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/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tengo Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Phaha, normally when a fellow Croydonian asks you for money, it's to feed whatever addiction they're plagued with. I don't earn the money I get payed, it would be real bad of me to deny donations to something that I would like to see continue growing, and needs donations to do so. I'll try to donate a minimum of £20 a month, courtesy of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs :devil: Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963221 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 Excellent work ... If you are in Croydon and as a fellow Croydonian we must get a game in sometime <grins> PM me :devil: On an interesting note the Dark Angels forum was leading in terms of donations during the 2009 donations. However they were just pipped at the post by the Space Wolves, lets hope that doesn't happen again this year! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963225 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillyfish Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 On an interesting note the Dark Angels forum was leading in terms of donations during the 2009 donations. However they were just pipped at the post by the Space Wolves, lets hope that doesn't happen again this year! Very true and I noticed the Pups are making it a personal crusade this year to beat us again! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963268 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 !! 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/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963304 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isiah Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Payment sent. Keep this great forum alive and growing Brother Argos. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963309 Share on other sites More sharing options...
WatchCaptainAzrael Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 On an interesting note the Dark Angels forum was leading in terms of donations during the 2009 donations. However they were just pipped at the post by the Space Wolves, lets hope that doesn't happen again this year! Very true and I noticed the Pups are making it a personal crusade this year to beat us again! So.. Who's winning the race so far? :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963315 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 Its looking like the guys in Liber Astartes so far ... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963317 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isiah Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Liber... :eek what? We can't allow the First Legion to be beaten into anything other than first :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963330 Share on other sites More sharing options...
WatchCaptainAzrael Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Fret not, fraters. If we had a shiny new 'dex, we'd have more people in this forum, and by extention be able to offer more tithe. :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963347 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 The less marines there are ... the more the chapter expects of them! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963356 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alys Dwr Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I've not got much but i've done what i can, i shall eat cheap noodles for a few days in my service of the greater B&C community. Al Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963458 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Argos Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 Thank you :whistling: Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963479 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaplain Lucifer Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Donated, of course. ;) Mods lead by example.. ;) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963588 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grotsmasha Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 For the honour of the Lion and the first, I have committed to a monthly donation on top of my once off donation. Without the B&C I'd never have regained my hobby motivation through Doghouse and Lamenters True Scaling. Cheers, Jono Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963596 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isiah Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 That's amazing Grotsmasha :P Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963764 Share on other sites More sharing options...
company veteran Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 as soon as i get off of holiday you shall have some of my hard earned cash... i owe this site and all my buddies here in the rock for my motivation/keen for all things marine! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963772 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hezekiel Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Hello all! I will pledge some funds as soon as the pay master places some credits in the old piggy bank. This is my first post and in fact i am just beginning my quest to build and paint my D.A army, i have been visiting this site on and off for the last couple of weeks and reading all the post s and seeing all the amazing painting been done has got me back into it . So thank you C & B and D.A forum the money will be a small token of my thanks. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963785 Share on other sites More sharing options...
company veteran Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 welcome hezekiel :P we are glad to have you here in the rock. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963797 Share on other sites More sharing options...
WatchCaptainAzrael Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Nothing like "taxes" to unite the people. xD Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963812 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillyfish Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Welcome Hezekiel, and thank you. I have also donated and taken out a subscription. :) Money well spent. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2963813 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Semper Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Donated and taken out a subscription. Let's hope Greece doesn't go bust - fingers crossed! :lol: Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964143 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/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964246 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tengo Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 I'd love to donate something now, to help steam past the the goal, but alas, I do not get paid until next week. You should set up a permanent kitty for donations, so that when the time comes that you need to spend some moolah on the site, you'll already have a few quid to start the donation drive off with. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964380 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillyfish Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Tengo, donations can be made at any time, if that's what you mean. Just click on your account and scroll down to where it mentions subscriptions. Click on it and you can make a one-off or ongoing contribution. EDIT: Thought you might like to know that we currently stand second, behind Liber, in the contributions stakes. The Wolves are falling woefully behind, but the Templars aren't far behind us. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/245041-become-a-bc-angel-of-death/#findComment-2964490 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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