MyE28 funding changes

Post by **Jeremy** » Jul 07, 2012 12:19 PM

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?

EDIT: If you're new to this thread, information about donating can be found here: http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=107524

Ted in T.O. · Post by **Ted in T.O.** » Jul 07, 2012 12:33 PM

Just tell us how much you need and I'm sure the contributions will come in with no questions asked Jeremy. Tedster

mattur · Post by **mattur** » Jul 07, 2012 12:40 PM

Popmoney.com is something that was just started as a service at PNC. Basically I use any contact info I have to send someone mone free of charge. It require the person sending the money to use the service and the person receiving the money will have to fill out secured information such as a bank account aba and account number to receive it. If they are both members its even easier. Worth a thought. Free service through PNC I believe, not sure what other banks.

Post by **tsmall07** » Jul 07, 2012 12:45 PM

We could do this.

Adam W in MN · Post by **Adam W in MN** » Jul 07, 2012 12:48 PM

Could google checkout be used and function similar to payscrew?

OcCoupe · Post by **OcCoupe** » Jul 07, 2012 1:05 PM

Paypal it's the easiest and most of us are set up for it. Please let me know where to send.

Post by **Jeremy** » Jul 07, 2012 1:06 PM

tsmall07 wrote:We could do this.

1. That doesn't answer the question I asked. Please read again.

2. I'm not looking to repeat that debacle. I'm moderately confident that not all orders got filled the first time around.

To go along with number 2, if you did pay for a hat the first time around and never received one, please contact me privately (either PM or e-mail) and provide me with the the paypal address you used and your current mailing address.

Adam W in MN wrote:Could google checkout be used and function similar to payscrew?

The money would still need a destination, Google's fees are identical to PayPal's, and I'm not sure how that would work when there isn't a specific product being sold.

TSMacNeil · Post by **TSMacNeil** » Jul 07, 2012 1:12 PM

I'm probably in the minority here, but I suggest PayPal, at least initially. Over several years and a few hundred transactions, I've only had one problem. I accidentally paid for something twice, and had to wait a week to have it credited back to my account.
That said, it's easy, it takes two seconds to set up, and it keeps bank routing numbers and such out of the equation.

As I said, I may be the minority, but it's far and away the easiest solution that keeps the website and Jeremy free from dealing with sensitive banking data directly.

Ken H. · Post by **Ken H.** » Jul 07, 2012 1:13 PM

Jeremy,
PayJob may work for a lot of us, but some of us absolutely refuse to use it. Any way to set up a lockbox at a local financial institution for payments via credit card or receipt of checks or money orders/ (Yeah, some of us still use those methods to pay for stuff. . . )
This might also have much less of a hit to the net funds received.

Adam W in MN · Post by **Adam W in MN** » Jul 07, 2012 1:13 PM

OcCoupe wrote:Paypal it's the easiest and most of us are set up for it. Please let me know where to send.

Payscrew has done a fine job fleecing many of my friends including some on this board, I would hate for them to screw over this board potentially holding up the funds that keep the lights on.

We already had one Layton experience, let's not set ourselves up for another.

al525i · Post by **al525i** » Jul 07, 2012 1:14 PM

as much as I hate paypal, I'll agree that most are set up for it. i have no problem kicking in to keep the board i've enjoyed forever up and running but not much on giving out bank account info to some new company. I'd say a paypal or google checkout option would be best for the masses.

just my .02

al525i

edit: I also have no issue sending a plain old fashioned check (the paper kind, really) if thats preferred.

BimmerJunkie · Post by **BimmerJunkie** » Jul 07, 2012 1:38 PM

Given all the value I've got from this site over the years, I'm willing to pitch in. I'm not a fan of paypal either, but would use it if that's the only vehicle.

What about a personal check via the mail?

TSMacNeil · Post by **TSMacNeil** » Jul 07, 2012 1:45 PM

As Jeremy said, he'll have precious little time to devote to the site and its' administration. Pretty sure I know what his endeavor is, so I concur.
I'm down for whatever we choose, but I think the key is to keep this really simple on his end.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Jul 07, 2012 1:49 PM

I have a pen, a checkbook, an envelope and a stamp.

Peter Florance asks for renewal time and I just send him PayPal. If you do stuff on the personal tab, there are no fees unless using a credit card. That said, it all depends on how you choose to set it up.

I know there is a huge aversion to PayPal, but honestly, they're a business that has filled a need in the marketplace and they allow transactions to take place quickly and securely for a fee. I'm not so sure how much I'd trust "Rufus' Free Online Money Transfer Service."

You could also have a bake sale. If that happens, put me down for some lemon bars.

Brian in TN · Post by **Brian in TN** » Jul 07, 2012 1:50 PM

Id be down for check, MO or Paypal. Whatever we end up using, the bill will get paid.

Is it possible for the members to pay the server provider directly?

Duke · Post by **Duke** » Jul 07, 2012 1:51 PM

Adam W in MN wrote:We already had one Layton experience, let's not set ourselves up for another.

Whatever is decided. For everyone's protection, there should be oversight of the funds and how they are spent. Lets try to last longer that 5 minutes this time.

Post by **tsmall07** » Jul 07, 2012 2:05 PM

wkohler wrote:I know there is a huge aversion to PayPal, but honestly, they're a business that has filled a need in the marketplace and they allow transactions to take place quickly and securely for a fee. I'm not so sure how much I'd trust "Rufus' Free Online Money Transfer Service."

+1

I'm fine with using paypal. I haven't had an issue because I'm careful about who I complete a transaction with.

wkohler wrote:You could also have a bake sale. If that happens, put me down for some lemon bars.

I made lemon bars from scratch a couple weeks ago. Delicious. I used this recipe.

davintosh · Post by **davintosh** » Jul 07, 2012 2:33 PM

We all have the ability to pay via snail-mail -- cash, check, money order, beer, etc... While not as convenient or quick as PayPal, humanity got along just fine for centuries without it. Just give us a mailing address and watch the moneys fly in.

jakeb · Post by **jakeb** » Jul 07, 2012 2:34 PM

Paypal is the best option even with the fees I say. I think with a "personal" account there are no fees but you cannot accept credit card...which really isn't that big of a deal. Or if people send it as a gift/family there are no fees.

It would be nice to know about what the operating fees are tho.

Post by **Jeremy** » Jul 07, 2012 2:47 PM

Duke wrote:
Adam W in MN wrote:We already had one Layton experience, let's not set ourselves up for another.
Whatever is decided. For everyone's protection, there should be over site of the funds and how they are spent. Lets try to last longer that 5 minutes this time.

OK, let's say I'm amenable to some degree of oversight. How, exactly, does that happen? I can't just publicly post PayPal password for obvious reasons, so how does "oversight" get accomplished?

Also, for the sake of keeping history accurate, the Layton fiasco didn't affect MyE28's funds at all. He ripped off 5erFest, which was operated completely independently from this website.

jakeb wrote:It would be nice to know about what the operating fees are tho.

My big fear on that count is the "armchair quarterbacking" that might commence afterwards. This site has its full share of opinions, heaven knows.

oldskool · Post by **oldskool** » Jul 07, 2012 2:48 PM

I have a picture of a spider that I have drawn.

Post by **Jeremy** » Jul 07, 2012 2:48 PM

oldskool wrote:I have a picture of a spider that I have drawn.

5 legs or 6?

TSMacNeil · Post by **TSMacNeil** » Jul 07, 2012 2:49 PM

davintosh wrote:We all have the ability to pay via snail-mail -- cash, check, money order, beer, etc... While not as convenient or quick as PayPal, humanity got along just fine for centuries without it. Just give us a mailing address and watch the moneys fly in.

I won't speak for Jeremy, but I wouldn't want to have to process a bunch of checks and bank deposits given his upcoming schedule.
.02

1st 5er · Post by **1st 5er** » Jul 07, 2012 2:52 PM

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.

mattur · Post by **mattur** » Jul 07, 2012 2:54 PM

Going to throw this out there for everyone since I really don't know how this website is paid for now and who actually owns it etc but would love to see it continue and prosper.

Anyway, there are several professionals that are members of this board and a lot of people willing to contribute and wish it to continue. Why not form an NPO with elected officers and make it an official car club, using fundraising and donated professional skills to keep the website up? It would be an undertaking but something that I think a few of us could help move along. All the money could be placed under the NPO, donations could be a tax deduction if some would like, and administer everything through elected officials following rules set forth in a charter. I'd definitely be willing to help move this process along. Professional skill is Finance by the way... Any lawyers willing to help with the Charter and forming of the NPO?

Alot of work but the outcome I think would be worth it.

Xenocide · Post by **Xenocide** » Jul 07, 2012 3:06 PM

al525i wrote:edit: I also have no issue sending a plain old fashioned check (the paper kind, really) if thats preferred.

Same here. Paypal would also be fine, but I know that you guys would likely get reamed by their fees.

I'm just a college student so I can't do much, but with the amount of money this site has saved me over the years I'd be stupid not to do what I can to keep it around.

unt0uchable · Post by **unt0uchable** » Jul 07, 2012 3:30 PM

Whatever happens, I am in for some donation. This community is really invaluable so anything to keep it afloat!

BDK · Post by **BDK** » Jul 07, 2012 3:36 PM

Paypal is my vote, I have been using it more than 10yrs I believe and have only had one issue over that period and they corrected it.
I believe they have a gift option with no fees don't they?
That's my vote and of course you can count on my donation.

ElGuappo · Post by **ElGuappo** » Jul 07, 2012 3:41 PM

I would be fine with a yearly subscription.
You don't have to give us any "Premier" status or crap like that, but this site and it's members have given me far more enjoyment than any other site, by miles.

I think the NPO is exactly what we don't want.
There is a reason why we have Beamters instead of moderators.
It may sound cheesy, but we are a website Of the people, by the people, For the people.
We police ourselves for the most part and are better for it.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Jul 07, 2012 3:51 PM

Yeah, but if they do start something, perhaps I can get in as assistant to the assistant night manager.