[metmom]

If I may, an even better solution is for Jim Rob to allow banner advertising, which only unpaid members would see. Paid members would not see the ads.

I do like that idea. It would keep it private, so that nobody else would see who is donating and who is not, and thus judge others by that.

One can donate anonymously in regard to actual real world identity, and yet designate their FReeper screen name on the donation.

Then if they didn't like to see the banners, they could donate.

[Elsie]

Then if they didn't like to see the banners, they could donate.

Should be a simple software check: If you're a donee; then no banners for you!

[Elsie]

or is that DONOR?

[Windflier]

One can donate anonymously in regard to actual real world identity, and yet designate their FReeper screen name on the donation.

Then if they didn't like to see the banners, they could donate.

Exactly. Even someone donating cash through the mail can put their screen name on a sticky tab in the envelope. That would ensure that they didn't see the ads.

I hope that Jim thinks on this concept for a while, and chooses to explore it. The appearance and function of the site needn't change for donating members, but unpaid members would see the ads, and some would do business with the advertisers.

I believe that it's a good, workable, and capitalist solution that shouldn't be dismissed out of hand.