"Donations" to site upkeep?

No, Ziggy, it's because of all the abuse we give CK.........and all the abuse she gives us!!!

That's why I believe we should keep it an open forum where people donate or subscribe voluntarily because they enjoy GC and the people on it. We had a tremendous response this month, and we are extremely grateful for that, but we can't expect that in the future. So members should be able to donate/subscribe when they want to and can afford to, not disappearing because they feel guilty or pressurised to donate when they can't afford it.

 

That's a very well worded paragraph but I think we need to add that "even if you do have some spare cash you needn't feel guilty about not subscribing". The definition of spare cash is different to everyone.

The whole ethos of GC is that it's for the members and none of us want to see that change. I'm sure that Nathan will now be receiving sufficient funds (as Dave suggests) to keep GC running in the way he has developed it and there won't be a necessity to introduce any other method. Particularly as it's now possible to donate by cheque if you don't wish to use PayPal.

An occasional reminder by one of the members that it's possible to help towards the cost of running GC can always boost the donations. That should be sufficient.

 

I have a bit of a problem with an annual subscription. If I had been told when I joined GC that there would be an anual sub, I probably wouldn't have bothered. It's only when you realise how good the site is that you become prepared to donate. So I prefer a donation to a subscription.

This also leaves it up to the individual, which I think is more in keeping with the ethos of the forum.

 

I can actually see everyone's point of view and they all have good reasoning behind them......with no banging of drums etc.

But, for me, what makes GC special is the differences in points of view of all members which instead of separating us actually binds us all into a special place where we able to swap info, advice, jokes, sympathy, and friendship. GC is an open door to all who want to come and enjoy it, gain and give gardening advice etc and that open door allows people contemplating joining us to do just that without worrying about a financial bar, however low, to jump. Later on, when they realise the value of the site people do, like us, contemplate donating and/or subscribing.
I've been trying to think of an analogy with regard to introducing "on entry" subscriptions and this is the best I can do. When I was a kid the street I lived in was a micro society of very warm, open people. Neighbours would help out when others were ill or in trouble, borrowing food and tea when they ran short and always repaying it back. But that could not have happened but for one thing.....an open door. Every house in that street left their front door open, you could walk in and there would be a kettle on the stove and a smile for you. If we hadn't had those open doors in every house, and just closed doors or had to "pay" on entry, the Street would not have been the close, warm, caring society that it was. To me Gardeners Corner is that Street again.
Shiney, in my opinion is right in saying that new members might be put off joining on finding that they have to pay to enter. Let people come in, "walk" around, chat with other members, enjoy the warmth and spirit of GC without being pressured to donate or subscribe. I think, like Shiney, I might have had second thoughts about joining GC if I had to pay before I joined, whether I could afford it or not.....and look what I would have missed.!

 

But you've also had to put up with me and ziggy!!! (I wouldn't dream of mentioning any of the lovely ladies on here )

 

Moyra, I'll send the cheque I promised you right away!

I don't think anyone will notice we're colluding. :WINK1: