*I miss the folks that used to be here when I joined*. I think the consequences of them leaving, either on their own or shown the door is the failure to raise money. In the meantime, dollar amounts have been raised, citing higher costs and new equipment. It's not going to happen as there are less and less posters to donate. (Personally, I almost never post but dang, this thread has been the most interesting thread to follow in a long time!)
Donation means voluntary but it doesn't feel very voluntary anymore. It feels more like Homeowners Association dues, except we have CC&R's that are not quite defined (other than don't talk about voting for Romney, if that's what you're doing). Heck, there are even published lists with posters names on it who "donate". Classic peer pressure but there just aren't enough posters willing to give money in these job-scarce times.
If questions are asked about the target money, much maligning ensues. As a result, there are usually more posters being shown the door, equaling fewer dollars raised. A very strange way to raise funds, to be sure, but not my worry. It's not "my house" as has been pointed out countless times. I just don't happen to think it's very smart business-wise. Oh well....it's not my business.
*Okay, I don't miss Howlin all that much :)