Domain hijacked

[ThePhoenix]

I wonder if any thought has been given to incorporating as a nonprofit?  That would make donations tax deductible, which would make them more affordable (tax benefits) and facilitate receiving donations from corporations, foundations, etc. 

[Susan]

I wanted to donate, but I got a rude surprise. My paycheck was missing about 40 hours of pay.

Oh that sucks LordKat. Your volunteering is donation enough seriously!

[Susan]

I wanted to donate, but I got a rude surprise. My paycheck was missing about 40 hours of pay.

Oh that sucks LordKat. Your volunteering is donation enough seriously!

I wonder if any thought has been given to incorporating as a nonprofit?  That would make donations tax deductible, which would make them more affordable (tax benefits) and facilitate receiving donations from corporations, foundations, etc.

Eventually that's a possibility but I have many years of funding invested and would need to recover a significant portion of that before we do.

[Violet Bloom]

I wonder if any thought has been given to incorporating as a nonprofit?  That would make donations tax deductible, which would make them more affordable (tax benefits) and facilitate receiving donations from corporations, foundations, etc.

  I would certainly appreciate it if this were possible, but it does come with other complications and obligations that might be beyond the resources of the Admin.  Worth considering though, I suppose.

[Violet Bloom]

  I have to wonder if, given that this site is so important to so many people around the globe, there might be a legal firm willing to offer help in this situation free or discounted, particularly if there is one with a transgender employee.  I know there is a toronto lawyer who is trans and deals in trans legal issues primarily (see article http://www.thestar.com/news/pridetoronto/2014/06/28/world_pride_throwing_a_legal_lifeline_to_the_trans_community.html).  Perhaps they or their firm would at least be able to offer some advice since trans issues seem to be their primary concern.  A human rights issue is probably not something your 'agitator' would want to get mired in, especially if it gets press coverage as such.  Holding an innocent non-profit mental health support site hostage over an unrelated financial dispute isn't exactly the best way to further a business's interests I would think.

[DragonBeer]

Paypal account got limited, got to resolve the stuff before I can send money. >_<

[Rosa]

I wish that I could donate, but I am living hand to mouth and have medical bills.  I will send something if I can.

Do we have any lawyers here at Susan's.  Would be nice if you could get a lawyer pro bono.

What about pressure from publicity - someone else hit on the idea.  Would it be a good idea for someone to write up a press release and send it to the Advocate, GLAAD, HRC, and GLBTI news organizations?

[Susan]

The goal is to settle this without throwing everything to chance on the legal system. I am still trying to work it out. Lawyers and court are a last resort.

[Rudy King]

If I may ask, who pays the bill for the domain?
You might be able to get this resolved with ICANN.  They are the keepers of domains, and IP addresses.  They kinda have a final word on stuff like this.

[Jen72]

I truly wish I could offer some assistance but alas I am also unemployed.

But I can at least offer you a HUG and this site is extremely well run its a real shame some a....les can ruin such a tight knit community. Well ok not ruin I am sure you will pull through this very well and perhaps better then before give it will be totally yours and your control.

I realize I am pretty darn new and really just discovering self etc but as I have seen the community as a whole is extremely well informed and supportive as well when they don't know to send you to someone who can help (therapist or something).

I will offer you my hugs and a prayer even though not religious that you shall persevere and come out stronger then ever:)

Maybe a good luck on your next lottery purchase!!:)

One thing though please for gods sake take care of yourself I know the site is important but without you there is no leader of the site. Try not to stress it out too much take some deep breaths to focus and all shall become clear and no skimping on your diet young lady!:)

[Susan]

He did that's why he was able to do this. However I was the registrant (the owner) for 19 years and can prove that, and I did not authorize any changes to the domain ownership. Yes,  I can go the icann route but again that throws things to chance.  What happens if they rule he was the one who paid the registration fees and it's his. I am then without any recourse. Once he put the privacy stuff on only he can make changes to the domain. Give me time I am trying to get this resolved. The Gendersupport site makes sure that we can't just be shut off.  Which weakens his position.

Right now the situation is looking a bit more promising, but we will see. I won't count my chickens until they hatch. There's a definate possibility the domain ownership will soon be restored.  That doesnt' change the fact that I can't continue to bear the expenses of the site by myself. I will keep you informed as details become clear.

Right now I am going to spend the next several months making some exciting changes to the web site. These are things you can look forward to as a result of the support that people have given. Before the site got whatever time I had left over and that wasn't nearly as much as I would have liked. Running a site like this is really is a full time job for several people. You get me and the all volunteer staff.

The first visible change will be a full redesign of the site from top to bottom. It will be followed by new and updated content for the members. I will need people willing to regularly write and contribute transgender specific content.

If the donations continue to pay the site expenses all of this new content will be available without a subscription. If not then it may have to be released under a subscribers get access first model (90 Days before public release).

[Ms Bev]

Susan, I just dropped in to check on things, and am shocked.  I'm so sorry. I hope you make this jackass pay for the trouble he's caused.  I would help if I could, but I cannot.  Marcy passed away this past December, Christmas Eve night.  I am still reeling from that......we were together since 1971. 
My finances are at rock bottom at the moment, and I'm trying to make everything work.
I know I'm hardly ever here, but still I care, a lot, and this stinks.  I wish the best for you.

[Susan]

Susan, I just dropped in to check on things, and am shocked.  I'm so sorry. I hope you make this jackass pay for the trouble he's caused.  I would help if I could, but I cannot.  Marcy passed away this past December, Christmas Eve night.  I am still reeling from that......we were together since 1971. 
My finances are at rock bottom at the moment, and I'm trying to make everything work.
I know I'm hardly ever here, but still I care, a lot, and this stinks.  I wish the best for you.

Sorry to hear that Bev miss you! Hopefully you come back soon!

[DragonBeer]

Donated what I can, it's not much though.

[Susan]

Donated what I can, it's not much though.

Thank you Dragon while we are doing great this month, I need to see how it does in coming months. So anything at all helps. This is the first month since we started accepting donations over a year ago that the site has met and exceeded the funding goal for a month. I want thank everyone who has stepped up to make that possible! The majority of the money will be used over the next few months to pay expenses.

On Monday I start the long awaited and foretold redesign of Susan's Place.

I have already started purchasing the hardware that is required for the hosting of the servers to replace what I lost when I became unemployed. I also purchased a printer so that I can print documentation and letters as needed.

Though I have got to replace my current shoes some of the foam internal materials has busted through and they look horrible.  I will be doing that later today. If anyone doubts the need I will post a picture and this is my only pair of shoes.

On more a positive note getting the domain back is looking like it may happen but it's stuck waiting for that domains by proxy stuff to be removed.

That's where we are at right now.

[Dee Marshall]

So, what you're saying, Susan, is that, collectively, we're keeping you barefoot, not pregnant, and in the server room.

[Stephanie2]

Me, like so many others, were laid off. The company is getting me odd jobs, but not getting the hours that I used to. The money for the E patches cut into that, that much more. Everything keeps going up and up and money for me keeps going down and down. Bummer! I'm sorry!

[Susan]

Me, like so many others, were laid off. The company is getting me odd jobs, but not getting the hours that I used to. The money for the E patches cut into that, that much more. Everything keeps going up and up and money for me keeps going down and down. Bummer! I'm sorry!

You are fine Stephanie! I know exactly how you are feeling. Don't worry. When you get that nice job and can do so, then you can offer your support. until then keep yourself fed, and keep yourself safe.

[stephaniec]

I sorry Susan I'll try to donate when I can, I know I tend to use a lot of electricity because I post so much, but my brain seems to enjoy posting on your site , it's kind of bio-feedback

[Stephanie2]

You are fine Stephanie! I know exactly how you are feeling. Don't worry. When you get that nice job and can do so, then you can offer your support. until then keep yourself fed, and keep yourself safe.

Thanks for your understanding, Susan! I will do what I can later on, as sooner or later things have got to get better!