Donations/ Contributions/ dues????

Jay

OK…. Let us move these talks into the next stage. Many of us are members of clubs or other online groups. The clubs usually have yearly dues and the online groups have ways of accepting donations/contributions. Our membership crosses many lines; we come from different parts of the world and have members who have vastly different amounts of expendable funds. So, how should we progress? I propose for discussion the following:
1- Any funds raised should be done anonymously…no names or amounts posted, it must be done on a voluntary basis.
2- No set amount posted. To some a donation of $10 a year may be high, while others may want to contribute $30 or $50 or much more.
3- No change in the Forum... it is still Matt’s (other) baby. How it is administered and what direction it goes in, should remain as it has been.
4- The cost of setting up and running this donation/contribution program should be limited to the cost of a bank account to hold and disburse the funds.
5- There should be a sticky thread on the top of one of the boards that reminds the reader that “This board cost nothing for you to participate in but it does cost to run the site”. Contributions can be sent to Mr. /Ms. xyz at address. All contributions are anonymous. All donations need to be in US funds and that any amount is appreciated.
These are just my ideas on how we should proceed; they are not the only way to go, just something to get us going… and turn the talk into action.

Let’s talk this through for a while…. Get it right… then put it into action. I left out who should receive the funds being I do not know how Matt would like to do it. If it is not him, it should be someone who is near enough to him to be able to have a joint account… we doesn’t need our funds tied up if the ‘treasurer’ ups and dies….

OK my two cents… lets get this going
Jay

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dbz12fan

How about a paypal account as well? Many people, including myself, prefer to send money through paypal. Also, they are free to setup.

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Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

Treebeard

Good point Charles. Us overseas members who would like to contribute would find it easier to do so if paypal was accepted.

Regards,

Chris/TB

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Adam_MA

I just want to throw in a quick reminder that the yellow adds that are at the top of the main bonsaiTALK page and sometimes show up at the top of the forum also financially support this forum so remember to click them. I click all 4 adds and let the corresponding page load fully once a day.

Jay I like the idea just need that address!

Adam

Carl_Bergstrom

Again, you're right on the mark, Jay. Thanks! I like your set of suggestions, and I like Charles' paypal idea.

I'd say "count me in" but after all, the donations are supposed to be anonymous.

Best regards,
Carl

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Erik

There are many sites out there that have the PayPal donation button. It's just a simple goodwill, help out your frequently visited site.

I definitely think there should be one here.

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TreeBay

Greetings -

Thank you for the suggestion! I am checking into adding a Paypal donate button. Should have more information in a day or two.

I think perhaps that while the amount of the donation could remain anonymous, it might be nice to have a "bonsaiTALK Supporter" together with the year the donation was made appearing beneath a member's name. Of course, that recognition could be waived at the member's request, but I know I would like it.

What do you think?

Regards,

Matt

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Jay

Matt, I agree that it is nice to get recognition, I was just hoping not to make those members who are not able to contribute feel... less as members. Or, to make it seem that those who do contribute are any better than those who do not. That is my mind set... but I have no problem if it is felt to be 'a good thing' to recognize the contributers...

Either way... lets get going.....

I promise to do my thing and remind our membership to contribute.... hopfully every year. Perhaps I will incorperate it in with my statistics threads....

Jay

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A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

Drakkn

Great idea Jay. I'm kind of surprised it wasn't here allready. Some of us n00bies aren't really able to contribute any other way. I hang out in the background of this forum but I learn a whole lot from everyone. It would be nice to be able to help out.