It's a Wonderful Organissimo Board

[RDK]

I think it would be a serious mistake to make the board 'subscription only', even with a free first month. Talk about something that would shut down new contributors! I think a better way would be a two-tiered system, with both free and paid members. Just come up with something silly to appeal to the vanity of the old farts, like setting up @organissimo.org email accounts or something and charge us $5 a month for the honor. Something like that. Some set up that encourages those who are on the border of contributing or not, but doesn't prevent the occasional or new user from seeing the board.

Agree completely. Making it subscription only turns it into a private club, and you know what they say about any club that would have me as a member. Personally, I think it would be disastrous.

I'm hesitant about a monthly Paypal sub as well simply because the fees would eat up a good percentage of the funds. Would be much better to donate the "full" amount once or twice a year.

Obviously a "voluntary" contribution is necessary, but I'm always skeptical about seeing a "star" or something by any donors name to acknowledge that they're somehow "better" than the rest. I like the idea of a simple fundraising bar that displays the goal and current contributions. On the other hand, maybe the band can send out some mp3s of new music to anyone who contributes a certain amount. In general, though, it's unfair to ask newbies or the only-occasional poster to cough up the funds needed to keep this place afloat for the 50-60 of us who post "a lot." I'm also not averse to some advertising.

Whatever happens, keep moderation to a minimum. Heavy-handed gorting would kill this place.

As for changing the board's name, heck, it might be easier if the band changed its name.

[Hot Ptah]

Some of us have "products" of our own making (Books, CDs, etc.) that could be offered each month to a lucky drawer among the subscribers. It need not be restricted to our own work, anyone could donate something of interest to be the month's prize(s).

Just another thought.

Let me add a thanks to Conrad--I just spotted your post.

I will donate the following prize to the first member to donate $1000:

[porcy62]

From my point of view, freedom and democracy are not for free. For the very same reasons BNBB or SHF are/were/became unpleasant place in my view, they had/have a specific purpose: promoting products and therefore they are censoring critics or potentian harmful issues, like politics, sport, religion, ecc. Now, Jim has proved us that it can be possible to run a place in a different way. This is the house that Jim built, I don't find at all wrong by any means that we contribute to pay the bills and keep clean the place, since we love to spend here part of our time.

[porcy62]

I think it would be a serious mistake to make the board 'subscription only', even with a free first month. Talk about something that would shut down new contributors! I think a better way would be a two-tiered system, with both free and paid members. Just come up with something silly to appeal to the vanity of the old farts, like setting up @organissimo.org email accounts or something and charge us $5 a month for the honor. Something like that. Some set up that encourages those who are on the border of contributing or not, but doesn't prevent the occasional or new user from seeing the board.

Agree completely. Making it subscription only turns it into a private club, and you know what they say about any club that would have me as a member. Personally, I think it would be disastrous.

I'm hesitant about a monthly Paypal sub as well simply because the fees would eat up a good percentage of the funds. Would be much better to donate the "full" amount once or twice a year.

Obviously a "voluntary" contribution is necessary, but I'm always skeptical about seeing a "star" or something by any donors name to acknowledge that they're somehow "better" than the rest. I like the idea of a simple fundraising bar that displays the goal and current contributions. On the other hand, maybe the band can send out some mp3s of new music to anyone who contributes a certain amount. In general, though, it's unfair to ask newbies or the only-occasional poster to cough up the funds needed to keep this place afloat for the 50-60 of us who post "a lot." I'm also not averse to some advertising.

Whatever happens, keep moderation to a minimum. Heavy-handed gorting would kill this place.

As for changing the board's name, heck, it might be easier if the band changed its name.

Agree.

edit: about the mp3 wich band are you referring for: TheArtistsFormerlyKnowAsOrganissimo?

Edited December 5, 2007 by porcy62

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

I've got to say that I don't think this idea of doing something special for subscribers is really what I want to see. There are a significant number of us who are regular users - either posting a lot or doing heavy lurking. We are getting big benefits already, or we wouldn't be doing it.

I don't care if there are people who don't use the board much who don't pay, or even regular users who can't pay because, at present, they're in difficulties. This isn't about equity - at least not among us users, though it is as far as Jim's needs are concerned because he's been putting this stuff together at huge and unsustainable cost to himself and his family. And equally, it shouldn't be about giving the regulars some kind of extra status. Because status is earned by people like Chuck, Larry, JimS, Chris & Clem (and many others)whose contributions open things up for us.

So let's us lot who've identified themselves, cough and leave others, who may be new or occasional users or may come along in the future, to decide what to do - once they get into it, they'll surely get clued in about the need to support the board.

Allen's collecting pledges from us (see above somewhere). That seems a good way to get going on the money side. Do we need another thread to solicit volunteers to do other jobs?

MG

[paul secor]

Don't have a paypal account, so I just sent Jim a check.

Just in case anyone else wants to do it that way, it's:

Jim Alfredson - Organissimo

P.O. Box 16129

Lansing, Mi. 48901 - 6129

[Jazzmoose]

I've got to say that I don't think this idea of doing something special for subscribers is really what I want to see. There are a significant number of us who are regular users - either posting a lot or doing heavy lurking. We are getting big benefits already, or we wouldn't be doing it.

I agree with you. I made my suggestion more because I don't want to see the board become a "subscription required" thing than a desire to get more.

[J Larsen]

From my point of view, freedom and democracy are not for free.

Thanks. Now I have that song from the Team America soundtrack stuck in my head.

[BERIGAN]

I have had jury duty this week(Never actually went into a courtroom, but I was there at the ready) so, I haven't had a whole lot of time to chime in....but, very happy to see it appears the board will survive!!!!

Where else can one talk about politics, baseball, movies, Hybrid Cars, Astronaut Sex, all in one place, and with people who have at least half a brain???? Shoot, you can even talk about music here, I've been told! Perhaps one can start a discussion on how Charlie Parker is overrated(Kidding JS, Kidding! )

Really, it'd be a crime to have this board vanish into thin air....

[BERIGAN]

I've got to say that I don't think this idea of doing something special for subscribers is really what I want to see. There are a significant number of us who are regular users - either posting a lot or doing heavy lurking. We are getting big benefits already, or we wouldn't be doing it.

I agree with you. I made my suggestion more because I don't want to see the board become a "subscription required" thing than a desire to get more.

Though if there was some porn that you could get from a subscription.......

[Jazzmoose]

Though if there was some porn that you could get from a subscription.......

Don't forget the salty snacks!

[Free For All]

I spend a lot of time here, post frequently and hang out in live chat regularly, so I'll make a more substantial donation (I have done so in the past). I wouldn't expect occasional users to chip in as much.

I think we can do this via the honor sysytem, although it obviously hasn't been working so far. I think many have intended to contribute but simply never got around to it. I think the fact we have gotten close to the edge will perhaps encourage more to ante up. I'm sure we can pull together to deal with the immediate crisis, but sustaining the support is what will be critical.

Time for everyone to step up. There are so many members, if everyone gives what they consider a fair share, it will add up quickly. Some can't afford to give much, some can but haven't done so. In any case we need to step up and take the load off Jim.

If we can be aware of the status of the "kitty" we can keep things going instead of having to reach crisis mode. If the 40-50 regulars become aware of a lack of funds, I think we can take care of it pretty quickly. I'm in!

This place is worth the effort!

[Jazzmoose]

If we can be aware of the status of the "kitty" we can keep things going instead of having to reach crisis mode. If the 40-50 regulars become aware of a lack of funds, I think we can take care of it pretty quickly. I'm in!

You know, as far as the finances go, that may be all it takes.

[BERIGAN]

Though if there was some porn that you could get from a subscription.......

Don't forget the salty snacks!

Ummm, no....I won't go there....

[BERIGAN]

Berigan, I love you, man -

Let me add a thanks to Conrad--I just spotted your post.

Group hug, group hug!!!!!

Hey, watch those hands Allen!!!

[papsrus]

Don't know if it will make a difference in the long term. There are issues other than money. But I just kicked in $20. I would be perfectly happy to chip in an amount like that regularly to help out, if things do continue. But I don't want the contribution to add any pressure to Jim to where he feels obliged to keep the board going, great as that would be. Whatever way it falls, it just seemed like the right thing to do.

[HolyStitt]

I just donated some money towards the costs of operating the site for this year (2007). Whatever is decided for my member fees for the future I can take care of as well. I don't know why I didn't do it sooner but since it can be paid with PayPal it won't be an issue in the future.

Not to side track the discussion but I think as members we should all think about the supporting the band as well. Making this place financially feasible for the band is one thing but buying their music should be just as important. They needed to be out of the red as well.

Just my two cents.

[Free For All]

If we can be aware of the status of the "kitty" we can keep things going instead of having to reach crisis mode. If the 40-50 regulars become aware of a lack of funds, I think we can take care of it pretty quickly. I'm in!

You know, as far as the finances go, that may be all it takes.

Maybe there could be a support group of regulars (volunteer) who could be sent a mass PM with financial updates/status. If we're too far in the red, those members can bring it up on the board. A "gentle reminder", as it were. That would be better than a donation request thread that no one evers reads.

Edited December 5, 2007 by Free For All

[neveronfriday]

I just donated some money towards the costs of operating the site for this year (2007). Whatever is decided for my member fees for the future I can take care of as well. I don't know why I didn't do it sooner but since it can be paid with PayPal it won't be an issue in the future.

Not to side track the discussion but I think as members we should all think about the supporting the band as well. Making this place financially feasible for the band is one thing but buying their music should be just as important. They needed to be out of the red as well.

Just my two cents.

I bought both albums, thrice (twice as presents).

[neveronfriday]

I bought both albums, thrice (twice as presents).

Proof ... Organissimo in south-western Germany, unfortunately the only copies I'm aware of in the area.

[porcy62]

From my point of view, freedom and democracy are not for free.

Thanks. Now I have that song from the Team America soundtrack stuck in my head.

Sorry, I didn't see the movie.

[Tim McG]

Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit dope.

Nice allusion to Airplane

[Jim Alfredson]

Well, I agree with Christiern; this thread is proof that the spirit of this place won't allow it to be shut down without a fight. It's really taken me aback. Thank you all for the support.

I think doing an annual yearly fundraiser to try to raise the full yearly cost is probably the best solution. Right now we're at $662.37, not counting any non-Paypal forms of donations that people might've sent. If we could pay for 2008 now, boy would that take a load off my mind. Yeah, the cable modem is expensive, but everybody in the family uses that: Zora loves to play the online games on pbskids.org and my wife is constantly looking up recipes and such. So I don't think covering that bill should be the responsability of the members. Covering the server costs and any software costs are the most important.

The live-chat feature costs $75 a year. I just got billed for that last month. My forum software subscription, which covers tech support and free upgrades, is $25 every six months, so $50 a year. So the grand total to run this place as of now is $1925 per year.

Do any of you know any software out there that could do the "donation meter" thing? Seems like I could pop something like that up at the top as a reminder to people how far we need to go to reach our goal and then once it is met, take it down until next year.

As for moderation, I would like to have at least one helper. My brother used to help me, but he is also very busy and doesn't have as much invested in this community anymore anyway. I think the most logical person would be Sangry, but it is a job that requires a time commitment and I do not blame anyone for not wanting to be a part of that. Or maybe, as suggested, the chair can rotate every few months.

Thanks to everyone. I got some much needed sleep last night and now I need to head to Home Depot and try to figure out what I need to patch a huge chunk of crumbling plaster in my dining room.

Here's an idea I had while falling asleep last night that would help to further our sense of community: Organissimo-con 2008. Find a nice joint in Chicago, get organissimo, jazzypaul's group, maybe even the Reptet if they are in the area (I can't remember when JohnnyE said they were coming east again), and have a organissimo board get-together in Chicago where we can get together and hang. Tape-Op has a big one every year with discussion panels and workshops and such. Obviously we'd have to start small, but it would be fun to do, I think. Have our esteemed Larry Kart have a discussion of his choosing or maybe just read from his book, etc.

Just an idea.

[Free For All]

Here's an idea I had while falling asleep last night that would help to further our sense of community: Organissimo-con 2008. Find a nice joint in Chicago, get organissimo, jazzypaul's group, maybe even the Reptet if they are in the area (I can't remember when JohnnyE said they were coming east again), and have a organissimo board get-together in Chicago where we can get together and hang. Tape-Op has a big one every year with discussion panels and workshops and such. Obviously we'd have to start small, but it would be fun to do, I think. Have our esteemed Larry Kart have a discussion of his choosing or maybe just read from his book, etc.

That would be great! I'd love to see it happen. Can I bring my axe?

So, let's say 2K per year operating costs. Among 50 members that would be $40 a year. Among 100 it would be $20. I see no problem in making that happen!

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

As for moderation, I would like to have at least one helper.

I volunteered earlier for that Jim. I'm still volunteering, as I have time.

What about other stuff like backups and so on?

MG

PS - you may need someone in America, too, to cover that part of the day.

Edited December 5, 2007 by The Magnificent Goldberg