It seems like the site needs a MAJOR sponsor with some deep pockets.... but then they always try to dictate operations. I belong to another forum that asks for a yearly fee and gives you a special insignia that shows you paid. The insignia gives you special search priviledges, also. I don't really like that because it makes the few without the insignia look like second class citizens. Anytime you shame individuals, you degrade a club. If the surcharge on merchandise doesn't work maybe the club should look at specific fund raising events. These would be unique one-time events/promos/sales to raise a quick block of cash for the forum. I used to be president of a charity, and I know about the fund raising hassles. We had specific fund raising brainstorm sessions that sometimes produced good results.

I am very much in favor of the current direction but I must be honest it is not even close to what should be available considering the amount of quality information that is shared on this site! I am dazed and confused when I read things like the length of time this has been a free site and how reluctant Jeff is to accept donations!! That speaks alot to the quality of an individual and my hat is off and bowed in respect to you Jeff and the rest of the crew here on the BC site.
I have not taken advantage of the store yet but will certainly visit it now just to show my appreciation with a very minor upcharge. Keep on keepin' on!!

Two thumbs way up - Mac

We should just have a bake sale.

MMmmmmm :P

Yes we should

and a fry sause sale

I think it'* a great idea

On two different other sites that I'm also a member off, they have an option to support the site. One is $15 and the other is a couple more dollars for the year. With that membership you get a few other forum topics for supporters only. You also get stamped SUPPORTER in your with your user name field area. That is optional to all members on those sites to help support it, but it isn't mandatoy, and those sites are free to all members. I also think that is a great idea because those that don't buy anything from the store could still help support this site and feel good about doing it.

Donating members vs. non-donating tend to develop upperclass and lowerclass mindsets. We'd rather not run the risk of this type of division for the time being if we can get other methods to work (advertising already in place and purchased item upcharges).

i understand the logic behind what you are saying but maybe there is someway we could set it up so you have a choice of either purchasing merchandise or putting the money towards the site? i'm one who would have no problem with that as i would rather spend the whole amount towards the site than buy something i maybe don't want just to help support things.

if it could be done thru the store anonomously maybe that would keep it from becoming the problem you fear. something like purchase item a,b or c.....item d being a donation? i don't know enough about computers to know if that would work but i would like to see the club supported to the max for all it does.

bil

willwren:

I think we ought to go ahead with your plan exactly as you originally proposed. Sometimes you just have to go ahead and make the first small step (which will be difficult enough -- just as you've been saying).