Research by Subscription Website Publishers Association (http://www.SWEPA.com) shows at least five successful models for subscription website topic selection. These include existing print newsletter topics; trade and professional associations; career advancement, personality based or insider tips; and downloadable product libraries. For details go to http://www.swepa.com/public/136.cfm.

As Internet changes, it is creating moneymaking opportunities for people who like to write, teach and otherwise share their expertise. Your years of study, hands-on experience, and tried and true wisdom could be worth a hefty income when turned into an online community.

Online communities bring together people who are interested in a common topic. They create value by providing insiders' secrets that group is eager to learn about. And best of all, members are willing to pay money to join.

Why having a subscription website on Internet is so great

As publisher of a subscription website, you have an almost unfair advantage over other print publications that don't operate on Internet. Consider benefits:

* Low cost of entry -- a computer, minimal software and Internet access are all you need. * No or low rent -- work from home. * Low overhead -- production and distribution costs are close to zero. * No employees -- do it all yourself. * Operate from anywhere in world. * Access a worldwide audience. * Reach a well educated, affluent market. * Offer a visually rich website, with text, images, audio or video. * Sell and deliver digital information products instantly. * Build loyal communities through discussion groups, online events.

The next phase in subscription website evolution

Information is increasing in value. Over next several years, trend to information provided on Internet by paid subscription will continue.

A two-tier model for dissemination of quality content is emerging. Successful online publishers provide samples of their wares for free, either on public portion of their website, or through a free, opt-in e-mail newsletter.

But to get down to most valuable data -- premium content of secrets and insider's tips and techniques -- subscribers are learning that they have to pay. Information seekers are getting accustomed to change, just as they have learned to pay for premium content on cable and satellite television.

The most successful online publishers will be those who can strike perfect balance between free and fee. The time to get started with your own subscription website is now.

Peter A. Schaible is executive director of Subscription Website Publishers Association (http://www.SWEPA.com).

SWEPA exists to support online publishing by providing education, training and industry recognition. Our goal is to help members build successful, profitable subscription websites.

Copyright 2003 Subscription Website Publishers Association. Permission to reprint is granted provided references and hypertext links to SWEPA are included.

Peter A. Schaible is executive director of the Subscription Website Publishers Association (http://www.SWEPA.com).

PB: Yes, I write my own articles and use articles by other authors, I think my subscribers like to get different viewpoints on things.

KH: What methods do you use to promote your products or services within your ezine?

PB: Ads in newsletter, and articles such as interviews with person who developed product or product reviews.

KH: How do you go about preparing your ezine for publication?

PB: I simply write and edit it in MSWord.

KH: Any advice to future ezine publishers? Things to look out for or things to concentrate on when publishing an ezine?

PB: Getting new subscribers should be focus of your web site. I think many people mistakenly believe that people will return to their site on a regular basis. So, if they won't keep coming back to you, you've got to go to them - by email!

Probably most important thing you can do is to have subscribe information on your homepage (the first page of your site). And don't make it hard for them to figure out how to subscribe!