CPS Future

[Biff]

Hey guys, I'm VERY reluctant to create this post but I guess I have to. Three years ago I had a good job, with a good income with which I was happy to contribute a little to every pipe smoker's happiness.

However, life has dished up a series of left-turns. I no longer have a good job that provides a good wage. (Huh, we just had an earthquake) Anyway, the bill for the host has come due. It is for another 3 years and includes not just the host fee but security, certificates, etc. I have to come up with the payment by 5 April. (4.5 on the Richter scale epicentre about 30 miles away)

I see 2 ways to proceed:
1. I can hand off the maintenance / upkeep / care & feeding of CPS to anyone who has the experience & desire to run a hosted board
2. Do some fund raising

The VPS main URL is my old and basically extinct page. So the itemised list looks like it's for my personal site but it's mostly for CPS

The total cost for 3 years is: $2,501.61 USD I can probably get a better deal than that by calling them & negotiating but it really depends. Let me know what you think or what you want to do.

Cheers,
Biff

[FredS]

First of all, I'm sorry about your current difficulties Biff.

This is a tough nut. We're down to what, 20 regulars? I can do around $100 but even if everyone could match that we'd still be short.

Praying.

[Bloodhound]

Biff

I too am sorry to hear about the current challenges in your life. I am sure we don't want this site to be a burden to you. We are all grateful to you for jumping in when the other site failed and for putting this site together and keeping it up and running.

I am also ready to pony up and can do $100 or so now and can help with more later...as Fred has pointed out that would be potentially not enough even with 100% participation. Praying now for guidance for you as you make decisions.

Scott

[Hugo Drax]

I'm down for 100 now.

[JimVH]

I understand and appreciate the spot you’re in, Biff. I support whatever you have to do.

I do not have the knowledge or skill to keep the site up. I’m also in a tough spot right now and haven’t found work for a while. I’d likely be in the hundred buck range, too, as a contribution. I love this place, and would hate to see it die, but practicality pretty much runs my life right now.

[sweetandsour]

Same here, what Fred and Scott already said.

Biff, you can't get 1 year at a time, rather than a 3-year package? Even if it costs more for 1-year, it's more doable.

[Biff]

Same here, what Fred and Scott already said.

Biff, you can't get 1 year at a time, rather than a 3-year package? Even if it costs more for 1-year, it's more doable.

As I mentioned - I might be able to negotiate. The 3 yr package was a significant savings over 1yr at a time. I haven't called them yet I wanted to see what CPS'ers thought. Is it even worth it?

[Hugo Drax]

Same here, what Fred and Scott already said.

Biff, you can't get 1 year at a time, rather than a 3-year package? Even if it costs more for 1-year, it's more doable.

As I mentioned - I might be able to negotiate. The 3 yr package was a significant savings over 1yr at a time. I haven't called them yet I wanted to see what CPS'ers thought. Is it even worth it?

Mull it over, Biff. Your heart says keep it and the brain says ditch it. I think the good news is that the writing is on the wall on this one. I thank you for what you've already done. It's ok to hang up the spurs

[sweetandsour]

Same here, what Fred and Scott already said.

Biff, you can't get 1 year at a time, rather than a 3-year package? Even if it costs more for 1-year, it's more doable.

As I mentioned - I might be able to negotiate. The 3 yr package was a significant savings over 1yr at a time. I haven't called them yet I wanted to see what CPS'ers thought. Is it even worth it?

Vitally important? No. But it's worth it, in my opinion, just to help a few of us keep in touch, and keep our sanity, (without facebook). $42/year won't break the bank. If Fred is right, and my math is right ... 2502 divided by 20 people = 125 each, (and a big presumption, that there are 20 that would sign up).
Anyway, you've done a good job, Biff, and it's been much appreciated. I sure don't have the time or ability to run what you call a hosted board.

[Del]

I am willing to contribute a generous amount to preserve this close little community.

Learning that JimVH wins chili contests with a squeeze of anchovie paste -- PRICELESS!