Do you think its fair?

[Gene]

Just for fun lets say I've been wondering about getting a very expensive, brand new 2021 Porsche but I own a internet forum and am asking members to donate to its maintenance.
Since i already have several exotic cars in my stable to stroke my ego with would it not be better to spend the money on upgrading my site or continue to basically ask members to contribute to the maintenance of my lifestyle?
I'm conflicted so any advise would be helpful.

[Shadowfax]

This is a pretty odd question so please give some context.

What does the money spent on upkeep of a website from contributing members have to do with spending your personal income how you like?

Or are you implying that the Forum Owner is using the money from contributions from members to buy a car instead of upkeep the site?

[MtnHam]

This sounds a lot like what I would expect from the owner of a particular audio forum who is extremely wealthy and encourages a cult like group of fanboys to stroke his ego. Absurd!

[joeinid]

Agreed

This is a pretty odd question so please give some context.

What does the money spent on upkeep of a website from contributing members have to do with spending your personal income how you like?

Or are you implying that the Forum Owner is using the money from contributions from members to buy a car instead of upkeep the site?

[Gene]

Oh i realize that as the forum owner that my personal spending is separate from asking members for contributions to its upkeep. Its just i feel somewhat uncomfortable
asking for money when i have so much disposable income on hand.

[Shadowfax]

This sounds a lot like what I would expect from the owner of a particular audio forum who is extremely wealthy and encourages a cult like group of fanboys to stroke his ego. Absurd!

I can guess exactly which one and thought the same exact thing when I read the OP. Getting kicked out of there landed me here

[Shadowfax]

Oh i realize that as the forum owner that my personal spending is separate from asking members for contributions to its upkeep. Its just i feel somewhat uncomfortable
asking for money when i have so much disposable income on hand.

Again no context. Are you trying to say that YOU own a forum that people contribute to and you want to buy a new car because you can afford it? I don't see the correlation. That like implying that anyone who contributes here is financing Mike's MBLs.

If you want to run the forum without contributions because you don't need them, that is a different moral issue.

[Mike]

Just for fun lets say I've been wondering about getting a very expensive, brand new 2021 Porsche but I own a internet forum and am asking members to donate to its maintenance.
Since i already have several exotic cars in my stable to stroke my ego with would it not be better to spend the money on upgrading my site or continue to basically ask members to contribute to the maintenance of my lifestyle?
I'm conflicted so any advise would be helpful.

It is a bit odd isn’t it? I thank our wonderful members for their donations. 100% of the funds always go to support the site. 100%. The money comes in via the audioshark PayPal account, gets transferred to the audioshark bank account and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS goes 100% to help fund the site (hosting, maintenance, etc.)

And let’s remember, I couldn’t do this without Joe. He’s a God send.


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[Gene]

Again no context. Are you trying to say that YOU own a forum that people contribute to and you want to buy a new car because you can afford it? I don't see the correlation. That like implying that anyone who contributes here is financing Mike's MBLs.

If you want to run the forum without contributions because you don't need them, that is a different moral issue.

Lets say i dont need the contributions because my wealth would allow me to take care of all maintenance needs. Would it be morally wrong to ask for money when its not needed?

[Shadowfax]

The new definition of Capitalism is Legal, yet Immoral

If I did not need the money, and I was running the forum because it was my passion, I probably would not.

[kzhtoo]

It’s very confusing how you’re describing. Can you do it like Mike? All the contributions from forum members go to the forum 100%. In that case, there’s absolutely zero moral issue.

[joeinid]

Thank you Mike, very much appreciated.

[MtnHam]

Anyone foolish enough to send money to support this obscenely wealthy egomaniac acquire more bling deserves to be parted from his $'s!

[Mike]

For anyone wondering, I don’t think Gene is referring to me. .



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[Shadowfax]

For anyone wondering, I don’t think Gene is referring to me. .



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What color are you looking to drive away in?

[MtnHam]

For anyone wondering, I don’t think Gene is referring to me. .

Most certainly NOT!

[Mike]

What color are you looking to drive away in?

I sold my Corvette, so does a 2016 Ford F-150 count? I sure do want a new truck though. The new F-150 with the electric motor looks good.


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[BlueFox]

I had forgotten about that useless, worthless, piece of crap forum since I got kicked off it a few years ago. Kicked off because of a post I made here where I didn't even refer to the forum by name. LOL

Let people give him money. As the saying goes, A fool and his money are soon parted.

[nicoff]

Lets say i dont need the contributions because my wealth would allow me to take care of all maintenance needs. Would it be morally wrong to ask for money when its not needed?

I wonder what a televangelist would answer to that...

[apdoc2004]

I sold my Corvette, so does a 2016 Ford F-150 count? I sure do want a new truck though. The new F-150 with the electric motor looks good.


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Mike,

Are you referring to the new model Corvette? I thought you just bought it a few months ago. Did you not like it that much?
Anshul

[MtnHam]

I sold my Corvette, so does a 2016 Ford F-150 count? I sure do want a new truck though. The new F-150 with the electric motor looks good.

I'm waiting for the CyberTruck. I believe it's going to transform the truck market. Meantime, my Chevrolet Silverado HD2500 4X4 Diesel serves me well, even if it is 16 years old.

[TheOctopus]

I don't find donations to keep the forums going objectionable. It is not mandatory. Donate if you feel like it or don't donate.

If you are a frequent poster/contributor because it brings you satisfaction to participate and/or help others with your opinions/knowledge, then you are part of the community and the small, rather symbolic at best, donation will only help the spirit. If you are enjoying the forum because you are learning a lot and perhaps avoiding costly mistakes, donate symbolically as a token of appreciation...

$10, $20, $50 from those donating is probably NOT going to buy a Porsche for anyone... But if the money goes towards a better, more stable server and upkeep, why not donate? It is an investment into the platform you spend time on.

I honestly did not even notice the "donate" button here before until this thread.

[TheOctopus]

If you feel you have spent way too much money on audio because of participation on the forum, ask Mike for a donation.

[Gene]

The new definition of Capitalism is Legal, yet Immoral

If I did not need the money, and I was running the forum because it was my passion, I probably would not.

Not your passion... but your business structure that uses your members like fish in a barrel that you could poke your pole in to and hook at the appropriate time to gin up sales.
Honestly..its really quite effective especially if a member is led to believe that if you just give a bit more.. you'll get special treatment

[Mikado463]

I like people that are 'brick & mortar', ie .......Suncoast Audio !

[Gene]

$10, $20, $50 from those donating is probably NOT going to buy a Porsche for anyone... But if the money goes towards a better, more stable server and upkeep, why not donate? It is an investment into the platform you spend time on.

.

10$..20$..50$ from tens of thousands of members equals my ability to purchase a new Porsche...server be damned

[TheOctopus]

10$..20$..50$ from tens of thousands of members equals my ability to purchase a new Porsche...server be damned

Do you honestly believe tens of thousands of members donate? I see a few dozen active posting members at most and that’s on a good day. So perhaps a few hundred may donate and that’s upkeep money. The forums are not nearly as active as they were a decade ago.

[Gene]

Serge.. you know my OP is a hypothetial scenario,perhaps based on real world experience that can ..or can not be taken with a grain of salt
right?...or do you perhaps know someone who who fits the profile?

[TheOctopus]

Serge.. you know my OP is a hypothetial scenario,perhaps based on real world experience that can ..or can not be taken with a grain of salt
right?...or do you perhaps know someone who who fits the profile?

This profile is not unique. The idea of also selling that which you enthuse about also exists in other audio as well as other hobby forums believe it or not. I think you made it clear in your post who you were referring to but once again, it is not mandatory to donate.

[Gene]

This profile is not unique. The idea of also selling that which you enthuse about also exists in other audio as well as other hobby forums believe it or not. I think you made it clear in your post who you were referring to but once again, it is not mandatory to donate.

No problem with the donations a long as the member knows what he is donating too...
New Porsche...updated server...it all gets blurred in the members enthusiasm that special treatment is forth coming.
Good for the forum owner..he gets to mix it all up for his benefit.

[TheOctopus]

No problem with the donations a long as the member knows what he is donating too...
New Porsche...updated server...it all gets blurred in the members enthusiasm that special treatment is forth coming.
Good for the forum owner..he gets to mix it all up for his benefit.

Not only that but also sell a ton of audio gear. Isn’t that the point? Is this forum different?

I’m sure everyone recognizes that fact and is not opposed to the idea. I don’t see how it interferes with any of the hobby discussions that take place with or without donations. If you see it as a negative, don’t donate and if you hate it, don’t participate. Better yet, create content of your own and perhaps benefit from it. Some review forums and youtubers are doing quite well.

[TheOctopus]

I saw the fact that the forum owners are also audio dealers, as a positive, both here and elsewhere. Reached out to Mike to hook me up with gear I was looking for that was not available locally and he did. What’s wrong with that? No one forced me, not here, not elsewhere. Would have went with other gear if the connection wasn’t there. Glad I did reach out.

[Gene]

I saw the fact that the forum owners are also audio dealers, as a positive, both here and elsewhere. Reached out to Mike to hook me up with gear I was looking for that was not available locally and he did. What’s wrong with that? No one forced me, not here, not elsewhere. Would have went with other gear if the connection wasn’t there. Glad I did reach out.

Thats great Serge,...did Mike charge you any special membership fees or dues for doing all that for you? Or guarantee special shipping or handling for a bit extra in his pocket?
NO...

[TheOctopus]

Thats great Serge,...did Mike charge you any special membership fees or dues for doing all that for you? Or guarantee special shipping or handling for a bit extra in his pocket?
NO...

Looking over your gear signature, I think I understand where the beef may be coming from. We don’t need to elaborate, I get it.

No Mike did not do any of what you mentioned.

[Mikado463]

Looking over your gear signature, I think I understand where the beef may be coming from. We don’t need to elaborate, I get it.

I ...see... nothing ....

[Gene]

Looking over your gear signature, I think I understand where the beef may be coming from. We don’t need to elaborate, I get it.

No Mike did not do any of what you mentioned.

My gear has nothing to do with anything talked about in this thread...why mention it? Oh..personal attacks come when backed into a corner, Thats really mature.

[Mikado463]

what cracks me up with this 'goofy discussion' is we all know who Gene is talking about and in reality, who really gives a 'rats rear end ' ??

[TheOctopus]

My gear has nothing to do with anything talked about in this thread...why mention it? Oh..personal attacks come when backed into a corner, Thats really mature.

Not at all. I assumed you purchased your gear from a particular source and somehow was disappointed.
‘ It was not an attack and you did not back me into any corner whatsoever. Honestly I could care less what your issue is with donations.

[nicoff]

what cracks me up with this 'goofy discussion' is we all know who Gene is talking about and in reality, who really gives a 'rats rear end ' ??

Oh!! You mean THAT Gene?!

[Shadowfax]

Not your passion... but your business structure that uses your members like fish in a barrel that you could poke your pole in to and hook at the appropriate time to gin up sales.
Honestly..its really quite effective especially if a member is led to believe that if you just give a bit more.. you'll get special treatment

I answered as if the question was hypothetical, not as if it was about a specific person who reads PMs of others.

[TheOctopus]

Well, I donated to this site yesterday. Not even a Thank You..

[Mike]

Well, I donated to this site yesterday. Not even a Thank You..

I don’t check it every day.

But thank you.


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[TheOctopus]

My pleasure Mike.

[mep]

Just for fun lets say I've been wondering about getting a very expensive, brand new 2021 Porsche but I own a internet forum and am asking members to donate to its maintenance.
Since i already have several exotic cars in my stable to stroke my ego with would it not be better to spend the money on upgrading my site or continue to basically ask members to contribute to the maintenance of my lifestyle?
I'm conflicted so any advise would be helpful.

First of all, nothing in life is fair. I don't know what your real goal was in starting this thread. If you don't like the fact that someone is successful in life and has plenty of money to spend on whatever they want and they happen to run an audio forum and ask for donations, then quit the forum. There is no moral dilemma here except in your mind. If this is really eating you up, you should have a conversation with the owner of the audio forum and tell him you don't like the fact he owns fancy cars and is asking for donations to keep his forum operating and see where that takes you.

[brad225]

Well, I donated to this site yesterday. Not even a Thank You..

Are you only generous for the accolades you might receive?

If you were joking then, my apology.

[TheOctopus]

Are you only generous for the accolades you might receive?

If you were joking then, my apology.

Yes, it was a joke. Just a small token of appreciation and no badges or accolades were given out. Are you an inquisitive person by nature or enjoy sarcasm for attention?

[Bruce]

Be nice boys!

Bruce

[brad225]

Yes, it was a joke. Just a small token of appreciation and no badges or accolades were given out. Are you an inquisitive person by nature or enjoy sarcasm for attention?

No Serge. I don't know you and you don't know me.

At face value, it seemed rude. That is why I clarified with the apology if I was mistaken.

[TheOctopus]

No Serge. I don't know you and you don't know me.

At face value, it seemed rude. That is why I clarified with the apology if I was mistaken.

I am not in the habit of being rude to people for no reason. At the same time, I don't usually ask strangers a loaded question such as "Are you only generous for the accolades you might receive?" Even if it had an offer of apology after it... That's just not in my culture. It was a token of appreciation, a gesture and nothing else. The joke had to do with the context how this thread started in the first place and nothing else.

[gadawg]

George