Number one...politics will stay separate. The reason is simple...for as many people that want to post political stuff in the main forum there are just as many people that love the fact that the main board is politics free. If I let politics on the main board the half that don't like it will leave and this place will turn into this:
Not a sports thread to be found...
I'm trying to grow the audience of this place since the current members are getting up there in age and we need new members to keep the place going. When someone googles UGA sports forums and find us, clicking on the main forum and seeing nothing but politics is gonna be a turnoff. And let's be honest...we know how divisive politics is today. And for some reason it seems to bring out the worst in people. I want this place to be fun.
Number two...I've decided that I'm gonna be transparent about how much we need to raise to keep the lights on. Over the years I've reduced the costs but it still rounds to about $5000 a year. In the FAQ I've added a Financials section that lists the yearly cost and how much has been donated in 2024 so far...
2024 Financials
We reach the total cost the lights stay on. We don't and when renewal time comes then that is all she wrote. Doesn't get any simpler than that. If we reach the goal say in the middle of the year then any donations after that will go towards next year.
As for opening the board up to non-paying members, it is done. Just be aware that you will see a ton of ads and a lot of features will be unavailable to you, such as avatars, signatures, and the PM system. You want to donate just look in the FAQ up top. And non-paying members will be on a short leash. Be warned.
Any questions feel free to send me a message or email if you are a freeloader. Thanks.
Not a sports thread to be found...
I'm trying to grow the audience of this place since the current members are getting up there in age and we need new members to keep the place going. When someone googles UGA sports forums and find us, clicking on the main forum and seeing nothing but politics is gonna be a turnoff. And let's be honest...we know how divisive politics is today. And for some reason it seems to bring out the worst in people. I want this place to be fun.
Number two...I've decided that I'm gonna be transparent about how much we need to raise to keep the lights on. Over the years I've reduced the costs but it still rounds to about $5000 a year. In the FAQ I've added a Financials section that lists the yearly cost and how much has been donated in 2024 so far...
2024 Financials
We reach the total cost the lights stay on. We don't and when renewal time comes then that is all she wrote. Doesn't get any simpler than that. If we reach the goal say in the middle of the year then any donations after that will go towards next year.
As for opening the board up to non-paying members, it is done. Just be aware that you will see a ton of ads and a lot of features will be unavailable to you, such as avatars, signatures, and the PM system. You want to donate just look in the FAQ up top. And non-paying members will be on a short leash. Be warned.
Any questions feel free to send me a message or email if you are a freeloader. Thanks.