Tweet
Friends,
This topic of site support is indeed a timely one, but possibly not one I was fully prepared to tackle at this time. I am certainly glad Hank brought it up, otherwise I would have procrastinated most likely until it was too late.
I consider BT3Central a hobby of mine, an extension of my woodworking really. Granted, woodworking was to be an escape from the computer world for me, but as any truly devoted computer geek would do, I still found a way to involve computers! [
] I started this site out of pure selfishness, so that I could preserve for my future use the great ideas that others had in regards to the BT3000. Since the same requests for the same jigs kept popping up, I shared out my private collection of jig articles and so BT3Central was born. I suppose I am still partly selfish, or maybe just a protective parent, but I don't feel ready to hand over the "care and feeding" of BT3Central to anyone else at this time.
I feel, and others have mentioned it along the way in this discussion, that the reason BT3Central has been so successful is because it is different than any other woodworking related website. The difference is in the general attitude of helpfulness of the members, and the level of respect we all treat each other with. Some have posted that the nature of BT3Central is due to my method of moderating the forum, but I alone can take very little credit. It is easy for a person to lead by example, but it is far harder for people to take the lead and follow along. I am fortunate to be surrounded by such a fantastic supporting cast!
Now to the nuts and bolts. The plan of action that I am going to pursue includes the following:
Again, I appreciate all of the time, effort, and thought that you all have put into this matter and it has definitely helped me to make my decision. I am excited about what is about to happen with BT3Central and I am fortunate to be able to share in that excitement with so many wonderful and knowledgeable people. Thanks for all you do!
Sincerely,
This topic of site support is indeed a timely one, but possibly not one I was fully prepared to tackle at this time. I am certainly glad Hank brought it up, otherwise I would have procrastinated most likely until it was too late.
I consider BT3Central a hobby of mine, an extension of my woodworking really. Granted, woodworking was to be an escape from the computer world for me, but as any truly devoted computer geek would do, I still found a way to involve computers! [
] I started this site out of pure selfishness, so that I could preserve for my future use the great ideas that others had in regards to the BT3000. Since the same requests for the same jigs kept popping up, I shared out my private collection of jig articles and so BT3Central was born. I suppose I am still partly selfish, or maybe just a protective parent, but I don't feel ready to hand over the "care and feeding" of BT3Central to anyone else at this time.I feel, and others have mentioned it along the way in this discussion, that the reason BT3Central has been so successful is because it is different than any other woodworking related website. The difference is in the general attitude of helpfulness of the members, and the level of respect we all treat each other with. Some have posted that the nature of BT3Central is due to my method of moderating the forum, but I alone can take very little credit. It is easy for a person to lead by example, but it is far harder for people to take the lead and follow along. I am fortunate to be surrounded by such a fantastic supporting cast!
Now to the nuts and bolts. The plan of action that I am going to pursue includes the following:
- I will begin actively searching for a new permanent home for BT3Central on a dedicated managed server. For simplicity sake, all sections of the site, other than those specified below will be hosted on that server.
- I will start a “Donation Drive” with the goal of raising the full amount of hosting the site on the new dedicated server for one year. This will then be a yearly “telethon” that will kick off in on the first day of February every year. I will place a “fundraising thermometer” prominently on the site so as to communicate the progress of the fund raising.
- I will begin development of a MOD to the Snitz forum that will allow the designation of certain members as “Patrons”, “Bronze Patrons”, “Silver Patrons”, “Gold Patrons”, and “Platinum Patrons”. At this time, these designations will be attained as per the total amount of money contributed to BT3Central PER YEAR. This designation will carry no other “perks” at this time, but that may change as ideas arise.
- I will create a “BT3Central Wall of Fame” page that categorizes the patrons by their designation and prominently display it on the site.
- I will actively begin soliciting companies to purchase advertising space on BT3Central.
- I have already created an “off site” BT3Central Webmall that is currently referenced as http://www.bt3central.com/amazon. It is a bit “buggy” at the moment, but I will continue to tweak it as I find time. Though it appears to be part of the site, it is actually hosted by another company. All of the products found in this “webmall” will be fulfilled by Amazon.com. It utilizes the Amazon.com Web Services, thus paying a higher commission than a regular referral.
- I will rewrite the Support page to be more explicit in the financial status of the site and of it’s ongoing financial needs. Additionally, I will explain all the possible ways of supporting the site more thoroughly and adjust my links so that it is easier to find.
- Other duties as assigned.
Again, I appreciate all of the time, effort, and thought that you all have put into this matter and it has definitely helped me to make my decision. I am excited about what is about to happen with BT3Central and I am fortunate to be able to share in that excitement with so many wonderful and knowledgeable people. Thanks for all you do!
Sincerely,
Comment