How is the forum funded?

[GuillaumeB]

OK - I have to ask....   I have absolutely no idea how much it costs to run and host a site like this, not a clue.  Don't get me wrong, I am sure that there are many costs involved.  Like the OP, I too had wondered about this and had mentioned in previous posts about the lack of banner advertising and similar.  As well as the tangible costs of hardware, hosting and whatever else, there is the cost of time and man-hours.  This is a particularly tricky one.  How much is done for love ?  How much time spent on here for 'moderation' could be classed as work or fun.  Notwithstanding this, it is clear that a site like this cannot appear from nowhere and run itself, I am sure that there is considerable hassle, pain and frustration involved.  (this is my experience of anything that involves a PC, software, IT kit or similar) This is truly work per the dictionary sense or the word.  But having said all that, I still haven't got a clue how all this lot would total up.  Looking at this the other way around, lets say a guidance figure for donation was provided, who can tell how many would stump up, pay less, pay more, or pay nothing.  Plus, although the 2000 members figure has been surpassed, there is for sure a far lower number of truly active members.  So I reckon that even if a guide 'donation' figure was provided, it would be very difficult to estimate the actual revenue this would develop.  I liked IanG's logic re pricing on the 'Wam, but I don't think we can be sure this stacks up, as Ian mentions, membership is probably a lot higher on the 'Wam, maybe a LOT higher?  Plus the 'Wam appears to be in a permanent state of chaos recently, so I am not sure if it is a good guide to anything to be honest.

Anyway, to be clear, I am more than happy to throw in a chunk of my hard earned cash!  But I do think a bit of guidance would be helpful.  Only time will then tell if the actual sums pledged add up to what was expected.  In time, if our esteemed leaders come back and advise that the cash is too much or too little, such feedback I think would be trusted and respected.

It's a vulgar thing money is it not?

No you are absolutely right to ask! The hosting itself is a hundred quid or so. Peanuts actually. The logo cost me £300, and that was at 50% off (designer provides services to my wife's business); I wanted something professional looking so it seemed a no-brainer. Moving forward it would be great to develop the site, create more content, update designs, all this costs time and money. I think we are all in agreement that we don't want banner advertising and sponsorship which might compromise our integrity and independence. Any surplus dosh could be put towards an event of some description, I have a few ideas there... 

Guillaume