The Impact Of Your Generosity Update.
The impact of your generosity is mind blowing and an incredible emotional relief. I thought you may want to know the final impact numbers. I am beyond humbled, and to be honest, re energized.
The total of donations came to $16,770.53
Where it’s going and has gone.
Paid off all internet hosting balance for 2023 $2,500
Pre paid 2024 Internet hosting $5,000
Paid off credit card for Woody Boater $7,358 This is an accumulation over several years of dumb stuff.
Total spent $14,858 with a balance of roughly $1,600 in the bank. Which I might add in the 17 years of doing this has NEVER happened. Which is insane. This will now allow us to try some new stuff. Get some new shirts made, and stuff for the stuff store. And keep the forum going. We are also going to start looking into some new ways to bring the WoodyBoater experience to new folks out there. And the amazing ability to be open and free for new people and all of us to experience the amazing classic boat community without any strings attached. That’s the WoodyBoater mission, and you made that possible. THANK YOU AGAIN. Now you may get back to pumping out your basement from water, and getting your car off your neighbors roof.
Good for you and good for us. I find myself at a self imposed crossroads in a side gig of mine. Very similar deal. I held a group together but feel I have held it back. Step up or step back???? tough call. Glad you have resolved to keep the faith and keep on going. Thanks for sharing the details.
John in Va
Thanks John, thats exactly the issue. I have several buckets that stay seperate for my sanity and security. And doing this went against my emotions, The good faith, trust and generousity from all of you was the real fuel that keeps this going. On to Toilet Seats!
Roll on the throttle!
Sounds like it is time for another funding drive!
OK.
There are several ground rules to opening, running and keeping any business afloat.
At the end of the day, I have always found that cash flow, cash flow and cash flow are the three most important rules of engagement in order to make payroll on Friday.
Nothing else happens if your bills can’t be paid.
That said Matt, WB has grown into a business that as much as you like to think of it as a “hobby” still, it’s not.
Not sure what your dedicated reader stats are, but I’m quite sure that there isn’t one of us who would object to a yearly membership fee.
We all “belong” to a plethora of clubs across a large variety of interests, why should WB be any different?
And while $25.00 a year sounds trivial, remember the nickels and dimes do add up and will help you be able to sign the front of the paychecks on Friday.
Excellent comment on cash flow. I would happily pay for a subscription. As an aside after the plea for help I gave on large donation and set up a monthly payment of $25 a month. At today’s prices that’s 2 Starbucks drinks. Easy decision
I second that, Mr. Murdock!
That sounds good and reasonable, but leaves the question, how do you attract new folks with a membership fee? I know, I have a difficult time joining a group when the first thing they want is money. I think the fund drive works best, especially if we are trying to bring in new younger people, as we all espouse. It lets US put our money where OUR mouths are.
Perhaps a bit of both?
Matt will need to step it up a little for the annual fundraiser though.
Jerry Lewis is no longer available for the headliner…..!
That would be fun! It would be interesting to see what Matt’s mind would come up with for a Blog-A-Thon!
I am glad and relieved that Woodyboater is on solid ground. I agree with and would continue to financially support an annual fund drive. Make it voluntary as you did, make a suggestion for a donation amount and people can donate or not dependent on their finances and how deeply they feel about supporting Woodyboater and Matt’s vision. As more people follow for free and get hooked on daily reading, they will also voluntarily contribute over time I am sure. I like the transparency of Matt sharing the costs of running such an operation and I look forward to further contributing to Woodyboater by purchasing a plethora of items from the online store as they become available.
Could be done at the same time as the holiday party. It will be a gift exchange for all of us.
Create WoodyBoater 2024, 25, 26 membership stickers, shirts, hats — tier this up!
I love the idea of having a WB sticker on the windshield of my boat! Nothing too big, but it says you’re part of the family
I would love a t-shirt, but in a light color, as a fund raiser premium! I overheat in the darker shirts. Stickers sound cool too!
You should never have to dip into your own pocket, Matt, to find something that you donate hundreds of “billable hours” to keep running.
I am in favor of annual fund drives versus a membership fee. You’ve proven that your most loyal readers will dig deep. A membership fee would be a hurdle to attracting new readers.
Glad to see WoodyBoater remains solvent and has paid the hosting forward for the year. We appreciate all you do Matt and wish you success!
I agree with Rabbit, I think an annual membership fee would be detrimental. I think an annual fund raiser is the way to go. You have a faithful following Matt! Thanks for all you do!
Was wearing an old Live life full throttle Tshirt on Long Island the other day. I lost count of how many people told me how cool it was. And then asked me what Woodyboater was. I was more than happy to explain and they were seriously bummed when I said the shirt was no longer available. Bring it back. I need a new one too. Thanks Matt.
Thanks for all your feedback. I am thinking the PBS business model is best to introduce new folks to the passion. I will have to get one of those call centers where we all sit by the phone
We standby, willing and able to answer the call.
Well, if you buy the pizza and beer at the railway that is………could be a long night!
Matt- please consider keeping the PayPal donate button live on future posts. It’s hard to find and give more frequently
How can I get some of the don’t give up the ship shirts? Being in Erie Pa where the battle took place this shirt would be a hot item.
https://www.military.com/history/how-dont-give-ship-became-us-navy-rallying-cry.html