OrangeMane: The SAINTS are kicking our ass, and I don't like it.

[BroncoBuff]

(I Better post this thread before the "On-Season" mode kicks in.)

Taco John: Have those of us who spend hours on here every day, those of us who've begged you to LET US HELP YOU make this site better, help you bring back Avatars, User Notes, "Who's Online", "Who's in This Thread," etc ... those of us (me actually) who started donation drives the past two seasons in a row (notice we skipped it this year?), those of us (me again) from whom you've received and ignored 6 or 8 reps, 3 or 4 PMs, and 2 threads on the topic (not counting avatar threads), been given a plan?

Have any of us been told - exactly how does SaintsReport.com manage to host 400-900 users simultaneously, with lightning fast speed, offering EVERY feature we don't have ... and then some we've never heard of? All with software called "vbPortal Version 3.6.0," which very similar to vBulletin?

Oh, and you wanna really be embarrassed? The top new thread in SaintsReport right now is "Can We Go Undefeated This Year? (http://www.saintsreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75893) Seriously. I'm not kidding ... click it. Man, NOBODY on this site is fool enough to post such a thread, and yet here we are poking around like cavemen in the stone age. Why? How much does "vbPortal Version 3.6.0" cost? I offered to write a decent-sized check (never heard back from you), and I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting to move up ...at least to the Saints level. Nobody wants to OWN this with a donation TJ, the site is yours. We're just happy to be here ... so let's ditch the folding chairs and get some nice Lazy-Boy recliners in here.

We should have at least as nice a facility as the lowly Saints, anyway.

[BroncoBuff]

I'll put my money where my mouth is: $100 donation from me if we can work toward catching up with the Saints.

[Sassy]

Dang....kicking our ass and we haven't even hit OM weekend yet! :spit: ROFL! tsk tsk :pfbbt: :confuzzle :thumbsdow :Whaaaa!: :nono: :-/

[ludo21]

amen...

Not that I would donate much, or anything, but i would like to hear our options.

[broncocalijohn]

dont you think it cost booko bucks to give money to RP campaing? Once the loans are paid back, we will be able to talk about upgrading around 2011. Unfortunatly, that will be when RP announces another run for the presidency!

[Broncojef]

I'll put my money where my mouth is: $100 donation from me if we can work toward catching up with the Saints.

I'll match BroncoBuff's $100 donation...tell me where to send it.

[bronco0608]

the gauntlet has been laid down

[bronco0608]

I'll match BroncoBuff's $100 donation...tell me where to send it.

In care of James Watson
254 Greenoak drive
San Diego, CA 92109

Mention nothing of Orangemane when you send this.

It's a joke, folks. Don't send money to this address.

[CBF1]

I do not make the jack that Buff makes, but put me down for $40.00 for the upgrade.

[TheReverend]

I have to admit, I'm happy with things the way they are, but will be happy to donate to help save TJ from another season or two of bitching.

[ScottXray]

I'll kick in 50 if it will help the site. And 25 just to keep it going.
Tj?

[BroncoBuff]

I do not make the jack that Buff makes, but put me down for $40.00 for the upgrade.
I don't make that much, not what I used to that's for sure. But ferhevinsake, I average between 2 and 3 hours a day in here! I'm only conscious 16 freaking hours a day ... a one-time $100 donation seems pretty reasonable. I watch TV 2-3 hours a day too, and I spent $1200 freaking dolars on a TV hmmm...

If we only knew how much we need for a) bigger bandwidth, double what we have I figure, and b) that new vPortal software ... at least then we'd have a goal to shoot for. But thusfar, TJ's kept all that info to himself.

[CBF1]

Taco just called me and said he does not like you :devil:

[Kaylore]

It would be really nice if Avatars would come back.

[BroncoBuff]

Arrrrgggghhhh... I can't resist! This was my joke to kick off last year's OM fund raiser:

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/6865/bettywhitedn2.jpg
If you read even ONE post on OrangeMane
without contributing .... that's STEALING!



I do love Betty White ... :~ohyah!:

[Jason7730]

I have donated in the past, and would do so again if it would help make our site better. ( Because we are the best fans in the world). Go Broncos!!!!!!!

[BroncoBuff]

If we're really "the best fans in the world," then why do the Saints have plush Lazy-Boy recliners, while we're stuck with folding chairs?

[Inkana7]

It builds character.

[Gcver2ver3]

avatars aren't that big a deal to me anymore...

the only thing that really needs to be addressed is the board slowing or going down on gameday because it can't support all the Bronco fans on it...


that is REALLY stupid...

i'd consider donating to help that cause...

[broncofan2438]

Wow, their board is impressive........

[Jason7730]

If we're really "the best fans in the world," then why do the Saints have plush Lazy-Boy recliners, while we're stuck with folding chairs?

It's the "No pain no gain" philosophy I guess. Lol. Really, a few years ago I watched the Broncos play out here at Sun Devil stadium and those flat aluminum bleachers made my ass go numb by the second half. I could have used a Lazy Boy (with built in A.C. ):~ohyah!:

[broncofan2438]

What would it take for us to get this board going strong

[CBF1]

What would it take for us to get this board going strong

Bronco Buff making an offer to buy the site from TJ...and Taco accepting said offer ;D

[wolf754life]

i'm down for 100, and a 5.95 monthly membership fee

[broncofan2438]

i'm down for 100, and a 5.95 monthly membership fee
Easy brother....watch for those poor college students

[That One Guy]

While everyone enjoys some fun in the community, maybe rather than all the functions of a Broncos board it's time to get rid of the 15 different OT areas? I enjoy stopping by the battlefield (WRP) just as much as anyone but it's not essential to a Broncos board. That wouldn't improve anything on game day though and that's the big concern.

It's been discussed numerous times that membership fees aren't the answer but if Wolf is only willing to go 5.95, I'd consider a $6 membership charge. Shoot, I'd pay $5 a month just to be allowed to vote for the banning of jackasses. Maybe that's a fundraiser in the making :D

[Sassy]

How much are posters willing to donate to get rid of Bobo? ;D

[OABB]

How much are posters willing to donate to get rid of Bobo? ;D

i was thinking the same thing. also, If I am paying, I feel lex, wolf, telluride and cito pelon should be excommunicated.

[ohiobronco2]

I volunteer to whore myself out to 1000 fat chicks for $50 bucks a piece, or 50 really fact chicks for $1000 bucks a piece.

[That One Guy]

i was thinking the same thing. also, If I am paying, I feel lex, wolf, telluride and cito pelon should be excommunicated.

What in the world did Cito do to get that company? I don't even know if I really notice their posts often but apparently I've been overlooking someone.

Telluride has come up drastically lately. Lex, Wolf, and the Boob were who I was considering as well.

[BroncoBuff]

The thing about Taco John is, though this is really just a semi-informed theory, is that he has led a Horatio Alger-like life. He grew up with very modest beginnings (I think he was raised in Idaho by hobo spiders), and he really pulled himself up by his bootstraps, he really did, and he's pretty successful now in a great many ways. But because of that lifestory, he can't stand the idea of taking money or anything else from people. It's a self-sufficient "Greatest Generation" type dynamic. So he disdains asking/taking any help. I dunno, that's my informed opinion anyway. I was giving him a healthy dose of crap in the WARRP Room a couple months ago (ostensibly about that topic, but really about this topic), and he came at me with a pretty healthy dose of his "self-sufficiency" philosophy. That's a very admirable life philosophy of course, and it's very "Ron Paul" of him, but ...

DAMMIT I WANT MY LAZY-BOY! ;D

[SBboundBroncos]

i certainly would be down for you guys to donate money to this place

[That One Guy]

The thing about Taco John is, though this is really just a semi-informed theory, is that he has led a Horatio Alger-like life. He grew up with very modest beginnings (I think he was raised in Idaho by hobo spiders), and he really pulled himself up by his bootstraps, he really did, and he's pretty successful now in a great many ways. But because of that lifestory, he can't stand the idea of taking money or anything else from people. It's a self-sufficient "Greatest Generation" type dynamic. So he disdains asking/taking any help. I dunno, that's my informed opinion anyway. I was giving him a healthy dose of crap in the WARRP Room a couple months ago (ostensibly about that topic, but really about this topic), and he came at me with a pretty healthy dose of his "self-sufficiency" philosophy. That's a very admirable life philosophy of course, and it's very "Ron Paul" of him, but ...

DAMMIT I WANT MY LAZY-BOY! ;D

Well his opinion has always been that it's not worth it to upgrade when the site runs perfectly fine 90% of the time as is. Maybe there's an alternative that really needs to be explored, I've seen this same thing brought up for a couple years now and he seems pretty resolute in it not being an issue.

Did the server change ever finally occur? Wasn't that expected to help?

[Vegas_Bronco]

TJ does a lot, no doubt, but we don't need all that extra stuff (avy's, etc) if it encourages a off topic movement that really isn't related to the purpose of the site. I like the sigs or avys, but don't need both (too much non-related BS in most of it anyway). I don't come here to find out who's voting for who, but mainly for Broncos related info and topics...all that other funny & personal stuff you can get anywhere else on any other vBull site. The reason this site is soooo successful is due to the contributions by it's posters and their INFORMATION ABOUT THE BRONCOS! The true success of this site is not the bells and whistles, but the massive amounts of factual data from all different sources along with expected high ethics; and lastly, is the online culture that can be found in most successful vBull sites.

[PaintballCLE]

(I Better post this thread before the "On-Season" mode kicks in.)

Taco John: Have those of us who spend hours on here every day, those of us who've begged you to LET US HELP YOU make this site better, help you bring back Avatars, User Notes, "Who's Online", "Who's in This Thread," etc ... those of us (me actually) who started donation drives the past two seasons in a row (notice we skipped it this year?), those of us (me again) from whom you've received and ignored 6 or 8 reps, 3 or 4 PMs, and 2 threads on the topic (not counting avatar threads), been given a plan?

Have any of us been told - exactly how does SaintsReport.com manage to host 400-900 users simultaneously, with lightning fast speed, offering EVERY feature we don't have ... and then some we've never heard of? All with software called "vbPortal Version 3.6.0," which very similar to vBulletin?

Oh, and you wanna really be embarrassed? The top new thread in SaintsReport right now is "Can We Go Undefeated This Year? (http://www.saintsreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75893) Seriously. I'm not kidding ... click it. Man, NOBODY on this site is fool enough to post such a thread, and yet here we are poking around like cavemen in the stone age. Why? How much does "vbPortal Version 3.6.0" cost? I offered to write a decent-sized check (never heard back from you), and I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting to move up ...at least to the Saints level. Nobody wants to OWN this with a donation TJ, the site is yours. We're just happy to be here ... so let's ditch the folding chairs and get some nice Lazy-Boy recliners in here.

We should have at least as nice a facility as the lowly Saints, anyway.

Ok i am gonna take the opposite side to this argument.
1. Saints report is like their only/main site......it would be like comparing it to broncoscountry so the comparison to the mane is lopsided.

2. I like the fact that there aren't a gazillion posters......its better to actually get to know people and have fun with it.....rather than posting with a million random posters every day.

3. There are a bunch of broncos sites.....orangemane.com, broncos country, broncos forums, thebroncosnation.com etc.....each has their own distinct qualities, and that it why i like the mane the best. (by far the best tailgate section and love being able to rip on people all in good fun (aka Earendil) you dont get that on other sites.

Just my 2 cents......

[BroncoBuff]

The reason this site is soooo successful is due to the contributions by it's posters and their INFORMATION ABOUT THE BRONCOS!
Soooo successful, eh?

Well, we have 97 people on this site right now. And even though it's 11:25 on a Saturday night in New Orleans, the Saints have 677 on their site.





*EDIT* - Wow, look at this Saints stat:

Currently Active Users: 658
There are currently 344 members and 314 guests.
Most users ever online was 2,236, 04-26-2008 at 04:35 PM.

Wow ... we're definitely the JV :(

[Sassy]

I can't get into that site! Is there a flippin' waiting period or what?
It's got my username up there...actually my email? What's up with that? I put Sassy in as a username but it won't let me post.

[That One Guy]

Soooo successful, eh?

Well, we have 97 people on this site right now. And even though it's 11:25 on a Saturday night in New Orleans, the Saints have 677 on their site.

Hey, in our defense, if they're making posts like "can the Saints go undefeated this year?" then they probably don't have much else going on in their life right now. The institution wont allow it.

[BroncoBuff]

2. I like the fact that there aren't a gazillion posters......
Good point, and yes I totally agree - we have about the right number of people here (even without -Slap-).

My real point in highlighting the HUGE numbers the Saints have is to show that it's very very do-able to have a huge, huge site WITH all the bells and whistles. What little TJ has told us is that the large number of users bogs down the place. During the AFC Championship run 18 months ago, we frequently had 250 people here, and that was "way too many," supposedly.

[BroncoBuff]

I can't get into that site! Is there a flippin' waiting period or what?
Yeah, that's another thing ... it's like "Mission: Impossible" to get on that site. You gotta run a gauntlet, fill in a 'Captcha Code,' etc ... and then they don't activate your account for 24 hours. And STILL they have 677 people now, and had about 900 yesterday afternoon. It CAN be done.

I've made just one post over there so far, in the "Can We Go Undefeated?" thread: "Wow. Is this really what you guys talk about in this place?" :~ohyah!:

[PaintballCLE]

Good point, and yes I totally agree - we have about the right number of people here (even without -Slap-).

My real point in highlighting the HUGE numbers the Saints have is to show that it's very very do-able to have a huge, huge site WITH all the bells and whistles. What little TJ has told us is that the large number of users bogs down the place. During the AFC Championship run 18 months ago, we frequently had 250 people here, and that was "way too many," supposedly.

ok i gotcha now.... but again i am not an IT wizard or anything, but i know my fair share about servers and the such. I don't think its a problem with the vbulletin software as much as it is the server capacity. Servers that could handle that are expensive. For example if he is paying 100 a month now for this server.........it may be 3-400 a month for one that could handle all that. So one time donations really wouldn't help. I liek the fact he does it "out of pocket" and doenst have all kinds of ads and popups like other sites i have been to.

not trying to argue with ya or anything.... just saying that it could become too expensive to have all the bells and whistles and its not due to the software.

[BroncoBuff]

For example if he is paying 100 a month now for this server.........it may be 3-400 a month for one that could handle all that. So one time donations really wouldn't help.
Okay, okay, now we're talking ... if that's the deal, let us discuss fundraising options. I think TJ has rejected the monthly fee idea, probably rightly so. But if he were to say, "hey we need 3 grand a year to do a full-feature site," well then we'd have something to go on, and we could do a twice-yearly fundraiser ... no pressure on people, but I bet we could raise $1500 twice a year, especially if we had an upgrade. But again, until and unless we hear from TJ himself, yours is just a guess (though it sounds right.)


(And of course, the new software isn't a capacity or speed issue, I just like the layout and the bells and whistles).

[PaintballCLE]

Okay, okay, now we're talking ... if that's the deal, let us discuss fundraising options. I think TJ has rejected the monthly fee idea, probably rightly so. But if he were to say, "hey we need 3 grand a year to do a full-feature site," well then we'd have something to go on, and we could do a twice-yearly fundraiser ... no pressure on people, but I bet we could raise $1500 twice a year, especially if we had an upgrade. But again, until and unless we hear from TJ himself, yours is just a guess (though it sounds right.)


(And of course, the new software isn't a capacity or speed issue, I just like the layout and the bells and whistles).

maybe he can jsut put some "adultfriendfinder.com" ads or "buyviagarahere.com" on the page.... all the other websites i frequent seem to have those.....ooops did i say that out loud :wiggle:

[Donk]

I just want to get on site with out waiting.

I have donated in the past, and would do so again if it would help make our site better.

[Hogan11]

Yeah, that's another thing ... it's like "Mission: Impossible" to get on that site. You gotta run a gauntlet, fill in a 'Captcha Code,' etc ... and then they don't activate your account for 24 hours. And STILL they have 677 people now, and had about 900 yesterday afternoon. It CAN be done.

I've made just one post over there so far, in the "Can We Go Undefeated?" thread: "Wow. Is this really what you guys talk about in this place?" :~ohyah!:

There's nothing I find more irritating than a captcha code...I leave sites that require that bullshat more often than not.

[Doggcow]

The Saints also loaded up a rediculous bandwagon in recent years.

[Broncobiv]

I don't think BroncoBuff is saying that we need to upgrade the server/software so that we can get as many members as that Saints site has (at least I hope not). The point is, if their site can handle that many members, we need to figure out how to get the OM to handle that many, too. Not saying that we would have that many members (or would even want that many), but it would be nice to have the capability. At least enough bandwidth so the site doesn't go down on gameday/draft day. And as many agree, avatars and the other "bells & whistles" would be really nice to have back. I hardly think avatars and other fun stuff degrade the caliber of Bronco talk around here. They're just fun!

I've donated every year I've been a member here and will gladly do so again. And no, a membership fee is not the answer. Just donations.

[BroncoMan4ever]

Easy brother....watch for those poor college students

damn right!

i pay rent, my car, and insurance and after that i am left with like 12 cents for the month

[worm]

The Saints also loaded up a rediculous bandwagon in recent years.

You have no idea what you are talking about.

[Vegas_Bronco]

You have no idea what you are talking about.

But you do right :wiggle:

[worm]

I don't think BroncoBuff is saying that we need to upgrade the server/software so that we can get as many members as that Saints site has (at least I hope not). The point is, if their site can handle that many members, we need to figure out how to get the OM to handle that many, too. Not saying that we would have that many members (or would even want that many), but it would be nice to have the capability. At least enough bandwidth so the site doesn't go down on gameday/draft day. And as many agree, avatars and the other "bells & whistles" would be really nice to have back. I hardly think avatars and other fun stuff degrade the caliber of Bronco talk around here. They're just fun!

I've donated every year I've been a member here and will gladly do so again. And no, a membership fee is not the answer. Just donations.

All great points.

Additionally, there is no reason to consider the Saints 'lowly'...or make fun of their threads or process\protocol to make a point about what you want to change here. To me it sounds just like Wolf talking about Shanny. Misplaced focus and whiny.

Bottom line is that TJ appears to have decided that this is what it is. A great place that is not trying to be everything to everybody. Prioritized correctly in his life. For better or worse.

If you don't like it...there are a lot of Bronco sites to choose from out there. Ones where you can avatar and sig yourself to bandwidth heaven.

That said. I am guessing that donations would always be appreciated.

[worm]

But you do right :wiggle:

Yep.

[That One Guy]

Am I the only one that remembers a Saints stadium that couldn't sell out before Katrina came along and they became a feel good story, having one of the most successful years in their history? That one year took them from unable to sell out and at threat of moving to suddenly America's team... did I get my definition of bandwagon confused? If not, that fits it to a T.

[That One Guy]

One could even say Katrina was the first time that stadium was ever full...

[worm]

Am I the only one that remembers a Saints stadium that couldn't sell out before Katrina came along and they became a feel good story, having one of the most successful years in their history? That one year took them from unable to sell out and at threat of moving to suddenly America's team... did I get my definition of bandwagon confused? If not, that fits it to a T.

Really?

I guess you have a different perspective when you live in the City. I see GREAT fans down here supporting their team. A Saints fan knows what it is like to suck. If you were a Denver fan pre-Elway than you know what that felt like. Just tonight they where chanting 'Who Dat' in the Old Absinthe House.

Watching them in the Quarter when the Saints played Chi-town in the NFC Championship two years ago....and seeing the way the fans reacted....they cheered at the end of that game up and down Bourbon because they were just happy to make it that far. Age of innocence and limited expectations. It was very cool to see....think back to Denver's first couple SBs.

Selling out the stadium has never been hard....ever since they played at Tulane Stadium. The issue has always been a cheap owner playing hardball with the State and a lack of fortune 500 companies in the area (just 1!!!).

Corporate money is what drives the engine of the NFL.

Bandwagon? Um. no. I don't think it fits to a T.

[SBboundBroncos]

One could even say Katrina was the first time that stadium was ever full...

LOL

[That One Guy]

Really?

I guess you have a different perspective when you live in the City. I see GREAT fans down here supporting their team. A Saints fan knows what it is like to suck. If you were a Denver fan pre-Elway than you know what that felt like. Just tonight they where chanting 'Who Dat' in the Old Absinthe House.

Watching them in the Quarter when the Saints played Chi-town in the NFC Championship two years ago....and seeing the way the fans reacted....they cheered at the end of that game up and down Bourbon because they were just happy to make it that far. Age of innocence and limited expectations. It was very cool to see....think back to Denver's first couple SBs.

Selling out the stadium has never been hard....ever since they played at Tulane Stadium. The issue has always been a cheap owner playing hardball with the State and a lack of fortune 500 companies in the area (just 1!!!).

Corporate money is what drives the engine of the NFL.

Bandwagon? Um. no. I don't think it fits to a T.


Nobody's arguing post-Katrina fans. There's a reason your owner wanted basically any excuse to get the hell out of NO. Luckily for you guys, Katrina made you the feel good sympathy story so there's no way he could move em.

[DomCasual]

IF we got avatars back, AND didn't have the 60-second waits to load a page once the season starts...

...then I'll donate $101.00.

Because I'm nothing if I'm not more generous than BroncoBuff. ;)

[That One Guy]

I truly think this issue can be resolved somehow that doesn't involve asking people to fork over their cash as donations. Maybe some competitions (Pick em, FF, etc) that are officially endorsed by the site and a percentage of the winnings go to either a prize or, if it's not gambling, cash back to the winner. I don't know how that would work really but there's got to be some way that doesn't isolate some people as the workhorses for the mane while others prefer not to participate in the contributions.

[longtimer]

Just host this site at MOSSO.com

[worm]

Nobody's arguing post-Katrina fans. There's a reason your owner wanted basically any excuse to get the hell out of NO. Luckily for you guys, Katrina made you the feel good sympathy story so there's no way he could move em.

My 'owner' is Pat Bowlen.

Benson wanted out of NOLA because it is a poor city without any corporate sponsorship. There are no Investco's in Nola. Pre or post Katrina.

Additionally...the Superdome was completed in '75....a very old stadium by today's standards. Not enough amenities or people capable of spending the big bucks.

He, like most owners, wants money from the State\City. He cares about his personal bottom line. Benson sold out for $$$$ this year to have a home game in England. The league took care of him just like they took care of Ralph Wilson this year.

Of course, the big prize is LA. Whoever moves there will cash in on a winning lottery ticket.

Again. It has nothing to do with the fanbase. If you think this City has only supported this team since Katrina. You are dead wrong.

[RhymesayersDU]

I'll donate $500.

[worm]

I'll donate $500.

Awesome. That is about $100 per post that you have made here in the last 6 months.

That is bad value. Slacker.

[RhymesayersDU]

Wait. I thought this was a donation to the "Human Fund."


Disregard my previous post.

[HEAV]

Just be happy the site hasn't crashed again.

[Atlas]

If everyone that visited this site clicked on three advertising banners everytime they logged on. TJ would have all the money he needed.

[Broncobiv]

I truly think this issue can be resolved somehow that doesn't involve asking people to fork over their cash as donations.
That may be true, but if people are willing to donate, why not accept it? Money, no matter where it comes from, will help the site.

I seem to remember bringing this up maybe a year ago in a similar thread, but another message board (non-football related) I frequent has a "Pal" system. You donate a certain amount for 1, 3, or 6 months, and you become a forum "Pal". Depending on the level of your donation (bronze, silver, gold, or platinum), you get certain perks including:

Avatars (bigger ones for higher-level Pals, even animated avatars for Platinum)
Signatures
Increasingly larger PM boxes for higher-level Pals
The ability to rate threads
The ability to change forum skin
No ad banners for Pals
Can set self to invisible
Can delete own posts
A special Pal-only forum

Non-Pals can of course enjoy the basics of the forums, including PM's and everything (just a smaller box), but Pals get these "perks" as added bonuses. There's also a tiny icon next to your name when you post that shows a "B", "S", "G", or "P" which denotes what level Pal you are.

It's a really nice system. If you don't donate, that's fine. You can still post and read and everything else. But if you do, you get the nice bonuses. (And the things listed above are just what the other site gives to Pals...obviously all the options are customizable as per TJ).

[That One Guy]

My 'owner' is Pat Bowlen.

Benson wanted out of NOLA because it is a poor city without any corporate sponsorship. There are no Investco's in Nola. Pre or post Katrina.

Additionally...the Superdome was completed in '75....a very old stadium by today's standards. Not enough amenities or people capable of spending the big bucks.

He, like most owners, wants money from the State\City. He cares about his personal bottom line. Benson sold out for $$$$ this year to have a home game in England. The league took care of him just like they took care of Ralph Wilson this year.

Of course, the big prize is LA. Whoever moves there will cash in on a winning lottery ticket.

Again. It has nothing to do with the fanbase. If you think this City has only supported this team since Katrina. You are dead wrong.

If LA was as great as they say it'll be, franchises wouldn't have been leaving every time one got put there.

The issue, as I recall, with New Orleans was a mix of bad fan support and a bad TV market. I recall part of the big celebration after Katrina was that they had finally had their first sellout ever. This isn't a recent expansion team we're talking about. The fans weren't supporting the Saints before Katrina and their NFCCG run and given a few down years, they wont be supporting them again. It'll be the same crappy fans once the glamour and winning wear off as they were before it arrived.

[That One Guy]

That may be true, but if people are willing to donate, why not accept it? Money, no matter where it comes from, will help the site.

I seem to remember bringing this up maybe a year ago in a similar thread, but another message board (non-football related) I frequent has a "Pal" system. You donate a certain amount for 1, 3, or 6 months, and you become a forum "Pal". Depending on the level of your donation (bronze, silver, gold, or platinum), you get certain perks including:

Avatars (bigger ones for higher-level Pals, even animated avatars for Platinum)
Signatures
Increasingly larger PM boxes for higher-level Pals
The ability to rate threads
The ability to change forum skin
No ad banners for Pals
Can set self to invisible
Can delete own posts
A special Pal-only forum

Non-Pals can of course enjoy the basics of the forums, including PM's and everything (just a smaller box), but Pals get these "perks" as added bonuses. There's also a tiny icon next to your name when you post that shows a "B", "S", "G", or "P" which denotes what level Pal you are.

It's a really nice system. If you don't donate, that's fine. You can still post and read and everything else. But if you do, you get the nice bonuses. (And the things listed above are just what the other site gives to Pals...obviously all the options are customizable as per TJ).

Well, I just don't really want to hear the "I support the Mane and you don't" arguments and I don't want people to feel they're obligated to contribute if they either don't want to or can't.

I recall a few years ago when Coyer was fired and the bickering that went on simply over who should get credit for breaking the news... folks here will fight over anything. If we can make it a community effort rather than putting it on a few, I just think that'll be the best option.

The pal thing would be a possibility, all except the option to delete your posts. Editing your posts should be automatic, otherwise you get double posts and whatnot.

Another option might even be to try and line up better/more sponsors and use em. If you're buying jerseys, find a jersey sponsor and use them.

Again, there's plenty of options if we're willing to work at them but as far as I know, TJ isn't interested in upgrading. We can build the guy a house made of $20s but it wont upgrade the site if he doesn't see the need.

[RhymesayersDU]

That may be true, but if people are willing to donate, why not accept it? Money, no matter where it comes from, will help the site.

I seem to remember bringing this up maybe a year ago in a similar thread, but another message board (non-football related) I frequent has a "Pal" system. You donate a certain amount for 1, 3, or 6 months, and you become a forum "Pal". Depending on the level of your donation (bronze, silver, gold, or platinum), you get certain perks including:

Avatars (bigger ones for higher-level Pals, even animated avatars for Platinum)
Signatures
Increasingly larger PM boxes for higher-level Pals
The ability to rate threads
The ability to change forum skin
No ad banners for Pals
Can set self to invisible
Can delete own posts
A special Pal-only forum

Non-Pals can of course enjoy the basics of the forums, including PM's and everything (just a smaller box), but Pals get these "perks" as added bonuses. There's also a tiny icon next to your name when you post that shows a "B", "S", "G", or "P" which denotes what level Pal you are.

It's a really nice system. If you don't donate, that's fine. You can still post and read and everything else. But if you do, you get the nice bonuses. (And the things listed above are just what the other site gives to Pals...obviously all the options are customizable as per TJ).

This was suggested a while ago, but the people who couldn't or wouldn't donate complained that they would feel "left out."

A.K.A., a bunch of waaaaah'ing.

[Broncobiv]

Well, I just don't really want to hear the "I support the Mane and you don't" arguments and I don't want people to feel they're obligated to contribute if they either don't want to or can't.
I'd hope that people wouldn't feel obligated to donate. That's why (with the system I explained), nobody gets excluded from anything necessary to take part in the message board experience. Posting and reading, the basic purpose of a message board, would be entirely available to 100% of OM members, as well as PM's and Rep stuff.

The main page says that the OM has 1,462 active members. I'm not sure what constitutes an "active member" (activity within the past month maybe?), but what if everyone donated $10 this year, less than $1 per month? That'd be $14,620. Even if not everyone donated, there are lots of people willing to donate $20, $50, or even $100 to make up the difference.
I recall a few years ago when Coyer was fired and the bickering that went on simply over who should get credit for breaking the news... folks here will fight over anything. If we can make it a community effort rather than putting it on a few, I just think that'll be the best option.
Do you think people here are that petty, with regards to site donations? Would some take cheap shots and start arguments about donating/not donating? I can't say for certain, but if so, that's sad...
Again, there's plenty of options if we're willing to work at them but as far as I know, TJ isn't interested in upgrading. We can build the guy a house made of $20s but it wont upgrade the site if he doesn't see the need.
I think he does see the problem with the current server. Otherwise he wouldn't have taken the steps to disable avatars to help with bandwidth. Now does he see the need to upgrade the site, or is he fine with the way things are running today? That's another question...

[maher_tyler]

i'd pay a yearly fee to keep coming to this site if thats what it takes to make it better...all in all what we have here really doesn't bother me but if it weeds out all the trolls and people who never log-in then i'm all for it.

[Broncobiv]

This was suggested a while ago, but the people who couldn't or wouldn't donate complained that they would feel "left out."

A.K.A., a bunch of waaaaah'ing.
Well hell, it'd basically be just like it is today! NOBODY has avatars (although everyone can have a sig). There is no Pal-only forum (which is just for fun anyway). Everyone has to see the ad banners. Non-Pals wouldn't really be missing out on much, because as of right now, that stuff is unavailable anyway. You donate = you get some perks. You don't donate = life goes on as it is now.

As far as the :vermeil:, why should they be entitled to everything that someone who donates is entitled to? Again, nothing essential would be revoked from non-Pals! The OM would still serve the purpose it was originally intended for...a message board for Broncos fans (and Chef/Faid trolls)! That goes for 100% of the members!

[BroncoBuff]

Well, I just don't really want to hear the "I support the Mane and you don't" arguments and I don't want people to feel they're obligated to contribute if they either don't want to or can't.

The pal thing would be a possibility, all except the option to delete your posts. Editing your posts should be automatic, otherwise you get double posts and whatnot.

Again, there's plenty of options if we're willing to work at them but as far as I know, TJ isn't interested in upgrading. We can build the guy a house made of $20s but it wont upgrade the site if he doesn't see the need.
I like the Pal idea ... but we've talked and talked and talked that idea to death, and TJ never says whether he could or would even consider it. Atlas has a good idea if we could remember to click more too. These are all good ideas, but we just dont know what to do or how to approach things because TJ won't share. And about donations - they've always been and should be kept confidential. I only offered the $100 because I read the first post and it sounded whiney so I wanted to put up rather than shut up (shutting up always being the last option with me ;D)

Worm, you're right, the Saints aren't "lowly," I just wanted to add a competitive edge to the conversation, and they do have a legacy of sucking. Although their team looks VERY good this year, bringing in Jonathan Vilma, Randall Gay, and rookie Sedrick Ellis on defense, plus adding Jeremy Shockey to an excellent O-Line with Drew Brees, Colston, Bush and Deuce. They could be pretty freaking good :thumbs:


And it should be noted that, in addition to the massive SaintsReport.com, a site by itself much larger than all four Broncos boards combined, the Saints also have three others:

http://blackandgold.com/ ... about double the OrangeMane, 151 users on now at 3 am there
http://whodatzone.com/ ... smaller than us
http://www.saintsrevolution.com/ ... very small

So at least when when it comes to Internet message boards, we should face it: Saints fans are better than Broncos fans. Numbers don't lie :(

[bronco0608]

Why don't you guys stop talking about donating, and just send the damn money?

What good is charity if the only reward you want is to be known as the guy that sent money?

I'll send...just send it!

[PaintballCLE]

TJ's paypal email

Pntballkrm@aol.com

:wiggle: :wiggle: :wiggle:









Obviously this is a joke....do not send money there!

[BroncoBuff]

I've sent money two years in a row, and the place has gone steadily downhill. I wanna at least know what's possible for improvements. If I own a car that's all broken down, I either fix it or sell it, and I'm geting ready to off this one.

[broncocalijohn]

What would it take for us to get this board going strong

Trolls like Boob leaving and taking telluride and Wolf with them.

[That One Guy]

I've sent money two years in a row, and the place has gone steadily downhill. I wanna at least know what's possible for improvements. If I own a car that's all broken down, I either fix it or sell it, and I'm geting ready to off this one.

Don't leave us Buff, that wont solve anything.

There's gotta be an answer but I noticed some TJ posts yesterday and nothing in here. Find the root of the issue before we try to invest too much time, energy, or emotion into solving it. Again, if he's not posting here nor returning your PMs, I have to assume he doesn't care about the topic.

[Broncobiv]

Why don't you guys stop talking about donating, and just send the damn money?

What good is charity if the only reward you want is to be known as the guy that sent money?

I'll send...just send it!
Um, we have sent money, each year. And nobody knew about it. The point of this thread is to find a long term solution.

[That One Guy]

I believe that guy was the one that posted his address for where the donations were being sent to, he's being funny.. I think?

[Broncobiv]

I believe that guy was the one that posted his address for where the donations were being sent to, he's being funny.. I think?
Yes, that was a joke. If you want to donate to Taco, use editor@orangemane.com.

EDIT: And here's a quote directly from TJ in another thread:

Here is the Paypal button...

Click to Donate (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=editor%40orangemane%2ecom&item_name=OrangeMane%2ecom&no_shipping=2&no_note=1&tax=0&currency_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8)


If you'd like to donate, but would rather send a check, PM me...

[CBF1]

Buff, anyword from TJ since you posted this or is he dissing you again :???:

[That One Guy]

We could see if he'd just not seen it or was avoiding it if we still had the "who's viewing this thread" option... Conspiracy, I say!

[BroncoBuff]

Buff, anyword from TJ since you posted this or is he dissing you again :???:
I hate to say it, but I think he's dissing me again :(

[bpc]

Props to you Buff for trying to promote change... not that anything will happen though. Why encourage change? It doesn't really seem to bother anybody when the server crashes for hour's and month's on end during the season and off-season.

Seems we'll be sticking with the status quo.

[24champ]

I've sent money two years in a row, and the place has gone steadily downhill. I wanna at least know what's possible for improvements. If I own a car that's all broken down, I either fix it or sell it, and I'm geting ready to off this one.

http://www.chrisbrocious.com/assets/images/612capture_tombstone03.jpg

"Well...bye"

[BroncoBuff]

http://www.chrisbrocious.com/assets/images/612capture_tombstone03.jpg
Hey! I was in a movie with him!!!



(Seriously ... I just posted about it ;D)

[Taco John]

I'm not dissing anybody. Graciousness!

It's Sunday, and I've got a sick kid running a 101 degree fever. Forgive me if I didn't drop everything to answer the thread calling me out for running such a shoddy board.

If anyone would have bothered to ask me (and no one did), I'm preparing to upgrade the board to the latest version of the software, and am looking for affordable options to upgrade the servers. The servers are a challenge, because they're expensive and they're a commitment. I appreciate that there are people who say they are willing to help out, but in my experience, for every ten people that say that, there is only one who actually follows through. I have to weigh this fact into any server contract that I get myself into, especially considering the state of the economy. But I figured that I'd make the upgrades, and if people wanted to donate then after they saw the results, they can donate then and at that time I'd evaluate what we have for server costs.

Indeed, there were some people that helped with costs last Fall. I don't remember what came in exactly, but it helped offset the roughly $800 server fee for that six months. In January, that bill came due again. I kept my mouth shut. I didn't ask for a dime. I paid it. No problem. It came due again this month. Once again, I've kept my mouth shut. I'm not going to beg people for money. I'll make improvements and if people want to help out they can. I"m not going to turn myself into one of those panhandling webmasters that have become such a charicature on the Internet. If people feel like they get some value out of the place, they can donate. If they don't, I ain't mad at'cha. We'll get by.

If people don't like the way I run the money, I don't know what to tell you. I'm not sure what anybody thinks I owe them. I'm doing the best I can to balance a career, a family, and this board. Indeed, sometimes this board gets neglected. Indeed, sometimes problems happen. But I'm not going to get in over my head when it comes to the costs of this board because that will be the undoing of the whole thing.

Forgive me if I come across as a little irritated, but it's very frustrating to read about me "dissing" people when I've been dealing with a writhing two year old who is battling the pain of his molars pushing up through his skull. To go from that painful crying to being publically flogged on the forum is a little irritating.

There is a plan in place, and if anybody would have bothered to ask me about it, I would have been forthcoming with it. My wife is out of town this next weekend, and I had mentally set aside the time to work on the software upgrade then.

[PaintballCLE]

I'm not dissing anybody. Graciousness!

It's Sunday, and I've got a sick kid running a 101 degree fever. Forgive me if I didn't drop everything to answer the thread calling me out for running such a shoddy board.

If anyone would have bothered to ask me (and no one did), I'm preparing to upgrade the board to the latest version of the software, and am looking for affordable options to upgrade the servers. The servers are a challenge, because they're expensive and they're a commitment. I appreciate that there are people who say they are willing to help out, but in my experience, for every ten people that say that, there is only one who actually follows through. I have to weigh this fact into any server contract that I get myself into, especially considering the state of the economy. But I figured that I'd make the upgrades, and if people wanted to donate then after they saw the results, they can donate then and I'd evaluate what we have for server costs then.

Indeed, there were some people that helped with costs last Fall. I don't remember what came in exactly, but it helped offset the roughly $800 server fee for that six months. In January, that bill came due again. I kept my mouth shut. I didn't ask for a dime. I paid it. No problem. It came due again this month. Once again, I've kept my mouth shut. I'm not going to beg people for money. I'll make improvements and if people want to help out they can. I"m not going to turn myself into one of those panhandling webmasters that have become such a charicature on the Internet. If people feel like they get some value out of the place, they can donate. If they don't, I ain't mad at'cha. We'll get by.

If people don't like the way I run the money, I don't know what to tell you. I'm not sure what anybody thinks I owe them. I'm doing the best I can to balance a career, a family, and this board. Indeed, sometimes this board gets neglected. Indeed, sometimes problems happen. But I'm not going to get in over my head when it comes to the costs of this board because that will be the undoing of the whole thing.

Forgive me if I come across as a little irritated, but it's very frustrating to read about me "dissing" people when I've been dealing with a writhing two year old who is battling the pain of his molars pushing up through his skull. To go from that painful crying to being publically flogged on the forum is a little irritating.

There is a plan in place, and if anybody would have bothered to ask me about it, I would have been forthcoming with it. My wife is out of town this next weekend, and I had mentally set aside the time to work on the software upgrade then.


See......you guys should have listend to me earlier in this thread! Let the Wrath of TJ be cast upon you! ;D

[Taco John]

Soooo successful, eh?

Well, we have 97 people on this site right now. And even though it's 11:25 on a Saturday night in New Orleans, the Saints have 677 on their site.





*EDIT* - Wow, look at this Saints stat:

Currently Active Users: 658
There are currently 344 members and 314 guests.
Most users ever online was 2,236, 04-26-2008 at 04:35 PM.

Wow ... we're definitely the JV :(


Did you know that those numbers can be manipulated in the back end simply by adjusting the time setting that those numbers are collected by? It's a trick that a lot of board owners use to make their sites look a lot more busy than they really are at any given time for so that they can sell advertising. The tactic is used a lot more with the east coast teams than with the West Coast ones - though I've suspected a few of the west coast boards I've seen to be using the tactic as well.

I don't know if this Saints board does it or not. I just know that the setting exists, and that there are board owners who use it. I have chosen not to use it because I'd rather get a more accurate picture that I can use to compare against the resource stats that I have.

[Taco John]

I'm not meaning to call down any wrath, and I don't have any hard feelings towards anybody, least of all Buff. Everybody here has good intentions, and that's what counts.

Give me a chance to make the software upgrades that I've got planned, and we can see how the community reacts to them at that time.

[BABronco]

I'm not meaning to call down any wrath, and I don't have any hard feelings towards anybody, least of all Buff. Everybody here has good intentions, and that's what counts.

Give me a chance to make the software upgrades that I've got planned, and we can see how the community reacts to them at that time.

perhaps you should put up a bar to show how much money has been raised biannually to pay for that bill. I think it would help ppl want to donate cause they can see that they are actually achieving something...


then again .. what do i know

[That One Guy]

Good stuff, just don't let the upgrade crash the board again! The only thing worse than Broncomania is having to go on Broncomania during the actual season!

[Florida_Bronco]

perhaps you should put up a bar to show how much money has been raised biannually to pay for that bill. I think it would help ppl want to donate cause they can see that they are actually achieving something...


then again .. what do i know

I agree TJ. Why not set up some kind of meter that shows what we need and how much we've raised? That way you don't feel like you are begging and us members can see what needs to be raised. :)

[That One Guy]

perhaps you should put up a bar to show how much money has been raised biannually to pay for that bill. I think it would help ppl want to donate cause they can see that they are actually achieving something...


then again .. what do i know

That's what I was just thinking, something like a web page stats page... just something out of the way so that it's not being publicized enough to really qualify as begging or asking for money but make it available enough that people who are interested in helping out know where to look. Nothing personal but in this day and age where everyone's out after a quick buck, I look 2 or 3 times to make sure I know what I'm getting or where my money's going. Before anyone would let a single person foot an $800 bill, plenty would be ready to throw in. We appreciate the board and all but I'm not interested in making TJ rich, but if supporting the board itself is what the money goes for then I'd be much more likely to contribute. Statistics and numbers speak volumes.

[Taco John]

Just host this site at MOSSO.com



I evaluated them, and I'm a little leery of their model. They have a very funky pricing structure that caused me some concern. It's one of those deals where if we went on a playoff run, I could be set back hundreds of dollars -- really the sky is the limit -- for that month.

[Taco John]

That may be true, but if people are willing to donate, why not accept it? Money, no matter where it comes from, will help the site.

I seem to remember bringing this up maybe a year ago in a similar thread, but another message board (non-football related) I frequent has a "Pal" system. You donate a certain amount for 1, 3, or 6 months, and you become a forum "Pal". Depending on the level of your donation (bronze, silver, gold, or platinum), you get certain perks including:

Avatars (bigger ones for higher-level Pals, even animated avatars for Platinum)
Signatures
Increasingly larger PM boxes for higher-level Pals
The ability to rate threads
The ability to change forum skin
No ad banners for Pals
Can set self to invisible
Can delete own posts
A special Pal-only forum

Non-Pals can of course enjoy the basics of the forums, including PM's and everything (just a smaller box), but Pals get these "perks" as added bonuses. There's also a tiny icon next to your name when you post that shows a "B", "S", "G", or "P" which denotes what level Pal you are.

It's a really nice system. If you don't donate, that's fine. You can still post and read and everything else. But if you do, you get the nice bonuses. (And the things listed above are just what the other site gives to Pals...obviously all the options are customizable as per TJ).


This is another option that I've thought about as well. In fact, I almost pulled the trigger on it once, but it got deprioritized because of some of the stuff that was going on in my life at that time. I like this idea for a couple reasons - but I also dislike it for some others. Fellow posters going from friends to being demanding customers soured me on the idea a bit. I'm not sure I want to turn hundreds of friends into hundreds of bosses.

Still, this might be the right direction to go as the revenue stream would be forcastable, and if I could build up some reserves, we could do some really cool things here.

[Broncojef]

Props to you Buff for trying to promote change... not that anything will happen though. Why encourage change? It doesn't really seem to bother anybody when the server crashes for hour's and month's on end during the season and off-season.

Seems we'll be sticking with the status quo.

BroncoBuff is promoting change with no real plan for getting it? Doesn't that sound like someone else running for president he is pimpimg?

[The MVPlaya]

Wow...I didn't even know about Broncosforums.com... nothing better then more Broncos action!

Anyways...I'd donate. I've spent many wonderful years here. It would be great to get some Avatars and sigs back...

Any from the amount of people who claimed they would donate in this thread, as long as they put money where their mouth is...we'd have enough money to upgrade the boards and possibly get on a better server.

[Broncobiv]

But I figured that I'd make the upgrades, and if people wanted to donate then after they saw the results, they can donate then and at that time I'd evaluate what we have for server costs.

Just a few things...I believe it's risky to make server/software upgrades, and then hope that people appreciate them enough to feel like donating. I can see it now...you make the "necessary" upgrades and then everything goes back the way it was before. No server downtime, avatars available again, everything hunky-dory, and people react as if that's the way it should've been the whole time. Finally, the OM is back to the way it should be. And life goes on, except there you stand footing the whole bill. I'd be very wary of making significant upgrades, and then hoping people donate after-the-fact.

Indeed, there were some people that helped with costs last Fall. I don't remember what came in exactly, but it helped offset the roughly $800 server fee for that six months. In January, that bill came due again. I kept my mouth shut. I didn't ask for a dime. I paid it. No problem. It came due again this month. Once again, I've kept my mouth shut. I'm not going to beg people for money. I'll make improvements and if people want to help out they can. I"m not going to turn myself into one of those panhandling webmasters that have become such a charicature on the Internet. If people feel like they get some value out of the place, they can donate. If they don't, I ain't mad at'cha. We'll get by.

Don't think that we don't appreciate everything you do, TJ. Hell, you created this website. But with all that stuff going on behind-the-scenes, we (the general forum public) don't know how much it costs to keep this board up and running. For all we knew, those donations last fall should've lasted all year!

There may be an unofficial "pledge drive" each year spurned on by a random board member, and that brings in greatly appreciated revenue to you. But as you said, it may only cover a few months worth of cost. The problem is, we don't know that. I honestly have no idea what the cost is to pay for a server of this magnitude, and certainly not what the next level up may be.

It kind of seems like it's all kept behind closed doors, so although some of us may donate, we never know how often to donate, or if you need more, or if you're covered for the next 18 months, or even where our money is going. I know you don't want to make a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff public, because that could hurt the atmosphere around here. As you said, you don't want to panhandle or beg for anything, because nobody (yourself included) wants to be reminded of that crap on a daily basis.

But there's got to be some way to make it known how much these new upgrades are going to cost, and what it'll take to keep the site running at that level every 6 months. If we can see a goal, we can work towards achieving it...hopefully. On the other hand, I can imagine the day where you're far short of the necessary monetary level, and everyone that usually donates has donated. But everyone else just doesn't care enough to do anything about it. It's a tough situation all around, no doubt. But there's gotta be a way to get enough people involved so that you can make the necessary upgrades and keep them going. Because it sure seems like the help is out there, as long as A) you're willing to take it and B) we know the board will improve in the areas that need improvements.

This is another option that I've thought about as well. In fact, I almost pulled the trigger on it once, but it got deprioritized because of some of the stuff that was going on in my life at that time. I like this idea for a couple reasons - but I also dislike it for some others. Fellow posters going from friends to being demanding customers soured me on the idea a bit. I'm not sure I want to turn hundreds of friends into hundreds of bosses.

I'm not sure I know what you mean here. When people donate a certain amount (in the Pal system), they know what they're getting. They know that for each level, they'll receive certain perks. If they demand more, then shell out a bit more!

This is your board. You've graciously put in countless hours and dollars to keep it up and running, and we appreciate it all! But even though you pay the bill semi-annually and don't ask for a dime in return, there's just gotta be a way to get the info out there. You're not asking for any donations, but you're still getting enough to cover most (if not all) of the costs. Hey, we can all dream of a perfect world, right? ;)

[Blueflame]

I think what everyone's trying to say here is that we enjoy the Mane and appreciate all your hard work, TJ. We'd like to give back/help out with the costs of an ever-increasing database and server load. But more than just a few of us are clueless as to what the actual $$ amount is per year or 6 months or whatever....

[COWBELL]

Whatever it takes to keep the Mane going. I will donate $100 as well. Let me know where to send it.

[MileHighMagic]

I spend at least two hrs/day here. I feel obligated to donate. I am putting up $100. I hope others can throw in whatever they can afford if they spend a lot of time here also.

[BroncoBuff]

If anyone would have bothered to ask me (and no one did), ... and if anybody would have bothered to ask me about it...
C'mon ... this is the fourth thead on this topic I have personally started since January 2007. :)


But I'm not going to get in over my head when it comes to the costs of this board because that will be the undoing of the whole thing.
Okay okay ... I understand now. No matter what we may raise in a one-time fundraiser, there are still maintenence costs that come around regularly twice a year, they can get out of hand later, and you don't want to overextend yourself. Perfectly logical. So I'm gonna try to persuade users to commit to twice yearly kick-ins of a few bucks.


I"m not going to turn myself into one of those panhandling webmasters that have become such a charicature on the Internet. If people feel like they get some value out of the place, they can donate. If they don't, I ain't mad at'cha. We'll get by.
There's your pride again ... and it's actually very admirable. To a point. We love you man, we just want to HELP! Even that huge Saints site (they have way too many members) has a "Donate Here" link ... I don't think that's panhandling at all. Most people didn't know you personally pay $800 twice a year! I knew you shouldered the cost, but that's ridiculous.

WE should be raising money to help ... WE use your site ... some of us 12 hours a day. So I'm gonna start a twice-annual fundraiser. Start of Training Camp, and start of playoffs. This fundraiser ISN'T YOU, Isaac ... it's us wanting to help, showing gratitude for you providng a place we love. So you shouldn't feel funny about it, remember you're a anti-censorship libertarian, so if we want to raise money to help out, you kinda gotta let us.

All I ask is that, if things work with this one and then the one in January, and it looks like it will be a regular thing, that you agree to at least look into making improvements. The decision is yours of course.


P.S. - Thanks for not leaving me hanging in this thread, hope Zach is feeling better :thumbs:

[BroncoBuff]

I'm not meaning to call down any wrath, and I don't have any hard feelings towards anybody, least of all Buff. Everybody here has good intentions, and that's what counts.

Give me a chance to make the software upgrades that I've got planned, and we can see how the community reacts to them at that time.
Thanks Isaac, can't wait to see them. And THANKS for providing this place :thumbs:

In a way, I feel like you do: I don't wanna mooch three hours of free entertainment and socializing every day of my life. This place is plenty valuable enough for me to pay ... I'd feel better if I did.

So I'm gonna roll out twice yearly kick-in fund - hopefully Khan will help again. We'll clearly point out it's USER-generated, and that you're not asking for anything ;D



Here's where to contribute everybody: http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=69564

[CBF1]

Can I donate to the Ron Paul fund instead :???:

[Natedogg]

Here is a question i asked last time around, but didn't get an answer...

I believe that if avatars are hotlinked to imageshack they dont create a bandwidth/database issue. (similar to hotlinked sigs)

Can a maven tell me if this is true?

[cmhargrove]

TJ, thanks for all you do and have done.

I appreciate your style and have also been involved with quite a bit of "volunteer" fundraising for several organizations. The 80/20 principle definitely comes into play (sometimes even less). Props to you for keeping our playhouse open.

My thoughts:
1. I would personally send Papal dollars if I could see a meter of some sort that showed needs for a) an operating budget (server fees?), and b) a special projects budget (new servers/software). That way, people can see a goal and participate if they are able. i think people easily forget unless they are reminded. If you remind me, I will happily give.

2. I just heard the discussion brought up again about clicking banners. I'm sorry, but for my first time here at the Mane I just clicked the banners. Maybe I am pretty dense, but I also would like to be reminded of this every time I log on. Is there any way we could place a large title over the top banner that says something like "Help pay for the Orangemane, click three banners before you leave." I'm really serious. If I see it posted there daily, I promise I will do it. Otherwise, I hurry, post, and leave. No one will mind the huge reminder. In fact, lots of users that can't afford to pay cash would gladly give 30 seconds of their time to help - but in my opinion, there needs to be a huge title, and a reminder they see every day.

I'm willing to help. Thanks for all you do.