As of today (8/4/2008) the Donations option is now available ("again" for you old timers as many of you ask for it to return).
How it works and the various options:
Two Options to pick from for your donation:
Option One: AL Meetup Fund
This is an annual fund I had previously mentioned on the forum elsewhere. Simply put, donations will go into a pool. Based on the pool funds, they will be dispersed geographically for AL Meetup events. (West Coast/East Coast/Canada/International location) Since the majority (nearly 60%) of the site members are on the West coast, the largest portion goes to that event. Recently the July Meetup was granted $1000 which I paid. If you think I am making it up...ask CD.
The annual goal for this fund is $2500. Deduct the $1K and that leaves $500 per each of the other event locations which are typically smaller anyway.
Option Two: AL Site Cost Fund
Plain and simple. The site cost money to keep online. I fund it out of my pocket. I have set this goal at $3500 per year as just the badwidth alone cost me $311 per month not counting software/renewals etc.
If you feel like helping "keep the site alive"...go for it. It would certainly help me out. And to squelch the notion that I make a ton of $$ from the ads....not hardly. 95% of the ads on this site require more than just clicking on them for me to make any $$. You have to click and then actually patronize the site and "THEN" I get a small commission which is usually 2-10%.
- You also have the option when making a donation to select to have it auto renew in which case the site will renew the same amount on the anniversary of the first donation.
- Donation amounts are preset at variables $1 minimum to $1000. If you desire to donate a different amount, then select custom.
- Members whom donate will be recognized on their profile/post fields within msgs signifying they are a donating/supporting member.
The legal crap:
- Donations are final and no refunds are given once the transaction is complete.
- Donating in no way exempts you from normal forum rules/behavior nor does it buy you any favoritism from me or any of the admin team!
- Should your account get terminated/banned - you are not entitled to a refund either in full or prorated.
Donations and Explanation
Hell... some of us should consider it rent, LOL
