Maybe human nature does not apply on this site only?

As I said in my post - I realize it is a utopian view as well as my view that the people on this site often have a tendency to be head and shoulders above the average joe.

Blame the rest on "human nature" - sure...why not? We are what we chose to be.

Someone please explain the difference to me between accumulating stars as you reach post milestones and having an indication in your avatar that you are a donating member. Both would equate to some sort of status, correct?

Looking for fairness and equality in life? Stop now, or you will forever be frustrated.

Edit: oh and let'* not forget the obvious. Where is my 2005 Bonneville GXP? Why am I driving an '04 SE? That'* not fair!

I dont think I could agree more, if youre going to give, you should never be thinking about what youre going to get out of it, thats just ridiculous.

If what was true about making money off the ads is correct, that they only make money if someone buys something, then like was said, they arent really doing any good, because everyone here knows you really cant "supercharge any Bonneville!" and that the "Turbonator" is completely worthless in these cars.

So basically it boils down to the owner of the site still paying for it out of his pocket, now as to whether or not that actually strains his finances? who knows...he does drive a BMW..so he must be one rich MFer right? just kiddin just kiddin dont kill me...

But I think we should have the ability to make a donation if we feel the need too, I am against a membership fee, I think that would drive off a lot of the folks who just join up to post because of one particular problem theyre having and then are never heard from again, and thats not what this site is about.

As for recognizing the donors, im kind of neutral on that, they should all be recognized the same way, I do know that much.

My recommendation would be that Jeff make it an option when the donation is given. A check box saying something along the lines of "Do you wish recognition for this donation?" Then those who want it can have it, and those who do not want it won't get stuck with it...and no one will ever know for sure, except for those who want it, whether or not someone is a donating member.

Having the public know who donated what or when or how, can have severe effects on this forum. For example, another forum I frequent is 99% amatuer radio operators. On this type of forum, we have the ability to see what class of license each person has. Extra, General, or Technician. With Extra being the highest. With some topics, license class can be a delicate topic to discuss. Like, well, so and so is a low life Tech that knows nothing about radio'* and he shouldn't be in here posting stuff. Or, well, that Extra is a no good old fart that still doesn't know how to set the clock on his VCR, but goes out and spends $13,000 on a new radio. Those are just some examples. If you would like to see a real debate, goto to this website and do a search for 'morse code'. http://www.qrz.com

I might add my opinion about the donation though, don't make it mandatory. Let it be an option. Don't post who donated what. Or, maybe an incenitive, offer a Bonneville related gift for making a donation. I dunno.

I don't get it. Not sure how your example relates to donations.

Still waiting for the Admins to drop the hammer in here............. It always happens.

Wrong. BC gets money for views and for clicks. Its not much, but think of how many different pages you load everytime you are on BC. I bet I EASILY rack up 100 views a day.

I am some what surprised that we have not heard how that is going yet, but it also does not surprise me. Essentially we are talking about Jeff'* personal finances here, which is absolutely none of our business. He has CHOSEN to foot the bill himself. He has CHOSEN to use ads to help himself so that he doesn't have to ask the users for a dime. Jeff, I love you Honestly though, Jeff does amazing things for us.

Amen!