donations are one thing, but cuts of profits from seed runs or auctions “for the server” are another. People can donate to whatever they want, but they should understand where their money is going, and if they are led to believe one thing, when another one is true, then that is being less than honest or forthright. Lemonade Joe always sends messages to new members after a certain amount of activity or time (it’s probably a pre-installed script that does that) asking for funds, and as @BigMike55 pointed out he said it was to “keep the site running,” when in fact the server has been paid for long ago, and so has the XenForo license and mods he has added, so to reach out to new members suggesting that they donate it seems like he is asking them to help the community as a whole, and not to go in to his pocket. His business model is to build a community spirit and then profit from it - that’s the same model many other forums use, but it isn’t what is being advertised.
Don’t hit the nail on the head. The hammer might come back at ya.
Fair enough, I was not here for the famed Shark Tank. Have been through the garbage can though. Just one of the folks who realizes how costly in time and money these things can be. Nothing is cheap in the server world.
Giveaways as well 
When soliciting donations some transparency would go along way. Like we are building to X goal to fund Y and Z.
As far as we users know he’s just lining his pockets. Transparency would dispell that notion, or prove it correct. Again it’s the difference of being a non profit vs a for profit, legally it’s a strict distinction.
A for-profit can raise money from private investors, for which it must give equity or dividends to shareholders; ultimately, a return on investment is expected. A nonprofit, on the other hand, can seek donations from individuals, foundations and corporations.
I’ve used many forums over the last 25+ years and I’ve never been solicited for a donation before.
we have a place to discuss this because Joe is smart enough to distance himself from discussions like this, and as a moderator here I am sure you are fully aware that if too much discussion is censored or squashed that people will start to jump ship, like many active members have done recently.
Nothing is cheap these days. I’m sure the costs are a lot more than 90% of people realize.
When I donated, I did it freely. I didn’t feel like I was being ‘charged’ to be here. Like I said, shits expensive. Members here are using this website for free. So I saw nothing wrong with giving back alittle. If I didn’t think it was worth my time I woulda said no, but thanks for offering.
your clicks are attracting sponsors who pay him to advertise here, so you are the product, as we all are.
Out of likes but I respect that. I did a server auction because I managed to earn much more for the site than I can afford to take out of my pocket. Instead I made an initial investment of funds and invested my time. I don’t regret it nor do I regret the one I have coming in Sept. Nobody has to bid on the lots or join in the fun if they don’t feel like contributing. I feel the place and people are worth my effort. I also contribute in other ways with a grow log, seed run, etc.
The number one reason donors said they don’t give is because they don’t trust the sector. Choosing the right path could help change that perception. Let’s take back the trust that good organizations deserve by brushing up on the top ethical dilemmas facing the sector.
- Tainted Money
A nonprofit can’t turn away money, right? After all, any gift helps you get one step closer to your mission. It’s a difficult situation when somebody is trying to offer money that may have a conflict of interest.
For example, you wouldn’t accept money that has been stolen or acquired from selling drugs. You also wouldn’t accept money if it were coming from somebody who goes against everything your mission stands for. Always consider where the money is coming from and whether there would be a conflict because of your mission.
-
Compensation
Never, and we mean never, connect the amount of funds raised to compensation. The motivation for fundraisers should be to help further the mission, not to make more money. -
Privacy
Only keep the information that is necessary for your donors. Never get more than you need or use it for anything other than what you told donors you’d use it for. Be especially mindful of lists that you collect for email marketing pieces and more. -
Appearance of Impropriety
Sure, it’s not illegal; but that doesn’t make it right. There are various activities you’ll need to be aware of that could come across to your constituents as shady even if they aren’t considered illegal. For example, AFP lists the example of a fundraiser directly benefiting from a benefactor’s estate gift. While not illegal, the sector would look down upon the behavior. Be wary of certain situations that might be perceived in the wrong way. -
Stewardship
Donors want to know that you’re using the funds for what you said you’d use them for. Don’t promise donors one thing and then turn around and use the funds for something else. If you must change the usage of your funds, check with the donor first and abide by their wishes. They’ll appreciate the honesty and be more likely to continue giving. -
Honesty
Remember what you learned as a kid—honesty involves telling the whole truth. That means leaving out specific details will inevitably blow up in your face (we’ve all been there). Tell the whole truth to your staff, donors and constituents, and nothing but the truth. Honesty goes a long way. -
Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest could arise from multiple aspects of your organization; it could involve financials or the interests of members on your board. Be aware of situations where somebody has more at stake than the best intentions of the organization.
Remember, ethics require always listening to your moral compass; not just when it’s convenient for your organization. Not all ethical dilemmas will be apparent and some will be harder than ever. If you have an ethical dilemma you aren’t sure how to handle, seek outside guidance from somebody who can give an unbiased opinion. Also, check out the Code of Ethical Standards from AFP.
It truly does feel like they are attempting the best of both worlds here, running a for profit business while still soliciting donations and not having any transparency. @LemonadeJoe can you please weigh in on this?
The more I think on this the shadier it seems. This is how OG will get shut down, avoiding the tax man by soliciting donations and running a for profit business.
Pretty bold statement, no offense.
I don’t think saying under 20$ to run this is a reasonable thing to say, because there is a lot of bandwidth on this site.
But they own the server. Still say it’s 100 a month, 1 auction covers it for the year. The rest is to pay mods and lemonade joe.
Huh, some transparency might be helpful. It’s the main reason I personally haven’t become a regular donater. I see all this other money going into OG, but no idea where it’s going.
Bandwidth and power costs a lot, I have a tiny server and that alone adds 90$ a month to my bill.
This site really needs a laugh reaction for all these clown comments.
we have this
How is that any of our business though, do you own stock in OG?
That should be your avatar.
There are lines, rules, and etiquette. You can expect such discourse that venture beyond those lines to get ‘squashed’, as you are aware. And, we do know that some will and have left because of it.
His house. As noted prior, if someone doesn’t wish to donate because they’re worried that it is being used in a way that does not align with their beliefs, well, it’s unfortunate but it is what it is.
Many folk have contributed the majority of which don’t feel that need for detailed accounting.
I, for one, am getting my fair use from this forum and have been donating monthly for well over three years. I could care less if it’s being spent on beers or a new hard drive. The site is running pretty good and he’s putting money behind that to make it happen. And, then there’s the future…
Imagine the alternative. A place like the farm, for instance. I’m of the opinion that this is a much better place.
Give it a go. You’ll soon discover following that advice from what was just linked will not align with what you had expected.
If they are soliciting donations than yes. It’s my business if they want my money.