Site Funding and Donations Button

[Admin]

Hi!

As some of you have noticed, we have taken the decision to add a 'Donate' button at the foot of the forum pages.

We've opened a Paypal account in the name of Talk Photography, and via this button are accepting donations.

It's not an annual membership subscription - no fancy stars, badges, avatars, or user titles will appear to differentiate between those who have donated and those who haven't, and no extra forum privileges will be earned by donating.
All we get when a member donates, is the email address and name they donated, no forum username, no link, nothing else.

Also, donations are entirely voluntary and no-one should feel obligated to donate if they don't wish to do so.
We don't want that.

No receipts will be issued, and all donations are non-refundable, so if you make a donation, you are still as liable as a non donator for your actions on the board, which means you can still be banned for serious rule breaking (but you're all too nice to do that anyway).

As for what the money is to be used for :

Firstly, reimbursement to the staff member who stood for the cost of the VB Licence and hosting costs caused by the hurried move to our new home.
This will ensure that no one member of the team will feel that its his site, and allow any kind of plug pulling.

After this, the money will be kept in a kitty and used to help fund the running costs of the site (for example, the gallery, which is hosted separate to the forums due to the high volume of disk space and bandwidth used). We also plan to then use any remaining funds to make worthwhile improvements, such as increasing gallery storage for members. Who knows we could even stretch to prizes for competitions, but that's purely an idea at the moment.


If you wish to donate, then we are very thankful however big or small your donation, it ALL makes a difference. If not, then that is perfectly fine also. We originally planned this site to be a FREE photography community, and come hell or high water, we intend to keep it that way.
This way was deemed the most sensible and financially fair on everyone, and also with putting the button at the bottom of the page, it's as non intrusive as possible.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to all those of you who have already chosen to make a contribution, with no prompting at all. Thankyou

Just goes to show that a forum is nothing without its members, and after all the praise and kind words we've had over the past few troublesome days and sleepless nights, we can but echo all your sentiments back to you in the same regard.

In short...You all rock

Many thanks.

The Admin Team.

[Gemok]

hmmm I'd better not see any 1ds apearing in the admin staffs sigs :nono: ;)

[Steep]

As a matter of interest, can you tell me roughly what bandwidth the gallery uses/has used?

[matty]

im just off to tesco, i will have a look and show you the stats when i get back.

[matty]

stats for the gallery

Average monthly bandwidth, is around 2.6gb, april was 2.89gb

space taken so far is 481mb, the limit was 500 but thats been increased, thats with a cap on image file size

i cant get site stats for the forums yet as when teddy got lobbed, we had to move so we dont have the old records, space was ok after we shifted the forums, but bandwidth is high

[Steep]

If it helps you decide the next time the hosting is due for renewal, JaguarPC offer 6GB disk, 180GB bandwidth per month plus lots of other stuff for about £60 per year ($108) http://www.jaguarpc.com/services/hosting/shared.php For that sort of money you can keep everything on the one server.

I've been with them for quite a few years now, have 3 main hosting deals for 3 different sites including the airattack one in my sig.

[Jonny]

If it helps you decide the next time the hosting is due for renewal, JaguarPC offer 6GB disk, 180GB bandwidth per month plus lots of other stuff for about £60 per year ($108) http://www.jaguarpc.com/services/hosting/shared.php For that sort of money you can keep everything on the one server.

I've been with them for quite a few years now, have 3 main hosting deals for 3 different sites including the airattack one in my sig.
Painfully slow american host though :(

[Steep]

The AA site is a bit slow because the database is over 360mb, it's been around a long time :) but the hosts are as fast as anything you'll get UK based.

[matty]

Just a quick note to say thank you to everyone who has contributed, the support you have all given us is very much appreciated!

[scoff]

Matt, How much do you need to raise to cover costs?

[matty]

oi oi Andy

we have covered costs for this coming year, roughly £60 for our old hosting, and £50 for software, the new host is costing us £60 but has far more headroom for expansion and is so far more stable, we will be moving the gallery onto the new host which will save a few quid a month, we've paid for the old hosting to so we will be using that for something very soon!(we hope..)

[Marcel]

the new host is costing us £60

Is it? :help:
£120 :D (just under) for the new hosting, the vBulletin license is paid for for the year, and like Matty says, we are moving over the gallery soon, to the new server, and under the new Talk Photography domain name too.

Kind Regards

Marcel

[matty]

Is it? :help:
£120 :D (just under) for the new hosting, the vBulletin license is paid for for the year, and like Matty says, we are moving over the gallery soon, to the new server, and under the new Talk Photography domain name too.

Kind Regards

Marcel

oops yeah i meant £60 extra, sorry, lol :nuts:

we will have to show a reciept now, lol

[scoff]

Cool,
Matt can Nick help out with the hosting?

[Glen]

Just made a donation, hope that helps to go towards the costs :)

Cheers Glen. :beer:

[matty]

i didnt want to burden nick, i already get a lot of help from him, he did offer to help us out when the fan got mucky but we had already got ourselves sorted

[busterboy]

Just put a donation of 13 pence to you lads.. Spend it wisely..:razz:

[CT]

Just put a donation of 13 pence to you lads.. Spend it wisely..:razz:

Divvy up fellas... I'm goin out tonight! :D


Seriously... really appreciated Tim. :)

[busterboy]

Seriously... really appreciated Tim. :)



No probs mate.. Its a great site and I like coming here..;)


PS: Marcels a pain in the arse but I can put up with that..:lol:

[Matt Charlton]

Marcel is lovely

[Matt Charlton]

butt matty is nicer

[Marcel]

butt matty is nicer

That so needed quoting before you edit it. :p Freudian slip?

Tim, Your 13pence ;) is much appreciated mate :D
I know you say I'm a pain in the arris, but you love me really doncha :D

[busterboy]

Tim, Your 13pence ;) is much appreciated mate :D

Glad to help mate seriously..:thumbs:



I know you say I'm a pain in the arris, but you love me really doncha :D


Sure do mate, This place just wouldnt be the same without you..;)


The first time you bite at one of my off the cuff comments I am leaving..:razz:

[matty]

emailing you something special Tim, for your 13p....

thanks!

[busterboy]

emailing you something special Tim, for your 13p....

thanks!

Bloody cheap-scate.. Is that all you could buy with my donation..:lol:


http://www.timprocter.co.uk/photography/Various/doll.jpg

[CT]

Hmmm there's something about her... :love:

[busterboy]

Hmmm there's something about her... :love:


Nah mate she's full of wind..:shake:

[matty]

heh, i love blonds...

[Matt Charlton]

butt matty is nicer

Admin abuse tbh :cuckoo:

I didn't write that :bang:

[matty]

Admin abuse tbh :cuckoo:

I didn't write that :bang:

theres no shame im liking me more than marcel matt :wave:

[Matt Charlton]

you're missing a , there matty :p

You just want me all to yourself, but I told you already, I'm married - and although my feelings for you are strong, I just can't do that to poor Sue.

You're going to have to get over me ;)

[Marcel]

Welcome to "When threads go bad, Episode 14"

/I need some bleach to scrub my brain.... :D

[Matt Charlton]

you're going to need something stronger than bleach my friend :p

We're off to button moon, we'll follow mr spoon, button mooooooooooooooooon

[matty]

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/634/offtopic.JPG

[Matt Charlton]

That needs to go in the critique forum ;)

[CT]

LOL@ Matty

[Sherlock_Holmes]

wheres the donation button i cant se it

[Sherlock_Holmes]

man that small bugger

[Sherlock_Holmes]

I hope im in the new years honers list gnaw iv donated

[Sherlock_Holmes]

is every 1 in bead

[Venomator]

Not every one is Sherlock ... :D

But I am sure your generosity will be recognised when the site staff stir in a few hours ... they will thank you for your support Sir Holmes ... m8 ... :thumbs:



:p

[CT]

Indeed Sherlock... your contribution is much appreciated. :thumbs:

[matty]

thanks very much! we are about to step up our server package, so its very welcome

[RichardtheSane]

Sold a few bits here, enjoyed reading here. Time to put a bit back - hope it helps :)

[matty]

thanks Richard, much appreciated

[Marcel]

Yep, thanks Richard, much appreciated indeed :thumbs: (I've also sent an email thanking you).

[minimeeze]

Seeing as though I've had a bit of stuff donated recently from various forum members, and for all the great support, laughter and fun I've had on here, I've made a small donation so you can keep feeding the hamster :D

I'd be well and truly lost without this place (sure, there are other inferior sites around, but no place like this) and all the people and friends I've met via this site.

[CT]

Thanks Chegs - much appreciated! :wave:

[PaulBoy]

After my "One Hour" sale with Rog yesterday I felt the urge to share the wealth (well a ickle bit of it I'm not Richard Branston!) - :love: this Forum & all the craik ... Paul :thumbs:
PS - If Matty's looking in Bobby Davro :shrug: Bobby Dazzler :wave:

[matty]

thanks to all for your donations, its very much appreciated!

[Glen]

Bump ;)

[mmcp42]

good bump
cos I never even knew it was there
may one enquire?

is there a mean/median/average/suggested level of donation?
yah know like in the "for sale" forum - price teaser?

alternatively
costs divided by membership = donation
(then factor in only x% will pay)

[hypnotic]

Never noticed it before .... :thinking:

About time I gave something back .... I've taken quite a lot out of this forum.

Spend my 10p wisely .... :bat:


:canon:

[boozybill]

just donated great site :clap::thumbs:

[Glen]

good bump
cos I never even knew it was there
may one enquire?

is there a mean/median/average/suggested level of donation?
yah know like in the "for sale" forum - price teaser?

alternatively
costs divided by membership = donation
(then factor in only x% will pay)

I would imagine that any amount will help from 10p - £10,000 its whatever people feel comfortable with but there is no pressure to donate, its just a case of, if you would like to give something back for the guys, then it all helps make TPF the best!!

Just my 2p worth, or was it £10 :thinking:

[marky_h]

Donation made. Thanks for a great forum - everyone.

[Cobra]

I would imagine that any amount will help from 10p - £10,000 its whatever people feel comfortable with but there is no pressure to donate, its just a case of, if you would like to give something back for the guys, then it all helps make TPF the best!!

Just my 2p worth, or was it £10 :thinking:

best 1d I have ever spent, thanks for the all the techical info, the comedy factor, and general chit-chat, guys :thumbs:

[Marcel]

Just a little note to thank everyone who has donated, both previously, and recently. You will each have received a private thankyou, but I wanted to say thankyou in the thread too!

[digitalfailure]

Hi peeps

I try and send a personal thank you note to everyone who makes a donation, what ever the amount.

However, we have 2 additions to our paypal account in the last week which don't have a reason for the payment so I can't say thank you.

I won't post the email addy's used here, but I hope that you know who you are and that you'll drop me a line, so I can remedy matters :)

If you don't want to, thats fine.......but


THANK YOU

[Galaxy66]

A small donation towards the running costs, but the biggest donation of course comes from all the admin staff who give up their time for nothing.

Thanks, Mal.

[digitalfailure]

Mal and Michael, I hope my mail got to you yesterday.

My internet connection is doing it's best to make dial up look fast.

Thanks again :)

[Glen]

bump ;)

[I MAG images]

Thanks for a great site donation on its way....Ian

[digitalfailure]

Ian and Gillian

Thank you, you both have mail :)

[Battlestar]

As I have just opened my PayPal account, I have to wait a couple of days to complete my verification procedure (the payment for the TP 2008 calendar was my first PP payment ever). When I have done that I too will submit my donation.

I have only recently joined this forum, but find it really fantastic. Thanks guys!



Finally did it, small donation sent from me too! Ciao

[digitalfailure]

Thats a nice sentiment :)
we're glad you like the forum :)

[Cobra]

Hi, This post is very informative, however ther are some queries to ask about some specific topic. If someone can help me then please send me a private message. Thanks,

I am not quite sure what you are getting at but as this is an "open" forum post you query / concerns in the relevant place for honest answers

[IanC_UK]

He was a spammer he isnt anymore ;)

[macky799]

Thought i would send some of my hard earned wages your way since i spend most of my working day on here:D

[madmitch]

He was a spammer he isnt anymore ;)

Bumped this nicely though :thumbs:

[dunedin]

Small donation, have to turn heating down now

[Keltic Ice Man]

Hamsters need food and feeding - so thought this could do with a bump

[digitalfailure]

Thanks for the donations guys, you should all have mail :thumbs:

[birdy961]

A little something sent for the new hamster and all the good work peeps :thumbs:

[digitalfailure]

Birdy

I have mailed you..........:)

If you could reply when you get a spare couple of mins............:thumbs:

[birdy961]

Birdy

I have mailed you..........:)

If you could reply when you get a spare couple of mins............:thumbs:

PM sent :thumbs:

[digitalfailure]

and duly replied to ......... Thanks again :)

[digitalfailure]

Thank you for your most generous donation ven.

[digitalfailure]

AliB and Monkeydave

Thank you,thank you,thank you


:)

[AliB]

Welcome guys. I LOVE this place and I'm learning loads. Now all I need to do is STEP AWAY FROM THE PC and get the camera in my hands instead :clap:

[MartianLM]

You might want to try this http://affiliate-program.amazon.co.uk/gp/associates/join/main.html

A colleague of mine had it on his web site and I think he did alright out of it and you've got a MUCH bigger user base here.

Ignore the examples shown in the 'formatted links' bit, you can display the link however you want. My colleague just had a small hyperlink which linked to their front page, you could at least deep link to the cameras section. I would show you the forum but it's gone now (long story involving hosting failures, irreperable databases and other such dramas).

Basically you put an Amazon link on your site, anywhere and in any format/style you choose (text link, image etc). Then you ask your members to click on the link before buying anything from Amazon. You then get a percentage back from Amazon for the referral, the buyer gets the goods they were going to buy anyway, and all at no extra cost.

Just an idea like :D If you want to contact my colleague to ask him anything about it, just PM me and I'll give you his email address.

At the very least it would be worth looking into I reckon.

There's a bit more here (http://www.askdavetaylor.com/how_do_i_quickly_build_amazon_affiliate_links_on_m y_pages.html) on how to set up various types of links if you want to link to specific products.




And Yes I know I'm new here and am suddenly posting what appear to be commercial links. I am new and here to stay, this was the first post at the top of the page of the first forum I went to read :P Lord knows I can't offer photography advice to anyone yet :(

[Marcel]

Thanks for that Martian.
We do have an affiliate scheme in the offing which we'll be rolling out soon, and hopefully have it seamlessly incorporated into the forum ;)

[Venomator]

Thank you for your most generous donation ven.


Ooops ... :$ ... totally, totally missed this DF ... :eek: ... I am suitably embarrassed now ... :bonk:



So sorry ... :notworthy: ... AND it's quite clear you managed to work out how to use some special buttons just for me ... ;)



Anyways, you are all always very welcome just for the hours of boredom and mind-numbing misery you cause me ... :shrug:




OJ ... ;)





:p

[digitalfailure]

LOL

Ven, you do make me giggle :D

[Venomator]

:shrug:



And I so do try to be serious at all times ... :suspect:





:p

[jimybell]

I have just tried to make a donation and been refused, limited access?

[mmcp42]

yeah they're very picky
don't take just anybody's money you know!:nuts:

[Marcel]

lol mmcp42.

If you're getting a 'limited access' error, that sounds like it could be something to do with your Paypal account? It's not something I've come across before.

[fletch5]

well, ill give this another bump, sent a donation to the hamster biscuit fund the other day:D

makes you feel warm inside knowing the poor little thing isnt starving.

[Marcel]

No but it leaves loads of bloody crumbs everywhere.

/puts pinny on and starts sweeping :p

[PD_BARBS]

As a total newbie this site is invaluable. But I am abit thick and can't find the donation button.

Or just PM me the paypal details.

[Grendel]

Scroll to the very bottom of any page and it's right there in the middle ;)

[PD_BARBS]

Folks

You need to put this in flashing lights.

I would also put a sticky to this page on the for sale / trade, as you are saving people a fortune on ebay fees.

Donation Made.

[Techno-Geek]

Folks

You need to put this in flashing lights.

I would also put a sticky to this page on the for sale / trade, as you are saving people a fortune on paypal / ebay fees.

Donation Made.

What ? :lol:

[fletch5]

No but it leaves loads of bloody crumbs everywhere.

/puts pinny on and starts sweeping :p

i like to keep you all busy. hate for you to go out and take photos or anything.

BTW you missed a bit:D

[markta]

Donation made. Canon Bob gets the credit...

Cheers, Mark

[digitalfailure]

Thanks to Galaxy66 and to djukmatt

very kind of you both :thumbs: