Jeff,
I understand the need to do this, you shouldn't have to cover the
expenses by yourself.
Question tho. Have you searched into some of the free web-sites
available? My kids have several, and they pay nothing for them.
Brad
=======================
On Fri, 2 Nov 2001 10:41:47 -0800 spitster@totallytriumph.net writes:
> Dear Totally Triumph Network Member,
>
> I'm extremely reluctant to be doing this, but after a full year and
> two months of subsidizing the TTN wholly out of my own personal
> funds, with no signs of support whatsoever from vendors who sell
> Triumph parts, I am considering enabing a VOLUNTARY membership fee
> to help keep the TTN going and enable further expansion. When I
> began this site for our friendly, flame-free, on-topic, illustrated
> and organized Triumph discussions, I envisioned it being supported
> by the vendors who make their living selling Triumph related items
> to us via very affordable banner advertising. At least, that was
> the plan. I was certain that it would be viable, but the vendors
> quite frankly, have truly disappointed me.
>
> The last thing I want to do is beg for money or look for handouts.
> I truly detest that sort of thing. For me to ask for your financial
> support, it has to be a win/win as far as I'm concerned, since I
> fancy myself as never one to ask anyone for anything without
> offering something of value in return. In other words, I need to
> feel as though I'm offering you MORE than what I'm asking in return.
>
>
> So here is my proposal:
>
> A $30 annual membership fee (or roughly 8 cents a day), which would
> entitle you to the following:
>
> 1. An immediate upgrade of your forum status. You'll receive a
> special "golden key" icon next to your name on all forum posts
> (retroactive), denoting your special "TTN Team" membership status as
> a very special member and supporter of this site with special
> restricted access privilidges unavailable to regular members.
>
> 2. Full access to restricted forum areas on this site not available
> to the general public or regular non-supporting members (still under
> development, but the new Theft Prevention & Recovery forum might be
> a possible canditate to start with). If there's enough support for
> the idea, I might also begin limiting additional specific forums and
> their respective archives to Team Members only, while retaining
> general forum areas for regular non-supporting member use.
>
> 3. FREE, unlimited, private party Photo Classified Ad postings
> (currenty $1-$5 for sale postings)
>
> 4. Special gift certificates and regular prize drawings for TTN Team
> members only.
>
> So, how would your $2.50 per month membership fee be allocated?
>
> 1. Towards the ongoing monthly dedicated server fees and costs of
> maintaining the server.
>
> 2. Towards the purchase and installation of badly needed additional
> hard drive storage and other upgrades for the server so that the
> archives and your ability to upload graphics to the site can be
> maintained indefinitely. I'll also look to improve server speed.
>
> 3. Towards the purchase and installation of even more enhancements
> and fun features to the TTN, expanding the interactivity, enjoyment
> and value of the site for all members.
>
> 4. Any surplus (if any -- depends on the level of Team member
> enlistment) would be allocated to a special prize fund for the
> purchase of goodies to be awarded to TTN Team members ONLY, and to
> pay for the shipping of said prizes. Again, depending on the level
> of participation, this might include everything from books &
> manuals, shop tools, NOS Triumph parts, etc.
>
> I realize that this might be an impossible dream, because the
> natural inclination is to "let someone else" lend a hand when it
> comes to money out of your pocket. But by uniquely identifying TTN
> Team members with a special icon, I'm hoping that those sitting on
> the fence will realize that 8 cents a day is a mere pittance when
> weighed against the initial (and growing) advantages of Team
> membership, let alone the use of the TTN in general.
>
> So how would you pay? For your convenience, I can accept payment
> directly via Visa or MasterCard via e-mail. Alternately, you can
> mail a check. I'll even provide a special toll-free telephone
> number to call with your credit card and mailing address info if you
> feel uncomfortable e-mailing it. I would request that TTN members
> residing outside the U.S. to kindly refrain from using the toll free
> number, however, since my paying for your overseas call will greatly
> offset any financial support of your membership.
>
> I'm not asking for any committments today, but be on the lookout for
> banners announcing TTN Team Membership on the TTN soon. I hope I
> can count on your support. If not, no hard feelings. I apologize
> in advance to anyone who might be offended by this request for
> support, and humbly thank those generous souls who are already
> reaching for their wallets. As I said, this Team membership drive
> is voluntary and in my view, a win/win for all concerned. If you
> feel that the quality of information contained on the TTN is worth 8
> cents a day to you, I'd certainly appreciate your thoughtful
> consideration of becoming a Team member. Onward and upward.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Jeff McNeal
> Founder & Administrator
> The Totally Triumph Network
> www.TotallyTriumph.net
>
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