IMPORTANT NOTICE !!

[Ken Byng]

For those who missed it, please read this page. It is important that this burden is not taken on by one person and should be shared.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1553

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Well done for bringing this to our attention Ken I was one that was lagging behind but tis in the post now

[Ken Byng]

Thanks John

For all other members who are unaware of this, site hosting incurs annual fees. Once initial startup costs are paid that is not the end of things - if only. The guys responsible for setting up the site and maintaining it have done a phenomenal job, and the membership has been the beneficiary. The 'for sale' and 'wanted' section for instance is highly beneficial to those of us who use the facility, and it would not hurt for a small contribution to be made by the seller when a sale is completed as a result of adverts placed and responded to via the forum. It is a free service, and the USA forum for example is highly dependant on donations from successful sales from its 'For Sale' section in addition to startup subscriptions.

Bob Adams is far too polite to actively tout for fund contributions, and possibly feels embarrassed having to do so. I believe that this site plays a really important parts in raising the profile of steel guitar not just for old farts like me, but for younger and less experienced people who are potentially the future of the instrument in this country.

Let's just make sure that it continues to flourish and develop over the years, and lets devise some sort of mechanism where Bob doesn't have to ask for contributions once a year. Any ideas?

[Arcada]

...lets devise some sort of mechanism where Bob doesn't have to ask for contributions once a year. Any ideas?

The contribute link at the bottom of every page has an option to pay a monthly recurring donation to help support the site.

Now I'm not saying this is how it should be, not at all, but to take two possible examples: -

1) If the most prolific (and by that I mean greater than 100 posts) users each paid 75p per month

or

2) If every active member (and by that I mean has visited or posted in the last 2 weeks) paid 16p per month

either of the above would completely cover the annual costs. Anyone "subscribing" can unsubscribe at any time just by logging into their Paypal account.

Of course, contributing towards forum running costs with either a single or recurring donation is and always will be completely voluntary and anonymous (obviously Bob knows who's donated, but won't share that information). Bob has posted previously about this, and also re the redistribution of any excess funds.

[Dave Nutt]

Thanks John

For all other members who are unaware of this, site hosting incurs annual fees. Once initial startup costs are paid that is not the end of things - if only. The guys responsible for setting up the site and maintaining it have done a phenomenal job, and the membership has been the beneficiary. The 'for sale' and 'wanted' section for instance is highly beneficial to those of us who use the facility, and it would not hurt for a small contribution to be made by the seller when a sale is completed as a result of adverts placed and responded to via the forum. It is a free service, and the USA forum for example is highly dependant on donations from successful sales from its 'For Sale' section in addition to startup subscriptions.

Bob Adams is far too polite to actively tout for fund contributions, and possibly feels embarrassed having to do so. I believe that this site plays a really important parts in raising the profile of steel guitar not just for old farts like me, but for younger and less experienced people who are potentially the future of the instrument in this country.

Let's just make sure that it continues to flourish and develop over the years, and lets devise some sort of mechanism where Bob doesn't have to ask for contributions once a year. Any ideas?

100% agree with every word you say Ken.
Re-Any ideas? its a no brainer- the site wont fund itself, it needs dosh, that has to come from someone, so! if folks want to be a member? then they pay a small!!! subscription.
Some simple economics- 277 members donating just £2.00 each equals £554.00 - now! that should do nicely.
If guys and gals can't or dont want to pay £2.00 per anum towards keeping this site afloat, then they shouldnt be allowed to sell, buy, contribute,promote or whatever.
Simples?
Anyone who doesnt think that they should donate £2.00 per annum to assist Bob and Arcada in maintaing the high standards thay give us when maintaing our site, will perhaps have the courtesy to tell us why.
Dave.

[Arcada]

...the site wont fund itself, it needs dosh, that has to come from someone...

Strictly speaking not true. We could add adverts (supplied by Google's Adsense) which may go some way to financing the site. I'm thinking of something like this mod (http://www.phpbb.com/community/viewtopi ... 0&t=552813) which you can see in action by clicking here (the 2nd post is an automated advert) .

But, nobody likes adverts and we try to keep this place ad free, plus there's no guarantee that ads would finance the site completely, if at all. I'm just throwing it in as an option.

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Here be my suggestion.......... Bob knows about when that invoice is due to arrive, I suggest we have a "pay up and look big day" a week before that event poss. on the Friday before ( a good day for paying bills) this could be added to the site as another section/topic and once a year we could all post that we have taken care of it (posted it!) That topic should contain 277 posts or whatever the membership is at that time I would not like to see my name missing from that posting, indeed I think it would be competetive to be the first to post on that day?
I would not like to see the pollution of adverts on here, I think we are all agreed there is enough of us here to take care of it.
I don`t think we need a set amount as some are better fixed than others on here but as long as we all send something and at the right time...... the invoice should be put to bed quite nicely

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

One further observation, I am guilty of going directly to "Active Topics" when I enter our site ...and I suspect most others do the same so, something posted in the news section.... so important...could be missed if not for Kens post.
Marc, do things posted in the "News" section appear in active topics??????

[Arcada]

One further observation, I am guilty of going directly to "Active Topics" when I enter our site ...and I suspect most others do the same so, something posted in the news section.... so important...could be missed if not for Kens post.
Marc, do things posted in the "News" section appear in active topics??????

If you don't want to miss anything, it's better to use the "View new posts" link. This will show any new posts made since your last visit.

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

I think John's suggestion of a "Pay up day" is the best so far.
Admin(quite rightly) cannot post who has made a donation,If We were to let others know We had made a donation then We would know the real Forum Brothers. Although I could probably name them with ease.
Lets not forget giving a donation if You sell an item here.
Billy