Paying for Dr Keyboard

[Dr Keyboard]

Since I officially stopped collecting Dr Keyboard subscriptions on August 19 this year, the adverts on this site have earned $16.65. Since I actually stopped collecting subscriptions, at the end of February this year, the adverts have earned $21.84. In the past year the total earned is $23.99. Even if the accelerated earnings pace from this August continues, I'll be lucky if the adverts bring in more than $50 a year - and that's with these large banners at the top and right of every single page (and the ads on my diary too - the income cited here is aggregated with what the adverts there bring in too). Even worse than this, Google only pays out when they owe you more than $100 so at this rate I won't actually see any money from the ads for another year.
The hosting bill for the next year for drkeyboard.net has just arrived; it's $107.40, in the order of double what I can reasonably expect the adverts to bring in per year. I had hoped that I'd break even but that looks really unlikely now.
$50 isn't a lot as long as it's for something I enjoy doing, but as you will all know I make no secret now that I no longer enjoy answering questions on Dr Keyboard. My new life as a cook both keeps me occupied full-time and earns me very little money; generally I get French minimum wage, which is under €1000 a month.
I can't afford to support Dr Keyboard out of my own pocket, and have no inclination to do so either, so I'm soliciting donations for the hosting fees. Send anything you think reasonable via Paypal to paypal@mostxlnt.co.uk - there's a 'Donate' button at the top of the site which takes you to http://drkeyboard.net/drk/index.php?action=paypal - and all monies received will go to paying the hosting bill. I will pay this hosting bill now because if I don't the site will disappear, but this is the last time the site will be supported out of my pocket.
Thanks to anyone who can afford a few bucks. I'm looking into making this a more streamlined process - there are add-ons for the software here which should make this an easier process.

[Dr Keyboard]

It's that time of year again. Many of you were generous enough to send money last year and I hope enough of you will be generous again this year to send a few - few! - quid again to allow me to keep the site going.
In gratitude I will write something at length when I have time in the next month about the iPhone.
Cheers!
Hmm, the link in the article above doesn't work, but sending money to paypal@mostxlnt.co.uk does.
Ta!

[Dr Keyboard]

Hmm, I don't think this is going to work, people. So far I've received two contributions with a further cheque promised.
I say this not to get more money out of you but simply to make the point: I am coming to the conclusion that Dr Keyboard has run its course and doesn't have a future. We answer very few questions now and most people know that, if they type their question/error message into Google they'll get an answer.
I cannot and will not pay for Dr Keyboard out of my own pocket now - I just can't afford it, frankly - so I'm going to close the site. Or rather, let the hosting lapse and voilà, the end. Those who've already sent money will be refunded - both of you - and when the cheque arrives I just won't cash it.
Thanks to all those who've been kind over the years. An especially huge, HUGE thankyou to Jon and Michael who've stayed with me since the beginning; Dr Keyboard began 12 years ago, believe it or not, so it's been a good run for an Internet venture, especially one run on a shoestring.
Thanks again and good luck to you all.
Cheers

[Jon]

Well, it was fun while it lasted. Thanks for everything, Doc. Sorry we couldn't keep going.

[Ian in Northampton]

Weird - it looks like the board has rolled back to a time before my last post (there were server problems during the day, I noticed).  I can't type it all out again, but suffice it to say:  all good things come to an end. This has been a valuable resource that Google can't replace.  And: many thanks to Chris, Jon and Michael for being prepared to share not only their knowledge and experience, but also their patience.  Cheers, Ian.

PS: when does the renewal fall due - and hence, when does the board officially close?

[Dr Keyboard]

Renewal was due 1 December

[Ian in Northampton]

Borrowed time, then...   

[Ian in Northampton]

And that, I note, was my 900th post.  Shame it'll never be 1,000....   

[Jon]

And that, I note, was my 900th post.  Shame it'll never be 1,000....   

Well, if you get really busy . . . . On Photography on the Net we call 'em "Nice Duck" posts.

[Laurie]

I,too, will be sorry to see this facility close.  Sending a donation was on my things to do list - honest - but I guess its too late now.  So i'll echo ian's vote of thanks. Although I havent asked very many questions, I come and read the latest posts every day and have learned a lot.

My best wishes go out to you all.

[Mark Goodson]

Dear Doc,

I'm sure all of us are sad than you feel you can no longer carry on with the site which has been not only a very stout effort, but also has given us all sound advice, definitive explanations and instructions - not to mention the entertainment provided in the process (!) which will be sorely missed.

Happy Cooking -

Mark.

[Sandgroper]

Goodbye Doc and thanks very much for a fascinating journey - not just regarding computers but your life and loves as well.
Everything in this world has an end date and I think you have made the right decision for all the right reasons. All the best for you and your family for the future.

[Larry McGinn]

"So long, and thanks for all the fish."

Larry McGinn, Arlington Virginia USA
Who has benefited from this place more than he can say.

Long may you prosper, Chris.

[Dr Keyboard]

Thanks for the kind messages.
I was looking for a way to keep all the Dr Keyboard messages and found that I could just transfer* the board to my personal domain at mostxlnt.co.uk and keep it intact, so I've done that.
Feel free to ask questions, can't guarantee answers any more though. We'll do our best if we all find our way here.
Cheers

* Actually it took me 2 hours to work out how to do this, including learning more about php and databases than I want to know.

[Dr Keyboard]

OK, I've now refunded the two Paypal payments I received, but someone else has sent another in so thanks! If anyone does want to contribute, please feel free! paypal@mostxlnt.co.uk
Cheers!