The Downs Needs Your Support

[The Barrow-Wight]

THE STORY OF THE FINANCING OF THE BARROW-DOWNS

The Barrow-Downs opened in 1998 as an extension of my enthusiasm for Middle-earth. Since that time, it has become a haven for fellow Tolkien fans who share a desire to discuss the lands and peoples of Arda. The site has always existed for those purposes, and my goal has always been to make the site bigger and better. The Downs is run for pleasure, not profit, and over its long and enjoyable lifespan I have had to come up with several ways to keep it open.

In the beginning, when the site was still small, I gladly paid all of the costs from my own pocket. The hosting fees were not high, and it was a fun and enjoyable hobby that kept me entertained for hours on end, so there was no need to ask for aid. After a while, I was approached by eUniverse.com and agreed to allow them to host The Downs for free. This not only relieved me of paying for the site’s upkeep, but it even managed to generate a little extra revenue, which in turn enable me to purchase better graphics software. Things were going great.

But the banner ads that eUniverse.com was paying me for proved to be unprofitable for them, and they unceremoniously dropped the site from their roster. By then, traffic had increased quite a bit, so when I went out looking for a new host I discovered that my costs were going to be triple what they had previously been. It was then that I turned to a handful of the most dedicated forum members for help. The Barrow-Downs Team was formed.

Mithadan, Sharkû, Gilthalion, and Mr. Underhill joined me in a union to keep the Downs alive, each agreeing to not only give a monthly monetary tribute to the site, but also to administer and moderate it across all of its features – forum, chat, site, etc. Not only did this allow The Downs to continue, but it also greatly enhanced its content. Overnight, the site went from a good site to a great site. And traffic continued to increase.

In September of 2001 we decided that EZBoard was no longer the place for our forum. It was full of popup ads and its future seemed questionable. After looking around at several different programs, we decided on Ultimate Bulletin Board (UBB). UBB is a great software package, but it wasn’t free, and its cost was more than The Team could easily raise by itself. Once again The Downs turned to its members for assistance, and they didn’t let us down. In practically no time at all, volunteers donated the needed sum and we moved all of our EZBoard topics to the forum you see now. Things continued smoothly for nearly a year.

In June 2002, The Barrow-Downs Team accepted a new member into its ranks – Thenamir. Not only a Tolkien scholar, he also became our storekeeper and created our store - Barrow-Treasures. By October, the store was doing so well that it was covering all of our hosting costs, and The Team was finally free of the monthly payments it had been giving for so long. It was a proud moment for the site. At last the Downs was able to continue and expand without asking for help. But change was on the horizon.

With the store doing well and two of the three Peter Jackson films in release, traffic on the site swelled in January to an unpredicted number. From November 2002 to Jan 2003, visits to The Downs tripled! (average 25,000 visitors a day) With so many people enjoying the site, our host demanded that we purchase more disk space and bandwidth. Since the store was generating a lot of sales, this was no problem. Then came the slump.

Since the movies came out, visits to the site have grown and slumped in a predictable way. In November, as the movies are approaching release, traffic increases and continues to grow until the end of January. Then visits start to fall, diving sharply until reaching a low valley around May and June. Traffic begins to go up slowly again in July as the DVD release date in August approaches, but it falls again as soon as October comes. Of course, November is next, so traffic again begins to soar.

Right now we are in the May/Jun slump, and the store is no longer supporting the increased costs of site maintenance. The number of visitors to the site is nearly twice what it was last May/June (its now about 9,500 people a day), but apparently everyone has bought all of the Middle-earth paraphernalia that they can handle. It has become obvious that the store, no matter how well kept, will not always be able to keep up with our costs. We need to find an additional source of income to see us through the slow times, and our best source has always been our members.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE DOWNS?

If you would like to support The Barrow-Downs, here are some options.

1) Buy something from the Store: Profits from T-Shirts, Mugs, and Golf Caps go straight to the maintenance of the site. Plus, it allows you show off your favorite site!

2) Donate directly to the site with PayPal: Quick and easy. Donations go straight to the Barrow-Wight. Requires a credit card. How? Go to www.paypal.com. (http://www.paypal.com./) Open an account. SEND MONEY to barrowwight@barrowdowns.com.

There is a fee, which you do not pay but is taken out of your donation. The fee is 2.9% + $.30. The chart below lists typical donations and how much The Barrow-Downs will actually receive.

$ 1.00 / $0.67
$ 5.00 / $4.55
$ 10.00 / $9.41
$ 15.00 / $14.26
$ 20.00 / $19.12
$ 25.00 / $23.97
$ 50.00 / $48.25
$100.00 / $96.80

3) Donate directly to the site with a Money Order: Send to the address below. Leave the ‘Pay To’ line blank.

R. Kittle
9505 Hull St Suite D
Richmond, VA, 23236

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU GIVE?
As much or as little as you like.

WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT?
Donators will be listed on the Barrow-Benefactors (http://www.forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=4668) page, so you can show your friends that you had a part in keeping the Downs online. Plus, your donations will go directly to the costs of hosting and administering the site, so you get to keep visiting The Downs! Look at the list of features, many of them unique to our site:

Articles – opinion articles on a variety of subjects
Chat – a great way to keep in touch with other Tolkien enthusiasts
Contests – essays, poetry, comics.
Discussion Forum – the best on the Net. All your questions answered.
Encyclopedia – already big, but growing steadily
FAQ – a compilation of the most serious forum discussions
Fan Fiction – almost 500 stories and growing all the time
Grave Matters – coming soon!
Hanghobbit – cruel but oh so fun!
Location Finder – important to know
Mad Libs - hilarious
Malbeth the Seer – daily fortunes told
Quizzes – 66 of them!
Personality Test – who are you most like?
RPG Forum – we’ve developed a great system for some superb RPGs
Reader Art – plenty of pictures
Tengwar Scriptor – see it in Elvish
Themes – Detailed information on 20 popular subjects

If your donations exceed our costs, we might be able to purchase items to give away in contests or other promotions.

Thanks for your continued visits, and we thank you in advance for your future support.

[ May 17, 2003: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]

[Eruanna]

Although a newcomer to the Downs, I enjoy the site tremendously. It is a testament to the very obvious dedication and hard work of the B.W. and partners. I would like to give my financial support. As I understand it, the Barrow Down's shop does not export goods outside of USA/Canada. Therefore the most convenient way for me to donate would be by credit card. I have not done this before; does Paypal.com convert pounds into dollars and would the fee increase because of this?

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

I’m still a kid/teenager, so I don’t really have money that I could donate myself, but I would definitely try to persuade my parents to get something from the shop. However, I don’t really know where it is. If you put a link in your post and I missed it, I’m sorry, but in any case, could you tel me where to find it?

~Menelien

[The Barrow-Wight]

Eruanna,
Thank you very much for wanting to help out. We really appreciate it. Paypal does convert currencies automatically, and the fee is only about 1% more.

GaladrieloftheOlden,
We understand that many people don't have money to spare, especially those still in school, so we thank you for you interest in helping us out. Here is Barrow-Treasures (http://store.barrowdowns.com). The hats and shirts are reasonably priced and good quality.

Thanks to everyone!

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Menelien, if you go back to the main BarrowDowns site, it should say on the right sidebar "Barrow Treasures" somewhere in there you'll find the shop.

[edit] yikes, BW snuck in in front of me...

[ May 13, 2003: Message edited by: Sophia the Thunder Mistress ]

[The Saucepan Man]

You can count on my support. smilies/smile.gif

[kittiewhirl1677]

I would love to help, but as Menelien said:
I’m still a kid/teenager, so I don’t really have money that I could donate myself, but I would definitely try to persuade my parents to get something from the shop.

This also applies to me, and as I have basically no money at all I can't exactly give any donations, unless it's five dollars(only cash).

My parents will probably never get me anything from the Downs, no matter how long I persuade them because I spend a large fraction of my time there and they would think I've gone nuts if I asked them for this... They're on the verge of blocking the site anyway.

So, I'll try and do what I can, maybe someday I can buy a B-D Tshirt or something of the sort. Although I can't exactly help, I always mentally support the downs! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Liriodendron]

Can't I just send a check? (stuck in my ways!)

[Beren87]

Well, I recently got a job, so you can count on my support (especially through the shop).

Does paypal accept bank-cards?

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

BW, thanks for providing an alternative option for those of us who no longer use credit cards, but still want to support the Downs. This is one of the few sites that I access at least once a day, even if I don't post anything. Most of my family and friends are not Tolkien fans, but I recommend the Downs to those who are.

My sincere thanks to you and to all the administrators/moderators for making this such a great site.

[Bekah]

3) Donate directly to the site with a Money Order: Send to the address below. Leave the ‘Pay To’ line blank.

R. Kittle
9505 Hull St Suite D
Richmond, VA, 23236


How would this one work? Would I send the money in an envelope, or is there something else involved? This is the only way open to me, as I could never buy anything from the store, and I don't have a credit card.

~ Elentari II

[Alkanoonion]

I will happily help finance the Downs, Barrow-Wight if only for all the free hrs of entertainment that you have provided. Without you and the Downs I would have never found my new hobby. You helped me find the courage to tri something new.

Thank you

[piosenniel]

Bekah

Please check your PM's concerning Money Orders.

~~ Pio smilies/biggrin.gif

[Annunfuiniel]

I second Bekah's question: how does the Money Order thing work? I'm from Europe, is that a problem?
I really would like to help but I'm afraid the sum won't be that great... Let's see now, did I have the money for next month's rent... smilies/biggrin.gif

[Eärendil]

Of course I will support the Downs! With as much money as I can give. *smiles*
I too would like to know how the Money Order thingy works. That is the only way for me. And I am from Europe, like Annunfuiniel.
And, is it correct that you do not ship outside US/Canada (about the shop)? If not, then that would be a second way for me to support the Downs. (Have wanted a t-shirt for ages.)

[Bekah]

Seeing as so many people also have the same question as I did, I am going to take the liberty of posting the PM that Pio sent to me.

I'm not sure whether this will work in NZ, but I'll try...

smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/rolleyes.gif

How would this one work? Would I send the money in an envelope, or is there something else involved? This is the only way open to me, as I could never buy anything from the store, and I don't have a credit card.

You take your cash to the post office or a store that sells money orders - they will sell you the money order - it will costs you a little extra for it.

Then, you send the money order to R. Kittle, keeping a receipt for yourself. Just put it in an envelope with a little note what it is for, and your return address if you wish.

Simple as that!

~~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

[ May 14, 2003: Message edited by: Bekah ]

[Eärendil]

Ah, thank you for that Bekah. And Pio! *smiles*
I am still not entirely sure how it works, but I know enough to ask dad about it...*grin*
Again, thanks.

[piosenniel]

Just ask at your local bank or post office, here in the U.S. or your country -- they can direct you to the least expensive route to go. (Some international money orders have quite costly fees.)

[Bekah]

Hmm...I don't even know where the post office around here is. I daresay there is one, but...

I have a feeling that I won't be able to afford the fee, even if I gave you an extremely small amount.

But I'll see what I can do.

And even if I can't support you financially, I'll support you morally.

~ Elentari II

[Alkanoonion]

Done smilies/smile.gif
I got the paypal to work. BW I live in Australia so will I be able to purchase items from your shop?

As an added item to help finance the Downs have you considered having a small banner on your home page that people could rent for say a week to advertise their own web page? I know I would be willing to rent such a place.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

I too am still a kid/ teenager. Just 3 more years and I'll be 18. Can you wait that long? I really would like to donate. Maybe I'll get my dad to buy me something from the shop ^_- that gives you some money... right?

[Manardariel]

I´m a Teen too, but I babysit, soooo´... I´ll probably donate something. BABYSIT FOR THE BARROW-WIGHT!! Hey... that sounds kinda cool. smilies/wink.gif

Oh, and does the shop work in Europe?

[red]

Checks bounce. BW may be a little wary about accepting them from people he doesn't know. I can't blame him.

[Lossentilien]

Awwww!!! I feel awful. I'm a teen, sigh, very original, so can't donate anything that way, and I live in Britain, plus the fact that I don't think I'd be allowed to donate or buy anything with my mum's card...... smilies/frown.gif

[Annalaliath]

we shall see. sincce i am a student and have hardlky any money for which i wil art with willfully i will see how much i can give. i lovethis site and i will try. i was wonering if there was a way that i could buy things from the store without using credit card, considering i dont have one. But anyway i hope to help. i always sacrifice a little of my art supplies for Tolkien realted stuff anyway. can i send you my penny jar? oh no i am rambling again ....

[Raefindel]

People who are intending to buy Money Orders from the Post Office need to be aware that they are very strict there on how it is done. You must bring the Barrow-wight's name and address WITH YOU or they WILL NOT COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION.

I find it much easier to get them at the bank. Many banks don't charge for a MO if you have an account.

[Lalaith]

How will BW know who's giving the money, presumably we have to paypal in our real names...I mean, I want credit for my generosity.. smilies/rolleyes.gif

[The Barrow-Wight]

Hmm, I bought a money order from the US Post Office about two weeks ago and they didn't ask me for any information for the payee. Still, the name and address above should be sufficient if they do ask for it.

Just so everyone knows, our store actually does send stuff overseas, but international shipping can be quite expensive and Thenamir is in the process of moving, so shipment could be slow for a few weeks.

Also, those of you who would like to donate but can't for whatever reason, don't feel bad. We greatly appreciate that you would if you could. That means a lot to us! smilies/smile.gif

Several people have already promised to donate. Alkanoonion even made a PayPal payment all the way from Australia! His was the first we received. THANKS ALKA! I will be building the recognition page soon.

[Child of the 7th Age]

BW,

This is a great idea.

I do have one question. If we enter Barrowdowns Books and proceed directly through to the Amazon site, does the Downs benefit from any of the books we purchase there?

Also, when you have time, please check the pm I sent.

Thank you.

sharon

[Bêthberry]

My personal testimony and support for BW.

I bought several items from the Barrow Store--six coffee mugs and the extended DVD. Since I live outside the US, I paid extra for shipping and then also had to pay customs and duties. $2 a mug! Outrageous!

I would be interested in supporting an extended book ordering system, however, if it benefited the Downs. Yet still I will have to check the duties and customs from international shipping.

BW, you will hear from me once I am back with regular access.

Bethberry

[Firondoiel]

Well, I'm another teenager with no money so I can't donate anything. smilies/frown.gif I will support you in my prayers though.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

*Sophia taps her fingers impatiently* I'm just waiting for my paycheck to come... smilies/wink.gif And then, Paypal here I come. Barrowdowns is too good not to donate to!

[Legolas]

A percentage of the Amazon purchases go to the site if you buy them through links from this site's store.

From the book store main page:

Whatever you are looking for, The Barrow-Downs can be your central location to find it. Now, in association with Amazon.com, you can buy Middle-earth books, cassettes, CDs, and more without straying too far from the Downs. You'll get what you're looking for and help support the Barrow-Downs at the same time.

[ May 14, 2003: Message edited by: Legolas ]

[steve]

Im only a teen also, but iv been wanting a T-shirt (its all i can afford) so now i got a reason to bug my parents to leme use their card, so hopefully ill be putting donation in, just to show my thanks, this site is the best out there

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

I have to say the same as Firondoiel... hope you raise enough money!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Thanks, Legolas.

I never understood whether Amazon paid the Downs a "flat fee" for the right to set up the link, or whether the Downs actually got a percentage of all books that were purchased through that link.

sharon

[Gorwingel]

I will try to find something to send in. I have had so many websites that were my favorites that had to shut down because of finacial problems (like a certain rollercoaster site that shut down for 2 years, came back, but without the feature that made it the best smilies/mad.gif I am still bitter about that)

[Birdland]

Check's in the mail, B-W!

Well, actually; no. I overspent at the plant store. But I will buy myself a coffee mug as soon as I get paid next week; with a little something extra. Buy yourself something pretty. smilies/smile.gif

Regretfully; nobody can talk me into wearing a baseball cap. Not even the Barrow Wright.

[Helkahothion]

Since I am still in school and don't have a credit card, I will have to send you money. What I am wondering: I did not completely understand Pio's PM to Bekah. I'm kind of an Idiot with those things. I live in Holland you see, is it okay for me to send Euro's? If the Barrow Downs will close down, Ill go mad. Damn those greedy money demanding bloodsucking leeches. Anyway, gimmie a head's up soon. What happens if you can't pay up the demand in time?

[Donlammenion]

hi BW i will be in the states in a few months so ill save money for BD Funds and post them to you when im there but i fi can send some befor i will. also would it be a good idea if brits send you sterling instead of pounds that way you would be ale to get the best exchange rate you can. hope this helps ill get on to other Brits i know who like BD ie thereal_findorfin and co and see if they can help

[Arafangwen]

I also, am one of the unable-of-paying-as-of-age people smilies/frown.gif . I would if I could though smilies/biggrin.gif . I, as Firondoiel, will keep you in my prayers also! Thanx for making this all possible in the first place BW! Good luck smilies/biggrin.gif !

[Bekah]

I can't. We don't have a post office anymore. Mum says that the bank does the same job, but unfortunately would also charge me about NZ$25. About US$12.50, at a rough estimate. Not good, considering my teen/little money problem.

I'll support you morally, though, and if I have any brilliant strokes of genius that might help raise your fund, I'll tell you.

The banner isn't a bad idea.

~ Elentari II

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Alright- I think I've persuaded my mom to get me a poster and a baseball cap. Hope it helps! smilies/smile.gif And I'll order as soon as I get my dad to agree too smilies/cool.gif which might take a bit of time, but I'll try. smilies/smile.gif

~Menelien

[Niluial]

I would never want to see this site close. At the moment I am paying for University and my parents are helping! Barrow-Downs relieves me from everyday stress and like some of you know University can give you ALLOT of everyday stress. I will see if I can tribute to something, I always did want a Barrow-Downs mug… So I can sit on the site drinking my coffee out of my Barrow-Downs mug.. or maybe a T-Shirt, to show off! Hmmm.. I’ll see!

[Beren87]

As an added item to help finance the Downs have you considered having a small banner on your home page that people could rent for say a week to advertise their own web page? I know I would be willing to rent such a place.

As would I. That's what quite a few sites do to raise money (including my old one). It actually works suprisingly well.

[Niluial]

I like that banner idea! I would be willing to advertise my site on here once it is up and going! Yea you can have a links page!

[Alkanoonion]

Barrow-Wight thanks for your e-mail. Once again my brilliance shines through, Any chance for the banner idea?

Niluial I believe the downs has a link page, which you can view at here (http://www.barrowdowns.com/Links.asp)

I have a new idea…I pause as people recover from the shock, smilies/wink.gif
As it looks like TolkienWorld has lowered its once high standards (it now never works) have you considered starting a top 20 Tolkien site listing yourself?

You could charge webmasters a small fee for their site to be showcased each week thus raising more revenue and interest in the Downs.
smilies/smile.gif

[ May 15, 2003: Message edited by: Alkanoonion ]

[The Barrow-Wight]

Thinking about the banners. Since there are already banners on the site, it wouldn't be too hard to put more in the lineup. I'd have to come up with a payment plan. I will get back to you all soon on that idea.

There are already several Top Tolkien sites, and I really wouldn't want to reinvent the wheel, even though all the wheels out there seem pretty flat. It would also be another lot of work to do.

[The Barrow-Wight]

Read: Banner Ads and Barrow-Buttons (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=14&t=001063) to see the advertising policy I have developed. Those who have already donated may use their donations as part or all of any plan they wish to purchase.

We will, of course, gladly continue to take donations. I think that a combination of ads and donations will put us in the black soon and hopefully allow us to get some contests going! But I mustn't count the chickens before they hatch, as the saying goes. If things go well, I will find a way to reward our site-less donators, too (besides the donators recognition page I will be building)!

Thanks!

[ May 15, 2003: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]

[Elanor]

I have a question about the link to Amazon. I shop from the UK Amazon site regularly (in fact, they just emailed to tell me I have spent over £200 there this year smilies/eek.gif ) so it would be great if some of that money could go to the BD. As far as I can tell, the link from here goes straight to amazon.com - is there any way I can get to amazon.co.uk and still give the Downs some dosh?

[The Barrow-Wight]

I don't really know. I replaced the .com with .co.uk and it said the link was bad, so I am guessing you can't. Sorry, but thanks for wanting to.

If anyone knows better, please help us out.

Thanks

[Beren87]

Once again my brilliance shines through,

Too bad your humility got lost in the brilliance. smilies/wink.gif

AH! This banner plan is excellant, I'll soon have enough money to advertise.

[Niluial]

Niluial I believe the downs has a link page, which you can view at here
Oh lol I did not see that, silly me!

[Nurumaiel]

I cannot, unfortunately, send any money, but I will support you morally and do whatever else I can to help (i.e. making sure any RPGs I own get finished and closed in time).

[MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie]

And you have my credit card!....oops, I don't have one, so...umm..you have my rake! If that does any good at all....hmmm, I could janitor the neighbors lawns and yards and send the money here....what am I talking about? smilies/rolleyes.gif

But seriously, I have no money or a job. The only money I get I spend on beverage brewed since anchient times made from hops and grains (and extra malty barley), which sometimes results in late night posts that don't make much sense (but are actually quite hilarious) and which I have to delete. I'm thinking about getting a job real soon, so I can't help out right away. Just out of curiosity, how much is the monthly cost?

Oh yeah, and if everyone pays a little it can add up to a lot, really. (average 25,000 visitors a day

If everyone of those people put in just a dollar (using paypal, and excluding any currency conversion fees), that would add up to $16,750!!!! smilies/eek.gif It would be a shame to not have this site around, I do not know what I'd do. I do not want to pressure anyone into sending in money, but really any little bit will help, I'm sure. unless it's five dollars

Of course it will help kittiewhirl1677. Anything will help, anything. Even if it was $.25 it would help. I would hate to have member refrain from helping because they think that their donation won't be enough. If all those members added their money together it would add up to a lot.

And this is a great reminder to anyone who has ever posted a thread that got closed (because there were other threads or it was a newbie hello thread) and didn't understand and/or got angry at the fact it was closed. The reason being, it takes up space and space costs money.

And we all know that money doesn't grow on trees, but it can grow like trees. The Barrow-Wight, have you ever thought of taking some of the donation money and putting it in some kind of savings account. If the donations are enough to cover the costs, and you have leftover money, you could put the rest in a savings account and leave it there until you need it again. Hopefully it you won't need it for awhile, so it can increase, and hopefully, it's enough to grow big. I think that you should map a plan for the costs of this site. That way you can figure out much you should put in the account, and how much you need to keep out so you can pay the monthly fee.

And to anyone who isn't living on their own and doesn't have credit cars to use or money to spend here's some suggestions. Yto gain money, you could offer to do some chores for your parents in exchange for cash, or ask neighbors, or any other ways. Once you have the money, you can ask your parents to use their credit card and you just pay them however much they paid. And I'm sure it would help if you explained the cause. And remember, anything will help.

And if you really need the money and donations are just not enough, can you the site get sponsors for a month through pop up ads and cookies?

And just out of curiosity, how much money does it cost a month, or how much money does it cost to expand disk space and whatever? Can you give me some figures?

I'll help anyway I can.

Respectfully yours,

MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie

[Balin999]

Hm since I have been a member for 3 years now I really want to support the site that has become my online home (even if I don't post that often).
But I have a "problem": I'm a student right now and have to get along with the little money I get from my parents, but if you wait for a few months, I will buy a few things in the shop, because I'm going to have a summer-job and after that I will be able to send you some of my earned money.
Keep the Barrow-Downs alive! Or should I say: Keep the Barrow Downs rotten!

[ May 19, 2003: Message edited by: Balin999 ]

[maikafanawen]

Heyho!

I have ransacked the store! Heh heh. My cousin Fay and I have bought a buncha stuff! smilies/biggrin.gif We really hope it helps. How low on cash are we? I really really don't want the Downs to go bye bye so please please keep us updated. I will gladly buy more stuff or dontate the money!!

With Love,
Maikafanawen and Faybevin

[dunadan_aragorn]

I realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lllllly want to help, but I'm only 15 and my parents think my obsession with Lord of the Rings is odd, especially since I waste my money buying paraphanalia from Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc. I will try to talk them into buying stuff from the downs for my birthday, but that's not until October. Would it help if my friends and I stayed away from the site for a while, so the traffic wouldn't be that bad?????

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

That is a good question. I don't really want to stay away... I seriously love this site, but if us refraining from being on here as often as we are will help with costs, I'll back off for awhile.

I'm only 15, so I have pretty much NO money, but I'll ask my parents for a little moola, but I don't think it will happen since they're putting both of my brothers through college right now and they think that my Tolkien obsession is really strange. But I'll try. Barrowdowns is in my thoughts.

Fea

[Mithadan]

One or two people out of our 25,000 hits per day won't make much of a difference. What does help are the donations we are receiving. Thanks to those who have helped! And keep it up everyone!

[Guinevere]

Dear Barrow-Wight,
I'll gladly contibute something to pay the BD's expenses!
This week it's a year that I joined, and I had so much enjoyment and enlightenment and above all, the wonderful knowledge to share my Tolkien- "craze" with other fans all over the world.

Since I have no credit-card, I asked at the post-office, and it seems I just have to pay the money to the post here in Switzerland (but there i a fee of nearly 10$!! smilies/eek.gif ) and the US post will deliver it to your address. Will that be OK? Or would it be simpler if they paid it to a bank account (but I only have your private address).

Hm, why does it have to be so complicated?!
Or shall I just send the money in a letter and hope it won't get lost of stolen?
smilies/rolleyes.gif

[ May 22, 2003: Message edited by: Guinevere ]

[ May 22, 2003: Message edited by: Guinevere ]

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

My mother proved easier to persuade than I imagined, so you've got as much as I can afford (not much, I'm afraid. Probably 15 dollars or so...) is coming your way smilies/smile.gif Plus something from the shop...

~Menelien

[Eressië Ailin]

Sadly, I don't have any money to spend... *digs in pocket* wait... Yes I do! I'll buy a t-shirt! Or 5!

[Bêthberry]

My, my, many of you sound like my own kids. They, too, claim they don't have much money. But please bear with me as I suggest the very ideas I put forth to them when they proclaim a lack of resources...

I know you do not have a credit card. I know that you do not have a chequeing account at the bank, only a savings account. But I do know that you have an allowance--an allowance which provides you with enough room to maneuvre to proportion the finances available to you. That allowance is intended to teach you how to make decisions about where you wish to spend money, about where you wish to show your values.

Could you forego buying another CD this weekend? or another action figure or Wargames LOTR set? Could you decide to put aide the money for a trip to the movies on Saturday night? Could you decide not to buy that new makeup or nailpolish set for the next month?

There are many ways my own children could support this site--and one of them posts here occasionally and the other discusses my posts with me before she posts at fanfic.net. Can you not find ways to save up even a few dollars to donate to a site which offers you such rewards?

Remember, it is not the amount which counts so much as it is the effort and desire to support the site. Please think creatively, outside the box, to consider how you can support the Downs.

And I truly do hope this post does not sound too 'mumish.'

Bêthberry

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

I'm sorry, as I am making a slightly off topic post here, but I guess I'll pay for it by the money I send in smilies/wink.gif, but you have to consider that not all of us have allowances or saving accounts(me, for example), so it is often much more difficult than that.

~Menelien

Edit: I will admit that I *do* have some money, but it's all my life's savings part, and I think I've only spent about 7 dollars of it in my life, so I'm not really used to spending it... but anyhow, the Downs is getting at least 15 for now...

[ May 23, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Done! It's truly not easy to give up anything when you're living alone, working for minimum wage, and saving to pay for school, but I've sent one *minute* installment, and there will be more coming. *sighs* My entertainment options are relatively limited, and I couldn't bear losing this one. Will give indefinately.

Sophia

[Bekah]

Could you forego buying another CD this weekend? or another action figure or Wargames LOTR set? Could you decide to put aide the money for a trip to the movies on Saturday night? Could you decide not to buy that new makeup or nailpolish set for the next month?

Dear me, Bethberry. If I had that much money would be pouring in from me to support the BDs. At present, all I actually have is NZ$3.15 - roughly translated to US$1.57.

Also, in order to get a money order, I have to change the money, apparently. This would have an additional cost of NZ$25. I simply do not have the money.

However, I am going through some of the threads I have visited and deleting all the unneccessary(sp?) posts that I have written. There are more that I thought. I'm hoping that this will help a little as regards bandwidth - if not, it will still help keep the place tidy.

~ Elentari II

[Eruanna]

I too have sent off a donation (via my son's "paypal.com" account)
Hopefully, if more people are able to do this on a regular basis, then The Downs' money troubles will not become too much of a burden on the B.W and team.
This is a superb site, frequented by lively and interesting people, I would hate to lose it or see it diminished in any way. smilies/smile.gif

[Thalionyulma]

BW

I'd like to help too... but how do I go about it? The currency changing whatchamajig confuses me. I'm in asia, our currency being different (and being in the Third World a whole lot lower than other currencies!).

[Finwe]

I'm in the same boat as many of the other people here. My parents aren't very likely to help buy anything, but I will try to help bring in a few more new members who could probably help with the costs.

[Annalaliath]

Is there a way to do mail order rathr than the credit card from the shop. I am planning on sending my entertainment money this month. I am getting a job so that will make it easyer.

For all you people claiming not to have money, garage sales are good. I raised money to go on a mission trip that way. And we also had burito saled and stuff at church. I am thinking about that kind of thing myself to help out. We shall see.

I will do my best to help out, even if it means parting with my favorite pieces of art.*sigh* I am determined!

[Ophelia]

Damn...!In times like these I hate my parents for not makin' me a bit earlier so I would have a creditcard . Well that would be a good thought about using ordinary envelope and stamp to help for I am still only learnin' my way trough the best years of my life . So I'm sorry for my non-abbilities to help . But now I feel like a total jerk for not helping . . . smilies/confused.gif

[The Barrow-Wight]

We have gotten many very generous donations over the last month. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! We have a very nice amount now that will cover us for a while, but we still would like to see small, regular donations come in.

Thanks!
BW

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I would be very grateful for instructions that someone who is terrible at computers and lives in the UK could follow for donating money or getting stuff at the shop. Can I order from the shop without living in the USA? And if so would it cost the earth? I don't want to make an identical "penniless student" speech, but it's true. I have to save to pay my tuition fees as my parents can't cover all of them. But I REALLY do want to help and it would dent my whole life if the BDs disappeared. Then all it will take is convincing my Mum that it won't sent her past her credit card limit! (She's banned us from Amazon ) smilies/frown.gif

[Guinevere]

So many posts on this topic - yet so far only 17 people have actually donated something!! smilies/eek.gif
Apparently the BD have over 7000 members, and hundreds of them post regularly...I can hardly believe that there are not more of them who are willing to contribute a little.
If all those "penniless teenagers" would just all send 1$ each, it would still amount to quite a lot!
But actually I don't think that everyone on this forum has noticed yet that the BD needs support... smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/frown.gif

[ June 16, 2003: Message edited by: Guinevere ]

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Donate directly to the site with a Money Order:
Is this like a postal order? If I sent a postal order would you be able to cash it? Do you have to ask for a transatlantic one?

[The Barrow-Wight]

As far as I know, a money order is the same as a postal order. As long as it is payable in $US, we should be able to cash it. I'd ask wherever you buy it just to make sure

[The Barrow-Wight]

After only 6 weeks the Downs has had 18 Barrow-Benefactors contribute an average of almost $50 each. WOW!!! smilies/eek.gif What a wonderful response!! The Downs is set to comfortably continue through the Summer and into the Fall, and we intend to take a portion of your donations and sponsor another great contest soon.

So I'd like to extend another hearty thanks to our contributors and invite others to donate as well. Novemeber is when things will get crazy around here, and we want to be prepared.

Thanks!

[Annalaliath]

Again, how can I buy something in the shop without a credit card? I will, I am determined, to send a bit there, but first I think I have to get my wisdome teeth done. I am concidering a garage sale to help out the downs, i just need to get off my butt and do it!!!!!!! It shall be done, one of these days.......!

[Gilthalion]

Although I am never around as much as I used to be, I do pop in from time to time to see if folk have read my fan fiction (see link in signature) and to unwind a little.

THE BARROW-DOWNS has been a companion of mine for quite a little time now and I am well pleased to read of the support that it is receiving!

I shall certainly resume a meager financial contribution (and perhaps avail myself of the banner advertising campaign, on behalf of THE HOBBITS!), though I can no longer participate as I once did in RPGs, Administration, Articles, Forums, and Chats.

JUST A THOUGHT...
Christmas is coming sooner than you think! If your finances are "challenged" consider that you would like to buy Christmas presents anyway for your friends. ("It came to me on Christmas Day, it did, and it's mine, my own, my Precious!) What better way to buy unique gifts than to gradually purchase one item here and one item there from BARROW TREASURES? Just buy one item at a time and give them all out Christmas (or Hannukah, or Ramadan, or Quanza, etc.)!

(Perhaps to save shipping costs, you can buy the lot on layaway and wheedle the old Barrow Wight to delay shipment so you get all the goodies at one time! That may not be such a hot idea...)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

A suggestion to those of us who are students or in similar financial situations. When I was in college I used to take the old albums I didn't listen to anymore (yes, they were vinyl records) down to sell at the Record and Tape Traders to have money to donate to things. Even if you just find one it is a couple of bucks. It cleans, recycles and helps a cause all at once! And you don't have the bother of a yard sale.

And Mister Barrow Wight, perhaps there is some way to put excess funds in a sort of trust or fixed deposit? It would be wonderful if interest could cover costs when needed, though the taxman may become unduly involved.

[Beren87]

Well, I just bought the Arwen pendant, so that should help a bit. It's rather cheap through BD store too.

[Annalaliath]

Again is there a way to buy from the Barrow shop without a credit card?

[Beren87]

PayPal (http://www.paypal.com) takes credit cards, bank cards, and checks.

[ July 06, 2003: Message edited by: Beren87 ]

[Cúdae]

Although all my spare change goes to gas money (for the dang car...I wish I knew how to ride a bike...) and to my niece's college fund, I can't spare money directly to the 'Downs. On the other hand, my 18th birthday is coming up in September, which I feel warrants some Middle-Earth merchandise, so I will sit my parents in front of the computer and show them the 'Downs store. smilies/smile.gif

[Annalaliath]

thankyou Beren. I have been wondering, you are very kind. After my wisdom teeth I will be free once more to splurge on the BDS!( By the way and way off topic, it was you that had the Llama avatar wasn't it?) I do hope that the beginning of the semester doesn't mess up with my plans. I am also planning, with my mother, a yard sale...... so I will try. I will stem my need to buy amovie, or to go get new cloths, or to oh yes, no matter how hard it is not buy a new action figure or book, but I will if I find them in the Downs shop.

[Bulelainwen]

Hmm...I have seem to have found this thread at the perfect time. My parents just set up a checking account with a credit card for me. I will find some way to donate to the 'Downs. I really should, saying I've been here for over a year. Though I am currently $750 in debt to my parents (me+credit card+europe=$750 debt) I WILL donate. It'll just take a little longer to pay my parents back. I have been wanting a T-shirt for a while now. And not all teenagers get an allowence, I don't. But I am doing chores and other odd jobs to earn money. And hopefully BW will recieve something from me soon. It would certainly be horrid if the Barrow-Downs closed. But thanks to lots of wonderful people, we know it isn't going to happen. ^_^

[Gilthalion]

Just thought I'd report that the banner ad for THE HOBBITS has produced plenty of hits and a goodly number of new reviews from folk who have read the entire novel. Banner ads are a great way to support the Downs!

[Thalimenel]

I, too, am to young to donate money. I will do all I can at the shop though! I do have SOME money.

[Finwe]

I do agree that most 16-year-olds (being one myself) are very limited in resources, but thanks to indulgent Indian parents who felt that I needed to start paying for my own things, I now have a credit card.

[Encaitare]

I want to buy something from the store, but I can't find the link anywhere! I tried the link given at the beginning of this thread, but it just took me back to the forums. I could have sworn there was a link at the main site, but it doesn't seem to be there. Can someone provide a link please? Or has the store shut down and I just missed it?

Thanks, I'm losing my mind here. :p

[The Barrow-Wight]

The store was dancing around in the Sammath Naur and slipped into the Crack of Doom. I'm not sure if we'll be offering shirts, hats, etc. anymore.

Thenamir, do we have any of those left?

[The Perky Ent]

Ah non! Not Sammath Naur! Too bad! If only it could be reforged....

[Encaitare]

Oh, man. That's too bad. Well, thanks, and as Perky said, maybe the store could be opened up again? Maybe?

[Snowdog]

Dang! I was looking for a Barrow Downs t-shirt.
So all the costs are being covered by donation now?
I'll have to make arrangements for that with my paypal.

[Thenamir]

Good November to all of you folks. I am sorry for not paying more attention to this thread in days past.

As to what we have left -- there are a few t-shirts in mostly smaller sizes, plenty of coffee mugs, and a few baseball caps.

If there is something that you would like me to investigate for you, I can still do so. I still have my connections to my suppliers for swords and other stuff. I'll do what I can. Just drop me a line, thenamir@barrowdowns.com, or vincent.smith@centerpointenergy.com

[Snowdog]

Got my shirt and cup today! Thanks!

[Thenamir]

Satisfaction Guaranteed!!

[Lindolirian]

Got my shirt and cup today! Thanks!Ditto minus the cup! (cause I didn't order one :rolleyes: ) Very nice shirt; I enjoy it.:D

[Thenamir]

Thanks for letting me know it arrived safely and in good condition, glad to help out!

Anyone else? These are collector's items, you know...

[Oddwen]

Funny...I could have sworn that I emailed you, Thenamir. I'll try again.

[mormegil]

Is there still a need for any help. While I'm poor I wouldn't mind doing a little each month to help out if needed.

[Kath]

And are there still any of those T-shirts around? Free advertising and all you know.

[Nimrodel_9]

Yes, I would like a shirt if there are any still around. How much are they?

[FeRaL sHaDoW]

like some one else said I’m still a kid/teenager, so I don’t really have money that I could donate myself, but I would definitely try to persuade my parents to get something from the shop. the hardest thing is that im from new zealand.

[Thenamir]

Ahh, someone dug up the old thread. There's not much left in the old Barrow-Downs shop...a few t-shirts, some coffee mugs, some FOTR and TTT action figures, one of the gold-plated-sterling One-Ring replicas...let me know what you're looking for.

P.S. I can ship to New Zealand, but the shipping charges are more expensive.

[Oddwen]

There is stuff left? Glory be! Expect an email, Thenamir.

[Thenamir]

I have a couple of t-shirts, large and small (sorry, no mediums or XLs), they're $10 each plus postage, usually about $3 in the USA. I have a couple of baseball caps left, for $7, and a ton of coffee mugs for $5.

I also have many of the LOTR action figures from FOTR and TTT (none from ROTK, sorry). I can also still get the sword replicas from United Cutlery, but they're pretty expensive. Let me know if there's anything you'd like, and I'll send along prices.

If you order and pay on Paypal by Wednesday morning, I can have it delivered in the USA by Priority Mail and get it there by Christmas, in necessary.

[Alkanoonion]

Mmmm been some time from my last donation and it’s time that I made a new contribution, I would like to order 2 mugs please. Can you Ship to Adelaide Australia and if so at what cost? Btw do the downs have any new payment methods available yet? :D

[Durelin]

Might I be able to grab that small t-shirt, if possible?

I bought one years ago but I can't find it! :eek: I imagine it will turn up eventually, but I won't mind having two one bit... :D

Oh, and actually a mug sounds nice, too. ;)

Thanks so much!

Edit: Ah, I cannot resist...one more mug and a hat, too, please!

So... 1 small t-shirt, 1 cap, 2 mugs (as long as shipping isn't really nasty for all of that...). Thanks so much!

[ninja91]

Are there any pictures of the merchandise? I am interested.

[Valier]

Well I would be interested in 2 mugs.Please someone Pm me and let me know how this all works.

[Oddwen]

Might I claim a large t-shirt please?

[Valier]

Is the only way to pay for it by Paypal? Or is there other means which I can use?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Is the only way to pay for it by Paypal? Or is there other means which I can use?

I second that motion.

Plus, I would like a hat and a mug. :D

Do you deliver to The United Kingdom of Great Briton and Northern Ireland? Or at least, the province of England?

[Brinniel]

Ha, I'm wearing a Downs t-shirt right now...something I purchased way back in 2002. :D

I think I'd be interested in a mug. I've discovered ever since my suitemates and their friends starting using all my mugs, I can never have too many. :rolleyes:

How long will it take to ship to somewhere in the US? An important question because right now I have two homes...

[Durelin]

Are there any pictures of the merchandise? I am interested.

Well, I can tell you that the shirt is a nice dark green with the Barrow-Downs logo on it (the logo with the sword at the top of the site and forums), right across the middle, on the front. And on the back, up towards the top is the url, in gold writing. I believe the hat is very similar...likely the mugs are, too (it's been too long since I looked through the old Barrow store...). Nice and simple that way, but striking. :D

[Bêthberry]

Are there any pictures of the merchandise?


Voila:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y64/MimsyBorogroves/IMG_0003.jpg

[Durelin]

Oooh...I definitely want two. :D

Thank you, Bethberry!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

The T-shirt can be seen here (http://www.barrowdowns.com/tshirtcontest.php) twice - both photos taken several years ago for the T-shirt contest. Lush is wearing the XL shirt, so you can get an approximate idea of sizing.

[Thenamir]

OK -- let me see if I can answer most of the questions I've been getting here and in Private Messages:


Right now, PayPal is pretty much the only way to send me a payment and get your stuff in something less than a month. If you REALLY have to have another way, write me at the e-mail address below, and I'll see if I can work something out.

HOWEVER: As this is probably the last time that I'll have any of this stuff available (since lots of people are making inquiries) the stuff will have to go first-paid, first-served. There are plenty of mugs (probably around 30) but the other stuff is already going fast. I apologize in advance to those of you who do not have access to credit cards or PayPal.

The mugs are not plastic, as some have suggested -- they are high quality ceramic mugs. Which means that, like most ceramic mugs, they WILL break if dropped from sufficient height.

Unfortunately, that also means that they're rather heavy compared to plastic mugs, and shipping is going to cost more. If you're outside the USA, the shipping will likely cost more than the mugs themselves.

Even more unfortunately, since it is already Thursday, I CAN NOT deliver by Christmas 2006 ANYWHERE...unless by chance you live in Houston, Texas USA.


Now I make this request -- BD private messages and forum posts are not the fastest way to order. PLEASE E-mail me -- thenamir@barrowdowns.com, and put the word "Barrowdowns" somewhere in the subject line -- that will help me get to those notes first. I will do my level best to get back to everyone who writes as soon as possible.

Thanks to everyone who has taken an interest, and especially to Bethberry and Estelyn for posting the pictures and links.

Merry Christmas to All!

[Brinniel]

Okay, so I don't really know anything about PayPal. Can anyone sign up for it?

[Durelin]

Yep, anyone can sign up for it, but you need a credit card (or check card you can use like a credit card) or bank account that will be attached to the paypal account. But I think that's all you need.

[Thenamir]

OK -- Pay attention, this is cool.

You DON'T have to sign up for PayPal to send payments over the web. I can send you an e-mail invoice (using PayPal), which you can then use to pay for your BD stuff. You still have to have a debit or credit card, though. If you want to send payment some other way, let me know via e-mail (thenamir@barrowdowns.com) and we'll work it out.

Merry Christmas!

[Oddwen]

I got my shirt today - woohoo! Thank you!

Expect a pic of me in it ... eventually.

[Snowdog]

Those mugs are nice! I'm having tea in mine right now!
Still got the shirt, and I wear it on occasion.