Well, as of today the hammer has been thrown down. I have no choice but to move the site to a new server. I'll be putting up a donation drive type of thing shortly. I didn't want to do this, but then I realized that the last one was about a year ago so I don't feel so bad now.

These things are going to have to happen every year. This one is just a more money than last one because this site is just too large to be hosted on a shared server with dozens (if not hundreds) of other domains. I suppose this is a good thing, right? I want a popular site. I just don't like paying so much for it.

The total upgrade cost out of pocket is currently $1020 + $60/month for as long as it takes me to gather up the sum and actually pay this bill. Once this is paid, we'll be paid for the entire year with $900 due each year after.

With our current plan, we've been hit with charges for monthly resource overages and I've paid 'em out of pocket. After being put on the new box, we'll have roughly 20 times more resource allocation than we do currently so these charges won't happen again unless we happen to grow tremendously again.

I don't have the money to pay entirely out of my own pocket to put the site on a new box. I'll have a bit more cash in February, but right now I don't have it.

At the bottom of the forum index page there is currently a "donate" box that lets you help out. In the next week I'll try to figure out something to set up and give appropriate thanks to people who donate. I’ll definitely put up a good contest for all those people who took part. The "goal" was dated a few weeks ago, so if you end up giving or have already done so in the last few weeks, you'll be counted.

I think people will step up and donate. And I don't think you should feel bad about a donation drive.
This is the site I visit more than any other. I'm sending something right now.


Gordon

Good idea to have a fund drive once a year.

I have to wait at least until mid next week to see how bad the damage to my credit card this month has been: Should be able to at least donate something, the scale of the something I still have to decide.

Just sent in my donation and I'm BUMPING this one up.

Just a thought: Now I'm sure that Nathan doesn't want to do any arm twisting or that anyone else do so, BUT if you visit very often, like EVERY day or a couple of times a week, you should at least consider a small donation and if your addiction to this site is strong; think of the withdrawal symptoms if it wasn't available anymore.

Personally I'm feeling much better now: the shakes and cold sweats are almost gone and my heart rate is almost back to normal and I don't have to scratch that horrible " I haven't contributed YET ICH " anymore. :p :p :p :lol:

I just kicked in what I could. That brings us to close to half way...

For the amount of information, entertainment, stress relief, and kicking around with friends that I get from this site, it's definitely some of the best-spent money of the year.

Donation sent. As always thanks for the great site Nathan.

Umm . . .you shouldn't feel bad Nathan, about asking us for donations. Many of us
are very willing to give it seeing all the hard work on this forum. You've just received
my donation.

Helen M.

Hi Nathan,

I've just made a small contribution. I can't do much at the present time but if every one of the 3533 registered members could do the same, you'll be ok for the next 3 years.

Thank you for this wonderful site.

Cheers,

David

Oh, and the present target is all well and good but if more money comes it will permit Nathan to do more and will give him a reserve for future upgrades or the peace of mind of having the next year prepaid for: So if the target is reached it doesn't mean that one shouldn't still donate a small amount if one has the possibility.

Also don't underestimate the value of even a $10 donation: You will hardly feel it and if a lot of people contribute it adds up and is a really good way to show Nathan that his work is appreciated.

Let's see $10 is how many cappuchinos or donuts or movie tickets ?

25 people have stepped up and made a gift and the goal is within sight. :)

Aaron S. wrote "This is a heck of a community. It's great that we've been able to pull together to keep moving forward."[/quote]

Right there with ya' Aaron. This site & it's members make for something special.

Bill

That was fast. :cool: Seems that the target amount was reached faster than last year. :D

After the help and advice freely given to a complete newbee, how could I not donate. The help and information in this community is nothing short of astounding. The amount of History available here is gob smacking! Now I feel SOOOO much better having bought my 'fake' sword simply because it led me here. New hobby? you bet!! My donation is only a small token, but that will no doubt change as I become more fluent in the pursuit of the "sharp and pointy" thanks guys.

I just finished pitching in a donation myself. I hope it went thru OK. I've met some great people on this site. If not for the wonderful articles, reviews, events (like the Round Tables parties), and -- most importantly -- the people, I certainly would not have the appreciation and fascination of medieval history. Here's to Nathan, Chad, Patrick, and the rest of you guys (and gals)! :)

Too late now, but I've added a small sum myself. Hopefully it will pay towards next year.

Of course I am doing this for the most selfish of reasons, I have made loads of contributions to the forums and albums and I have no desire to see them go up in smoke. The most selfish reason of all is the fact that I enjoy this website very much and I want to continue enjoying it. :D

Nathan!
I just want to check the numbers here, :confused:

are it like 1080 and all are great,
or 1080+900 and all are great,
or 1020+ 12x60=720 +900 =2640 and all are great :eek: