[VLM]

regardless if they're trying to make a go of it as a business, the mental model inside the users mind is going to be "They're going to take the first $60 of adwords revenue before I get a penny, that isn't cool".

Only a microscopic minority of bloggers blog to acquire billable hours.

Hobbyists are pretty cool paying "magazine subscription rates" as a household budgetary line item. All the spouse hears is "I'm gonna spend $30 on my hobby blah blah blah" and that goes by a lot easier than $60.

[e12e]

While I think halfing the price might be a little too much (for starting out), I think selling a year for 39.99 would probably be viable. Charging much less than 5 as a minimum payment doesn't sound very sustainable wrt expected churn, payment problems etc. I may very well be completely wrong, though.

Also, don't ignore the value of "choosing" the best customers -- those willing to pay, and willing to dedicate some resources (exemplified by paying a premium). If you build a good "community" of users, they will affect new users later -- by being an initial majority.