The third quarter closes at the end of September, so financial reports will come out by mid-October. But off the top of my head, I'd say we've received about $450 since July 1 from about a dozen people. So others who have not yet contributed to the upkeep of this wonderful gathering space should feel needed and invited to do so. ;-)
To clarify on Alan's report, the annual budget for SLF calls for $2500 in donations to cover projected expenses (based on 2011 actuals). SLF has two big bill cycles (June & December) to pay for internet costs, and that is the bulk of the expenses going forward. Because funds were not solicited prior to setting up the new site, SLF has heretofore been operating mainly by NRM advancing funds and paying those bills prior to any fundraising push that then fills the hole. It would be nice (and philosophically consistent) to have SLF have its funds AHEAD of the bill paying...
On a reassuring note, the expenses for 2012 should be notably lower than projected, because Alan is doing the admin for free that someone used to be paid to do. So if we meet the $2500 donation goal, then SLF will not just be keeping up with bills already paid, but will no longer be operating with a deficit lag.
Under $2500 dollars to run the home of an incredibly useful and productive community for a whole year?! That's so much cheaper than costs at the old SLN - what a bargain!
So, assuming 50 people have given so far this year, if the 90 additional people who participated with a post on August 2 (our high point of the last 30 days, with 140 users posting = 10% of registered members)... if 90 active posters each gave at least $20 as their 2012 contribution, we'd be right on target. (Let alone if the lurkers joined in.) No problem, right? I can hear the beautiful sound of people clicking that Donate button right now...