You may have noticed how slow the site has been in recent months. That is because the site had grown to the point where it was maxing out its internet connection. With much needed financial help from Cindy James we have made some changes which will improve the web sites performance massively. We are now running on a 10mbps fiber optic connection, which is 6.66x faster than our previous connection. We are also working on getting that bumped up to 30mpbs. Over the next few weeks Susan's will be migrated onto a pair of servers purchased with Cindy's help which will be able to handle as much traffic as we can throw at it.
Why didn't I do it sooner? Well, I simply could not have done this on my own. Hosting costs will be rising from $400 per month to nearly $700, and my finances have been at the maxed out point for several years as I have single-handedly financed the operations of Susan's Place since 1996 with out any outside support. I have done this using income from my job, help from my boss, and of course maxing out some really good credit cards. In that time I figure that I have spent roughly $162,000 myself over the last 16 years and that is not counting the roughly $50,000 in hosting expenses my current boss has contributed to the operation of the site, and we eventually need to get some of that back. The figure includes my time, hardware, software, server maintenance costs, and bandwidth. That price will continue to go up some as we make these much needed changes.
In the last year this site has served 1,826,279 Visits from 993,940 Visitors accounting for 11,629,347 page views. Since I started keeping stats using Google analytics in November 2006, we had 6,813,864 visits from 3,689,398 visitors accounting for 45,176,104 page views. Between 1996 until now I have had several hundred people spontaneously contact me to tell me how this web site has saved their lives, so we are doing good works; and I want to continue to do so.
I have thought long and hard how to spread the costs of providing lifesaving peer support for the Transgender Community, here is what I have come up with.
First off everything that is freely available to you today on this web site, will remain free with one exception.
We are going to allow people who wish to help with the monthly costs to do so by establishing a monthly subscription option for $4.95 per month for those who want to help support the site. I much prefer this option over adding advertising. I am working on a way to make it so the subscription can be handled as a reoccurring donation to a non-transgender foundation, so if you need to explain it to a spouse or whatever about the charge. I am hoping for 2,000 to subscribe. This will bring in $9,990 per month. After covering operating costs, I want to pay for a new professional design for the site from the ground up, and hopefully be able to pay some of the world renown gender professionals to come here to provide some guidance and services to members and supporters. Anything over 2,000 subscribers would be simply amazing. After that we will continue to invest a major portion of the profits back into providing more and more services for members and supporters. I don't expect this to happen in a year, if it does that would be awesome but I am patient. In the mean time I will keep paying the costs until the site is able to support its self.
After that I will receive a paycheck to help recoup some of my expenditures. I also need to reimburse my boss for his costs in supporting the site over the years as well.
Staff may also eventually receive a small stipend, starting with administrators and as we are able to the moderators and other staff. Don't plan on that any time soon however.
The private Just for us forums are going to become subscriber only. We may also offer username@members.susans.org email addresses to subscribers. If enough revenue is generated we will be looking at adding a slew of other members only benefits such as moderated chats with experts and personalities of interest to the transgender community, informative articles, tips, tutorials etc.
Another advantage of this will be that I will be able to dedicated more time to Susan's Place.
I hope that many of you will choose to help do your part. Thanks for you time, support, and attention. Your feedback is welcome.
This site has been tremendously helpful to me since I joined in March 2008. I would be happy to subscribe and give back to this site. It would be a modest price to pay for the services rendered.
Thank you, Susan, for creating and maintaining this site as you have.
And, thank you to Cindy James!
Updated the post added some more information about the traffic the site receives.
Yes even though i am long done transitioning i can become a member. I am sure many others will too with the added space for members. God bless you and your boss. and of course Cindy too :) and all the other moderators and volunteers and people who share and care.
PS: You might offer plain, silver and gold memberships hint hint
I think it's a great idea! A fraction of the cost of cable television, and this place can change your life. Or save it. Many thanks to you, Susan. The staff and members who have added so much to the site over the years need to be thanked as well. Hugs, Devlyn
Susan's has been amazing; I'd happily give...
pump up the volume yeaa
to me its about helping people...
After transitioning thats when its time to at least give back to newbies by supporting this site
you could also allow a small amount of advertising here
I imagine that you are very attached to the zero ads environment here but money spends regardless of the source.
Funny you should bring this up as just the other day I was thinking of sending you a PM asking if there was anything I could do to help.
I am on another forum related to the industry I am in that I chip in on once in awhile.
Yes, I would be happy to subscribe as I dont know what I would have done with out this site!!
I would like annual or semi-annual subscription options, I have that with my insurance policies. Monthly is too sloppy for me. I have enough problems with managing the utilities I pay on a monthly basis with the limited non government income I have left.
Edit: Paypal?
Joelene
I think it's a great idea also 8) Just let me know when the subscription option is available
If you could accept a one time yearly donation equal to or close to the $5 monthly. I would rather do that. In exchange for a 1 year membership of course.
Yes, an annual donation works best for me as well, $60 per 12 months is not bad at all
Thanks for the Announcement, Susan.
You have my support.
I was referred to this site late 2008 just before my mother died and my GID returned. It has been a tremendous blessing to me. This is the only transgender support site that allowed me to tell my unique story where I wasn't kicked from the site. The ONlY one! I'm grateful for the efforts you have out into this site Susan, and I am more than willing to contribute when the option becomes available.
Once again, thank you.
Quote from: Amazon D on July 10, 2012, 05:19:28 PM
Yes even though i am long done transitioning i can become a member. I am sure many others will too with the added space for members. God bless you and your boss. and of course Cindy too :) and all the other moderators and volunteers and people who share and care.
PS: You might offer plain, silver and gold memberships hint hint
How about Pink, Mauve, Chartreuse, and Sephira-style memberships?
Thank you for all your great work Susan - and sacrifices! I wondered who the magic money gnomes were. And thank you Susan's boss and C.J. too.
You already know that I'll kick in to support the site, Susan. More than happy to.
I second (third?) the motion for automatic annual memberships as well as semiannual or quarterly and monthly.
And I like the idea of optional higher giving levels. Could have a special symbol under the bio pic.
There probably needs to be an anonymous payment method, too. Perhaps by annual money order to your address with a note identifying the member's nick/user name.
And many thanks to Cindy James for being a major benefactor. I guess she's not an unemployed sheep herder after all. 8-)
Robyn
As many have said before me, I am willing to help out in anyway possible as well. Thank you Susan for bring this and all of us together :)
I'm in. Show me the link, baby, show me the link!
:)
Sounds like a fair thing for all the help everyone here has been to me.
Where do I sign?
I'll be there!
-Sandy
Quote from: MadelineB on July 10, 2012, 11:22:25 PM
How about Pink, Mauve, Chartreuse, and Sephira-style memberships?
I want a Sephira-style membership. Her avatars are always so pretty. :D
I'll pay for a membership when I can. A few bucks a month is definitely doable and this place offers valuable resources. Thank you.
Quote from: Michelle G on July 10, 2012, 07:57:48 PM
Yes, an annual donation works best for me as well, $60 per 12 months is not bad at all
As with a few others I would personally prefer an annual option; but regardless you will have my support. :)
Madison
I will be very happy to contribute to "Susan's Place."
Quote from: Beth Andrea on July 11, 2012, 01:52:33 AM
I'm in. Show me the link, baby, show me the link!
:)
+1
And can I subscribe more than once, or move to a higher level and pay more?
Your profound and immense efforts are more than greatly appreciated, Susan. You are truly a LEGEND
Love
Catherine
However it's done, I'd be happy to contribute :)
More than willing to pay, when I can.
Quote from: Robyn on July 11, 2012, 12:28:10 AM
And I like the idea of optional higher giving levels. Could have a special symbol under the bio pic.
And many thanks to Cindy James for being a major benefactor. I guess she's not an unemployed sheep herder after all. 8-)
Robyn
Having a special symbol, or any symbol under a bio pic would just be separating people into classes of can and cannot afford, which may be the case for many. I have no qualms with a membership, even different levels, but a special symbol would smack of a class separation that is not needed here. Enough of that goes on without it, to introduce it on a monetary level would serve no purpose to what the forum is about.
CJ...never once thought of you as a sheep herder, let alone an unemployed one. I assume that was meant as a joke, But I do have a mental picture of some as thinking in terms of being a sheep herder, now. I once worked as the Management Coordinator ('troubleshooter') for a family owned business and had many discussions with all levels of management and employees about how easy it is to think of employees and customers as less than they deserved. The company ship ran on an even keel as long as I was there. Many of the policies I developed became a part of the companies policies of commitment (mission statement) to it's customers through the employees empowerment to customer service. Positive action vs. reaction. They got rid of the us vs them mentality that was so common in business then, as it is today. The benefit of watching employees and customers grow into some of the best I have ever had the pleasure to work with was enormous.
I think memberships are a move in the same direction and I can see it happening here. The forum has always been moving in that direction. It is one of the reasons it is successful. I see this as another step in that direction.
Susan,..Thank you for sharing what it has taken to have and keep this site running. Memberships, and the 'Just for Us' benefit is a wonderful idea. Trolls being what they are. I especially like the idea of some compensation to the staff, also. Many deserve it, and I think it would promote a more even disposition among them and to the members. Good idea.
Monthly, quarterly, semi and annual memberships would open up more options and also allow you to have an idea of what money is available in those time frames, at least for the near future. It would be nice for members to have an idea of what may be expected with a timely report of how the money is being used (personal salaries and personal information related excluded).
Moving this forum into the option of allowing people the choice of being more inclusive could be a good thing. I look forward to the implementation, very much. It may have more benefits than just improving the servers and speed (both of which is good news).
In appreciation to you and the staff,
Bring it on!
Ativan
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on July 11, 2012, 12:32:29 PM
Having a special symbol, or any symbol under a bio pic would just be separating people into classes of can and cannot afford, which may be the case for many. I have no qualms with a membership, even different levels, but a special symbol would smack of a class separation that is not needed here. Enough of that goes on without it, to introduce it on a monetary level would serve no purpose to what the forum is about.
Amen to that
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on July 11, 2012, 12:32:29 PM
CJ...never once thought of you as a sheep herder, let alone an unemployed one.
But she does come from South Australia, after all. Which is internationally know for its wine industry; but it does have its fair share of sheep running round it. Some actually in Adelaide itself. :laugh: :laugh: :icon_archery: Catherine
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on July 11, 2012, 12:32:29 PM
I assume that was meant as a joke,
Not at all. Us Aussies are all very serious people.
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on July 11, 2012, 12:32:29 PM
But I do have a mental picture of some as thinking in terms of being a sheep herder, now.
You see now. You've probably driven right past her on one of your wine tours in the Adelaide Hills. She was no doubt standing on the side of a hill herding (or is it hearing)(herding must be past tense for hearing) her sheep. The sheep would have been the four legged ones, just in case you couldn't differentate. Or if she was sleeping on all fours at the time, the sheep would have had wool on their backs. Hope this jogs your memory of the occasion. :laugh:
The author now wishes to remain anonymous, due to the high probability of being branded or flogged or both.
Yours truly
(Ms.) A. N. Onymous
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on July 11, 2012, 12:32:29 PM
Having a special symbol, or any symbol under a bio pic would just be separating people into classes of can and cannot afford, which may be the case for many. I have no qualms with a membership, even different levels, but a special symbol would smack of a class separation that is not needed here. Enough of that goes on without it, to introduce it on a monetary level would serve no purpose to what the forum is about.
CJ...never once thought of you as a sheep herder, let alone an unemployed one. I assume that was meant as a joke, But I do have a mental picture of some as thinking in terms of being a sheep herder, now. I once worked as the Management Coordinator ('troubleshooter') for a family owned business and had many discussions with all levels of management and employees about how easy it is to think of employees and customers as less than they deserved. The company ship ran on an even keel as long as I was there. Many of the policies I developed became a part of the companies policies of commitment (mission statement) to it's customers through the employees empowerment to customer service. Positive action vs. reaction. They got rid of the us vs them mentality that was so common in business then, as it is today. The benefit of watching employees and customers grow into some of the best I have ever had the pleasure to work with was enormous.
I think memberships are a move in the same direction and I can see it happening here. The forum has always been moving in that direction. It is one of the reasons it is successful. I see this as another step in that direction.
Susan,..Thank you for sharing what it has taken to have and keep this site running. Memberships, and the 'Just for Us' benefit is a wonderful idea. Trolls being what they are. I especially like the idea of some compensation to the staff, also. Many deserve it, and I think it would promote a more even disposition among them and to the members. Good idea.
Monthly, quarterly, semi and annual memberships would open up more options and also allow you to have an idea of what money is available in those time frames, at least for the near future. It would be nice for members to have an idea of what may be expected with a timely report of how the money is being used (personal salaries and personal information related excluded).
Moving this forum into the option of allowing people the choice of being more inclusive could be a good thing. I look forward to the implementation, very much. It may have more benefits than just improving the servers and speed (both of which is good news).
In appreciation to you and the staff,
Bring it on!
Ativan
Shocks! just when I thought "Monarchy" was finally coming to America!
I would happily help through a subscription!
Susan, Thank you for all your hard work and personal sacrifice. It is amazing.
I have no problems with a monthly subscription. I do like the idea of keeping it available for free for those who cannot afford it, because for some, this is their only form of therapy and support. And we all know how tough it is out there.
I wonder if a "donation" button would be good along with the subscription, so that people who cannot pay every month can give when they can afford it, and those (even with a subscription) who care to donate more, can do so above the subscription. It doesn't have to be tax deductible...... just an available source for people to enter their own amount they wish to donate. That will also help those who want a yearly or semi yearly fee just pay the $60 one time, and keep going.
I will be a subscriber. Thanks for all your selfless dedication.
I've been patiently waiting to hear how all of this is going to be handled, and I think it's great to take donations by subscription. I also like the idea of different options--one-time donations, annual subscriptions, higher donation levels, and so on.
My only concern is security. I am pretty invested in maintaining my anonymity here. Would there be any connection between my screen name and my legal name? I'm guessing not, but I have to ask.
I wonder if I can coerce my therapist into subscribing. He gives money to the LGBT center, or he did last time I looked.
I'm IN! Let us know when and where to sign up!
Arch,
I am thinking a cashiers check or money order mailed directly to Susan is pretty safe if you just include your unique screen name so she can put you on the proper list
I have noticed in the "Profile info/actions" tab there is now a "subscription" link (not working just yet).
While that will work, I'd suggest a more prominent (like at the top of each page, prominent) button which says "Donate to Susan's". That would take you to a page with all the neat-oh options (annual, biannual, monthly, single donation, etc), including a real-mail address and perhaps a PayPal link.
The more options to donate, the more people will (I think). Remember what Bluto in Animal House said..."Did we give up when the Germans bombed Pearl Har...." ...no, that wasn't it....Oh yeah, "...grab a brew donation option....don't cost nothin'...
Multiple levels ok, however paying more won't give you additional benefits just the personal satisfaction of knowing you helped more. Monthly, quarterly, half yearly, and annual options ok as well. For the special symbol I think that's doable in a way that will give recognition of their level of support without throwing it in other peoples faces, I intend to use hearts instead of blocks like on staff.
I will be paying at the very least to help others as I decide on my own progression. I feel very fortunate to be in a good financial situation and I don't mind sharing. I was not aware of the astounding personal investment you put into this and now I feel almost ashamed for participating on the site. My hope is that my humble contributions, monetary and written, can even begin to remotely help this community. I honestly don't know what I would have done if I couldn't have signed up and begun a conversion about my own situation recently. The opportunity for a little humor here and there amongst the serious talk has been just as much good medicine and everything else.
Thanks, Susan. I couldn't have moved forward without you!
Sincerely,
Violet
Quote from: Susan on July 11, 2012, 10:48:08 PM
Multiple levels ok, however paying more won't give you additional benefits
Thank you Thank you Thank you. Don't need additional benefits. I've had more from here than I could possibly pay back in a 1,000 lifetimes.
Quote from: Susan on July 11, 2012, 10:48:08 PM
Monthly, quarterly, half yearly, and annual options ok as well.
Good Good Good. When? When? When?
Has to be soon soon soon
Quote from: Susan on July 11, 2012, 10:48:08 PM
For the special symbol I think that's doable in a way that will give recognition of their level of support without throwing it in other peoples faces, I intend to use hearts instead of blocks like on staff.
Personally don't need special symbols, I just need to get money rolling your way. ASAP
Thank you again for the enormous Herculean unbeknown efforts you have put in, Susan.
Huggs
Catherine
I'll gladly contribute. :)
Susan and I had a little mix up of no consequence,
I like to remain anonymous so I was a little surprised to see the acknowledgement; my contribution is tiny. Susan has been and is the backbone of this marvellous site, and it is her hard work and commitment that we owe thanks for. I am in a fortunate position so I help when and where I can. I certainly do not seek any privilege or comment. Susan's has benefited me and made my life so much better that I am happy to help her to provide the site to as many people as possible.
My sheep and I are very happy walking around the wineries of Adelaide, you get used to the Baa Hic sound.
Cindy
I'll be very happy to contribute - but I'm not comfortable with the idea of showing 'levels of financial contribution'. Specifically, if you're going to include that, I'd like the option to 'opt out' of being visible in that way. It goes against my grain.
I'd like to add my vote for PayPal as the main means to contribute, it seems to be pretty universal with people, and has its own options built-in for how people manage their contribution sources (bank account, credit card, no need to have a PayPal account to donate through them, handles different currencies well, etc.) so you wouldn't need to manage all that yourself. Of course, it might not be the 'cheapest' way to accept donations/subscriptions, but it's so easy to use that you might get more in the end.
I'm very grateful for this place - I've not been able to participate much lately, I've been too busy sorting myself out - but it's an incredible resource. It's almost the only site diverse enough to make me feel comfortable.
PayPal, I second.
Axélle
paypal doesn't work for me
and yes we should have levels but not gloating one over another.
Can I second, third and fourth that.
I would not want any acknowledgement of how much people contribute. You have an annual fee. If people want to give more, fine. End of story.
Sure, not everyone has access to a PayPal account (some entire countries don't, the Ukraine for example) so an alternative way would be needed too.
I'm interested to know why some people feel there's a benefit to showing the level of donation/subscription a user is making? What am I missing here?
I would rather not show the level of donation also :)
Bring it on, ladies. I'll be glad to give as much as I can.
Quote from: Arch on July 11, 2012, 08:34:11 PM
My only concern is security. I am pretty invested in maintaining my anonymity here. Would there be any connection between my screen name and my legal name? I'm guessing not, but I have to ask.
I have no intention of allowing anything that would compromise members security. I am sure paypal will send out a notification email which may give some information about the person paying. I will not allow anyone else access to them and I generally will not even look at them myself, unless there is a payment issue. Yes you have to trust me, but if the last 16 years hasn't proven that is a safe thing to do, nothing will.
Ok so no on the donation level indication, doesn't bother me either way.
We are still a bit away from any of this occuring, I am working on the deniability issue, before proceeding with it.
I suppose I could turn an extra trick or two to pay my part.
Quote from: Jaime on July 12, 2012, 11:34:21 AM
I suppose I could turn an extra trick or two to pay my part.
Hmmmm, no emoticons - she sounds entirely serious!
Quote from: Violet Bloom on July 12, 2012, 11:37:56 AM
Hmmmm, no emoticons - she sounds entirely serious!
Where did she said she usually hangs around? >:-)
I thought Jaime worked at a store....explains the "Back in 15 minutes" sign! Hugs, Devlyn
Quote from: peky on July 12, 2012, 11:58:21 AM
Where did she said she usually hangs around? >:-)
5 nights a week you can find me working on the corner. :laugh:
I understand the desire to maintain equality but let me interject some of my opinions here,
If you want folks to donate regulary there needs to be ome form of incentive. Sure there is a core group here that will be willing to do their part when they can but I doubt it will be enough to maintain the site.
If you have a section of the forums available to only dues paying members you will get more folks paying.
I know I know....this feels somewhat dirty, but I know human nature. If there is no motivational factor tied to the act of paying dues, then it will fail in the long run.
You can probably pony up a nice amount of funds for the site with an initial "please donate to save susnas' campaign but I just can't see it being sustainable.
For those wondering about international donations, It looks like Paypal will work (https://www.paypal.com/worldwide/) out for that as well.
Quote from: Jaime on July 12, 2012, 12:26:23 PM
5 nights a week you can find me working on the corner. :laugh:
Yeah, the corner store! I was hooking today, but that was on the golf course.
I'd like to help too :D
Susan, I love all of the the plans!
One suggestion, perhaps there could also be an option to donate to a "scholarship" fund so if there are any members who need the full-member services but have a situation that is preventing them from being able to pay, they could apply for assistance. Your site has helped me a great deal, and I would be willing to donate what I can for others less fortunate in addition to keeping the site going. If someone is homeless, or in a vulnerable circumstance at home, even $5 a month might be a barrier.
Possibly a gift membership could be made available
If this was about the money that would be a problem, but it isn't, so people can contact me and I will decide on a case by case basis. People also always have the option of volunteering their services to the site as they will get subscriber benefits regardless.
Quote from: cynthialee on July 12, 2012, 02:09:36 PM
I understand the desire to maintain equality but let me interject some of my opinions here,
If you want folks to donate regularly there needs to be ome form of incentive. Sure there is a core group here that will be willing to do their part when they can but I doubt it will be enough to maintain the site.
If you have a section of the forums available to only dues paying members you will get more folks paying.
I know I know....this feels somewhat dirty, but I know human nature. If there is no motivational factor tied to the act of paying dues, then it will fail in the long run.
You can probably pony up a nice amount of funds for the site with an initial "please donate to save Susan's' campaign but I just can't see it being sustainable.
And thank you cynthialee for your well thought out response. However, I must respectfully disagree with most of your points. From my experience, alone; Susan's family goes beyond human nature. It goes beyond the motivational factor. It goes beyond the 'core' membership. In fact, it goes beyond what most would consider a natural phenomenon.
For the past 16 years, Susan, and her dedicated team have been responsible for creating a ripple effect that surpasses all known social and sociological norms, to create a family that is second to NONE. You think Facebook has created an international phenomenon. You haven't seen the power of Susan's yet
In the mid 90's, after being classified as a 'write off' by the professional psychiatric industry, I found the original Susan's. It was a ray of sunshine. I must have read those resources and information a hundred times over. Foolishly (and immaturely) I left, but persued that information. It manifested, it grew, it produced good fruit. Through it I was able to broaden my horizons and mature. By sheer accident (fate ?) last year I fired up an old server, looking for some old, yet productive software. In the process of looking for the software, I found a copy of old Inet Explorer bookmarks. Susan's Transgender Place stood out. For the hell of it, thinking it would return a broken link, Susan's appeared. Curiosity got he better of me, and low and behold I saw members who had been there all along and I read of their achievements. The rest is history.
My transition started THAT day. Because of Susan's family that had persisted for soooooo long. And IT will continue to persist and grow, exponentially for the millennium to come, regardless of where Susan, herself , is. Perpetual motion HAS been created.
Susan may die tomorrow (and god hope she doesn't) BUT her presence, her spirit, her ambiance, her ethos, her perseverance, her nuances will not only survive her, but they will grow exponentially after her, like any ripple. Susan's ETHOS has empowered others to rise to the occasion. THAT cannot be stopped, destroyed, manipulated, changed, altered, diffused, modified or otherwise interfered with, in any way, shape or form. In other words, the group dynamic HAS been created. Scientifically it has to promulgate. And promulgate it will, irrespective of hearts, flowers, recognition, non recognition, subscription, gifts, annuities, bequests, one-off-donations, monthly subscriptions, PayPal, 'when-I-can's", "If-I-could's", Government subsidies, philanthropic intervention or tax relief.
Mathematically speaking, Susan's family HAS effected so many lives over the past, more than, 16 years, that the group dynamic has create the ground swell to ensure it's permanency. Like Einstein's theories are here to stay. So is Susan's.
An isolated incident perhaps? Just a one-off-experience? I think NOT. Just look at those that have returned, AND those that have recently returned. The unstoppable ground swell IS happening, just like Global Warming. Sure you can deny it, that's your prerogative. BUT, it won't stop it happening.
Love
Catherine
Your faith in humanity far surpases my own.
information comes and go, old theories are debunked by new ones; what was said and done is eventually forgotten...
The most important legacy that any individual lives behind, that endure the test of time, that is never forgotten is...
...how a given person words and actions made us feel....
...That is what is important and endures
And this is the most valuable contribution that Susan has given us, her presence and her resources have made us feel "good" about ourselves....that at times when we felt alone, disenfranchised, abandoned, rejected, at the edge of self destruction...Susan voice gave us hope, made us feel that our lives matter, that we are precious each and every one of us in our own special way
Quote from: Michelle G on July 11, 2012, 10:20:41 PM
Arch,
I am thinking a cashiers check or money order mailed directly to Susan is pretty safe if you just include your unique screen name so she can put you on the proper list
I feel the same way as Arch...I would probably do it by cashiers check or money order if that is a feasible option.
Pay Pal is so easy to set up. One could always use it to contribute.
I'm here, helping out to the best of my ability because I love this community. And I love the people in it.
I blew a hundred bucks playing golf (poorly) the other day. I would have much rather donated to Susan's Place. Since I'm on a diet now, I can send my McDonald's bucks this way instead ;D
There are lots of things I can do, and want to do to help.
Susan's has been a lifeline to me - I would not consider any compensation or perks. A couple of months ago, I put up a blog challenger for our members: I CHALLENGE YOU! (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,120171.0.html)
That challenge still stands.
Quote from: Catherine Sarah on July 13, 2012, 10:57:24 AM
Susan may die tomorrow (and god hope she doesn't)
>cough<
Ever since my first days here, I have been profoundly grateful for this site, and I sometimes wonder who will carry on if anything does happen to Susan. I know that Susan is in the prime of life and that it's grisly to think of such things, but accidents do happen.
Quote from: Laura91 on July 14, 2012, 04:46:30 PM
No Paypal for I
Nope.
Nu uh.
No way.
Money orders FTW!
Yes, for a lot of people even paypal will come out of a family budget, bank accounts and prying eyes, the option for money order or cashiers check mailed snail mail to susan should always be left open, it can possibly prevent abuse from a controlling spouse or partner! Susans is like an island of safety and comfort when one is in a world of torment and fear.
I broke away from the situation a long time ago...trust me, I know what its like and I want to help others avoid that if at all possible.
I just wanted to post a little update and my feelings about the changes so far to the site.
I want to thank anyone involved, especially Susan not only for the hard work keeping this site viable but the personal sacrifices, financial or otherwise in making this site available. During the last year or so I had spent a lot of time angry that a place like Susans.org was available, yet inaccessible to me due to mostly only have access through a mobile device with slow internet connection.
After the recent changes though, most any section of the site loads quickly, even on my 3g connection. Just having access to this information, knowing I'm not alone and being able to read the questions others post or having the ability to post my own questions for "the public" to read surprisingly helps me a great deal to cope with what can be the day to day struggle of having dysphoric feelings about my body and role in life. Over the last two weeks (mostly) I have been able to access the forums with out problem, and honestly feel less stressed about "life" because of it.
Though I don't post frequently, simply having access to this site makes my life better.
Thank you.
And thank you to EVERYONE on this site for sharing this part of your lives, though painful some of the times we have shared with each other I am great full for everyone's support (or objective criticism), directly or indirectly.
Susan your personal sacrifices over the years has helped so many people there is no doubt that this community will rise to occasion of helping in any way that is needed. You have touched so many lives and had such a meaningful impact via this site I would feel honored to give back. Thank you to all of the staff and people who have given of themselves in various ways to make this site what it is, a community full of resources and people that are there to support each and everyone who visits.
"For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people's love and concern for each other." Millard Fuller
I see Susan's has the "tapatalk" APP for iPad now!
That is a great way to view the forum! It's $4.99 for the app but it sure is nice, and I think Susan's gets a $ kick back from that which is good :)
I'm pretty sure Susan's doesn't get any money from people using Tapatalk, it doesn't work that way.
Not wishing to be too toey. BUT!!! SUBSCRIPTION? When??
Please please, pretty please, soon?
Thank you
Huggs
Catherine
I don't get a kickback for people getting the app. The idea to install the app was not mine but was based on member requests. There is a option to monetize links, but I have those options turned off. There is also options for donations via the app, but those are off as well.
Quote from: Nicole on April 05, 2011, 02:20:43 AM
Hi, i was wondering if the admin could install the tapatalk so those on iphone and other smart phones could use tapatalk. Would make my forum life easier.
Thanks.
Quote from: Padma on April 05, 2011, 03:16:29 AM
that would be neat :). SMF v2.x is supported - http://www.tapatalk.com/plugin.php (http://www.tapatalk.com/plugin.php)
Quote from: Padma on April 05, 2011, 11:44:01 AM
Oh, okay - I wasn't sure whether you were being sarcastic or not when you said "that clarified things completely"! Here goes, then:
Smart phones are more like little handheld computers than just phones. An app is my shorthand for an 'application' - so like you'd install an application on your computer to do a specific task, you can do this on smartphones.
Typically, on a smartphone there will be a web browser, like the one you're using to read this right now, so you can browse the internet on it - and on a smartphone, it's quite hard work reading the tiny screens, So the app for Tapatalk provides a dedicated screen format of the forum data that makes reading posts much easier. the example image on their website:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yoxi.net%2Fanitya%2Fsustap.jpg&hash=624a2018ed5adbae1bc57e538ebac88e90bfb2c5)
shows this on an iPhone.
For comparison, here's our favourite website on the iPhone browser:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yoxi.net%2Fanitya%2Fsussafari.jpg&hash=98f688fa37f3dad1e6c898d1860c8af4f87bfd91)
Note these images should be showing at the same size, dunno why they don't.
So it's just a more manageable way of viewing your forum data than using the built-in web browser.
The "plugin" is a pice of code written for the software that's running this forum on the server, and once it's enabled, it doesn't affect anyone except people with the Tapatalk app on their phones, who will be able to securely access the data from Susan's forum.
I missed the topic when it was posted, but Padma recently bumped it back to the top. So I installed it for those who wish to use it.
Thanx Susan!
I had always thought a forum got a kickdown from the app..I was kinda hoping you did ;(