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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 37 to 61 of 61. Go back in thread:
Posted by kiddo on November 25, 2001, at 21:50:40
In reply to Re: Perhaps one more idea, posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2001, at 21:40:46
> > what I meant was just information somewhere in the registration process-letting them know donations are welcome, but not required to browse, post, or whatever.
>
> OK, I get it now. But are you thinking that they might actually make a donation then, or just that it wouldn't hurt to plant a seed?Actually both, although I doubt that ppl would make a donation on their first visit. I guess more of a planting a seed. If people know about it, and like the site they may be more willing to contribute. I lurked here long before I posted, and didn't know about contributions until it was brought up on admin the first time. I didn't think about it actually 'costing' someone-and I have a site of my own. It just didn't connect and I think it may be due to the references to the University of Chicago.
>
> > > http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
> >
> > Yeah that's fine, I certainly don't have a problem with it :-) I just think it's a little difficult to find/access, unless you know where to look.
>
> Well, that does seem to be the consensus... I assumed that someone who wanted to support the site would be able to figure out how, but if there's a better way, I'm interested...In the registration process, and making the link on the Amazon ad helped a lot.
>
> > PS..how did you become DrdashBob?
>
> The same way you became Kiddo? :-)I never said I wasn't slow..LOL :-)
>
> Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2001, at 22:23:56
In reply to Re: Chapters, posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2001, at 14:15:25
> > I'd highly suggest checking out their affiliate program
>
> I'll give it a tryI signed up, but don't think I'm going to link to them. Their system looks like it uses cookies and restricts the images to those on their server. Plus their "text" links use these little 1-pixel images that seem kind of surreptitious (and might slow things down). But I'll email them and see what they say...
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2001, at 23:46:36
In reply to Re: an idea? » Dr. Bob, posted by kiddo on November 25, 2001, at 21:05:58
> > It costs $300 per month (for 800 MB; we were over 900 for a while, but I came up with a way to save some space -- 300 MB! -- so we're back under again).
> I looked at your stats, and you have a lot of hits each month, how much space does your traffric generate? I noticed that it was 300.00 a month then, and it's the same amount now and you freed some space. Is that correct?
Did you see the detailed monthly breakdowns? For example:
http://www.dr-bob.org/stats/usage_200110.html
As long as I'm under 800 MB, it's $300 per month. When I was over, it was extra...
> do you have medical students that do rotation under your supervision? If so, maybe you could enlist them (for extra credit, part of their grade, etc.) to post responses
I supervise a couple residents, but they haven't expressed any interest...
Bob
Posted by kiddo on November 25, 2001, at 23:53:03
In reply to Re: an idea?, posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2001, at 23:46:36
Ahhh-
I did look at the breakdown-I guess what I was asking was about bandwidth. I guess I was hoping for a quick answer instead of translating kb's to mg's and gig's.
I figured you might say that about the residents, but it was a thought-I never claimed it to be a GOOD thought however :-)
> > > It costs $300 per month (for 800 MB; we were over 900 for a while, but I came up with a way to save some space -- 300 MB! -- so we're back under again).
>
> > I looked at your stats, and you have a lot of hits each month, how much space does your traffric generate? I noticed that it was 300.00 a month then, and it's the same amount now and you freed some space. Is that correct?
>
> Did you see the detailed monthly breakdowns? For example:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/stats/usage_200110.html
>
> As long as I'm under 800 MB, it's $300 per month. When I was over, it was extra...
>
> > do you have medical students that do rotation under your supervision? If so, maybe you could enlist them (for extra credit, part of their grade, etc.) to post responses
>
> I supervise a couple residents, but they haven't expressed any interest...
>
> Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 26, 2001, at 0:25:44
In reply to Re: an idea?, posted by kiddo on November 25, 2001, at 23:53:03
> I guess what I was asking was about bandwidth. I guess I was hoping for a quick answer instead of translating kb's to mg's and gig's.
Oh, 15382589 KB (in October) = 15382 MB = 15 GB. They don't charge me for bandwidth, so I don't pay much attention, but you can see that the new thread listing format in May made a big difference...
Bob
Posted by kiddo on November 26, 2001, at 0:44:32
In reply to Re: an idea?, posted by Dr. Bob on November 26, 2001, at 0:25:44
Thanks for that-my math is under par to say the least right now. What about an additional site. Like a secondary one. Sometimes you can do that for little or no cost with your host, and may be a lot cheaper.
> > I guess what I was asking was about bandwidth. I guess I was hoping for a quick answer instead of translating kb's to mg's and gig's.
>
> Oh, 15382589 KB (in October) = 15382 MB = 15 GB. They don't charge me for bandwidth, so I don't pay much attention, but you can see that the new thread listing format in May made a big difference...
>
> Bob
Posted by kiddo on November 26, 2001, at 1:07:24
In reply to Re: an idea?, posted by Dr. Bob on November 26, 2001, at 0:25:44
Umm-I sent an email with info, don't know why I didn't post it here-not thinking right again-sorry, I can copy and paste here if you'd like.
> > I guess what I was asking was about bandwidth. I guess I was hoping for a quick answer instead of translating kb's to mg's and gig's.
>
> Oh, 15382589 KB (in October) = 15382 MB = 15 GB. They don't charge me for bandwidth, so I don't pay much attention, but you can see that the new thread listing format in May made a big difference...
>
> Bob
Posted by Mitchell on November 27, 2001, at 3:23:44
In reply to Re: fund drive, posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2001, at 17:57:12
The new support text is somewhat better. I sense some reluctance to *tell* people directly to support the site. The text in the box at the top of the page says "You can help Psycho-Babble" whereas a more direct appeal would say "Help Psycho-Babble." It is important for any fundraising effort to reflect the value of the project for which funds are sought, so a direct appeal to "help" might not fit. It seems the philosophy here is to put the onus of control in the group and in individual members, so you might not want to tell them what to do, especially to give you money.
But another tack could get more directly to the heart of people's interest in supporting the site and could help to develop that interest. You could build on what is now the first line to more effectively develop people's interest.
Now it says: "If you like my work -- and would like to support it -- then you've followed the right link!"
A contingency statement like that is not so pushy than a direct ask. But the best contingency might be something other than whether a person likes your work. My advice would be that whether or not people like *your* work might not be relevant. Far more people are likely to support the site because they like the mission of the site than because they like your work.
I don't want to suggest *exactly* what it could say, but I do want to offer a suggestion. Maybe something along these lines:
"If you think on-line forums for mental health support are important you've come to the right place. I think they are important. That is why I contribute my time to make this site possible. This is a 100% volunteer effort...(etc.)"
...then... "No one is under any obligation to offer any support. This site is and always has been free (and free of advertisements). But if think a supportive and educational on-line forum such as this is an important resource, you might want to make a donation. If you want to contribute financially, that's great! etc."
This way, you're not limiting support to people who like your work, you are explaining why you do the work, why you think it is important, and acknowledging that others might want to help and facilitating their involvement.
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 11, 2001, at 15:13:28
In reply to Re: an idea?, posted by Dr. Bob on November 18, 2001, at 21:25:30
> > It would be nice for a doc familiar with us to discuss cutting edge techniques, advances, thoughts, strange drug combos, etc. You could have a big disclaimer, of course.
> > Someone like Ivan Goldberg comes to mind.
>
> It's getting a doc familiar with you that would be the tricky part. But I can ask Ivan, he might be tickled that he was specifically requested. :-)OK, I asked him, and he's giving it a try, as "psydoc". Let's see how this goes...
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 13, 2001, at 17:48:09
In reply to Finding support, posted by Mitchell on November 27, 2001, at 3:23:44
> I sense some reluctance to *tell* people directly to support the site... you might not want to tell them what to do, especially to give you money.
Right.
> But the best contingency might be something other than whether a person likes your work. My advice would be that whether or not people like *your* work might not be relevant. Far more people are likely to support the site because they like the mission of the site than because they like your work.
Well, the site is my work, but I take your point, it depersonalizes it. I went and changed the text a little:
> If you'd like to support online education and self-help, you've followed the right link! Those are the goals of this site, and this is a 100% volunteer effort by one person (me)...
>
> No one is under any obligation to offer any support. This site is and always has been free (and free of advertisements). But if you'd like to support online education and self-help, you may make a donation...
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/support.htmlBetter?
Thanks for your input,
Bob
Posted by Mitchell on December 14, 2001, at 20:50:07
In reply to Re: Finding support, posted by Dr. Bob on December 13, 2001, at 17:48:09
> I take your point, it depersonalizes it. I went and changed the text a little:> > http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
>
> Better?They say the proof is in the pudding. The efficacy of fund-raising appeals can be measured in terms of donations.
The revised appeal might provide more readers with a better reason to donate. I would suggest adding a comment about money. Your testimony says you donate your time, but you do not explain that you fund the site out of your pocket and specifically why it costs money to run the site. Neurolinguists might suggest that simply repeating the word "money" in a script increases the likelihood that readers will do something with their money. Helping people to conceptualize you using your money to pay for the site might inspire them to use their money for the same purpose. Talking about server costs could help them connect the dots from their checkbook (or credit card payment) to the costs of operating the site, to the less tangible ideal of support and education.
> Thanks for your input,;-)
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 15, 2001, at 14:47:45
In reply to Re: Finding support, posted by Mitchell on December 14, 2001, at 20:50:07
> They say the proof is in the pudding. The efficacy of fund-raising appeals can be measured in terms of donations.
Well, it's multifactorial. And I think the actual saying is that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Otherwise, it makes it sound like the proof is something buried in the pudding, like with:
> Your testimony says you donate your time, but you do not explain that you fund the site out of your pocket and specifically why it costs money to run the site... Helping people to conceptualize you using your money to pay for the site might inspire them to use their money for the same purpose. Talking about server costs could help them connect the dots from their checkbook (or credit card payment) to the costs of operating the site, to the less tangible ideal of support and education.
OK, good point, I've revised it again:
http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
Bob
Posted by kiddo on December 15, 2001, at 16:38:32
In reply to Re: Finding support, posted by Dr. Bob on December 15, 2001, at 14:47:45
Ummm-
If this is paid for out of your pocket (and I'm not doubting or saying that is isn't), then why do donations have to be made payable to the U of C instead of you?
Just curious
> > They say the proof is in the pudding. The efficacy of fund-raising appeals can be measured in terms of donations.
>
> Well, it's multifactorial. And I think the actual saying is that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Otherwise, it makes it sound like the proof is something buried in the pudding, like with:
>
> http://www.crackerjack.com
>
> > Your testimony says you donate your time, but you do not explain that you fund the site out of your pocket and specifically why it costs money to run the site... Helping people to conceptualize you using your money to pay for the site might inspire them to use their money for the same purpose. Talking about server costs could help them connect the dots from their checkbook (or credit card payment) to the costs of operating the site, to the less tangible ideal of support and education.
>
> OK, good point, I've revised it again:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
>
> Bob
Posted by Mitchell on December 15, 2001, at 21:01:40
In reply to Re: Finding support, posted by Dr. Bob on December 15, 2001, at 14:47:45
> > They say the proof is in the pudding. The efficacy of fund-raising appeals can be measured in terms of donations.
>
> Well, it's multifactorial.You know best what you want it to achieve. People's approach to using the forum might correlate with their awareness of your investment. But you might also enjoy finding a few coins in the bottom of your pudding, too.
> And I think the actual saying is that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Otherwise, it makes it sound like the proof is something buried in the pudding,
The Word Detective agrees with you, and common sense suggests the original version makes more sense. I actually thought "what a silly saying" when I wrote it. "Proof-of-the-pudding" is closer to the original English version, but "proof-is-in-the-pudding" is common and makes some sense, says Evan Morris, the Word Detective.
"'The proof is in the pudding,' a fairly common mutation of the proverb, does make a certain amount of sense, i.e., that the final product, not the recipe, is what counts." - Evan Morris
http://www.word-detective.com/081100.html
BTW, does anybody have a good Figgy Pudding recipe?
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 4, 2002, at 17:27:20
In reply to Re: Finding support, posted by Mitchell on December 15, 2001, at 21:01:40
> you might also enjoy finding a few coins in the bottom of your pudding, too.
More than a few coins arrived in the mail today. Thanks, Mair! :-) I very much appreciate your support. And it'll help keep this site going!
http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 11, 2002, at 19:30:11
In reply to Re: Thanks, Mair! :-), posted by Dr. Bob on January 4, 2002, at 17:27:20
> http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
And today Dinah joined her as a new Associate. Thanks!
Bob
PS: Did someone start the fund drive without letting me know? :-)
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 1, 2002, at 19:08:48
In reply to Re: Thanks, Dinah! :-), posted by Dr. Bob on January 11, 2002, at 19:30:11
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
Today mouse became a Partner. Thanks!
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 26, 2002, at 8:55:58
In reply to Re: Thanks, Dinah! :-), posted by Dr. Bob on January 11, 2002, at 19:30:11
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
>
> today Dinah joined as a new Associate. Thanks!And today she was promoted to Partner. Thanks again! (No, this is not a law firm. :-)
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 4, 2002, at 11:46:02
In reply to Re: Thanks, susan C! :-), posted by Dr. Bob on February 1, 2002, at 19:08:48
> > > http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
>
> Today mouse became a Partner. Thanks!And she's also contributed via iGive:
http://www.igive.com/html/refer.cfm?memberID=241191&causeID=17734
Thanks again!
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 28, 2002, at 22:09:43
In reply to Re: Thanks again, susan C! :-), posted by Dr. Bob on March 4, 2002, at 11:46:02
> > > > http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
In case anyone was wondering, it turns out the university can accept checks in pounds. And one came today, thanks!
Bob
Posted by Zo on May 8, 2002, at 16:56:31
In reply to Re: checks in pounds, thanks! :-), posted by Dr. Bob on April 28, 2002, at 22:09:43
I mean, anybody can, but thought I'd ask. Sending money online is soooo is so much easier than via snail, I'll bet donations would increase."Your payment will appear in your recipient's PayPal account balance. He can choose to transfer the funds to a checking account, request a check, or send the funds to someone else."
Personal services are free to both sender and recipient.
Just a thought,
Zo
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 8, 2002, at 22:07:37
In reply to Re: Do you accept Paypal? » Dr. Bob, posted by Zo on May 8, 2002, at 16:56:31
> I mean, anybody can, but thought I'd ask. Sending money online is soooo is so much easier than via snail, I'll bet donations would increase.
I'm working on it. But my understanding is it's not possible to donate anonymously, is that right, do you know?
Bob
Posted by wendy b. on May 9, 2002, at 8:30:02
In reply to Re: Do you accept Paypal?, posted by Dr. Bob on May 8, 2002, at 22:07:37
> > I mean, anybody can, but thought I'd ask. Sending money online is soooo is so much easier than via snail, I'll bet donations would increase.
>
> I'm working on it. But my understanding is it's not possible to donate anonymously, is that right, do you know?
>
> Bob
No, but we can sure find out pretty quickly. I have an account, I'll check the FAQ or e-mail them...WB
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 17, 2002, at 20:20:32
In reply to Re: checks in pounds, thanks! :-), posted by Dr. Bob on April 28, 2002, at 22:09:43
> > > > > http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
Thanks for your donation! I really appreciate the support. :-)
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 11, 2002, at 9:09:33
In reply to Re: Thanks, susan C! :-), posted by Dr. Bob on February 1, 2002, at 19:08:48
> > > http://www.dr-bob.org/support.html
Mouse made another contribution last week, thanks again!
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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