Basenji Calendar 2008 Photo Contest

[lvoss]

I understand that there are high costs associated with running a site that is ad free and free to users. I am uncomfortable though about raising money to support that by saying that some proceeds will be donated to non-profits "after all expenses have been paid". For me, I think it is much more honest to say that you are opening a store to support the cost of the forums and then perhaps offering some items where a set % of the profits will go to a designated organization or that you make a donation as a separate issue.

BCOA has had a big problem with its members feeling like the were mislead to believe that their support of certain fundraising efforts were going to support non-profit causes only to find out later that the majority of the money was put into the general fund and only a small fraction was donated to the cause they thought they were supporting. This has lead to a lot of bad feelings towards the club and a lot of distrust. I would hate to see those same bad feelings arise towards the forums because you begin to mix two separate issues that really should remain separate.

[Mia]

In my case, I can't wait to see the calendar and will definitly purchase one, two, three, ok for everyone for Christmas presents lol, even if some of the proceeds go to you admin, I would ratgher see them go to you then a company like Borders. Great idea and keep up the great work with the forum, it has been a real life saver

[Vanessa]

@Barklessdog:

Most forums I belong has supporting memberships, like $30-$40 a year for supporting, then silver & gold memberships.

All the pictures that we upload to this site cost the site $$$$ in storage, but it is a nice feature.

Luckily we have not been bombarded with adds like on other free sites MySpace etc. Since there are no adds here, I doubt the owners are actually making any money here.

If it comes down to it what is this site worth to it's users?

It's a great place. I have learned a lot here and made a few friends along the way.

I have been reading this thread and haven’t spoken until now. It is true that we do pay out of pocket to keep this forum up and running. We choose to do this because of our love of this breed. We lost our first Basenji and we decided to create a tool in which people could come together and get the help they deserve. Who would of thought we would have over 1000 members! Not too long ago some of you may remember the forum was down for a day or two. That was due to the fact that we had outgrown our server.
For two years now Basenji Forums has been up and running and we have never brought up the costs until now.
We fully support in donating money to BHE or even BRAT. This should be decided amongst EVERYONE in the forum.
The cost of operating Basenji Forums will be separate from any charity fundrasing. To be quite honest, we have never even thought of this up until now and we feel fundrasing and charity donations should be decided by the community.
Alex (the admin) and I hope this clears up any confusion that this has caused.

[DiegosMom]

If this project is only going to go to charity, I would support a fundraiser to go to the cost of running the site. This site has been such a great resource, whenever I have a question or problem about my B this is the first place I go. Saying that, I would for sure support fundraising activities that help keep basenjiforums running becasue if it ever had to close I would be very sad!

[Barklessdog]

Saying that, I would for sure support fundraising activities that help keep basenjiforums running becasue if it ever had to close I would be very sad!

Agreed, that makes sense

[Basenji_Boy]

IMO, I honestly think we can do something for the health of Basenji's. A tragic health issue with a Basenji is how this forum started…....it's sort of the charter here to help and educate.
But please, this can't be about....my dogs picture on the calendar. I think it should be the best pictures we can choose to sell as many calendars as we can and drop a big check on the health foundation.

We as users can also help these folks keep this resource going and ad free.

I suggested items with the Basenji Forums logo go on sale in the future! Cups, hats, shirts.......bumper stickers..........anything!:)

I'd buy something, how bout you?

[Barklessdog]

That's a great idea as well, although I would love to get a Basenji Park shirt.

That's why I think you would sell a lot more calenders if you could get at least one picture from everyone who submits.

If the picture is not as great (quality/focus) make it a smaller side picture somewhere.

I also think a basenji mix section would be fun. There are quit a few mix members here.

[Ninabeana26]

@Barklessdog:

That's a great idea as well, although I would love to get a Basenji Park shirt.

That's why I think you would sell a lot more calenders if you could get at least one picture from everyone who submits.

If the picture is not as great (quality/focus) make it a smaller side picture somewhere.

I also think a basenji mix section would be fun. There are quit a few mix members here.

I agree that I think more people would buy if more dogs are featured, not just 12. I also agree that having a theme for the months without a real theme is a great idea (like having a B-mix month). I mean, what really is the theme in June? Or August? Etc.

I know the admin said if we have enough submissions we may be able to have several photos for each month in a collage vs just having one big photo [which is what all other dog calendars are like]. I am becoming a photoshop pro & make banners for my webpage so I know I would have no problem volunteering to make a collage for several of the months (maybe not all 12 though…that might take a while...) Haha. I know we have the beautiful photos & resources to where compromise is possible & in the end we'll have a beautiful calendar that sells I know I'd buy several!

[Barklessdog]

I would also add that just because your pictures may not be perfect they still have value. I also think the idea here is to make more of a scap book of the site, not a pro photography calander (which could be done with some peoples pictures here).

I'm going to buy what ever is done to support either the site or Brat or what ever is decided, even if one month is just cloven foot prints done in tempra paint!

[lvoss]

@Vanessa:

The cost of operating Basenji Forums will be separate from any charity fundrasing.

Thank you for this clarification. I think that both things are important, just that fundraising for them should remain separate.

[Vanessa]

@lvoss:

Thank you for this clarification. I think that both things are important, just that fundraising for them should remain separate.

Exactly

[jys1011]

Thanks Vanessa & Admin!!

I would love to keep the forum free for users & ad free of course…so please let us know how we can help!! This is a unique place for us unique people & dogs so anything we could do to keep it going would be well worth the time & money spent.

[Alex]

Thank you everyone for your feedback regarding the calendar. After deliberating for a while and reviewing your comments in this thread, we think it would be best to make two calendars. This should alleviate several members concerns about keeping charity proceeds together with donations to help support Basenji Forums.

The proceeds from the sales of first calendar will go to BHE and the proceeds from the sales of the second calendar will go to support Basenji Forums. That way there will be a clear separation of two causes and no confusion. Members are welcome to purchase either one or both of the calendars.

Let us know what you think

[Ninabeana26]

Are we going to have completey different photos in the two calendars? Someone earlier had suggested having a dog calendar & then a puppy calendar so maybe that is an option? Otherwise you could maybe use the top 3 pics for one month put into 1 calendar & then the next three highest votes in the second one.

[sharronhurlbut]

This venue helps so many folks who have b's and aren't educated re the dogs they have.
I think you should have some funds to keep this going.
Just my 2c.

[renaultf1]

Here's are some other ideas about calendars…

You could do one wall calendar and one desk calendar.
The desk calendar could be the sort that is individual cards that fit in a cd jewel case (each would measure approx. 5" x 5.5") so there would be no bindery costs associated. Not to mention, the print cost would be way cheaper than a wall calendar as you could print a lot more per sheet. Jewel cases are super cheap as well. In general the profit on this sort of calendar is much higher than a wall calendar because production, paper, printing and bindery costs are significantly lower...even with the purchase of jewel cases factored in.

For those that haven't seen this type of desk calendar, the jewel case acts as the holder for the calendar...you just flip it open and it become a little stand. I did up a quick mock 3 month pdf version if anyone wants to get an idea of what this sort of thing looks like. PM me with your email address and I'll send it.

Another way to do a calendar would be to do a 4 page quarterly calendar (3 months per page). The size of that could be something like 11 x 17 or small poster size. Again, that way the paper costs aren't huge (and you could use really nice paper) and bindery could be done wire row or some more creative way.

Also, the Illustrator .ai file of calendar month grids can be had for free on Adobe's website...they only have the 2008 version so far, but that one is editable.

[Barklessdog]

I would think the easiest way would be do a run of 50-100 calenders then when purchasing them, make two categories you can click on when you purchase them, the funds go into that pot.

The account would keep track of what category the calenders were purchased for.

It makes it simple.

Also as a suggestion I would do a prelim calender order thread where there is a tally and commitment by people buying them. Also we would need a rough cost before a commitment from people. That way you will get a real idea on the size of the printing needed.

[tanza]

If you are going to take PayPal for payments, obviously you need to take into consideration the fee…. and that of course is the best way to get payments.

[wizard]

I like the idea about an adult calendar for the charity and a puppy calendar for the forum (or vice versa). At least for this first time, let's not get too complicated.

[BDawg]

AH! Our computer crashed and all my photos are on it! Hopefully we can get it revived and I can submit items!!