Donate

steamwiz · Posted: Sun 03/07/2004 3:31pm [Post #1]

I have a suggestion for osc to consider....

I am posting it here so that anyone who wants to comment on it can have their say.

Every so often a grateful "customer" will offer to pay me for my time.

Now osc must incur expenses in running this site....

I think there should be a "donate" button on every post, so that anyone who wishes to make a small contribution toward the running of this site, can do so.

One very useful improvement to the site would be if we could upload small files to the threads......just a text file or a .jpg

If osc had a little extra cash....this might be easier to accomplish.

I do not want to see this site become one of the "big" ones.....I am a member at several security sites, and they don't have the friendly family atmosphere of this site.

However all of them have a way to donate to the sites.

steam

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Osc · Posted: Sun 03/07/2004 4:56pm [Post #2]

Hi steam,

I've had a donation box in the past, through the Amazon Honor System, but I took it off after awhile since it didn't really generate much and I didn't like the idea of asking for money on every page, or of making money on the work of others...

You're right in that the site does cost me a bunch of money, but I basically categorize it as a charitable expense (and my wife doesn't bother me about it too much). What I will do is resurrect the Honor System box, but only put it on a single posting in the Contributors section. If people ask how to donate, we can direct them there, but I don't want it to be in their face all the time (of course, that's also why I'm a lousy businessman Smile

). And of course, whatever comes in will be immediately pumped back into the operations of the site.

I'm with you in that I like the fact that the site is small and has a family atmosphere. I hope that's what keeps people coming back!

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Osc · Posted: Sun 03/07/2004 5:52pm [Post #3]

If someone would like to donate, this is the page to go to:

http://www.help2go.com/article185.html

Thank you to everyone for the support!

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steamwiz · Posted: Sun 03/07/2004 6:17pm [Post #4]

Hi osc

I respect your opinion and your decision......but I don't necessarily agree with it.

I don't see why you should have to bear the expense yourself of running the site.

I don't think people are put off or offended by seeing a donate button....as long as it doesn't say "donate or else" Laughing

Most of the posters, I'm sure don't even think it costs anything to run a site.

I don't want to push anything here with you...but how about a compromise.

A button at the top of the "Questions & Answers" forum, saying .....if we have helped you and you would like to make a contribution toward the running of this site, please click here.

If you want to know the members feelings about this....how about a poll with various options.

OK I've finished now osc....your next post is final.

steam

EDIT I 've just seen you post above osc .... got it saved. Wink

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Basementgeek · Supreme Guru Joined: 01 Jan 2003 Posts: 12000 Points: 1188

Steam/osc

This is a great idea start this back up. I felt it was such a good idea that I have already made a donation to: donate at help2go.com via paypal.

Maybe just a simple "button" on the bottom like the PM button that say
"Donate" linking to your post http://www.help2go.com/article185.html.

I know a lot of us have fun as well learn/help. I hope other members donate because of the "Fun" we have here.

Cheers Smile

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steamwiz · Posted: Mon 03/08/2004 5:21am [Post #6]

HI Basementgeek

I'm sure osc will be grateful for your donation, but I wasn't suggesting it for active members of the forum, who regularly give help, like yourself.

I was thinking of the poster who has 2 choices...take the computer into a shop and pay $$$,s for what might only be a five minute fix, or come here.

We solve their problem...they go away...and we don't see them again until their next problem.

I'm sure quite a few of them would want to show their gratitude with a small donation, but it wouldn't even cross their mind if they do not see a donate button.

steam

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galena1 · Posted: Mon 03/08/2004 5:40am [Post #7]

I see a problem here Crying or Very sad

Osc is going to be so busy counting money Twisted Evil

that he may start neglecting the site and it could possibly degenerate into a place where sad old buggers, like me, will be allowed to post completely meaningless and unhelpful ramblings....er!! just like this one. Great idea, hope it works Wink

Cheers to all. Bob.

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Basementgeek · Supreme Guru Joined: 01 Jan 2003 Posts: 12000 Points: 1188

I had thought some time ago, but never asked, about donating to H2G.

Like most hobbies, people have, cost money. This is a hobby therefore I felt that I ought to kick in something.

It has helped me learn many,many things and even has helped me with a couple problems I have had.

Back in Oct 01 I just had to have the New XP so I ran out and bought a copy of it. Installed on my PC and found out it did not like my scanner or CD R/W so I read that if unistalled it It would go back to 98. Well it did
but naturally lost display and modem driver. That service cost me
$135.00.

I decided that if I wanted to avoid spending more money to pay someone to fix my problems I would have to learn something about PC's. Help2Go
has been my teacher.

Cheers Smile

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Osc · Posted: Mon 03/08/2004 10:49am [Post #9]

I definitely see steamwiz's point - if someone feels that the site has helped them out of a jam, then they might feel good giving a donation. I'm OK with that as long as the requests for money are not "in their face". Maybe a subtle button somewhere on the page, like what has been suggested on this thread.

Again, my sincerest thanks to those who have or will donate!

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Osc · Posted: Wed 03/17/2004 5:00pm [Post #10]

FYI: Added a donation link to the forum menu above.

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galena1 · Posted: Wed 03/17/2004 5:46pm [Post #11]

Bloody heck Osc - Stop feeling so uncomfortable about it. Make it BIG AND BOLD Embarassed

Regards Bob.
EDIT: and RED

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steamwiz · Posted: Wed 03/17/2004 7:24pm [Post #12]

HI osc

Nice one...not "in your face" but should be seen.....

I would have put it next to the "profile" and "PM" buttons at the bottom of each post......but I know you didn't want it to be too noticeable.

galena1 has a point.....there is no need to feel uncomfortable about it....

You are not ASKING for a donation.....just making the option available for anyone who WANTS to donate.

Anyway I think it's fine where it is....let's hope it brings in a few cents...dollars even Wink

steam

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galena1 · Posted: Thu 03/18/2004 6:33am [Post #13]

The only reason I suggested the colour red for 'donate' was that I am colour blind and can't see the colour red Exclamation

Just kidding Very Happy

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Osc · Posted: Thu 03/18/2004 10:43am [Post #14]

OK, OK

I'll try to come up with a nice graphic to stick next to the PM and profile buttons... Smile

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Canuck · Posted: Thu 03/18/2004 1:08pm [Post #15]

Don't get the idea we're twisting your arm osc Laughing

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