Hi and a very Happy New Year to all members.

Can I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their contributions over the last 12 months and in fact since 2nd November 2009 when it first started. Without your reports and comments the forum can be a little thin on the ground, so dont hold back please post away even if you are unsure, every post is welcome.

Just a couple of things.

1. During this year, does anyone want to see anything new. Any new threads etc, or merchandise. i think I may be able to produce some t-shirts at a modest cost ?

2. Membership Fees. since the forum started in 2009 I have funded the forum myself. The cost of the web domain name, registration and hosting. A good friend of mine has provided very reasonable hosting services for which I give him a donation each year. In turn I would like all members to consider a small donation to help towards these costs. Please feel free to discuss this on the forum. I had thought of a modest £5 each. Or just a donation. Please let me know how you feel.

Thank you and keep posting

Paul C
Admin

Only concern is would this deter potential new contributors?

I think if you make it a 'donation' it is voluntary and would not deter new members. I'm happy to make a donation as suggested. Another forum I belong to has a traffic light system to show how the finances are progressing. When it gets to red there's a flurry of donations until its green again. Mind you there's a lot more members!
Will you do it by Paypal?
Anne

Would a little add based advertising not help to cover some of the costs?
Even more so if it was tailored to the weather such as those companies that sell weather related equipment and paraphernalia.
Not that I mind occasionally dipping my hand in my pocket to help.

I had decided not to ask for any subscription charges, but this may have to be reviewed as Steve, my hosting friend is retiring so the free hosting has to end. Running a forum is not a costly thing but adds up from time to time, I have to renew the domain name for example. If I have to switch to a new hosting company this may add to that cost.

How about if I added a voluntary paypal donation button. You could pay just 50p or £10, whatever you feel the site deserves ? - I dont really want to have adverts.

Happy to donate when you add a button.
Anne