Pioneer54:
"Ordinarily, in business practice, it is customary for a salable product to be developed before ANY revenue is incurred.".... And yet, look at MicroSoft, and I'll bet you purchase products from them.. and they have -yet- to develop a 'problem-free' product.

maybe a fellowship or something could be set up where those that were willing to donate money could post on there what they would donate etc. no discussion just posting what you would donate...this could be Moderated by Fencer, or someone nominated by Fencer.
All donations from $1.00 to ?????whatever would be accepted, and there would NOT be any need for anyone to feel embarrassed because they could only donate a dollar:) That way we could see how many are genuine etcetc, and then maybe in about a month or so....all pledges could be called in.
What is the general opinion on this please?


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Maybe could be called "Pledges to BK Fellowship"
these would be virtually binding, altho we all know that cant be done, but it would be a case of Honour:) and maybe Fencer could put a star next to people who donate...or some sort of "symbol" to show others that they are REAL supporters of BK :)

I'm sure when Sam Walton opened his doors for the 1st time in the small town of Bentonville Arkansas...he had no idea it would turn into a multi-billion dollar corperation.
The fact that you can walk into a Walmart is because of a small,mom and pop company..that struggled to make it happen.

Yes Steve, I reckon you may have a valid point in saying that many small problems are sprouting from the main obstacle, which seems to be the installation of a better server. However, this looks like a vicious cycle that was the same topic of talk late in 2003. And, things have gotten better since then, although there is still much room for improvement.

There have been a lot of suggestions posted here about ways to raise capital, some interesting, others ridiculous, or made merely to lighten up the banter! For me, it isn't a matter of dollars per se as value derived. Ordinarily, in business practice, it is customary for a salable product to be developed before ANY revenue is incurred. Who among us would walk into Wal-Mart and buy a defective toy in the hopes that one day it might just work properly? Or go to a grocery store and give five bucks to them for a shipment of bananas that wasn't due to arrive until the following week? Now, we're dealing with an uncommon item here in that BK is a very special site, and things like this don't happen often, but I sense that all too many members here are too eager to put the cart before the horse. The devotion and willingness to offer assistance is laudable, but I have a tough time accepting the subjectivity.

Maybe things will in fact only improve if some cash is generated; if that is the case, then it needs to be definitively stated by the management, and some bold steps taken to get results. So far, only a figure has been tossed out with an implicit opening to discuss it, which isn't exactly the "captain of industry" approach.

As things stand currently, I'm content to lay back and see what happens, and if at some point I become confident that the site will run flawlessly, then I'll renew at whatever the going rate is, and be glad to pay!

what about selling stock in BK

I will happily put at least $20, possibly a little more, towards a new server... without affecting my membership.. I'm about to renew in the next week anyways, too..

I've already paid for another year and mines not up until april :). How about he just all get together and rob a bank. If 9000 people walk in, they'll give up the money and the cops can't catch us all lol

Those little problems are being caused by the current problem Pioneer I think

Didn't we just go through this (discussion of getting a server upgrade) a few months ago? .... Just wondering!!?

However, the idea of a short-term infusion of cash via membership extensions at slightly reduced rates is a good one, because it will both retain members by their commitals and make it possible for new paying members to join at future dates, neither of which will be possible without continual sound operation of the site. A mere observation, though having said it, I myself am apprehensive about many things here, and I cannot even say if I'd be willing to plunk down $20 for an additional year, if offered. For example, I am having some trouble with some games: when I click on a game that is in my 'pink' to-move section, it goes back to the position after my last move!!? I'm sure this will get ironed out in time, but little annoying glitches like this one seem to keep popping up.

Money for membership extention.

What needs done now is a new server. Without a new server, the quality of this site suffers which then turn into less new users comming to this site, and more long-term users leaving.

But once a new server is in place, that would hopefully turn into a more reliable site, which would turn into more time into improvements & game development, which will turn into more users using the site and hopefully buying new memberships. Yea, the $$ might be a little lower next year because of users who have already paid for their extention - but think of it this way. It's the same money for the extention now or later. Now (with a small discount), the money can be used for a new server. Then, well the quality of the site might still be down and the user who was going to extend might just go elsewhere.

yes that is true, but maybe by then things would be running spiffy, and not as much revenue would be needed for the up-keep.
I feel that all donations as such should be made on a personal basis to Fencer...somebody giving $50 could make somebody giving $5 feel a bit inadequate. We went over this before if you remember.

But if we all paid a year in advance, next year when the memberships would be due, Fencer would have no income.

Bwild, shameful plug for your fellowship! ;o)

And don't forget to send me your questions for zetes' interview!

that is a good idea....if we all paid our money now to Fencer, then when it came time to renew our membership, maybe it could be utilized then.
Im already paid in advance and have been for over a month, but i would consider paying again, if it could be used for membership next september when it is due again ;)

for sure LOL

ooops:)

Since Fencer is buying all the drinks at the Ironhorse Saloon,you could pay for yours,Steve,and he'd have the money in a week! LOL:)