To stay or to Go, that is the question.

[Big_Sissy]

I am confronted with a financial decision that I do not take lightly.

The software that we are using for these forums has gotten drastically more expensive, and I want to know what kind of interest their is in keeping the forums running.

Would you be fine if they went away? I know facebook is quite popular and it really could take the place of the forums (and probably has for some).

I don't make any money on these forums, but I do it as a service to the one I love most -- but I'm pretty flat on the cash flow at the moment and need to make a decision before Oct 30th (the forums will not shut down then, the upgrade will though).

Anyway, I am not requesting money -- in fact the opposite, I just need to know if the interest is still here that spending the money to keep the site going is going to be worth while in the long run. Is this a resource, and is it something you like to use.

Let me know.

[Meticulous madness]

Gosh BS, SORRY!

I really love it and think it's worth it...but I had no idea you were paying at all. Obviously I'm a bit naive about this stuff. I'm actually kind of sad that I've never thought to ask you, or ask if I could help out (which I'm honestly very willing to do).

I do think that price is definitely a factor. Can I be so bold as to ask what it will cost to keep it going?

[natickgirl]

I LOVE this site, and want to extend a big to you for creating it...and to all those who put up with my lengthy & often incomprehensible posts.

I didn't know there was a cost involved. I would love to see the forums continue, and would be willing to pitch in to keep it going (although I know that isn't what you had in mind).

However, if BnS must go bye-bye because it is consuming too much of your time, energy, or resources I will *sniff* of course *sniff* understand.

[5ft Diva]

I was really torn when BS first brought this up to me, however, after my latest "issue" I have learned a few things about BnS that strongly urge me to request that this site remain open.

1) Women, busy mothers especially, can very rarely meet together at a common time and place, that's why forums like this are so effective.

2) We don't get to choose when our "issues" show up and when they do sometimes we immediately need someone to share our thoughts with before the details of the matter are scattered by the winds of dinner, quarreling, unexpected visitors, injuries, etc.

3) Until recently I hadn't realized how extremely safe of a place BnS was for me to open up to physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Odd that I would feel that way about a forum on the Internet and I know there are also many others who feel safe here as well. I think the mutual feeling and code of conduct is, which, in my mind, is considered just plain, good etiquette: what is talked about here on BnS stays here on BnS. I believe this is why it's such a safe place. I have yet to find a website like it anywhere else.

4) I would NEVER, in a million years, open up on other Internet websites the way I do here.

[Meticulous madness]

Originally Posted by 5ft Diva

4) I would NEVER in a million years open up on facebook the way I do here.

DITTO

[Big_Sissy]

No need to be sorry, I simply wanted to get an idea of how important this place is to the community. I can spend the money, I just want to make sure it's of the same value to you as it is to my Diva -- she does love this place, and all of you, but money speaks to her and I know she would want what is best for us (our family) if it came to that (which it has not).

Again, I just want to get a feel for the value you all deem the site to be vs what it actually costs, since the price just went up.

[bookworm]

I agree that this site is a fantastic place for certain discussions that I would NEVER have on Facebook, or my family's site- it's a place for the girls to be safe and to discuss such a wide range of things. But I'm with the others, BS, if it comes to a choice between meeting your family's needs and keeping BnS running, I would totally support you letting it go. And I agree,

[trishcook]

I also enjoy this website and the opportunity to read other's questions, advice and experience. I may not comment alot, but I do read and learn from the comments on here. I agree with everyone else...if it's a matter of cost, do what is best for your family!! Thanks BS and Diva!!

[Big_Sissy]

Well, it's a done deal. I spent the money and BnS is here to stay for a long time to come.

Besides, I didn't want one of these from the boss...

[Dia Minha]

I thought I had posted something about the way I felt about this website. Maybe I started, but got too emotional and didn't want to play that card. All I can say is this website helped me through the most trying times of my life so far. I honestly can say that without it, I would have shriveled up and died, even if only from the inside.

Thanks BS for all you do. And thanks for keeping us up and running.

[Big_Sissy]

Just glad to provide it. I know to some it's very valuable, I just wanted to know if it still was before I dropped some additional coin on it.

[Erudite]

I'm with everyone else...though that sounds funny because I missed the entire discussion until now. I've just been busy. I love BnS for the way I'm able to keep up with others and help and receive help in turn.

I'm also willing to defray the cost. I know you're not asking us to do so, but if we are willing and can...saying "I'd love some help but don't send more than $XX" is perfectly acceptable. If you say "not more than" we can send what we feel like we can spare and we get some clue as to what this actually costs so that we don't assume it to be thousands of dollars or something (and I do hope I picked an exaggerated sum!).

[Big_Sissy]

LOL, I'm not asking for $$, so don't mention it.

I do appreciate the offer though.