Making a free site self-supportive

[MJM]

For the last few years I've been running a free site, also free of banner ads etc.
It's been great because I am also free of various obligations and complications that can arise from a site that is associated with a paid product or subscription.

My main wish is that some day it may be worthy enough to give it away, ie pass the responsibility of running it on to others.

I believe the information at the site has become of sufficient worthiness, though far from complete.

One thing I will need to do is find ways to make it eventually self-supportive, even though paying for it is no big deal at the moment.

One thing I'm considering doing is setting up a paid directory, which would also be helpful in redirecting increasing numbers of commercial members wishing to be listed at the site.

But I need to think more about what application to use and all the other stuff that goes along with it.

another thought is a donate button.

So last night I put a donate button at the site, had a sleep on it and got the chills.

Now, I'm the guy that answers many support questions, and because it's free I can let questions wait unanswered for days without a qualm.
It is very rare that a question gets bumped.

But I'm thinking members may use this donate button to 'buy' instant support, when the real meaning behind the donation is supposed to be in appreciation for the info already at the site and supporting operational costs.

So I'm thinking of taking it off already.

Anyway, just hoping to hear of others experiences and hopefully learn from this.

Thanks,
Mark