Update: Deleted several posts in this thread that made it messy and confusing.

As of now, we have a total of 6 people who have donated to the fed! We even had somebody donate TWICE already!!! Thank you! While this is a great start, it's nowhere near where we need to be and I've had to disable a disturbingly large amount of forum features today and remove several user accounts from the active roster as well to save space and resources. As the fed grows, and our post count (database) grows, and the world keeps turning, this site is using up more and more resources on our host and is at risk of being disabled without warning now because I refuse to pay more money per month to the CURRENT hosts who are completely incompetent. We NEED to get off this host, and I need to be able to take some time away from my other work routines in order to focus more on the fed to arrange the change, which means I'm losing money work-wise when I take the time to do this. We're shooting for a goal in the $1k range to cover a professional crossover to a much more robust host that will allow me to restore ALL of our features PLUS add new ones that you guys (and I) will love! This will also allow us to do a blast of promotional tactics for the fed and GREATLY increase our numbers. If anybody was here a year ago, you remember how the fed had new signups almost every single day right? THAT can be the reality again, but we're in NO shape right now to do that on these current boards or the increase in traffic would sink our ship.

While a 1k minimum goal may SOUND high and may be intimidating, remember that even if you only can donate 5 bucks you are STILL HELPING US GET THERE because you're not the ONLY person donating. Please don't assume you have to donate a HUGE amount to help us. 5 bucks here, 10 bucks there... basic chicken feed... is enough to take us where we need to be by the middle of this year AT THE LATEST, but only if just about everyone pitches in. We can absolutely do this, and yes in case you're wondering, a LOT of my own money has already gone into the fed and I plan on continuing that as I can. I'm not just putting the cost all on you guys here.

I'm trying very hard to not go the "ugly route" and have to start placing ads all over the site. I COULD generate some revenue with basic ad marketing, but the site will be bloated and ugly with pop ups on every single page and banner ads across the top. I REFUSE to do that as of right now. That's why we're doing the donations instead. I want to keep the site looking clean and ad free, which makes it much harder to support financially when we need to upgrade.

Thanks all!

(02-19-2014, 03:09 PM)Smoke Said: Going to donate £10 in a couple days. Not much but whatever. My mother thinks it's dumb of me to do so on the grounds of 'why pay for it when it's free', and then started having a go at me when I said I just wanted to help out ¬¬

Whatever. Double-digits coming your way soon lol.

Didn't see this until today. lol Yes my belief used to be the same as what your mother is saying and I completely understand where she's coming from... I've had that belief for the better part of 15 years running various e-feds, but the times are changing and it's becoming a lot more standard to support things you like by financial means even if it already existed for free beforehand. Not really something I ever planned, but it's just the way the world is forcing everything to be. Money money money. Everything has to revolve around money. It's sick, but it means prices are always going up and payroll is not always going up as fast as inflation so little by little everything suffers, even if it used to THRIVE for free a few years back. I definitely appreciate the willingness to help though!

(02-19-2014, 06:41 PM)Hank Lane Said: Regardless as to what has been said, I love this fed and will donate as soon as I am financially able to do so. Right now, By the time I get done paying bills I'm lucky to have enough left over just to buy a pack of smokes. I should have my title loan paid off soon so that will help a little bit.

I appreciate it. Honestly, I feel bad hearing how you can hardly even buy a pack of smokes but you're still willing to donate. That says a LOT about you and your character whereas I know it's very easy for some others to not even acknowledge that a request for donations might apply to them too. Here you are with very little to work with and you're offering it to the fed. THANK YOU so much. Those who come through and help us through this difficult time are very appreciated!