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Posted: 5/31/2001 4:58:34 PM EDT
[#1]
I know I shouldn't even respond cause its not the response you would like but..... I feel I should.
I would love to contribute, but I am pinching pennies. As most already know I took a pay cut to come to TX, yet my bills are still the same. I am however participating in the group buy via the financing plan. I am also rearranging finances so that I can quit my job in the next few weeks cause I really hate it. Anycase enough about me. I am very happy that we had raised at least $1K+ for the site. Yes I do feel guilty for not contibuting. Should this fund still is available when I get up from under my finances I would be more than happy to contribute monetarily as well. I would like to thank those that contributed as well so that I can enjoy everyones company. I have met some great people personally on this board. I have learned a lot while here and hopefully I have contributed in some way as well. Thanx |
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Posted: 5/31/2001 6:38:58 PM EDT
[#2]
I would rather give the money in a membership type of deal. Weed out the rifraf and these problems might dissapear.
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Posted: 5/31/2001 7:11:41 PM EDT
[#3]
How much is a new server and what is the current server?
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Posted: 6/1/2001 3:54:59 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted: How much is a new server and what is the current server? That has been discussed at great length over the past few weeks... A LOT! [b]LordTrader:[/b] Another member has just "anonynously" made a donation in your name! |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 3:56:30 AM EDT
[#5]
I deleted a few posts from this thread that were getting obnoxious...
My thread, no crap! |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 4:09:48 AM EDT
[#6]
[b][u]ONLINE[/u][/b]
Visit [url]www.castle-arms.com[/url] and go the the secure ordering page. Scroll down to where the funds are listed and go from there. CC's accepted are Visa, Master Card & American Express. A 4% banking/service fee will be added to your credit card. [b][u]MAIL[/u][/b] AR15.COM Server Fund % Castle-Arms, Inc. 401 South Front St. Quincy, IL 62301 |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 4:38:32 AM EDT
[#7]
AntiUSSA,
I'm still here now and then, most of the older members who remember me know I preferred the "old" board... its been a while since I've frequented the new board, but I just noticed that there arent any banners to click? I was going to suggest that if people cant financially contribute right now to click the banners, but there arent any that I can see? How come? Mark |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 4:39:58 AM EDT
[#8]
Another $20 to each, Brothers in Arms and AR15.com Server.
Come on fellas, $40 isn't that hard to part with! |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 4:55:13 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted: I would rather give the money in a membership type of deal. Weed out the rifraf and these problems might dissapear. I DEFINATELY agree with this. We need to do SOMETHING to weed out the trolls, and juvenile delinquents. $50 heading for the server fund with my next paycheck. |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 5:10:42 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted: [b][u]MAIL[/u][/b] AR15.COM Server Fund % Castle-Arms, Inc. 401 South Front St. Quincy, IL 62301 [b]Made out to "AR15.com Server Fund"????????? |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 5:30:41 AM EDT
[#11]
Make payable to: [b]Castle Arms[/b], but put server fund in your memo line.
This way, we can keep things simple and present one large check! |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 5:52:40 AM EDT
[#12]
Quoted: Make payable to: [b]Castle Arms[/b], but put server fund in your memo line. This way, we can keep things simple and present one large check! OK, thanks |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 7:09:43 AM EDT
[#13]
Guess I should kick some info in here...
While we truly appreciate what Anti has been doing in getting contributions to the site, we have been working to get this site into a state where we can generate enough revenue in order to cover operating costs. To be straight, a one time donation of $1000 is great, but it doesn't even scratch the surface of costs we see. I will give you an example. Currently we have a small server farm in a closet. Rack space is too expensive as we have gone from the old days of one server to a number of web, data, and misc servers. The network connection is currently a T1 (an hour and a half drive away) and the source for much pain, a closer to home high BW solution is coming, we're waiting for availability of wire which keeps getting delayed. The top end data servers are dual gig procs, 2 gig ram, scsi u160 with 10k drives. Hopefully in the future we can upgrade to a raid setup to further boost performance to the data cluster. Web servers tend to be what we have upgraded from and mostly p3-700s with roughly 1gig of ram and running standard IDE drives. These are basic servers too, nothing like a heavy hitter that ranges in the 8-10k range. (Not cost effective!) A few scattered servers run things such as mail services and chat (not used much) etc. The cost of running this has always been put aside because of the enjoyment we get. It's not as if it's killing us to spend the money (well sometimes its pretty rough to be honest), but at the same time it is a pretty big burden as it keeps piling up. (Keep in mind Ed was handling all the burden alone at the beginning, and then I came along and helped shoulder it, now there are 3 of us sharing the costs which makes it MUCH more affordable. Not to mention when I got involved I brought an upgrade of servers and apparently more time than I care to add up to improving the site.) Our goal for the future though is GROW the site and build a new future for the online firearm families. Again, while the Server Fund is a great way to say thanks, we aren't forcing anyone or guilting anyone to help out. If you feel the desire to help, then by all means help, but I, personally, am more akin to donate $2 on a purchase of some sort of item than a straight donation, so I can easily see where everyone stands. That's where I think everyone wins. We all get shirts or an LER and in the process dump $2 or more back into the site that makes it all possible and we push both ends of the spectrum. I cannot say how exciting it is to see people gather together around the site to help support it, but at the same time, do not feel obligated in any way to stretch yourself thin or to give when you are uncomfortable in doing so. Our sincere thanks to all those who have always supported the site and to those like Anti who have been helping without being asked to keep things going. Just my $.02 and I look forward to meeting you all in Ohio! -- GB |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 8:07:26 AM EDT
[#14]
Just my $.02 and I look forward to meeting you all in Ohio! Somehow I don't think [u]everyone[/u] will be there... [;)] |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 8:27:34 AM EDT
[#15]
My plane ticket is in the mail right GoatBoy...........GoatBoy??
Hello!!!![:D] |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 9:03:57 AM EDT
[#16]
Plane ticket?
I'm sending you a dog sled!!! Dont get lazy on me now, MUSH!!! -- GB |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 9:07:27 AM EDT
[#17]
Quoted: To be straight, a one time donation of $1000 is great, but it doesn't even scratch the surface of costs we see. I will give you an example. -- GB I have three words for you - M_E_M_B_E_R S_H_I_P F_E_E!!!!!!!! $25 a year. You get a steady cash flow, and I don't have to put up with children and trolls. Everybody wins. |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 9:10:13 AM EDT
[#18]
OK....ok...
you got me. I'll put in 20 bucks in the mail (it's all I can spare at the moment) the next paycheck I get. Of course, now the Alabama FOP won't get any, but Alabama cops have yet to save my life, and I'm moving out of state in a year and a half anyway, so tough cookies [:D] Never say a poor, college kid didn't help out the boards in one way or another. Looking forward to those license plate liners, by the way. Keep up the good work, guys! Jewbroni~ P.S. - I would GLADLY pay a membership fee to this fine site. In fact, I was thinking of that idea a month ago, but I suppose I never said anything. $25/year is both inexpensive and a great help to the site: you'd have a steady cash flow, less people clogging up the server, and thus **MORE BANDWIDTH**. At $25/year, for around 1,000 active members, that's $25,000 a year JUST for server funds, any any additional money would go to the Bro's in Arms fund. For all of the information I've learned at this site in the past 4 months, 25 dollars seems like chump change. Just a thought Ed/Anti/GB... |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 9:17:40 AM EDT
[#19]
I really enjoy the site. I learn a lot each time I visit. Would pay for membership if it ever gets that way. In the meantime, a donation to the server fund is on the way.
Thanks, Ken |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 10:15:25 AM EDT
[#20]
I made my donation, but I'm more enthusiastic about membership. Clean up the nutcases and trolls, expand the bandwith, and pay for the server farm. Access to the Equipment Exchange alone is worth $25, let alone the technical forums and GD, plus the industry boards, which give unprecendented access to company reps. I've learned so much from this board, and would willingly pay to keep it running and cleaned up. A simple fee plan of some sort would do it.
I can see it now..."This is YOUR website-keep it clean." Please, set us up for membership fees-at least for added functionality, as you put it. Juggernaut |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 10:30:13 AM EDT
[#21]
While membership remains a solid idea for expansion, the truth is many people who contribute cannot afford even a nominal amount.
This is the thought behind a normal member account (public account) and a possible "enhanced" member account where you would get a number of additional toys and tools at the site while everyone maintains the traditional AR15.Com access. To try to reduce the average users experience on the count of a few trolls or trouble makers just isn't fair. What we're trying to do is not make it an elite family sharing with just each other, but to allow the common fan or gun owner the ability to learn and share their knowledge with others. I'm all for another means to recover costs, but not at the expense of the community we need to strengthen and grow. -- GB |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 10:53:42 AM EDT
[#22]
Quoted: While membership remains a solid idea for expansion, the truth is many people who contribute cannot afford even a nominal amount. Even $25 a year??? That ain't even beer and cig $$ for a week for most people. We could even go as low as $10 annually for students providing proof of school atendance. Quoted: ...and a possible "enhanced" member account where you would get a number of additional toys and tools at the site while everyone maintains the traditional AR15.Com access. That would accomplish much the same thing. Or, we could give the porno-meisters their own little circle _ _ _ _ forum to enjoy their girlie pics. (pardon my French.) Quoted:I'm all for another means to recover costs, but not at the expense of the community we need to strengthen and grow. -- GB Here's where I really have strong suspicions. Are we REALLY strengthening our community?? I'd bet two weeks pay that of the some 10,000 users here, 9,950 of them become FORMER gun owners at the first sign of "trouble." personally, I say "Screw 'em." Why bend over backwards for these people??? |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 11:19:57 AM EDT
[#23]
Even so, you're willing to take that chance???
I would think of the 10,000 registered accounts, there are probably near 6000 (most likely lower) actual people with those accounts. The rest are dummy accounts, extras, errors, one time posters, etc... On the other hand, I think we would need some sort of member only forum or forums. But all in all the only true problematic area of the site is the GD Forum. Most of the industry forums run smoothly as do many of the other specific forums like shooting and building. -- GB |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 11:46:24 AM EDT
[#24]
Quoted: This is the thought behind a normal member account (public account) and a possible "enhanced" member account where you would get a number of additional toys and tools at the site while everyone maintains the traditional AR15.Com access. -- GB This is the best idea so far. If this site becomes membership only, we'll loss a hell of a lot of existing users and drastically limit the number of new users. Access should remain free to attract new members and those requiring aadditional functionality can pay for it. This is good. |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 11:53:55 AM EDT
[#25]
Quoted: Quoted: This is the thought behind a normal member account (public account) and a possible "enhanced" member account where you would get a number of additional toys and tools at the site while everyone maintains the traditional AR15.Com access. -- GB This is the best idea so far. If this site becomes membership only, we'll loss a hell of a lot of existing users and drastically limit the number of new users. Access should remain free to attract new members and those requiring aadditional functionality can pay for it. This is good. Okay, I'll go for that. But how are we gonna do it?? Only paying members (or some other kind of "super" member, maybe only those with more than 500 posts) get into the GD forum, but all other forums are public access?? Whadda ya think o' dat???? |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 12:14:26 PM EDT
[#26]
Done
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Posted: 6/1/2001 1:24:45 PM EDT
[#27]
I have a suggestion: KeepAndBearArms.com is raffling off any rifle up to $1,000 retail to support themselves. How about raffling off a LEGP rifle? Say, 1000 tickets at $10.00 each? For S/N 500 of 1000?
You might get a MUCH better response from the 10,000 subscribers to that, and at a cost of $660 for the rifle, you net $9,340.00. I don't mind contributing to a good cause, but a chance to get something out of it is a good incentive (I bought 10 of the KABA raffle tickets, BTW). [sniper] |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 1:31:54 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted: But all in all the only true problematic area of the site is the GD Forum. Most of the industry forums run smoothly as do many of the other specific forums like shooting and building. -- GB How about an "Adults Only, "R" Rated" forum? Then all of us adults that are not offended by a nude woman, or a naughty word can play there when we get the urge to be bad boys and girls. I bet we see even the ladies show up there from time to time. [:)] |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 1:53:26 PM EDT
[#29]
I really like the idea of the raffle. I think we could get a great turnout and help the fund.(Not to mention one of us may get an LEGP for the cost of a raffle ticket)
BTW can I donate at to the fund at Campy's Bulletfest? |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 5:47:32 PM EDT
[#30]
The raffle won't do much good for members living in the restricted states. Maybe ship the upper and the cost of the lower in cash. Swell...
I don't know how we could handle tiered membership. There has to be added value of some sort for those who pay. Like maybe a couple of free shirts, baseball cap, decals, stuff like that. But when you get to that point you might as well just sell those items like they do now. |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 8:09:48 PM EDT
[#31]
RE: Membership
Why not have a $5 membership fee to allow unfettered posting access to all forums? This would definantely reduce the number of blatant trolls to some forums, while being relatively low-cost enough as to not be a burden. Perhaps a member-only GD forum, and an open GD forum. If you do go to such a membership system, It would behoove you to have discounts on the ar15.com goodies (t-shirts, licenseplate brackets, mugs, whatever) for members vs. non. A small benefit to be sure, but something for the trouble. A free window sticker or something with your first member order. Call now Goat Boy is standing by. Really. |
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Posted: 6/1/2001 9:27:04 PM EDT
[#32]
I say, if we DO decide to go the route of membership fees (which, being as poor as I am, am STRONGLY for), we keep it low at first ($10 is a good starting number).
Here are some other ideas: -For a $10 yearly fee, you receive FULL access to the board, plus a free tag/license plate frame/etc. -For non-members, they have access to all areas of the board (except the equipment exchange, because sit down for a second and REALLY think how valuable that alone is). They can read but not WRITE, however, to these main forums. If any of the staff needs help with applying read/write capabilites into their scripting, I'd be glad to help. -Announce the new "membership policy" 30 days before you actually put it into effect. That would give all interested members ample time to send in their cash. -New users would not be disenchanted from paying the fee; having read-only access to the boards would give them enough information, via just browsing, to decide if it's worth their money (which it really is) to gain membership status, and thus Write/Equipment-Xchg. access. Just a few ideas, guys. Rememember, even though we have 10,000 REGISTERED members, I would bet that only 1,000 of them are ACTIVE members (i.e. more than just a few posts a month/year). Even that puts up a good $10K annually to the server fund, and the bandwidth still remains acceptable. I don't see anything wrong with this at all - who here, from everything that they've learned, can't afford 10 dollars/year? I have only been here 4 months; when I got here, I could hardly tell you how to sight-in an AR15. Now, I know more than some military guys know about their own rifles! Let's at least consider it, folks. Jewbroni~ |
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Posted: 6/2/2001 3:59:04 AM EDT
[#33]
$25 check will go out today. This site is a great source of information and entertainment for me.
Thanks Gerry |
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Posted: 6/2/2001 4:30:39 AM EDT
[#34]
Here is my 2 cents
Have sellers of goods on the sell sections pay a fee. That way the site will still be free to as many users to exchange info talk issues ect. I thing a $25 member fee for evryone that wants to log on will kill the board, But a fee on goods sold would be painless. Pete |
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Posted: 6/2/2001 5:03:37 AM EDT
[#35]
OK..I am sending my check for $25.00.
This site is worth supporting. The information found here is priceless.Even though I am going through some severe financial difficulties at the moment I can still find a few dollars to help out. Without this site and a few others life would be totally boring:) Geoff Ross |
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Posted: 6/2/2001 9:26:01 AM EDT
[#36]
Made my donation today. Next...
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Posted: 6/2/2001 11:56:36 AM EDT
[#37]
I just put a check in the mail for 2 sets of lic plate brackets and included a little extra for donation, Thank you guys!
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Posted: 6/2/2001 7:43:30 PM EDT
[#38]
As a non-owner(AR15) living in CA I found this site by accident and took the time to sign up. Had there been a fee I woud not have joined. Finances the way they are I would have moved on and found another site to post on. However, since being here, I have increased my desire to add to my firearms collection and have used AR15.com in many conversation regarding firearms. AR15.com is more than a chat site for AR15 owners, it's also a HUGE information base for non-owners as well as non-gun-owners by word of mouth. All sites have to put up with rifraf, even those who require paid membship, since many trolls just steal mommy's ccard or hack in so they can play. The best defense against this is just don't pander to them.
As for a possible $10 raffle of a LE AR15 as a CA resident I would still enter but would like to see an alternative prize of equal value for those who can't legally own one. Perhaps a a trade could be worked out with someone else on the site for a Kali legal firearms and the LE goes to the member. Just my usual $1.50 |
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Posted: 6/3/2001 3:42:35 PM EDT
[#39]
btt
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Posted: 6/4/2001 4:46:39 AM EDT
[#40]
Done! On my part. Anti, I fired you an email regarding how to contribute, never mind. I read your following posts and made my contribution via Castle Arms.
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