John,Originally Posted by John Miliunas
We discussed the new titles during the fund drive a few weeks ago. Allen Grimes and Keith Foster are right on target concerning having a visual reminder for new Members that we are now a Member Supported Community. By now everyone should know that I am not one to ask people to donate and I don't push for people to purchase hats and other Stuff. I also am against blatent advertising here at SMC. I think the Contributors title is a reasonable compromise and a small reward to those who were able to support SMC and keep the waters flowing.
Now we have our own private server and if we use our funds carefully should be able to do more than we ever could have done before. We can bring back the Chat server, start working toward a first class shop tours area that is accessible to our Members to make changes and upgrades and many more new services. Aaron is pretty innovative when he is motivated
Below is my response to Shiraz in the other thread, check the remark about the real jewel here at SMC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Shiraz,
The donate button isn't working right now, we lost our original sponsor, Hampton Roads Online, and I have taken over hosting SMC in my workshop. The donations link will be changed shortly, I can't accept credit cards but you can use PayPal (sales@northwindassociates.com) or send a check to the address below if you would like to donate funds toward our monthly expenses.
As the Founder and Owner of SMC I have assigned Aaron Koehl as our System Administrator. Aaron is responsible for both the server administration and the forum software. Aaron also has the last word concerning implementation of our TOS and changes to our Forums.
My wife Jackie Outten also has Admin responsibility, keeps the books and pays the bills. Jackie also is very active helping our Members when she can with username and password issues.
All of our Forums have Moderators assigned to assist our Members with problems and provide the necessary hands on guidence when necessary to keep things working as smooth as possible.
Most importantly our Members share in the overall administration in that we are a Self-Moderated community. Every message that is posted publicly is reviewed by our Members to assure it is in accordance with our TOS and meets our Community standards.
When we lost our Primary Sponsor last month we became a Member Supported Community. We don't collect dues or subscription fees, those who are able to donate are encouraged to do so, as long as we can pay our monthly expenses SMC will continue. Of course all of our Members contribute in one way or another, the information contained in our Forums is the real jewel here and the friendship that flows is a real nice bonus as well.
SawMillCreek Woodworkers Forums
c/o Northwind Associates
8770 Little England Rd.
Hayes, VA 23072