I would be willing to help fund the site. Maybe a consortium could be created to donate funds monthly to the site. If the annual fee is $250 and the monthly fees are $178 a month, that is basically $200 a month to pay for the site. We could set aside any extra funds in a discretionary acount to cover any additional expenses over the course of the year.
If 10 people contributed $20 a month then that would definitely cover operating costs on a limited basis. Obviously Doug is looking to recover his investments from over the years.
This community always rallys around a member in need and at one time or another we have all contributed to the cause. I understand where Doug had lost the drive and energy to run the site as it has been a long labor of love for him. I know that he has always said that he was not in this for the money. Certainly people have paid memberships over the years and some of us have purchased lifetime and higher memberships. I am sure Doug has invested in more than just the operation costs over the years if you look at the Christmas giveaways alone.
It sounds like we have people who are willing to take over running the site although just do not have the finances to take on the commitment. If we can figure out a way to finance the operation costs amongst the members, then the site can go on and grow.
This community means so much to so many and I cannot see it dissolve and go away. It would be a shame and a waste. Doug has honored us all over the years and it is time for us to honor him. If we can step up and help the members of a site that brought us together then we should be able to step up and save this site!!!!