Posted on 01/11/2011 5:28:06 AM PST by paulycy
FYI -
Here are statements from Jim about the future of FreeRepublic.com for those who missed them. They are quite serious.
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"Well, I can say that there are definitely two things that will never happen. 1) Banner ads. 2) Oracle [a completely new database system.] And a third is a total replacement [of the current damaged system.] Don’t have the financial wherewithal."
"To those who wish to leave because of it, see ya."
"If FR dies, that’s that."
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[To: paulycy]
Hey, you want us to get an all new system with all new software and add a few more pricey techs, system programmers and database administrators to keep it all working 100% of the time 24/7/365? Well, start coughing up the big bucks.
It’s going to take tens of thousands of donations and many with at least three zeros each after the comma to accomplish the task. And that would be EVERY month like clock work to make the payroll. Once you take on a big load of expensive overhead, there’s no going back. As it is, we get a couple thousand donations per quarter averaging about $30 bucks each and there’s no guarantees we can cover this quarter’s expenses much less next quarter. We’re on a pay as we go system and we have zero employees.We just ask for enough to pay the bills.
Throwing more money at the problem won’t solve it. [This latest glitch] was a technical issue and we just had to keep troubleshooting until we found it. And no, we’re not going to invite a bunch of strangers in to get their hands on our secure systems. John has been programming since he was 14 and he’s pushing 40 now. He built these systems and he’s an expert in them.
And no, we are not going to throw out our software and rewrite it and no we’re not going to move on to some other database system. There are no guarantees that any other system can do a better job and not without hiring a staff to build and maintain it and that’s for sure. And we don’t have the financial wherewithal to do any of that anyway. Maybe if we had a couple million bucks at our disposal and a couple years to do it in we could build an iron-clad system. And maybe not.
All I can say is, if someone else can do it better and cheaper, then please step right on up and get ‘er done!! I’ll bow out and retire. Thankyouverymuch.
Hit it boys:
https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/
And no, we have no plans of taking FR commercial. I like it the way it is. Not sure I could handle getting rich.
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- Jim Robinson
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2653583/posts?page=168#168
According to post #122, this site costs about $360K annually to run. I have no idea whether this is a “reasonable” number or not. But there are 330,000 members. If everyone donated just $1.10 a YEAR, it would keep FR going indefinitely.
If just 10% donated $1 a month, that too would pay the bills.
If just 1% donated $10 a month, that too would pay the bills.
etc. etc.
If everyone simply pledged $1 a month today, FR’s funding problems would be over.
Well, then maybe this whole thread created a needless scare. I guess you can tell how much folks appreciate FR (and you) by the level of response it's generated.
You've been a good and able steward of this most valuable resource, Jim, and for that, we are all truly grateful. As I said previously, be it far from me to tell you how to run your site. You obviously know what you're doing, and have given all of what's been offered here a great deal of thought.
That said, you know we Freepers are irrepressible, and will freely offer our advice, whether you want it or not .. LOL
All I can say is, if someone else can do it better and cheaper, then please step right on up and get 'er done!! I'll bow out and retire. Thankyouverymuch.See his reply at 588 by clicking the "to 588" link.
Did you know that you just posted number 11k, on 1/11/11 ???
The stars must all be aligned.
I sure hope not!
Hanging out on the Religion forum is a choice. Nobody is forced to be there.
Yikes!
I found a Laminated Onyx egg in a closet I was cleaning out yesterday and wondered if it was one of yours?
And you would be wrong. I accept most Christian denominations (Catholic, Baptist, non-denom, Lutheran, Methodist, etc) as my brothers and sisters in Christ. We all agree on the same basic tenants and the Person work and nature of Jesus Christ.
You assume I have a ‘flavor’ but you couldn’t be more wrong. MrR and I divide our time between Lutherans, Methodists, a non denom, a Calvary Chapel and an Assemblies of God. They are all Christians.
The REAL Christian isn’t defined by me, it is defined by the Bible.
DUDE!!! This whole forum is a choice, don’t be tellin people where they should or shouldn’t go.If I wanna go there and Bit#%, thats what I’ll do.
GOD Bless!
Another FReeploader who's trying to blackmail FR with threats of withholding contributions because they don't like the way the site is run.
Do you always use services without paying if you don't like the owners attitude? Old timers were warned REPEATEDLY about their posts. They weren't purged out of the blue. When they were warned and they kept it up, they got what they asked for.
Zotting noobs is a different matter. And they were often warned as well, by other FReepers. Nobody bought it without warning.
Or do you pay for the service provided because you availed yourself of it and it's the right thing to do.
You don't need to brag about how much you're not giving to FR because you're offended. Nobody really cares. If you don't like the way FR is run, nobody is forcing you to stay. Just leave already and keep your money.
You are another one to whom I will say..... grow up.
Tis a two way street of course. Thank you all for the services you provide so many.
Just got a chance to read most of this thread and I wanted to tell you that I agree with you. It’s pitiful and shameful.
As I said, as YOU perceive it to be. Nothing wrong with that.You shouldn’t be deciding what is right for others.
It's nice not having an edit button.
That way people can't post something inflammatory and then go back and change it and deny it. It forces people to own their posts.
“Why is it we won’t allow the Bible in school, but we will in prison? Think about it.”
Because schools are where they indoctrinate you with Socialism, while prisons are places for repentance.
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