Update on Susan's Place

[Cindy]

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

[Padma]

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.

[AbraCadabra]

PayPal, I second.

Axélle

[Amazon D]

paypal doesn't work for me

and yes we should have levels but not gloating one over another.

[Cindy]

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.

[Padma]

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?

[V M]

I would rather not show the level of donation also 

[Elena G]

Bring it on, ladies. I'll be glad to give as much as I can.

[Susan]

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.

[crazy old bat]

I suppose I could turn an extra trick or two to pay my part.

[Violet Bloom]

I suppose I could turn an extra trick or two to pay my part.

Hmmmm, no emoticons - she sounds entirely serious!

[peky]

Hmmmm, no emoticons - she sounds entirely serious!

Where did she said she usually hangs around? 

[Devlyn]

I thought Jaime worked at a store....explains the "Back in 15 minutes" sign! Hugs, Devlyn

[crazy old bat]

Where did she said she usually hangs around? 

5 nights a week you can find me working on the corner. 

[cynthialee]

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.

[Susan]

For those wondering about international donations,  It looks like Paypal will work out for that as well.

[Jamie D]

5 nights a week you can find me working on the corner. 

Yeah, the corner store!  I was hooking today, but that was on the golf course.

[BillieTex]

I'd like to help too 

[MadelineB]

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.

[V M]

Possibly a gift membership could be made available