Donation total increased for the remainder of this month only

[Susan]

We have reached the donation goal for this month, but we still need $2164.23 left to bring us even for the year. So for the rest of may I have boosted the goal to the updated target, it will return to the normal goal in June. I would like to see if we can reach it.

Thank you to everyone who stepped up so far. If you are not able to donate we understand, but if you are able, please give something.

When we reach the updated goal I will be able to afford the dental work that I have been putting off for nearly two years. I was personally down around $2,800 from the first 4 months of this year, making that up that combined with my portion of the monthly donations from May will allow me to pay for it at last. So please don't think I would be draining the coffers by doing this. 

If we reach the updated goal, your generosity will allow us to put $2,000.00 into the operational buffer account (1 full month's expenses).

[Sideways]

I just joined the forum but I have to ask, what's costing so much? Paid devs, managed service, dedi server, or is the traffic really that high? $2000/mo sounds quite high.

[Susan]

That's server, hosting, and one full time staff member who receives $1,400 a month, and no other benefits. It's all detailed in previous threads in the announcement forum. That's a small fraction of what the job typically pays. We are a enterprise level site providing support to the transgender community on around $2000 a month. Based on a conservative estimate we typically serve 250,000-300,000 people, and just shy of 20 million page views per month. We have no advertisements, and no one is denied access because they can't or don't want to pay. We rely 100% on the generous support of our members. The goal was increased this month only from $2500 (costs plus $500 for our operational buffer) to $5,000 to make up for 4 consecutive months of shortfalls.