CC Funding

[Dave5N]

I might have missed the post at the top before, but tonight I saw it and a few thoughts occurred to me.

Firstly, the light touch and open community here is I think unique.

Secondly, this forum was in its first moments a refuge of disciples; it still has that 'we're because we choose to be' ethos.

Thirdly, Admin has had to my knowledge created hosted and run the forum on his own iniative.

So I see from his announcement that there have been previous fund-driving initiatives.

I hope Shaun, you don't take against my questions, but it's all new to me.

I take it you have decided against advertising or sponsorship?

I'd be pleased to help support the forum, but your calculator (currently at 20% funded) gives me no idea of the costs involved: neither how much or on what.

For example, is it for server time, licences, your own time and expense...

Let us know what the budget is and I truly believe we can cover it.

 

[oxbob]

This years "cyclist's in need" target is £1200

 

[alecstilleyedye]

my understanding is that cc was supported by revenue brought in via other projects. as the revenue from those projects is squeezed, cc needs to pay its own way, so to speak.

the whole funding issue has been debated at length among the mods and advertising was one option considered. no-one is expected to contribute more than they can afford or think is worth it, and other things such as cc jerseys etc may well contribute to the total.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I might have missed the post at the top before, but tonight I saw it and a few thoughts occurred to me.

Firstly, the light touch and open community here is I think unique.

Secondly, this forum was in its first moments a refuge of disciples; it still has that 'we're because we choose to be' ethos.

Thirdly, Admin has had to my knowledge created hosted and run the forum on his own iniative.

So I see from his announcement that there have been previous fund-driving initiatives.

I hope Shaun, you don't take against my questions, but it's all new to me.

I take it you have decided against advertising or sponsorship?

I'd be pleased to help support the forum, but your calculator (currently at 20% funded) gives me no idea of the costs involved: neither how much or on what.

For example, is it for server time, licences, your own time and expense...

Let us know what the budget is and I truly believe we can cover it.

This forum is without doubt the single most useful and entertaining cycling oriented site IMHO, and I would be very sorry if we lost it for any reason. I confess funding is not something I have ever given thought to, mainly because I have no idea of the costs involved in running such a project. If these costs could be itemised and explained, I'm sure I would have no problem with donating, but I am not sure of exactly what I am being asked to donate for at present.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

This forum is without doubt the single most useful and entertaining cycling oriented site IMHO, and I would be very sorry if we lost it for any reason. I confess funding is not something I have ever given thought to, mainly because I have no idea of the costs involved in running such a project. If these costs could be itemised and explained, I'm sure I would have no problem with donating, but I am not sure of exactly what I am being asked to donate for at present.

basic running costs such as hosting and site maintenance. not to mention the 'leccy for the servers…

 

[Aperitif]

Give some - and think afterwards...
Most things about this CC 'mansion' are decent, and I don't know what lurks in some of the other 'rooms'. I'm happy to donate for the perceived use and value that I get from being one of the gang.
Not sure if greater analysis is warranted here - apart from the obvious 'What's it worth to you?'

 

[Joe24]

Theres 6532 members(just had a count) so if we all put in a couple of quid, then there would be alot of money there.
I havent got any spare cash at the moment but when i do ill donate.

 

[Crackle]

Having watched funding develop before I agree with Gerry on openess because this can be a source of friction. Everyone may be hunky dory now but if a few noses get put out of joint, the issue of contributions is soon raised.

My guess is that funding will be comprised of

Initial hardware purchase
Hosting and bandwidth
Maintenance and 365 day, 24hr server cover
contribution towards the replacement cost of the servers for end of life replacement
Software licensing, purchase and renewal.
Shauns, admin, maintenance and programming time

Is that everything? When you add all that together, those costs are not small, especially when you have a busy site with good response times.

 

[marinyork]

At an organisation I go to £120 a year was voted for electricity costs alone and that was for a service vastly inferior to this to say the least (back of the envelope calculations reveal this to be reasonable). I think periodic fundraising is still the way to go as I know several people who lost their jobs recently at a charity and even though we've been in bleak economic times for a while, funding can mysteriously go up and down, so relying on one set of donations isn't the best idea in my opinion. Also not everyone may notice the current funding drive or have the money if you get my drift.

 

[Shaun]

Sorry, I'm at work at the moment and straight out tonight, so can't go into detail, but I'll post something later to explain the situation and what the money will be used for.

I appreciate it's a great leap of faith and is all taken on trust, and I've just stuck my hand out without explaining how I arrived at the target figure and what it will be used for. Rest assured none of it will be used for Admin wages, and the figure for the current drive is only a part of the running cost of CC - the business is still very much actively supporting CC, but it just can't do it to the same degree it has been doing.

Hopefully that will change in the near future, but in the meantime can I thank everyone who has kindly donated so far.

Cheers,
Shaun

 

[Dave5N]

Shaun, I for one would appreciate a breakdown. I should emphasise that I (and further I believe, all the regulars) do not in anyway think you are asking unreasonably. But it would be instructive to find out what the £1200 will cover - it's a lot of money.

I believe in the way you set up and run this forum you have earned our trust, no problem there. Except for not banning Arbithingy more.

 

[Dayvo]

But it would be instructive to find out what the £1200 will cover - it's a lot of money.

With 5,177 active members, £1,200 isn't a lot of money: it works out at about 23p per person.

Most of us can afford a fiver/tenner a year as a donation.

And most of us benefit, financially, from using this forum one way or the other.

 

[oxbob]

With 5,177 active members, £1,200 isn't a lot of money: it works out at about 23p per person.

Most of us can afford a fiver/tenner a year as a donation.

And most of us benefit, financially, from using this forum one way or the other.

Seconded!

 

[marinyork]

I've already donated a small amount, I'm happy to give the same 3/6 months down the line (it's only like buying shaun a couple of virtual pints) so hope for future small drives for funds.

 

[colly]

With 5,177 active members, £1,200 isn't a lot of money: it works out at about 23p per person.

Most of us can afford a fiver/tenner a year as a donation.

And most of us benefit, financially, from using this forum one way or the other.

Agree with all that.

I've happily donated my few quid with no qualms at all.
For what it's worth I think Admin deserves a medal for the time and effort put in to keep this place running.

He is unlikely to get one so a simple thank you will have to do.

Thank you!

If I meet you one of these fine days I will gladly buy you a cup of tea.