We're possibly fiddling as Rome burns?

[AlfaCyberSite <acs@domain.elided>]

Finally!

I received about a half dozen emails off line, a couple of which were
also posted on the Digest.

I believe the most viable suggestion is Glenn Wasserman' s in V8 #291:

"We could use PayPal. Perhaps we could convince Richard Welty to open a
PayPal account, and we could all contribute easily.

"For those who haven't done this, it's pretty simple. You pay them a
number of ways (credit card is the easiest) and you basically
electronically transfer the money.

"This way it would go right into RW's account (or really, just become a
check that gets mailed to him). Most credit card companies like this
service and consider it safe.

"Downside to this plan is every contributor who uses it needs to sign
up,
but it's easy. Also, no reason at any point that any of us couldn't send

a check directly to Richard."

**********

Someone asked t me to set up an account, but this is something Richard
would have to doassuming he thinks it's a good idea.

Before making a few comments regarding PayPal, I also feel it might be
best if Richard can let us know if donations will keep the Alfa Digest
going. It is possible not only being tight on financial resources,
doesn't have the time.

I'm certainly not suggesting it wouldn't be a nice gesture on our parts
to contribute to a "Thank-You" fund. However, should Richard have to
'close shop', is there anyone capable of taking over?

AlfaBill, could you check with Richard in a few days if he's not
responded?

Back to the beauty of PayPal. If you don't already use them, the first
time setting up an account does take a few minutes. Unless they've
changed their policy, they give You $5 for setting up the account (which
might be nice to 'throw in' along with your donation).

Once set up, you can have the money deducted from a credit card or
directly from your checking account as Glenn suggested. Richard can, if
he wishes, log on each day (or?) and transfer funds directly into his
own checking account.

All of this is done on a Secure server.

Also, AlfaBill, if you have the time, could you take donations by mail
for Richard for those who prefer to pay that way? That is, unless
Richard wouldn't mind receiving checks directly himself.

A couple of possible money-making ideas for Richard "might" be to charge
a small fee for those of us who aren't current advertisers on the Digest
when we're selling an item / items. This would especially apply to those
who want to include a URL where one can go directly to see the list and
perhaps photos.

True, there'd be nothing stopping someone from posting a message stating
they have items for saleplease reply directly. But perhaps a little
guilt might prevent that.

John Holliday mentioned payment using PayPal worked successfully on the
the Sprite List.

Henry Kim suggested: "What about voluntary memberships?  The members get
a number, you add it to
your sig. line and any active listers who don't cough up are shamed into

joining.  Convince suppliers to give discounts to members only."

My concern with this is someone has to assign numbers and make sure the
members are paid up each year. Also, I'm something of a socialist and
feel those who can afford more should pay more and those who are tight
on funds themselves, should send what they can afford.

I don't mean to cop out, but my main goal was to say in essence, "Hey,
anyone read Richard's statement in V8 #281?"

Hopefully Richard will reply with what he feels is the best way for us /
the Digest to proceed.

Biba
Irwindale,  CA USA

--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided