I wish accommodating affiliates was more manageable

[Squirt]

My challenge is broadening my audience without losing my hardcore fans?

That's exactly the kind of tightrope I've been walking the last few months with the release of the new site and loyal fans of the other seeing them in a different aspect then before, but not losing their previously unique appeal. Oddly I "lost" about 100 members from one site to the new site. Go figure! I'm sure they'll migrate back and forth but was hoping for dual subscriptions!

Go to Phoenix Forum.

Dominic was saying this on the phone to me today and I'm seriously considering. It's just about an hours flight from here in the OC. I'm gonna take a big jump and say publicly that I'm honestly terrified of big crowds and not knowing anyone or where to go I'm great 1 on 1 & in small groups. I guess I've been doing this 15 years now and it's about time I meet some people face to face and see a real life smile back at me

The number of gay affiliates who go is appallingly small. Why? Because most affiliates can't afford to go because they're not making enough money. It's sorta the reason why there's a lot less activity on the boards than there used to be 5 years ago.

To succeed these days you need to do more than blogging. You really need to build a community and a brand. My focus now is on programming things that others can't get off the shelf - to give myself a competitive advantage. Everything from a stab at a very different hookup site, to social media automation.

Do Tai from QueerMeNow and Bjorn from GayDemon promote your site? They're ones that come to mind that might do well with your stuff. There's also Str8UpGayPorn - the guy is a nasty cunt, and I think he's more "celebrity" focused, but he's got a following.

Yes I can see how building a community has a sticky quality that would convert. Your programming abilities give you an amazing advantage as well, but would be nothing without the vision you have to compliment them. Thanks for your suggestions regarding promotion I know Bjorn does not sure about QueerMeNow & Str8UpGayPorn, I'll have my affiliate rep reach out to them.