DW Donation Drive

Back in March, some readers started a donation drive in the forums to raise money to run this site. I embraced the idea and posted about it on the main page and said I’d likely do a similar PBS-style drive twice a year. I was aiming to do one at the beginning of September, trying to get a small e-book finished that I could offer up to those who donated a certain amount. Unfortunately, time got away from me and I still don’t have the book finished (it will be done by the next drive though, I promise, and then I hope to have at least one new one every year, if not two). In the meantime, without knowing my plans, readers have launched two small donation drives in the last two weeks in the forums (one for my birthday a week ago, and again this week to help with costs to get me to my grandfather’s funeral). Their and your generosity is enormously appreciated.

Since the drives have already been initiated, I’m going to piggy-back on them and invite you to join in the giving if you feel inclined. Months ago, I outlined the expense of running a site like this (you can read that here). While the site is generating a wee bit more income since March through ads, affiliate commissions, profile makeovers, and generous donations from readers, I still usually break even each month (hey, at least I’m not losing money running this site anymore, thanks to you!).

This has been an especially expensive month, both personally and professionally, with a necessary $2,000 site upgrade in the works, which will improve the speed and drastically cut down on present and future glitches (it’s also going to look prettier, and it should be completed in the next couple of weeks), as well as costs to attend my grandfather’s funeral (I’m leaving tomorrow morning; Drew and Jackson will stay behind). So, if you would like to show your support to me and the site, this is a good time to do it. Of course, I realize not everyone is in a position to give money, even if you do value the site, and I appreciate that. Your comments, emails, occasional gifts, and non-monetary support all mean so much to me, too. Money just happens to be what pays the bills.

So, if you like this site — if it provides entertainment for you or emotional support or a way to just kill a little time during the long hours at your office job, and if you feel inclined, consider donating here. Any amount helps. I know for a lot of people, this site is more than just a blog — it’s a community. It’s where you come to share good news or find support when things are shitty. Many of you have met in person, you’ve formed friendships both online and off, and I know when the site is down, even for an hour, you miss it. If that describes you — if you find value in visiting this site and aren’t financially struggling, please consider showing your support and investing in the future of DW. Your donations will go toward overhead expenses (outlined here), as well as a small salary for me so that I can continue devoting as much time as I do to running this site.

Thank you so much for your support, kindness, and generosity, especially to everyone who has donated this calendar year (and if you would like to be included on this list, please include the name you’d like me to publish when you send your donation).