Hi, everyone. The year is about half over now, and I'd like to remind you that I can't keep this site open forever if I'm paying most of the costs of running the place. So if you get something out of Open Arts Forum and can help out, please consider helping to support the site.
The yearly cost of running this place includes the annual fee for the server (Knownhost is the host), software and license fees, LLC fees, advertising, domain name fees, and more. We do not run ads, as you know, so the only funds we get for running this place come from you. I've never once received enough member support to actually cover all of the costs, but I continue operating the place because (1) I enjoy it and (2) I'm assuming that as membership grows, the place can actually pay for itself. It's also gratifying to hear, as I do fairly frequently, how much you enjoy this place and find it inspiring and valuable as a writer, artist, or photographer.
On a side note, I had surgery on my neck a week ago, so I'm still recovering and will not be around much in the coming weeks. @Jordan Trethewey is "admining" while I'm not around--thanks, Jordan. Other editors are continuing to monitor submissions and select pieces for the front page, as well.
I should add that if you'd like to join the editorial team, please let me know. Editors are not paid (everyone, including me, does this for the good of the site and for the arts in general), and they are responsible for reading or viewing pieces submitted through the forum and then putting what they consider to be the best ones on the front page.
Thanks in advance for helping out.
The yearly cost of running this place includes the annual fee for the server (Knownhost is the host), software and license fees, LLC fees, advertising, domain name fees, and more. We do not run ads, as you know, so the only funds we get for running this place come from you. I've never once received enough member support to actually cover all of the costs, but I continue operating the place because (1) I enjoy it and (2) I'm assuming that as membership grows, the place can actually pay for itself. It's also gratifying to hear, as I do fairly frequently, how much you enjoy this place and find it inspiring and valuable as a writer, artist, or photographer.
On a side note, I had surgery on my neck a week ago, so I'm still recovering and will not be around much in the coming weeks. @Jordan Trethewey is "admining" while I'm not around--thanks, Jordan. Other editors are continuing to monitor submissions and select pieces for the front page, as well.
I should add that if you'd like to join the editorial team, please let me know. Editors are not paid (everyone, including me, does this for the good of the site and for the arts in general), and they are responsible for reading or viewing pieces submitted through the forum and then putting what they consider to be the best ones on the front page.
Thanks in advance for helping out.