Brother Argos Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Become a B&C Angel (of Death) In the world of online forums the B&C occupies a special place, it is, quite simply, the place to come if you, like everyone else here, love Space Marines. From the Space Marine Painter to our vibrant Painting, Converting & Art forum to the literary world of Liber Astartes and the unmatched zeal of the specialist sub-forums, if you're looking for Marine info we've got it. And that's entirely down to the B&C community and for that we can't thank you enough for helping us to our biggest and best year ever. So, 2011 was a great year for the B&C (you can see a list of our achievements and some of our favourite threads here) and we need you to do two things to help us make 2012 even better! First, and most important, keep posting, blogging, painting, writing and generally participating in the community. Without you (yes, you!) there is no B&C and it's your willingness to share your experiences in the 40K universe that keeps this place vibrant and alive. Second though, we need you donate, to help us buy a new server to bring you a raft of new improvements in 2012 and beyond: Upgrade the forum software to IPB 3.2 which brings with it, among other things:Improved forum software (better security, improved usability, better skinning support, full Facebook, Twitter and other social media functionality) Ability to properly recognise members' contributions with B&C specific awards, ribbons etc. Upgraded blog software (group blogs, frontpage sharing & more) Upgraded gallery software (better searching, easier to use) Upgraded Content software (perfect for an improved Librarium!) Upgraded Calendar functionality (perfect for tracking events, product launches, competition entry dates etc.) [*]Space Marine Painter improvements New wargear (here are some words to excite you: "Apothecary bits", "Melta Bomb", "Iron Halo", "Heraldry Symbols") Faster loading times Necron Painter Dark Eldar Painter [*]Improve server performance and stability to ensure your B&C experience is smooth and trouble free [*]Support future B&C Publications [*]B&C Arena of Death 2012 [*]Librarium Painting Challenges In 2007 we turned to the community to help fund a new server, and in 2009 we sought your help to upgrade our storage capacity and you responded with hallmark generosity to help us achieve our fundraising targets. We had hoped the new server and the upgrades would get us past 2012 but the growth in demand for our services - more than 350% on 2007 and more than 40% higher than even our revised usage predictions for 2011 after the storage upgrade in 2009 - is already placing stress on the server and this unfortunately prevents us from upgrading our forum software or the painters (including new wargear modules) without further degrading performance and stability. In addition your support will also help reduce the burden on myself, I have in 2011 (and for the previous 8 years) funded the vast majority of our annual $2,000 (USD) running costs for bandwidth, rackspace and licenses for our community. The Bolter & Chainsword - A Snapshot of 2011 So, more than a decade after our Founding and as another year comes to a close we'd like to share with you some of your achievements for 2011 and look forward to what 2012 might bring: Members: 56,796 Visitors per Day: more than 14,000 Total # Topics: 113,727 Total # Posts: 1,586,944 Total # B&C Blogs: 1,191 Total # B&C Blog Entries: 5,577 Total # of B&C Galleries: 5,320 Total # of B&C Gallery Images: 63,482 I've saved the most staggering figure for last however: Painter users/images generated: 50,000 per month - or 600,000 per year! As we said earlier, all this activity comes at a cost though, and that cost is around about $2,000 a year for bandwidth, rackspace and software licenses. We do currently have some generous supporters who collectively fund around 15% of our costs and we also receive the odd one-off donation to help ease the burden a little but by and large we enjoy an ad-free B&C because of my contributions. Along with the day to day running costs is the need for upgraded hardware: The Case for a New B&C Server In 2007 the B&C sought and received help from the community to setup a new server. Our projections predicted we'd move from the ~4,000 hits a day of early 2007 to ~10,000 hits per day by 2012, an increase of 250% over 5 years. These projections were based on my predictions, our growth patterns over previous years and what we thought was a fairly hefty dose of optimism about the community and the overall popularity of 40K in general. What we didn't anticipate however was the effect new services (most but a glimmer in Argos' bionic eye) - image galleries, blogs, the Librarium and of course, the Space Marine Painter & Wargear system - would have on those projections, nor what Dawn of War and its sequels (and lately Space Marine too) would do to attract new members to the 40K hobby and Space Marines in particular. The end result is that the today we've already grown 350% to 14,000 visits a day (from 2007) and, despite the community helping us to obtain extra storage space in 2009 to alleviate some issues, you've probably already noticed the effects this has had on the board in terms of outages, slow downs and other such behaviour over the last 6-12 months. So this leaves us in an awkward position - in order to continue to expand the services we provide you - including upgrading to IPB 3.1 (which means better forums, blogs, an improved librarium and better image galleries) and improve the painters with improved engines (for better images) and new wargear modules - we're going to need a new server in the very near future. As well as a new server we need to be able to fund extra hosting costs while we set-up and configure the new server and then transfer everything on the old server to the new one. All up, we're looking to raise $3,500 and in an ideal world we're looking to secure on-going monthly donations of $200 to cover hosting costs and begin building a kitty for our next server upgrade. We understand not everyone is in a position to help financially, but for those who are we hope you'll consider supporting the B&C community and what it provides to you as a member and to the wider 40K hobby as whole too. If you have any questions please contact one of the Administrators via PM here on the board. We're only too happy to answer questions you may have regarding the need for the server, the improved services we'd like to offer or indeed just to discuss why the B&C is a worthy cause. So, please consider becoming a B&C Angel (of Death) this new year and donate, be it a one off $5 donation or $20 a month! Click here to donate ... For those who wish to contribute more money you can paypal directly to ... donations@bolterandchainsword.com For those who do not have paypal but still wish to contribute, please contact me via PM. For those that do donate, we won't forget your help ... you might well find a small surprise when we get the new board software / server upgrade done :lol: Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 $10 coming your way! This is one of the oppertunities to help the community back people! Donate, even if it's just a dollar! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963259 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 Thanks for the help Dannis :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963261 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 25% of the way there .. keep going !! Â I would like to thank everyone so far who has helped out .. and especially two extra-ordinarily generous people who have donated significant sums ... they know who they are ... Thank you all :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963301 Share on other sites More sharing options...
T14 Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 A brace of ponies for yer stable M'lord ;) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963579 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 Well done Templar14 :P Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963643 Share on other sites More sharing options...
twofour878 Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Thank you for the great forums so far. Look forward to the new and 10$ to you! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963875 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trignama Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Ugh I work commission only... but If I do well this week, I'll be sure to help.. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963905 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Chaplain Ryld Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Donation made. Thanks to you and the mods for an excellent forum. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963915 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Wilhelm Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 So basically we should stop being so kind to B&C greenhorns, or what? Â *continues rocking in rocking chair, cradling his Stalker bolter* :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964003 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogue Pilot Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 $5 Comming your way :( Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964032 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffer77 Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 I will of course make a donation Brother Argos. The donation page said for other payment send me a PM first, so that is what I did. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964076 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffer77 Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 I have sent 25$ to help the community. The Black Templar subforum is like my online home :D Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964182 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DasPanzerIstUber Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Right, the gauntlet has been thrown down to all of the subforum mods - who can get the most support for the donation drive. Â For 10,000 years we have been at the forefront of the Imperium's conflicts earning our place as the Emperor's symbol with zeal and fury. But now the time has arrived to take our place as the symbol of the B&C! Â From simple Neophyte-sized donations to greater acts of valour worthy of induction into a Marshal's household, all contributions are needed. Pawn off the aquilas and accept the challenge! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964185 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 11, 2012 Author Share Posted January 11, 2012 We are 2/3rds of the way towards the total after 24hrs, this is the point where things start to slow down. If you can contribute to our community, now would be the time to help out. We need this upgrade to be able to continue and grow! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964243 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Mitch Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 I have pledge what funds I can. Thank you for all you do Brother Argos!  Yours in Zeal  Brother Mitch Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964402 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 11, 2012 Author Share Posted January 11, 2012 Thank you Brother Mitch ;) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964450 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffer77 Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Just added my donation with 5$ to B&C. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2965205 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrotherSargeantDaro Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Well, here is a Templar Fledgling wondering how to donate. Don't have paypal, but I like my homies on B&C and the community on here. How can I pay? Money order through the mail? Â And Thanks for everything Argos! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2965281 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 12, 2012 Author Share Posted January 12, 2012 We only have $400 to go till we hit target ... please keep donating :) Â @ BrotherSargeantDaro : PLease send a message to Kurgan the Lurker .. he can tell you what you need to do for donating in the USA :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2965310 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrotherSargeantDaro Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 willdo. Thank you Sir. Â For Dorn and the Emperor!!! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2965319 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 12, 2012 Author Share Posted January 12, 2012 We reached our objective! Â Everyone who donated and said they will donate ... Thank you :D Â We saw some outstanding generosity from some individuals who donated hundreds of dollars and some heart warming moments where some of our younger members got their dads to send in their pocket money! ... People in far away places who we had to arrange special ways for them to donate and oddly a guy who I found lives nearby who handed over his money personally. Â It didn't matter how much or little you donated, the important fact is you DID. You stood up and did something to help your fellow hobbyists, you gave back to your hobby for all the hours of amusement it gives you. That is the reason why I run and in the main pay for the B&C, because like you I wanted to help other people interested in my hobby. Â Well now the interesting (read "hard work") begins, I will be arranging a new server, configuring and preparing it for the B&C and then carefully transferring the board over to it. Given the admin team commitments and jobs it is likely to take place in early March / late February. Â When it is all done, you will be more than welcome to come and breathe some life into our new home ;) Â Once again ... Â Thank you on behalf of the B&C Â David Johnston "Brother Argos" B&C Admin Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2965897 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roesor Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 We can still carry on donating right? I have no money (zip nada nothing) for a while. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2966044 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DasPanzerIstUber Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 Top effort everyone, including those who were only able to give moral support! ;) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2966178 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 13, 2012 Author Share Posted January 13, 2012 Please do continue if you planned to donate when you got paid. We always need funds for operating costs! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245039-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2966199 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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