Wow, you guys sure are something. Up until now, I was not brave enough to spend any money for online transactions, even more for online forums. But now my forum is in process of changing host and getting our own domain, so I suppose I've changed a bit. XD As to how much I would spend, well, it still won't be too much. I try my best to keep the expenses to the lowest while still able to perform the best.
I am a Mod at arcadewebmasterforum.com and we have this cool point system that you can use your points like chips to play texas holdem poker! I dunno how much it cost, but its a cool addition to the forum!
Well, it all depends on what it is. Since I don't plan on switching software, I'd have to spend money on adding a new layout or something. Not sure what the budget would be when that time comes though.
This is where people make huge mistakes running a site. Managing money is crucial for an admin/owner. The goal is to reinvest without going in the hole. Say you buy something for 200 dollars but your site makes 10 a month.. That is 20 months before you make the money back. Plus, you have to pay for hosting. I would never go into pocket without knowing I can make it back soon, otherwise it is a bad investment and could end up killing your site. Once a site becomes a moneypit you end up being forced to close it down..
People don't plan ahead of their investments. For example. I have spent over 2 thousand dollars in the last year alone. And then even more. But only because I plan to have a global network of sites. I ain't going into this business for the short run, I'm in this for the long haul.
That's why I always plan my investments. Like, when I run a $100 posting contest on my community, I make sure I've made that amount before running it. Because, you don't want to be in the hole when running a community - you want to be in the green. But, I agree with you that if you make investments for the long term, its better off. It'll eventually pay off.
