I'm not the world's best financial planner and it's caught me a little by surprise that the annual server contract for four of the BC/SD/TGF servers is coming due. These servers run BC, Stardust, TGFiction.Net, CrystalHall, qnez, TGLibrary, StorySite and a dozen other TG and TG friendly websites. If we pay annually, we save about 20% on the bill but that is a $1600 hit this time.
I'll put it on one of my credit cards but first, I need to pay down what is owed on that card, so I'm asking for some extra in the Hatbox in August and September to be sure I can cover the bill. I'm sorry I have not planned for this better.
Fourteen years ago when I started this webmistressing, I had $40,000 in the bank, a life partner and owed only about $8,000. Now I live alone, have about $500 in the bank, I owe close to $20,000 even though people keep contributing to the Hatbox at an amazing rate. I don't live extravagantly or anything but I am just bad with money and things keep catching me by surprise.
I'm sorry about having to ask for this extra and if I've come to the well a little too often and people are tapped out, well, I know I'll figure something out to keep things online.
Hugs to everyone,
Erin
Comments
Wish I could...
I have been a terribad patron of this site when it comes to monies... but... when you don't even have for yourself, it's a little hard to share. Unless you want me to share yet some more red ink with you? ;P
Abigail Drew.
Hugs, anyway
Not everyone can and that's understood. Writing and posting, even commenting and kudoing is good. Heck just read and think good thoughts if that's all you can do. :)
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
Finances
As with Abigail, if I actually made more of a profit each month, I would readily donate. Unfortunately, I'm in need of taking personal austerity measures (3/4 of my salary disappears in automated standing orders and direct debits all scheduled for the same day - it's scary seeing your bank balance drop from £900 to £11 overnight!)
Until my finances improve, I'll continue to support the site in non-financial ways, through comments / blogposts etc.
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
Writing and Posting...
...and comments and kudos for what others have written are what make the site prosper. Thank you.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
I've lost count
of how many hatbox memberships I have, but there's another $50 bonus.
Do you get any discount for the rubbish service they've given you for the past few weeks - the site has been very slow?
Angharad
Angharad
We're going to discuss that with them
It's a point that will come up for sure. :) And thanks.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
Monies
Instead of a raise in the pension again, they are going to issue a one time payment extra in Sept. But that's not until mid Sept. I will donate a bit then. Hope it will help.
Thanks, hon
This bill comes due in mid September so that's good.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
I've nobody to leave it to
and the Taxman's not getting his grubby paws on it. So another contribution via Amazon from your North of England correspondent- hopefully $100 will go some way to deal with your deficit. As usual, from SW.
S.
It will, thanks
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
Big server bill coming due in September
Erin, I will be more than happy to make a contribution at the end of August and September when my checks come in. [Must refrain from buying those ship miniatures from Star Trek and those novels as well, dang it! :) ;) .
May Your Light Forever Shine
Thanks!
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
Star Trek
I have been getting those mailings from Bradford. Looks nice but way overpriced in MHO. Rather give a bit here.
If you do not mind digtal?
If you are not one of those people who turns up their nose at digital books. Which not one of us that read this site regularly should be.
I have copies of almost every science-fiction and fantasy book or story ever widely released up to a few years ago. And even then some of the more recent one, just send me a list of what you are looking for and I will see if I have it.
It does not , hopefully, hurt to ask. It is unusual what some one will need form time to time, but I hope we can all help each other from that time in need to a time I am in need as well.
Sings, "I help you, you help me", so let us make a better world or family.
And Erin, my dear website mistress:
If you have a PayPal account I will happily try to send you some thing.
I just do not use Amazon, I am an 'E-bay girl'.
"Sometimes you need a little space to grow up or start over"- Me
Because you're worth it.
From your West Wales correspondent. A small hatbox contribution cos' you're worth it as is BCTS.
Hugs,
XX
Bev.
Thanks, hon
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
maybe a Crowdfunding effort
Kickstarter or the like?
Moon
They take a bite
It sounds good but they actually take a bigger bite than amazon or paypal does.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
On the way
donation on the way.
Thank you
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
Um... I'm wondering, do I
Um... I'm wondering, do I need a amazon.com account or can I do those payment via my amazon.de account?
Anyway, I'm wondering. Is web-mistress your main job, or just sort of a hobby?
I'm retired
I write a little, help out in a bookstore and -- yeah, this is pretty much it. :)
And yes, you probably can use your Amazon De account.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
Hey Erin,
No Halfelven jokes! Not that I've stopped, I just can't think of anything....
I did not know you or we hosted so many sites. Do you get any money from them? Do you ask for funds on those sites?
Whatever, ya got some from me....
Hugs and Bright Blessings,
Renee