I discovered this forum about 6 months ago and joined in Dec '09 so I'm relatively new here. I am curious as to how the forum continues on without ads or some other means of revenue. I know that some make donations, but I can't believe that would be enough to sustain it. Not that I'm complaining - far from it, but other gun forums are crammed with ads for holsters, ammo etc, etc.

Is Lee really that rich?

Just curious.

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Lou

Than your wildest dreams.

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Sure you did

I take it you have never seen the Smtih & Wesson Forum corporate jet. Today you have the opportunity to see Lee do a fly over at the Daytona 500. Watch real close or you'll miss it.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

Don't ask, don't tell.

I hear the forum offices are nice.

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"I also cook."

You should see Lee's gun room.

Google is your friend - I would have thought it would have been a Boeing tho:

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Lou

Oh yeah.
The cold weather has been no problem- we simply throw bundles of 100's in the stove, and burn 'em.
Oh, wait- that's this forum we throw 'em into. That 'splains the lack of heat.

Truthfully, it has been self financed.
No, I am not wealthy.
Yes, I am in debt.

I simply believed there was something here that had to be saved.

Donations have helped, and I am extremely grateful to all who have contributed.
NOTE- Andy asked about donating again. Please do not donate more than an annual amount. We do not want a central core that carries the whole weight, but THANKS for the thought.

I am sure you saw the Google ads we ran for awhile, and they helped, even though they were small change.

As we get things tuned up, we will look at hiping the donations again, and see what other options we have.

EDITED to add-
Cause I forgot- The Mods are not paid. They work this board tirelessly to maintain our standards. If one of them engages you with a warning or infraction, leave them alone. Check the rules, and you will figure it out. If you can't, drop me a PM. I can help.
We could not do it without them, and I am eternally grateful. OVERworked and UNDERappreciated.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

No more match making for Muslim singles?

Out West

Does that mean I don't get to borrow the corporate jet next week?

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

Hey, we got it at WalMart........









NO!!!!! It had mud all over it last time you used it, and we got $86.23 in scrap for the empty beer cans inside.....

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Mods don't get paid? What's that large weekly direct deposit in my account? Someone trying to bribe me again? Must be it. Thanks for clarifying that point.

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Dick Burg

Actually I was supposed to be a moderator, but when I found out I wasn't gonna get paid, I suggested that Lee let you do it. From what I understand, Barb and Joni get paid WAYYY more than you . If you want to evene the playing field, I've got some pictures of a certain gorilla taken by Jane Goodall when she was "studying" him Good thing I saved all those National Gepgraphics.
(I'm gonna get in trouble for that one )

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Forum consigliere

the real story

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SOS USA

You think it's this:




But it's more like this:

All kidding aside I appreciate this forum more than others that I'm involved in, the work of Lee and the mods is greatly appreciated. I see this as the grown ups forum, it seems that every other forum that I've join is full of the PITA kiddies. Sooner of later it seems that all the other forums turn into tacticool discussion or a 1911 club.

Thanks again to Lee and the mods for giving us an alternative for those that may not be looking for the next hot 1911 or AR accessory. don't take this the wrong way, the 1911 and AR are great platforms if you like that platform. But remember not everyone does. This forum has given those of us that still think a revolver is a gorgeous thing a place to chat.

Cheers,
Sam

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Beware the man with one gun...

Google ads? Did they really matter if I hadn't even noticed that they are gone?
Great job Mr. Lee and mods. I have recently seen threads that I was ignoring show up with locks. Thank you.
I spend a lot of time here since TV went digital and I get one channel.

"Thank you for your support."

I really appreciate Lee and the moderators for the work they all do to keep this one of the finest forums around.You guys and gals are the best!

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195th Session FBINA

"Sooner of later it seems that all the other forums turn into tacticool discussion or a 1911 club"

yeah for the most part were kinda grown up, but every now and then we'll get somebody through here that refers to his shotgun as a "shottie" or his revolver as a "wheelie" but after they sell whatever it was they joined up to sell they move along.


I kinda miss the ads, I had a line going on some eastern block hottie domestic help

Hmmm. The original question was what keeps this forum going? The financial aspects have now been discussed.

What really keeps it going are the efforts of all the contributors. When someone asks a question, we either trounce them as trolls, or give really good answers to their questions. Sometimes both, like in this thread.

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Dick Burg

I had not noticed they were gone either

I kept all the mail order bride sites, tried to threaten my wife with a replacement. She laughed and offered to help me

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Still Running Against the Wind

Thanks Lee and everyone for the information - it is sort of what I thought - a labor of love in many respects - I think that is why this forum is so interesting and educational - there is always something to learn. As a novice SW'er (?) I find myself here almost daily for info, a laugh or even a recipe!

I can only add a huge +1 to what Centennial said!

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Lou