Forum donations

Cynthia Daniel · 02-02-2005, 01:56 PM

You will notice a new link in the right column of the Forum for making a donation to help support the ongoing costs of maintaining this Forum. Some of the old-timers will remember that we had an earlier topic where I asked everyone's opinion regarding required vs. optional payments for the Forum. There was certainly a mix of answers. In the end, I've decided to go with an optional payment, trusting that those who find this Forum of great value and are financially able will choose to donate on a regular basis.

There are many members who have stated that the Forum has literally changed their careers. Other members who teach workshops or sell teaching tools get new contacts through this Forum.

The Portrait Artist Forum may appear to be "free." However, as with all things, there are costs associated with maintaining it. For example:

(1) Renewal of software license every year

(2) Installation of software upgrades during the year. Usually these are due to the developer finding a security loophole, so these upgrades important to maintain. We pay a technician to do these installations. Usually there are an average of 2-3 of these a year.

(3) Spellcheck feature does not automatically come with the vBulletin forum software. This is paid to a third party provider and is priced at $10/1,000 checks.

(4) Bandwidth costs. These are difficult to exactly identify since they are included in with the main Stroke of Genius web site. However, the bandwidth and associated costs definitely jumped up significantly after the creation of the Forum.

We appreciate your support!

Michele Rushworth · 02-02-2005, 02:46 PM

I don't have a Paypal account. Can I do it by credit card or check?

Cynthia Daniel · 02-02-2005, 04:11 PM

Yes, you can do it by credit card. You don't need to have a PayPal account. You will be asked to fill out all the normal information as for any credit card transaction. Through PayPal is the preferred method.

Richard Monro · 02-02-2005, 06:56 PM

Cynthia,

My donation has been made and it is worth every penny to me. I think you will find that the generosity of the member will suprise you. Best wishes. This is a great site.

Terri Ficenec · 02-02-2005, 10:45 PM

Regarding being able to pay w/an existing credit card:
When I went to set payment up as a recurring payment, there didn't seem to be an option to use an existing credit card just PayPal, however, when I backed up and used the single payment choice, there was an option to pay with an existing credit card. So I set up a tickler on my computerized calendar for a year from now.

Thanks Cynthia!

Julie Deane · 02-02-2005, 10:58 PM

Cynthia -

This site is "worth its weight in gold" to me. I can't begin to say how much I have learned from it. I am happy to make a donation ahd hope others will show their appreciation too.

If I haven't said it before, I will say it now - thanks for all your hard work.

Julie Deane

Cynthia Daniel · 02-02-2005, 11:43 PM

Thank you, everyone!

Terri, are you saying that you already have a credit card set up with PayPal but that it did not allow you to access it? or you have never had a PayPal account and it would not allow you to enter your card?

Edgar Coleman · 03-10-2005, 12:50 PM

Dear Cynthia and forum members -

I would like to thank Cynthia for all her hard work in monitoring and maintaining this inspiring and informative site. Cynthia goes to such lengths to make sure everyone derives the best advice and discussion, as well as encouragement and guidance from the generous professionals' toward artists-in-training. There is a special synergy created here by which each member can attain enhanced artistic results and the testing of new techniques encourages growth for all.

I am leaving a Paypal gift for you , Cynthia, in hopes that it will make your hard work a bit easier. and to encourage you to keep up the great work.

Warm regards -
Edgar Coleman

Jean Kelly · 03-10-2005, 01:51 PM

Our computer crash a while back wiped out our Paypal account. My husband still hasn't been able to recover it from the old hard drive, so my check is in the mail.. I wish it could be more.

Jean

SB Wang · 05-04-2005, 06:38 PM

Without SOG my life would be more painful---since last summer I have been victimized by a dangerous neighbor, my life was jeopardized by helping him naively.
Being a member of prestigious SOG I was benefited in many ways as you can imagine. Otherwise my situation could be much more worse. I even called Cynthia at her nap time, (found this out later) and got her several advices on one issue, --Dr Cynthia, a credit for you.

Because my suffering in China, I have difficulties but I have failed to do as hard as Cynthia to overcome and succeed. Cynthia and all of those great Americans, you are always my inspiration and example!
"Each step I catch up,
a new life began."