Hello all,
Over the last few years quite a few members have very generously donated toward the cost of running the ORG.
As those $ have largely been expended, 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.
BackgroundI'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: (These figures are from last year. I'll update when I can but they are pretty close to the mark)
Domain Name Registration for gsx1400owners.org AUD$14.99 per annum.
Web Hosting Service AUD$9.95 per month.
Paid SMF mods and add-ons: SMF Gallery Pro AUD $69 p.a
Total Annual Costs (ongoing) AUD $203.39 or approx GBP £117
(Hopefully during 2022 we will migrate to an updated, and better, version of the forum software. While the software is free we may need a few additional paid 'plugins' to get it as we like. The good news there is that we'll get the forum looking better than ever and also more secure).
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
@gsxbarmy @Proteous @KiwiCol and
@Mrg 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.
FAQQ: How do I go about donating?
A: Patience young Jedi! Read on !
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 2022" underneath your name next to your posts.
Q: And...
A: A warm fuzzy feeling inside.
Q: I see (because I read ahead) that you are only accepting donations 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.
You can now also pay using a credit card via paypal (I don't think you need an account for a one-off transaction by credit card).
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: (https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quickmeme.com%2Fimg%2F5b%2F5b6e79e160decc40e8eca85bc07b897ecdc1091eb475c313fb7f7b1e6159c9fb.jpg&hash=43449e3591b308415e1ee1754a893a954a610d79)
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.
Q: So what's the process?
A: OK then here you are...
How to DonateLog 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.
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 2022' to your profile.
Thank you.
Please free to comment / ask any questions you like, below.
Our balance? Pretty close to nil.
I don't plan on keeping a running tally 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: :notworthy: :onya:
Please PM when you've done so makes it heaps easier for me. Meanwhile I've updated donors as per PM's received.
:notworthy: Thank you all, hopefully everyone's status should eb updated by now :) :onya:
Donation and pm sent - thanks for all the hard work :clapping: :clapping:
Some moolah for you from me, keep up the good work :coffeescreen: :onya: :worshippy:
I just want to express my appreciation to all who have donated so far. I've gone back through my records and I haven't reimbursed myself for any of the out-of-pocket expenses since 2020.
Your donations help toward putting me back in the black, and keep the missus off my back :) (poetic eh)
With the donations people have been making, each year we get pretty close to breaking even. (unlike an un-named owner of an un-named previous gsx1400 forum who was apparently pocketing lots of surplus cash :angry: )
I am so honoured that people are willing to chip in so we can maintain a great forum without having to resort to having display ads on the site. That's something I very much want to avoid.
:worshippy: :clapping:
I have not yet 'done the books' for the last couple of years re income and expenses, but I have always considered this YOUR forum. I am happy to answer, in private, and questions that donating members might have regarding forum finances. So once I've collected all teh relevant info I'll post a precis after which I'm happy to answer questions on the matter. I've nothing to hide. I will note, however, that in fairness donor names will be redacted - nobody will be able to find out how much any other person has donated.
:onya:
I would donate, but I run my own forum as well & that costs me enough even though it's beginning to break even most of the time. So I totally get where you're coming from Vlad.
I didn't know the story of the old ORG's end before, but I've seen such things on another forum I've used before as well. Never a good thing after members have trusted the owners.
Doing a great job Vlad. No Adds please. Lots of members now, just a tiny donation from each would be lots. Come on Fellas, donate cost of just one coffee.
Yes mate, I detest ads and based on the generosity members have shown, there's no need for them :)
So are you saying the invoice I paid three months ago for forum subscription of $1000.00us to an account in Nigeria has not got to you yet Vlad ??
It strikes me that It's about time I put my hand in my pocket again, is there a more up-to-date discussion on this or are we still working with the above?
Pete.
I'd be interested to hear too, I'm a returning member who last donated in 2020!