It's that time again... [Archive]

SomeSailor

10-04-2005, 09:08 AM

Time to pay the bills again here at IBoatNW.com

Our annual domain registry and hosting bill is in the mail... :?

I'm trying to figure out a way to make this thing self-sufficient throughout the year (aside from the annual "pass-the-hat drill")

Any thoughts?

I could put a PayPal logo somewhere and people could contribute from there. I'd like to hear any thoughts on a better way of doing this and perhaps recognizing those who are contributing members through a star or something in the rank avatar?

Lemme know what you guys think.

Tedster

10-04-2005, 09:58 AM

Well how much is it?

Tedster

10-04-2005, 09:58 AM

Well how much is it in total?

SomeSailor

10-04-2005, 10:23 AM

It's only $184.10 based on last years bandwidth. We're growing enough we've bumped into new plans a couple of times this year.

I'd rather figure out some method of contribution that would sustain it throughout the year instead of going through this part every year. It would also keep the individual contributions lower.

What would be a fair "contributing member" amount ya think?

Dave C

10-04-2005, 10:38 AM

Give us a name and address and I'll snail mail a check. :D

I personally detest PayPal.

No matter how it's done people will still need some kind of "reminder"

Tedster

10-04-2005, 10:40 AM

Simply take the number of active people that post divided by the amount that you need and that is the amount per person. Simple 'eh!

Go Aweigh2452

10-04-2005, 10:53 AM

Mike, on my curtis website, I placed a donate button and it does the paypal thing. Easy to do but a bit of a pain to find on the paypal site to make it a donate button.

Despite the pain, it would be easier in the long run to post a donate button and you can suggest an amount or a list of amounts. You can also make it an automatic EFT to the paypal account.

SomeSailor

10-04-2005, 11:18 AM

Simply take the number of active people that post divided by the amount that you need and that is the amount per person. Simple 'eh!

Yeah, but I don't want to make it mandatory, or even obligated for that matter. I would like to allow those who contribute to see something beside their names to indicate that they've supported.

SomeSailor

10-04-2005, 11:20 AM

Mike, on my curtis website, I placed a donate button and it does the paypal thing. Easy to do but a bit of a pain to find on the paypal site to make it a donate button.

Making the button and link is easy stuff. Just wondering what everyone thought about the idea. Don't wanna start building a fund for my new boat or anything... (hey there's an idea), but would be easier than showing up "hat in hand" once a year or when we go over quota.

Tedster

10-04-2005, 11:27 AM

Mike my point is the active ones are the same ones that would contribute voluntarily but would like to know what number approximately to send in.

SomeSailor

10-04-2005, 11:50 AM

Mike my point is the active ones are the same ones that would contribute voluntarily but would like to know what number approximately to send in.

I get what you're saying Ted. If you'd like to use that formula to figure up a total or suggested amount that'd be cool. I'm just not sure how well a formula would work. There are 22 people who have posted 100 or more times... or 30 who have posted 50 or more times.

Maybe we could take up a "kill the pirate emoticon" fundraiser? :D

pkrogh

10-04-2005, 01:02 PM

I'll toss in my new member two cents and say that I don't like PayPal either and would much prefer to send a check, or cash, or beer, or old boat parts or whatever. I don't think $10 a year per member would get any complaints. Maybe $5 to start and another $5 to continue for the first year then $10 per year to keep on??? Not an easy topic to deal with in some places but given the quality :roll: of people here it shouldn't be too tough. :shock:

Hey, I like the :argh !!!!

Pete

Tedster

10-04-2005, 01:24 PM

I'll pay the whole damn amount to give that damn pirate the deep six! Yes I'm kidding but no not really! :roll:

SomeSailor

10-04-2005, 01:24 PM

Hey, I like the :argh !!!!

Pete

$15.00 to keep him?

:D

3788sam

10-04-2005, 01:45 PM

Just let me know where and how!
Wouldn't take much from each of us to fund the next couple of years!
Maybe link it with a gallery spot like over at BOC?

Go Aweigh2452

10-04-2005, 02:23 PM

How about a pirate attached to ones name or signature identifying donors? No amount just anyone who donates $5 or more gets that or a secret hand shake... Okay, only drifting a bit here...

Personally, I think if you just gave me your paypal email addy, I'll donate and be done with it... I really don't care who donates as long as the site is paid for and I get to harass Gene or Ted or even myself...

Numbknots

10-04-2005, 02:54 PM

SS,

Personally I like the paypal deal! and I would gladly pay $25 a year to listen to Ted whin about how old he is, (it makes me feel young) I might pay the whole bill just to get to ask all my stupid questions about everything other then boating. (Besides if we didn't have IBNW we wouldn't be drinking spiked apple cider, and chili in a parking lot in the Bowels of Seattle once a year!!!

Seriously, another site I support www.supercub.org was faced with the same dilema a few years ago and "we" decided on a members only area and also set up different levels of contribution. http://www.supercub.org/donor.php To date I think there are about 2600 registered users?

See what you think of this idea? Basic membership is $25 Just the information alone discussed among members has saved me $$$$$$.

Tim

PS: I think Boat diesel basic membership is $25??

bradvo

10-04-2005, 04:26 PM

I will be happy to contribute once you have this figured out. I would suggest after reading the negatives about paypal that maybe two options be given to us subscribers. Maybe a donate button that allows a paypal selection and then the old fashion check mailing.
I already belong to 2 paid sites, one being boat diesel the other I just gave to boatered site that is advertised on BOC. The reason I joined that site is I can talk with boaters who have some of the same equipment that I have, such as Volvos and ZF gears. Then you have the equivalent of Peg Hall being Vic. The Head Master.

Here i have the opportunity to meet PS Boaters who also keep myself informed on all the local changes , fishing, fuel price-new things in general
Also much talent in mechanical and electrical issues, Good deals etc.

Mike, I was a free user on boatered and got a email from Les who was also asking for donations, of course there you get the anchor next to name when paid registered user.
His begging worked and I paid, I felt it only fair since I monitor so many sites and post on about all that I par take in.
When I say Les went a begging it is not out of disrespect, it is his own words he chose to use on the site itself. He has a thread started on this and there are many individuals who also have issues with how they pay, maybe check it out and read it, not sure if it will help but it will demonstrate how some folks feel about how they send in the donation.
Keep up the good work- winter is coming and I am sure many of us will want to continue BSing about our boats , sharing info , looking for help or what ever comes to mind.
Brad

Kuredu

10-04-2005, 05:20 PM

Let me know how and where and I'll do my due.

beyond kelp

10-04-2005, 06:53 PM

Ditto 3388 Sam! :)

Salmon Troller

10-10-2005, 08:20 AM

SS -

Did you ever resolve the amount. I'm "in", you call the amount. I would guess that if you can get 20 people to actually pony up, you will be doing good. I suggest that you ask for $10 a pop, bank $200 for expenses and roll over any overage for expansion or to help with next year's costs. I will just send you a check or even cash. I have a pay pal account, but never use it and would be hard pressed to even try to use it for this.

ST

SomeSailor

10-10-2005, 09:21 AM

Been busy goofing off, but I'll rig up a button somewhere up on the menu above. I like Tim's idea of different levels. That makes it easy to expand things if popularitiy picks up. A couple more SQL databases would be nice and as storage fills up, that'll come in as well.

Hardtop Trophy

10-19-2005, 08:23 PM

Hello Mike,

Email me when you set up the link at lisa.anthony@comcast.net

Thank you for all your hard work!

Roel Jansen

10-20-2005, 01:02 AM

Pay? One of these days some publisher will read my posts bundle them and I receive the Pulitzer price. So you can proudly tell to your friends WE KNOW THAT GUY!. Isn't that priceless?

OK, I have pay pal and no checks and I don't use clay tablets anymore so in this modern times please give the amount and I will donate!. But NO PIRATE after or above or every where with my name..Yes I am screaming that! :lol:

SomeSailor

10-24-2005, 06:38 PM

OK then...

I've plaguerized the heck out of the page NumbKnots suggested from another site and if you'd like to contribute... here's a link.

>>>> CLICK HERE (http://iboatnw.com/cart/ibnwsupport.html) <<<<

I'll be accepting PayPal payments and of course plain old paper. Use the link above though and I'll update that as time goes along.

Thanks again folks. If you have any problems... let me know.

- mike

Numbknots

10-24-2005, 07:12 PM

SS,

I am glad you found the link to www.supercub.org useful to the cause of making a "donations" option for Iboatnw.com

I truly don't think SJ would mind, and if you get a chance give him a call and introduce yourself, the energy and diversity of talent that both of you possess is astonishingly similiar.

Thanks again for the great site!! Now if we can just get Ted to come on up to the 21st century (LOL) just kidding Ted!!

Tim

SomeSailor

10-24-2005, 09:34 PM

Yeah... I wasn't shy about stealing his format... :)

I'm short on time and didn't feel like being too original. I'll clean it up later. :)

Tedster

10-24-2005, 10:34 PM

Gee $500 is the top, why not $5k :roll:

Roel Jansen

10-25-2005, 02:25 AM

Roel Jansen

10-25-2005, 03:04 AM

Mike

Contribution is made by Paypal.

Thanks for all the efforts!

SomeSailor

10-25-2005, 06:40 AM

TED,

I have heard that being a PARTNER, you have the right to block 1 emoticon all the others can't! :argh

Is this worth $ 500? YES, But being a poor pensioner for 25 American Kazukies I think I can live with them! :D

It's now up to you....... PARTNER! Sometimes the Yedi really returns! :argh

Thanks Roel;

I'll have to make that one of the "benefits of membership". :)

Benefit #1:

Contributing members have the priviledge of chosing the emoticons they wish to have deleted! :argh

dumluck53

10-25-2005, 08:14 AM

Thanks Mike!

I dropped the check in the mail today.

(No, really, I did!)

:argh :argh :argh :argh

;)

SomeSailor

10-25-2005, 08:27 AM

Thanks Tony!

The company I host through (Lunarpages.com) has just given even better plan options, so one of the things I'm looking at are personal web pages for members.

Each contributing member would be able to build their own website right here on IBoatNortwest. Look for that over the next few days.

Can you guys think of any other things that would be nice, that you may have seen on other sites?

Tedster

10-25-2005, 09:42 AM

SomeSailor

10-25-2005, 10:00 AM

Before the contributions run rampant to outdo the others, just how much does this thing really cost. When Gene and I paid for it the first time it was only about $150 total. I'd like to know what the bill is and what you plan to do with all the extra money.

I plan to buy a large Grand Banks EU, and live out my days in a drunken stupor while cruising the beautiful South Pacific waters off Palau... an enigma... only to be referred to as that guy who made it big over at IBoatNorthWest.com :D

Ted... If you are that concerned over it, please feel free to not join. Trust me... there's no Meridian in my immediate future... :)

Tedster

10-25-2005, 11:08 AM

Figured you would take that road. Actually that was a real question and I would think all of us deserve an answer. In no way did I claim, think, or imply that you were taking our money for your use.

SomeSailor

10-25-2005, 11:41 AM

In no way did I claim, think, or imply that you were taking our money for your use.

Nor did I didn't take it that way Ted. If you do not wish to contribute that's OK. But, like most things in this world, they grow beyond their original scope. I have ideas on how to allow everyone to get more from their experience here and this is a means to that end. If it's not something you'd be interested in, that's fine also.

Tedster

10-25-2005, 12:00 PM

Why don't you just tell all of us the cost of today and later and quit playing games with me, thanks. Ted

SomeSailor

10-25-2005, 12:17 PM

Why don't you just tell all of us the cost of today and later and quit playing games with me, thanks. Ted

How about I just send your $60.00 back and call it even.

The domain registrations are $14.95 per year. (both IBoatNW.com and IBoatNorthwest.com). Additional member domains will cost the same + $35.00 setup fee.

The hosting for them is $22.95/mo if we pay annually at our current bandwidth and storage limits.

The SQL databases are $24.00 per unit (one required for each iteration ie:phpBB, Gallery, Classifieds and ZenCart). Additional will be required for personal web space hosting and any others features.

We also pay and additional $3.95 per GB per month per domain for bandwidth on any heavy months we incur. As we all link to our pictures, bandwidth goes up.

CafePress is $6.95 month if we sell at cost. But that's the only way I can think of getting any merchandise for us unless you wanna front a print shop for us.

Now... as far as the bills go... right now they are charging off on my Visa. If you'd like to put them on yours we can do that just as easy.

Tedster

10-25-2005, 12:58 PM

I don't know why that was so difficult, thanks! I'm sure all will appreciate it too. Oh ya keep my $60 and I'll be glad to send you some more now. Ted :D

Go Aweigh2452

10-25-2005, 03:42 PM

ss, Done deal... by paypal... having "fun" in Pensacola... later...

SomeSailor

10-25-2005, 05:51 PM

Thanks Doug!

Enjoy Pcola! Burned many bridges in that place. :D

I'll be getting the different memebership levels sorted out here in the next few days and get you guys who have contributed recognized accordingly.

boating777

10-26-2005, 11:38 AM

Hey SS I must have missed the pay pal button somewhere :oops: Can you point me to where it is, or give me your address and I will mail you out a check :D

Kevin

dumluck53

10-26-2005, 11:51 AM

Click here:

http://iboatnw.com/cart/ibnwsupport.html

Randygh

10-28-2005, 05:57 PM

Mike--Thanks for your work maintaining this website. The Paypal option is really slick.

SomeSailor

10-28-2005, 06:14 PM

Thanks Randy!

... now if I just get the time to finish it... for an unemployed guy, you'd think I'd have more time (besides... it's too wet to fly... ) :D

pkrogh

12-05-2005, 10:35 PM

SomeSailor

12-06-2005, 07:05 AM

Well, I finally got my s**t together and made my contribution. I don't know
yet why I want to pay to read all this stuff but where else can I get such
good entertainment for such a low price!!

You guys are great and I hope to meet ya'll at the boat show!

Thanks for all your good works Mike. Get some stuff on the 'store' soon.

Pete

Thanks Pete.

I'm working on a different front end for the site. If my ebay sales would slow down, I'd get more time dedicated to it.

Scarey thing is I'll make more on eBay this month than my military retirement paid.... What's wrong with that picture? :)

Numbknots

12-06-2005, 08:52 AM

SS,

What is the name of your e-bay store?

Tim

SomeSailor

12-06-2005, 08:58 AM

Everything I do is on eBay right now...

AplusMobileGraphics.com (http://stores.ebay.com/Vinyl-Express-Graphics)

I'm in the process of moving it all to a domain right now. (giving eBay $400/mo is getting tiring) :D

It's a crazy place... but for now... its a no tax land... :)[/url]

bradvo

12-06-2005, 09:36 AM

Mike, need to get yourself some hot looking mermaids in vinyl.
I found a couple on ebay a couple years ago, bought 2 one was a blonde the other had dark hair. I gave one to a friend and I have one. we both applied to our tenders. Mine is on the small wind screen. You would not believe how many people have asked me where to get one.
The Rolling Stones Lips logo do well to , but it might be a problem selling those?
Brad

SomeSailor

12-06-2005, 09:52 AM

I've had very little problem with copyrights... and even the couple times I have.. I just knock it off and that's it.

I'm going through a couple hundred bucks a week just in stamps right now. Lots-o-decals. It's fun though.

beyond kelp

03-09-2006, 06:01 PM

Not sure if I did something wrong, but when i tried to use paypal it said "The recipient is unable to recieve money" did I miss something?

SomeSailor

03-09-2006, 09:22 PM

Yeah.. I'm having a bit of a "difference of opinion" with PayPal. When I originally opened my paypal (several years ago) I did so with a checking account that is now closed and, the only credit card they had... has now expired. They sort of threatened me about not having a checking account linked to their accounts and pointed me at their user policy guidelines... I haven't blinked yet. :)

They'll cut me checks... but I can't withdraw or add any money from them without the accounts being linked.

Go Aweigh2452

06-05-2007, 10:32 PM

Had the same thing happen with PP. Just updated the expiration of the cc and all was good again. So where does one send money to then? I can pay my fair share... keep a great site going...

Nehalennia

12-31-2007, 10:59 AM

Had the same thing happen with PP. Just updated the expiration of the cc and all was good again. So where does one send money to then? I can pay my fair share... keep a great site going...

yeah, me too. Is there a link to pay? What's the fee again?

SomeSailor

12-31-2007, 11:11 AM

Nehalennia

01-02-2008, 09:48 PM

No worries... I've already paid everything through next year in October. One of these days I'll get a better system worked out for membership. If you want an IBNW burgee I have a half dozen or so.

http://www.aplusmobilegraphics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_16&products_id=18

Sounds good. Let's do it all with the graphics if that's cool.
I need WN #'s too.
look at where they are:mad:
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/Re-launch1-02-083.jpg
Love to support a great site.
Thanks again for hosting it Mike!