A Good Idea

[cnorman18]

I'm putting this here, so more people will see it:

I've already posted an appeal for members to contribute to this forum; if it means anything to you, like it does to me -- hey, cough up a few bucks. I love this place, it's the best forum on the Web, and I want to see it stay up. PM Otseng and he'll tell you how.

And here's another. We all use Wikipedia, and it won't hurt anybody to cough up a couple of clams there too. I just put in $20, and I didn't bleed. If you use it -- pay your way, how about it? Nobody asked me to do this, either; I just think it's a good idea.

This one's even easier (we need PayPal for this forum): just go here.

Thanks. If you need a question for debate --

"Why is this not a good idea? Both of these sites are free, and they both need support."

And I don't get a percentage. Just do it.

[Dr.Physics]

that was just one i saw on a quick search.

That is why my wife and I do some actual research before making a decision or making recommendations to others.

well i didn't know i had to go to the place to see it in real life to make a recommendation... it was listed as a highly rated charity on 2 different sites that i scanned over, and i thought that was alright.. anyone who would actually donate the money to them would be helping suffering people, no?

I, for one, do NOT favor cluttering the site with advertising.

I do not think you are qualified to advise Otseng on the topic of running or financing a website. He has years of experience in site design and operation.

Upon what background and proven knowledge / experience do you base your “advice�?

1)what makes you think im not qualified to give ADVICE, im not demanding or giving orders am i?

2)i base my advice on logic. the logic that tells me that paying money to a guy to run a site that provides a service which is equally viable elsewhere for FREE is illogical because the money could be used in better ways elsewhere.

Why have you been posting here for three months?

BECAUSE it is free.. it it weren't free, i wouldn't be here.. i also use other sites such as youtube and these other forums : http://www.debate.org/forums/religion/ and http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/
i get tired of talking to the same ppl everyday, so i hop around the 3 of them

The idealism of youth is often tempered by reality with passing of years.

so what are you saying...

Playing games is not likely to earn credibility or respect.

when you start to worry about your credibility or respect over the internet as an anonymous person, you have to step back and ask yourself why.

[Dr.Physics]

Thanks, Oliver. I calculate that over the three years I've been here, I have paid for one month of it. I'll try to do better.

As for Dr. P's arguments -- honestly, I can see how someone would choose not to contribute for whatever reason and continue to post on this forum: but to actively argue AGAINST anyone else contributing? That, I have a hard time with. If you think it's not something worth ANYONE'S contributions -- well, the exit is right over there.

you must not have read my entire post, huh? here is exactly what i said:

"dont get me wrong, i admire this site and its makers/sustainers, and i DO think your hearts are in the right place, but if you think about it, especially if you are religious, why not donate the money to innocent suffering people instead of a internet site? or do both.. thats all im saying.. partially playing devils advocate here too ^_^"

[cnorman18]

Thanks, Oliver. I calculate that over the three years I've been here, I have paid for one month of it. I'll try to do better.

As for Dr. P's arguments -- honestly, I can see how someone would choose not to contribute for whatever reason and continue to post on this forum: but to actively argue AGAINST anyone else contributing? That, I have a hard time with. If you think it's not something worth ANYONE'S contributions -- well, the exit is right over there.

you must not have read my entire post, huh? here is exactly what i said:

"dont get me wrong, i admire this site and its makers/sustainers, and i DO think your hearts are in the right place, but if you think about it, especially if you are religious, why not donate the money to innocent suffering people instead of a internet site? or do both.. thats all im saying.. partially playing devils advocate here too ^_^"

I read it, and I'll stand by what I said.

You were telling everyone that it makes more sense to contribute somewhere else, and that is absolutely arguing against contributing here. That's what "instead of" means. You don't want to pay your way, don't: but don't discourage others who wish to do so.

As for the "devil's advocate" claim - in my experience, that's usually a matter of arguing just for fun and because one can, playing games with people's heads for ego's sake. Whether that's your object I can't say, but I can't think of another if you're not opposed to supporting this forum.

[Lux]

or do both

That seems like the correct answer here, for anyone who can afford it. Also, a lot of charities could use time rather than money; I can give my time to charity but I can't give my time for this forum's benefit.

I've been wanting to give money to the forum for months. My income is very modest by USA standards (seriously, I make like US$3 an hour) so I probably won't be able to make donations too often, but I do want to help a bit so I just made my first donation US$10 well spent.

Donations don't have to be huge to count, if all active members who can afford it made a small contribution every 2 or 3 months, or at least once a year, it'd probably help Otseng out a lot. Let's not forget he doesn't just pay for this forum's host, he gives a lot of his own time to keep it up and running, administrating and moderating it.