Continuing the post Infrastructure Overview [2021] made by @eric, things tend to cost a bit of money - in the spirit of transparency; a breakdown.

Amazon
We use Amazon for reliable and quick E-Mail delivery, due to the amount being sent out this comes with a cost, and this is currently at a rate of roughly $0.50 per month, this will most likely be increasing as time progresses.

CloudFlare
We're still on a free tier here, as it is currently sufficient enough for our needs.

Linode
With two VPS's, including backup services, this comes down to roughly $52 $60 per month, taxes included.

NameCheap
With a beautiful domain name, this lands at about $15 per year - or $1.25 per month.
By skipping a few unnecessary takeout meals, this is already paid for until 2025.

XenForo
The software that powers TinkerDifferent, $80 per year - or $6.66 per month (taxes included), which includes the forum software itself as well as two add-ons, resources and enhanced search.

Note This post may be updated from time to time to reflect any changes.

What's the plan for funding? Is it currently funded out of the admins' pockets, or is there a Patreon/other way to make donations? I personally would be happy to send some money to keep this site going.

>> rjkucia said:

What's the plan for funding? Is it currently funded out of the admins' pockets, or is there a Patreon/other way to make donations? I personally would be happy to send some money to keep this site going. Click to expand...

Currently the admins and founders have all chipped in, which is enough to keep us going, there's no mad scramble for funding just yet.

However, we are due to discuss the matter of funding and donations at our next board meeting, hopefully we'll be able to report back with a more concrete plan.

Of course we relish community suggestions and feedback, so if anyone has any questions or ideas about future fundraising - please let us know!

I still think a @Kai Robinson swimsuit calendar is in order!
here here! all in favor!?

>> Drake said:

I still think a @Kai Robinson swimsuit calendar is in order! here here! all in favor!? Click to expand...

Oh christ no! :eek:

I'd be happy to donate as well if there were a Patreon or something like that. Even a Venmo would be fine. I think a lot of us would be cool with that.

I'd put my vote to Patreon (or identical) and a monthly support. [money-bag]

I am interested in a monthly patreon contribution.

Hello, friends.
@ScutBoy, on behalf of the TinkerDifferent Board, posted this info a few days ago about where donations can be sent to support this forum.

There is no obligation to contribute, nor is there any kind of pay wall coming. Ko-fi is simply a convenient way for anyone to show love for this forum and help offset the hosting, email, domain & software renewal costs outlined in the opening post by Board member and Server Overlord @fogWraith.

We currently have over 1,000 members and continue to grow. Humble thanks to all of you for making this forum so great!