The reason for the ads are to pay for some planned improvements:
1. To add a new hard drive for daily backups, $30/month. Currently we back up the site weekly to another system, but the database is getting too big, and we don't want to loose a weeks worth of posts if something were to happen.
2. Our forum software isn't going to be free anymore. When upgrading to the new version it's on a "trial basis" until paid for. Either a one time fee of $199, or $69.95/year.
3. The software license for our main page software has expired, it's $60/year. We need the latest version to be compatible with the new forum software.
4. Other planned improvements.
We DON'T like adding more advertising, but as you can see with server bills, plus the above costs, this site is expensive to operate. We've tried to be careful about which ads are displayed. If you ever see one that's inappropriate or doesn't belong on our site, PLEASE let us know. Thank you to all that have donated as we couldn't do it without you.
Click Here to send admin a personal messaage.
Thanks!
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Your Geeks to Go admin team
Update: The banner ads were only paying about $1/day. Not worth putting up with them, so they're gone. However, we will continue to explore ways to increase revenue, perhaps other ads or vendor partnerships.
Edited by admin, 22 July 2004 - 03:23 PM.