Poll: Would you be willing to donate to keep HHF online?

[Lost]

I'm happy to contribute. It's a pity we couldn't have system where people got charged for posting nonsense, that would easily handle the funding!

I enjoy your posts, Steve... always have. But what you suggest would bankrupt me.

[Lost]

"Those that post a lot should contribute accordingly".

This doesn't make any sense. Those that post a lot, keep engagement and clicks happening on the forum. Keep discussion ongoing. Keep it active. Keep new threads arising. Keep it interesting (or infuriating ).

Those that suggest members who post often should pay more are unfamiliar, in every which way, with how the internet works.

[handdrummer]

I'm happy to contribute. It's a pity we couldn't have system where people got charged for posting nonsense, that would easily handle the funding!

Then you would need a board of inquisition to determine what is "nonsense."

Seems like there are several control freaks here.

Why do some people always want more rules and more controls? Isn't there enough of that in your day-to-day lives?

China is not a good role model.

[STEVE G]

It wasn't a serious suggestion.

[handdrummer]

It wasn't a serious suggestion.

OK. I couldn't tell by the way it was worded and no emoji to indicate it wasn't serious.
Come home, all is forgiven.

[Lev]

Thanks for the overall positive feedback, a donation drive is definitely something we will consider now.

Addressing the complaints about the rules: This forum is often considered to be a source of information/news/updates etc. which is why we like to try and keep things on topic (control the flow, clear out the dross, move stuff to more appropriate topics, categorize threads) so that readers can quickly find what they're looking for. It is not the free-for-all that social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) has become for that reason, those that are used to that format can go there for their digital anarchy. Additionally, the country in which this forum operates is also awash with hundreds of counterintuitive laws with which we have to comply, this is not our choice or fault.

The forum rules will not change regardless of donations to keep it running, and those that contributed will not have free rein else it will turn tribal. However, we are considering a more open members area for those that have donated. We are also considering doing away with the Google ads (should we hit our target) as they make virtually nothing and clutter up the screen. Furthermore, engagement, clicks, and traffic is no longer of benefit to HHF because we have no advertisers, hence the need for donations.

Watch this space.

PS: This thread is not a discussion about our forum rules, it is about simply keeping it running. Everything else can be discussed later should we get that far.

[caller]

Yes, happy to donate and have voted yes.

[tonymaroni]

Yes, former Hua Hin resident. I still enjoy hearing about the town.

[Lev]

We are reviving this thread to ask for donations to cover the cost of our software and database upgrade and keep the forum online. For those that voted 'yes' to donating please PM me or reply in this thread. We will set up a new private subforum for donors to explain where the funding is going and discuss upgrades for transparency.

There will also be details on how to donate from different countries.

We also need donations to cover our annual server/hosting bill so this will be an ongoing process. We hope to keep HHF online for as long as possible and evolve it into a more decentralized governance model.

Thank you.

[Green Nomad]

Considering the money I think I may have saved over the years by gaining advice from the forum, a donation would not break the bank. So I vote yes, just don't know how it can be done.

[Dannie Boy]

Likewise I’d be happy to make a contribution - I assume the amount will depend on the number of “volunteers”.

[Houdi]

Yes

[Sabai Jai]

Yes, a modest contribution

[HHADFan]

Although I haven't posted in years, I'd contribute to keep HHF (HHAD to me) going.

[Motyduke]

Yes i would be happy to help