How is Gizmos’ Freeware Managed and Funded?

1. Management

Our website is a cooperative and collaborative project so the management structure is loose rather than formal.  However in principle, the hierarchy looks something like this:

Gizmo:  He’s the site owner so he has the final say.

Planning Group:  This is a group of category editors involved in setting the objectives for the site and ensuring they are implemented.  It also plays a role in coordinating the site’s different activities and projects. It consists of Gizmo plus heads of the various management groups (see below) 

Management Groups:  We have five management groups who take operational responsibility for different areas of the site. Each has a group leader and its own forum:

• Community (Headed by Elizabeth)
• Content (Headed by Gizmo)
• Promo (Headed by Chris Price)
• Usability (Headed by George)
• Forum (Headed by Christoph)

Any category editor can apply to join one or more of these groups.  Details how to join can be found here

2. Funding

Gizmo has made it clear that this site is not intended to run as a money making exercise.  It must however at least cover its costs if it is to remain viable.

Until September 30 2009, Gizmo is funding the site from his own pocket.  After that date we need to generate some income.  The best approach has yet to be resolved but at the moment it is intended to ask visitors for donations.  If this proves insufficient other options will need to be considered.

There is no doubt that by running ads the site we could not only cover costs but generate a surplus. However the aim is to minimize ads rather than maximise income.  Indeed if we can cover costs by donations, we will not run any ads on the site.