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Poll - Possible BCF Upgrade

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I appreciate all the offers to help! I've been reluctant for all these years to accept straight donations. However, with the new dedicated server (and the fact that I've hired a professional server management team to help me set it up, optimize it and manage things when I'm away) my costs for running BCF just took a quantum increase and I'm really not going to be able to pay it all out of pocket as I've done in the past.

What I really need is a regular cash flow to offset the monthly costs for hosting the server and paying for the bandwidth, which is why I've come up with the idea of hosting members' small, non-commercial web sites for a nominal monthly fee. (ChrisS will be the guinea pig).

But if you don't have a web site, or have one that is too big and might be too hard to move, and just would like to donate, I guess I can set something up. I currently have the BCF Store off line, but I still have some patches and stickers left so I could put that back online. Maybe I could add links to allow what JB suggests. Allow annual donations to become "supporting members". What would you think if I had different levels, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum? This would be in addition to offering to host members web sites for a small monthly fee. The important thing here is, I don't want people to feel obligated to pay for using BCF. I want it to remain a free forum and any such donations - though they will be greatly appreciated - will be completely voluntary.

Basil
 
Bas -

Several of us have offered in the past, and I'm glad you're considering it. However, I'm not sure we should get into the heirarchy thing of support.

I've considered a website, but can't really justify it. Besides, I spend enough time right here, without finding another cyber-avenue! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

Mickey
 
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Bas -

Several of us have offered in the past, and I'm glad you're considering it. However, I'm not sure we should get into the heirarchy thing of support.

I've considered a website, but can't really justify it. Besides, I spend enough time right here, without finding another cyber-avenue! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

Mickey

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I'm not sure about the heirarchy thing either, so I'm open to discussion. I know other web sites that make members "gold" stars or similar so thought that might be one option - something to indicate that a member has graciously helped the cause. Anyone else have thoughts?

Basil
 
I agree with Mickey about the levels, but you could have a page listing everyone who has sent a donation -above some fairly low minimum- and perhaps some symbol next to their name/avatar. Perhaps you could also link to a page of info about setting up a personal website for us dummies. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
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I currently have the BCF Store off line, but I still have some patches and stickers left so I could put that back online.

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Don't let inventory problems stop you... sell "virtual" badges....
 
I should think just a star maybe saying supporting member would be fine. Keep in mind some of our good friends here don't have a lot of loose change and it would be best not to make a big distinction.

We have retired folks, truck drivers, mailmen. lawyers, business men, counter clerks, school folks, both high school and collage, and on and on.

I kind of like it that funds are not a distinction, our pasion is and we are all equal here at Basils house.
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIF
 
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I kind of like it that funds are not a distinction, our pasion is and we are all equal here at Basils house.

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I think Jack nailed it here. A page somewhere listing folks who have contributed at some level would work, but I'd donate regardless.

I really look at this like I look at my local public radio. Lots of folks listen for free, and I have too at times. But I try to donate when I can because I value the service. BCF is like that for me as well. No one should feel that they have to donate, but folks who might like to can have a way. Everybody wins.
 
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something to indicate that a member has graciously helped the cause. Anyone else have thoughts?

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Sort of like "supporting vendor" but maybe "supporting member" instead - & not have any levels or differences so a $5 "supporting member" is the same as a $50 "supporting member".
 
I am all in favor of the "supporting member" idea. It would also help if there was a Paypal account to sent funds to as I do not do the credit card or check thing.
We get a lot from this site and I for one would be glad to help support it.
 
...& the "supporting member" designation could just be a tiny byline under the member's avatar - real inconspicuous.
 
I'm with th' "Mainah".

no "rank" as it's not necessary... and may even be a 'negative' in that a member may be perceived as one who 'bought' a position: Politics in spite of the rules. Drew's corollary to PBS is a good way to approach it.

Just my opinion.
 
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....maybe "supporting member" instead - & not have any levels or differences so a $5 "supporting member" is the same as a $50 "supporting member".

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...inconspicuous....


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/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif



In particular, I wouldn't want to drive off the infrequent or light users for whom any cost might be off-puting....
 
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