I'll happily donate three additional amounts to DU for any three DUers whom ...

[understandinglife]

... can't afford to make a donation, now.

First-come, first-serve. Only qualification is that you must have at least 500 posts at DU and be a member since 2006.

Peace,
Bob

[cynatnite]

1. How 'bout me?

Hubby just changed jobs and money is a bit tight. :loveya: Been here since 2004 and have lots of posts.

on edit: Not afraid to beg.

[Divine Discontent]

2. 'on edit: Not afraid to beg' - ha! how ur loved cynatnite! glad the OP is doing this, $ is tight eom

[az chela]

3. That is a very generous thing to do.On behalf of the people

who get it THANKS

[Cerridwen]

4. This is a nice thing you're doing, understandinglife.

K & R

[Aristus]

5. I have 16,401 posts and I've been here since September, 2001.

Help out a student?

[Luminous Animal]

6. Does the site even need donations?

It is riddled with ads. I suspect the admins are making a tidy sum.

[WheelWalker]

7. The greater need is to be a giver.

[Luminous Animal]

9. I give quite a bit...

thank you very much. But I give to organizations who are transparent about their finances. If the amount of ads is any indication, the powers that be are doing pretty well for themselves.

[arcos]

42. You obviously know nothing at all about internet advertising, right?

It is very hard to make money just off Google Ads, you would need direct sponsors and that doesn't come easy.

You should do your homework before speculating.

[Cerridwen]

10. You picked a poor username

when you dispense such wisdom.

I like what you said and how you said it. Your username is ironic. :D

[Luminous Animal]

14. Does the village idiot give to anyone that asks?

The user name may be more telling than you expect.

Listen... I think this is a very worthwhile site. As there are a multitude of very worthwhile sites and causes. But what is wrong with asking why do the Admins need donations when they've, quite successfully, solicited major and minor advertising.

[Cerridwen]

19. The Village Idiot said "the greater need is to be the giver"

That was all I commented on. Nothing more, nothing less.

It was not a slam against you or your post; which I'd have to browse to in order to know what it was. It was not a judgment of your or your post. It was simply an acknowledgment of The Village Idiot's brief phrase...

"the greater need is to be the giver"

[Luminous Animal]

21. Ah, I see.

Never mind.

[WheelWalker]

26. It is not a question of need. Donations are, as you rightly

point out, probably insignificant when compared to earned revenue. Donations are, rather, opportunities to register one's appreciation for the good work done. I don't care how much money the owners have, or don't have. I want them to know I appreciate this place. It's a manifestation of the old fashioned, "thank you." If I value something, I want to support it. If I judge anything, it will be the work that's done, not the cash flow or size of Swiss accounts.

We always seem to need what we want, but seldom want what we need. Isn't it strange the things we least want, we get with the greatest of speed?

[Luminous Animal]

29. That is cool,

that you think money = appreciation. I approach it from another angle. Rather, I think participation (even lurking because lurking increases advertiser opportunity) and even a simple "thank you" is appreciation.

But, because I think this is a valuable resource, if need were demonstrated, I'd gladly realign some priorities and donate. On the other hand, if the revenue stream is stable because of advertising, then there is no need for my donation or anyone else's, for that matter.

[WheelWalker]

32. Sometimes I give a hug or a kiss because it will make another feel good...sometimes,

because it will make me feel good. It usually makes us both feel good.

[cynatnite]

8. Those who donate do not see the ads...

If someone deems the site is worth donating to, they will. That's how it works.

[Luminous Animal]

11. I understand.

But is that the only reason to donate? If there are actual financial reasons, shouldn't donors know what they are? I'm pretty sure that the average DUers would advise full disclosure from any organization that solicits donations.

[cynatnite]

12. Bandwidth costs money is another reason...

considering how much traffic this site gets and how much is offered soliciting donations shouldn't be surprising. I understand that operating a place such of this probably gets expensive. In fact, a lot sites do the same exact thing. It's normal and not unusual.

[Luminous Animal]

17. Yes, indeed.

Bandwidth does cost money and advertising does bring in revenue. Is there a FAQ or other link where I can access the sites finances in order to assess whether or not my donation is worthwhile? Are the Admin's salaries $100,000... $200,000. These kind of answers are important to a lower middle class person when making a decision on which organization to support. I don't like giving in a vacuum.

[WheelWalker]

15. Those with the vision to see will find light on the path. nt

[ScreamingMeemie]

18. It costs money to run this clearing house of Democratic info, issues

and even flamewars. If you donate, you will not see any "annoying" ads. This is an easy to use format that costs quite a bit to maintain, the admins have been pretty transparent about the upgrades they make to keep the site running relatively smoothly. Having been here for 5 years, as the years have gone by, I have noticed less downtimes, more options and abilities etc. I'd say that's pretty transparent.

[Luminous Animal]

20. I never said the ads were annoying.

But they are ubiquitous. I am simply asking why there is any need for fundraising when soliciting advertising seems so wildly successful. I have absolutely no problem with donating when need is demonstrated. I run (an extremely) small website. When I ask for donations, I give a full accounting of money raised and where money is spent.

[ScreamingMeemie]

22. And I simply answered your question. Do a search.

Oh, that's right, you can't because you don't donate. Skinner,elad,EarlG are quite transparent and this site is quite well run because of the donations which fund the upgrades. If you want to see donations not at work I would suggest Freerepublic.com.

As an aside, I give money because I want to. I gave money here, to begin with, because it is an excellent place for like minds (for the most part) to come together.

I'll put it another way...if you were dying of cancer and had no insurance, I would give (if I were able at the time) because I cared about you, or wanted to do something for someone. I would not expect a public accounting of where exactly that money went.

I don't see your point here.


And, on edit, I searched for you... Here's your transparency, although I am sure costs have risen a bit in the last few years:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1571234

[Luminous Animal]

23. So, if I donate...

I can see a breakdown of revenue vs expenses? I would be able to access that part of this site that transparently illustrates the need for personal donations in order to keep this place running?

My point is... I have finite funds. I like this place. But if the admins are making an upper middle class living on advertising revenue, then I see no need to donate. I'd rather put my money towards another such as, a cancer patient with no insurance.

To be clear, I do not begrudge the Admins ability to make a comfortable living off of their efforts but if they can make a comfortable living off of advertising alone, then why donate? Why not use my meager disposable income to support something else?

You see, because I think this is a valuable site, I've always felt the impulse to donate, but the need as never been demonstrated.

[ScreamingMeemie]

24. See my edit above.

You now have transparency. The decision is yours.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1571234

[Luminous Animal]

25. Dear,

that was 4 years ago. Before all the burst of advertising.

[ScreamingMeemie]

27. Dearest,

I think you wish to be contentious. Read my edit. Also, donate and do a search on the ads. Skinner has posted on them and the revenue they (don't) bring in numerous times, darling. Beloved, I am done searching for you as I find you don't wish to have transparency you wish to proclaim something that simply isn't there. You will find what you are looking for at Freerepublic, a site that solicits tons of donations and then does naught to improve functionality. Sleep well sweetheart.

[Luminous Animal]

28. I do not wish to be contentious.

It is an honest question. I am merely an advocate for the position that any organization that solicits donations, ought to be clear as to the reasons why my donation will make a difference.

I appreciate the search and acknowledge that the 4 year old link that you posted was, indeed, transparent. What is simply not there, apparently, is a follow up. Which I think is necessary when asking other folks for money.

You can accuse me of belonging at Free Republic all you want. (Isn't that skirting the rules?) But the fact is, I won't donate to "save the seals", "save the whales", "save starving children in Africa", "support single-payer health care", "support family farms", "etc." without knowing what my dollars are funding.

I apologize about the use of dear. My daughter tells me it is an annoying bad habit.

[Lil Missy]

30. Then don't donate and drop it already. Jeezus.

I think you've made your postion clear enough already, and now you are just sounding like a jerk.

:eyes:

[Luminous Animal]

33. Okey doke.

I'll shut up, shut up, shut up.

[Lil Missy]

34. Thank you.

Truce?

:hi:

[Luminous Animal]

36. Are you soliciting a response from me?

Then my answer would have to be no. No truce.

I really do not care if you think I am being a jerk. I was raised to expect a full accounting from folks who ask for a handout. And I still expect a full accounting from folks who ask me for a handout.

I honestly do not understand what the problem is here. I teach my daughter and my nieces and nephews the same lesson that my parents taught me. Don't give anyone money unless you establish that the organization is legitimate (which I whole heartedly agree DU is) and that the organization can establish that there is a need (which, apparently, I cannot establish unless I donate).

I will say over an over again... DU is an exceptional resource. There are oodles of people here that are fantastic. BUT, does it need a portion of my meager funds to keep it going? If it does, then I would be happy to donate. But, there is no way I can find out if it does. That information is hidden from me.

[Lil Missy]

37. No, I was not soliciting a response. But you won't let it go and blessed us with another one anyway.

No truce? Fine.

kthxbai.

[Lisa0825]

46. It's not a handout. It's for services rendered.

They are not beggars asking for something for nothing. They provide a high quality service, and don't even require people to pay for it, but for those of us who can pay and who deem the service of enough value, we do so gladly. If you don't want to, that's fine and dandy. Enjoy the ads.

[ScreamingMeemie]

31. I did not accuse you of belonging there, I asked you to make

a comparison. I donate because I want to. End of story. Whether or not there is an accounting, which, in the case of DU, there is.

[Luminous Animal]

35. I really don't care...

if FR is bleeding their members dry. But I do expect accountability from the folks who've got their hand out. You say that it is there, and I suppose that I have to trust you that you are telling me the truth. Unfortunately, in order to access information regarding an accounting first hand, the average person who might consider donating, would have to donate first.

[ScreamingMeemie]

45. I showed you the proof, you use the proof every day.

I wouldn't worry about your donation (or not) there are enough who will cover your loss.

[tavalon]

39. 4 years ago, they were making about 30,000 per year in income

Two of them live in Washington DC and one in Portland, Or. Both places are not inexpensive. I doubt they are making much more than a cost of living difference. They do this because of love, not money.

[Luminous Animal]

41. How do you know?

How do you know how much money they are making now? Four years ago they had hardly any advertising to speak of but now there is advertising all over the place. I don't begrudge anyone making a good living but, as it stands, I cannot make an informed decision. The people who run this board are asking for my money. A lot of people ask me for my money and, in some cases, I am happy to donate. But, no matter who I donate to, I need information to find out if my donation is necessary.

Why is this concept so crazy? I live in San Francisco which is wildly expensive. Why can't I know whether or not I am donating money to an organization whose owners are making from advertising sales alone 2, 3, 4, 5, times more than I am making? Why is there no information provided so that I can intelligently choose to support one vital community over another?



(Edited for clarity.)

[tavalon]

43. You know how to contact them

PM one or all of them with your questions. Or are you just wanting to practice a little public character assassination?

I've met two out of the three of them. I looked into their eyes and took the measure of their souls. I do a hell of a better job at it than Dumbfuck McChimpy. These are good people doing good work out of a desire to coalesce a community rather than a desire for money. Typical liberals. But, you doubt, so you need to talk to them, not to us.

[Common Sense Party]

13. I definitely can't afford it. Medical bills have been crazy this year.

But at least I have insurance. There are others who need it more.

But I think you're very generous to offer this to others.

[JohnnyRingo]

16. You're a good person

...A quality I find in many DUers, it's so good to be a part of this community.

on edit...
To avoid possible confusion, I don't need help myself.

[EFerrari]

38. Thanks, Bob.

:)

[cwydro]

40. Very cool.

Someone donated for me today and it really made my day.

It's nice when people do things just out of the goodness of their heart.:)

[understandinglife]

44. I'm making donations for the following (8) DUers ... wish I could do more ...

cynatnite
cerridwen
Aristus
arcos
Lil Missy
Common Sense Party
JohnnyRingo
grasswire


Peace,
Bob

[Lisa0825]

47. That's very generous of you!

:pals:

[Lil Missy]

48. Well, thank you.