Let's make a difference

[andrewas]

Originally posted by Smoothie: My server has unlimited space, bandwidth for $10 a month. (actually $9.95 and if you pay for a year it is even cheaper) http://phpwebhosting.com/ oh and where in the sticky does it tell me what it costs to keep this place up a month?

From the FAQ of that host: Q. You say that transfer is unmetered, but is there any limit to the amount I can use? A. Though we do not have any pre-set limits, you will not be allowed to and/or over five GB of bandwidth/month. If you use more than this only occasionally, then that is fine. Sites hosting illegal files, porn, warez, file archives or other "download-only" sites are not accepted. The main point of our "un-metered" policy is to allow us to have a friendly service where you do not need to always be worried about incurring extra fees by going over pre-set limits.

I seem to recall this site getting 200'000 page views daily. And theres a website on top of that to support. Just because you can run a relatively small forum for $10/month does not mean it can be done for a forum of this size. Plus you have the hardware costs, there was a lightning strike on the server late last year and for a while we were down for a few days.

If you don't want to pay, don't pay. But don't go on about how Ziroc shouldn't be asking for donations.

[Smoothie]

I can state my opinion. I think people have the right to know where there money goes and what it costs to pay for this site if they are going to be contributing. I never told him not to ask for donations,in fact I don't think I mentioned the Z man at all. I am just pointing out there may be other alternatives. If you want me to be honest I think anything over $100 a month for a website is money wasted. And, I am not doing this randomly. I have seen other boards "scam" people out of their money. I am not saying it is done here but don't get an attitude with me for bringing up valid points.

[ 02-04-2004, 05:39 PM: Message edited by: Smoothie ]

[Megabot]

Smoothie and i can say to you "z-man" as you calling him NOT "scam" people out of their money, he ASK if you can let him get some money to keep this forum going on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a big place and they need hardware computers and all thingys not only a ruter to get it online so coole it down!
I have giving this forum some money the last 3 months and i will continue it now this great Webmaster have done whatever he can possible do to NOT ask us for money but he have tons of other bills to pay because his health is not so good after what i know so he have tons of bills there too. And that is much for one man and if we like this forum to be here tomorrow it would not be to much to ask those who CAN give some to give 1 or 2 dollars only one dollar helps alot and you think " i give one dollar" so what? it dont help but it DOES get that into your brains it does damn it!


Good post Johnny!!! [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 02-04-2004, 06:23 PM: Message edited by: Megabot ]

[Arledrian]

Originally posted by Smoothie: I can state my opinion. I think people have the right to know where there money goes and what it costs to pay for this site if they are going to be contributing. I never told him not to ask for donations, I am just pointing out there may be other alternatives. If you want me to be honest I think anything over $100 a month for a website is money wasted. And I am not doing this randomly, I have seen other boards "scam" people out of their money. I am not saying it is done here but don't get an attitude with me for bringing up valid points.

Well this is it, are they valid points? They seem more like idle and ill-founded pot shots at Ironworks and its webmaster to me. Ziroc's a great guy and would never steal anyone's money - you'd know this if you'd taken the time to familiarize yourself with this forum, without insinuating erroneous things right off the bat.

A site this size and with this many pageviews each day is going to cost a lot and need a good deal of maintenance, that's all there is to it. Every cent that people donate really does go towards this, it's not like Ziroc shoves it all in his back pocket. You may feel the need to question this, but since we've been here a while and know how hard it is for Ziroc to keep this board running, especially with all his medical bills, we completely appreciate that he has to ask for help (donations).

I don't see how you could consider Ironworks, a site that gives hundreds if not thousands of people so much pleasure, a 'waste of money.' If I could give so many people such a wonderful gift with a couple of hundred dollars a month, I'd jump at the chance. Running this website is a great act of selflessness on his part. He could just jack it all in - he's a busy guy and has a life with plenty of expenses of his own - but no, he keeps going, for us. The very least we can do is trust him with what we give and not groan and complain about the way he collects the necessary funds.

[LordKathen]

Another thing to consider Smoothie, is the fact that the forums is only 1 part of this deal. There is a whole website that maybe you have not seen yet. Bandwidth is bandwidth is bandwidth.
Also, please remember that the people this is mostly aimed at is, 1, people who can afford it, and 2, people who are regulars. I notice that you only have 83 posts since Oct. 01. I doubt anyone expects members who dont frequent the forums alot to contribute.
And Dan (Ziroc) puts an incredable amount of time and own money into this site, I really doubt he is out to rob anyone. While your concerns are valid, I think you hit a nerve with some of us who are here everyday and really appreciate what Z does.
Please dont feel obligated to contribute and feel free to ask your questions, but please dont worry about Ziroc's motives. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Smoothie]

Guys, guys, I am not attacking Ziroc here, I am trying to point out that there might be other solutions. And Arledrian, give me a break, this is a message board. I realize people have friends here but this is not the second coming. I'm not groaning or complaining. I am stating my opinion. Maybe I am off base with what things cost. I still think it's too much, but heck in the end it is your money, feel free to do with it what you want.

Finally, just because someone has a low post count does not mean they have not been here awhile or is not a regular. That attitude is unwelcoming and clicquey. Ok I'm done, I said my peace, feel free to do what you want.

[ 02-04-2004, 06:55 PM: Message edited by: Smoothie ]

[Vaskez]

Yeah come on guys, give Smoothie a break, I think she has raised some perfectly valid points in a perfectly mature and acceptable manner, so stop getting stressed just cos you might not agree.

[Megabot]

LOL i hope she have and you too "Vaskez"

[LordKathen]

First post:

Originally posted by Smoothie: not to be mean but I am against contributing to message boards. It is your money, do what you want with it of course, but me, I dont know what happens to that money or what it actually funds. I support my own board as well without ever asking for contributions so I know what it costs to run one but I would never think of asking members to pay for it. Just my 2cents or lack of it as the case may be

Second post:

Originally posted by Smoothie: ten bucks a month is what it costs me total for my board so even if you say that it costs 4x that and you are giving tip for upkeep if everyone would give 10 a month you would be overpaying by heaps.

Like I already stated, it is the insinuation that hit a nerve with us. No offence intended Smoothie. I just think you came across kinda harsh at first. I am sorry about the "regular" comment, I am here everyday and have never seen you. I did'nt take into consideration about the other forums I dont visit. Sorry. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Arledrian]

I just get pissed when people undermine the guy, that's all. Sorry folks.