Brother RunawaySlave ... as i'm sure i told your wife, she and you are welcome to stay and take part in this community without paying anything, as you have done. The doors to this community have always been open to everyone, regardless of their ability or desire to help financially support the community. It has and continues to be a challenge to do this, but one i'm dedicated to, and will continue for as long as i can.
When i first mentioned Premium Membership, there were those that immediately stood up to question every single aspect of it. Concerned that there may be some small chance that Destee could come out a nickel or dime ahead. They wanted to know what every single cost was, and what would happen to that nickel or dime, should it be left over at the end of the month. There were even those that compared this community to places like AOL or MSN, and wondered why we aren't doing what they do, and in the manner that they do it.
It's a little discouraging to have to go through this, but i understand that it is the dynamics of us, and this, and so many things. We simply do not trust each other. No matter that a site has been here for several years, proving itself to be dedicated and reputable, we cannot trust it. No matter that there is an obvious value to what's found here (because you're here), that there are no banners popping up all around you, that there is peace throughout, we still cannot trust it. No matter that it is Black owned, struggling, and committed to being here for us (even those not willing or able to help financially support it), we still cannot trust it. No matter that everyone can network here at no cost, we still can't trust it. No matter that it is one of the largest Black owned, independently managed online communities, where our youth and elders come together peacefully, and have done so for years ... no matter these things ... we cannot trust it.
We do to Black efforts, what we don't do to White ones. Your wife mentioned money spent on your ISP, if no mistake, and i wonder if you asked them, all these same questions you are asking me.
This community has always cost me money, time, resources. I've never made a dime. There is no profit. We struggle to meet the monthly obligations. Our costs continue to go up, as our growth increases on a daily basis. The amount of time alone, managing and maintaining this community, is expensive. As we struggle to maintain what we have, i'm concerned about our future, as the growth will require more expensive, robust solutions.
I appreciate all that Brother OldSoul does here. I'm honored that he'd present such a thread as the one you mentioned. His confidence in me and this community has kept the fire burning in me, on many a cold and windy night. He gives in every single way he possibly can. He teaches, he writes, he gives his financial support, he encourages me in every way to stay the course, he sees the bigger picture and helps me stay focused on it, he recognizes the need for us to have our own and how important this is now, and will be even more so, in the near future. We are the only people that have to beg each other to do what needs to be done. If we aren't begging each other, we're begging other folk. Our organizations are always lacking, always struggling, always going through. Many of us don't see the necessity of making that not be the case. Helping each other is not the simple effort it should be. We have to know all the answers to all the questions, before we make a move ... and even armed with all the answers ... many of us aint finna do nuth'n. It's just the way they've made us to be, and we've got to work really hard to overcome it. In regard to what we'd do with the money, if we had it like Brother OldSoul requested ... gosh ... just to make it through a month without worrying if we're gonna make it, would be really nice. To be able to consider adding more, new, greater features to the community, being able to do whatever we want as it relates to this community ... the possibilities are limitless if we stand together.
Brother RunawaySlave ... i am going to keep this community running for as long as i can, i have committed myself to this. If it is too much of a hardship for you to help financially support the community, then please, don't do it. Get down off the fence Brother, i got this.
Well ... not just i ... but several Sisters and Brothers here, that do find value in what we're doing, recognize the need for us to have our own, and realize that it will not happen until we give each other the considerations that we give other folk. They stand with me and i'm honored. So let me correct myself by saying ... we got this ... don't worry Brother.
Much Love and Peace.
Destee
but as she stated its really a bit much for us, I agree there is tons of information available here and Im glad to be able to access it. 
oops: .
