Gentle Reminder.

[IBBugsy]

WOW!! Just too many posts to read!! But I think I understand.....

My experience??

I contributed once I realized all the help this site had given me. I cruised around to a bunch of sites when I started getting interested in woodworking and this one became my home.

If it was a "completely Paid" site, I'd have never joined. If only the Bargain area was fee-based, I would still have joined due the help of the other areas. But I think the money I saved due to the Bargain area made my decision easier. I've saved a bunch due to that area.

Whatever you guys and gals decide is fine with me. Just want to say thanks and you have my support!

[BrazosJake]

Hey, if I would have known that a topic like "Belly Button Lint" was open for discussion, I could've had about 100 more posts by now...

Thanks,

Jim K

OK, now we are off topic for the BA forum, unless we're talking about a free (and disgusting) source of finishing rags.

[Todd Cioffi]

Very interesting thread. I'm basically a lurker. I have benefited from finding bargains here. I have posted a couple of times to update how many more bargains can be found at such-and-such a place. I have also read around in other categories other than the bargain one. So here's my point: I didn't know exactly how this site is funded and if I were asked in a pleasant way to contribute $10, $20, and the like, I probably would. I don't have time to read about the history and every other aspect of this site. I found the site after buying a BT3100 and have loved checking in every so often. I certainly am not trying to take advantage of anything or anybody. If the site were to start splitting things up based on who gives money, who plays nice, etc., then I'll probably go elsewhere. The one thing that attracted me and keeps me coming back to this site is the idea that it is a type of community, even in regard to bargain alerts. If people want to build their own private club in order to find and secure more deals, sheez, go ahead. If, on the other hand, you want me to contribute some money, just ask nicely.

Todd

[Sam Conder]

If people want to build their own private club in order to find and secure more deals, sheez, go ahead. If, on the other hand, you want me to contribute some money, just ask nicely.

No one was ever implying anything like that. Please re-read the original posts and I think you'll agree.

As far as "asking nicely", that's why I created this page: http://www.bt3central.com/payments.php which is linked to up in the "Fund Drive" header at the top of every single page on the site. I can't figure out how to make it any more accessible or friendly but, as always, I'm open to ideas.

[Russianwolf]

You're not THAT lucky

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=18972

Doh!!!!

Thanks Thom, I think.

[Tom Miller]

....From the outset I was sure, and I remain sure, that Greg's intentions were nothing but honorable. His suggestion to make Bargain Alerts a patron perk was in no way an attempt to create a "private" or "exclusive" club, nor -- worse yet -- to set up an "us" versus "them" climate.

It's not the first time Larry has beaten me to the punch by posting my exact sentiments, but this point bears emphasis.

The original idea had a lot of merit, but in the end it was clear that it was being interpreted as too exclusionary. I, for one, did not see that coming (at least not so strongly); I'm sure many others didn't, either. So, we can all use a little "benefit of the doubt" from our peers.

And, if this was indeed the most heated argument, then kudos to Sam!

So....what's for sale today? Did I hear something about a rug?

Regards,
Tom

[Cike]

I found BT3Central about 5 years ago, when I first bought my BT3000. With all the other distractions in my life, I have since then been unable to give much attention to woodworking and even less to BT3Central. One of the reasons I've recently started to lurk here again is because the Bargain Alert forum popped up on my radar during the Christmas shopping season. Since then, I've dropped by frequently for a semi-daily distraction from other stuff. I realize that at this point in time, I'm not adding much (if any) value to the forum, but who knows when that may change. My long winded point is that I don't think I'd be here at all if the Bargain Alerts were locked down. I only noticed the fund raising banner at the top of the screen a few days ago, and made a mental commitment to contribute at that time. Basically, I support Sam's decision 100%+.

The real reason I'm posting, though, is to throw out a thought: When a behavior or event experiences a negative change, it's usually most profitable to understand why it's changed, and then address that issue at its root source. If fund raising is slower this year--particularly if it is a cause for concern or contention--then we might ask why it's slower. If it's slower because suddenly the BA forum has so many great deals that people are spending their money on bargains instead of contributing to BT3, then maybe changes to BA forum access could help the address the issue (perhaps requiring patronage or even closing the forum down).

On the other hand, if it's because BT3X00 saws or woodworking are becoming less popular since the saw is not available or because people generally have less time for hobbies, then maybe there other other things that can be done (perhaps emphasizing that BT3Central is no longer only about BT3X00 saws, or reaching out to "busy" people to let them know how great woodworking is for a stressed out individual).

I, for one, don't see a big concern over being temporarily 23% short of $3500. Frankly, as an outsider, I'm impressed that over $2700 has been collected in such a short period of time. A few reminders (and spirited forum discussions about restricting access) should solve the problem soon enough. If not, I would suggest studying the activity on the site (membership changes, activity changes, etc.) to gain further insight.

Congratulations, all, for your obvious dedication to a good thing!

C

[Sam Conder]

Probably WAY overdue...

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=27632

[Russianwolf]

(perhaps emphasizing that BT3Central is no longer only about BT3X00 saws

um, up at the top of the page it says

"BT3Central.com"
"It's not just about the saw."

Can we be any more obvious?


And people keep saying the saw isn't available any more. The saw is still available through any Sears as long as people are willing to pay at most $450 (less if you catch a sale) for it.

[LowerUnit]

The real reason I'm posting, though, is to throw out a thought: When a behavior or event experiences a negative change, it's usually most profitable to understand why it's changed, and then address that issue at its root source. If fund raising is slower this year--particularly if it is a cause for concern or contention--then we might ask why it's slower. If it's slower because suddenly the BA forum has so many great deals that people are spending their money on bargains instead of contributing to BT3, then maybe changes to BA forum access could help the address the issue (perhaps requiring patronage or even closing the forum down).

On the other hand, if it's because BT3X00 saws or woodworking are becoming less popular since the saw is not available or because people generally have less time for hobbies, then maybe there other other things that can be done (perhaps emphasizing that BT3Central is no longer only about BT3X00 saws, or reaching out to "busy" people to let them know how great woodworking is for a stressed out individual).

C

Maybe the reminder banner or contribution suggestion should be prevalent on a daily basis throughout the year. More people might then understand they can make some kind of contribution when it's financially convenient for them. Currently it has shown up as a new awareness to some and maybe the timing (Christmas, taxes, year end tool closeout deals, etc...) has not made the right here and now contribution moment practical for others.

[Russianwolf]

So....what's for sale today? Did I hear something about a rug?

Regards,
Tom

If you REALLY want one, I know two crochetters on the train. As long as I don't tell them where the yarn comes from, I could get them to make it.

Maybe the Belly lint rug whould become BT3 lore like the thong.

[Sam Conder]

I don't think Thom would be as willing to model the rug as he was to wear the thong. He kept saying "I feel pretty".

[SARGE..g-47]

As I posted on another thread early this morning that is already buried at this point.. I wasn't aware of the Fund Raiser as I come and go rather quickly and don't have time to dig very deep the majority of time.

I am fortunate to have been doing WW for 35 years and have the majority of what I need with "one day and one tool at a time" over that long haul. So.. I will not comment on what responsiblity I should share or not share.. what perks I should get or not get as a result of sharing or not sharing that responsibility. You fellows that have been around awhile can work out those details.

But... I do recognize the fact that a site such as this that appears to be rather extra-ordinary in the fact it is so friendly and caters to those in real need is around for those that "are" in need (newbies that can get info instantly that I had to turn stones over to get years ago). Some of which would probably like to contribute, but are not necessarily in a financial situation that will allow them to do so. You don't usually look for bargains if you just won the lottery! And for those that would truly like to contribute $$ but just can't, a site such as this would be a great loss IMO.

And.. I do realize that a free site is not really free as I have a friend that runs a free site for muscle car enthusiast.. There are operational cost that can't be avoided and that is a fact!

I don't persoanlly need any recognition.. perks.. bargains.. icons.. and I don't even have a major need to exchange ideas at this point as I can do it elsewhere on corporate sponsored sites that aren't necessarily as friendly or cater to newbie questions.

But with that said... "a check is in the mail" for $100 to make up for a few of those that would like to contribute to keep the site open to benefit but just can't. And if "we" still come up short.. another check will be in the mail until the goal is met or I run out of checks.

I personally feel it's important to those that will carry on long after I have turned off then lights in my own shop for the very last time!

Regards...

[Stytooner]

You know, throughout this thread, I really had no worries because I saw a misunderstanding of a suggestion and given the caliber of the members and lurkers here, I knew it would eventually work itself through in a civil manner as it always does. My job as a moderator on this forum is much akin to Barney Fife's job in Mayberry, cept ya'll don't trust me with a real bullet. I wasn't worried about the funding either as that usually takes a little time.

I wasn't worried that is until the belly button lint subject arose.
That was still okay, but then Thom modeling a crochetted belly button lint undergarment is just scary.

[Adele]

I must agree with Lee somewhere this thread has gone very, very, wrong. Belly button link was sad enough, the thong I have learned to live with. Somehow this crochett thong has put me over the edge.

Please for the visions/nightmares I will be having for the next several days STOP!!!!!!!!

Adele