MyE28 funding changes

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Jul 08, 2012 12:43 AM

I kind of figured it would end up paypal. It absolutely has some huge advantages, but something of a questionable reputation too. Any chance of using it as a preferred method, but accepting checks/MO's to an address obtained by PM? Maybe even a PO box, paid out of Mye28 funds if you are that concerned about privacy? I'm a neophyte to paypal, but could probably be persuaded to a one time (or once a year or whatever) if it was by CC, but absolutely not by bank account number. The latter statement is of course a statement about PP, not Jeremy.

Brian in TN · Post by **Brian in TN** » Jul 08, 2012 2:23 AM

Camel toe wins over rock paper scissors in ANY language. Prove me wrong.

djazz · Post by **djazz** » Jul 08, 2012 2:26 AM

I'll send the money however you want Jeremy. Payolapal, twenties in an unmarked envelope, a roll of new crisp ones, whatever. If I was worried about oversight here I wouldn't send anything. If anyone wants to know annual costs just send them a bill for their share of the past expenses.

The best thing about this place is how open and noncommercial it is. Ads, levels, priviledges, oversight, etc. smack of "other" boards. This is not that kind of forum. I didn't even notice my stars missing.

garageboy · Post by **garageboy** » Jul 08, 2012 4:45 AM

Happy to make a modest donation. This is the gold standard of automotive forums. PayPal feeless gift is fine by me. Just send me your address...

My zero-tolerance stipulations:
- excessive posterbaters should pay more, and...
- if Jeremy spends the money on hookers, we want photos (a la Hangover movie)...

.steve.
NYC
1988 528e, 5-speed, 94k miles, The Time Capsule
2001 530i, 5-speed, 117k miles, Almost a Time Capsule

slimdevil27 · Post by **slimdevil27** » Jul 08, 2012 5:05 AM

TSMacNeil wrote:
slimdevil27 wrote: I disagree on one point...TSMacNeil should get a star

A big, bright pink one
Fuckin' A , bubba

oops...

Yeah "oops" I just had one thanks.

Send that Jeremy's way...that'll shut him up Or maybe that's why he's "SO" busy. P.W. Upkeep and maintenance costs my ass

I just hope they don't charge per post, retroactively.

You're screwed....and Jeremy gets a new BMW.

Personally, I don't really care for an accounting. How about we include the hundreds of hours I'm sure he's put into this site, how much has come out of his pocket over the years...and it's still free and open, and how about a bonus for just being awesome. Honesty, intergrity and hard work deserve to be rewarded. I gained a lot of respect for him in reading past quarrells and how he handled them. No power tripping, no ego, just fair, open and honest. What about the efforts of the other beamters? How many are there?

Waiting on an addy.

slimdevil27 · Post by **slimdevil27** » Jul 08, 2012 5:08 AM

Brian in TN wrote:Camel toe wins over rock paper scissors in ANY language. Prove me wrong.

Oww..owee

Quote of the fucking year!!!!

GKLCPA · Post by **GKLCPA** » Jul 08, 2012 9:49 AM

I've been a member here for a bit over a year and I always wondered why there were no ads. A few strategically placed google ads for visitors to click on could generate a few dollars from visitors. Relevant ads would be anything dealing with BMW and parts. Google determines that based on site content and this would be a passive way to raise money as those with limited budgets can at least click on the ads. The advertiser normally pays a commission by click. This cost virtually nothing to set up and is just "money on the table".

I also think that people should perhaps pay a nominal for sale ads (not sure about WTB ads) after all, they're generating dollars from the site and there's no reason why the site shouldn't get a slice of that. The challenge with this is if other sites aren't charging, you run the risk of folks going elsewhere, but I do think that is somewhat mitigated by the fact that mye28 is so specialized. Even on craigslist there's a nominal fee in some markets like NYC of $ 25 to run an ad.

Both of these are simple to implement and don't require a lot of "managing" and can be combined with donations. I think the information should remain free as it would be difficult to charge for that or charge for memberships. The information needs to be used to get traffic to the site and once they're here, "monetize their presence" with a fee for service model and advertising.

Not sure if you want to run this as a non-profit or for profit. I'm inclined to suggest the latter as that might be easier to manage.

Duke · Post by **Duke** » Jul 08, 2012 9:54 AM

Lets do a car wash 4 donations.

WilNJ · Post by **WilNJ** » Jul 08, 2012 9:56 AM

GKLCPA wrote:I've been a member here for a bit over a year and I always wondered why there were no ads. A few strategically placed google ads for visitors to click on could generate a few dollars from visitors. Relevant ads would be anything dealing with BMW and parts. Google determines that based on site content and this would be a passive way to raise money as those with limited budgets can at least click on the ads. The advertiser normally pays a commission by click. This cost virtually nothing to set up and is just "money on the table".

I also think that people should perhaps pay a nominal for sale ads (not sure about WTB ads) after all, they're generating dollars from the site and there's no reason why the site shouldn't get a slice of that. The challenge with this is if other sites aren't charging, you run the risk of folks going elsewhere, but I do think that is somewhat mitigated by the fact that mye28 is so specialized. Even on craigslist there's a nominal fee in some markets like NYC of $ 25 to run an ad.

Both of these are simple to implement and don't require a lot of "managing" and can be combined with donations. I think the information should remain free as it would be difficult to charge for that or charge for memberships. The information needs to be used to get traffic to the site and once they're here, "monetize their presence" with a fee for service model and advertising.

Not sure if you want to run this as a non-profit or for profit. I'm inclined to suggest the latter as that might be easier to manage.

Please no ads, some of the forums I've visited are ad supported and their ridiculously slow to load and horrible to read with all kinds of flashing ads.

GKLCPA · Post by **GKLCPA** » Jul 08, 2012 10:03 AM

WilNJ wrote:
GKLCPA wrote:I've been a member here for a bit over a year and I always wondered why there were no ads. A few strategically placed google ads for visitors to click on could generate a few dollars from visitors. Relevant ads would be anything dealing with BMW and parts. Google determines that based on site content and this would be a passive way to raise money as those with limited budgets can at least click on the ads. The advertiser normally pays a commission by click. This cost virtually nothing to set up and is just "money on the table".

I also think that people should perhaps pay a nominal for sale ads (not sure about WTB ads) after all, they're generating dollars from the site and there's no reason why the site shouldn't get a slice of that. The challenge with this is if other sites aren't charging, you run the risk of folks going elsewhere, but I do think that is somewhat mitigated by the fact that mye28 is so specialized. Even on craigslist there's a nominal fee in some markets like NYC of $ 25 to run an ad.

Both of these are simple to implement and don't require a lot of "managing" and can be combined with donations. I think the information should remain free as it would be difficult to charge for that or charge for memberships. The information needs to be used to get traffic to the site and once they're here, "monetize their presence" with a fee for service model and advertising.

Not sure if you want to run this as a non-profit or for profit. I'm inclined to suggest the latter as that might be easier to manage.
Please no ads, some of the forums I've visited are ad supported and their ridiculously slow to load and horrible to read with all kinds of flashing ads.

It depends on how you place them Will and what you allow. There are ways to place ads where they're not annoying. With google, you can also filter out certain ad content. If tastefully done, they don't detract but generate funds at the same time.

cddallara · Post by **cddallara** » Jul 08, 2012 10:04 AM

I wouldn't mind paying a set, yearly fee. Through paypal.

Other sites give you more PMs, faster/more in depth searches, etc when you contribute. So as not to "take away" from the site if you don't pay, but make it worthwhile to those who do. Also, I can appreciate the idea of the "for sale" ads being a membership type of thing.

There's gonna be upgrades needed (server/host/etc?) down the road I assume, why not keep any "extra money" for that? Or an annual meet/ greet type thing?

Too many gifts and paypal won't let you accept any more for awhile, ask me how I know

oldskool · Post by **oldskool** » Jul 08, 2012 10:46 AM

Page 5!

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Jul 08, 2012 10:56 AM

GKLCPA wrote:I've been a member here for a bit over a year and I always wondered why there were no ads. A few strategically placed google ads for visitors to click on could generate a few dollars from visitors. Relevant ads would be anything dealing with BMW and parts. Google determines that based on site content and this would be a passive way to raise money as those with limited budgets can at least click on the ads. The advertiser normally pays a commission by click. This cost virtually nothing to set up and is just "money on the table".

I also think that people should perhaps pay a nominal for sale ads (not sure about WTB ads) after all, they're generating dollars from the site and there's no reason why the site shouldn't get a slice of that. The challenge with this is if other sites aren't charging, you run the risk of folks going elsewhere, but I do think that is somewhat mitigated by the fact that mye28 is so specialized. Even on craigslist there's a nominal fee in some markets like NYC of $ 25 to run an ad.

Both of these are simple to implement and don't require a lot of "managing" and can be combined with donations. I think the information should remain free as it would be difficult to charge for that or charge for memberships. The information needs to be used to get traffic to the site and once they're here, "monetize their presence" with a fee for service model and advertising.

Not sure if you want to run this as a non-profit or for profit. I'm inclined to suggest the latter as that might be easier to manage.

I think many of us see great value in it being ad-free. Once the camel's nose in under the tent, things tend to change. With ads everything loads slower too. This way the focus stays on what it should be, the people and the cars.

Ok, everyone start chanting,
No Ads, No ads, No ads, No ads...

Duke · Post by **Duke** » Jul 08, 2012 10:59 AM

Check this page out - http://www.sunbeamalpine.org/index.php?categoryid=77

It is a Sunbeam page I belong to and donate to yearly. I do silver or Gold and have a nice window decal I can put on my car to show my support. You do not have to give anything either.

shagrath · Post by **shagrath** » Jul 08, 2012 11:23 AM

cddallara wrote:I wouldn't mind paying a set, yearly fee. Through paypal.

Other sites give you more PMs, faster/more in depth searches, etc when you contribute. So as not to "take away" from the site if you don't pay, but make it worthwhile to those who do. Also, I can appreciate the idea of the "for sale" ads being a membership type of thing.

There's gonna be upgrades needed (server/host/etc?) down the road I assume, why not keep any "extra money" for that? Or an annual meet/ greet type thing?

Too many gifts and paypal won't let you accept any more for awhile, ask me how I know

truth

al525i · Post by **al525i** » Jul 08, 2012 11:46 AM

the whole ad paid idea. NO.NO.NO

i don't mind paying a large fee to keep the site as it is. The no advertisement nature of this board is one of the nice things to me. Especially being in afghanistan because the ads take up bandwidth and given the fact that the internet here is slower than dialup, i can't use other boards that do have ads. I know its not relevant for most, but a huge deal to me. I also don't like the idea of pay to post for sale ads. The classified section here is as fine as you'll find for e28 items and probably to a large part due to the fact that its free to post. Think of all the items that you've seen for sale for a few bucks or even free that people wouldn't have put up if it cost to do so.

This board isn't bimmerforumz and imho, thats a good thing. Don't fubar it by trying to re-invent the wheel.

I'm beginning to lean on the side of just link the paypal account and ask for donations and see where you end up.

1st 5er · Post by **1st 5er** » Jul 08, 2012 11:53 AM

al525i wrote:... link the paypal account and ask for donations and see where you end up.

...and as others have mentioned;

Duke · Post by **Duke** » Jul 08, 2012 12:46 PM

al525i wrote:I'm beginning to lean on the side of just link the paypal account and ask for donations and see where you end up.

Here you go -

www.donatetodukestiger.com

slimdevil27 · Post by **slimdevil27** » Jul 08, 2012 1:45 PM

al525i wrote:the whole ad paid idea. NO.NO.NO

i don't mind paying a large fee to keep the site as it is. The no advertisement nature of this board is one of the nice things to me. Especially being in afghanistan because the ads take up bandwidth and given the fact that the internet here is slower than dialup, i can't use other boards that do have ads. I know its not relevant for most, but a huge deal to me. I also don't like the idea of pay to post for sale ads. The classified section here is as fine as you'll find for e28 items and probably to a large part due to the fact that its free to post. Think of all the items that you've seen for sale for a few bucks or even free that people wouldn't have put up if it cost to do so.

This board isn't bimmerforumz and imho, thats a good thing. Don't fubar it by trying to re-invent the wheel.

I'm beginning to lean on the side of just link the paypal account and ask for donations and see where you end up.

All of what he said, I'd pay extra just to keep it exactly the way it is. Especially the last part.

Duke wrote:Lets do a car wash 4 donations.

If it's ugly and British, Duke is all over it.

OcCoupe · Post by **OcCoupe** » Jul 08, 2012 2:05 PM

oldskool wrote:Page 5!

Yeah, my thoughts exactly. I can't remember what page 1 was about. I'll go back to looking at dirty pictures.

Duke · Post by **Duke** » Jul 08, 2012 2:08 PM

slimdevil27 wrote:If it's British, Duke is all over it

OcCoupe · Post by **OcCoupe** » Jul 08, 2012 2:10 PM

Duke wrote:
slimdevil27 wrote:If it's British, Duke is all over it

I see a bulge.

oldskool · Post by **oldskool** » Jul 08, 2012 2:25 PM

I smell fish

abdielhiram · Post by **abdielhiram** » Jul 08, 2012 4:12 PM

1st 5er wrote:Can you pay whatever/whoever needs to get paid through PayPal?
Either way, I'm down for PayPal using the gift option and eat the fees for what I send.

+1

fries_man · Post by **fries_man** » Jul 09, 2012 4:39 AM

I agree on the no ads for the site, the paypal donations method would be the most legit. Don't let this site, my everything turn into an ad orgy please.

MicahO · Post by **MicahO** » Jul 09, 2012 1:06 PM

I'll happily contribute.

No to ads!

Yes to car washes and this thread has the best cameltoe EVAR. Having been away for a couple of days, I'm glad I read every single post!

carnutdallas · Post by **carnutdallas** » Jul 09, 2012 3:59 PM

I am late to the party.....read the whole thread. Drooled over the pics

....but in the end, I just want a PayPal address ASAP, so I can give while I can. Otherwise I am broke until October of 2014

KillerPM · Post by **KillerPM** » Jul 09, 2012 4:05 PM

I am good for the community to donate to keep the lights on (including a donation from me obviously).

I would like to see disclosed what it costs to keep the lights on though. Then we can have a yearly membership drive to a PayPal account that Jeremy controls (since he is paying the bill already) with the credit card idea. Heck, even if Jeremy wants to tack on an "Administration Fee" to handle the whole process, that's totally fine by me, just tell us that's what you are doing and how much you are going to pocket (500 per year? 1k per year? I don't know). Nothing wrong with taking an Admin Fee in my mind.

Once the membership drive is done for the year, good to go, and the payments come off the credit card.

Basically then that way we know the fees are good for the year and if Jeremy takes advantage of the whole thing (not saying he is going to, but you never know) we can go all "Taken" on him...

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Jul 09, 2012 4:13 PM

Jeremy wrote:Fact1: MyE28.com has expenses.

Fact2: The money to pay for those expenses has to come from somewhere.

Starting this fall, my free time will be extremely limited, and my available funds for operations here will be very very small. People have approached me over time about ways to to contribute, and there just has never been a way. I'd like to change that, so I'm open to suggestions.

A PayPal account for donations is the obvious route to take, but PayPal doesn't enjoy the best of reputations and their fee schedule is moderately steep. So, before I go ahead and set something up (which will probably be in place for a while once it's done), does anyone have suggestions for alternatives to PayPal that might work out for us?

Haven't had a chance to read any responses, as I just saw this topic (as you can tell, I've been scarce for a couple of weeks.)

How about a Kickstarter or similar thing for an initial fundraiser? Make up shirts and stickers and sell them to help pay.

I'll do anything I can to help to avoid ads, pay-per listings, and the vendor controlled and regulated forums over at the other boards. Just let me know where to send the $$

graphite · Post by **graphite** » Jul 09, 2012 4:20 PM

I'm with the people that would like a cost breakdown on the site. I (somewhat) trust Jeremy but what costs are there other than hosting/domain registration? Is MyE28.com some sort of shell company employing drug traffickers or something? I have hosting and 3 domains and I spend < $100 a year. Not saying any one person should shoulder that cost for this site but if the number of people willing to donate right now gives $10 a piece you have years of costs and that is too far in advance to be getting that much. If its $500+ or more a year to run this site then I'd be interested in knowing why before donating.

MyE28 funding changes

Re: MyE28 funding changes