Re: list home decisions

[Keith Gerling <keith.gerling@gmail.com>]

I think a move in this direction would guarantee that a Google/Yahoo group would draw the majority of the listmembers.  I've always thought that one of the nice things about the list, is that a lurkers are allowed, and newbies can easily drop in for free info.

On Fri, Nov 13, 2009 at 12:01 PM, phritz phantom <phritz-phantom@web.de> wrote:

hi gordon,
that's exactly what i proposed. so i'm definitely all for it.
maybe there could be some kind of "travelling portfolio" wtih an entrance fee. for the entrance fee? for example, one pays the fee, ome can enter a print (preferably with some written info) into the portfolio, which then gets sent to each participating member who can keep and study it for a week or so, before sending it to the next participant.
this could be a nice way to raise some money for the xervers, as well as interesting and a good lerning experience.

i hope you set up a paypal for donations. would be the easiest way for us euros.
regards
phritz


Gordon J. Holtslander schrieb:

Hello Everyone

Thanks to all for their words of support - I'm humbled :) - spent yesterday helping out a fundraising charity I help every year ( I usually take a vacation day to do this - unnecessary this year) - we brought in over $150,000 - I do the computer stuff :)

Many list members have offered hosting solutions.  While I initially wanted to go with an academic instituion I no longer believe one of these will provide the long term stability we are after.  Unless an art-culture based institution steps forward and makes a long term committment - but even then - organizations change their priorities ...

I think the best long term solution is to host the list on a private hosting service.  There would be a cost involved eventually - a number of members have offered ( or have already) set up something.  Some members have access to hosting services at no cost - these can be used as well.  I don't want the list to be dependent upon the charity of an individual or organization in the long term.

Making this list survive in the long term will  involve spending money - not likely a significant amount - but some.  Independence cost money ....

I need to know whether list members would be willing to donate money to the costs of hosting this list on a private server.  I would not want to make joining the list contingent upon paying a fee - but some list members would have to donate some money.
Perhaps something as simple as an annual print draw - List members donate a few prints - list members ( or anyone for that matter) buy tickets.  The money from ticket sales funds the list hosting service.  Could provide us with the ability to host a more sophisticated service.

Rather than picking and choosing from free services we could have a good text mailing list and a web based service to upload images and datafiles without worry of censorship, copyright or interference from any other organization.  - but it would cost money and take a great deal of organization.

If something like this was set up the details of how and where the list is hosted could be managed by a few individuals - without having to worry about a panicked move from one charitable institution/individual to another.

If this is the case, the list could eventually if needed, form some sort of non-profit to insure its long-term survival.

It all depends on what value this community holds for itself.

If we don't want to pursue an independently self-funded organization/arrangement  I will move the list to one of the academic sites that seems to insure the longest service.

Your thoughts please

Gord