Show us your arty shots - CALENDAR CONTENDERS

usedtobe

Get a calendar bought, you tight sods!

TTony

usedtobe said:

Get a calendar bought, you tight sods!

Wis'd


We don't actually ask for a lot in return for keeping the forum going.  

To put it into context, the profit that we make from the calendars won't even cover the hosting costs for a year - and we don't pay anything like standard hosting charges.

With our traffic volumes, we'd easily raise a lot more ££s by taking advertising and infesting the forum with banner ads, sidebar ads, pop-up ads, advertorial content, etc, etc.  And with that would doubtless come "management" of content so as not to piss off the money men.  

But we prefer to keep it ad & interference free.

We don't even ask for money-for-free.  We try to give you something (in this case, the calendar) in return for your financial support.  

Bridgehouse

TTony said:

usedtobe said:

Get a calendar bought, you tight sods!

Wis'd


We don't actually ask for a lot in return for keeping the forum going.  

To put it into context, the profit that we make from the calendars won't even cover the hosting costs for a year - and we don't pay anything like standard hosting charges.

With our traffic volumes, we'd easily raise a lot more ££s by taking advertising and infesting the forum with banner ads, sidebar ads, pop-up ads, advertorial content, etc, etc.  And with that would doubtless come "management" of content so as not to piss off the money men.  

But we prefer to keep it ad & interference free.

We don't even ask for money-for-free.  We try to give you something (in this case, the calendar) in return for your financial support.  

I know it's easy to ask and it can be difficult for some, but I'm very much in the 'do your bit' camp - given how much pleasure I get from the Fretboard.

As an encourager, and @TTony doesn't know this yet, but I'm going to pay for the P&P of the calendars out of my own pocket so all the profit goes back to the Fretboard PayPal account for hosting and stuff.

TTony

Bridgehouse said:

@TTony doesn't know this yet

He does now - and he's very grateful for your generosity.

TBH, we wouldn't be doing the calendars at all this year without you stepping in as there's no way I could have done the admin, so you've already helped hugely in getting these done.

Thanks.

Nikko

I feel bad for only buying one now... If I wasn't skint I'd buy them for all my family as Crimbo prezzies!

TTony

Nikko said:

I feel bad for only buying one now... If I wasn't skint I'd buy them for all my family as Crimbo prezzies!

Not at all @Nikko, if everybody who used the forum "only" bought one, I'd have to put another *VERY* big order in for a reprint!

One is enough.  None isn't.

Bridgehouse

Nikko said:

I feel bad for only buying one now... If I wasn't skint I'd buy them for all my family as Crimbo prezzies!

It might sound like a guilt trip - but if people are skint then they are skint. I know it's a low priority when you have to pay the rent/mortgage and put food on the table.. I was really aiming at those who have more money than sense

usedtobe

Wasn't meaning to have a go at anyone, btw! Maybe should have added a smiley..
I know some folks are less flush than others..

BRISTOL86

Oops, ignore! 

Bridgehouse

Well well, sufficient orders received for me to reveal the January winner.....




Tadaa!

Remember - I want 3 more than my current total before Mr February gets posted!

Bridgehouse

Orders have shot up today! Brilliant job.

February can now be revealed:



Usual rules - want to see March? At least 3 more orders before it can happen!

meltedbuzzbox

@TTony you do offer a free advertising and sales platform for a lot of dealers/builders. 
Why don't you charge these guys a small subscription? I'm certain this forum has driven a lot of sales for many of said dealers/builders seems only fair. (Or at minimum they should buy a calendar) 

TTony

meltedbuzzbox said:

@TTony you do offer a free advertising and sales platform for a lot of dealers/builders. 
Why don't you charge these guys a small subscription? I'm certain this forum has driven a lot of sales for many of said dealers/builders seems only fair. (Or at minimum they should buy a calendar) 

*most* of our small business members already support the forum.  Maybe not with direct financial donations, but @thorpyfx (for example) has donated compo prizes that have raised far more ££s than anyone would reasonably have donated.  Others are active members of the community, posting content that has a value in itself, or posting forum-special deals (mr g4u) that have probably benefitted forum members more than themselves.

We're also aware that taking  payments from businesses opens us to them requesting more favourable treatment.  Not saying that they *would*, but if we became reliant on their funding. It'd be a risk.  Imagine if Andertons had supported us financially, and then seen some of the Chappers comments ... 

Imagine the cries of of censorship (etc) if we'd started deleting comments and coolering people to protect that revenue ...

But deciding not to pursue those opportunities has a cost.  

Hence we try to raise funds internally - from those who value our reasonably light moderation, or who choose to benefit from free Classifieds, or have received a lot of (free) advice, but still need a prompt to donate, or a "something" in return for their support.

I'd hope that it'd get easier with time, as people recognised the value that they get and felt more willing to support us.

But it's certainly not getting any easier.  We'd raise more money sat with an old dog in a shop doorway.

skaguitar

Bridgehouse said:

Orders have shot up today! Brilliant job.

February can now be revealed:



Usual rules - want to see March? At least 3 more orders before it can happen!

That's mine..!!...and my birth month...thank you...well chuffed

Bridgehouse

Interesting reading your thoughts @TTony ;;

I guess what us members need to realise is when it really does become too hard and you guys get fed up with it, then this place disappears.. and that really would be a shame...

meltedbuzzbox

@TTony fair point mate. It is tricky

Kudos to @ThorpyFX for give aways and what not. Lets hope some of the others follow suit

richardhomer

I'd happily buy one - but don't have (or want) a PayPal account. Would those in charge consider alternative payment methods?

Bridgehouse

richardhomer said:

I'd happily buy one - but don't have (or want) a PayPal account. Would those in charge consider alternative payment methods?

PM'd

BRISTOL86

@TTony have you thought about offering some kind of 'premium' membership which is optional for forumers to purchase? 

For example for £10 a year you can have a 'premium member' title or something with some other small perks that wouldn't cost money to implement?

I've learned a great deal in my very short time here and everyone I've dealt with on a personal level that I've been in contact with via this forum have been top guys. 

I'm hardly flush but I know I'd do my bit. Hell I've had more than £10 worth of advice just this week from this forum. 

usedtobe

Just go with the dog idea. Everyone loves dogs!