This is just a "food-for-thought" posting. I am posting this only because I read posts here every week about members having problems with the search function or posting photos - and I am one of those people:((( How many members are we not hearing from or having the opportunity to see photo's of their projects because they do not know how to post them?

5 years ago a man from Texas and I started an aircraft building forum for all wood-tube-fabric type aircraft. He was the computer guru and I was the designated aircraft builder that answered all the questions, at least until the membership grew to the point I wasn't needed so much anymore:)

This site, biplaneforum.com, now has over 2000 members, 36,000 posts covering 4500 topics. In my opinion it is the Cadillac of web sites. Excellent search capabilities, searchable membership, private messaging system, links to builder's sites, easy photo posting. It is very popular and everyone participates because it is so easy to use.

I realize this site is limited financially as it's sole supporter in Guillemot Kayaks. We also ran into a financial problem at the Biplaneforum especially when the photo's of builders projects started pouring in either showing off their project or asking questions.

We solved this problem by having a Pay-Pal logo on the home page that members could voluntarily make donations to support the site. Annual donations, one-time donations or monthly donations. Over the years we discovered that approximately 15% of the membership donate an average of $40 a year. This equates to an annual $12,000 to support the site.

We have what amounts to a "fund drive" every year. A reminder that it is time to renew contributions and explain the process to all the new members. It is also a reminder that these sites cost money to maintain and improve. Most people are so use to searching the webb for free they forget this. A $5/ month donation is a very small price to pay for the wealth of information available and to get real time answers to your questions.

This may not be a viable way to go on this site, as I said, it is just food-for-thought. Take a look at the home page of biplaneforum.com. (Joining is free if you are so inclined) I think you can access most everything on the site you just cannot post without joining.

There has to be a better way to search our database and post photo's and contact each other privately. I have a feeling that improving these functions would greatly improve member participation.

I am old. I understand how to build things, fly things and paddle things. I do not understand computers. Anything to make the process easier to understand and accomplish is a BIG bonus for me :))

Thank you,
Randy