by donating towards the costs of the forum and the island on SL?

i'm confident that you haven't recouped all of the funds spent, and as WE benefit from the group, it would be nice to contribute to the longevity of the forum

5 Pounds Sterling doesn't sound like a whole lot of money, and if 1/2 the membership are 'live' that would cover some costs historically and in the near future (or did the renewal just come up?)

please, let us know how we can help offset the financial commitment that Admin has undertaken

Yes I'm up for that
I try to buy as much as I can from the shop but bigger purchases are few and far between and whilst every little helps, a DVD from amazon now and again isnt all that!

I already suggested a paypal button! I would love to be able to contribute to the forum in a financial way as I know its not cost free to run something like this. If you can tell me who to send a contribution to and how I will be happy to chip in under the understanding my money is contribution and entitles me to nothing over and above a member who didnt give anything. Not everyone is in the same financial circumstance to be in a position to contribute.

Count me in too.

Ziggy      ;      ;      ;

yes, a Paypal button or the name of the address that is set up for the Paypal account would be nice............. of course, the funds would be sent as 'gift' and not 'for goods and services provided'

NO NO NO....DEFINITELY NOT!  No paypal buttons, no donations!  NOT!  Admin set the forum up because we wanted to.  I'd be lost without all my mates here.

If anyone is interested they could buy a car sticker £2 inc postage! That's cost price!  I have a few dozen!  LOL!

So - voluntary donations summarily rejected??????

I'll give mine to Diabetes UK then LOL

Ziggy      ;      ;      ;

no, Zigs, buy some car stickers.. the upfront costs on that were not insignificant and if we buy them all, well, that will cover the costs, eh??  

and buy yourself something using the DSF shop, i know that folk have got a better deal on car insurance by going thru the DSF shop............... hint hint

Well I would buy a car sticker but as I have no car and can't drive it would be pretty pointless! If you change your mind about donations please let me know as this place is great and if a donation helps keep it that way great

I have some car stickers and no car now.

Well my offer is always there should DSF change its mind about donations.

Ziggy      ;      ;      ;

The thoughts about donations are really appreciated and understood but at this time I don't see a need and echo Patti's feelings.

It's honestly not ingratitude or stubbornness: the admins have always used their experience and knowledge to be very canny with their outlay. The DSF shop, as long as it's reasonably supported, brings in a trickle of funds that can more or less sustain forum costs.

Having said that, there is also a pride in DSF that it's always been free and without pressure to contribute. That's thanks to all the members who have put their time and effort into helping it develop. Unlike some other forums, no one gets any income from it and we have no other interests to serve - whether that's seeking charitable revenue for a bigger organisation or as a way to generate advertising click-through revenue or leads for a commercial operation at arm's length behind the forum itself.

On Second Life, as far as I understand it, Nige et al have been equally canny, largely using membership benefits of SL to pool individuals' resources and allow the site to grow. Those interested in finding out more about this should talk to Nige.

There may come a time when, for whatever reason, the forum needs some funding to stay alive or faces difficulties. If and when that happens we'll be right here to give the members the full details and let them judge whether they want to help out or not.

But at present the ideal is that DSF shop income will reach a point where hosting costs are secured for a couple of years ahead. That's achievable with the continued support of the shop by members.

To have stocks of cash that go beyond that may bring issues of whether to bank it for many years ahead or spend it, and, if so, on what - and that could mean a whole new and potentially divisive debate.

So all the offers to contribute are appreciated. They really are. But I raise a glass to all those who post their messages and replies, who print off DSF cards for their own clinics, who search out bits of furniture for Second Life, who take time to help dump spammers off the site, who, at their own expense, organise real-life meetings, who use the DSF shop. But most of all who believe that allowing every diabetic with access to a computer should find a friendly supportive place without advertising or marketing is a worthy ideal. Long may it continue.

It's incredibly gratifying to know people are behind the admins' original dream and are ready to ensure it keeps going.

Hear, Hear.
And that ladies and gentleman is why we all love it here.



[Admin: I have split this thread since it wandered off onto a slighty different topic.  Its "Spreading the word" and can be found here:
http://diabetes-support.org.uk/forum/Blah.pl?m-1266149590/s-0/]

Its taken me a while to respond to this but I want to stress that Second Life is separate and funded by individuals rather than by the forum.  There are only a minority of members involved on SL so it makes far more sense for those involved in SL directly to be dealing with it.

If any of our members are on SL and do want to contribute to the island/group then read this:
http://diabetes-support.org.uk/forum/Blah.pl?m-1268948577/
(a post in the SL section of the forum).

Quoted from Pattidevans

If anyone is interested they could buy a car sticker £2 inc postage! That's cost price!  I have a few dozen!  LOL!

Patti

I would like to purchase several stickers....how do I go about that?

PM me your name and address Poppet, number of stickers and then I will PM you my address and you can send a cheque made out to the forum bank account.    I shall have to check the cheque book at home for the precise account name!  Or you could do an internet transfer if I give you the details of the a/c.