Thread: Member Donations for Site Maintenance & Hosting Costs

I frequent various forums that are not shaving related, and some that are, most of which have a voluntary donate button. I don't know how they allocate the funds they take in, but most, if not all, characterize the purpose of the donation as 'to help maintain' the site. SRP had a one time fund raiser, probably 8 years ago or so, to raise money for a new server because the one we had was on its way out.

We could probably use some new hardware, but the main issue is not having skilled volunteers to do the software bug fixes and updates as needed. To improve the features on the site when the owners have something they want to get going, but nobody to institute it. It ain't to get Lynn a new Cadillac. So, not having the volunteers, if we had the funds to do it, we could hire a professional to do the work. Takes money.

I have no idea how much revenue it would take to accomplish these goals, but brighter minds than mine could figure that out I'm sure. We're not talking a whole lot per member either. Whatever your little heart would desire to give. Assuming this ever gets legs and comes to fruition.

There is a president. Oops, I mean a precedent.

Years ago there was a request for funds to upgrade SRP's server, or some other type of device I don't understand, and we ponied up the money pretty quickly through PayPal. It was done then, in my absolute ignorance, I don't see any reason why the same cannot be done to pay for more time than our glorious system admin is willing/able to donate.

I am very grateful for all the behind the scenes work done here. I wish I could volunteer some time to help with my expertise, but I'm fairly sure SRP has little use for stem cells. For that reason, I certainly would be willing to make another monetary donation. I suspect many of us would be happy to do so.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I frequent various forums that are not shaving related, and some that are, most of which have a voluntary donate button. I don't know how they allocate the funds they take in, but most, if not all, characterize the purpose of the donation as 'to help maintain' the site. SRP had a one time fund raiser, probably 8 years ago or so, to raise money for a new server because the one we had was on its way out.

We could probably use some new hardware, but the main issue is not having skilled volunteers to do the software bug fixes and updates as needed. To improve the features on the site when the owners have something they want to get going, but nobody to institute it. It ain't to get Lynn a new Cadillac. So, not having the volunteers, if we had the funds to do it, we could hire a professional to do the work. Takes money.

I have no idea how much revenue it would take to accomplish these goals, but brighter minds than mine could figure that out I'm sure. We're not talking a whole lot per member either. Whatever your little heart would desire to give. Assuming this ever gets legs and comes to fruition.

I'm with on this one. It seems like a bandaid and maybe the money goes where you want it.

Originally Posted by whoever

I'm with on this one. It seems like a bandaid and maybe the money goes where you want it.

In any donation, the money goes to wherever the person/group you've donated to feels it needs to be spent

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't there something in motion right now with the classified's to assist in just this? To sell on SRP you will ahve to pony up a fee. Nothing wrong with that at all, I actually encourage it. Either a sellers fee based on a flat rate or even better, fee based upon sale. I would have no problem with a certain % going to SRP, considering that I'm using SRP to make the sale...

Originally Posted by ScottGoodman

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't there something in motion right now with the classified's to assist in just this? To sell on SRP you will ahve to pony up a fee. Nothing wrong with that at all, I actually encourage it. Either a sellers fee based on a flat rate or even better, fee based upon sale. I would have no problem with a certain % going to SRP, considering that I'm using SRP to make the sale...

That is correct, but the once a year fee of $10.00 for regular members is chicken feed. The vendors fee will be $100.00 for basic and IIRC $150 for more bells & whistles. I don't know if there are a mess of vendors beating a path to the door, or if they even know it has been instituted.

Whether the proceeds from both programs would be sufficient to pay for a pro systems administrator's services I don't know. I have no idea what their going rate is.

In addition, I think that the systems administration would only be on a maintenance basis, not a steady job. Here again, I'm clueless about what is involved.

You have put too much faith in people. Like you said "just do it" and I'm sure it will turn out all right. I'm behind you and I have your six!

If I understand correctly, there is currently no way to make a donation to the site? I just joined, but have been browsing for a while now. It is customary for me to make a donation to forums I find useful and informative.
Looks like I might have to wait a while here...

Originally Posted by mishkaya

If I understand correctly, there is currently no way to make a donation to the site? I just joined, but have been browsing for a while now. It is customary for me to make a donation to forums I find useful and informative.
Looks like I might have to wait a while here...

Welcome to SRP. Voluntary donations haven't been a part of SRP in the past. I don't know what this discussion will lead to. We've never went that route, so it remains to be seen. Thanks for the generous heart though. If you were to go to the beginner's forum and make an introductory post you'll get some more people meeting you here.

Originally Posted by mishkaya

If I understand correctly, there is currently no way to make a donation to the site? I just joined, but have been browsing for a while now. It is customary for me to make a donation to forums I find useful and informative.
Looks like I might have to wait a while here...

Get on the forum and learn/teach. Use the search to learn more and share.
This is what the forum needs more than money. One comes with the other, I expect!
Participation!