I agree with that assessment. During the last freep-a-thon, someone from NY sent $4. It touched me so much, that I gave $16 to bump their donation to $20. (I’ve been a monthly donor since about one month after I joined and I give extra during freep-a-thons.)
I was thinking more along the lines of one designation for Dollar-a-day members (of which I am now a proud member!!), one for monthlies (any amount), one for annual/freep-a-thon donations (any amount.)
We really already have access to the first two identifications in the freep-a-thon threads with don-o’s lists, but easy access to that information as we have with sign-up dates would be helpful and a “badge of honor.” IMHO, it might also cut out some of the hate. If you see that someone contributes to FR, you might be less likely to holler “troll” just because you disagree with their opinion - and there is far too much of that going on.
I totally feel paulycy’s frustration (for lack of a better word.) He and I joined at almost the exact same time. Both of us fell in love in with FR and became very active members of this community. We both want to help FR be successful financially but don’t know how to help.
We originally thought increasing membership and participation would increase donations. So when one of the mods wanted to start a FR Welcome Wagon to help out new members who need to learn the ropes here, paulycy and I signed up to help. (Let’s face it, newbies get beaten up. “It rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again.”) That effort bombed.
What to do now? How can we help? We don’t want to lose FR.
That was very kind. The Widows Mite. It counts for more than hundreds of dollars because it's a "heart" gift.
There was a newbee thread where the guy was being razzed...someone gave him a heads up he was being initiated, so to speak. From then on it was a hoot as he participated and held his own. Maybe giving them a heads up is the answer...it really was a fun thread.