Donation Challenge - Annual Server Costs - Can We Do It?

[Nicolette]

Well hello! and thank you.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I think this is SO incredible! I think that a drive like this really does motivate people to donate because we see the $3k figure and think WHOA! OK, gotta do my part to help the forum. But when we see a smaller figure like $250, we think oh, that's not so bad, they will be fine without me. I'm just saying that it really is a mental thing (at least for me, sad to say, and I have a feeling others may have the same inclinations, even if they don't realize it.) I think it would be great if we could do this EVERY year to raise funds so that Anthony and Nicolette aren't stressed month to month. I know that finances send me over the edge so I know how stressful it possibly is for Anthony to deal with this month after month. If we can all help alleviate his financial stresses well in advance, I think its well worth the effort! He does so much for us, its good that we can help him, too.

I'm sorry he's dealing with the good stress issue right now. I'm glad that he's got the support of people who understand that good stress can indeed do a number on us though!

ETA @Sammyiam you've been a great help, too! and @joeylittle is awesome for having the day 29 challenge!

 

[Kintsugi]

I don't remember which thread this came up in, so I'll say it here. Someone mentioned that this drive seemed to happen at exactly the right time. Well, I don't know about other countries, but this is tax refund month in the US, so I think February was the perfect month for our largest demographic.

Way to go, everyone!

 

[Justmehere]

91% holy cow! We are at 91% now!

I am amazed at what everyone has done in such short amount of time! I am amazed that we have almost done it and pretty much with no outside support. Do you know how incredible this is? It's amazing!!!

Ok, I know I keep saying that... But really, this is amazing!

To everyone that has given large amounts or small amounts, every dollar has made this possible.

Even those who have not given, you are still a part of what makes this community such an amazing resource that those who can support it financially are supporting it.

Keep up the good work ya'll! Let's reach that $3,000 mark by the time day 25 comes! I believe we can do this! Let's rock this fundraiser!

I'm so stinkin proud of this community, humbled and honored to be a small part of it.

I agree with @Solara and @Sammyiam that we should make this a yearly effort. We should also have it be very much member driven again too. Not just Anthony and Nicolete urging us to give, but all of us again jumping in and spuring each other and the whole community on to make this happen. I for one will be committed to doing whatever I can for next years annual fundraising effort. I will also give what I can to pay for 2016 over this next year so that the annual fundraiser can start off with a good starting amount. :)

@Nicolette - I hope both you and @anthony get some rest and that Anthony feels better fast. Thank you to both of you. This place has saved my life. You both have done more than I think any of us fully know or imagine.

 

[Nicolette]

Oh wow everyone.... you have truly moved me to a point of being on the urge of bursting with happiness and I am sure I will burst (probably into tears) the moment we reach $3,000.

I appreciate everyone's spirit, support and the donations. From the bottom of my heart thank you :inlove:

I think that a drive like this really does motivate people to donate because we see the $3k figure and think WHOA! OK, gotta do my part to help the forum. But when we see a smaller figure like $250, we think oh, that's not so bad, they will be fine without me.

I wholeheartedly agree @Solara. I think @anthony has already taken this on board from this experience and once we get to the magical $3,000 he will set a goal for the 2016 costs in advance for the full amount (give or take a server price increase) so that everyone can see the true cost and where we are at. This has been an instrumental campaign in highlighting the perception of members and for members in their perception of the cost of running this place (and that's without all the free labour donated by staff past and current - thank you to them too as they are in integral part of keeping this forum safe and running smoothly :hug:).

 

[Nicolette]

Every dollar - or $2 helps. Thank you. I'm off to work, please consider donating a $1 if you haven't already.

And here's proof

 

[Nicolette]

11 months covered - only one month to go :D

 

[ms spock]

And you know a lot people just don't realise about the server or the membership drive, there are people still coming into chat and after I say "Wow" and the amount ask what it is about. So many people don't realise the costs or that they can contribute. So put it out there a bit more and talking about it in chat and having extra threads about it has really helped, but still some people don't understand or get it. Something to be aware of for next time or as an ongoing thing.

 

[Lucycat]

well done you! I don't go into chat, so I am pleased to hear that you are keeping the Challenge alive in that arena also!

 

[Justmehere]

Some people in chat seem to not read the home page and threads much, even prior to this drive... It was great you reached out to them @Ms Spock!

 

[Sammyiam]

Could @anthony send out an e-mail $1.00 drive so all the old people could have a chance to donate $1.00 as if they knew this was happening I'm sure they would give.

Like as members if we wrote a short e-mail would he think about sending it on our behalf to all the old members ?
As I'm sure a lot would be so keen but just don't know that it is on

Sammy

 

[Lucycat]

Ha ha. I love the idea of the 'old members' I guess that would include my husband who is retired so a pensioner??!!!