We have recently been in discussion with an organisation about potentially partnering with us.  This would have brought some financial security to the site as well as allowing me to further develop some of the products we’re currently working on.  These technologies being shared with the organisation. While nothing has officially been said I get the impression that it’s not a priority for them – so I need to move on.

I have come to the conclusion that I cannot rely on others to support Trip and therefore we need to strike out on a ‘Plan B’; which is a freemium version of Trip.  In a nutshell most of the current Trip remains free and certain enhancements are made to create a ‘paid for’ premium version.

The insecurity around funding is getting more than tiring – so something has to change.  We’ve got to work out the details (features etc) but my plan is to keep the price low – I quite like the idea of linking it to the local price of a Starbucks cappuccino (or similar).  The point being that if you value Trip you’ll surly pay a monthly fee that is the same as a Starbucks (I’d welcome feedback on this point).

If we can get a regular, secure income we can properly plan for Trip.  We can enhance and roll-out some truly great products.  The vision I have for Trip is really exciting and as such I could have gone and secured venture capital funding.  But that would have changed the nature of Trip, something I’m not particularly keen on – for obvious reasons.