How attractive is revenue sharing model for forum posters?

[brookes]

I am running a forum for students. The forum was initially empty for long time, then i hired forum posters, the forum is having content now. But still activity in the forum is not upto mark. Students are visiting the forum, just reading the posts/threads started by my paid forum posters.
How to encourage them to post? Is revenue sharing model attractive? I will share revenue that generates from adsense with poster, will this work? Any one tried this?

[jbruce]

It might encourage some people to post but realistically, I'm a member of a few forums that have rev sharing and I've only made a few cents.  But maybe that's because there's so many members on those forums.

If people think they can make money, it might seem like a good incentive for them to participate more.  It's worth a shot so you might as well try it.

[admin]

I have yet to hear of anyone making much money participating in a revenue sharing forum.  It probably works out to about 5 cents a post in the best case scenario.  If you're making more than this, I'd love to hear what revenue sharing forum you participate in.

[RYF]

I don't think that this typically does work, and I know that there's not much money to be made by it. I would try to offer some type of contest instead, and maybe give a cash prize if you are already going to be spending money on it.

[BillyG]

I agree with RYF.  The best way to get inactive members active is the mention of a four letter word...........cash!

Hold a contest.....perhaps the person that posts a pre-selected phrase or sentence more times than anyone else.  Use your imagination when it comes to choosing the game or contest.

Also, gift cards to nearby restaurants and shopping could be alternatives to cash.

And make sure you use your "email all" or "pm all" abilities to let everyone know of the upcoming contest.

Good luck.