Announcement - Oct 2

I just have to say this... and I"m not sorry.
For those of you who are huffing and puffing about the HUGE amount of $63000, remember this: for every card transaction there is a fee. Is it 5% or 3%? so subtract that.

This US income is TAXED at the rate for a SELF EMPLOYED person... ""gasp"" which is about 43%, am I right? So do the math there... what is 57% of $63K??

then subtract the cost of the equipment, whatever that might be, could be any amount from nothing to ????... and the web hosting of $300 a month... that's $3600 more to subtract per year... and that could go up with increased bandwidth (although I don't pretend to know all the ins and outs of it)...

you'll much more realistically come up with a figure closer to $30K or less, to live on. Come on people. If you don't make a lot of money, so, most of us don't. But don't begrudge someone an honest living. $30K is a pittance for the kind of work Dave does and most programmers/webmasters would be insulted if you offered them that much per year ... plus benefits... paid holidays... paid sick days... medical and dental... need I go on???

I'm sorry but it upsets me when people look at a figure and glom onto it and don't take the NET into mind. You don't get your whole salary if you work in the USA... and neither does anyone else. Uncle Sam takes his share off the top. For the self-employed, that means PAYING huge amounts either quarterly or at the end of the year... ouch!

So, dear AngelSong, think before you speak. You may not make that much now ... or ever... but NEITHER DOES DAVE.

There, I'm jumping off my soap box now. Sorry for the flurry.

Love in Christ,
Janiejoy
<{{{><

OK Dave, count me in. It may take a couple of days to figure out where the money is coming from, but it will be found. The dogs and cats may have to learn to eat beans and taters like me! But they are tough and can handle it.
I have found DG to be a good place to be since I was laid off 4 months ago. I come here to not only find info on plants, but to find peace and love among other things. Most of the people here are really wonderful and willing to say a kind word, or give a virtual hug when its needed. Just look at the ones willing to pay the subscription for others less able to pay it. They will be blessed for it. I know that God watched the acts of kindness here. To bad the rest of the world can not be as kind to others.
Anyway, to those that want to think that Dave will make a lot of money here, if you break it down into hourly pay for Dave and Trish, after costs, it isn't very much. We need to help support our habit. After all, they work hard to make this a good place for all of us to be.
I for one want to thank them for all the hard work they have done for you and me! THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!!!!!
Darlene :-)

Ok, who did it? Really....who paid my subscription? :) Thank you so much. You all are so sweet.

I want to make one thing clear, though. I said that I could do it. It would just have to be in November or over a couple of months. I guess I did sound pretty pathetic.

Honestly, it is just a matter of timing. It's so bizarre that my husband and I just days ago "discussed" (not exactly the right word, if you get my meaning) how much I'm spending on mailing my yard to strangers.

When I get the money I'm supposed to get in a few weeks, I plan to sponsor someome else and pass along the kindness that someone did to me.

Thanks so much.

I'm doing the same! hubby caught the amount of checks made out to the postmaster and had a little fit:) But I have someone already that I am passing the wonderful world of Dave's onto. Can't let a gift go without passing it on. whoever you are, I love you!

As they say "the check is in the mail"
Thanks Dave for continuing this site.

I just read the emails and I saw that someone else has paid me another year too! Hey, who are you :)

Evert, Isn't it nice to know that you have an angel that loves you! Someone paid my subscription too. They may not realize how much it means to have someone do something so nice. These angels each and every one deserve a really big
THANK YOU and an even bigger HUG!
Thanks so much,
Darlene

A very kind person has paid for me to belong to DG, thank you very much indeed, it was a lovely surprise.

Dave, I am saddened to have found such a user-friendly site (read non-dictatorial webmaster) where we can post an international trade, if we want to - and now to lose access to it. Apart from the sourgrapes from a few disgruntled exmembers from 'over there' your site is friendly and easy to use - I am aware that you're working on speeding it up, too. This combined with a lack of annoying ads makes it a perfect site in my books, but with the exchange rate it's an impossible feat for me. You're a good man, I think, and on doing the maths it is easy to see that you're not in this to make mega-bucks -with what you put into it, I don't think what you're asking is unreasonable. It's just not an option for me personally.

Well, it sounds like this new subscribtion fee is where we "weed" out the sour ones. Some people grumble about how they could make it better, faster, etc but don't realize the work and money it takes to do a site like this. When asked for their support on things like this, they turn the other way.
Others have come to pay other's way into this new subscription and remain anonymous. They don't do it to make themselves look good-most will never know who they are.
God Bless them, and for the people who have been touched by these angels, "Pay it Forward" either in the same way or some other way you can find.
Someone paid for my mom's subscribtion when she had every intention of paying her way the very next day. She is paying for mine, because I will not have the money for 2 weeks and my service will be uninterrupted, which is a nice little perk. I intend to either pay her back, or "pay it Forward" for the very same reason many of you did.
This is a terrific site and one of the VERY FEW I would ever pay money to get to be a part of. I get a lot out of it, from the information, the people and the nice messages I see on here quite frequently. Thanks again to Dave and everyone else here who makes this site so nice and like another "home on the web".
<{{{>< (cute, JanieJoy!)

Dave, I am glad to see that you have decided to take this step! I know it is a big one, and I am cheering you on. I know Trish and the kids will appreciate having you around more. Many months ago, when controversy swept the site, I said I'd back you in any way, and I still feel that way. Keep your family first!
I will be gone for a couple of months, I think, before I can afford it again, but I WILL be back.

God Bless,
Cedar

Dave,
I had the same problem someone else mentioned...the "confirm" button got me an error message. Then I went back and (I know this was dumb) hit confirm again and got the same message. I didn't MEAN to subscribe twice, honest! Can you fix this? Thanks.

suky

I knew it would come to this.... I was really hopeing not, but I guess it's inevitable. Guess I'm out, I'd like to stay but bills are too much and winters coming (bills are very big where it's cold). I'm nervous about my hubby being takin' for another war... I better save my pennies. Maybe I'll be able to rejoin you all later. Dave I really hope you can help the international people so they can stay, they really add "some spice" (as well as some unusual variety!). Keep trading and posting everyone, I'll be watching you all like a bug in the corner! :)





This message was edited Wednesday, Oct 3rd 7:11 PM

sukytawdry, I'm sending you an E-mail. We'll get it taken care of.

dave

CoCoSeed, that fish is a symbol of my standing up for being a Christian. I try to always put it in my messages because maybe someone sometime will be encouraged to be bold for Jesus by my boldness and wanting to be identified as His.

:)

Glad you like it. Wish I could take credit for creating it but it was created by an unknown person in an aol chat.

But I do like it myself!! hehehe!

Love in Christ,
Janie
<{{{><

Well, I never got a response from my post on 10-2. (on this thread) Dave can I send five dollars now, and ten in Nov? Or the whole thing in early Nov? I get my disability check then. Please let me know. I put alot into my trade list and dont want to lose all that info. Im still not through either.
Kelly

Dave,
This site is like no other garden trading site and I have enjoyed my time and people whom I have made trades with. Its fast 'research' capabilities through the database enhances its other features. I'm still leaning how to use many of the features offered like adding a hyperlink or posting a picture, but these skills come with practise. I must add that I've used a lot of Latin since I began using this site, and who said it was a 'Dead Language :-)

I'm on a disability pension and my son and I live on less than $1,000 a month. We don't have any 'entertainment' budget and my only luxury is my garden. I couldn't do that without being able to trade seeds, seeds that I can not obtain here in Canada or even offord to buy in some instances. This site makes it possible for me. As a gardener my skills have improved one hundredfold since first coming here. I've learned new techniques, gained so much knowledge about plants, discovered plants I never that I could even afford to have in my home-only dreamed about. This site makes it possible for me.
I started by buying some seeds of good quality and interest to others and traded them. From there I now have a wonderful collection of tropical seedlings and other fabulous plants in my converted porch greenhouse and in my garden.
After becoming disabled I have not since been away on holiday, but I can enjoy a 'taste of the tropics all year round in my own home. I owe this to all of the people who I have traded with.
My question is "When does the grace period end as I did not see a date posted?"
Regards

I'm now clear that a 'great someone' has paid a gift subscription for me. It moistened my eyes and a lump formed in my throat. I'm not known to show emotions that much, but this time, it happened. The kindness and the generosity of this person leaves me gasping. Genuine character surfaces in such situations and I'm glad and fortunate to be amongst such a wonderful group of 'human-gardeners'. Whoever it is, please accept my heart-felt thanks for allowing me to enjoy all the lovely exchanges of information on DG. Thank you very much.

Holy cow!..what followers you have Dave! Can you let another Canadian come on board..I spotted one from back East in Ottawa..hi there!!! I have browsed about on many sites..this one feels right..I want to join..you say two weeks..okayyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!Elaine

Kelly333: I'll be sending you an E-mail. I'm sorry I missed your earlier post. (my face is sanguinea) :)

Dave

Whew It took me a long time to read all the posts..
tears welled up in my eyes as I read some of them.
I am Canadian..yesterday I sent in my subscription... paid for on my credt card. The $15.00 us. will be about $25 can. when it is converted. Still a bargain in my eyes.
I have become quite addicted to this site..so much to see and learn here..like minded people to share with. Thanks for being there Dave and Trish. I look forward to being a part of the "family" on Dave's Garden.

Congrats Starzz!
Dave, your face is sanguinea?????? Oh, you are hurting me! LOL Do you have a yellow throat too? Hope not.

Dinu, how could anyone let you leave?? Who else can post real Elephants walking through their yard??? :) Glad you are staying.
Michele

Dave,

What about using PayPal for the International customers? I have been using PayPal for a couple of years and it has been great. Downside: There is a small fee attached to each transaction though and only few countries are included. Upside: The user can take funds from their personal checking, savings and credit card accounts. It is also very simple for you to wire your money to your personal account with no fee.

More info can be found here: http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_help-ext&eloc=0&loc=78

Yes sir, Jonathan, we are also setup to accept paypal, and in fact have already received 4 subscriptions through this method.

Anybody who E-mails me for details on it will get a response from me with instructions on subscribing through paypal. I'm keeping it limited to people who specifically request it, though, because it's not automated on my end and I'm still working on completely automating the process.

Dave

Don't forget if you are having trouble paying or need help, to email Trish and tell her. (trish@davesgarden.com)There are folks in this group ready to pay your way if you will just let Trish know of your need... don't just post that you are leaving or that you don't have the dough. Write her an email and tell her, and she can match you up with a willing person who wants to be able to help someone.

Don't rob another of the blessing of helping you out!

Love in Christ,
Janie
<{{{><

This message was edited Thursday, Oct 4th 1:01 PM

When I told my husband that there was now going to be a $15 fee to stay on here he sympatheticly said,"I'm sorry hon,you're really going to miss it aren't you ?" I said "Hell no!!I'm paying it!!!" If I can swing it I'll contribute to the scolarship too , but hubby may be out of work soon so I'll have to sneak it by him and hope he never reads this!! I liked the auction idea!! not just to raise the fee for international freinds ,but for anyone who the fee could be a hardship for or for us to donate plants and seeds to pay for subscriptions for deserving people.It would help some people "save face" and not feel like they can't pay their own way!I don't want that to sound bad.I know there's a better way of saying that.I just figure it would raise the selfesteem of those who are too proud to ask for help.CC

Well I guess I will be here after all. I worked a deal and Carol7 is paying for me this year and I will pay for her next year. Thanks Carol you're so sweet. I didn't want someone paying and me not knowing the person so I could pay back. Thanks Zany for your offer also. You are truly a sweet friend. Thanks Jim

uh oh!! Carol is moving in on my guy!!! LOL!!! Couldn't lose you Jim!!!

This message was edited Thursday, Oct 4th 10:01 PM

Dave I do have a question for you. What was involved in your setting up Daves Garden as a bussiness? Or did you get a non profit organization licence? I was just wondering if being on the internet if you have to get a National licence or maybe even international. My husband is planing to set up a web server for Disabled US Veterans, it will be non profit and offer free access for veterins and have info about benafits they are entitled to, events that are being help by them and or for them ect. My husband is a disabled Vet and it has been very hard finding out what benafuts he is entitled to. This has inspired him to try to help other vets. Anyway this is a gardening site not a Disabled vet site. I was just wondering if you are set up as non profit if you might be able to point us in the right direction to find out about licencing.

I think I'll be in but not for 2-3 months, unless our finances work out differently then it looks like they will right now. When I told me Hubby about the $15 a year fee he thought it was very reasonable considering your expenses to run this site. However he had to fly to Tennassee (wich cost way less then we had thought it would thank goodness) But he's going to be driving his mother back here to Washington state in a U-Haul they are pulling her car on a trailer. She's paying for the gas but we're splitting the cost of food and lodging plus we bought my hubbys ticket. Anyway we're going to be on a realy tight budget for a while, it was pretty tight already. I'll see if I can come up with the $15 this month but am not sure. I did notice a couple of people asked if they could pay $5 a month for 3 months or something simaler. I didn't see any reply from you. I could come up with that much. :-D I like ramen noodles just fine and they're realy cheep. :-D Seriosely if I can't come up with the $15 this month please let me know if I can do $5 a month for 3 months. Next year I would know enough ahead of time I can pay it all on time.
Thank you, Penny



This message was edited Thursday, Oct 4th 8:05 PM

My curiosity just keeps me coming back to read these posts, and it takes a long time to scroll down after it's this long. Am I doing it the hard way, meaning is there a way to pick up where I left off? I'm still trying to get acquainted with all the forums and features here, and hate to miss anything current. This site is truly an embarrassment of riches. Thanks, Dave, for all your hard work and open attitude to suggestions. Aimée

Aimee, when you open a thread now, look near the top. There's a box that has the following info - click on the link that says "skip to the first new reply".

Total views: 2354
Total Replies: 191
1 new reply.
Print this thread.
Watch this thread.
Forum: Dave's Garden
Skip to the first new reply

Hope that helps!

Thank you, go-vols! I just knew there was some easier way. BTW, if Dave gets this into the black, you need to ask for a raise. I sure see you all over here helping people. I, for one, am grateful for all of you. Still pondering the $15, but not if it's worth it, just if the budget of an old woman on disability should indulge, when I'm not even sure if I'll ever again be gardenworthy. My birthday is next week, and I might tell the kids all I want is DG. Split between them, it's a mere pittance and an easy out for them. Oops, there's a new post for me to get, see ya.

Newpenny...I still havent heard either. I guess we cannot. I may have to ask for a sponser, and then at the first of the month I can pay for someone else. I cannot afford 15 right now. I am a navy vet by the way. Im also on long term disability. (not from the service)

WoW, Dave!!!

I have been away working, and came home today to find the subscription request to DG. Of course, I have subscribed, how could I not? I just got a check for my FIRST gardening job, which I could not have gotten without all the info. I have rec'd at DG, and my subscription will come out of that. To think that I consider myself a novice, and yet, someone is willing to pay ME to work on their garden, LOL!

It also interests me to see all the folks who have given subscriptions to others who seem not to be able to afford one, and I thank them, One and All. It is important to keep all the non-US people as members of DG, as I enjoy their input, and will do whatever I can to help out. Just let me know.

Hey, Just email Dave. I am sure right now he is skimming some posts. Also there was a post up above from him and it stated for the person to email him. If you don't see a response or hear from him send him an email. And if you need a sponsor then you are to email Trish and she will hook you up.
Holly

Hey Aimee,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(((((Hugs))))) to you!

Cheers,
Rebecca

NewPenny and Kelly: Hang in there with me. This is something that I didn't foresee being requested (although I should have), and I'm working on a solution. I'll have something soon!

BTW - NewPenny, Dave's Garden, Inc. is a standard corporation filed in Delaware (for tax purposes).

Thanks, Darius, for your support! It's great to have you with us.

Dave

Okay, now I'm going to cry! I have watched this thread, and gotten such a warm fullness inside when people started sponsoring others. It just made me feel good all over to know so many generous people spontaneously acted on behalf of strangers who had become like family. Now someone has sponsored me, and I am overwhelmed. I can't possibly tell you how this feels, you just have to experience it. Isn't it odd that this is happening, when we read about people who cop out on their end of a plant trade that would cost them a little postage and a little pleasant labor? When the dust settles, this really will be a huge family of warm, loving people. Or was it always, and this just brought it all out in the open? Goodness, whoever you are, I can't thank you enough. Only problem, now I have to get serious about recovery, I have to pass it along, and I accept that most humbly. Thank you over and over. Aimée

Someone generously gave me a subscription,anonimously. I would like to pass along this kindness , and give someone else a subscription.I guess Evert, and tamblamb are already taken care of.