[kryptora]

Does anyone know where this has gone to?

It used to be at the head of the page and was a useful link to go to their site to read reviews and order kit - now it's not there.

[Geoff Brown]

They ought to. I've plugged their site plenty of times along with a few other birdforum members!

[Elizabeth Bigg]

Originally Posted by Geoff Brown

They ought to. I've plugged their site plenty of times along with a few other birdforum members!

Plugging their site doesn't necessarily bring in the pennies!!! I had noticed they no longer appeared here - but presumably it was not cost-efficient for them. Kryptora - you can easily get your own link to their site!!!

[pduxon]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Bigg

Plugging their site doesn't necessarily bring in the pennies!!! I had noticed they no longer appeared here - but presumably it was not cost-efficient for them. Kryptora - you can easily get your own link to their site!!!

or perhaps not cost efficient for BF? I find it hard to believe its the former EB. There are a number of BFers who've bought Nikon ED78, Nikon HG and Zeiss 65 over the last few week.

[kryptora]

Thanks EB - I have got a favourite set already - it's just more convenient to use a link of the BF page - laziness really?

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Bigg

Plugging their site doesn't necessarily bring in the pennies!!! I had noticed they no longer appeared here - but presumably it was not cost-efficient for them. Kryptora - you can easily get your own link to their site!!!

[Elizabeth Bigg]

Originally Posted by pduxon

or perhaps not cost efficient for BF? I find it hard to believe its the former EB. There are a number of BFers who've bought Nikon ED78, Nikon HG and Zeiss 65 over the last few week.

Perhaps Admin could answer this one, as I don't know anything about BF's finances.

I do wonder if Warehouse Express can tell if their advertising here benefits them - we bought a scope and tripod from them some while back, but I don't think they asked (on the internet order form) where we had heard about them.

[IanF]

The removal of the link to Warehouse Express is to do with an ongoing reorganisation of sponsorship for Bird Forum.

The details are still being worked upon at present, but hopefully there should be some news of the changes in the not too distant future

[kryptora]

As long as BF retains it's independence and neutrality - it is a fine line between sponsorship and overt advertising.

Originally Posted by IanF

The removal of the link to Warehouse Express is to do with an ongoing reorganisation of sponsorship for Bird Forum.

The details are still being worked upon at present, but hopefully there should be some news of the changes in the not too distant future

[Andy Bright]

Bird Forum has been approached by a number of companies, offering sponsorship and over the last few months BF has been offered substantial sums to sell the site. Unfortunately with some of the potential sponsors and those wishing to buy-out birdforum our independence would have been diluted.
After several negotiations, BF now has sponsors/contributors who insist on keeping BF independent from any commercial considerations.

[Bubbs]

Originally Posted by Andy Bright

Bird Forum has been approached by a number of companies, offering sponsorship and over the last few months BF has been offered substantial sums to sell the site. Unfortunately with some of the potential sponsors and those wishing to buy-out birdforum our independence would have been diluted.
After several negotiations, BF now has sponsors/contributors who insist on keeping BF independent from any commercial considerations.

Come on everyone..I gave £20.00 for a years entertainment. Why don't YOU reading this just give a few £££££ or $$$$$$ or whatever currency..to this site? You know it makes sense.

What would your winters night or baking hot night (Oz) be like without BF?

John B.

[Elizabeth Bigg]

Originally Posted by john barclay

Come on everyone..I gave £20.00 for a years entertainment. Why don't YOU reading this just give a few £££££ or $$$$$$ or whatever currency..to this site? You know it makes sense.

What would your winters night or baking hot night (Oz) be like without BF?

John B.

John - many people may have contributed towards the Forum - but prefer not to have "BF Supporter 2004" above their Avatar! This was optional.

[Andy Bright]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Bigg

many people may have contributed towards the Forum - but prefer not to have "BF Supporter 2004" above their Avatar!

Many??? A few is closer to the mark unfortunately.

[Bubbs]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Bigg

John - many people may have contributed towards the Forum - but prefer not to have "BF Supporter 2004" above their Avatar! This was optional.

See Andy's post. Need I say more?

BF aren't asking for you/us to send them a fortune. I am asking for anyone over 18 to send just £10, £20+ per annum.

Would you go in to W.H. Smiths and take Birdwatch, Birdwatching or free?.. of course not.

I just think that that of the 17,000+ members that this site has, we could give a bit back to the guys and girls we never see...c'mon guys, lets get real - it's a great site and what would we do without it.

We learn so much from some great people..no names..and hey! if you contribute I might stop being so grumpy!

John Bxxx

[hornet]

Originally Posted by john barclay

[I just think that that of the 17,000+ members that this site has, we could give a bit back to the guys and girls we never see...c'mon guys, lets get real - it's a great site and what would we do without it.
We learn so much from some great people..no names..and hey! if you contribute I might stop being so grumpy!

John Bxxx

First time I've even thought about it - just noticed the Support BF button at the top of the page. Talk about subtle - I've been here most days for the last year or more and never seen it.

The independence of the site is critical IMHO. After all the criticism I've seen of other reviews (ie for optics) and alternative outlets for debate, I'd have thought that we're all agreed on that.

Through my work, I do quite a bit of online research on a huge number of subjects, and I've never come across a site as large, comprehensive, user friend and just plain friendly as BF, whatever the subject.

Birders are damn lucky to have a site that participants in other hobbies / interests could only dream of. In part, that's a reflection on birders themselves ( ) and part a reflection on everyone involved in setting up / running BF

I'll happily chip in my £10, but I think there's a serious case for the powers-that-be at BF being a little more forward about funding / donations.

Nothing heavy, nothing compulsory, just a case of benig a bit more obvious about how folk can help. No obligation at all, no special treatment / badges for those that do / can / are fortunate enough to be able to help.

And BF stays free, independent, open to all and brilliant. Could anyone object to that?

[Bubbs]

Thanks, H..appreciated. Just 16,476 to go (the rest are under 18) C'mon guys it's christmas (nearly).

John.

[Adey Baker]

How about BF producing a calendar to put a bit of loot into the coffers.

Too late for a 2005 one, obviously, but how about the 'Staff' choosing a couple of pictures from those submitted to the gallery each month next year.

The monthly contest winners might not be suitable because you'd need one to encapsulate each month - and the idea of two per month would be to have one for each hemisphere, as we have quite a few members from down-under, etc.

The majority of shots should, of course, be birds but there might be room for the odd insect or landscape as well to show BF members' other interests and 'set the scene.'

I've no idea what's involved in getting a calendar printed, BTW - just thought it might be a good idea...

[Edward woodwood]

I think everyone who comes on daily can chip in a tenner?

I remember when i put mine in early in the year the number of donors was apprently still in single figures - if you can believe that!

[IanF]

Hi Adey,

Not a bad idea and one that I have been considering, though from experience it's not something that generally generates sufficient income to make the project worthwhile. Printing costs of such a project are pretty high.

Certainly something to consider though for future years along with one or two other ideas.

We've already ventured into the area of Bird Forum merchandise with the caps, tee-shirts, Bird Forum Supporter and metal lapel badges which have been well received but not with the gusto it might have been.

Sponsorship certainly helps with the monthly bills which are wholly paid for by the site owner Steve but doesn't cover the full costs involved, so any ideas from the membership are greatly appreciated

[Adey Baker]

Hi Ian

Just to add that for anyone who doesn't want to have the BF name emblazoned across their head or body then the lapel badge is a really nice way of showing your support for BF in an understated way.

[Bubbs]

Originally Posted by Tim Allwood

I think everyone who comes on daily can chip in a tenner?

I remember when i put mine in early in the year the number of donors was apprently still in single figures - if you can believe that!

Thanks Tim,

£10.00..is that too much to ask for over 18's?

John.

[Andy Bright]

Originally Posted by Tim Allwood

I think everyone who comes on daily can chip in a tenner?

Or even, everyone chip in a tenner daily

[Elizabeth Bigg]

Originally Posted by Andy Bright

Many??? A few is closer to the mark unfortunately.

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Bigg - many people may have contributed towards the Forum - but prefer not to have "BF Supporter 2004" above their Avatar!

Sorry Andy, perhaps I should have said many people may have contributed....................................!

I was merely intending to point out that the lack of any sign above people's Avatars does not necessarily mean they have not contributed.

[Hanno]

Maybe I am a bit stupid (or it is just too early for me), but where is the "Support BF" button? I'd be more than willing to contribute, as was mentioned above, I spend a fair amount of time (too much?) on the Forum; and think it is only fair to support this great site with a bit of dosh.

[Adey Baker]

Originally Posted by Hanno

Maybe I am a bit stupid (or it is just too early for me), but where is the "Support BF" button? I'd be more than willing to contribute, as was mentioned above, I spend a fair amount of time (too much?) on the Forum; and think it is only fair to support this great site with a bit of dosh.

Near the top of the page on the second thin red banner down where it says 'search forums' 'my profile' etc 4th one along

[Andy Bright]

Originally Posted by Hanno

Maybe I am a bit stupid (or it is just too early for me), but where is the "Support BF" button? I'd be more than willing to contribute, as was mentioned above, I spend a fair amount of time (too much?) on the Forum; and think it is only fair to support this great site with a bit of dosh.

Many thanks, the 'Support BF' button is situated on the lower red navigatioon bar on every page, 4th from right between 'private messages' and 'shop' or just go here http://www.birdforum.net/donation.php
Hopefully your donation will go towards a new site designer who will put up more visual links than the one who will be sacked in 5 mins