would like to join as well,
i can improve my blog performance, and improve my skill on blogging
Jonny
October 3rd, 2009 3:46 pm
1.95 per month is ok, i will think over it.
macswitcher
October 3rd, 2009 4:48 pm
Have not started with anything as far as blogging is concerned. All seasoned bloggers require an upfront fee when seeking assistance from them. This price is so reasonable despite my financial situation now. I hope, despite my being a newbie, i can find assistance from seasoned bloggers in this community.
Way to go, Darren/Lara – karma points for both of you. :-)
Ferdinand Emy
October 3rd, 2009 5:10 pm
$1.95 per month is considerable, I will join
jeux virtuel
October 3rd, 2009 9:53 pm
Hey Darren Forum is really a very nice.. Thank you so much for sharing this nice forum link here, i’ll registered to your forum right now..
work at home
October 3rd, 2009 11:11 pm
I have already joined this forum. Hope all blogger also join this forum. I hope to all of you to meet in the forum. Thank you.
Adarsh
October 4th, 2009 12:20 am
I was one of the first people to join the forum (Among the paid members.) I do like the option of keeping it paid. Great work by the administrative team there. I was waiting for problogger community to be live.
Emma Springer
October 4th, 2009 2:32 am
This is a great idea and a great price. I am sure I will learn a lot from seasoned bloggers.
Flippa Chick
October 4th, 2009 2:47 am
Add me to that list of subscribers. If not to gain some new insight into blogging, I definitely would love to take advantage of this awesome networking opportunity.
dave lee
October 4th, 2009 3:01 am
this site rocks! there is so much incredible info here, one can get lost ( which is a good thing or bad thing lol) I love this site !!!!
http://tattoodesignsgalore.com
Roschelle
October 4th, 2009 5:27 am
Best investment I’ve ever made! In less than 48 hours, I’ve received tips, advice and encouragement from seasoned bloggers. My site is already looking better and more user friendly than I ever could have imagined. I love my new community!!
Shawna R. B. Atteberry
October 4th, 2009 6:35 am
Thanks so much for introductory price! That just rocks. I’ve joined, and I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and learning.
Wooden Bird Feeders
October 4th, 2009 7:05 am
This is great! I am going to join and check it out. Thanks Darren!
SEOspert
October 4th, 2009 7:14 pm
I joined your forum 36 hours ago after seeing it mentioned on another blog that was writing about what a rip off it is. I joined because I wanted to see for myself so that I could join the fray of those saying why you were a scammer launching this.
Problem is that your forum completely turned me around. I got 3-4 great ideas within an hour, I was welcomed warmly by other bloggers, Darren responded to a question I asked and while some say Darren’s philosophy is too narrow and doesn’t work I actually found the ideas being shared in the forum really balanced and smart.
I was going to leave the forum after $1.95 and then write a snarky review of it but what I’ve seen so far completely turned me around and made me realize that much of what people were writing on that post was based on false assumptions and jealousy.
Thanks to Darren and Lara for what you’ve started. I think there’s room to improve but it’s great so far.
Mike from Drop Ship
October 4th, 2009 8:04 pm
No doubt, this is a great idea. The price will keep spammers at bay.
Make money blogging | blogging for money
October 4th, 2009 8:23 pm
The forum is just great. I really recommend it if you’re serious about blogging.
Some of the most successful bloggers are already there, and that’s a GREAT opportunity.
Regards,
Sam.
$5 per lead
October 5th, 2009 5:16 am
thanks for the info, i considering a blog…i know it’s a must have now a days…. looking forward to more stuff on this
chad
Armen Shirvanian
October 5th, 2009 6:19 am
I am on this forum, and have gained a lot of knowledge already, not to mention the opportunity to provide it as well. My name is “Armen” on there, and greetings to all.
I recommend the forum for pro-active individuals.
Richard Walker
October 5th, 2009 6:54 am
I’ve been putting this off too long! I’m in!
Joel Brown
October 5th, 2009 11:21 am
Joined yesterday, and the forum is great. I think the cost is minimal for a quality forum, and should be a good way to discourage spam.
Also took advantage of the great price for the 31 days to a better blog, as a bonus for joining.
In response to SEOspert, i can see that this is something many people see at the first thought of paying to join a forum, especially when their are so many free options. However i think as i already said when you have to pay for something you often find the quality is that little bit more.
Rita
October 5th, 2009 12:25 pm
I’ll probably join the forum and get the half-price workbook for the 31-Day Be a Better Blogger series.
How long will the introductory offer be available?
Why use PayPal for payment? I haven’t used my PayPal account yet, but don’t they charge you for each transaction? Why not just take credit cards?
Rita
internetmarketing
October 5th, 2009 4:55 pm
This is actually a great idea. I would like to join you guys.
TK Pandey
October 5th, 2009 6:42 pm
The fee is more than I want to spend to be a part of any community. I might change my mind if there were a free trial or something of the sort.
Gaurav Mahashabde
October 5th, 2009 7:30 pm
Gr8!! idea and a great blog. Once again you’ve come up with an idea that serves as a springboard to blogging success. The $1.95/month is nothing compared to the wealth of knowledge we all stand to gain by joining the forum.
Lara Kulpa
October 5th, 2009 8:51 pm
@ Rita – The offer on the 31DBBB book is only an introductory offer. You’ve got a couple weeks, most likely – but I’m not 100% the exact date we’re going to pull it.
The reason we use PayPal is because of their subscription feature. Makes it convenient for everyone involved. It automates our end of it, and makes it easy for members to cancel without us having to manually handle that. PayPal also has lower fees than most merchant accounts, which are required to accept credit cards anyway.
@ TK Pandey – You can cancel at any time, so if you try it out for $1.95 and decide it’s not for you, you have only spent $1.95 and you got a whole month to try it out.
Reza Winandar
October 5th, 2009 10:56 pm
I already join a paid blogger forum that available in my language so I think I will not pay any cent to join this forum. I’m sorry to say this, but that is the truth.
altoona seo
October 6th, 2009 2:25 am
I already join a paid blogger forum that available in my language so I think I will not pay any cent to join this forum. I’m sorry to say this, but that is the truth.
John Rothko
October 6th, 2009 3:15 am
I’m certainly joining this. Good thinking, Darren!
Blogging Tips
October 6th, 2009 4:44 pm
Thanks Darren I will join this as soon as I get money in Paypal.
Melvin
October 6th, 2009 11:00 pm
Good post. I have written a post here http://bit.ly/m1LR7 and obviously you were able to answer some of the doubts I raised there.
Thanks
Elvin
October 6th, 2009 11:33 pm
The price is affordable and I’ll join also.
I also like to take the 31DBBB. Thanks Daren
Tom
October 7th, 2009 9:01 am
I have joined, and I’m very happy I did, great discussions, lot’s of answers for my questions, and great community building. Very well worth the price.
herbal supplements
October 9th, 2009 3:53 pm
Great Forum.. I recommended to everyone for joining to this forum… Thanks Darren.
umar
October 11th, 2009 7:16 am
I also love to join such a community
celiaonegirl
October 18th, 2009 9:26 pm
Hello Everyone,
I am new member in this forum.
dsi r4
October 23rd, 2009 6:29 pm
Hi Guy’s,
nice idea and a great blog. Once again you’ve come up with an idea that serves as a springboard to blogging success. Thanks for sharing this information. i like it…..
popoy0524
October 24th, 2009 1:57 am
KYK Co., the #1 selling water ionizer company in Korea, proudly presents the KYK Genesis Water Ionizer. We believe in offering ionizers with the best technology in the industry for an honest price. The Genesis is top-rated in the industry by many independent resellers and consumer review companies.
Dan
October 31st, 2009 6:07 am
Darren;
O.K. I’m going to bite on this. Philosophically, I’m a bit skeptical about a paying forum, but I am impressed with the quality of your free blog content.
-Dan
sojmeran
October 31st, 2009 8:04 pm
Good work :)
chinesische medizin
November 26th, 2009 4:41 pm
Its the great news that Problogger has live now with the users of the 1200 or more than that in the position to earn the good revenue and many facilites to be governed.I’m a bit skeptical about a paying forum, but I am impressed with the quality of your free blog content.I am using many payment gateway to use the features of this sites.I want to know more details of this problogger.
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