Re: list home decisions
Good to hear from you Gordon!
Paying a nominal amount (~ $10 or so; donations accepted with thanks)
is a great idea to preserve our independence as a group and possibly
refine the site to a higher level of sophistication, if this can be
achieved.
With so many knowledgeable computing experts in the group, it should
be possible to share the burdens of managing the site, so no one
individual is swamped.
Rajul
On 13-Nov-09, at 9:21 AM, Gordon J. Holtslander wrote:
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
--
Gordon J. Holtslander
gjh@shaw.ca