Graham recently mentioned the cost of maintaining this site.
I think it would be a good idea if we all shared the cost, paying an annual fee.
What do you all think?

Good idea but I am sure Graham would rather people who didn't post made an effort rather than leave it to the usual group of people.

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Thanks for the input Ian and your comments Darren,
If people did pay for balloon chat then we would have to make it a closed shop/group and that does not sit comfortable with me.
Possibly a donation button so that perhaps if anyone gets a model or idea from the forum they would send a few pennies this way for the up keep.
I did see on Rob's daily balloon site a buy me a coffee button which is another idea and a gentler/softer way of asking for a donation.

YES!! I would definitely prefer more people posting and keeping the forum more active Darren, that would be great.

I just saw the header for this thread on the links page, Paying for Balloonchat.............................. Maybe it should read,
Praying for Balloonchat    :lol:

I like the idea of " buy me a coffee" button, surely I won't mind buying a coffee for someone who put in so much efforts to keep this site going...
Why not trying it out for a short period and see how many coffee are offered ?

On BalloonHQ payment is voluntary, so you don't need to make it a closed shop using a similar method. Those who appreciate what Graham does for us at his own expense would surely contribute.
I've got a nice, shiney 10 pence piece I'd be willing to throw in if Graham pays the postage.

Quote from: "lowemagic"On BalloonHQ payment is voluntary, so you don't need to make it a closed shop using a similar method.

To view all the pictures on balloonHQ and to search you do have to be a paid up member Ian.
I look forward to receiving your 10p in the post  

Hey don't forget my coffee - i'm thirsty and I have 9 models to post in the review section tonight!

I do indeed have a 'Buy me a coffee' button on my site, its only been there a few days but I thought it was worth putting on there to see what would happen. its a safe and secure way of getting donations as it runs on Paypal.

If anyone does want to buy me a coffee sometime you can do that here -
//http://ko-fi.com/?i=8d1cb19a0a7a163

If anyone wants to see more about the button and how to install it on your site then you can visit the site here.
//http://ko-fi.com/

Quote from: "nippy99"Hey don't forget my coffee - i'm thirsty and I have 9 models to post in the review section tonight!

Do you have a button on your website Darren?

How about if people post tutorials, then other users pay to view the tutorial, by using a "pay to view this full tutorial button", then a percentage  of the payment goes to the website owner, So everyone wins!!

I would buy you a coffee Graham.
Thanks for the link Rob. I have just added it to my website. I rarely make money on balloons despite having a website and twisting packages/options (I guess if it were my main source of income I would be more aggressively marketing myself).
Sometimes people do ask if they can contribute for balloons if I have donated them (which I often do) and because I am not a natural business man, I hate talking money. This way I can direct them to my site and maybe get something without feeling guilty or embarrassed.
Will let you all know if it amounts to anything.