Is there a reason for a punitive levy for voluntary donations that do not auto-renew to a supposedly non-profit?
I ask because that's what's separating you and my money ;
I don't know what this means. There is nothing punitive in supporting the forum by buying an enhanced membership of only $30, getting upgraded features, less ads, a tax break (charitable donations are one of the only federal exemptions that will be left soon), and supporting a forum that you enjoy so that we can be around.
When it was straight donations, only a few people donated. We did not have a self-sustaining revenue stream.
Some people donated a lot some a little. About .25% of the membership number donated. I had to constantly send out reminders asking for donations, and many members were put off by this.
Meanwhile, our costs to run the site rose because of storage of downloads and photos and other things we offered.
We also bought advertising to let people know about us, and the result is that there are more members to provide more information.
We were able to set up a reserve to keep us going, and to do some fun things.
The POTM will now pay $50 for each winner. We will be resuming that shortly.
I am considering other incentives for people who post exceptional work, projects and videos, subject to approval by the staff.
Our financial health is far better now than when we asked for donations. People need to feel that they got something for their donations.
Upgrading their membership does that.
As for your comment about a "supposed" non-profit, I am surprised that you would say that, since all our documentation is on the site for your inspection. This includes our 501(c)(3) letter from the IRS and current 990 filing.
EDIT: I am attaching a copy of our 501(c)(3) letter from IRS. I trust this addresses your comment about our "supposed" not for profit status.
