MESSAGE TO ALL W.O.N.Z. FORUMITES

[johnnyfalcon]

I've been chewing this one over for sometime now and I'd like to air my thoughts and tender your opinions too. This has to do with the plea from our 'AVM'.

I'm impressed with the foresight, initiative and downright dogged determination and effort shown by our Administrator to establish, maintain, supervise, contribute to, and make available free-of-charge this unique (to NZ) Forum to all us users (no offense intended).

This effort has resulted in a huge resource of information that I personally have benefited from and thoroughly enjoyed. I often felt (before I learned of this site) that there needed to be such a resource for aviation nuts like me. The more I use it the more it has become my first port-of-call for information both new and old.

How do I show this appreciation? Many have expressed words of appreciation. Making meaningful posts keep the flavour alive too. I raised this issue over a beer at 'Jessies' once some time ago and the modest response I got showed the pleasure found in providing this resource and the pride in it too, but unspoken, there was obviously a need for practical assistance.

The ball was left in my court. Well, OURS I believe. I for one wholeheartedly support any move to make financial contributions and am actively following through on this. I believe the Maori tradition of Koha is the spirit in which this should be done. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koha_%28custom%29

Before I make independent moves to this end (I've sent a PM already) I'd like to hear what others have to say. Suggestions on efficient and safe ways to do this would be appreciated.

Meantime I'd like to send a public and hearty well done to the man at the top CHEERS and BEERS!!

[johnh]

Dare I suggest,but I would be happy to pay a annual sub,say 5 bucks a month.It would be cheaper than a magazine sub per year & the happenings in the aviation scene is as it happens,not reading it in a mag a couple of months later.

[obiwan27]

I'm quite happy to pay an annual sub too.

[baz62]

Yep me too.

[johnnyfalcon]

That's kinda what I was thinking too. As an aeroclub member I pay for the privilege of belonging to and using the facilities of the club - on top of paying for actual flying time.

[kb]

I am in favour of an annual subscription. Sixty a year sounds good.

[johnnyfalcon]

Of course this could mean that those who were unable to afford a sub might leave the forum which would be self-defeating because that is its strength - the numbers add to the value of the resource, the depth of knowledge. After all the effort that's gone into its establishment and growth this would be a disaster. Also, imagine the administrative headaches that can result from non-payment of subs.

Hence my comment above about contributions in the spirit of what one can personally manage, but under no compulsion, but in expression of appreciation and acknowledgment of the work involved in maintaining this site.

[nige]

Why not have a PayPal type system whereby anyone can give a donation? Some people might want to contribute a few dollars every now and then, some people with enough wealth may wish to give hundreds? Seen this on some other sites etc.

[ErrolC]

Dec 8, 2011 7:08:24 GMT 12 johnnyfalcon said:

Of course this could mean that those who were unable to afford a sub might leave the forum which would be self-defeating because that is its strength - the numbers add to the value of the resource, the depth of knowledge. After all the effort that's gone into its establishment and growth this would be a disaster. Also, imagine the administrative headaches that can result from non-payment of subs.

Hence my comment above about contributions in the spirit of what one can personally manage, but under no compulsion, but in expression of appreciation and acknowledgment of the work involved in maintaining this site.

Agree entirely. Things to be careful of:

• Driving contributors (and potential future contributors) away
  
• Causing Dave problems with the authorities of the 'you are running a business' variety
  
• Given voluntary contributions, making sure that those that donate don't expect any special rights regarding moderation etc
  

I don't have answers to these issues, just raising them as things to be wary of.

I'm assuming that a semi-regular on-going flow of funds is more useful than lump sums - although I can see some potential for things like having a pre-paid balance in the account that ISP fees are charged to.

[johnnyfalcon]

Dec 8, 2011 8:00:45 GMT 12 nige said:

Why not have a PayPal type system whereby anyone can give a donation? Some people might want to contribute a few dollars every now and then, some people with enough wealth may wish to give hundreds? Seen this on some other sites etc.

Good idea that's been floated here with how-to:
rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=14936

[flyjoe180]

I am happy to donate money as I see fit and am able. I will not pay subs to read this forum. People can read the forum for free without logging in. I'm happy to help Dave when I choose to, but I will not financially support free reading for the general public.

What are the annual financial operating costs, excluding Dave's time, of maintaining this forum?

[jasonmac]

Great call flyjoe - more of a "donation box" situation would be best in my humble opinion. The good people will spare what they can from time to time, and as they see fit....... I know I will. But it should be just that, a donation at ones discretion.

Keep up the good work Dave, you're the mayor of a great community.

[Dave Homewood]

I do not want and will never impose a compulsory annual subscription, because the free and easy access from all over the world is the beauty of the forum. Asking for an annual few will likely turn a lot of people off. Plus the administrative duties involved in collecting subs and all that goes along with that is excessive, I know as I have done it before with a club that was much smaller than this forum is.

I agree with Joe and Jase, a donation at the member's discretion is all that is needed, with perhaps a reminder every now and then like I put up yesterday. If people feel they want to and can contribute, the PayPal system is there or they can contact me to get my details.

I am always humbled by the support and friendship I have found here on the forum, it's a wonderful community and I think a worthwhile one. Thanks to everyone here. And to John especially for starting this kind thread.

[lumpy]

Dec 8, 2011 23:08:33 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

I do not want and will never impose a compulsory annual subscription, because the free and easy access from all over the world is the beauty of the forum. Asking for an annual few will likely turn a lot of people off. Plus the administrative duties involved in collecting subs and all that goes along with that is excessive, I know as I have done it before with a club that was much smaller than this forum is.

I agree with Joe and Jase, a donation at the member's discretion is all that is needed, with perhaps a reminder every now and then like I put up yesterday. If people feel they want to and can contribute, the PayPal system is there or they can contact me to get my details.

I am always humbled by the support and friendship I have found here on the forum, it's a wonderful community and I think a worthwhile one. Thanks to everyone here. And to John especially for starting this kind thread.

Totally agree .
I think a formal fee would be a nightmare and definitly put a lot of people off , but I ( and Im sure many others ) dont mind making a small contribution every now and then .

[alanw]

If Dave has a paypal account, I would be more than happy to
deposit monies to assit.

Thanks

Alan

[Dave Homewood]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for that offer. Once again, see here:
rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=14936

[oggie2620]

I have used the system mentioned above and its all very simple. I like paypal and use it often. I find it much cheaper than paying international checking fees. I am currently trying to persuade the 75 Sqn Secretary to get an account so non Kiwi Sqn groupies who want some of his fab accessories can order them easily...

I would not be put off by an annual fee but think people would feel constrained by the amount and perhaps not donate more which they might if it was optional ie they would not add $20 to make it up to $100 on top whereas they might if they were doing it throughout a year!

I dont get on here as often as I would like but its one of my favourites so keep on trucking Dave...

[kiwirotorwrench]

Just added my contribution thru Paypal. Takes less than 5 minutes. WONZ well worth every cent

Cheers

Coop's