Barrow-Benefactors

[The Barrow-Wight]

Barrow-Benefactors

We would like to thank all of those members and visitors who have donated to The Barrow-Downs. Their generosity is what keeps the site and the forum alive for all of us to enjoy. In recognition of those who have given, we have created the list below. The number in parenthesis after each name is the number of months that person has donated. The different levels are explained further down the topic.

IMMORTALS OF AMAN
Saucepan Man (8)(Sep 04)
Finwe(6)(Apr 04)
piosenniel (7)(Dec 03)

FAITHFUL OF NUMENOR
Laughing Eagle (8)(Apr 04)

CITIZENS OF WESTERNESSE
Faenaduial (6)(Dec 03)

COMMANDERS OF ARNOR


REGENTS OF ARNOR


STEWARDS OF ARNOR
Hilde Bracegirdle (6)(Feb 05)
Alquadae (4)(Sep 04)

MASTERS OF CARDOLAN
Heren-Istarion (3)(Aug 04)
Guinevere (2)(Jun 04)


CHAMPIONS OF CARDOLAN
Squatter of Amon Rûdh (2)(Aug 03)

PROTECTORS OF CARDOLAN
Ealasaide (2)(Sep 04)
lestat (2)(Apr 04)
Eruanna (2)(Jan 04)
lindil (2)(Oct 03)
ophia the Thunder Mistress (4)(Aug 03)
Estelyn (3)(Aug 03)
The X Phial (2)(Jun 03)


PATRONS OF CARDOLAN
The Perky Ent (2)(Sep 04)
Fordim Hedgethistle (1)(Sep 04)
Carrun (1)(Jan 04)
Rimbaud (1)(Sep 03)
Robert Patterson (1)(Sep 03)
Liriodendron (1)(May 03)
Kim Benson (1)(May 03)
Pukel Man (1)(May 03)
Andy Rice (1)(May 03)
Alatáriël (1)(May 03)
Alkanoonion (1)(May 03)
Phrim (1)(May 03)
Burrahobbit (1)(May 03)


Donators can reach ten levels of excellence. A score is calculated for each person who has given. That score is the total amount given multiplied by the number of months that person has donated (months need not be consecutive). The system is designed to recognize continued support, so you must not donate a lot at one time to score highly.

Barrow-Benefactor Levels
10 - Immortals of Aman (2618 +)
9 - The Faithful of Numenor (2095 - 2617)
8 - Citizens of Westernesse (1629 - 2094)
7 - Commanders of Arnor (1222 - 1628)
6 - Regents of Arnor (873 - 1221)
5 - Stewards of Arnor (582 - 872)
4 - Masters of Cardolan (349 - 581)
3 - Champions of Cardolan (175 - 348)
2 - Protectors of Cardolan (58 - 174)
1 - Patrons of Cardolan (0 - 57)


For example, someone who gave $50 once will get 50 points, but a person who has given $10 a month during 3 different months would get $30 multipled by 3 months, for a total of 90 points.

If you would like to make a donation to The Downs, please read why The Downs needs your support (http://www.forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4658). Directions for helping us out are towards the bottom of the topic.

Thank you!
The Barrow-Downs Team

[Niluial]

Brilliant idea Mr Barrow-wight! I am still waiting to get my site up and going, it might take a while. And I want to buy a shirt or a mug but where?
Kind Regards
Niluial smilies/biggrin.gif

[ May 17, 2003: Message edited by: Niluial ]

[The Saucepan Man]

Wish I'd known about the scoring system before I made my donation ... smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/wink.gif

[ May 17, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[Niluial]

The Barrow-Wight: I am only confused about one thing! When the whole scoring thing happens, where will the scores be shown? (I hope that makes sense smilies/rolleyes.gif )

Wish I'd known about the scoring system before I made my donation ...
You should have guessed that The Barrow-Weight would come up with some amazing idea smilies/wink.gif!!

[eleanor_niphredil]

One question. The bottom score says 0. I donated 0, so why am I not there?

Just thought I'd add my thoughts...

[The Barrow-Wight]

I hope that was a joke, elanor. Otherwise, I'm really worried about you smilies/wink.gif

Do I really have to change that zero to a number so as to not confuse people!? smilies/rolleyes.gif

To answer another question, scores will not be shown. Just the Levels.

[ May 18, 2003: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]

[eleanor_niphredil]

I get easily confused! smilies/biggrin.gif

I'll have to save up, search in the sofa for spare change!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

The system is designed to recognize continued support, so you must not donate a lot at one time to score highly.

Does this mean you would rather have monthly donations rather than a larger lump sum? Also, If we don't want the points can we opt out of it but still contribute? What would a good monthly amount be? I have no idea what your expenses are....

[ May 18, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]

[ May 18, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]

[Niluial]

To answer another question, scores will not be shown. Just the Levels.

Ok thank you!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Does this mean you would rather have monthly donations rather than a larger lump sum?

Either way is great, but we'll have bills next month and the month after that, so a regular source of income (and regular donations) might be better in the long run.


The point system is not something you can opt out of, nor is it something that people should focus on. Its just a way to recognize everyone's contibution in a way that shows how each has effected the site. Its not a competition, so those at the 'lower' level are no less important than those above. We are grateful for every dollar.

[VanimaEdhel]

The forced exhalation of breath was just my exhasperation at being nearly sixteen and not having a good sum of money to contribute, and a father that won't let her contribute what little she has. You guys have to keep donating until I'm old enough to give money to whatever sites I want.

I do have a question, though: could you explain exactly how the points system works, as I am very curious, or would it just make us dizzy to think about it? Because there are people with (1) in both categories, and I don't know what you mean where you have the (1) next to the screennames. Yes, I read that the points system isn't important, but I think that it would be interesting to know how you are doing it.

[ May 18, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Carlas]

The number in parenthesis after each name is the number of months that person has donated.

That score is the total amount given multiplied by the number of months that person has donated (months must not be consecutive).

[Liriodendron]

I am lazy and will make one donation, score, shmore! smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/wink.gif Save it for a rainy day! smilies/tongue.gif

[The Barrow-Wight]

We have our first Champion of Cardolan!!

[Niluial]

We have our first Champion of Cardolan!!
Who?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

The first Champion appears to be Pio! Thank you from a grateful Hobbit, Piosenniel!


That score is the total amount given multiplied by the number of months that person has donated (months must not be consecutive).

The months must not be consecutive? I'm afraid I don't understand why this wouldn't be good. Could you expand on it a little futher?

[The Barrow-Wight]

The list of all donators is on the first post of this topic.

Months must not be consecutive means that one must not donate in two consecutive months to get credit for having donated two months. Donating in May and June will give a donator the same multiplier as donating in May and November. The whole idea is to get repeat donations. We appreciate every little bit we get whenever people can get it to us.

Thanks!

[The Barrow-Wight]

A little clarification.

Previous wording seemed to confuse some folks so I have changed:

"That score is the total amount given multiplied by the number of months that person has donated (months must not be consecutive)."

to

That score is the total amount given multiplied by the number of months that person has donated (months <font color'White">NEED NOT be consecutive).

Apparently some people thought the 'must not' was a plea for people not to donate on two consecutive months when in fact we would prefer consecutive donations so we always have a steady stream of donations.

Thanks

[The Barrow-Wight]

piosenniel has moved up to MASTER OF CARDOLAN. Thanks for the continued support!

[Guinevere]

I am glad to see that my donation has safely arrived.
But your scoring system is a bit unfair to those who send money from abroad! For me it's better to send a larger sum once a year than smaller sums every other month or so, because the "Postüberweisung" costs nearly 10$ every time, independent of the sum sent!! smilies/frown.gif

[The Barrow-Wight]

Thanks very much for the generous donation, Guinevere. I tried to send a PM but your PM box was full.

The point system is a simple way of acknowledging the money people send to the support of the Downs. It was designed to be very easy to maintain with very few calculations. Though I don't plan to adjust the point system, perhaps we could annotate on the list where people are from.

If anyone on the Barrow-Benefactors list would like to list your country or state of origin, just drop me a line. I could do little country flag emblems. It won't get you higher on the list, but it will look cool!

Thanks to everyone!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Laughing Eagle has become out second Master of Cardolan. Thanks to Laughing Eagle and everyone else who has donated!!


Did no one have thought on the idea about little flags?

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I think little flags sound fun, BW. smilies/biggrin.gif

Sophia

[Gwaihir the Windlord]

Lol, interesting way to wheedle money out of people. Maybe you'll be able to abolish the mug/tshirt trade this way? smilies/smile.gif How much money does this site need to keep running, exactly

[The Barrow-Wight]

If anyone feels wheedled, I expect they won't donate anything. Fortunately, there are people who see value in our site and forum, and they have generously helped keep us going.

[Gwaihir the Windlord]

Of course.

[The Barrow-Wight]

Donations are still coming in, and we greatly appreaciat them.

We have our first STEWARD OF ARNOR: piosenniel

Many thanks to our newest Barrow Benefactor: Faenaduial

[The Barrow-Wight]

We got a couple more donations today and something quite unexpected, a Palantir!

Many thanks to Alquadae for sending a lovely 'Water Colors' light and sound scultpure machine. I will now sit by computer in the dark with the colored light show and the soothing sounds of running water. Also, I can use it to comunicate to distant places.

http://www.barrowdowns.com/palantir.jpg

Alquadae was nice enough to clarify the 6 sounds the machine makes (in italics):

1) Ocean Waves of Alqualonde
2) Jungle "Away South"
3) Starry Night (with crickets and cicads) of Lorien
4) Light Rain Wellinghall
5) Mountain Meadow of Rohan
6) Babbling Brook/Stream Nimrodell

Thank you very much, Alquadae! smilies/biggrin.gif

[The Barrow-Wight]

Saucepan Man has moved up to "Champion of Cardolan".

Thanks!!!

[The Barrow-Wight]

I'd like to thank our most resent donators:

Squatter of Amon Rûdh
Alquadae
Laughing Eagle
piosenniel
Faenaduial
Saucepan Man
Estelyn

Sorry it took so long to recognize your contributions. I was on vacation smilies/smile.gif

[ August 29, 2003: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]

[ August 29, 2003: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]

[The Barrow-Wight]

<font color="white">We've had two promotions!
Faenaduial is now a CHAMPION OF CARDOLAN
Hilde Bracegirdle is now a PROTECTOR OF CARDOLAN

Thanks for your continued support!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Many thanks to Heren-Istarion, who just became a Protector of Cardolan smilies/smile.gif H-I has also contributed poetry for the ARTICLES page and many, many deep posts throughout the forum.

[The Barrow-Wight]

We have two new Patrons:

Rimbaud
Robert Patterson

Thanks guys!

[The Barrow-Wight]

piosenniel, along with co-running The Shire in a superb way, has also soared to the rank of CITIZEN OF WESTERNESSE!

I thank you, and everyone else should to. May Eru grant you the long life of the fair Isle.

[HerenIstarion]

Thank you for your kind words, BW, and for the job you and the team are doing smilies/smile.gif natural for us to wish to land you a hand a bit. But do you really 'resent' people donating smilies/wink.gif (hint, hint - look at your post up there, sometime by the end of August)

Ok, kidding. Pio, impressive smilies/eek.gif

[piosenniel]

I like the Downs venue . . . and I happen to be one of the fortunately employed . . .

Númenor - one of my favorite places to visit!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Laughing Eagle and Saucepan Man have moved up in the ranks, and Finwe enters the board as a Protector of Cardolan.

Thanks everyone!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Finwe and Faenaduial have both moved up a level! Thank you very much!!!!!

[The Barrow-Wight]

The Saucepan Man rises to the fantastic Steward of Arnor level. Many praises!

[The Saucepan Man]

Heck, I don't care about the Downs. I'm just trying to keep up with the Joneses (aka piosenniel and Laughing Eagle). smilies/tongue.gif smilies/wink.gif

[The Barrow-Wight]

Try keeping up with pio! She just raised another rank an is only a short step away from immortal!

[Finwe]

Well, Saucy, I do believe you've got competition! Or at least you will be getting competition very soon! smilies/wink.gif

[The Barrow-Wight]

Latest update:

lindil, who already generously donates his time to the Revised Silmarillion Project, has donated a nice sum and entered the board as a Protector and Cardolan.

Two long-time benefactors, Laughing Eagle and Hilde Bracegirdle, have donated again. Thank you!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Finwe has rocketed to the REGENT level. Wow! smilies/eek.gif

Faenaduial zoomed to STEWARD!

You all are great!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Saucepan man has risen to the rank of Regent! Thanks!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Many, many thanks to our very first IMMORTAL OF AMAN, piosenniel, who has donated to the site for the 7th time this year! Thanks to her and all other contributors, the Downs has a solid financial foundation that will keep us going for quite a while!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Saucepan Man and Laughing Eagle have both just risen to the rank of Citzen of Westernesse. Thanks!!!!

[The Barrow-Wight]

I failed to report that Faenaduial rose to CITIZEN OF WESTERNESSE in December. Sorry about that!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Finwe has become a Commander of Arnor!
Erunna moves up to Protector of Cardolas!
Carrun becomes a Patron of Cardolan.

Thanks for the generous donations.

[The Barrow-Wight]

I've moved Alquadae up to Champion of Cardolan. Alquadae actually qualified for that positon months ago, but I miscalculated the points.

[The Barrow-Wight]

Finwe has risen to the penultimate level of Barrow-Benefaction, the <font color="white">Faithful of Númenor</font>. Her timely donation, as well as the regular donations from all of you, was responsible for the new forum software *and* the prizes for The Barrow-Downs Scavenger Hunt.

Thank you!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Many thanks to Finwe for another generous donation. She has now moved into the ranks of the IMMORTALS and will live forever in the undying barrow.

Thanks Finwe!

Thanks everyone for your continued support!

[Finwe]

I'm honored to be of service!

[HerenIstarion]

Many a praise indeed :D

as a an eye opener, I never thought Finwe were a lady. So, many happy a-posting, my lady, than :)

[Finwe]

Ah well, revelations come every day!

[The Barrow-Wight]

lestat, one of our most voracious consumers of chat room screen space, has donated to the cause and become our newest Barrow-Benefactor. Thank you very much, lestat. Everyone should thank you and our other contributors for keeping the Downs going!

[Faenaduial]

BW, would you please check with Pay-pal and see if you received my January and February contributions. They haven't been posted. I hesitate to send more if you have not received my last to contributions through pay-pal.

[The Barrow-Wight]

Saucepan Man has risen to "Faithful of Numenor"

Alquadae has risen to "Master of Cardolan"

lestat has risen to "Protector of Cardolan"

Ealasaide has become out newest benefactor and is a "Patron of Cardolan"


THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Laughing Eagle has been promoted to FAITHFUL OF NUMENOR!

Hilde Braceirdle has dontated again and is only a short distance away from being promoted.

Thanks to both of you and to everyone. You continue to keep us going strong!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Guinevere has made a generous donation and is now a Master of Cardolan.

Thanks!!!

[HerenIstarion]

Praise: Long live the Benefactors! Praise them with great praise

Note: Sophia Thunder Mistress's entry on the first page omits an opening capital S :)

Question: BW, is your postal address the same (as I can not get through by PM). Just yes or no would suffice. If no, let me have it by PM or e-mail.


Cheers

[The Barrow-Wight]

Hilde Bracegirdle has risen to Master of Cardolan. Thanks Hilde!

[The Barrow-Wight]

Heren Istarion has become a MASTER OF CARDOLAN

and

The Perky Ent has donated and is a PATRON of CARDOLAN



Thanks!!!!

[The Perky Ent]

Glad to do it! If something happened to the downs, I don't know what I'd do! For one, my writing would stink...yeah, my plan is, a little a month. It only takes $10 a month to become a Commanders of Arnor! I'm on my way Finwe!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

You are most welcome Master Barrow-Wight! Thank you for the tremendous web-site!

[The Perky Ent]

Yes! Thank you for this blessed sight...as soon as the new server problem is fixed ;)

[HerenIstarion]

You are most welcome Master Barrow-Wight! Thank you for the tremendous web-site!

lol yep, I agree.

That being my tuppence worth...

:D

[Rimbaud]

:) HI

[The Barrow-Wight]

The Perky Ent has donated again and is on the verge of moving up a level!

Fordim Hedgethistle becomes out 31st contributor! Thanks!!!

[The Perky Ent]

And in another month, I will move up another level. And I'm glad to do it. If it helps the downs, I'm there!

[The Barrow-Wight]

The Saucepan Man has risen to Immortal status!!!!!

Praise him with great praise!

[HerenIstarion]

Impressive :)

My compliments, SpM :)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Over here in Blighty I have considered sending some money to support the Downs... However, the most unfortunate of mishaps occurred just yesterday, my special lap-top (at which I spend most of my life) fell from its special place and the hard disk broke! I now had to pay £100 for a new one! But rest assured Lord Barrow Wight, by at least January I’ll have sent £50... This is around $89.87 (as of 24th of September 2004). So Don't Panic!

Anyway, for a donation of £50, would I receive 50 points or 89?

[The Barrow-Wight]

That would be 89, or whatever it converted to at the time.

[The Saucepan Man]

Now all that's needed is another level that I can aspire to ... :rolleyes: :)

[The Barrow-Wight]

Alqaudae has risen to Steward of Arnor!

Ealasaide has risen to Protector of Cardolan!

Thanks!!!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Just to clarify something, Lord Barrow Wight. How much is it actually costing you for the upkeep of the Downs?
I don't want to find out that all the spare funds are going to wards some form of giant robot that will take over the world (That's happened before)... or some form of "Barrow Downs theme park!"... Actually that wouldn't be so bad! I hope its that! :D :smokin:

[Ealasaide]

My pleasure! :cool:

I do have to confess that this is turning out to be the website that ate all my freetime, but I am having a lot of fun with it & would like to do what I can to see that it continues to grow and prosper. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

You are most welcome Master Barrow-Wight! Thank you for the tremendous web-site!

LOL :p Ah but HerenIstarion, anyone who knows me will tell you that I've been quiet wrapped up in the Barrow Downs since stumbling across it. I might as well be suspensed in a tree in Mirkwood! :D

[Ealasaide]

I've been quite wrapped up in the Barrow Downs since stumbling across it. I might as well be suspensed in a tree in Mirkwood!

Me, as well, HB! I didn't have much free time to begin with, but now ...the jewelry work is suffering and the novel languishes... :rolleyes: Alas! ;)

[The Barrow-Wight]

Hilde Bracegirdle has become a Steward of Arnor. Thank you!


Traffic on the Downs has come down to a trickle compared to what it was last year, and thanks to all of the donations then and now, we still are able to cover all costs. Those costs are considerably lower now than they used to be, so the Downs is no longer desperate for contributions, but it's still nice to see one now and then. Thank you, everyone, for keeping us in business this long.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Pray tell us dear Barrow Master, what is our current financial state? Is all well, or do our communal coffers require the comminity to cough up some treasure in tribute?

[alquadae]

Tap tap, You in there BW? tap tap tap.

[Mister Underhill]

Hello, fellow Wights.

As you can see, it's been years since the question of Downs financial issues have been raised. But now the bill for hosting the site and the forum has come due -- on 4/21/10, to be exact.

$142 will keep these shadowy mounds bathed in their trademark eerie green glow for another 2 years. We've already passed the hat in the mod forum, but since that's a pretty steep figure to be footed by the few remaining active mods and admins, we thought it would be a good idea to give our membership the opportunity to lend a hand.

So, if you enjoy the Downs and want to see it continue, and if you have a bit to spare, donations are kindly accepted via PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/) (follow the link to learn more) deposit to the Barrow-Wight at bw@barrowdowns.com

If you'd like to contribute but don't want to use PayPal, I suggest contacting BW via the aforementioned email address or by private message (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=2), and I'm sure he'll be happy to work out an alternative method with you.

Thanks in advance for your support!

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

I think I can spare a few bucks. Have you ever looked into amazon's system for collecting contributions? I know of a few other fan-type sites that use it, and I seem to recall that it doesn't have the extra processing fee.

[Morthoron]

I suppose I'll throw some cash your way as well. It seems to be the only way I'll ever get rid of that ghastly 'Ghost Prince of Cardolan' tag.

[skip spence]

It seems to be the only way I'll ever get rid of that ghastly 'Ghost Prince of Cardolan' tag.

:D

Seriously though, give this man a title, he if any deserves it.

Edit: Will you pay me too, Morth?

[Morthoron]

:D

Seriously though, give this man a title, he if any deserves it.

Edit: Will you pay me too, Morth?

Alas! the ever spiralling cost of bribery. I suppose adding to your reputation doesn't count?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Because I finally got paid today, I thought I'd send in some money to the nice people who allow me to publish a stupid little newspaper. :D

[Nogrod]

So the PayPal just works with the e-mail address of the recepient? Nothing else needed about the receiving side?

And it is only 142$ in total for two years? Yeah, it's a lot if one or two pays but I don't think it should be a problem for the community, especially to us who have a steady salary.

[The Might]

I never use PayPal, because somehow I don't like it much.
Does a normal payment work as well? In that case I would need the info of the other account as well.

[Inziladun]

I never use PayPal, because somehow I don't like it much.
Does a normal payment work as well? In that case I would need the info of the other account as well.

I'm enough in the Dark Ages that I've never used PayPal, so I'd like some alternative also.

[Mithalwen]

I would like to contribute but I have had bad experiences with paypal so would prefer an alternative .. I would take the chance posting dollars in cash but no idea what the postal service is like transatlantic atm... any other options anyone? that doesn't involve disproportionate fees?

[Nogrod]

What kind of bad experiences Mith? Has money vanished or things like that? I mean in that case it would be better if people just made a donation to an account the Barrow-Wight could send to everyone wishing to make one (like in a PM or via e-mail)?

I didn't actually know there were problems with the PayPal, or if there actually are, I was just not used to the concept and thought it odd one could send money with only an e-mail adress as a recipient.

Sure we wish to donate the money to the 'Downs and not to some internet pickpockets.

So the Might "somehow doesn't like it much" and Mith has bad experiences. Would you let us into what kind of things you refer to? I'm ready to use PayPal unless someone tells me about a particular problem involved.

[Durelin]

I've used PayPal a number of times, and not had a problem. My dad uses it on Ebay and in making other transactions online pretty regularly still. I am sure problems can happen, though. Most of the problems I've encountered with online transactions, though, is trusting who you're sending money to--and that's not an issue here.

As soon as I get myself signed up on Paypal with my own account, I'll be sending a donation. :)

[Bêthberry]

My kids regularly use my Paypal account to buy video games, books, anime characters, etc. and we've never had any problems with it.

Now I just have to make sure there's money in the account after their purchases for me to donate! ;) I'll make sure that happens before the deadline tomorrow.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I have been wondering about this. I don't understand PayPal (or maybe it's so simple that I don't understand that's it :D ), and I have never used it, of course; if there was some clear way how to do it, I would use it. Basically what Mith said - the old-fashioned "material" ways are the best :) But of course, I am all for easy transactions... as long as it is easy. (And safe.)

[alatar]

To quote someone, I have skin in the game, via PayPal.

It was so easy it was creepy...:eek:

[Mithalwen]

What kind of bad experiences Mith?
So the Might "somehow doesn't like it much" and Mith has bad experiences. Would you let us into what kind of things you refer to? I'm ready to use PayPal unless someone tells me about a particular problem involved.

May be just me - I was going to say and my age but seeing as you are the senior I can't !) . I used it a long time ago and then someone tried to access it illegally and it got frozen and it was too much trouble to unfreeze and they wanted too much information which I was reluctant to give a set up I now didn't trust.. so I never unfroze it. I am an accountant and so uber cautious in such things and am very careful about who I buy from online - ID theft is a huge problem here.

[Nogrod]

After doing it I can see now some cause for uneasyness. They take a charge on the transaction (not much but on principle) and there just might be a small problem... When I created the account it told me in quite plain terms that you can only pay in Euros, and when I had finished the PayPal said that the recipient might turn your money back as his account is on a different currency...

Like they didn't know how to exchange Euros to Dollars... :confused:


EDIT: Oh yeah Mith... we seniors are either careful and cynical or then totally irresponsible and ignorant of the new threats. I'm definitively the optimist. And I know it will kick back on me one day. But meanwhile I'm going to be irresponsibly trusting with things. :) (Okay, someone telling me I have inherited a far-relative in Nigeria and between my billion dollars and me is only a little handling fee of 300$ will make me only push the delete button...)

[satansaloser2005]

Nog and Mith, as someone who's younger than you, I'd like to point out two things.

One: You are not that old. (And you're adorable anyway, so I suppose that's 1a.)

Two: I, too, am stupidly trusting, Noggins. Someday we will both be poor(er) and confused about it, but smiling because we truly believe we've helped underprivileged child X in country Y that we can't find on a map but believe is there anyway. We're just nice like that! (And for the record, no, I've not actually done that. I just figured it would be a different example to the "your uncle leaves you money" scenario our dear Nog provided.)

Three (which has nothing to do with neither my age nor you two): I wish I could throw money at the Downs like confetti. I may not be a Tolkien geek but I love playing Werewolf here more than anywhere else and if I had any money to spare I'd send it the wight way in an instant. And the wight way is Paypal. ;) (Sorry, I couldn't resist. Hosting fees. Hosting fees are what bwing us togevvah today....)

[Mithalwen]

After doing it I can see now some cause for uneasyness. They take a charge on the transaction (not much but on principle) and there just might be a small problem... When I created the account it told me in quite plain terms that you can only pay in Euros, and when I had finished the PayPal said that the recipient might turn your money back as his account is on a different currency...

Like they didn't know how to exchange Euros to Dollars... :confused:


EDIT: Oh yeah Mith... we seniors are either careful and cynical or then totally irresponsible and ignorant of the new threats. I'm definitively the optimist. And I know it will kick back on me one day. But meanwhile I'm going to be irresponsibly trusting with things. :) (Okay, someone telling me I have inherited a far-relative in Nigeria and between my billion dollars and me is only a little handling fee of 300$ will make me only push the delete button...)


Nogrod I have one little used account which suggests that there has been carnage of fantastically rich people who happen to share my name on a Nigerian highway that it is practically genocide... but while I am sure it is probably safe.. I am just not keen to pump in all my bank or credit card details into a computer and get an account for this purpose only. I have just lost faith and remember I use public access computers. I am sure Iam being paranoid. I just feel for the sum involved I would rather risk the money getting lost in the post than maybe opening the door to my bank account. I will have to look at other options.

[Nogrod]

I use public access computers.With the little knowledge I have on these issues I think that is the important point. I have my own closed cable-connection at my home so I might be actually a bit safer. But yes, I can understand your worry, especially with public access computers. I wouldn't pay any sums on fex. an open WLAN connection.

[satansaloser2005]

Nogrod I have one little used account which suggests that there has been carnage of fantastically rich people who happen to share my name on a Nigerian highway that it is practically genocide... but while I am sure it is probably safe.. I am just not keen to pump in all my bank or credit card details into a computer and get an account for this purpose only. I have just lost faith and remember I use public access computers. I am sure Iam being paranoid. I just feel for the sum involved I would rather risk the money getting lost in the post than maybe opening the door to my bank account. I will have to look at other options.

No you're totally correct, not paranoid at all. I remember when I went to the library downtown I hated using ebay or anything like that because you never know what the computer will store (or what people can do to fetch that information). I completely agree with you on that. Better safe than sorry, as they say, especially on the internet.

Also, the mental image that first part conjures up is likely funnier than intended.

[The Barrow-Wight]

Good news! Fast work through PayPal has netted the Downs over $150 in donations. The bill has been paid and the Downs will have a home for another couple of years. Any extra money I receive will go into reserve for the domain fee which is due in October.

I really appreciate how quickly everyone responded. I only drop in a few times a week and I never participate in conversations anymore, but I still really love the Downs and the people on it. We all share a passion for Middle-earth, and we have created a true community here.

Thanks for your support!

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

Frankly, I'm not sure if my donation got through. Even though Paypal called me to confirm it, they now say they have no confirmation of the number they called me at, and want me to send them physical documentation of who I am and where I live and frankly a whole lot of other private information I don't want to give them. If there's another way of doing this, I'm still willing, but dang, they have this way of making honest people feel like criminals. It's not the first time I've encountered this with Paypal, alas.

[Mister Underhill]

The Downs will go on....
We'll stay
Forever this way!
You are safe on the Downs and
The Downs will go onnn and onnnn!

*cough*

What? It's catchy.

Thanks everybody! You're all kings and queens of the (cyber-)world.


EDIT: Sorry to hear about your trouble Ibrin. I'm sure BW can confirm whether or not your payment went through.

[Bêthberry]

Good news! Fast work through PayPal has netted the Downs over $150 in donations. The bill has been paid and the Downs will have a home for another couple of years. Any extra money I receive will go into reserve for the domain fee which is due in October.


My donation just went through so I guess I'll be the first to make a donation towards the domain fee. :)

Nice work, everyone. :smokin:

[Nerwen]

I'd like to put something towards the costs, even if it's no longer urgent, however I'm another face in the not-that-keen-on-PayPal crowd. I've had some hassles with it in the past.

Is it possible to do a direct transfer instead?

[Snowdog]

I used to use Paypal quite a bit when I was into my ebay crazy days. It worked well until my debit card got eaten by an ATM machine. My new card had a new number, and so any transactions on Paypal quit working. I tried to update my Paypal info with the new card details, and Paypal refused to communicate with my bank. Bank said the problem was on Paypal's end, and Paypal said it was the bank. So I basically left it alone for several years now.

That said, I haven't really put much $ to the site, unless buying a tshirt and a coffee mug counted. I'll consider doing it now.

[Mithalwen]

Here I think there is a international transfer fee of £7 which is a lot for the amount I am planning on sending - I would I were wealthier but I am only just getting on a steadier footing after the financial disaster that was last year . Only worth it for a larger amount - say if several people in the same country pooled their donation. Paypal is certainly cheaper for the sums likely to be involved here.

Is this amazon thing worth looking at now the immediate need is met. I trust Amazon....

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

One of the things that really ticked me off when Paypal froze the account was that they required more fees to unfreeze it. That's just wrong. I've never had this kind of trouble with amazon's service, but I keep hearing of (and encountering) new headaches with Paypal. Sigh.

[Mithalwen]

:cool:Just occured that it is two and a half years since the last whip round and with a possible increase in traffic coming with the films in less than two months...is it time for another whip round. I have started Ebaying agains so I guess I am going to have to bite the paypal bullet anyway..... :cool: