I have been running the Olympus E-Group, an online community for Olympus photographers, since 2007. The site features a comprehensive discussion forum that hosts thousands of great images and discussion topics centred on the use of Olympus and other compatible (Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds) system camera gear.
We depend entirely on voluntary donations and a small amount of affiliate income. We only show ads to visitors who aren't logged in as members. While members get the benefit of not seeing ads, we don't charge a membership fee. Our members love the site!
But this is a tough way to survive, financially! This is why I have signed up to Buy Me a Coffee. I'm hoping it will make it as easy as possible for anyone enjoying the site to volunteer their support for what we do when they feel we deserve it.
Ian Burley