Things are not going well at all for me at all, I haven't received anywhere near the help I was hoping for, and I haven't been able to visit Skype or the XWF site because I'm having to try and figure out other time consuming means of getting back into a position where I can justify spending a few hours online with the site each day without feeling like I'm digging myself into a pit. I don't know when I'll be active again, but I'm guessing I'll be tied up for at least another week or two.

If you have sent me any Skype messages or any PMs lately, I will try to get to them whenever I return. If they're of an urgent matter, bring them up to Madison.

If anybody wants to help me out in the meantime, you know where the donation link is. Right now we're at about something like 20% or maybe 30% (not sure of the exact #) of the handlers as a whole have helped me out, which is really low and is a big part of why I just sank in the last week, unfortunately. I was not expecting this low of a response, or so many people to "tell me" they will help out but then don't... or talk about how XWF is so much more fun than anything else they could be doing, including video games and other expensive things, but then not donate. I mean seriously, guys, really? I might sound upset, but keep in mind what I really am feeling is insulted.

This isn't 2005 anymore where I can just have an entire site for free and spend all my time on it without having to ever pay anything. This site is a BEAST, and I like it that way, but I just don't know anymore. I've been a member of a major forum community in the past and I remember donating $50 and $100 every other month, and I wasn't exactly rich when I did it. I WANTED to help, and that wasn't even an e-fed and wasn't nearly as fun as XWF can be. Am I that rare? Is it weird for me to expect help from 20/30+ members on a site that I put hours upon hours into every single week behind the scenes and have customized into something no other e-fed (that I am aware of) has ever offered? I'm honestly asking if I'm weird for that, because originally I was afraid to ever ask for help. Should I go back to that? Or should the people who refuse to help, leave? I'm not sure... you tell me.

Whenever I am back in full force, expect a HUGE change regarding what features and options are available for donors vs non-donors, because I plan on thanking donors ten fold once I'm back in a position to spend time on this again. Many options and features are going to be removed from standard, non-donors. It's 2015 and it's time to really start directing my personal energy and the site's resources toward those who have proven they actually enjoy it here. I want the vast majority of people to be donors as we move forward... not the vast majority to be non-donors. Sorry I don't have time to sugar coat my words today as I'm in a rush, but those are the facts, Jack!

I will try to check in from time to time today on this thread, but no guarantees. For those who would like to move forward and get some positive thinking going, I'd welcome some ideas for which already existing features, forums and options you think should be converted to donor-only. I'd also like suggestions on new or returning features you guys think should only be available for donors in 2015. I may also pop back in with some of my own ideas and post them here if I have time.

Holy crap this post got long fast. Sorry about that.

I'm really sorry, I did say that I would be donating once I get Christmas money, but I didn't get much. I'll try and get some money your way.

When you say donors, does that mean someone who consistently donates? Because I'm not sure if I will be able to do that IF I donate anyway.

Wow, um.... this this really sucks. I never saw you like this, dude. It sucks, it really does. I donated but that was only like 10$ that's a movie ticket in Virginia. I can try harder, just to help. It also sucks that you didn't get enough donations because when people say that they will, but don't it's like a slap to the face. Or balls. The XWF is like a family and Shane is like our oldest brother or dad. Papa . Let's all try to build this house back up for Papa .

Now BALLS ON THREE

1

2

3

BBBBAAAALLLLLLSSSS

(01-06-2015, 11:51 AM)tush Said: When you say donors, does that mean someone who consistently donates? Because I'm not sure if I will be able to do that IF I donate anyway.

There's only 1 person on the roster who consistently donates, so no I didn't mean everybody on the roster consistently, but if everyone on the roster actually was trying to help out when asked (or at least the vast majority) I probably wouldn't even have these issues going on right now. There's a large majority who have never donated even once. I am currently in a position where all size donations actually help... the amount of money that would make a difference here is very small, actually. I'm not asking for thousands of dollars to magically appear. lol 2 months ago I was doing a little better and wasn't even asking for donations at all. The last time I even really brought up donations was back when we were trying to save up for the big server switch and some of the plugins and advertising I was investing in back then... which was many months ago. I'd like to be able to know that in a time of need, I can count on the members of the fed, and that they realize I am the reason the site exists and stays up even if I don't currently get too involved from IC and storyline standpoints these days.

(01-06-2015, 12:14 PM)TJ Wallace Said: Wow, um.... this this really sucks. I never saw you like this, dude. It sucks, it really does. I donated but that was only like 10$ that's a movie ticket in Virginia. I can try harder, just to help.

See, that makes me sick to my stomach that you'd have to spend your last $10 and you still are willing to try even harder, when there are people who are doing ok with money or who have full time jobs, and have done nothing to help. This is unfair to people like you, and it makes me feel bad. Having only $10 and then donating that $10 to the fed means you donated 100% of the money you had on hand at the time, and as far as I know you don't even have a source of income... yet you still helped. That means more to me than you'll ever know. Imagine if everyone looked at what they had available and tried to come up with a generous percentage of what they have that day? Sure, some will be only 5 or 10 bucks but others would be much higher if everyone had this same outlook.

It's very troubling how some of the people who have donated, not just TJ, are actually working with incredibly small amounts and they still manage to donate... but certain other people who are doing fine will never even acknowledge that the help is being asked for. Very unbalanced and unfair to those who do pitch in, which is why when I make my full return I am going to massively tip the features and "extras" into the direction of donors only. There are many websites and forums online who already do this, so if anything, I'm way behind...

Again, thank you to those who are working with very little but still donated a large percentage of what they had. It really does mean a lot to me.

In the coming weeks, I should hope to see my situation improve to where I can donate more frequently. You know there is love for you, despite our IC deal.

Is there any way we can get an idea of just how much you are looking to raise?

It might help to see what you are up against.

Yeah I don't make money, I spent most of my money recently on something for my A level art piece. If it comes out good, I'll sell it and give the money to you

(01-06-2015, 01:19 PM)Pest Said: In the coming weeks, I should hope to see my situation improve to where I can donate more frequently. You know there is love for you, despite our IC deal.

Much appreciated my dildoey friend.

(01-06-2015, 01:30 PM)LoverboyVinnieLane Said: Is there any way we can get an idea of just how much you are looking to raise?

It might help to see what you are up against.

It's not even like that. I have a lot I need to pay, BUT even just small amounts would help me get past this slump. Those who can (or have already) donate very generous amounts are very much needed and appreciated too as a part of this mix, but I'm well aware not everyone can hit those numbers. It's just... as embarrassing as it is to admit, I'm completely screwed right now on the financial level and that's where I say all amounts help. It's one of those things where certain bills have had to get paid that drained everything else, some of that was site/domain related, and I literally don't have enough right now to order a pizza if I want... or to grab some groceries. Plus, other bills or expenses, some relating to the fed and most not, are still unpaid and had to be pushed aside for now. It's like I said here...

Shane Anonistrator Said:I am currently in a position where all size donations actually help... the amount of money that would make a difference here is very small, actually. I'm not asking for thousands of dollars to magically appear.

Regarding actual target amounts, this is the best way I can explain it... Would I like to be able to spend a few bucks on some food or other small items that are needed? Of course! If some people pitch in and say it adds up to $50 or $100, I will be able to do that and I will be much more at ease. Would I like it if I could also pay off some other expenses beyond that? Sure, but I'm realistically aware the XWF isn't going to magically pay all my bills, because for that to happen I'd need to see donations add up to the 3 or 4 hundred mark, which I highly doubt will happen, but I'd be thrilled if it does!

To clarify my weird work situation a little more... I will have no new funds until much later in the month or possibly even February because some of the work I do got bumped to longer pay schedules (like net 60+) which means getting paid 60+ days after the final day of the month in which you generated said income, with that "+" depending on how fast they review and prepare payroll on their end, meaning it may take longer than net60 in reality.

Let's say I do some work that's on a Net60+ schedule today, right now. This is January, so at the END of January we'd START the 60 day countdown before I get paid for what I earned throughout all of January. In the absolute best case scenario, I'd get paid for today's work on March 30th, and that's only IF they aren't taking longer to review and get everything together. Previously I was mostly on Net15 and Net30 schedules, so you can imagine how the jump to Net60 has caused a massive gap in payments for me.

So, even though I do have some money coming in again down the line from work I did a month ago, etc... those payments are on net60 schedules now, so I literally have nothing and I know for a fact that if the majority of handlers pitched in what they could, I'd be ok (or closer to it) right now. This brings us back to where I said I'd like it if I could count on the fed for help in times of need, such as this, and such as when we were saving up for the big server switch and all that last year. With 20 or 30+ individual handlers in the fed, I feel like I should be ok right now and be able to grab some groceries or a pizza. If something that simple can't happen by the majority pitching in, then why am I putting so much work into maintaining and evolving the boards and always trying to improve it? Yes it's fun, and I love e-fedding, but a LOT of us are working adults who can pitch in. That's where my mind is at. Make sense?

Always remember, no amount of donations will ever come close to matching the grand total I've spent in one way or another on the XWF in the last 2 years or so after I took over and revamped it. I'm ok with that, but I'd definitely appreciate more help than what has happened.

Not sure how soon I will be back today. Need to run out and check on a possible prospect, but I'll try to reply again this evening if I can.

I'm more than happy to send what I can in a day or two. Anything to keep this site up and running.

I'm having a little bit of a rut with my credit card at the moment. It will take some time, but once I'm able to have some money in the bank again, I will definitely donate to you. Hopefully those who are more fortunate with their financial situations can actually help out, because it is kind of weird for them to talk about how they love this site and how they consider it to be the best but yet they hardly contribute to anything, especially when you politely asked if we could help you out and donate. I would really hate to see this site get shut down. :/

I feel for you dude, honestly. My financial situation isn't great either, but as I have previously, I will donate some more coin to you today to help you out. I appreciate all the work you do behind the scenes, as I know how time consuming running an e-fed is. Hopefully others do the same and we can see you through this.

I can't fathom all that goes into keeping this site afloat both on the financial or coding aspect. That being said, I want to keep this puppy afloat as I have lots of fun here. I shall send some more moolah sometime this month as well.

Lane probably has a point about us knowing how much we need to put in. I think that's part of what makes Kickstarter work is that people can see what the progress is for the money being raised.

I think I've only been able to donate 3 times now. I'm also not in the best financial situation right now. Hell, my personal life still in shambles somewhat (some of you know why). Holidays just ended as well so a lot of my extra money got soaked into gifts and whatnot. I'll be able to pitch in more around February. Until then, I can only put in small amounts.

If necessary, we can always downgrade the boards a bit, if that's what it takes. This place was still kicking ass during the crappy exco board days.

My view on it, is that this should stay as a hobby and shouldn't be something that inconveniences your personal life. I mean, I think most people here are easy to satisfy as far as what features we have on here.

Some of the basic stuff we need to keep our fed going: At least 4 subforums, a PM system, and somewhere (boards or website) to publish fed information.

The most important thing is staff and roster, both of which we're going great on.

@Maddy: I addressed Lane's question about putting it into numbers as best I could in post#8 of this thread (here), but this isn't really a kickstarter project. Also, all dollar amounts aside, when a person creates something or runs something, it's nice when that person (me) can see that the vast majority are willing to help in a dire time of need. It actually boosts the morale and spirit of that person. The financial help is a big part of it, sure, but there's also that old "it's the thought that counts" rule which I've always been a big supporter and believer of... and that's why I look at the overall percentage of individuals in the fed who helped, even if some only could send $5 or $10.

@everyone: One new first time donor has donated (thank you), but I am not 100% sure who it was based on the info since they really don't show me much in the notifications. Whoever the new person is who donated since yesterday please PM me so I know who you are, and include the email address you sent it from so I know someone else isn't just claiming the credit.

To anyone else who may donate for the first time... when you do, please either include in the donation note which wrestler you are, or send me a PM afterwards telling me the amount you sent and what email you sent from.

Shane, can you repost the donation links please? When I go to this thread: http://xwf99.com/announcements.php?aid=7 they are not showing up for me. Thanks dude.

(01-07-2015, 12:54 PM)Justin Sane Said: Shane, can you repost the donation links please? When I go to this thread: http://xwf99.com/announcements.php?aid=7 they are not showing up for me. Thanks dude.

They are showing up for me and also showing up for others I've asked. It may be an issue with whatever device you're on this time? Can you try another device or browser and let me know?

Is anybody else not seeing the links showing up on that page Justin linked above?

I was on my iPhone, I'll try on my laptop dude.

All good man, it worked on my laptop. I have only just realised there is a recurring donation feature, so I have elected to donate $10 per month. It's not a lot, but being a monthly donation, I am sure it will help out over time. I will also make other donations of larger amounts when I am able to.

I think a greater percentage of us should use the monthly donation feature. If you are somebody who can only afford five dollars and don't feel like it's much of a donation, pledging that amount each month will take you to $60 per year, which is invaluable to Shane and to this site. Really, it's the same price you would spend on a video game, and you're paying it over the course of twelve months.

The recurring feature is a good one, because you don't have to manually donate all the time, and the truth it that you probably won't even notice it come out of your bank each month. Obviously not everybody can donate, but I myself am not in a great financial position, but feel obliged to help out as this place has given me lots of entertainment and allowed me to meet some fantastic people. I hope you will consider this option so that the site may continue to grow, we can help out one of our own when they are in need, and things continue to run smoothly.

Sorry I haven't replied in a while. Been trying to keep my mind off things.

(01-06-2015, 02:10 PM)JillLorder Said: I'm having a little bit of a rut with my credit card at the moment. It will take some time, but once I'm able to have some money in the bank again, I will definitely donate to you. Hopefully those who are more fortunate with their financial situations can actually help out, because it is kind of weird for them to talk about how they love this site and how they consider it to be the best but yet they hardly contribute to anything, especially when you politely asked if we could help you out and donate. I would really hate to see this site get shut down. :/

Thank you very much, if you end up being able to pitch in that would be a big help. Please remember it will still be needed even if I don't post about it a lot every week.

(01-06-2015, 03:06 PM)Kirk MacClay Said: I can't fathom all that goes into keeping this site afloat both on the financial or coding aspect. That being said, I want to keep this puppy afloat as I have lots of fun here. I shall send some more moolah sometime this month as well.

I appreciate the help you've already given and of course anything more you're able to do this month like you said, would be a huge help too. You've also been doing phenomenal since being made a GM, and I thank you for all the work and effort you do put in.

(01-07-2015, 05:02 PM)Justin Sane Said: I think a greater percentage of us should use the monthly donation feature. If you are somebody who can only afford five dollars and don't feel like it's much of a donation, pledging that amount each month will take you to $60 per year, which is invaluable to Shane and to this site. Really, it's the same price you would spend on a video game, and you're paying it over the course of twelve months.

The recurring feature is a good one, because you don't have to manually donate all the time, and the truth it that you probably won't even notice it come out of your bank each month. Obviously not everybody can donate, but I myself am not in a great financial position, but feel obliged to help out as this place has given me lots of entertainment and allowed me to meet some fantastic people. I hope you will consider this option so that the site may continue to grow, we can help out one of our own when they are in need, and things continue to run smoothly.

This is actually a very good idea too, and I hadn't really thought of it until you brought it up.

To those wondering, yes the donation page DOES have an option on it to make it automatically recurring and you can choose the amount that's automatic, in case you want it to be smaller than what you manually donate. While there is a LOT of urgency in the "now" with my situation, recurring donations also would obviously help me inject bigger and better boosts of steroids into the site once my own situation is ok again and I have time to focus again. This may also be a good option for those of you who have told me in the past that you will donate every X amount of days or weeks, but then you forget and I don't feel right coming to you personally and reminding you like I'm some kind of money hog.