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The Lobby => Announcements => Topic started by: PickelledEggs on January 16, 2016, 03:12:04 PM

Title: Site donations
Post by: PickelledEggs on January 16, 2016, 03:12:04 PM
Hi guys,

Some of you may have noticed, but the site went offline for a bit today.

Long story short it's because we needed to renew our web-hosting subscription. The rate for us yearly is about $150, which isn't too bad if everyone that can pitches in a tiny bit. Even $150 split 15 ways is only $10 per person, which isn't much at all.

Don't worry, the site isn't going anywhere, but we do appreciate any financial help we can get. If you can spare it, the link is up top in the main menu bar marked Donations (http://atheistforums.com/index.php?action=treasury), but here is the link as well. http://atheistforums.com/index.php?action=treasury

Thanks guys!!  :88:
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: stromboli on January 16, 2016, 03:34:41 PM
Gotcha
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on January 16, 2016, 03:35:41 PM
The sign said you don't want my money...
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: stromboli on January 16, 2016, 03:39:48 PM
I got an email notification of a class action suit against Paypal. I thought that might have something to do with it. Apparently not.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: aitm on January 16, 2016, 04:35:50 PM
A little annoying as just last week we were told everything was f-ing hunky dory.

On the way.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on January 16, 2016, 04:37:47 PM
Quote from: aitm on January 16, 2016, 04:35:50 PM
A little annoying as just last week we were told everything was f-ing hunky dory.

On the way.

We thought it was, but there was some confusion about the expiration of Thinkinguniverse.org.  When we initially signed up, the file server and domain were attached together... then we moved to AF.com 

We didn't catch that when the TU domain was going down, so were the files.  We were pretty sure we were good until April, apparently not.

Sorry for the confusion guys, GoDaddy didn't make it very apparent either lol...  but all is well.  We've got the File server on autopay now.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: SGOS on January 16, 2016, 04:41:55 PM
I'm trying here, but I can't remember my PayPal password, and attempts to reset it are failing.  I'm following directions, and they send me special codes, and then tell me I'm entering the wrong code.  My bank information is from 10 years ago and is no longer valid, and I can't change it.  They are closed on weekends, so I can't call them to yell at people until Monday.

Better yet, can I use my credit card or send Wolf a check?

Thanks
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: PickelledEggs on January 16, 2016, 05:09:48 PM
Quote from: SGOS on January 16, 2016, 04:41:55 PM
I'm trying here, but I can't remember my PayPal password, and attempts to reset it are failing.  I'm following directions, and they send me special codes, and then tell me I'm entering the wrong code.  My bank information is from 10 years ago and is no longer valid, and I can't change it.  They are closed on weekends, so I can't call them to yell at people until Monday.

Better yet, can I use my credit card or send Wolf a check?

Thanks
You should be able to use a Credit card even if you don't have a paypal account. In the paypal donation link there should be an option for you to use your credit card in the paypal page that you are forwarded to
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on January 16, 2016, 05:11:07 PM
I didn't log in to PayPal, just used it to make the gelt flow.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: SGOS on January 16, 2016, 07:45:59 PM
Yeah, I tried to use my credit card, but they have a card of mine on file from years ago, and it's no longer the same number.  I tried putting in a new number, and that didn't work, although I can't remember why.  Frankly, the whole process was confusing me all the way through.  I'll try again, and see if I can get it to work.  Otherwise, I'll try to straighten it out on Monday over the phone.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Deidre32 on January 16, 2016, 08:27:08 PM
I'm glad to see this site not going anywhere. :)
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Mr.Obvious on January 17, 2016, 05:19:57 AM
I remember trying to donate last year, but it didn't work for some reason...
Is there any other way than paypal, 'cause I don't have that.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: SGOS on January 17, 2016, 06:22:38 AM
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on January 16, 2016, 05:11:07 PM
I didn't log in to PayPal, just used it to make the gelt flow.

Thanks, that works.  Just avoid clicking on PayPal altogether, and go right to "Debit or Credit Card" tab.  The PayPal icon is distracting and makes it appear that it's your only option to make a donation. Once you click on PayPal, PayPal wants to step in and manage your money, taking money out of your bank, or activating your credit card as a completely unnecessary and complicated third party.   I think I used PayPal once in my life, when some eBay seller would only take money through PayPal.  It was a pain setting it up back then, with banks and credit sources I no longer use, and PayPal is not making it easy this weekend to update my information. 

I remember an explanation why eBay was some kind of added protection for buyers and sellers, but it's not worth the effort to me.  I compulsively avoid PayPal and use other sellers, except I thought the forum was PayPal only.  My brother-in-law complicates his transactions even more.  He pays money through a credit card to a third party company that creates a phantom credit card account that pays money to sellers until you use up all the money in the account, and have to send them more money via your credit card.  But after all that fiddling around, you're credit card number is still out there in cyberspace for the hackers to find.  There's just an added third party that your money has to travel through.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Solomon Zorn on January 17, 2016, 06:37:41 AM
Using PayPal has become as second nature to me as getting my wallet out at the supermarket. Everybody takes it these days, and I don't have to enter all that lengthy personal info. Never costs me anything as a buyer, and I get a little added purchase-protection, when I need it.

And now back to the subject.

If I can't afford to donate, can I just pray for God to bless you in unexpected ways? :angel:
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: _Xenu_ on January 17, 2016, 07:10:47 AM
Done.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: aitm on January 17, 2016, 09:17:56 AM
!
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: AllPurposeAtheist on January 18, 2016, 03:14:52 PM
Chipped in once again..I don't wanna hear about the big move again and how the site is low on funds and how hangover you are Wolf..
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: stromboli on January 18, 2016, 06:44:15 PM
Been on here long enough to figure out there are people not as able as I am to contribute, which is why I donate what I do. But I will never fault Wolf for any glitches that occur because he had the balls to step in and take charge when it was needed to keep the site up and running. It matters to me because of what it represents. Others don't have that high an opinion, whatever. but because it matters to me I donate, and will do so as long as I am involved.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Naru on January 25, 2016, 07:04:18 PM
I want to thank everyone who had help keep the site up for another year. Now since the site did go down for a bit one day I decided to have it auto renewed. That will prevent this from happening again
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: aitm on January 25, 2016, 09:26:16 PM
Quote from: Naru on January 25, 2016, 07:04:18 PM
I want to thank everyone who had help keep the site up for another year. Now since the site did go down for a bit one day I decided to have it auto renewed. That will prevent this from happening again
Excellant, wonderful news, good timing and all that…….er……..who the fuck are you?
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: stromboli on January 25, 2016, 09:27:47 PM
Quote from: aitm on January 25, 2016, 09:26:16 PM
Excellant, wonderful news, good timing and all that…….er……..who the fuck are you?

The Elf that lives inside Wolf's computer.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: SGOS on January 25, 2016, 11:35:16 PM
 :a102: A SOCK PUPPET! 
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Naru on January 26, 2016, 02:50:42 PM
Quote from: aitm on January 25, 2016, 09:26:16 PM
Excellant, wonderful news, good timing and all that…….er……..who the fuck are you?

Im the owner of the site
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: aitm on January 26, 2016, 02:51:45 PM
Quote from: Naru on January 26, 2016, 02:50:42 PM
Im the owner of the site

well sure...if yer gonna brag...   :P~
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Naru on January 26, 2016, 02:58:19 PM
Wolf runs the site and works on the software end. I deal with GoDaddy and the money of the site. Thats why you don't see much of me
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: stromboli on January 26, 2016, 03:15:54 PM
Quote from: Naru on January 26, 2016, 02:58:19 PM
Wolf runs the site and works on the software end. I deal with GoDaddy and the money of the site. Thats why you don't see much of me

I knew that.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: aitm on January 26, 2016, 03:21:29 PM
Well, good , we don't need no more gotdamn anime nut jobs 'round here.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: stromboli on January 26, 2016, 03:34:52 PM
More like Wolf is the elf that lives in Naru's computer.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Naru on January 26, 2016, 03:49:53 PM
Quote from: stromboli on January 26, 2016, 03:34:52 PM
More like Wolf is the elf that lives in Naru's computer.

More like a virus
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: aitm on January 27, 2016, 09:09:01 PM
Yeah, sometimes you need penicillin for that………er……….not that I would know.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on February 23, 2016, 11:11:52 AM

Quote from: Naru on January 26, 2016, 03:49:53 PM
More like a virus

I can't believe I'm just noticing this.  Ahem

And a big screw you to you too JOE!  lol
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Naru on December 18, 2016, 08:02:20 PM
Our domain and site is set to expire on Jan 17, 2017 and to get another year it will cost $150. We are looking for any donation to keep this community alive. Any amount will be great. Thanks for allowing me to run the best  community on the internet.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: AllPurposeAtheist on December 19, 2016, 01:35:31 AM
Yeah...when wolf stops fucking with the software and quits trying to force some 'new look' bullshit down our throats every 6 months or so I'll think about chipping in again, but it seems every time I do I log into some unusable foolishness I have no interest in relearning.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on December 19, 2016, 09:32:41 AM
Quote from: AllPurposeAtheist on December 19, 2016, 01:35:31 AM
Yeah...when wolf stops fucking with the software and quits trying to force some 'new look' bullshit down our throats every 6 months or so I'll think about chipping in again, but it seems every time I do I log into some unusable foolishness I have no interest in relearning.

I haven't touched the look of this site in quite some time outside of enabling a snow option that can be disabled.

For what it's worth, I'm not going to be making any future changes to the sites function or design.  So I've stopped doing exactly what you're complaining about.

Whether you donate is up to you, but I'm not sure you're being very fair to me personally.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Naru on December 19, 2016, 05:50:15 PM
We are at $70.29 so far. Thank you very much.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Mr.Obvious on December 19, 2016, 06:29:50 PM
@wolf39us

I tried paying last year, and the year before that. But last year I didn't have a creditcard (I still don't have paypal), and this time it seems to ask me to register with paypal even though I'm trying to pay with creditcard. Maybe next year I'll have paypall. I dunno... I'd have to look into it first...

If you feel okay with it, pm me a bank-account of yours I can wire it to you? It's not going to be a helluva lot. But I'll contribute my part. And I'm sure you'll use it for the site.

It's probably just me, but maybe there are others willing to contribute who have the same problem?

Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: PickelledEggs on December 19, 2016, 06:31:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on December 19, 2016, 06:29:50 PM
@wolf39us

I tried paying last year, and the year before that. But last year I didn't have a creditcard (I still don't have paypal), and this time it seems to ask me to register with paypal even though I'm trying to pay with creditcard. Maybe next year I'll have paypall. I dunno... I'd have to look into it first...

If you feel okay with it, pm me a bank-account of yours I can wire it to you? It's not going to be a helluva lot. But I'll contribute my part. And I'm sure you'll use it for the site.

It's probably just me, but maybe there are others willing to contribute who have the same problem?


You should be able to do it without making a paypal account
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Mr.Obvious on December 19, 2016, 06:33:48 PM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on December 19, 2016, 06:31:19 PM
You should be able to do it without making a paypal account

All I know is that it's asking me to create a paypal account when I'm trying to pay through creditcard.
Maybe I'm just technologically handicapped, but I'm just not getting through.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: SGOS on December 19, 2016, 06:39:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on December 19, 2016, 06:33:48 PM
All I know is that it's asking me to create a paypal account when I'm trying to pay through creditcard.
Maybe I'm just technologically handicapped, but I'm just not getting through.

Click on "make a donation".  You think you are going to Pay Pal, and you are, but at the bottom of the donation box, there is an option to pay by credit card.  Pay Pal will take a few cents out of that.  I know.  It's weird.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Mr.Obvious on December 19, 2016, 06:43:24 PM
Quote from: SGOS on December 19, 2016, 06:39:53 PM
Click on "make a donation".  You think you are going to Pay Pal, and you are, but at the bottom of the donation box, there is an option to pay by credit card.  Pay Pal will take a few cents out of that.  I know.  It's weird.

I did all that. I filled in the credit-card stuff. It still wants me to make an account before I can make the transaction.
I have to fill in I'm from Belgium, and that's when it appears. You can check that for yourself, I believe.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: SGOS on December 19, 2016, 10:29:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on December 19, 2016, 06:43:24 PM
I did all that. I filled in the credit-card stuff. It still wants me to make an account before I can make the transaction.
I have to fill in I'm from Belgium, and that's when it appears. You can check that for yourself, I believe.

Now that you mention it, I had an account years ago, so it may have recognized me.  Sorry about that.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on December 19, 2016, 11:01:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on December 19, 2016, 06:43:24 PM
I did all that. I filled in the credit-card stuff. It still wants me to make an account before I can make the transaction.
I have to fill in I'm from Belgium, and that's when it appears. You can check that for yourself, I believe.

I went through the process.  On the page where you put in the credit card information at the very bottom it asks you if you want to create a paypal password.  Last option says "No, I don't want an account now".

(http://i.imgur.com/X9fAejP.png)
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Mr.Obvious on December 20, 2016, 02:16:52 AM
Quote from: wolf39us on December 19, 2016, 11:01:59 PM
I went through the process.  On the page where you put in the credit card information at the very bottom it asks you if you want to create a paypal password.  Last option says "No, I don't want an account now".

This is what I get when I put in that I'm from Belgium:
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on December 20, 2016, 02:32:16 AM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on December 20, 2016, 02:16:52 AM
This is what I get when I put in that I'm from Belgium:

Hey bro!  I sent you an email directly to the address you registered with on this website.  Check it :-)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Mr.Obvious on December 20, 2016, 02:33:45 AM
I'll check it over lunch.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Mr.Obvious on December 20, 2016, 07:09:09 AM
None of it worked.
I just wound up makinga PayPal account and getting on with it.

If my bank-accounts wind up getting depleted by unknown forces in the next few months, I'm coming for you lot. Be warned.

(Let me know if it didn't work.)
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: SGOS on December 20, 2016, 07:28:13 AM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on December 20, 2016, 07:09:09 AM
None of it worked.
I just wound up makinga PayPal account and getting on with it.

If my bank-accounts wind up getting depleted by unknown forces in the next few months, I'm coming for you lot. Be warned.

(Let me know if it didn't work.)

Pay Pal is honest, and is a credible company.  Its problem is the same as any other business than handles your credit card numbers.  They can get hacked.  In fact, Pay Pal was hacked a couple years ago.  They sent out warnings to change your password, but I don't think anyone had their bank account messed with.  But these things also happen to Yahoo, Google, Target, and Barnes and Noble, and Hillary Clinton's Server.

The thing that I don't understand about Pay Pal is why they are necessary in the first place?  It seems to be a company that doesn't do anything but handle your account numbers while someone else who you want to do business with also handles your account numbers.  It would be like handing over 20 dollars to the cashier at Walmart, who has an assistant who steps in and says, "Here, let me handle this money for you," and then grabs it out of your hands and then immediately passes the money on to the Cashier.  WTF is their part in the process?  Well, they handle the money.  That's all.  Why do they need to handle the money?  I don't know.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on December 20, 2016, 10:08:05 AM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on December 20, 2016, 07:09:09 AM
None of it worked.
I just wound up makinga PayPal account and getting on with it.

If my bank-accounts wind up getting depleted by unknown forces in the next few months, I'm coming for you lot. Be warned.

(Let me know if it didn't work.)

Donation received!  Your efforts are most appreciated! Thanks for helping support the site.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: aitm on December 20, 2016, 05:11:40 PM
Quote from: SGOS on December 20, 2016, 07:28:13 AM
Why do they need to handle the money?  I don't know.
Maybe they just don't have enough of it yet to head for Aruba.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: AllPurposeAtheist on December 20, 2016, 07:45:18 PM
Sorry wolf. I had to blame someone and you were it.. Don't take it personally even though you should.  I'm ok with the snow as long as it's not actually cold. If someone else messed things up previously I apologize.. I hate change. Everything should always stay exactly as it is this very moment except my sore toe. That can change for the better.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Mr.Obvious on December 23, 2016, 03:59:57 AM
Are we in the clear for another year?
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on December 23, 2016, 10:23:01 AM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on December 23, 2016, 03:59:57 AM
Are we in the clear for another year?

Yes sir!


edit:  To clarify, we were always "clear".  I don't know if all of the site has been paid for through donations.  I'll have to check with NaRu.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: SGOS on December 23, 2016, 12:03:52 PM
Quote from: wolf39us on December 23, 2016, 10:23:01 AM
Yes sir!
edit:  To clarify, we were always "clear".  I don't know if all of the site has been paid for through donations.  I'll have to check with NaRu.

Under donations, it tells me we are only at 36%.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Mr.Obvious on December 23, 2016, 12:29:43 PM
yeah, but naru said we were already at plus 70 dollars
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on December 23, 2016, 12:34:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on December 23, 2016, 12:29:43 PM
yeah, but naru said we were already at plus 70 dollars

He said we've only received $70.  I believe the cost was somewhere close to $150 for the year.  I don't think there's a whole lot of cheaper hosting out there and I'd hate to have to move this site anywhere else
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Hakurei Reimu on December 25, 2016, 01:52:38 PM
I just made a donation at the donations link at the head of the thread. Is that okay? I'm thinking it should be.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on December 25, 2016, 03:17:14 PM
Quote from: Hakurei Reimu on December 25, 2016, 01:52:38 PM
I just made a donation at the donations link at the head of the thread. Is that okay? I'm thinking it should be.

Yes sir!  We got it!

Thank you
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Naru on December 26, 2016, 10:17:36 AM
I want to thank everyone for their donations. Going to close down the Donation for this year. Again thank you so much.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Naru on December 03, 2017, 11:55:43 PM
Hello Everyone,

It is that time of year again when the 2018 bill to keep the site up is coming. The price for the site is $190 a year. The price increased because we have to have SSL installed to be part of google search. Any donation will be helpful.

Thanks you for being part of the community
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: SGOS on December 04, 2017, 05:09:22 AM
Quote from: Naru on December 03, 2017, 11:55:43 PM
It is that time of year again when the 2018 bill to keep the site up is coming.  Any donation will be helpful.
Always happy to help, but note that the donation app is missing from the first page.  Also, you might want to start a fresh thread so people don't disregard the notice thinking someone just bumped a defunct thread.  We've got fewer active members than last year, but I hope enough people will help out to keep the site from going down.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on December 04, 2017, 07:59:22 AM
Quote from: SGOS on December 04, 2017, 05:09:22 AM
Always happy to help, but note that the donation app is missing from the first page.  Also, you might want to start a fresh thread so people don't disregard the notice thinking someone just bumped a defunct thread.  We've got fewer active members than last year, but I hope enough people will help out to keep the site from going down.

Strange.  Donations are enabled and it’s showing on my page.  I checked permissions and it’s available to all groups.

Can you show a screen shot of your main page?
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: SGOS on December 04, 2017, 08:33:46 AM
Quote from: wolf39us on December 04, 2017, 07:59:22 AM
Strange.  Donations are enabled and it’s showing on my page.  I checked permissions and it’s available to all groups.

Can you show a screen shot of your main page?
Well, how about that?  It's on the "Home" page.  I could have sworn that in was always in the first post of the fund drive.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Naru on December 04, 2017, 10:45:18 AM
Quote from: SGOS on December 04, 2017, 05:09:22 AM
Always happy to help, but note that the donation app is missing from the first page.  Also, you might want to start a fresh thread so people don't disregard the notice thinking someone just bumped a defunct thread.  We've got fewer active members than last year, but I hope enough people will help out to keep the site from going down.

Thank you for your help. No worries, if donation doesn't cover the site, I will be covering the rest. Any help though would be great.
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Cavebear on January 27, 2018, 12:36:05 AM
Question:  If you get more donations to the site than the costs to run it, what do you do with the extra? 
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: wolf39us on January 27, 2018, 12:37:15 AM
I don’t think that’s happened yet.  That being said, the additional money would rollover to the following year


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Cavebear on January 27, 2018, 01:37:02 AM
I hope I just rolled it over...
Title: Re: Site donations
Post by: Naru on January 28, 2018, 07:19:31 PM
Quote from: Cavebear on January 27, 2018, 12:36:05 AM
Question:  If you get more donations to the site than the costs to run it, what do you do with the extra? 

It will roll over. It goes to a paypal account that is separate which I only use to pay for the site.