Hello Family,

I have always been quite personal when it comes to this community. I've never really approached things from a business standpoint, but rather, from a personal one. This is my personal dream, and it shows in every thought i've shared here.

In an effort to heal myself, and continue being me, the way that i interact here, i feel that i need to say everything that is on my heart and mind. So please bear with me 'cause i'm sorta kinda long winded.

As many of you know, this community means a lot to me, but most of you don't know the personal sacrifices and struggles i've gone through, to keep it here. Things have been very difficult.

I started destee because i had a dream and desire to do and be a part of something those before me never had, to fully experience something new. As many of you know, Black folk have historically never been allowed to take full advantage of "new" stuff. We usually are only able to experience these things when others have sucked all of the good out of them, leaving us the scraps. My Grandmother, God Bless her, shared with me how she had to buy "dead mules." The mules were so old, tired, and used, they were no good to her in the fields of Mississippi, but she had a note on them. It was this that really compelled me to become involved in this technology. The Internet was relatively new and i saw the opportunity to be a part of it. It's been hard work, cost money, long hours, but i felt an obligation to do this, for my Mother, Grandmother, and all those before me. They deserved at least one new mule, and i was going to give it to them.

I did not come into entrepreneurship with a college degree or generations of Family experience in business ownership. No one in my Family had these things to share with me. I knew i was working at a disadvantage, but no one could tell me that i would not be successful. As a matter of fact, i refused to allow those with negative comments around me.

Because of my lack of knowledge and experience, i don't believe anything that i've done has been "standard operating procedure." To give you an example, i'm a single Mother of 3, and in 1998 i quit my job of 16 years after making my first $100.00 in web development. I was so excited, had faith in my ability, and in God's unwavering love for me. I was ready! I was so encouraged by that $100.00 check, that i didn't immediately cash it, i wanted to just look at it for a while. The Sister that did that business with me, called to ask why i hadn't cashed the check. I told her, i was so grateful and excited, i just wanted to look at it. She said, "Gurl, you better make a copy of it and deposit that check now, while the money is still there!" :)

It has been a wonderful experience. I've learned so much, met so many wonderful people, and given my own children a glimpse into business ownership, so if they ever decide to go this way, they won't be as blind as their Mother was.

My Mother, Grandmother, and my Mother's dear darling Husband, passed away in 1995. It was in 1996 that i began studying web development, i buried myself in it. It wasn't intentional, but i wanted to learn, be good at this, and it wasn't easy teaching myself. It happened naturally, the burying myself part. Not to mention, i simply loved what i was doing, so burying myself came easy. Now, 8 years later, i can see that it was also a way for me to deal with the great loss of all these wonderful people in my life. I didn't have to think of my loss or anything other than web site development. Even though it was probably used as a coping mechanism, i don't regret any of it. I still consider myself blessed beyond compare to have been given a desire, mind, and determination to do this.

As you can imagine, it's been a struggle all along, but 09/11/2001 hit my business really hard, as it did most across the country. I saw many long established web sites die, no doubt for a number of reasons. You all are aware of the "Dot Com Crash," well i made it through that, somehow. Things were so difficult financially, that even Stevie could have looked at my situation and told me, "It's time to let it go, close it down, it's over." Of course i did not see it that way. Quitting was never an option for me, no matter how hard it became. I'm the type of person that finds it very difficult to just quit, and usually, i'm so deep into a thing, that by the time i realize i should quit, so much damage is done that i may as well ride it out to the end.

Unfortunately for me, the overwhelming pressure of no money, three children to care for, and a sense of failure began to take its toll on my mind, body, and Spirit. I went into what i call a great depression, because i never saw a doctor for this. I considered suicide, my children were paying a great price for "my dream," and doing so without ever suggesting "Momma, you should quit this and get a real job." They stood by me like the protectors of their Mother that they are. No matter what, they were with me.

It was in 1999 that we first added chat to the site, and in 2001 we added the forums. Much of this while i'm krazee and can't really see a way, but faithful that God would sustain us, somehow. We continued to grow in spite of the fact that there were no new seeds to plant. Flowers just coming up everywhere, from previous plantings. I often thought how amazing this is. We can't even afford to water stuff, yet things continue to grow. Simply amazing. I love this community, and as it grew, i could only love it more. Sisters and Brothers from all over the world, living together peacefully, with positive interactions with each other, our youth and elders together, love oozing out of everywhere, i believed then and now, that God was pleased with what was being done here and that He was with us.

I had hoped that the financial challenge would simply go away, but it did not. As the community grew, it required more and more of my time and money. As i mentioned above, i loved this place, so giving it all of me was therapuetic to the depression i was experiencing. The majority of my business clients fell to the wayside (due to the depression). One client of mine, in NYC, sent the police to my house because he was so worried about me ... just to give you an idea of how bad it has been. Only those who really loved me, and could afford to stay with me, stayed with me. I don't blame any who left, because i was only a shell of my former self. I was not doing for them what i used to. I was so overwhelmed by everything, a great sense of failure, and it seemed to all come crashing down on me, paralyzing me, keeping me from doing what i knew i needed to do.

With virtually no money coming in, i struggled to keep the community alive. It was like the last little piece and i could only imagine what its demise would do to me. I neglected my own Family to sustain this Family. I neglected my own house, to keep this house running. I neglected my children, taking what little money we had, to keep this community here. All the while smiling, laughing and interacting with everyone here, while my children saw me crying, depressed and devastated that i'd made such great errors in my life, and didn't know how to correct them. It's been uglier than words can convey.

The last quarter of 2003, i got the nerve to ask for contributions. That was the most difficult thing for me to do. I felt like i was begging and it only added to my depression. Well, it didn't "only" add to my depression, the love i received lifted my Spirit as well, gave us the money to move to a new server at the end of last year, and upgrade many things here, but i felt like i was begging, felt like i should have been able to do this without asking for help, felt like a failure ... it was very hard on me. Since that first request, we have had approximately 60 Family Members (http://www.destee.com/forums/memberlist.php?) that have given (some twice), and i thank each and every one of you.

This brings me to now. Let me say first, that the only reason i'm able to share these things with you, some of my deepest, darkest secrets, is because i'm on the other side of the depression. I'm with my Brother in IL and am welcome to stay as long as i want or need. I've been here for about a month. I'm surrounded by my Family that loves me, thinks i'm strong and encourages me in every way to live again.

I'm sharing all of this with you, because it may be one of the last opportunities i have to let you all know how things really are and have been for me. As i mentioned above, i often chose to support this community and Family over my own. I have a daughter in college and i can't send her a dime, haven't been able to for some time. I have a home that i'm about to lose, that i've been buying for 18 years. There is no money left for me to continue this community. I didn't think the end would look like this, but i anticipated that it could, that it might, so i have no regrets. I went into this with my eyes wide open, but it doesn't lessen the disappointment.

I spoke to Sister Queenie about this a few days ago, sharing everything with her, and she (and the Moderators) have come up with a plan to save our community. The plan was supposed to already be presented to the Family (April 1st) ... but the fact that i've got to focus on saving my home first, coupled with this exceedingly great joy of no longer being in darkness, which is just as overwhelming as the first ... has me sorta kinda krazee right now. Hmmmm ... looks like i'm gonna be krazee whether i'm depressed or not! ... :) ... because of this i've not been able to do all that needs doing, to present The Plan to the Family, formally.

Basically, we will be presenting the Family with the option of paying $10.00 per month or $100.00 per year, to have access to all that we offer (and all we'll be able to add in the future). Family rates are $15.00 per month or $150.00 per year, for all those Members living in the same house. All those who have already contributed (http://www.destee.com/forums/memberlist.php?), will get full credit for those contributions, beginning on May 1st. If you gave $100.00 before, you're paid up for a year. If you gave $5.00 before, you need to give $5.00 more to be paid up for the month of May.

May 1st is the scheduled effective date, where if you have not purchased a Premium Membership (as outlined above), you will not be able to interact here, only read. We also want to build in a way so that new Members joining us will have a 2 week trial period, full access, so they can see how we live and make an informed decision on joining. Since it's not "formally" being presented at this time, you all have an opportunity to share your views regarding it in this thread.

If you'd like to pay toward your Premium Membership, whichever fits your situation, please feel free to do so via our Contribution Form (http://destee.com/membership), and you'll be given full credit effective May 1st.

Family, I don't know how things will end up. I don't know if this Premium Membership effort will be successful. I don't know that this community means to anyone, what it has meant to me. I don't know that you all will be willing to help. So, just in case you aren't ... please know that i love you and i love this place, and i thank God for the opoprtunities i've had to interact and learn from you all. I have been given the desire of my heart. We have the greatest online community for African Americans ever. We have a home that is full of love, peace, knowledge, wisdom, laughter, and joy. We have already experienced these things Family, so if we get nothing else, if nothing is ever added to it, we have been blessed and are successful.

Again, if you have any questions or comments, please share them here.

Much Love and Peace.

:heart:

Destee

Destee,
First I want to say that I thank you for ALL you have sacrificed on this communities behalf. I know this is NOT an easy job, and it does take time and a lot of money. I myself have been through the same problems that you spoke about. I wanted death...I wanted to give up on everything, but there was something inside my spirit that would NOT allow it. This forum has always been a home to me. I received love the first day I walked in...and have been getting the same caring and undying love ever since. One while, problems kept me away. I was struggling so I know what it is to lose everything. My kids needed things I could NOT supply. Bills pilling up. I was a mental wreck. Then I came back home. Here to the forum. I found life again. Something I had lost for a looong time. I couldn't find it in my friends because they were too busy...I couldn't find it in my home, because it was broken and I couldn't find it in me, because I was too an empty shell. This place has brought life
back into me. If it wasn't for you Destee, Khasm, MBA, Alkebulan, Jehiah, Python, Gladiator, Changes, Twision, Triniti, Story, Foxi, Misterliberator, $$RICH$$, Bishop, Blue, Sage and so many others encouraging me, I don't know where I'd be because I was on edge. I just wanted to let you know that you have my support. I will fight just as hard to see that this place will always be here. If you need anything, you need just ask, I can't be
having you all out on the streets.
I just wanted to say thank you sister, and I love you. God has allowed our paths to cross and I thank him everyday for that. Remember, lean on me my sister, I'm always here to give a hand.
~Nita~
:heart:

Nita, I feel ya sister.
Initially I was going to send Destee a pm, but I decided to suck it up and just post. You know I recently posted in another thread about how i wanted to read something from you about how this came to be, well, here it is.
I'm taking a deep breath before posting this, but we are family, sometimes loving, sometimes fussing and feuding, sometimes joking and forgiving, but yes, a family. And I am not writing this for folks to say, poor Watz. Im writing this to perhaps get the ball rolling.
I look forward to coming to this forum everyday. I love writing poetry. I have forgotten I even had this talent until last year when frankly I thought I was going to lose my marbles. So I began writing again, looked for a poetry forum, and there was destee. The holiday season last year was particularly difficult, with my father's death, the breakup of my marraige, and being forced financially to live in a place where I have no relatives of my own around. But with the help of God, a few good friends and family over the phone, and this forum, I made it to 2004.
Some things have gotten better for me, some things, worse. For the last couple months, I haven't been exactly sure when the rent was even going to be paid. But somehow it has. Yes, I have considered getting a second job, but my youngest has special needs, and I simply can't do some of the things that others are free to do.
Enough about me. Destee, I think you should be so proud of what you have done, for shooting for that star. If I had had half the ambition and belief in myself, I wouldn't be in the situation that I am in now. I really admire you, and what you have done.
I am going to dig deep, and come up with the 10.00 and more as soon as I can. Now come on, gang, Let's all do what we can to save this special place. Whew....now, I can say a thousand times to myself how I don't believe I just typed this, lol, as I finally sit down and eat dinner.

Thank you sister watz...
I believe if we all really think about it 10$ a month is not alot especially when we think about all the pointless stuff we invest in everyday. This will help US...so why NOT support this forum.????I f you cn't afford it, let somebody know...we may start an adopt a member program or something.
Anyway thanks for your courage watz...and Destee you too.... ;)
~Nita~

Do you Take Food Stamps?

I tried to use my EBT card but it got rejected.

Manasiac :uzi:

Dear Destee,

I certainly do understand about lack of money. I've been poor my entire life. I do get why you have to do this. But it makes me sad because we're going to lose most of, if not all, of our youthful voices. Teens don't have credit cards. It makes me very sad to think we're not going to be able to read beautiful works from our children anymore. :(

gempis

from the heart of $$RICH$$ as alwayz u have me 110% to back u
in anyway i can at any point for whatever reason i've been here
far too long growing from ground up to near the tallest building
i am very proud of u sistah for everything u have done and how u
made all this dream come true for many poet's , writters , and our
people and never mumble now time we all support u an this worthy
cause to keep every light every forum / chat and all the wonderful
toyz , gifts and hope alive thank u ....i will back u through any fire
know this .........family i am a full support please become one too

That was one of my concerns as well gemphis,
the youth and those who may not be able to afford it which is why I suggested maybe a sponsor type program where we adults can sponsor a child or member????Jus puttin that out there....
What I really want to see is people supportin so that there is no need for membership fees so that ALL can have access to the forum. I believe we can do this family, I know it's a big task but I just have faith. We just gotta pull together.Whatever Destee decides is best...I'm here.

For one let me say: I am very proud of u my beautiful sister for everything u have done...without your dream and hard work it would of never been a destee.com THANK YOU

For me
This is my home from day one i support you in all ways that i can.
we are a family that have bond and grown.....and still growning
i am happy to have found here....to release and express like never before
I love me some DESTEE.COM the people i have meet and those i talk with on
a daily....we have shared, laughed and cried...as family.....this site means alot to me....actually as i ramble on..its no words to place what destee.com have done for me.......so i will just end here......
I AM A TRUE SUPPORT

Angel

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Destee for all you've done for us. To my fellow community members: I think we should look at this as an opportunity to ensure that Destee.com will be around for a long time. I have also been financially struggling since 9/11. Indeed much of the country has. In these times prioritization is necessary to make it through the month, I only spend money on things that are important & necessary to me (and my family). Few things are more important to me than this community. Although I have been struggling too, I can afford to give $10 a month to keep my "home" alive. I will be selecting the $10 a month option because I couldn't afford to give $100. If any can't afford to select the annual fee, I encourage them to choose the $10 monthly option. I also encourage everyone to give!!!! This community means too much, and has done too much for all of us! :help:

:grouphug:
Let me tell the family a story of a lost poet,
A poet who ready to lay down his pen and burn his paper Before A friend of mine came to me about this site. I was just tired and bored of most spots on the web (Blackplanet...lol) in general.Whe my friend 1st came to me and told me about this spot I didnt want to come because I just said to myself another booty call poetry spot where everyone is jealous of each others talents and gifts. Who want's to be in a spot where the clicks run everything and being on the outside of them is just like not being on the site in general?
I hung up my pen family and burried myself in work and my problem and almost forgot my poetry, my love for the craft and the thing that gave me soo much joy doing and sharing with my friends.

Well when I 1st steped onto the form I was greeted by the members with love and respect like no other spot I have come across to this day! This is a place where even the cream of the crop takes time to show love to the little man and help them along in many ways. :grouphug:
Even though I catch a :smash: or 2 in chat it's all in good fun...LOL :laugh:
I dont want to loose this place I have become customed to call home and the people I have welcomed into my life as family and friends. You all have allowed me to open up and do things I have feared to do and share my personal sides as well as my boldish nature.

$10.00 A month is nothing and I do believe it's a deal for what we recieve. I read what Nita Mae wrote and I do like the idea of adopt a member program also so we should look into this as well.

Destee you know my quote..... "I do what I can do whenever I can do it"

:yo:

I am forever and always proud of what you have done and the things you will do in the future my sister Des. You have called upon your rock and now let us show the love back to our family. :grouphug:

Greetings family,

A great deal of our discussion here is about "community" and so many of you have asked the question, "What does community mean?" The chance is now ours to demonstrate one definition of what it means to be united as a community and that's by giving us a little of your time and financial resources to keep our family together.

Destee.com has been a wonderful place to come to when we want to learn, express our views, share our talents, laugh or be enlightened. Some members come seeking emotional support or to find deep spiritual meaning. Both can be found here. Respect and courtesy are two of our foremost rules that we try hard to uphold and we work hard every day to ensure that they are honored.

We are seeking your support and your continued participation. Ten dollars a month or $100 a year will keep Destee.com alive and healthy. We appreciate all that each of you has done to make Destee's place a wonderful experience and we look forward to a prosperous and blessed future!

Peace and unity!
Queenie :spinstar:

There is no way to repay a sacrifice of love like that.
I would be happy to contribute.
I love the experience I have here.
Thanks for making this possible. :grouphug:

...and now I am going to give it.


For the fellow teens on this forum who do Not have credit cards, like myself. I oppose this to a CERTAIN EXTENT. To me, it's really messed up that now, I have to move out of a forum that I visit becuase of the key issues of money. It really is crazy but I guess that now that the money issues is on the table,well....been nice knowing ya...

Just to clear some issues of concern up. It isn't necessary to have a credit card, it is possible to mail a check.

Thanks everyone for responding and for the most part, supporting this transition.

Sister Nita Mae ... it's such an honor to read your words and have your support, especially since you are one of the original Members of this community! It really warms my heart that those who have been here from the beginning, are still with us. I love the "Sponsor A Member" suggestion and like all things in this community, we can do whatever we want, and are constantly evolving to places that only make it better for us all. Great suggestion Sister! Let's see how things go and if we can "sponsor" our teens or those that aren't able to afford to be here, but want to stay ... we can do that too! I Love it! Thanks Sister!

Sister Watzinaname ... i'm so glad you chose to post here on the forum and not in PM. I think it's so important, at least for me it has been, to say these things out loud ... put them on the table and i'm glad you felt encouraged to do the same. You give much love to this community and it is much appreciated Sister. Thank You!

Brother XXPANTHAXX ... thank you for your show of support, it means a lot to me. While there was much shame, there is none now. I feel so free and prepared to accept whatever the future holds for me and this community ... always remaining hopeful. Thank you Brother for the encouraging words.

Brother MANASIAC ... you so krazee ... you know i got a crush on you, right? (like all the women in the world) ... so for only you, we will accept EBT cards ... but uuhhh ... make sure it's your own, don't be try'n ta use Nita Mae's !!! :) ... Thank you for all the love!

Sister Gempis ... you are so right, this is not easy. I have always made everything available to everyone, at no required cost because i wanted to leave none of us out. For years i have done this. It's just that we're at a point where we've got to do something, if we're to remain here and there's no easy way to do it. Sister Nita suggested "Sponsor a Member" in an effort to try to cover this hole we'll be leaving and i love that idea. Depending on the response we get from those who can help, we may have enough to sponsor some number of Memberships, but it's too early to see that right now. We're down to the wire, it's let the whole place die or make it available to only those who consider it worthy of their support. I'm open to suggestions Sister and i know you got some! :wink: Thanks for the love.

Brother $$RICH$$ ... what would i do without you??!!! I'm so glad i've never had to find out ... :love: ... Thank you for everything!

Sister MzBlkAngel ... thank you Sister for all you bring to the table! You're awesome! Such a pleasure to know and work with you ... thanks for the love!

Brother PanAfrica ... again, one of our original Members! :love: Having you with us all of these years has been awesome! You give in every area that you can, making this community what it has grown to be. Yes, you're right, folk don't have to do the $100.00 option, they can do the $10.00 one, which makes it much easier. Thanks for reminding everyone. Thank you Brother Pan!

Brother CaramelPython ... all that you've shared with us is exactly how we've always wanted it to be for every Sister and Brother that has joined us! I can imagine your hearing about this place and not believing the levels of love and respect found here. It is almost unbelievable in a world filled with so much hate and disrespect. I'm glad you came to see for yourself ... shoot ... if you hadn't ... we'd not have the very smooth sounds of Brother Python on the mic! Thank you for your love and support, truly.

Sister Queenie ... Sister! History is being written, only time will tell how the story ends. I love you and appreciate you so much. Thank you for being here all these years ... Yes Family, another Member from the beginning ... Thank you for taking the time to build a friendship and bond with me, that gave me to know i could come to you and be safe and embraced and protected and loved ... Chile, whichever way it goes ... i'm smiling right now, 'cause in the midst of it all ... God let me know you. Thank you Sister Queenie ... for everything!

Sister Thatgirl74 ... Haaaaaaaaay ... :wave: ... and Welcome! Gosh ... bless your sweet heart! I don't think i've had the pleasure of "speaking" to you before now! You're so sweet! This is our hope, that those who had not given before, will give now ... and that is exactly what you did!!! :toast: I am honored to have you here and appreciate your love of our home so very much! You're my evidence that we will get past this bump in the road, and things will only be better for us! Thank You Sister!

Sister SwtT ... Thank you for your honest opinion, that's exactly what i always want. I understand your disappointment and the fact that we have to begin thinking about money. Well, i've always been thinking about it, because i've always been paying it, but to ask the entire Family to consider it, is a change. Sister SwtT, i don't want to lock anyone out. If i wanted that, i could have done what we're doing now, years ago. It's not ever been about that, and it's really not about that now ... what this is about ... is if we let the entire community die, or do we come together and everyone help keep it alive. When i asked for contributions last year, many helped, but more did not. At some point, we've got to consider that it's only a few that's paying for the many, and that time has come. It's not fair for just a few to carry the weight, when everyone could carry a little bit. I realize not everyone will be able to pay the small fee, and there have been some suggestions in previous posts that we create a "Sponsor a Member" program. We will certainly look into this as we move forward. We want you here Sister, you and all our precious Teens ... it's just that we're facing a critical situation and we've got to come up with a way to resolve it. Do you have some suggestions on how we may be able to do this? I'm always open to suggestions, and you may be the one with the ultimate answer ... so please continue to share Sister SwtT.

Yes, as Brother Pan said, you can mail your payment ...

Destee
P.O. Box 180512
Mobile, AL 36618

or pay online at ... www.destee.com/contribute

Please keep the questions, comments, and suggestions coming. Thanks Family.

:heart:

Destee

"The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself—the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us—that's where it's at."

-Jesse Owens

This is NOT one of those battles...this is our home
simple and plain...plain and simple...
we :heart: you destee.
:grouphug:

Hey Destee,

I just wanna be crystal clear: I love you, girl. You pour out so much love and have always been so good to me. I support you and appreciate what you do. I'm just worried about the kids.

I only have room in my budget right now for one fee per month (rough times right now) so I will take one teen and then not post myself, but just read. It would be really cool if others could handle the other kids.

G

Hey Destee!!!
I am sorry sistah to hear of your troubles. Actually I should rephrase that to say our troubles. I totally understand your situation and your frustration as I go through these changes as well on a daily basis. I have given what I can right now which is $50.00. I thank ya'll so much for your support of me and hopefully when I really get to where I need to be, the support $$$$ will be so much more. I have said this many times in class and just in chat that we do all need to support one another and come together in a common goal which is UNITY. I have only been a member for about 4 mos or so now but it feels like I always been here. I would like to continue to stay here so I will do what I need to do to help out my family. Much Love and Blessings. YHWH is looking over all of his chosen people.
Shalom Aleichem Yahleah

as gempis made a value point and to support our teens who can't make
the cutting edge i too will take two teens who are very well reg and make
it happen for them to stay within the house of love

Sister Triniti ... you're so wonderful ... thank you Sister ... :love:

Sister Gempis ... that's not acceptable, you paying for someone else and not participating yourself ... c'mon now Sister, you know i can't agree to that. Please Sister, let us not be hasty. I was thinking, we could offer 1/2 price Memberships for all of our youth still in school ... $5.00 a month / $50.00 a year. While adopting a Member / Teen is a wonderful idea, we don't want to deny anyone the blessing that comes from sacrifice. This requires more work on the backend, setting up the different options and figuring out how or if we will confirm these things (perhaps we should just trust the Family to be honest) ... perhaps the number of Members that can pay will be so great, that we can have a "Premium Members" only meeting / forum ... to determine who will get the "Support a Member Account(s)." I'm sure many ideas will present themselves over the next few days / weeks ... we've only just begun ... at the very least, everyone has access until May 1st. I'm so with you Sister ... locking our people out has never been an option i found easy to embrace. I'm believing this will all work out.

Sister YahSistah ... awwwww Sister ... Thank You !!! ... :love: ... i have had the opportunity to talk with you personally, several times, and i know the wonderful job you are doing raising your beautiful Family ... you are such an encouragement and blessing to me ... actually, meeting you gives me to know how much my own children missed, because they did not have as great a Mother as you! Thank you for your Premium Member payment ... Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay YahSistah !!! :love:

Brother $$RICH$$ ... why am i not surprised! :love:

I Love Yall !!!

:heart:

Destee

lol@Destee and EBT card......lQQking...you been QQ'n in my purse .......QQ....lol
Well, at least I aint drivin a Lexus with a Chevy engine. :jawdrop: ..lQQkin @ Des....
heheheheheheh
rofl

destee...you know i'm in this piece for the long haul...my heart would suffer a great pain if this home in cyberspace were erased...you and this site have healed my soul and allowed me to grow once again...i wish that i could bring the same light into your life that you brought into mine...please know that i will support this community till the day that i die because destee.com is something worth fighting for...:)
one love
khasm

Ur most welcome Destee.
I am very glad to know u as well and I am sure that ur children love and respect you to the utmost as all of us do. Your words of encouragement are much needed as of now. As I am constantly fighting the good fight and tryna give the chirrenz the best of everything. Its never easy to do what we must do but the support of others always make it that much more bearable and I am so glad to have this community. I think that with out it I may have cracked :smash: lol. But much Love to everyone. I am not really feeling too good today. I was intending to have class last night but I was phys and mentally exhausted. I am just trying to get some rest and get myself feeling better.
love and blesings
Shalom Aleichem

dear dear destee..
Let me start by saying that you know that I am a true supporter of this site...and understand the need not only for spiritual, political, academic,and fun support but economic support as well.
I have read and reread your thread and apart of me is saddened, not that we have to support the community but at the thought that the site might lose some energies that need to be here, need to continually make us see other perspectives, check our own so that we are clear.
the question arises...will the site become one for working adults
are their ways where one can contribute a certain amount, but can't use all of the facilities...(like voice chat lets say)...so they pay to be in the poetry forumn..or in the open forumn...and the rate is reduced?
Have you considered trying to get advertisement from companies, such as Earl Graves Inc (Black Enterprises Mag) or Essence..or other companies that are black owned? For example Harpo Industries. Or do you feel that might force us to limit our freedoms of speech?(altho i don't think it would)
I am sure alot of my questions have come up in your discussions...
Have you thought that some of us don't have credit cards and that in the same way you go to the contribution site and credit card info is at ones disposal having an address of where to send might also be helpful?
You know I send money orders...someof us maintain our anonimity and you can't do that with a card, some of us don't have credit cards and you really don't want checks..
Nita, i am with you about supporting some who can't afford it..but then the question arises how would those decisions be made...but unless somebody says something we wouldn't know... so if you figure that one out you can count on me to help on that level.
I know we go to movies and clubs and we buy records, etc..and i know compared to other servers Destee is a small community..but i genuinely think $100 a year can be alot for a server (if you don't have alot of money)\so if their were a way to have different tiers with different uses I hope you have really considered it.\
I say all of this, because I am a contributor and will continue to support you and the site. It is a pleasure to support one of my own, not only in race but in tribe.
I went back and read some of the replies...Gempis...I will help you if you need it at the moment...(it will come back to me) and the concept of $5 is also better than $10 for some...of the young ones..and as I stated..if you figure out how to "adopt a member (cause some of us adults need help too) just let me know I definitely would support such a program..
But Destee I hope you will consider some of the questions i have asked

wow...i really love this site.
everybody has been so sweet to me especially when i was sick.
i know 10 dollars may be cheap to some of you, but i still have medical bills to pay off from being in the hospital all that time. And i also have a little one on the way:)
so i don't think i can afford that for now. this site has really influenced my life.
i wish all of you the best!
and i love you!
i'm really gonna miss not being on here...
hopefully i'll be back...

Lovelyg

Sister Nita Mae ... lol @ all in your purse ... c'mon now Sister, you know you aint got no purse, all your important papers were in that brown paper bag sitt'n in the middle of the chat room ... i didn't know it was yours Sister ... i wasn't try'n ta be nozee ... :wink: ... i love you Sister Nita Mae, you have such a great sense of humor!

Brother Khasm ... i'm so honored Brother, you know this. Thank you for your unwavering love and support.

Sister YahSistah ... i'm sorry to hear that you've not been feeling well. You know that our online classes are very relaxed and when you can't make it, we all understand. We so appreciate all the wisdom you share with us, so please Sister, take care of yourself so you can do it always. Much Much Love.

Sister Deepy ... Yes, you are certainly a great supporter of this community, no doubt about that, one of those who gave from the beginning and continues to give ... not only your money, but your time, wisdom, Spirit, knowledge ... we're blessed. Thank You Sister. I have considered advertisers, but there's a part of me that loves the fact that we don't have banners all in our face, hindering our online experience. We have created a "financial team" to look into other ways to support the community, working to avoid a situation like this in the future. Right now we're focusing on the immediate need, but we are also considering our long term needs as well. I will include the mailing address on the contribution form, thanks for that suggestion. Sister Deepy, i really love the Spirit we have in this community. Like me, many of us don't want to lock anyone out. You and others have offered to "sponsor" Members so that those who can't pay won't be left out. I like the idea of a tiered Membership and will look into that. Actually, the Moderators and i talked about it during the planning of this effort and we will consider it again. Please know, i am NOT for locking anyone out. We've never locked anyone out. Never Ever. So this is not easy to even imagine. I don't believe it will happen. I think we'll come up with a way to do this and allow all to participate, even if it is at a lesser level than those who financially support the community. We're still, and will probably forever be, in the "building stage" of our community, because at every level there is new building going on. It's certainly possible that those who are "Premium Members" may be enough to support the site and keep it available to those who don't pay. I'm going to create a forum for "Premium Members" only, allowing us to come together regarding major issues that face the community. Don't worry Sister, i'm confident that everything will work out. It's still early in the day. Thanks so much for your concern for every single Member in this community. This is really what "community" is all about.

Sister LovelyGoldenOne ... hold on Sister, don't say goodbye to us yet! As i said above to Sister Deepy, i'm hoping that this will all work out. God has always blessed us with a way to continue, in the most difficult of times, and i'm believing that He will now too. We don't wanna be without your love and don't want you to miss out on the love you receive ... let's all remain hopeful.

Thanks Family.

:heart:

Destee

Wait a second...you can still read the forums if you can't afford to pay. You just can't post...that's all. All is not lost.

lol@brown bag....smh
You know Des, Manasiac has a idea he's been wanting to share with you.
I thought the same thing, but wasn't sure on how many supporters we have...anyway.I think it can be done, that way no one will lose any privileges.
If that don't work we could always seel girl scout cookies...those girls be makin a killing....lol
Or we could get on the corner and sell our ***...ets....lolol :lol:

truely the blessing for this community is greater we all will remain
i have FAITH we will work it out so everything will continue as now

remember family the lady have not song yet
supporting case is waiting i'm sure this all have been taken into mind
and what's best as a whole community we will rise above it all and
keep it even more live .........The DREAM is our REALITY !!

I will definately do what I can to support this site. I look at it like, "hey I'll but one less CD a month". I think it is definately worth it. Where else can we come together and argue. Just kidding. I think this is a very special site and I would hate to see anyone not able to access it like we can now, but things cost and we need to really show that we appreciate what we have here. I have gotten so much just from logging in and communicating with many that I would never hear from if it weren't for this site. We should sacrifice for the sake of the community. :help:

Destee,

I am lottoscorp and I am so glad I found your site. I will be reading the poetry
before, I'm able to communicate. It is a ruff world out there for Scorpio's and
this seems to be a wonderful site. I do have a little something to contribute
but then, I'll let you all be the judge of that. I have one question: Is everyone
here Scorpio? I am a Boardgame designer and Developer...Talk to me.

lottoscorp Americanus-Strategists
EL Lotto Elitists for lottoworks@newyork.com
Also, Scorpiosource@newyork.com-

Welcome to the Fam. :D :grouphug:

No, everyone here is not a Scorpio. I was almost a Scorpio. You can say I have Scorpio tendancies. :D I was born on the cusp of Libra and Scorpio. :D

Hello Lottoscorp and Welcome! :wave:

So nice of you to join us and have your first post speaking of your enjoyment of this community and willingness to help ... that is so nice and encouraging ... Thank you!

I'm not a Scorpio, but we have lots of Scorpio information in Brother Aqil's Forum (http://www.destee.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=91), which deals specifically with all of the astrological signs. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading him.

We also have voice chat ... www.destee.com/chat ... where lots of real time interacting is done. I look forward to reading more of you and actually hearing you in voice chat. Please, make yourself at home, because you are.

:heart:

Destee

:spin: :spin: :spin: :spin: Welcome lotto :spin: :spin: :spin: :spin:

We are happy to have you here with us.
I'm Nita :angel:
The Cancer Lady :wink:

Welcome to the Fam. :D :grouphug:

No, everyone here is not a Scorpio. I was almost a Scorpio. You can say I have Scorpio tendancies. :D I was born on the cusp of Libra and Scorpio. :D

Same here for Queenie...Libra, Scorpio cusp, moon rising in Aries I believe and haven't figured out my sun sign yet but I'll get back to you on that as soon as I find out! Whew....so you know not to mess with me during a FULL moon!! :lol:

Welcome LOTTOSCORP!!!!!!

Queenie :angel:

OMG!!! Finally someone thas a scorpio like me...*whew* wonderful feeling...Welcome to destee!!!We are glad to have u here

Destee you are wonderful do what you have to do and I thank you for this site I can truly say you all have inspired and strengthend me. :huh:

oh and i have a question...will u still be able to go into chat, when ur not a premium member? i really am low on money soo i probably won't be able to get on the site and post anymore..i just wanted to know if we can still get into chat....

this community means alot to me, it has helped me grow and i have met the most wonderful people...yall spread the love and know that u make a trememdous difference...
:heart: :kiss:
-story

keep the faith lil sistah surely we are working all the lumps out

SensualReality ... Hello and Welcome !!! ... :wave: ... bless your sweet heart ... :) ... Thank you for the love, it is so appreciated! I do hope that you'll be able to join as a "Premium Member" ... 'cause things can only get better!

Sister Story ... Everyone will be able to continue entering voice chat for a while, whether they are "Premium Members" or not. We'll give plenty of notice before that changes. Sister Story, i'm so glad this community has meant a lot to you, because you have meant a lot to us too! Making me sharpen up all of my "Momma Skills" ... :wink: ... Love you Sister.

:heart:

Destee

I've been a web designer since 1995. The industry is fickle and I couldn't imagine if the web was my only source of income. I've been writing and publishing books since 2001.

I have a suggestion. I run several websites (imissthe80s.com, thabiz.com) this past year I have been approached by corporate sponsors who pay me a lot of money for a little of nothing. The products are endless, but the money is what counts. I know Eurweb.com runs a lot of corporate ads and although now you are going to be charging , that is something you could look into also. I also write for another site that gets big time corporate money from national TV stations to run programming ads, ect. I don't own this site but the webmaster really has a good hold on the marketing thing.

You are obviously quite dedicated to keeping this site going and your traffic is awesome you come up quickly in search results (that is usually what advertisers tell me regarding the 80's site how my site comes up in many search instances, etc.)

But we are talking about thousands of dollars for ads here, features here, etc.

Worth looking into......

I don't know what your press kit looks like but an attractive press kit and a little effort will go far because web marketing and product placement has really boomed in the last year. And I'm not just talking about banner or text ads, people are paying money for a lot of these feature articles and reviews you see on the web.

Good luck with your site. I have shut down some sites in the past and some become profitable so they thrive, but you have built a real community.

My Dear Dear Destee:

We go way back, when you first started this much needed venture. I remember out chats of joy and chats of (damm I hope WE can make this work)..Well, guess what...WE ARE gonna make it work...I have submitted my yearly dues, which is not whats gonna make it work, but certainly help with the contributions of others....BUT what is gonna make it work, WE, all that love you, all that are truly sisters and brothers...are gonna hit out knees and ask GOD to see you thru this time of (he will only put on you what yu can handle) phase of your life. As always, I am here for you...be it to chat about the weather or just to hang out...I am glad to know you have a brother that will hold his sister in his arms and say....its gonna be ok....I love you dear sister...stay strong...

Hawkkman

Hoteph My Dear Beloved Sister Destee:

My dear beloved sister, let me say that your journey is a familiar one and is common among serous dedicated Afrikan people and you have nothing to be ashame of, you my sister exemplify the strenght of a true warrior, a mother to be proud of and honored.

Let me say to you my dear, feel not embrassed to request what you have earned and deserve, as our Ancient Afrikan have so said, the servant is worthy of her hire, in other word, the service you have and continue to render to us is worthy to be compensated, not only to maintain the continuation of this most wonderful and beautifull web sight but you yourself is deserving of our support,morally, Spiritually as well as financially and I am sure I speak with the agreement of the rest of the Family.

There is strenght in numbers and I am sure if each of us support your effort in this regard, monetarily, such pressure will not be yours alone to bear.

I Humbly respect the work you have done on this sight and the priviledge you have made available to us and continue to do so.

I want you to know that you can count on me to assist you without hesitation and yes, this sight must live, because it give life knowledge and encouragement to many who visit this sight and it is all because of what you have done and continue to do in this regard.

Much Love My Dear

Hoteph
Osiris
Chief Elder

yes indeed brutha so true and so real her worthy service and bond given
and loyality is worth it all i truely agree 110%

You have always been there--and we have always used your site--whatever you need to keep going, I would be glad to give my fair share to help--mark me down for a premium membership--I'll send out in a couple of days. I'm on the road right now, but you provide an important service for black men and women and I think it important enough to speak with my wallet in order to help.

Amun-Ra :luvv:

Destee,

I really love this sight and appreciate what you have gone through to make it succeed. I hope there is some way I can contribute. I have been dealing with the Commission for the Blind to find a job but right now even ten dollars would have to come out of my food after my bills are paid. I wonder if there is some other way that I can help like some service that you may be paying someone else to do. I have magnification software on my computer that allows me to do awesome graphics design with Macromedia's Fireworks and Paintshop Pro anything you can envision in your minds eye I can reproduce on the web, technical writing like grant proposals, professional bio, whatever is of market value. Or if there is something you need done...poets can be creative, can we not?

wow river surely all this will work out for you in many ways

It sad to say that I have to find another to publish my writting I can't afford to pay to publish and neither can my parents because my mom doesn't work and the car biz is kind of slow :bawling:

undefined
Please accept my apology sista and I do mean that when I say sister. I have to say to you now that I have a lot of respect for you and I will always keep you in my prayers.

My friend went to a service last week and the preacher said this to her and she came back to me with it. She said he spoke about people with a vision. Your vision is your future which is coming to past if you have faith so if what you see around you is not your vision then what you see is temporary and with your faith your vision will come to be. She said this too me while we were sitting down eating before going to see Why did I get Married with Kelly Price..........which I gotta say was good (cheap plug).

Any way Destee this reminds me of you in a sense and me because I have a vision and even though I work for the feds and Im a high grade this is not my vision. Yet you stepped out on faith "sista" and went through the struggles and carry your cross with you and standing at the point of being crucified many times you held on.

So I want to say keep holding on...........Im a member now I know I dont step in as much as I use to but I come to my sistas and brothers aide when they need me even if its my last bit of money, food, or water, because we dont have enough unity in our comunity as it is. Your forum made many friends and gave birth to a family on the internet. Although "sista" I have to say you find your strength in your family. Your strength lies with your kids that love never fails that love secures you along with the love of God because a child born to light is in his vision and knows no financial struggles knows no racisim, knows no adultery, and knows nothing about Weapons of Mass Destructions. So go back to your strength keep a lock on your kids "sista".

Yet know you gotta another brotha who has your back......thats right TheRock is back.............I raised the eyebrow before the eyebrow got waxed and groomed by that wrestling bamma, my auntie called me therock before that groupee knew what how to spell Duane Johnson, I talked more smack and gave the smackdown before he knew what was cooking!!!! Yet Im still the man I was on afronet afrochat that I will be here as well but Destee Im also man enough to say I apologize and I respect you and you keep keeping on.................but send me an email from time to time so I can check up on you and you on me..................you feel me!!!

Sistah Destee,
Stay strong, we are with you as are the ancestors and THE CREATOR. I will support you and I believe many will join you to keep this family growing. No one can save us but us! We must cultivate the habit of financially supporting the media and our leaders that have our best interests at heart, offer postive and liberating mesages and lifestyles.
The struggle intensifies,
Junious Ricardo Stanton

Rich,

Did Destee say anything to you about not feeling well or going on vacation? I was hoping to hear from her and even emailed her but I see that she has not replied to this thread since the twelfth. She was replying to everyone at first then she suddenly stopped. Hope everything is okay.

luv ya,
River

hello river.........
destee is fine and will get to this as time permit surely her time frame
has been very busy and all and she have been vacationing she will
address and answer to posts shortly Thank you for asking things is
A- ok worry not .

I'm glad to hear that.

ttys

most welcome river....

Destee,

I really love this sight and appreciate what you have gone through to make it succeed. I hope there is some way I can contribute. I have been dealing with the Commission for the Blind to find a job but right now even ten dollars would have to come out of my food after my bills are paid. I wonder if there is some other way that I can help like some service that you may be paying someone else to do. I have magnification software on my computer that allows me to do awesome graphics design with Macromedia's Fireworks and Paintshop Pro anything you can envision in your minds eye I can reproduce on the web, technical writing like grant proposals, professional bio, whatever is of market value. Or if there is something you need done...poets can be creative, can we not?

Hello Sister River,

I do apologize for taking so long to respond.

Wow. Gosh. Thank You Sister! Such a wonderful offer you've presented and i'm humbled that you think so much of our community, that you'd do what you can to help. I certainly understand the fact that money is not always something we have to give, and that it's not always the most important thing that needs giving.

Unfortunately though, right this minute, it's money that we need to stay alive. That's why we've launched this "Premium Membership" effort. It really is still in the "formation process," still evolving into what God intends for it to be ... 'cause i surely don't know! ... : )

Perhaps we will get enough from those who can give, to keep the opportunity for all of us to continue living here. It's still too early to tell, but i do thank you and will be keeping in mind your very generous offers ... uhhhh ... one thing Sister ... do you babysit? ... i mean ... uuhhh ... i got like 99 chiren and they're gett'n on my nerves and i need a babysitter for like 3 months ... :wink:

Much Love and Peace Sister.

I'll be in touch.

:heart:

Destee

awww des, i babysit i got cha back...where they at :look: , i loves the churin!!lol

wow, i'm heartbroken. I'll give what I can. I don't remember what I gave last time, but I can do it again I'm sure. Can we sell cookies, t-shirts, do live shows....I'll travel or send my message via videotape. This can't happen and if we stand up for anything...this should be one of them. I'm in tears.

" May 1st is the scheduled effective date, where if you have not purchased a Premium Membership (as outlined above), you will not be able to interact here, only read. We also want to build in a way so that new Members joining us will have a 2 week trial period, full access, so they can see how we live and make an informed decision on joining. Since it's not "formally" being presented at this time, you all have an opportunity to share your views regarding it in this thread. "

Destee you didn't shut anyone out. That is a good thing. Continue to do what you can not to exclude anyone. I'll be supporting you finacially as much and as long as possible. I will find the money. I have some cans to redeem, and I can get my membership in three trips to the recycle center. lol

Seriously you have granted us a outlet and many a place to express their concerns and thoughts. To me this is a depository of my writings I hope to tie ( form ) in a book. This is a place where my post and thoughts will be later recalled and can be used to lead me farther into what I feel I want to share with the world. So many things are out of balance in the world. Those things are simple and complex. But when I feel them or hear about them. So many in number. I often get inspired and write them here.

This year your members will be challenged to bring the literary world to the forum by publishing our first book. I see it advertised and promoted here. With a link. With the name Destee somewhere on the cover ( an idea ) , in the book and all the love we have for the forum inside.

I would like to get your comments on this and I would like to formally ask that you support this by writing for us several about the book and about the poets introductions. Of course in the book your views of the poetry world, and the journey you took to bring us together has to be included.

The royalties from the book being evenly divided among the authors. I have suggested you recieve a percentage for administration and to help off set any financial pressure you still experience. That too will keep the forum free for those who wish to be a part of the black experience here. It would also help the youth who can't afford to follow their hearts in support at this time. I believe the book will be so successful that all of us may not have to renew in a year or so. The royalties afforded you could be that offset. See Destee only one name can be placed on the issuing of the royaltie payment. I believe someone has to be desinated. I trust that person to be you, but it will be debated among the participants ( authors ) .

We love you Destee keep the forum going, and desinate a process ( trustee) to keep it going long after you and I leave this wonderful world.

Visitors. Members. Please continue to support Destee. Please sign up on the list to be included in the book. ( We have set a dead line - about April 15 - same as the tax time due date - but that is abitrary and depends on the wishes of the participants ( authors ) ) There will be other books after this, but the first is very special. :rain:

All I have to say is if the Lord blesses me so that I can give I will. I understand when a person has a dream it takes hard work to make it a reality and sometimes that hard work includes financial backing as well. So I support you in keeping this community alive. It has been a great outlet for me and I feel like a part of the family when I am here. We will pray together sister Destee.

that was beautifully said Ireadastory and we are humble for your support
we all love here just afraid to openly support it like we giving up on what we
love but it's a treasure to have a place our own to relax and mix cross the
world global and befriends to millions , build and learn as people .