Donations

[GTODave]

Another thing Rods and Sods have is the ability to Make a donation to the cost of running the forum, now I've no idea how much it costs to run a forum and I know you have turned this idea down in the past Andy but giving your current job situation, I for one would be happy to help out in any small way that I could.

[Bluecat]

I agree with that.

[grahamngillian]

Yeh, I agree with Dave, why should we have something that costs YOU, all the time, Andy?

Donations are a good idea, how we would do it is something else.......paypal account maybe?

[Andy Dean]

Oh deary me, this old chestnut again. It's a car website not a bloody charity! :rolleyes: :D

Seriously tho...

Setting up a donation facility would be very easy, but as i've said previously, when Steve and i set the site up we intended for it to be a free resource.

The problem with donation systems is that generally they offer something in return for donating, which creates a two teir forum which is unfair on members who don't donate. Also doing it through paypal would mean that paypal would take their cut :mad:

I also don't want to put pressure on members to donate, and piss people off so they stop using the site.

However in the interest of democracy, i'll start a poll, if people want it, i'll think about it :D

[andyl]

1/ for starters me

[grahamngillian]

2/ for seconds....me


Do I hear thirds??

[GTODave]

Strange that should be 3 yes’s then but one says no?

[Andy Dean]

Strange that should be 3 yes’s then but one says no?

Guilty as charged :D

[superbeat]

Think thats a good idea!

[billybones]

Looks like yer mates want to help out! ;)

[quattrothedog]

I'm kinda unsure about this situation ?

I'd like to contribute, but, at the same time, I can understand Andy's concerns about wanting to have a free resource.

Maybe a compromise is that if we had the ability to contribute, then Andy can take enough from the donations to cover running costs, and we can "re-invest" any profit.

Normally, I'd suggest a charity, but it might take a while to vote on which one, since we probably all have different priorities.

Maybe we could pick the kid's hospice at Kinross, could donate the money, and approach them about having a wee display, maybe give the kiddies a hurl in the cars.
I'm sure the papers would be interested in that ? No publicity is bad publicity !!

But, if we don't go for charity, how do we spend the profits ?

A small trophy ?

We could have the KIRSTI trophy, for the person most ill at a show during the season.

Or, the LEEROY trophy, for the most ASBO's, or most spectacular tyre wear during a cruise ?

Or, whatever's left, could be used to give everyone a free beer, or cider at Kyle with their meal.
I'd suspect that most of us who are likely to contribute to the site, are likely to attend Kyle ?

Any other ideas on how to re-appropriate the profits ??

[Andy Dean]

Trust me, i dont' think there would be any 'profits', any donations would be a drop in the ocean compared to the running costs and what it has cost me to keep it running over the past 4 years (it's our birthday in may).

Bob has raised an interesting point tho which is another aspect that makes me unsure about taking donations, which is accountabiliy. I'd be happy to take voluntary donations but i'm not going to go to the lengths of detailing the costs of the website, how much money is raised, what the money is being spent on, whether their is any excess etc. If there was a donation system it would just be a way of chucking a few bucks in the pot from time to time, that's all, and i don't think that would be acceptable to some people and i perfectly understand that. I have to admit i would also feel guilty about taking the money.

It's a moot point anyway, 104 active users, only 6 votes for and 2 against, so not much interest at all.

[quattrothedog]

I'm probably a vote FOR, but since it's kinda your baby, I'm happy enough to go along with whatever you choose.

I agree with everyone else that it's unfair that certain folks are paying for a site which we all use, but unless we all grab you at KFC and shove money in your pocket, I guess there isn't much I can do.

I don't have cash, so I'd need to swipe my Visa card somewhere !! :eek:

Even if it's voted out this time, ( I guess you have a veto?) any time you need it, don't hesitate to ask. :worship:

Trust me, i dont' think there would be any 'profits', any donations would be a drop in the ocean compared to the running costs and what it has cost me to keep it running over the past 4 years (it's our birthday in may).

Bob has raised an interesting point tho which is another aspect that makes me unsure about taking donations, which is accountabiliy. I'd be happy to take voluntary donations but i'm not going to go to the lengths of detailing the costs of the website, how much money is raised, what the money is being spent on, whether their is any excess etc. If there was a donation system it would just be a way of chucking a few bucks in the pot from time to time, that's all, and i don't think that would be acceptable to some people and i perfectly understand that. I have to admit i would also feel guilty about taking the money.

It's a moot point anyway, 104 active users, only 6 votes for and 2 against, so not much interest at all.

[superbeat]

Hi
think we should all just grab Andy and give him some cash at the first cruise of the season no harm in that. Is there?
Andy accept the cash who cares what you do with it!! Something's better than nothing.

[grahamngillian]

Hi
think we should all just grab Andy and give him some cash at the first cruise of the season no harm in that. Is there?
Andy accept the cash who cares what you do with it!! Something's better than nothing.

I voted FOR early on and I think (I hope anyway) that no-one would expect to see accountability, how its spent etc. It is after all, a donation to help with running costs.

If they are not willing for Andy to spend it as he's fit then they probably won't want to donate anyway.

[Bigmincey]

:cool: :)

Alan............

[T-Bird Kev]

I'm probably classed an active user, and if Andy wants i will put in to a pot because i think the site is a valuable asset. But where dose it end, will people who put money in demand a say in what happens on the site? (Not me though) After all this is Andy's baby. Will contributors want a committee and all that shite?

I'm not wanting to suggest that anyone on here thinks that but who knows as the site grows.

I think this is a great site and would put into a pot to remain a member.

[grahamngillian]

I'm probably classed an active user, and if Andy wants i will put in to a pot because i think the site is a valuable asset. But where dose it end, will people who put money in demand a say in what happens on the site? (Not me though) After all this is Andy's baby. Will contributors want a committee and all that shite?

I'm not wanting to suggest that anyone on here thinks that but who knows as the site grows.

I think this is a great site and would put into a pot to remain a member.

Well said...If people put in the pot they should realise that it is to ASSIST Andy with the cost of running the site & not CONTROL the running of the site.

G

[quattrothedog]

Yeah, that's my thoughts too.
even if it DID turn a small profit, I'd have no objections to Andy pocketing it.

However, again, I can see where he's coming from.
I'm sure many members will be aware of how petty disputes can escalate and cause great divides in clubs.

All it takes is one disgruntled member to say "I paid my money, I want my (....)"

I'm sure many of us are aware at least to some extent of the problems which have hit clubs like Kyle R&Custom, and I gather there have been a few problems in Tayside in recent years. I could also mention the problems with the AACI, and the divisions down there.

So, i can see why Andy would want to retain control, then, it's his game, and his rules, and whoever doesn't like it can go play with someone else.

Although I still think it's a little unfair he foots the bill, and I'd be willing to help.

Maybe we could have a "sub-forum" for contributing members ? Kind of a two tier set up ?
The peasants can only see certain items on the forum, whereas the paid up members see it all ??
Maybe that would be too much hassle to administrate tho ?

Andy, it's over to you.

Well said...If people put in the pot they should realise that it is to ASSIST Andy with the cost of running the site & not CONTROL the running of the site.

G

[grahamngillian]

Totally agree.
It only takes one ars*hole to ruin something and I can also understand Andy's reluctance completely.
However if the the ars*hole situation ever did arise, he will have been given plenty of warning about the use of the donations and should:
A: Never have put any in, in the first place. After all It would be voluntary
B: GTF

If nothing comes of this then some good will come out of it in that, at the very least Andy will know there are some of us who appreciate his time, effort & financial input

[Kirsti]

I think it is a good idea :)

Just make it clear that it is a voluntary donation to support the running of the site and that there are no extra benefits from donating. Then people are free to choose what to do and can't start trying to claim extra power because they have paid some money towards it.

[dave 76 vet]

ill chip in

andy take the cash

and visit the lap dancers ;)

[Andy Dean]

Well i'm still not sure given there was only 17 votes, but here it is. (http://www.xmembers.co.uk/forum/payments.php)

It's exactly the same system as rods 'n sods, pick your amount for 12 months and you get to show the http://www.xmembers.co.uk/forum/images/bluefox/misc/Donation_icon.gif logo in your postbit for the same amount of time (great, eh?)

Also available inbetween 'Forum Tools' and 'FAQ'

I suppose if we could get enough to get a years lease on the server that would be good as it works out cheaper than renting it monthly like i currently do.

[andyl]

well im one of the 17
hope it helps

[GTODave]

Good man:D Just as soon as I've made a payment to my credit card I'll make a donation, honest governor I will :o

[Andy Dean]

well im one of the 17
hope it helps

Cheers Andy, much appreciated! :)

[grahamngillian]

Sorted & Done!

[stackofire]

I paid from the missus PayPal accaunt :D

[plastic orange]

I'm happy to chip in too.

Pete