Next release.. zero cost moves to paid for anyone offering services.

Which is the opposite model of linkedin. Sellers are free.. buyers pay.. plus upselling to both groups as premium offerings

Your comment indicates one option for monetizing the platform. For now, we do not see that as ideal. We are focused on ways to increase the value provided to the buyers and sellers [members] on the platform. To the degree the solution is working and people value it, only then can we attempt to extract some of that value. If we over-reach, usage will drop. So, there is a fine balance needed here.

We are adamant about exploring and discovering new models which do not involve traditional advertising or selling/sharing of member data.

We are also realistic and realize there are expenses to providing this solution. So, monetization is a requirement to keep the doors open.

A question for you, assuming this service becomes successful. [1] What would be a reasonable price to pay for promoting your services and being able to easily connect with trustworthy professionals?

- Is $1.00 per year fair? - Is $10.00 per month reasonable? - Is a % of revenue you generate a better model?

So for the vast majority of people the “zero cost” thing goes away next release?

Discussed upthread: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26478054

Asking the real questions. How are expenses paid?

Currently, all expenses are paid from my personal savings and the day job. We are working on the next release which will offer two options [consult and promote] to monetize the service.

As mentioned earlier, the focus is making it easier for buyers and sellers to interact, while maintaining privacy. I remain convinced that there are effective ways to monetize the service without going the traditional advertising route that is so common today.

For sure, billion dollar businesses have been build on the current model. My hope is that we can advance to a new model, where we do not sacrifice personal privacy for the sake of accessing a useful service. To be determined if we can be part of that new solution.