The State of The Network (Long but important)

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by EverclearAtMSU
I honestly wouldn't mind paying a yearly membership fee for the svx network. I already pay a membership for my other car club, they provide almost as much support as this network, not as quickly and not with the personal support i've seen and experienced here.

Maybe we can harrass subaru for some support or some other CO. backing

The appeal for yearly memberships are coming. This is just an appeal for immediate start-up capital to purchase needed hardware for continuation of the Network Forums. Consider it an "investment." Then, hopefully, by the 10th anniversary meet, we'll have membership materials, etc.

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by deadeye95
You should write for public television fundraisers. I've given twice to this site, but never to p.t.

Funny. You're the second person who's told me that today.

Actually, I've done fund raisers, but, I won't work for a fund raiser I don't believe in.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, whichever way you look at it) the Network and the Forums are something I truly believe in. In fact, they've become almost as much of an obsession at the car itself.

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by I_Alcyone_I
I would like to donate money but I owe $2,000 to people I borrowed money from when I was unemployed and overdraw my bank account every week (I still haven't been able to pay one penny back to my friends and family) so there's literally no way for me to contribute at this time. Sorry.

Hey, don't worry about it. This certainly isn't something to try to make anyone feel guilty, or, beat them over the head to donate. If you can't donate, you can't donate. If I may borrow a phrase from my Aussie friends, "No worries."

But, anyone who can, it would be appreciated.

Again, don't feel bad if you can't donate. Everybody's still welcome here -- we ain't gonna kick you out if you don't give.

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by BLKSVX92
will be sending a large lump sum as soon as im home for the summer (5 more days!! )

Hmmm. "Large Lump Sum," huh? Sounds like you did well on your finals.

Have a great summer. If we don't do Rockford II, I'll see you in Lafayette. Many thanks, Michael.

[MartyMcFly]

Congrats to everybody who make that forum possible.
I feel very familiar here and I would be sad if the forum dies!
So does it cost me a fee if I get a member at paypal?
I think that's the easiest way to send you some money from austria!

mfg hrc

i've seen tons of other "networks" online. All very similar to ours. how are they running? It may be a good idea to contact some of them and see if they were able to get some sort of breaks along the way, or if they are just really rich

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by MartyMcFly
Congrats to everybody who make that forum possible.
I feel very familiar here and I would be sad if the forum dies!
So does it cost me a fee if I get a member at paypal?
I think that's the easiest way to send you some money from austria!

mfg hrc

"Marty," I don't think it costs anything to set up a paypal account. I don't know how it works with rest of the world.

Speaking of the rest of the world, I am impressed by the support from the international community. We have received donations from members across the ocean, and, at exchange rates, their donations have been impressive. I am truly thankful that our international brothers and sisters feel that this is a community, worthy of their support.

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by EverclearAtMSU
i've seen tons of other "networks" online. All very similar to ours. how are they running? It may be a good idea to contact some of them and see if they were able to get some sort of breaks along the way, or if they are just really rich

I'm not sure, and perhaps Chris will bear me out on this, but, after the initial outlay for hardware, the costs are negligible. A couple of hundred dollars a month for bandwidth and upkeep, barring the unforseen.

The purpose of this "fund drive" if you will, is to take the monkey off of Chris's back. He has been footing the bill, virtually alone, all this time. He has been steadfast and has committed to continue to keep the network going, but, I just feel that it is unfair to have him shoulder the burden of expense for something that benefits us all. As I said in my rather lengthy post, once we get the hardware business out of the way, regular membership dues should take care of future expenses.

Beilieve me, Chris has looked for any and all breaks we can get and has done a stellar job of keeping costs at a minimum while keeping service at a maximum. I'm continually impressed by the lack of downtime on this very busy site. We merely want to be able to maintain the high level of service as the Network becomes more popular. A seamless transition will ensure that we continue long into the future.

Yes, we could probably do things "cheaper" but, I fear that it would be at the expense of our ability to "control our own destiny" as it were. Having an SVXer at the Helm, makes me a lot more comfortable than having some "yahoo" dictating our every move.

[Stevebsy]

When sending paypal donations, please specify your username that you have here within the message box, so we can thank you. I've gotten a few w/o names and then I have to go hunting to figure out who it is...

Thanks,
Your Treasurer

[Seraph]

I personally do not have a problem with sending funds for the network. Is there any way we can see how the funds are going to be spent? I am aware of the state of network server and also aware of the costs to actually form the "car club." I just want to know where the money is going in general.

Lwin

[subymtnguy]

A check went out in Mondays mail...before Randys' eloquent appeal...I wish I could afford more....

Many thanks to Chris for making this the GREAT site it is! Kudo's to all who have helped put it together!

Thanks again...

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by Seraph
I personally do not have a problem with sending funds for the network. Is there any way we can see how the funds are going to be spent? I am aware of the state of network server and also aware of the costs to actually form the "car club." I just want to know where the money is going in general.

Lwin

I'd like to make this one point, and this is not out of defensiveness to Lwin's post. It's a sincere statement of fact. If anyone has ANY reservations, ANY reservations whatsoever, I'd prefer you did not donate.

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by subymtnguy
A check went out in Mondays mail...before Randys' eloquent appeal...I wish I could afford more....

Many thanks to Chris for making this the GREAT site it is! Kudo's to all who have helped put it together!

Thanks again...

Tom, you must've read my mind. Thanks a bunch. Any amount, large or small is appreciated.

[svx_commuter]

I just mailed $50.

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by svx_commuter
I just mailed $50.

Holy cannoli, John. Thanks a lot.