Not all of us can afford to be a donor!

[plantwomyn]

You must be a donor to post in the "Groups" section.

If you have any questions, please contact the site administrator.

Yes I have a question.

Ya'll say "We welcome Democrats of all stripes, along with other progressives who will work with us to achieve our shared goals."
Does that include the unemployed, poor, on food stamps, who can't afford a pot to piss in much less to donate to a website?
As much as I appreciate this site and the information I get from it, I cannot afford this addition if it costs me to voice my views.

[angstlessk]

1. Sell some tomatoes? bootstraps, dear, bootstraps!

[plantwomyn]

32. I would

If I could keep my partner from eating them all.

[kickysnana]

66. Um...You are urging her to break the law

ANYTHING she earns by law has to be reported and will be deducted from her moneys.

[bobbolink]

2. No, you're right... it doesn't include everyone.

The awareness level of poverty among "liberals" is pretty low.

Still.

And the real kicker is you can't even get into the "Poverty" forum!

Thank you for saying it as it is!!

[muriel_volestrangler]

14. Incorrect - the Poverty Forum is not a group

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=230

and thus you do not need to be a donor to post there.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[plantwomyn]

37. Negativity?

Did you read my post? WTF. I'm asking a QUESTION. Shit now I know why the repugs were pissed about "BETRAY US?".:sarcasm:

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Chovexani]

4. You should come by the astro group sometime

My first star was a gift from someone who donated in my name from the old Meeting Room (which eventually turned into the Astrology group), because I didn't have the means to donate at the time.

Many folks here will donate in someone's name to get them a star. :hi:

[Dora]

5. Hang in there until the next fund drive.

Someone will buy you a star, if they haven't already.

[yorgatron]

8. i don't donate,and i don't care if you don't either.

the priviledges allocated to those who DO donate do NOT include feeling morally superior...

[Dora]

9. Why so rude? And who's morally superior?

I relayed information thinking that the OP might appreciate it. Your unwarranted rudeness is duly noted.

My first star on DU was bought for me in 2004. We were flat broke at the time, and I greatly appreciated the anonymous generosity. I appreciated it in a way quite different from the way I appreciate your reply to my post.

IOW...

[yorgatron]

35. i wasn't talking to you.

[Cha]

60. Oooops! More rudeness.

Wrong side of bed?

[Rabrrrrrr]

6. This is not a government run organization; there is no "right" to be here.

Skinner very generously offers the site to all people for free, which he doesn't have to do.

For those of who wish to, we can purchase our way into some other discussion areas; but none of those are essential discussion areas.

There is plenty to do here for free.

I understand your frustration, but your complaint is akin to be asked into someone's home for dinner and complaining that they didn't serve Prime Rib and that they won't give you access into the master bedroom. Those kinds of guests don't get invited back to the Rabrrrrrr home.

I wish you luck.

[plantwomyn]

10. When invited to anyones home for dinner

I NEVER go empty handed. I don't come here empty handed either. But I have had guest to my home who could only bring their bright smiles and good company. They were no less welcome for that fact.

[Dora]

11. And you are welcome here....

:shrug:


:hi:

[Rabrrrrrr]

12. And your point?

I don't know of anyone here who is "less" welcome for not having anything to bring.

Have you had guests come to your home and then complain that you aren't feeding them enough, or aren't including them on the family trip, or deny them a permanent room in the home?

[plantwomyn]

18. Yes, you

Hobby -------- Music, reading, theology, helping people find their own worth.
REALLY?
Thank you so much for your guidance.

[Rabrrrrrr]

21. I've never been to your home.

I don't understand why you would lie about that.

At least, as far as I know, I've not been to your home.

[plantwomyn]

13. BTW

Don't know where you got the "right" from. Not from my post.
I'd also like to point out that your opinion that "none of those are essential discussion areas." is just that, an opinion.
Obviously Skinner feels them to be essential or they wouldn't exist.

[Rabrrrrrr]

20. Ah, nevermind. It was an unetiquette comment, so I deleted it.

[ruiner4u]

27. well bandwidth does cost money...

This site does need some sort of income to be able to operate...

[KamaAina]

38. Aren't we selling ads now?

That we, the privileged donors, may block? How much is that bringing in?

[plantwomyn]

40. Ya'll get to block ads?

Hell now I'm really fellin' like a red headed step chil.

[Cha]

61. I see someone donated in your

name! DU is like that!

[some guy]

50. Not true.

"Obviously Skinner feels them to be essential or they wouldn't exist."



From the rules:
"Donating members have the ability to post in special forums called "DU Groups." All of the DU Groups are in the same folder, and they are designated by a special icon. DU Groups are a special type of forum, organized by DU members, and dedicated to a particular mission. "

Groups are requested by DUers. It takes a certain number of DUers to agree that a particular group would be worth having on DU, and those members determine the "mission statement" of the particular group.

[DemGa]

7. I haven't complained about it

cause then someone might get me a star. I'm a poor college student; I'll get a star one fine day though.

ed: also because I've got nothing to complain about.

[guitar man]

15. you don't have to donate much

I am struggling myself and donated a very small amount this year to get my star back after taking a long break from DU.

Welcome to DU BTW :hi:

[uppityperson]

56. I donated $5 the first time. It can be hard, and it is nice to have the extras

a donation brings. It is nice to be able to post at all without donating also.

[Book Lover]

16. Hi and welcome to DU!

:hi: You could post in the Lounge, asking for someone to donate for you. That will get you the star you are looking to have, and let you into the groups so you can post there.

Thinking outside the box for a mo': if your point is that you want a place where you can chat with like-minded folks in a DU Groups-type setting, why not get a blogger (or other) account and start up a blog; you could put that URL in your signature line here, and a mention that you;d like to chat with DUers on your blog?

And one last point: by "contact the site administrator", what they mean is to email the admins, not start a thread. Just FYI.

[plantwomyn]

19. Thanks

For the info.
I am but an egg here and still asking questions and seaching for answers.

[blondeatlast]

17. A fiver'll do it. If you are truly that hard up, I think we can cough it up for ya.

Just try to be a little friendlier, yes?

[cynatnite]

22. I had a star...lost it when money got too tight...

been here a while, too, but I don't feel less welcome or even less than anyone else because I don't have one. I'll get one when the money is there. Hopefully, the wait won't be too long.

I have as much right to post my views as the next person with or without a star. No complaints from me.

:hi: Welcome to DU.

[Buns_of_Fire]

23. I foresee that by next Tuesday or Wednesday or so...

...you'll have your star. You too, DemGa.

But as far as the Secret Decoder Ring and the plans for "Project X".....

Well, that's gonna cost ya. :evilgrin:

[cynatnite]

26. I've decided I'll never get a secret decorder ring...

That whole 'the leaves only fall when the moon is full on a spring day' just confuses me too much. I'd make a lousy spy. :P

[Buns_of_Fire]

30. I wouldn't worry too much about it. It all translates to "Drink Your Ovaltine"... (n/t)

[Stephanie]

24. DU's solution to the fundraising problem is ingenius and FAIR.

You are welcome to join DU and post and participate for FREE. If you would like the added features such as the ability to use Search or post in the groups, you must donate. Even $5.00 is enough to become a donating member. I think that is a very fair solution. How do you propose they raise funds otherwise?

[Yuugal]

25. I just didnt give correctly....

MODEL NO. QTY CHARGE DESCRIPTION
100-0035 1 35.00 $35 Donation
900-0000 1 0.00 Send NO Bumpersticker
900-0001 1 1.00 $1 Processing Fee

Subtotal:
Shipping:
Tax: 0.00
Total: 36.00

I didnt take the bumpersticker the 2nd time around because I already had one from the year before and wanted to save the site some money. What I should have done was use a crystal ball to see I was going to lose my house and then end up in bankruptcy court anyway this year. Then I could have planned ahead and sent in 6 bux a year for 12 yrs instead. Silly me.

[Megahurtz]

28. Excellent Question.

Because of that reason I think it's discriminatory.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

29. There isn't a damn thing...

stopping you from voicing your view. Unless I am responding to an illusion, you just created a post and "voiced your view" about how unhappy you were you could not voice your view. :shrug:

There is a startling anount of DU that is completely free for the viewing. If you are unhappy that you cannot access 100% of the site without a small donation, then I suggest that there are literally thousands of sites out there for the various groups you enjoy with free boards you could participate on.

[plantwomyn]

31. As a woman scorned

:bounce:

[KamaAina]

33. D'oh! I just directed someone to a group, and she's a teenager

then again, she is Canadian, so if she waits a week or so, she'll only need $4.95 Cdn to join!

[Balbus]

34. You just voiced your view and it didn't cost you a dime.

What's the problem? :shrug:

[plantwomyn]

39. Trying to reply at a group.

Wondering about why Hillary voted for Iran amendment. Wanting to talk to some of the Bidenites (was directed there by demommom).
Trying to figure out which one of our hugely flawed candidates I want to vote for. At least I already have my photo ID so I can afford to vote in Indiana.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

55. And you could have done each...

and every one of those things in teh free forums of DU.

Um hm....

[uppityperson]

57. I'm confused, seems you can do all those things in free parts, except

reply to a group. Seems you could "Wondering about why Hillary voted for Iran amendment. Wanting to talk to some of the Bidenites (was directed there by demommom). Trying to figure out which one of our hugely flawed candidates I want to vote for." in the free parts. I'm confused. Do you mean you can't read enough in groups to learn about the candidates and can't post enough in GD/GDP to ask questions?

[Greylyn58]

36. When I first started posting here, I was unemployed,

practically no money, but the people of DU are very welcoming. Some of my favorite people are on-line here. It took me awhile to come up with the money to make a donation, but I didn't feel any less because I couldn't do it to start with.

As little as $5 bucks will do it and your star will be good for a year(Someone correct me if that info is wrong). Skinner and the others are not going to badger you if you can't pay every time they have a fund drive. These are good people.

But in the meantime, don't feel that you are less than anyone else. Truthfully, if you are wanting to share info, then the main discussion areas are best for a wider section of people to view it.

So welcome to DU. Put your feet up and stay awhile. The door is always open. :D

[skids]

53. Well, define badger...

(It's all in good fun though.)

[Greylyn58]

54. Hahahahahaha

Well okay, Grovel Bot is a bit intimidating... :evilgrin:

[Ghost in the Machine]

76. Well hey there big boy!

[BlackVelvet04]

42. What's the problem?

I see a star beside your name.

[annabanana]

43. (there sure are some bleeding hearts around here)

Welcome to DU, plantwomyn

[BlackVelvet04]

45. That's a good thing....

right?

[annabanana]

46. yes

Yes it is.

[BlooInBloo]

44. But a lot of us can cover the rest - thus there's rarely much, if any slack.

[fed-up]

47. is this the thread to note that I also am starless? yes, begging is somewhat humiliating :( nt

[BlackVelvet04]

52. You got one too! n/t

[fed-up]

59. thank-you or whoever *starred* me-just got back from delivering short speech about meth lab homes to

to a "Town Hall" meeting and my knees have finally stopped knocking :)

if I re-energize by tomorrow I will post it...




edited to add that I just checked my mail and I got double-starred

so double thanks to whomever made me all bright and shiny again

[Fleshdancer]

48. the best thing to do is go to the lounge and ask for a star

People who can donate know that not everyone can so we try to help those who ask. :)

As for the cost of running this site...it's probably triple or quadruple what we think it might be. The functionality, design, and speed are all very incredible. Hundreds of thousands of users have their own journals that can be personalized and an internal email system to privately communicate to other members. We can use spell check, edit after posting, and set other users on "ignore" if we choose to do so. Then there's the content repository, the online store, and the most comprehensive archive I've ever seen on a forum website. I have never seen a forum with so much functionality.

I would love to know who the architect is.

[Norrin Radd]

49. Star-bellied Sneetches

Some lovely anonymous person donated for me once. Thank you, again, anonymous!

[Individualist]

51. A very nice DUer donated for my star,

and I still appreciate his thoughtfulness and generosity.

[Emit]

58. Looks like plantwomyn has a very nice, thoughtful and generous DU donor, too.

If I recall correctly, when I first visted this thread, she didn't have a star.

[KharmaTrain]

62. Many DUers have helped others...

I almost had my membership cancelled cause I was always donating on someone elses behalf and didn't renew my own membership :spank:

Every pledge drive I have sponsored other DUers who can't afford the membership dues and I will do the same again the next pledge drive...all I ask is the person seeking assistance is a serious member of the community...someone who is a regular poster whose posts I can look at to make sure they're not a troll.

Having once run a website I know how time consuming and expensive maintaining a site like this is. Most important, this is a community...where all members have a piece of the action...both to ensure this place stays afloat and help others who are interested in joining in to do so.

I've been on the outside looking in many times in my life and am fortunate now that I have a few sheckles now and then to help others with...and that includes needy DU members.

Hopefully someone has already helped you...if not, PM me and let's help you as well.

Cheers...

[lightningandsnow]

63. I suppose it is unfair...

I'm 15 years old (Almost 16, and mature for my age, by the way, in case you were going to say something like "we don't want to talk to kids all day") - I would donate 5 or 10 dollars to DU if I had a credit card or checking account. But because of my age, I don't. So I guess it can be kind of unfair to younger members.

[Debi]

70. Welcome to DU Aspie Grrl

:hi: Glad to have some 'youngsters' here

[lightningandsnow]

75. Thank you!

Thanks a TON to the DUer who gave me the donor star. I really appreciate it.

*Hugs*

[mainegreen]

64. True, but DU also has a tradition of starring the starless, from time to time.

It's how I got my first star.

[kickysnana]

65. Self-delete, rwong place

[Le Taz Hot]

67. We understand.

All you have to do is ask, my friend. I've had people donate for me and I've donated for people. DUers just need to be made aware. As much as we snark at each other back and forth, most DUers are pretty good people.

[shadowknows69]

68. I admit I miss my star

I can't even use my uploaded Shadow icon anymore ;( but rules is rules I guess.


<edit to add> I'm not begging BTW. People have been generous enough to me in the past. Donate for someone else if you have the incling.

[recoveringrepublican]

77. I'm paying it forward from Arkansas Granny

she paid for my star so I could get into groups, told her I would donate for someone else when I got a job....I know your posts and enjoy them. THANK YOU ARKANSAS GRANNY!!!

[shadowknows69]

78. ty very much

[plantwomyn]

69. STAR APPEARS AS I SLEEP

Thank you very much. I quess it's odvious I'm a newbee and don't understand all the ins and out of the forum. Hell I'm still trying to figure out what "n/t" means! My post stemmed from frustration caused by a desire for information and a lack of funds.
After a talk with my significant other last night, she gave me some money to donate.
How do I return the favor and find a wothy DUer to Star?

[Debi]

71. Welcome to DU plantwomyn!

n/t means no thread - the entirety of the post is in the subject line.

As for donating and giving a start to another - there seems to be several in your thread alone.

Go to it :hi:

Glad to have you around.

[Raster]

72. Welcome to DU. You are among friends.

:hi:

[SoCalDem]

73. Just look for a starless DUer, and click "donate"

the directions are easy to follow :)

[BlackVelvet04]

74. shadowknows69 is starless right now.

And welcome to D.U.

[GoldenOldie]

79. My Senior Moment!

This thread woke me into the realization that my little gold star had disappeared!

As a senior living on a fixed budget and praying my retirement savings can survive along with the body, I also realize how much more difficult it is for those who maybe facing leaner/meaner times.

I have always been somewhat of an activist throughout my life and from all the activities which I have been involved with, I find that this time/frame of our history scares me the most. I started life during the depression, lost loved ones during WWII, Korea and VietNam. I envisioned my senior years, laying back and watching my children and grandchildren following their paths in life, free from poverty and wars. Twas not to be.....as now my first-born grandson...sweet, smart, caring, yet naive young man recently enlisted in the Army and departed for boot camp and will be a Calvary Scout. Having been involved with military all my life and knowing this administration/Commander-in-Chief, we all realize just what this means.

I will do whatever it takes to dig up the few bucks necessary to support DU as DU and all you DU'ers not only keep this old brain functioning, but you give me a constant support and balance to what is real and what is worth fighting for.

Democratic Underground is the newspaper that once was.