It’s a truism that income opportunities from trade books are very limited. To earn a fair and reasonable living, enterprising authors who desire more have to develop back-end revenue-generating opportunities. During the mid-70s, Dennis Smith, a New York City fireman, wrote a very fine “occupational biography” entitled: Report from Engine Co. 82. Following the popularity of that book, Dennis wrote a few more books, then started a magazine, Firehouse, targeting both emergency service personnel and civilian “fire buffs.” Firehouse Magazine has since morphed into a highly successful, niche-market website, Firehouse.com, that covers all the information bases—and most of the revenue opportunities that community service and timely content creates. This Membership Website Review looks at how Firehouse.com scores on usability and design best practices.

This review is part of a handbook titled Membership Website Publishing.

• Handbook: Membership Website Publishing
• Chapter 23: Firehouse.com Membership Website Review