Here's how we'll handle the recruitment of new participants to the 90 Minds technical section.
As you know my original concept was to open up the technical section to all --- or at least those who would be paying.
After much valuable reflection -- thanks to everyone who helped hash this out -- here is our process which is a slight modification / fine tuning of the original thought:
1. We'll stay with Socialcast. It just didn't make clear enough sense to move over to Yammer at the moment.
The situation with these online services could change as they're acquired and if there are changes in the future we'll evaluate whether we are on the proper service.
2. New participants will continue to be recruited to the technical MAS90 area.
3. We will set a goal:
- 50 active members by December 2012 (emphasis active)
- Add 4 participants to the technical area per month (note they are trial members) - primary recruitment can be from Sage Community / LinkedIn
- Charge new participants (they would not come in as full members) interested in joining a $250 application fee which helps to screen curiosity seekers (lurkers)
- Give new participants 90 day trial to see how active they will be
- Move the new participants up or out
- Those participants invited to be members pay the 90 Minds membership fee (TBD)
- Repeat
4. Given that we may have some ongoing costs we'll be looking at the fees for 90 Minds but don't think that the level will be anything more than cost sharing - perhaps $250 to $500 per year depending upon whether we have other initiatives that are proposed (none pending now).