A personal plea from the Admins

[EarlG]

UPDATE: A number of people have asked how they can make an additional contribution. To clarify:

• If you already have a recurring monthly or yearly payment, and you want to make an additional one-time contribution, use the One-time online payment option -- your recurring payment will not be affected.


• If you already have a recurring monthly or yearly payment and you want to increase the amount, my recommendation would be to visit this PayPal page and cancel your existing payment, then come back to DU and start either a new recurring monthly or recurring yearly payment.

If you've been around DU for a while, you'll know that we've always tried to be respectful in the way we fundraise. We don't send out desperate emails begging for cash; we limit our fund drives to two one-week periods per year (and we try to make those two weeks fun); and you get something in exchange for your contribution -- a Star Membership with additional benefits. For this, we don't force you to pay a monthly fee which we gradually increase over time; we've always asked you to pay what you want, which can be as little as one dollar per year.

Thanks to the many generous DUers who purchase Star Memberships, this fundraising method, combined with standard web advertising, has served us just fine for two decades -- but recently, things have changed, and unfortunately not for the better. The fact is that advertising brings in quite a bit more revenue than Star Memberships -- it's something like an 80/20 split. And over the past couple of years, for macroeconomic reasons, ad rates (the amount that advertisers will pay to advertise on a website) started to fall -- and then fell, and fell.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the January 6 insurrection, the social media giants deemphasized political content (wisely, many would argue). Even though we've never made it a priority to have a big social media presence, these global trends still affected traffic to DU -- and revenue -- just as they've affected many other independent sites recently, and even mainstream newsrooms.

I think some people have the impression that the DU Admins are independently wealthy and that this is all just a bit of a lark for us, but the truth is that DU is our job -- it's literally what we do for a living. We work hard at it every day, and we are incredibly grateful for the full time work it has provided us with, which we in turn put back into the site to keep it running, and improving, for you.

But like most people, we pretty much live paycheck to paycheck. And the problem is that the recent collapse in ad rates means that I haven't received that paycheck in a couple of months, and if things take too long to improve, I won't be able to give Elad his paycheck soon either.

What does this mean for DU? Well, we still make enough money to keep the servers turned on, so DU isn’t going anywhere. That’s not a problem.

But if Elad and I have to find other work so we can pay our own bills, it does mean we won’t be able to continue development on DU, right as we’d got it to the point where we were done fixing things and ready to start taking feature requests. There wouldn't be any more Pics Of The Moment. And more worryingly, emergency breakdowns, or issues that need immediate attention, would take longer to resolve because we wouldn't be here to keep an eye on the site every day. If we can't reliably conduct regular maintenance and stay on top of bugs, it really could cause problems and service interruptions that we can't immediately start working to fix. We do not want things to be this way! But there are only so many hours in a day that we can work on DU, and if we can't afford to pay our bills, we'll have no choice.

And so right now, we really need your help. I want to be clear: We are hopeful that ad rates, and therefore DU's overall financial situation, will improve as the year goes on. The trend lines are pointing in the right direction. But we don't know how long it will take before things get back on track, and we don't want to have to leave DU in the lurch, especially when we've got a presidential election coming up.

As mentioned at the top, I think most of you have known us long enough to know that this isn't some Trump-style BS just to cash in. I wish it didn't have to be this way, but it is what it is. So if you value what we do, please consider kicking in to the fund drive. What we would really like to see is an increase in monthly subscriptions, because that would help to stabilize our budget. But any assistance you can give us would be greatly appreciated:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/star

Thanks for reading

EarlG, on behalf of Elad -- the DU Administrators

[50 Shades Of Blue]

1. K & R!

[Oopsie Daisy]

92. The "hearts" should be cheaper-by-the-dozen *

* I bet he'd sell more if there were some incentive to buy more and get more. (It's not as though they gif images cost anything.)

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

109. agreed!! or fancier hearts available at a higher cost... sparkling or flashing or different colors.

[CrispyQ]

2. How do I increase my monthly contribution?

Last edited Fri Feb 9, 2024, 02:53 PM - Edit history (2)

Do I cancel the old one first?

on edit: Yonnie3 posted the answer in post #134, below.

Also, if you set up a recurring donation during the heart drive, you'll automatically be given hearts at the beginning of next years heart drive & when your recurring donation hits again, during the drive, you get more hearts.

Party, bonus!

[blogslug]

15. I would like to know this as well

I'm not finding any link to upgrade/increase my recurring subscription in MY DU settings.

[onecaliberal]

28. I have the same question.

[dmr]

42. In Earl's last paragraph, the underlined words "monthly subscription" is

the link to take you to the Monthly Subscription page. Follow the instructions from there.

[EarlG]

46. Good question

We note on the monthly and yearly payment pages that if you start a new automatic payment, it will NOT cancel your previous automatic payment(s).

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=star&type=monthly

So you have a few options -- let's say you already have a $5 automatic payment and you want to make it $10 intead, you could just use the link above to start a new $5 automatic payment -- so you'd be making two $5 automatic payments for a total of $10/month.

But if you'd rather not have two automatic payments going on (which most people would not, I'd imagine) then you'd need to make sure to cancel your current one, either after or before you start a new one.

To do that, you can visit this PayPal page:

https://www.paypal.com/myaccount/autopay

It will show you your current automatic payments, and you can manage/cancel any from there. (That link to PayPal can also be found on your Star Membership page -- click the My DU tab, and then the Star Membership button.)

Hope that helps!

[CrispyQ]

125. LOL. Paypal sends me back to DU with a message that that's where to manage my payment.

No big deal. My autopay day is in a few days. I'll just wait & add a second donation then.

[EarlG]

133. You know what, I think they changed this recently

I never used to have the ability to cancel people's automatic payments -- they had to log in to their PayPal accounts and do it themselves. But as of fairly recently, PayPal has provided me with an option to cancel payments. At the same time, some people have been getting these messages directing them to me to cancel their payments.

So I'm not quite sure what's going on there, but in most cases people should be able to cancel their own payments -- if they can't, however, I can do if for them. If you need me to do it, just contact me via DU Mail or email.

[Yonnie3]

134. I see the link to DU to manage payments on my Paypal

but scrolling way down I see a link "Remove PayPal as payment method."

I got there after logging on PayPal and by clicking on the "Democratic Underground, LLC - Automatic Payment for $XX

There is a link midway down the page that says "Manage Democratic Underground, LLC payments"

Clicking on the above gets you to a page that has links of:

"Change payment method"

"Manage and cancel at Democratic Underground, LLC"

and at the bottom all the way down the page "Remove PayPal as payment method"

I think this is how you cancel all PayPal payments to DU.

I didn't try to cancel DU but I removed several vendors who had apparently snuck themselves in there with no payments listed.

All above is from the website.

[CrispyQ]

135. That worked. Or at least I'll find out if it worked in a few days but I'm sure it will be fine. Thanks!! -nt

[Yonnie3]

136. You are welcome

They couldn't have hidden that better if they tried!

[True Blue American]

137. I want to send a chec,k, since my

Have a new credit card. It keeps sending me, not accepted. I just need the. Address.

[quaint]

138. Here you go...

Purchase a DU Star Membership by mail

[True Blue American]

140. Thank you, thank you!

I will save that!!

[NBachers]

3. Donated more again

[herding cats]

4. I was running low on hearts to hand out anyway.

I hope it helps.

[Marthe48]

5. I hope income improves

I donated earlier this week, a one-time payment. I will keep your monthly donation in mind for August. Thank you for all you do.

[Lonestarblue]

52. How do you do that? I'm already a Star member and my subscription renewal is the summer.

I’d like to make a one-time payment now, but all I saw was either another Star membership or a monthly contribution.

[Marthe48]

97. I had a star subscription, due to run out in Aug. 24,

I thought the one I got in Aug tacked on to the one I already had, but this one doesn't seem to do that.

[COL Mustard]

113. I did the same earlier. Gave my annual $46 (in honor of Joe B)

But I'll certainly think about doing a monthly donation.

[TygrBright]

6. How about coming up with a donation scheme for those of us who are ALREADY Star Members?

I'd be happy to add to my support, but I don't want to change the renewal date on my Star Membership, which is my largest contribution annually.

So I hold off on giving at other times of the year, sometimes.

If there was an easy way to contribute outside of (in addition to) the Star Membership program, I'd use it more often.

You guys hang in there, we got your back. We'll work something out.

The election is coming, after all, and we NEED DU, including your careful stewardship of the site's tech and content.

appreciatively,
Bright

[Hermit-The-Prog]

29. I treat mine as a 6-month subscription: Valentine's and the summer drive.

[EarlG]

48. I did have some vague ideas of

maybe setting up a Patreon, in exchange for which DUers could suggest new features and get early input into how they might work, and then if a feature is approved, get early access using it while we test it out. I wasn't sure how interested people would be, but I could explore it further...

[TygrBright]

67. Maybe a short-term solution.

But I think it would be a worthwhile investment to build in a native transaction tool not unlike ordinary e-commerce programs, with a direct payment capability. It would give you more flexibility for managing contribution programs and managing members, users, contributors, etc.

Extra work, though. And not fun.

regretfully,
Bright

[ShazzieB]

88. I agree with this.

EarlG, I would love it you could do what TygrBright is suggesting. Tbh, the way things are set up now is kind of complicated and confusing for those of us who would just like to increase our monthly contribution.

PayPal currently shows me as having 2 annual recurring payments, one in August and one in February, plus a small monthly recurring payment. I'm not exactly sure how this came to be, but it looks like I'ver been donating 3 times as much per year to DU as I thought I was.

Fortunately, I can swing it (for now), and I don't begrudge DU a single penny, believe me. I'd much rather not have 3 different recurring payments, and now that I'm aware of the situation, I'll delete all 3 recurring payments and set up up a third that will total as least as much as I've been paying. Still, I can't help wishing it didn't have to be quite this complicated.

I don't know much about e-commerce, and I have no idea what would be involved in setting up what Bright is suggesting, but as a DU member, I would find that incredibly helpful!

[TeamProg]

7. I think it is extremely generous that star membership can cost as little as what, whatever someone can afford? If every

member gave 10 dollars, or FIVE dollars for a Star Membership we could all sleep better knowing DU will be fine.

I won't say what I give for a star membership each year but it is more than 10 dollars and it doesn't hurt my bank account or budget.

This is such an informative site, how can someone just skate free?

[MontanaMama]

8. Kicking.

This is important!

[AllaN01Bear]

9. seriously . iive been running du with ads blocked for years . i have found some of the ads to be downright offensive .

if i am now breaking a rule because of my california rights to opt out of ads then i quit. if evryone asked me for money i am lo income how about sending me money.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

22. Respectfully disagreeing: 1) Not everyone is asking you for money. People who provide a valuable service are.

2) Without guilt, you should not donate if you are not in a position. Take care of your personal priorities. 3) If you are in need of additional income/food/resources, hopefully your community services can help: food bank, etc.

Take care.

[AllaN01Bear]

26. thanks . love your screen nick btw .

[hedda_foil]

84. AllaN01Bear, as a star member, you never get ads on DU.

Your ad blocker doesn't have any work to do here.

[Hekate]

10. Now you're scaring me. Please do keep letting us know the economic reality you live with...

Only one comment and one request from me:
First, Grovelbot wasn’t so bad
Second, can the hearts start just a little sooner and linger a little longer?

Thanks for all you do, Earl G and Elad.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

25. Agreed.

[calimary]

64. Agreed here, too!

[spooky3]

11. Thanks for letting us know. How about a quarterly

Fundraiser like the hearts?

And how about a minimum star donor contribution of $10 or more?

[CrispyQ]

18. I want a Halloween fund raiser.

You should, too, spooky3!

[AllaN01Bear]

27. how bout selling "pumpkins" instead of hearts .

[badhair77]

60. I just bought some hearts,

but I’d buy pumpkins, too.

[AllaN01Bear]

81. how about a xmas fundraiser ,,, selling secret santas and xmas trees.

[ShazzieB]

89. Oh, yeah!

Keep doing the hearts, but add another fundraiser in the fall with punpkins!

[orleans]

41. oooh! a halloween fund raiser would be great!!!

[Scrivener7]

63. Nice!

[Hekate]

100. I could live with a quarterly fundraiser that let us give away hearts, pumpkins, xmas trees etc.

I’m no good with sticky notes because I can never think of anything to say, but I know they work well for a lot of people.

Just remembered: at one time we got to give away star memberships, and I really enjoyed looking up friends who had no stars. Maybe could make those at the $10 level.

Grovelbot could kick butt, too.

[quaint]

139. Fun drive, yes; minimums, no.

Lower income people have plenty of obstacles.

[sagetea]

12. You bet, Mr.G!

It's feels so good to do this! This is the first time I bought hearts, but donate 20$ in August and November!

kinda feel Cupid!

sage

[LAS14]

13. For the second time in two days I'm presented...

... with an invitation to get a Star membership. I thought I already had one, but got a message that it was running out on Feb 7 and would be renewed for a year.

But I got the same message today, after "renewing."

I've already gotten myself signed up for Star twice a year or two ago. Sorry. But until this is cleared up I won't make another donation.

[EarlG]

54. Hello

I just checked and it looks like you made a recurring payment on February 6 but then another one on February 7. I just refunded the February 7 payment and canceled the automatic payment so it will not recur again. So you now have a single automatic Star Membership payment which will recur again on February 6 next year (unless you turn it off before then) -- thank you for being a Star Member.

For people who already have a recurring Star Membership but would like to make an additional contribution, the best way to do it is to use the One-time online payment option. Making a payment with this option will not affect any automatic payments that you already have set up.

[LAS14]

73. I did it. Can you make that link more prominent in the earlier communications? nt

[EarlG]

101. I've added the information to the OP

Thanks again.

[LAS14]

105. Super! nt

[Nanuke]

14. I just signed up for an automatic monthly payment. What os a Star membership please?

[Fla Dem]

20. You have a gold star next to you name.

If you make a donation to DU, it was as little as $5 you don't get advertisements and some other perks.

You have a Gold Star already, so you are a Star member.

[moonscape]

24. Auto monthly payment? You are a star member now :)

[nevergiveup]

16. You are more important than any stuffed shirt CEO in the country.

I have no clue what your salary is but it is peanuts when considering how vital your work is. I have a star membership but would like to make a one time donation. How can I do this? I hope others who can comfortably financially afford it will do the same.

[SWBTATTReg]

17. Done! Thanks for all you do. I doubled my contribution and will keep it up.

[PJMcK]

19. Here comes some money

You guys are great!

[ms liberty]

21. K&R.

[Omaha Steve]

23. I signed up for monthly

It'd about time I did.

OS

[coffeenap]

30. Done! Many thanks!

[Tree-Hugger]

31. Can the hearts stay a little longer?

I know it's a drop in the bucket, but if the hearts could stay a little longer - like two weeks or through Feb, then I bet you'd raise a bit more funds.

This is my very first year being able to buy hearts. I only have a few, so it's hard deciding who gets them. I'd love to buy a few more. I just started a new job a few days ago and I was thinking that I'd love to buy more hearts after my first check
....but that is after this campaign expires. Boo.

And, yes, simply buying/renewing a star membership is enough, but I think campaigns like the hearts are more engaging and grab more attention. Maybe a seasonal thing? Flowers in the spring? Suns in the summer? Pumpkins? Christmas trees or snowflakes? I'd think you'd find people would be happy to engage in that way.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

32. I can't afford to pay you what it means to me, but can do more today.

Thank you for keeping DU going!

[kiri]

33. "Why do people NOT buy/support?"

DU has poor marketing. Everybody is focused on "buy us" "support us".

The awesome question to ask is: "Why do people NOT buy/support?"

I am quite well-off from a career in raising this question.
The answers range from trivial to profound, but you need to know why not.

It's just savvy marketing. Why not?

[wolfie001]

40. I think I just gave you two cause of this glitchy heart distro system!

Cheers!!!

[JudyM]

112. What would you suggest?

To improve marketing simply and economically?

[dawn5651]

34. i went in to see about a star membership..i thought it was time i did this because

i have been reading this site for years...not always commenting but always reading. i won't do paypal. and i am sorry about that but if you and elad decide to try a monthly fundraiser i would be more than interested.

[OAITW r.2.0]

49. FYI, I have a star membership, but just added a one time, non-PayPal donation.

After I filled in the required blanks, it still tried to get me to sign into PayPal. However, there is a blue checkmark button that, when you uncheck it, lets you contribute direct from your cc or debit card account. It changes to a "guest member" donation .

I would suggest to the DU admins that you might want to clarify the non PayPal options for donating on your subscribe page.

[2naSalit]

59. Nope, been there, done that every time...

Used an unsecure browser, allowed cookies, cleared every cache and tried again.

I give up.

The option you describe STILL brings you to Paypal because they handle all the transactions. The only non-paypal option is snail mail.

[OAITW r.2.0]

66. Yes, it does try to get you to sign up or sign into Paypel in the one time donation link.

But, by unchecking the blue check mark button, it clears the PayPal prompt and processes the tranaction as a normal direct cc/debitcard payment.

[2naSalit]

68. Yes...

And I do that every time except when trying to troubleshoot. None of the options or click buttons change the problem. I go through the whole process and end up with my card rejected. Shit, I've entered it into the form so many times that I have the cc# memorized.

The little blue opt-out of opening an acct thing doesn't make any difference whether I use it or not, it is still a paypal transaction and they won't accept my card. I don't have another to use, I bought this one specifically for this DU event.

[OAITW r.2.0]

78. OK, then.....that's a head-scratcher.

good luck

[2naSalit]

79. Indeed.

Thanks for trying.

[Hekate]

82. Back in the dawn of time I used to donate to DU by snail mail. It still works.

Altho I have long since gotten comfortable with online donations and purchases — the one-time donor feature is good, and the “guest” feature for PayPal is also good.

[2naSalit]

86. I have always done it...

The same way and now it does not work. Did it last year, same computer and settings, same brand of credit card. If they are trying to compare it to the one I used last year, we've got a big problem because that means they are retaining the card info on a one time transaction.

I've got an envelope ready and it will go in the mail tomorrow.

[Deuxcents]

95. I use the snail mail as I will not use pay pal. Had a bad experience and it took forever to get right

I send my checks to the PO Box that is under Contact us ..so easy and I’m happy the adm accepts payment this way.
The only down side is I have to be aware of the calendar..I sent my Valentines fundraiser last week and waiting for the ok to gift them..if we get to do pumpkins, bunnies, Veterans or whatever, we’ll just have to mark the calendar. Hope this helps ya..

[2naSalit]

96. That is my resolve.

I'll just send it in earlier.

Thanks.

[dawn5651]

142. thank you

[Blue Dawn]

35. I would like to gift "Star Memberships," if possible.

I very much appreciate all of your hard work and am happy to donate as much as I can.

Not too long ago, I wanted to gift a "Star Membership" to a person who said s/he couldn't afford to pay for membership. At that time, you emailed me that unfortunately that wasn't an option.

Do you think you could make it possible for those of us who can afford to gift a membership to do so?

Some of us may be able to help others get a membership while also raising much-needed funds. It would be like purchasing hearts, in a way. We could just purchase memberships!

Again, thank you for sharing this. I am very grateful for DU.

[Lochloosa]

103. There was a way back in the day. I did it a couple of times. I'm not sure about now.

[Rhiannon12866]

119. That used to be possible back in the day, now it's only possible during the Spring fundraiser.

I've done that during that fundraiser for the past two years, but I wish it was possible more often as well.

[PortTack]

36. Renewed my ⭐️ membership early...hope it helps! DU means a lot to me and many other good Dems!

Thank you!

[2naSalit]

37. I have been trying to contribute BUT...

Fucking Paypal will not accept my payment. I have tried all kinds of tricks suggested by others and none of that works.



Terribly frustrated, my membership ends tomorrow but I can't seem to renew unless I simply use snail mail which makes it certain that I can't buy hearts during this campaign and I was saving up for that for weeks. Seriously disappointed and kind of pissed about that part.

Would be nice if there were another option for online contributions but if not, guess snail mail is it.

[OAITW r.2.0]

51. Hi 2naSalit - see my comment #49.

DU obviously has a partnership program with Paypal, but my above post explains how to do a one-time donation that doesn't require signing up or signing in to PayPal.

[wolfie001]

38. This is my second year in a row I've joined!!!

I'm gonna give myself a hat tip!

[honest.abe]

39. Just did a monthly sub.

Hope that helps a bit! We need you and DU!

[Delmette2.0]

43. Considering $ vs time.

DU is a better value than any TV subscription.
I am going to review my TV subscriptions and start a monthly donation to DU, + a few extra $.

Thanks for everything DU and DU'ers!

[forgotmylogin]

44. I donated for the first time just now!

I am a new baby star-member!

I can't wait to throw these hearts around like glitter.

[JudyM]

129. Excellent!

Baby star member

[Wonder Why]

45. Do you think you can convert to a 501(c)3 non-profit? Or would that not be allowed?

After all, it seems like you are achieving your goal of not making money, anyway!

[greblach]

47. Understood. K&R. nt

[scarletlib]

50. Always happy to give to DU. Just became a subscriber.

[Wounded Bear]

53. K&R...nt

[Scrivener7]

55. Ok. I've always been a star member, but I started a monthly for the first time.

Good luck with this.

[DFW]

56. How's this for an offer you can refuse?

First of all, the downside: you won't receive my contribution until after Feb. 14, so I don't get any hearts to distribute. Second, for the extra time I hope I am buying you, my 99th request to stick all the one-track "evil Israel" posts in the forum designated for them, and unburden GD from their tedious monotony (full disclaimer--I do not pretend to be Jewish, have never been to Israel, and have no special plans to go there, even though I'm closer than most of DU--4 hour flight or so, and would really like to try one of their locally baked babkas, which I hear are amazing).

Now the good news: I will be sending you a check. That means you get to keep all of it. No 4% deducted by some credit card company. And, that check will be for $1000. Not that I'm a billionaire, but the past few years have been good for me. It's only about $50 per year for the nearly twenty years I have been here, less than twenty cents a day. Obviously, I have contributed in the past, but not on this level, and never in response to this frank a message of need.

About the "you can refuse" part--there is no obligation to pay attention to my request, and you can always tear up my check if you consider it too old-fashioned, or if there is some kind of unspoken moral obligation to cut Mastercard in for $40.

[OAITW r.2.0]

62. Your post deserves 2 hearts!

One for the donation and 1 for the forum comment.

[DFW]

71. It was more Marxist than I might have intended

"From each according to his ability to each according to his need."

But although there have been times when I left DU when certain factions seemed to have taken over the asylum (indeed--some still seem bent on it), I still sort of like the site, and think it is worth preserving.

[EarlG]

77. That is incredibly generous

I will gladly accept your check, provided that you still want to send it, on the understanding that it won't influence my decision on the status of I/P discussions in GD. However I certainly understand your feelings about that situation -- I can tell you that there is already an active discussion in the Hosts forum about it; there are no firm decisions yet, but we are currently in the process of determining when (and how) to return to the stricter standard.

[DFW]

106. Sounds fair enough to me.

Done deal!

[DFW]

118. OK, it is now in the hands of the Deutsche Post and Louis DeJoy

Maybe not the most encouraging news you'll get all day, but better than the envelope sitting around in Düsseldorf gathering dust.

[Hekate]

85. DFW...

[OAITW r.2.0]

57. Did a one-time donation as my star memnership runs through May.

With all the hearts I have now, I used this thread to dump a bunch of them.

Still have a lot of hearts in my inventory, though. Willing to sell a bunch at a steep discount!

[yardwork]

58. Done! Thanks for letting us know.

I agree with the suggestions to have four fundraisers a year and to extend the hearts season to two weeks each year.

[Scrivener7]

61. And a side benefit: now we all have more hearts to give!

Thank you so much to whoever just gave me one!

[RKP5637]

65. I just did a one time as usual, but I'll start a monthly now too.

[Richard D]

69. An idea to make more money

How about creating an option for star members also to see advertisements? Totally voluntary of course. I for one would not mind seeing some ads if that would help you all get more money from your hard work.

[AnrothElf]

70. Doneski.

I am now a star member on a monthly subscription plan.

Keep up the important work!

[nuxvomica]

72. I subscribed with a little more than I pay Hulu

I figured I'm on here more than I am on Hulu and usually less disappointed in the content anyway.

[bottomofthehill]

74. Happily done, I enjoy here

[LiberalLovinLug]

75. Done

As a Canadian, this is the best site for news about the US that is of interest to more liberal minded thinkers. First stop of the day.

[Alice Kramden]

76. K&R for this important work

Wish I could contribute more! I value this forum immensely

[teach1st]

80. My recurring star membership payment is all I can afford, but...

I just received my tax return money so I can do a (what is for me) a nice one-time payment. I know you're worth a lot more. Good luck, and I hope the people here all pull together and contribute what they can.

[True Blue American]

122. Earl, I need the DU address

So I can send a check. Have a new credit card, the old one will not work.
Please send me an emai. I am not on PayPal.

[mtngirl47]

83. I have always made my donation once a year...

But I agree you need a better way to plan and pay your obligations. I just started a monthly...more than I pay for my Washington Post subscription!

Please let us know if this fundraiser has helped you.

[Spazito]

87. Donation made gladly....

DU has been the only forum I have visited for over 20 years and I will contribute what I can to keep it going and also provide a paycheck for both you and Elad for the essential work you both do.

[quaint]

90. Done.

Last edited Fri Feb 9, 2024, 09:02 AM - Edit history (1)

Changed plans at credit union due to limitation on number of monthly transactions with my free account.

[lpbk2713]

91. You guys have always done a good job.

And you're right. You are respectful in the way you fundraise. JimBob puts out a call for more money whenever the mood hits him. And the last time I was there his site still looked like a 5th Grade Computer Club project. Keep up the good work.

[drmeow]

93. What has never been clear to me

is whether recurring payments are eligible for the fund raising "perks." I like to be able to give a gift star membership to someone who needs one and giving hearts. I've never set up a recurring payment because I don't want to lose those perks. Could you clarify if they are available? If not, is it possible to make at least one of them available (i.e., when the time comes "over the past year, you've donated enough with your recurring payments to give x star memberships/x hearts.&quot ?

[GrapesOfWrath]

94. Just became a monthly donor

I hope it helps… Love you guys!

[crickets]

98. Thanks for all you & Elad do for us, EarlG!

I just grabbed another batch of hearts to give away. I love this time of year on DU, and I love the idea for having pumpkins to give away in the fall, too! 🥰

[democrank]

99. DU means the world to me.

A check will be in the mail tomorrow morning. Thank you for all you do.

[Lochloosa]

102. I just doubled my recurring account. WE CANNOT LOSE THIS PLACE PEOPLE

[Pinback]

104. I'll be upgrading.

Thanks for all you do, you and Elad both.

My DU membership is way cheaper than therapy, and — in my case, at least — way more effective! Well worth a little extra.

[FemDemERA]

107. My membership was due in a couple days, so

I renewed and raised my amount a bit. Thank you for all you do!

[ornotna]

108. Done

There’s only one DU, and it matters to me.

This is my rock.

Thanks for all you do EarlG and Elad. You guys are the best.

[Casey and her cats]

114. I've signed up

I've been a lurker for years but today i officially signed up and set up a donation. Thank you for all your hard work.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

126. Welcome to DU, my dear Casey and her cats!

I"m glad you're here!

Enjoy!

[JudyM]

127. Way to go! Welcome!

[LetMyPeopleVote]

128. Welcome to DU

[pansypoo53219]

115. i wish i made enough to spread the wealth.

[mountain grammy]

116. I'm good with a monthly subscription

Someone said spend your money on experiences not things. DU is a great experience every day. I’d like it to stay that way.

[GoodRaisin]

117. I increased my donation.

Thanks for all you do.

[Scrivener7]

120. EarlG, keep us posted on this. No one here wants either of you going without a decent paycheck. If you need

more after this effort, pass the hat again.

[marble falls]

121. I thought ads brought in more than star membership, but I did not realize it was that far off ...

... ideally, how much should a DU member need to be thinking about paying yearly?

[Prairie_Seagull]

123. Done.

I probably spend more time on DU than Hulu. Someone might think 'I should get a life'. I have one, a great one.

Thanks admins, for all your...well you know.

[Be The Light]

124. maybe you could just make it

a minimum payment of 20 bucks a year or something?

[quaint]

132. No minimums, please!

I can and do give more now but there were a few years when I used recycling money to send three bucks.

[KPN]

130. Thanks for letting us know. DU is invaluable -- though I do spend way too much time here and

feel like its sort of an addiction. At any rate, I'll do my part and see what I can do for sure. Thanks again ... and don't ever feel bad about being frank about this. We need you guys!

[diane in sf]

131. Happy to subscribe. I don't know what I'd do without DU and I'd rather not find out.

[AmBlue]

141. DONE... gladly!

Increased my donation and made it monthly. This place is special. It not only is my sanctuary in a world of chaos, it is a most-trusted news resource.

I really hope all the positive responses, with members both new and old stepping up, is making a difference!

Heartfelt thanks for all you and our DU Admins do!

[marble falls]

143. How can I donate a membership?

[quaint]

144. See here from EarlG

PSA: DU's Summer Fund Drive is around the corner -- here's some info that may be of use

[marble falls]

145. Good timing!

[MoonRiver]

146. I accidentally enrolled for a recurring payment to DU and want to cancel it.

I no longer have a Paypal account. Please remove me from automatic payment status. This site is not clear how to do that myself without having a Paypal account.