Just an update on where we stand financially. As most of you know, we rent space on a server to host our site: the forums, the fiction archive, and the personals section. We have had to do this since BME stopped hosting us, which they were doing for free. The transition from BME to a free standing site is the source of the many changes that have and are still occurring here over the past 8-12 months.

The server currently costs us $119 US per month. Other expenses include $70 US annually for a PO Box, annual domain registrations (4 of them), back up computer and any repairs needed (the backup is provided free, but not any of the few repairs we’ve had), and bank and PayPal fees. Other unanticipated costs sometimes come up. Further, the backup computer is old and may one day need to be replaced. A reserve for that would be good. That is our picture overall right now.

Currently we have approximately $1400 US on account. A prudent reserve for tougher times would probably be about $1000 US – that would keep us “on the air” for about 7-8 months without other funds. So, it is getting time to start encouraging member contributions again.

Contributions are strictly voluntary in any amount you can afford or care to give – we do not currently charge a membership fee. We have had contributions in the past from all over the world. We get mostly US currency, but sometimes others. They do cost to convert, but we can do so – US is preferred, but not insisted upon.

To contribute to our ongoing existence, please use the following resources:

Checks, Money Orders, and Currency (please wrap it so not seen through the envelope) may be mailed to:

PO Box closed. Please PM Kristoff to mail donations.

Contributions may also be made via PayPal. Use the following email address for transfers (sorry we don’t take credit/debit card directly – too expensive)

WyrmWyvern @ Live.com

Contributions of ALL sizes are welcome, and all make a difference.

I will periodically update this post with our progress.

Thanks!

Kristoff

$119 / month sounds a little high. What is the traffic like, and have you experienced issues with other web hosts for the content? I use Arvixe and they've been great ($50 / year for extremely low-traffic personal hosting).

Just some ideas; there's the rackspace cloud (1.5 cents / hour = $11 / month) and Amazon EC2 (there's a limited free tier, and micro tier for 2 cents / hour). I've used EC2 for some [failed :p] HPC attempts, and know that you start out by imaging the Linux distro of your choice [installs Ubuntu / SuSE / whatever onto your VM], and then you get an SSH terminal to do whatever you want with. So, you'd have pretty much power if shared hosts sound like a bad idea.

After situation with wikileaks, I would not trust Amazon with hosting anything questionable.

I have experience with web hosting companys here in the UK and such.

Do you have problems with other companies hosting the EA site for any reason?

Backup should be simple. What is the total webspace used in MB's including the databases and monthly usage (bandwidth) from users?

Ryan

hungrycat (imported) wrote: Sun Nov 20, 2011 5:54 am I have experience with web hosting companys here in the UK and such.

Do you have problems with other companies hosting the EA site for any reason?

Backup should be simple. What is the total webspace used in MB's including the databases and monthly usage (bandwidth) from users?

Ryan

Yes, there were some that would not host our content.

purpletomato (imported) wrote: Sun Nov 20, 2011 1:21 am $119 / month sounds a little high. What is the traffic like, and have you experienced issues with other web hosts for the content? I use Arvixe and they've been great ($50 / year for extremely low-traffic personal hosting).

Just some ideas; there's the rackspace cloud (1.5 cents / hour = $11 / month) and Amazon EC2 (there's a limited free tier, and micro tier for 2 cents / hour). I've used EC2 for some [failed :p] HPC attempts, and know that you start out by imaging the Linux distro of your choice [installs Ubuntu / SuSE / whatever onto your VM], and then you get an SSH terminal to do whatever you want with. So, you'd have pretty much power if shared hosts sound like a bad idea.

We thoroughly shopped our needs. Small business hosts are not suitable. The several hosting companies we contacted often wanted $200 or more for our traffic. The $119 is actually a very good price, and we'll live with it.

Sounds good, I can guess how things get more expensive when you have to support a real site. It's good knowing the admins are in control of the data; this site seems very well run.

What's wrong ?

I don't see no pledges!

moi621 (imported) wrote: Tue Nov 22, 2011 12:29 am What's wrong ?

I don't see no pledges!

Maybe some members prefer to donate privately rather than make public pledges.

Okay.

T'is the season, and I'm in the spirit of giving, so I just sent my $50.00 (USD) via Paypal.

I always wish I could afford more, but well... I send what I can.

C'mon folks, surely the EA deserves a nice Holiday season too. Every dollar counts. Let's get the donations flowing. Personally I'd like another year of not worrying about if we have enough to stay online.

When you are budgeting your presents this December, maybe you can set aside a few dollars to the place that gives us so much enjoyment the rest of the year.

Thanks for every donation.

Cainanite