Donations towards cost of maintaining the Owner's ORG 2024

[VladTepes]

Hello all,

Over the last few years quite a few members have very generously donated toward the cost of running the ORG.

Since last officially reaching out in 2022, we're back down to approx nil balance.

We invite all members to make a contribution but it is entirely optional.

This place continues to go from strength to strength and we have a great community of engaged people here.


Background

I'd like you members to understand how much (or how little, depending on your point of view) it is costing me financially to run this place.

I do this for three reasons:

1. It's YOUR forum. I'm an open book, so to speak. Nothing to hide from members.
2. This is a non-profit exercise. ALL money will go back into the running of the forum; and
3. It's possible some people think the running costs are higher than they actually are, based on previous experience...

So here 'tis: 

Domain Name Registration for gsx1400owners.org AUD$14.99 per annum.
(I also have a few other domains registered redirected to that address, approx AUD$45 per annum)
Web Hosting AUD$9.95 per month.
Paid SMF mods and add-ons: SMF Gallery Pro  AUD $69  p.a
Total Annual Costs (ongoing) AUD $248 or approx GBP £129
There were also some ad hoc expenses like a bottle of scotch to Les who developed the theme.


Major changes during the last 12 months
* Upgraded forum software to improve security and provide additional functionality.
* Upgraded forum theme to a unique one, moving away from the generic look.


You'll note the financial recompense to the 'owner' (me, technically speaking), admins, and moderators is NIL, and that's the way it will stay.

I know I also speak on behalf of all our admins and moderators when I say that we do this voluntarily because we love this place and want to see it thrive.

You members are our motivation, and the GSX1400 our muse. 


FAQ

Q: How do I go about donating?
A: All will be revealed in the fullness of time (soon, and below) 

Q: Is donating compulsory?
A: Hell no.


Q: If I donate what extra benefits will I get?
A: None.

Q: No really, if I donate I must get something?
A: Oh alright then - you'll get the words "Forum Donor 2024" underneath your name next to your posts.

Q: And...
A: A warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Q: I see (because I read ahead) that your preferred donation method is via paypal. Why is that?
A: For practical reasons.
  1. The account is in Australia so direct deposit from the UK (for example) would be prohibitively expensive.
  2. It allows all the donations to be easily tracked & verified.
  3. It facilitates currency exchange

Q: I don't have a paypal account. What can I do?
A: It's pretty easy to set one up, but if you really don't have or want one, perhaps a friend might be able to use theirs on your behalf. Alternatively you can pay using a credit card via paypal (I don't think you need an account for a one-off transaction by credit card).

Q: No but seriously I don't want to use paypal or I hate paypal - there must be some other way?
A. Yes if you PM me I can advise SWIFT code, BSB and account number - you'd then need to ask your bank how to go about it because it varies depending on country etc. I think there are fees applicable from the senders bank but I've no idea what they might be.
 
Q: I want to donate but I can only really afford a few dollars. Is that OK?
A: Of course! It all adds up and as noted the costs aren't massive so even a small amount DOES make a worthwhile contribution.  Nobody will know the amount of your donation anyway so none of that matters.

Q: I love this place, but I genuinely can't afford to donate anything, sorry.
A: That's absolutely fine. There is no expectation to donate, and you won't miss out on anything if you don't.

Q: This place sucks. Give you my money? Hell no! What are you going to do about it?
A: 


Actually - Nothing. That's fine too.

Q: Are donations only now or can I do it any time?
A: No hurry. Any day/month/year that suits you is fine, of course. We'll be here.

Q: Is it tax deductible?
A. Ah, no. Don't be silly. 

Q: So what's the process?
A: OK then, here you are...



How to Donate

via PayPal

Log into your paypal account, or go to the paypal home page.
Select send money - select 'To family and friends'
Send to: admin@gsx1400owners.org
Please state your forum username (and real name if you wish) in the reference/ text option.

via Direct Deposit

PM me and I can provide relevant BSB and account number (and SWIFT code for overseas members).
Overseas members (outside Australia) using SWIFT would have to discuss the process and any fees etc with their bank.

and please note

I'd also appreciate a PM to me (VladTepes) to confirm. I'll keep an eye out for it, and when the money is received, I'll add the custom title 'Forum Donor 2024' to your profile.

Thank you.


Please free to comment / ask any questions you like, below.

I don't plan on keeping a running tally of $ donated updated on here, too much like hard work.
But in the interests of transparency if you have any questions regarding forum finances send me a PM and I'll let you know.


- VladTepes




To ALL our members: 

[grog]

Just won over a million on Monopoly,hope thats a good enough donation. 😎😂

[Rynglieder]

A little something just remitted.

I don't use Paypal much so hadn't a clue where to stick my user name, I'm sure clever admins will tie it all together.

Pete.

[VladTepes]

Added option to use SWIFT / Direct Deposit for those who do not wish to (or cannot) use paypal.

Direct deposit shouldn't cost you anything within Australia.

Using SWIFT deposit from overseas there may be fees applicable - you'd need to ask your bank about that.


Q: Is the international banking system (and other payment options) for small transactions ridiculously complex and overly expensive?
A. Yep.

[VladTepes]

Update:
Number not relevant - but a fair few more
 

[Notty]

worth every dollar/pound/euro- enjoy this site more than biggirlsrus !

[Leyther]

Contributed    For a great forum and all the effort.

[Phill P]

Done 

[seth]

Done worth every penny 

[marty6187]

Glad to help out, worth every penny 

[Dwain Dibley]

Ditto.

D.D.

[VladTepes]

We've had some more overnight including notably some from members who are 'lurkers' rather than active posters - showing the value this forum has to all members.  It's awesome 

In the interests of transparency - We have enough now to cover the costs for this year.
Any additional funds received will go toward additional work for forum improvements, security and to cover inevitable price increases for hosting etc.

I'll update the forum donor text for those recent donations when I get a chance, hopefully later today. 

 

[VladTepes]

OK so everyone who has donated to date SHOULD have Forum Donor 2024 against their name.

If I have missed anyone please contact me by PM and I'll get it sorted. 

[Big Geordi]

Sent a couple of quid on the 6th and pm havent heard or seen anything yet? 

[Phill P]

OK so everyone who has donated to date SHOULD have Forum Donor 2024 against their name.

If I have missed anyone please contact me by PM and I'll get it sorted. 

I seem to be missing and buggered if I can actually find the pm facility