Site News and Information => Community alerts => Topic started by: Pema on November 09, 2025, 02:58:15 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Pema on November 09, 2025, 02:58:15 PM
Hi, Everyone. By now, I'm sure you've all seen Susan's post about the financial crisis threatening the survival of this exceptional community.

Susan's Place Closes November 14th — Six Days Left (https://www.susans.org/index.php?action=globalannounce;sa=view;id=1)

I'm posting to share a few of my thoughts about this. I hope that's OK.

  • We all know how extraordinarily valuable this place is, so I'm encouraging anyone who can to Subscribe (https://www.susans.org/index.php?action=profile;area=subscriptions) to support the site. I'm pledging $10/month. It's not much, but I can do that. If you can't commit to a monthly subscription but could spare even a small donation once in a while, please do.
  • I don't use Paypal. I've had bad experiences with them in the past and, with considerable difficulty, closed my account there. What I'm doing instead is that I've made a donation and have also set up calendar reminders to do so again on the first of every month. It's not perfect, but it will get the job done. I'll keep looking for ways to automate it from my side.
  • I think it's worthwhile to have a place to discuss this reality of our beloved community. I'm grateful to Susan for - along with everything else - letting us know what she needs and asking for it. I feel like it's beneficial to have it out in the open for us to acknowledge that this is a feature of our existence here and it's up to us to pitch in and help if we can, maybe even come up with other creative ways of lending our support.

I completely understand that not everyone is in a position to contribute financially, but I'll bet there are enough of us who can that we can keep our community alive and thriving.

We are nothing if not resilient. Thank you all for being the incredible people that you are.

With gratitude,
Pema
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Charlotte_Ringwood on November 09, 2025, 04:13:35 PM
I've not been here long yet already finding this such a lovely place with genuinely nice people. This feels like a special place so hope we can save it by working together.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Susan on November 09, 2025, 04:48:04 PM
Re: Supporting Susan's Place

Thank you, Pema, for such a thoughtful post — and for taking the initiative to start this conversation. Your message captures perfectly what makes this community so special: people looking out for one another and stepping up when it matters most. I also deeply appreciate your monthly commitment and your efforts to find alternatives to PayPal after your experience with them. That kind of dedication truly helps keep Susan's Place alive.

Charlotte_Ringwood, I'm so glad you're already finding kindness and connection here. What you said — that this feels like a special place worth saving — means the world to me. That sense of belonging is exactly what I've worked to nurture for almost 30 years.

Quote from: Pema on November 09, 2025, 02:58:15 PMI don't use Paypal. I've had bad experiences with them in the past and, with considerable difficulty, closed my account there. What I'm doing instead is that I've made a donation and have also set up calendar reminders to do so again on the first of every month. It's not perfect, but it will get the job done. I'll keep looking for ways to automate it from my side.

What you describe here is incredibly thoughtful. Not everyone is in a position to use the same services, and the fact that you went out of your way to create your own system so you could still support the site means more than I can say.

To give everyone a quick update: I'm about two-thirds of the way through writing the new SMF2Donations system. It's designed around a modular gateway structure. PayPal will be one of the options, but I'll also be adding others such as Stripe, Square, Patreon, Venmo, Ko-fi, and similar services. Hopefully one of those will simplify your donation process, Pema.

As I bring each of these modules online, the planned donation flow will be to show icons for each of the enabled payment providers. Then you will select the one you want to use, after which you will be given a custom donation form designed exclusively for that provider.

This is being designed from the ground up to be a secure, auditable, enterprise-level donation system. Once it is stable and in regular use on my own site, I plan to make it available free of charge to the wider community using the same forum software we are running here.

I'm also considering adding cryptocurrency support as an additional option. If I do that, anything received that way would be converted to cash immediately, rather than being left sitting vulnerable on an exchange, or in a wallet.

Below are a few screenshots of what's already working — the Import, Dashboard, Manual Entry, Transactions, and Goals sections. I want everyone to be able to see that progress is happening and that this is being built to last, not just patched together. I pixelated out member's personal information, and things such as transaction id's and aggregate totals.

My hope is that, as this all comes together, it will make it easier for anyone who wants to support the site to do so in whatever way works best and safest for them.

Thank you all again for the compassion, creativity, and resilience you bring to this community. Susan's Place has always been more than a website — it's a home we've built together, and I'm doing everything I can to keep that home standing for many years to come.

Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Pema on November 09, 2025, 07:36:40 PM
Thank you, Susan. I always enjoy seeing software works-in-progress (seriously!).

I'd thought about mentioning Patreon but didn't know whether that was a viable option. I'm glad it is. I subscribe to other services through Patreon, so that would be easy for me.

Given that the site's financial stability is so precarious and users come and go, I wonder if there's a way to keep the need for contributions more prominently displayed. I know it isn't glamorous and may feel "needy" to have that in people's faces continuously, but it's a reality. This unique, powerful resource only continues to exist if people support it. it's truly that simple.

Thank you again. We can make this happen.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Dances With Trees on November 10, 2025, 10:41:13 AM
Like Pema, I don't use PayPal (or any of the other methods mentioned). But will get a check in the mail today. I am grateful to everyone on this site for helping me navigate one of the most tumultuous times of my life. I sincerely hope that Susan's will be there for the next Anni who stumbles through her door filled with hope and desperation.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Pugs4life on November 10, 2025, 10:46:30 AM
Dear Pema,

I just wanted to say what an absolutely amazing human being you are! 

My spouse and I are doing a monthly subscription to support Susan's Place in hopes of keeping this indespensible resource going. This has been a lifeline for me on the journey I am on and would be lost without it.  My hope is that we can all come together and save Susan's Place from going dark.

With my gratitude,
Pugs4life

 
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Rochelle on November 10, 2025, 12:30:01 PM
Even though I just joined, the information and thoughts I have found on the site have meant a lot to me.  I subscribed on the day Susan made the support post.  I'm using paypal for this.  If there's a better option in the future, I can swap it over.

The thought of this resource disappearing is quite upsetting as I learn something new every time I read through the posts.  The support the members provide each other is a lifeline sometimes and this going away is just heartbreaking.

I'm unsure how paypal ties to the accounts here when subscribing.  I did DM you Susan on Discord about the sub as I can't DM here on the forum yet, too new, and my paypal email is different than the one I use here if that makes a difference.

Hopefully it all comes together and the site can remain online.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Pema on November 10, 2025, 12:57:18 PM
Thank you all, every one of you. You are the ones who implement Susan's vision by sharing your stories, your struggles and successes, your joys and your heartaches - and yes, your financial support.

I knew immediately when I first came here a few short months ago that the people here were very special, having open hearts like I've never encountered elsewhere in such numbers. Since then, the depth of that realization has only grown. You all are really exceptional.

We are more than a community; we're a family. And here we are coming together to keep our family healthy. I can't thank you enough.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Resmiranda on November 10, 2025, 05:19:57 PM
I also donated what I can lump-sum and subscribed. It's funny, perhaps: I first found this site when I was a teenager at the turn of the millennium, and the account I had then is long irrecoverable. Here I am two and a half decades later and while I've not posted here in 20 years (and this account is new!) it has meant the world to me this place existed, and exists.

It was happenstance that led me to click this bookmark over the weekend and see the banner.

Susan, thank you for ... everything. Making this place. Having it there for me as a youngling. Keeping it for all those who need it.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Amaranth on November 10, 2025, 06:02:23 PM
I'm another "new member" who's been reading since the 1990s, though not as much in recent years. A friend alerted me, and I'm happy to make a one-time donation and set up a subscription. This site is a precious resource, and to Susan: thank you for keeping the ads and governments at bay. Happy to help now that I'm in a position to (which I was not, early on).
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Susan on November 10, 2025, 06:19:16 PM
I am cooking dinner right now will reply personally later. If you can send me your paypal names via a pm and I will make sure your accounts gets the flags you deserve! When things slow down a bit, I need to get with paypal support to find out why it's not happening automatically.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Lori Dee on November 10, 2025, 08:18:29 PM
Hello Resmiranda and Amaranth,

Thank you for your generous support and contributions. Every little bit helps, and it is people like you who realize the value of this place and keep it going.

We want to get to know you. Please stop by our Introductions Forum (https://www.susans.org/index.php?board=8.0) and introduce yourself.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL-AGES  PUBLIC   Forum and the internet never forgets.  Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public. SAFETY FIRST!

Your old accounts may still be recoverable if you are interested. Send an email to our Forum Administrator, Danielle (Northern Star Girl), at AlaskanDanielle@yahoo.com. She will ask for information to help her locate the accounts and verify you as the owner. Then she can get you access to the old account or move any old posts to your new account. Whatever you prefer.

I will add links below that are important for new and returning members.
Pay special attention to the links in RED.

If you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at LoriDee605@outlook.com.

Once again, welcome to Susan's Place, and thank you so much for your support.

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff



Things that you should read

  • New Members... Please Read this First (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,250343.msg2295001.html#msg2295001)
  • Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,2.0.html)
  • Site Policies and stuff to remember (https://www.susans.org/index.php/board,492.0.html)
  • Membership Agreement (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,216851.0.html)
  • Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,82221.0.html)
  • How to Contact Forum Staff Members (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,246913.0.html)
  • Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,54369.0.html)
  • News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,174951.0.html)
  • Photos, avatars, & signature images (https://www.susans.org//index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866)



@Resmiranda
@Amaranth
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Rochelle on November 10, 2025, 09:03:06 PM
hmm, maybe visitor accounts don't get flags until they become newbies?
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Alana Ashleigh on November 10, 2025, 09:41:33 PM
I will be donating. I saw the message Sunday morning, and felt terrible all day. This website has been so important to my journey. I don't know if I would've made it as far as I have without it.

Edit: I just donated
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 10, 2025, 10:19:21 PM
@Alana Ashleigh  @Amaranth  @Resmiranda  @Rochelle  @Charlotte_Ringwood

IMPORTANT NOTE for all newer members and any members that have Donated or Subscribed:
        We are not always able to connect Paypal donation names with our
        site's user/member names, so if you are not seeing your much deserved
        Donator and/or Subscriber BADGE on your profile, please send us details
        in a private message on the forum, or via private Email to:
Susan [Susan's Place Founder]  susan@susans.org
Danielle [Northern Star Girl] [The Forum Administrator]  alaskandanielle@yahoo.com

Once your reach the 15 posting threshold then you will be able to send Forum Private Messages.

Thank you for your generosity and your desire to help keep Susan's Place up and running.
Warmly, Danielle
[Northern Star Girl]

    @Susan    @Northern Star Girl
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Sarah B on November 10, 2025, 11:17:06 PM
Hi  Resmiranda and Amaranth

My name is Sarah and I would also like to formally, Welcome you both to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

Thank you also for your generous support and contributions as well.  As Lori said.  It would be interesting to tell us what has happened in the intervening years that you have been away.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.   I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets.   Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to both of you to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@Resmiranda @Amaranth
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Asche on November 11, 2025, 07:11:20 AM
I tried to set up a recurring donation (I'm old, and my memmury don't werk so gud :-) ), but the only option provided is PayPal.

And I was willing to use PayPal, except that it can't handle billing addresses that are a P.O. box.  I put mine in in three different ways, but each time it changes the address to something else, e.g., "123 box wood court."  And I don't think that whatever validates the credit card info will match that with my actual billing address.  So anything that involves PayPal is impossible for me.

The easiest thing for me is to mail a check, but I don't see an address (or the correct name to put on the check.)
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Asche on November 11, 2025, 07:35:27 AM
By searching the site, I found a 10 year old post with an address and name: (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,211322.msg1871067.html#msg1871067)

Susan Larson
709 Perkins Ave
Clarksville, TN 37040

But the post is pretty old, so I don't know if the address is still current.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Lori Dee on November 11, 2025, 09:04:48 AM
Quote from: Asche on November 11, 2025, 07:35:27 AMBy searching the site, I found a 10 year old post with an address and name: (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,211322.msg1871067.html#msg1871067)

Susan Larson
709 Perkins Ave
Clarksville, TN 37040

But the post is pretty old, so I don't know if the address is still current.

Hi Asche,

Thanks for helping out. Try sending a PM directly to Susan and she can help you with that.
Thanks again!

@Susan
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 11, 2025, 12:36:49 PM
@Asche
Dear Asche:
    The Mailing address that you found for Susan Larson is correct,
               
            Susan Larson
            709 Perkins Ave
            Clarksville, TN 37040


HUGS, Danielle
[Northern Star Girl]
      The Forum Administrator      Direct Email:  alaskandanielle@yahoo.com


Quote from: Asche on November 11, 2025, 07:35:27 AMBy searching the site, I found a 10 year old post with an address and name: (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,211322.msg1871067.html#msg1871067)

Susan Larson
709 Perkins Ave
Clarksville, TN 37040

But the post is pretty old, so I don't know if the address is still current.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Susan on November 11, 2025, 01:44:34 PM
I have the cheapest rent in my town. 450$ a month and $25 extra since they are allowing us to have dogs,  originally the lease was no pets. If I ever had to move I don't think I could afford this town.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 11, 2025, 02:21:05 PM
Quote from: Susan on November 11, 2025, 01:44:34 PMI have the cheapest rent in my town. 450$ a month and $25 extra since they are allowing us to have dogs,  originally the lease was no pets. If I ever had to move I don't think I could afford this town.
@Susan
Dear Susan:
Your site, Susan's Place and the Forum, is providing support and a SAFE place for all of our members.
  ❤️❤️❤️  We  LOVE you Susan. ❤️❤️❤️   
 
          THANK YOU for all that you do.


HUGS, Danielle
[Northern Star Girl]
  The Forum Administrator  Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Asche on November 13, 2025, 01:22:13 PM
FWIW, since I can't use PayPal, I dropped a check to Susan in the (US) mail today.  Won't make her deadline, but hopefully it will at least reduce the debts.
Title: Re: Supporting Susan's Place
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 13, 2025, 02:52:20 PM
  @Asche
Dear Asche:
Thank you for generosity and for your message informing us of your donation plans.
Rest assured, we fully appreciate any donation, big or small.... and being a little late
does NOT diminish our appreciation of your gift. 
                  THANK YOU
As soon as your donation is processed, I will confirm to you that we received it.


Warmly, Danielle
[Northern Star Girl]
  The Forum Administrator    Direct Email: alasksandanielle@yahoo.com

                    cc: @Susan

Quote from: Asche on November 13, 2025, 01:22:13 PMFWIW, since I can't use PayPal, I dropped a check to Susan in the (US) mail today.  Won't make her deadline, but hopefully it will at least reduce the debts.