Begging for your help, all members!

Ok. Ok. Ok.

Right, so we thought the bill was going to be bigger than usual this time. We knew that. We just didn't know that it was going to be one of the biggest things we've faced yet! A few days ago, I rewrote the text at the top to say it would be nearly $400. Tonight, it is $408. It raised 14 dollars in just a few fays, and it's nowhere near time for us to pay the bill and ease the madness.

The cheapest solution we can think of to slow the barreling mess of bill is for everyone to avoid the main page. From what I've been reading, everytime the main page is hit, it costs. There's a very easy way to go around it though. All you have to do is enter a forum, scroll to the bottom and on the right hand side is a drop down box that lists all the forums. PLEASE use this as a navigation tool! It even tells you that there are new posts in that forum. If everyone did this and stopped hitting up the main page 50 times each day, we might be able to curb this bill. So, if everyone would take it on themselves to use the drop down navigation tool at the bottom of every forum, that would be SUPER! This -ought- to work.

We have the option of capping off the number of views you have a day, but no one wants to do that. It would help, but it would suck! We won't do it, to calm any worries you might have if you knew about this option. And no, I the boards will not be shut down.

I would like to say, that if we cannot purchase Gold Community for 6 or even 3 months, this place miiight suck a bit. It would look the same, but it would be riddled with banners and pop ups. We had this before we lost our cool and got Gold when we couldn't stand it any longer. Trust me, it's really annoying, and some of the popups are not safe. Or even kid friendly, if I recall correctly. Anyway, any donation you could spare us would have us on our knees, bowing to you in never ending gratitude. We can't exactly afford a 200 or 400 buck difference in the bill. Err, at all. We will purchase what we can and live off of that for awhile, but... it will run out, and quickly.

In conclusion, use the navigation drop down box and donate if you can. THANK YOU! Hopefully this lessens the blow of our enormous bill. I heart all the new members and the hits, but it is a double edged sword.

-Siri

[EDIT] And then HRB walked in.

First off, thanks to everyone who has thus far donated, as well as those of you who wish to. Our balance has gone straight up by quite a bit, and we certainly appreciate it. There are a few things I would like to clear up, however --

After having a talk with Mag and looking into it, it's really every page that gets us hits, therefore the best you can do is just not wander about as much as usual. However, that's really the point of a messageboard, and even as an officer asking for donations, I won't ask that our members shorten their times on our boards to something less than they'd originally want.

There is another option -- Ezsupporter. You see, as an ezSupporter, your site views for any community visited are subtracted from its total when calculating Gold Community price. You can get your details here. It costs seven dollars for six months, if this is something you'd wish to do for the board. :]

Either way, as I said before -- donations have gone up, and members are being extremely supportive of Immeritus. Thanks a lot!

PS: Oh, and by the way -- when we say "main page", or "board menu", we mean this. . The SITE , whether once on your 800x600 version or 1024x768, has no economic/code connections with the BOARD whatsoever. Same name, same club, not the same provider.

~Doubt: In the battle between you and the world, bet on the world.~

Part of the Elite Confused Duo Edited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bsiriusblackfanclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=crimsonweeper>Crimson Weeper[/url] at: 7/25/04 8:37 pm

Ouch, maybe I'll have to cut my addiction to the site a bit. I'll never see the main page again as I've added the fanfic forum to my bookmark and I'll have to get used to the scroll thingy. God I wish the link banner at the top, that was a lifesaver but it's cool that it's gone. I wish I could help out more but my parents have this thing about paying money on the web. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":] I'll do what I can though.

<span style="color:maroon;font-size:xx-small;]Sirius Black, possibly the most infamous prisoner ever to be held in Azkaban fortress, is still eludingpants, the Ministry of Magic confirmed today.

"We are doing all we can to repants Black," said the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, this morning, "and we beg the magical community to remain calm."[/color]

<span style="color:navy;font-size:xx-small;]~You know you love the pants game~[/color]

<span style="color:purple;font-size:xx-small;]~Visit InSiriusDenial whether you're in denial or not!~[/color]

I usually go straight to the main forum index since not all the forums are linked from the main page. I also use the active member listing a lot to look for posts by particular people, as I've now given up sifting through everything that gets posted to look for really intelligent stuff. I've linked to the Daily Prophet for now just in case. If someone could just let me know whether the two pages I normally use are ok or not I'd be grateful.

Perhaps someone should send an email around to ask for contributions. I can't really afford to give more than I already have, but there must be lots of people on here who haven't contributed at all.

<span style="color:purple;font-family:comic sans ms;]Follow him, he speaks in sentences - Eddie Izzard.[/color]

<span style="color:black;font-family:Christmas;font-size:small;]Imagine wasting your time and energy persecuting Harry Potter readers when there are little toerags like tabloid journalists on the loose.[/color]

<span style="color:black;font-family:georgia;font-size:x-small;]The molecules shift, then everything goes back to normal. But everything's different. Fragments of what used to be flutter in the mind but can never be made real again.[/color]

<span style="color:purple;font-family:comic sans ms;]Lead me not into temptation, I can find the way myself.[/color]Edited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bsiriusblackfanclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=artemisiasila>artemisia Sila[/url] at: 7/22/04 3:18 am

Siri, I would be glad to donate more to help out. Just to make sure I am doing the donation in a way it will get to you as fast as possible, a quick question. The last time I donated, I clicked on the community chest icon.

I have not seen my name added to the list of contributers but I just thought that was because it has not been updated for a while. Now I wonder.

The only place I have seen the community chest icon is on the main forum listing.Is that the main page we are supposed to avoid? Or do you mean the first page with the blue background? The blue background page pops up every time I log on to the site. If this is the page we need to avoid, please ley me know how to bypass it.

Maybe you could put the community chest icon on other pages as well.

Please let me know the best way to donate and I will. I don't want anything to happen to change Immeritus in any way!!!!

Midi

Edited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bsiriusblackfanclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=midnightflight@siriusblackfanclub>Midnight Flight[/url] at: 7/22/04 7:21 am

Oh oh, by all means, use the first page if you need to! I just meant that using it as a central navigation device was probably not the best thing. A few times a day doesn't hurt anyone, especially if it's to make a contribution. You've both donated and we can't thank you enough, and we certainly don't presume to ask for more from you.

The scrolling list on the side hasn't been updated in awhile.... I think there's a few things we need to update but the program has been a little shaky. Midi, you're listed as donating $10 on 7/8/04; if you hit View Contributors on the main forum listing, you'll see it.

Sila, I meant the page that lists all the forums. It has the Community Chest (which can't be viewed but on the main page) on it. The main page is fine to view as much as you'd like, as it's not run by ezboard at all. Bookmarking a specific forum to start off in is an excellent idea.

And actually, Midi, you're an EZSupporter, so your views to the main page are deducted from the total views- that is to say, you can hit the main page as much as you want at no cost to us. Feel free to roam the main page all day.

-Siri

~Doubt: In the battle between you and the world, bet on the world.~

Part of the Elite Confused Duo

1st Year Joined: Jul 15, 2004 Posts: 48

Would it help if we bookmarked the forum page we usually go to first and navigate from there? (Especially if we were just checking for responses to a particular post.) We'd bypass the main page all together.

Post subject: Oh my! Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2004 07:01 PM

Oh my gosh! <img src=http://pages.prodigy.net/siriusblack/boards/smilies/iiworry.gif ALT=":worry] This is horrible! I definitely want to help--there's like 500 members and it's not fair that the responsibility rests only only about 15 of you. The thing that's hard is convincing my mom of theurgencyof this matter. Being 16, I'm sorry to say I don't have a credit card, and my mother does not comprehend that this is a serious site and that it's not a scam. She doesn't even know who Sirius is! *Gasp* It sucks being a kid!

What other forms of payment are available besides credit cards? The help page for the community chest isn't all that explicit. For example, I have no idea what paypal is or how it works. So can anyone give me a brief run-through of the methods? There has to be a method where I don't need my mother as the middle-man...er..woman. If not, I'm going to keep trying to wrangle ten dollars from her.

I've also seen that the officers have posted links to this topic on other more frequently visited forums... wouldn't it be a good idea to set one up in the Trickster's Den? People go there all the time... I would have done it myself but since you have to ask for permission before starting a topic in there, I thought I would leave it to the mods and officers. Unless they would give me the go-ahead? It'd be for me easy to do. I might not have a paycheck from which to donate much to the club, but I'm trying to help out by spreading the word. Oh, and better yet: A message on the main page. You might already have one, but since I haven't been there I don't know.

- Eru <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START blue paw

--><img src=http://pages.prodigy.net/siriusblack/boards/smilies/bl_paw.gif ALT=":paw]Edit: Thanks for the paws, Siri! That was quick... And I just saw your answer about sending the cash to Mag. Everyone else, I'd still like to know what paypal is, though. Gracias.

Edited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bsiriusblackfanclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=eruname@siriusblackfanclub>Eruname[/url] at: 7/22/04 5:14 pm

Post subject: Re: Oh my! Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 02:16 AM

Okay, I'm trying to understand exactly which page I am to avoid (but if I hit it, I'll open the chest, haha!) Is it the page that used to have the tag board? The one that still has the drop down forum bar that I like so much? Because that's the one that links from Yahoo, and I do use it at work (shhh). I'll figure something else out for that if so.

Or is it the one that asks for screen resolution?

OR is it the page that has every single forum on it beginning with the Department? I apologize for being too stupid to live, but I think the site has several "main" pages.

<span style="color:yellow;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;]PAYPAL:[/color] For those who are wondering about paypal, it's absolutely free to peoplesending money. Edit: Hermione20 pointed out below that this is only in the U.S., sorry! My husband and I have used it for years with absolutely no problems. It's only when you upgrade to a "seller" account do you get charged any fees whatsoever. Now, how do the funds get from your pocket to the recipient? At first from a credit card (that which your mother doesn't want you to put online) and then, if you choose, directly from your bank account. I have mine set up like that. I do not recommend minors to do this without parental consent, or even at all. But a lot of you who already do business online, like pay bills online, and so forth, may like Paypal. It is Paypal.com if anyone wants to check it out. I use one credit card only for any online purchases, so there is always only one to kill if need be. No problems in about seven years using it, but that won't mean anything if tomorrow there is a problem.

I am sure the officers will give a P.O. box or work address if anyone wishes to send money orders, cash or checks, right? Mag gave me a work address to send some stuff to recently. (Come to think of it, Siri, there is a check in that box for shipping costs, but you can use it for fees if you'd rather. Mag probably didn't get the box before she left).

I agree with whoever asked for the Community chest link to be added to the top of the other pages, if possible. The Den was a good suggestion.

Siri, can you get a breakdown of fees from ez? I ask because I wonder about links, photos, and so forth. Maybe we need to watch that stuff as well...?

Elizabeth *off to change my siggy because that's how I got here, from someone elses! What a great idea!*

I never repeat my mistakes. I find all NEW mistakes to make.

- Accio Padfoot Edited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bsiriusblackfanclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=acciopadfoot>AccioPadfoot[/url] 

at: 7/23/04 5:30 pm

Post subject: Aha! Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 02:30 AM

I just went to the Control Center to change my siggy (this will serve as my test, I came straight back here) and when I clicked on "Return to Community" it takes me back to the Main Forum Listing.

So for all of us checking our ez messages, changing our avatars or siggys, or what have you, then returning to the Community, there's a $ ZAP. I do use the toolbar at the bottom to navigate the site, and I bet most of the hits are coming from the above.

Any suggestions for this?

I took a chance on the double post because my other one is so long and sometimes folks won't read all the way down, sorry. This is important enough to risk a Moody visit.

Important! Read this thread in the Daily Prophet to help Immeritus!

Post subject: Happy to help out. Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:18 AM

Just sent in some $$$...I am glad you brought this up, Siri, so people know that it isn't just your (and the other mods) TIME that makes Immeritus rock; it takes funds, too.

May I suggest that the drop-down menu at the bottom right include each and every board? That would help with people hitting the main board thinking, "Hey, where the &%* is that other board???"

<span style="color:green;font-family:Times New roman;font-size:x-small;]Yours, Madam Pince[/color]

<span style="color:green;font-family:Times New roman;font-size:x-small;]"Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"[/color]

Post subject: Re: Happy to help out. Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 01:27 PM

Wow. As much vigor as this has stirred, it has also stirred some confusion! I'm glad everyone is eager to help though.

Ok, let's see... paypal has already been explained. Now, Accio, there is no breakdown of ezboard costs, it is purely hits to the main forum listing, as I've been saying. The main forum listing is NOT our website or resolution screen, but it's the page with the community chest on it, and every -forum- from Dept to the Archives. The website and resolution screen are completely different from ezboard and entirely separate. Ezboard ONLY runs messageboards.

I guess this is a good time to break down some terminology so people stop confusing me and each other.

Board: the entire network of forums, topics, posts, etc. Immeritus message board. Not the main page or where the tagboard was, it's a general term to convey where you post.

Forum: Subjects and sections in a board. Ex: Dept, Join the Club, the Cinema, etc.

Topics/Threads: After clicking on a forum, these are just what they sound like; topics of conversation, more specific to the subject.

Posts/Messages: After clicking a topic, these are the replies to it by individuals.

Ok, now, the drop down box lists -every- forum, it skips absolutely nothing, so I'm not entirely sure what you mean when you asked us to list every 'board' (I figure you mean forum). Also, community chest can only be on the main forum listing. Like I said, we�re not asking that you never ever touch that main forum listing, but just don�t go back and forth from it while checking messages. I know some things automatically redirect you to the main forum listing, so you can either have a link ready to enter in the url box, or just find a forum from there.

Oh, and I�m pretty sure we�ll let you send in money via snailmail. We�ll get back to you when we figure it all out.

-Siri

~Doubt: In the battle between you and the world, bet on the world.~

Part of the Elite Confused Duo

Oh my, I didn't know about this, thx gawd I saw Black DogStar's siggy. I've already replaced my favorites link with one leading straight to The maraudersforum, and I'll be OK using the navigation menu..

I only wish I could help with money, but with my mom being unemployed it's quite difficult for the moment..sorry guys..I'll make it up to you someday.

<span style="color:black;font-family:Christmas;font-size:medium;]Miruna[/color]<span style="color:teal;font-family:times new roman;font-size:x-small;]Important!! Check out[/color] this thread in the Daily Prophet <span style="color:teal;font-family:times new roman;font-size:x-small;]to help Immeritus[/color]!!

Post subject: Re: Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 06:10 PM

Look, Accio, we're siggy trendsetters. Wink

Anyway, I wanted to suggest that for those who now have serious...erm...misgivings regarding the main page, there is a way where you really don't have to go there at all. When you first reach Immeritus on the page with the artwork, the tagboard, and the site updates/news; instead of pressing the link that says "Boards" over Gary Oldman head, you can go to the other link that says "Boards" located under the date. If you put your mouse over it, you will see a nifty drop-down menu with links to any of the forums, allowing you to avoid the evil main forum page altogether. It's a pretty obvious thing to do, but I previously had tended to use the yellow one that links directly to the main page.

Hehehe...Siri must be thinking we're all bordering a bit on neurotic. It's only because we love it here!

<span style="color:black;font-family:verdana;font-size:xx-small;]Please read the important notice from our officers in the Daily Prophet and[/color]<span style="color:green;font-family:verdana;font-size:xx-small;]help out![/color] Edited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bsiriusblackfanclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=eruname@siriusblackfanclub>Eruname[/url] at: 7/23/04 3:37 pm

No way. I can't get away from work, even here!

Just kidding. But I have a few thoughts (and then I'll go contribute!)

Is there some way to send an ezmail to new members about a month after they've joined? This email can thank them for enjoying our site, and request they show their support by contributing to the chest . Provide a link directly to the chest in the email. I don't mean the club-card-carrying members - I mean everyone who is a registered person on this website. Is that possible?

Another thing - I haven't looked at the chest yet, so I don't know if you do this or not, but you probably should not request the amount you think the typical supporter can give, but suggest something higher. Those who can, will give at that level, and those that cannot will probably not be offended. For example, if a student sees a request amount of $100 U.S., there might not be a way for them to come up with the amount suggested. But they might contribute $15 and think, "Well, it helps!" Also, someone who - like me - is an adult with a job and some disposable income, will see that amount and come closer to the $100 level, or even pass it.

Oh, and don't list the exact amounts people give. It's ok to make up categories like Fungus (under $10 U.S.), Plant (under $25 U.S.) , Mammal (under $75 U.S.) and Human ($75 and above), but it's typically frowned upon in the fund-raising world to show what the total amount contributed is. It could make people not give as much, even, to avoid looking "rich" and therefore hit up for more things...

Also, have you considered petitioning for non-profit status? It would have to be located in the state the books are kept in - CA, Mag? - but for US citizens we can write it off on our taxes. You'll have to see how extensive the laws are where you are.

My last suggestion is simply to target more aggressively the crowd that repeat posts. We don't want to pester the person who logs on once and posts twice, then never comes back. But for those who have posted more than, say, 100 times, there is more of a reason to give. Those people need to be targeted to support their hobby.

I'm full of useful information when it comes to fund-raising, but here are my foremost thoughts. I hope it helps - and let me know how I can help!

-Muse

Grant Writer and Nonprofit Consultant (in real life)

A LOT of the Community Chest is out of our control. We can't recommend an average amount to send us, nor can we stop Comm Chest from listing the names and amounts of those who contribute. It's merely a system set in place by ezboard that we tap to help the club's ad-free existence. You can contribute anonymously if that helps any.

I haven't thought about making us a non-profit organization... that's something to bring up in our next meeting when Mag gets back, I guess. I suppose if we have any questions though, you can answer them!

We're not really aggressive in our fundraising skills, but I think what we are good at is bribery. I haven't looked yet, but there's been talk of HRB doing fanart drawbles for those who donate above a certain amount, and possible a banner or something. Does that sound interesting to anyone?

-Siri

~Doubt: In the battle between you and the world, bet on the world.~

Part of the Elite Confused Duo Edited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bsiriusblackfanclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=siriusbfan>siriusbfan[/url] 

at: 7/26/04 2:42 pm