Hi All, I just wanted all of you to be aware of some of the discussion going on lately about the funding of Rootsweb. All listowners belong to a mail list called "listowners" where we discuss things of importance to the Rootsweb genealogical project. Rootsweb operates free to subscribers. Listowners pay $24/year to operate a list. With that in mind, please read the folllowing discussion. Hope that you can help out by sending in a donation. Thanks, Glenda ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accounting of Rootsweb's operating expenses for last year is almost done, (I know it is LATE, but they have been very busy) It seems the expenditures last year outstripped the income by a factor of almost 2:1. I know you have heard this sort of thing before, and the list members know I harp on this regularly. Rootsweb provides a "complementary" service, and is wholly sponsored by member's contributions. The management of this list is a privilege granted by Rootsweb. The Basic fact is that out of pocket expenses for those people who keep the whole thing going, Karen and Brian, exceeded donations by about $50,000, just in the last year. They have been going like this for several years. You REALLY got to love something a lot to do this. Many of the members of this list are SPONSORS in their own right, and there are several LISTOWNERS who are members of this list as well, we have a large base of knowledge here. I am asking all members to meet my challenge of a minimum donation to Rootsweb of $12, that is a DOLLAR a MONTH, the "normal" suggested membership fee. Those who are sponsors and sustaining members have my thanks for your support. Those who truly cannot afford to contribute are welcome to continue using the services at the FREE rate, as it is Rootsweb policy to provide the service at the minimum cost possible. And make the service accessible to those who cannot afford the "donations." NO Hard Feelings, we mean it. No guilt trip either. Those who can contribute, without suffering enormous personal financial pain, please do so. This is equivalent to three postage stamps a month. This is 1 20 ounce bottle of your favorite soft drink. This is a cup of coffee with your breakfast at the corner diner. 2 doughnuts a morning newspaper (Sunday) A gallon of gasoline. 1/2 a pack of cigarettes. Anyone see a relationship they can conceive? Thanks, jeff scism --------------------------------------------- Send you checks (US Funds) to: RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative P.O. Box 6798 Frazier Park, CA 93222-6798 Please make sure your name and e-mail address are on the check! or use the following website to use your credit card: http://www.rootsweb.com/rootsweb/how-to-subscribe.html it will direct you to a secure website for the transaction. All monies will be greatly appreciated.