I may need to shutdown IceInSpace :(

[iceman (Mike)]

Hey all

There's no easy way to start with this, so I'll just jump to it.
I think I'm going to have to shut down IceInSpace.

The server hosting is AU$2k per year , and it's not something I'm able to keep paying. The advertising that kept the site running has all but disappeared, and even on the current hosting, I can't get hold of Terry anymore so I literally don't have access to some of the backend/server going forward.

I'm pursuing options of how I can keep IceInSpace alive...

My current preferred option is to move to a new, modern platform with a modern version of vBulletin (mobile responsive, larger file size limits etc). Starting with the forum, and try to move the site/articles later.

The bigger risk is that I won't be able to migrate the 20 years of history of the forum to a new forum, too. I won't know for sure until I find a new platform and see what migration options are available.

I'm still working on how I can get the hosting bills can get paid (via a partner or similar), because the bill is due literally right now.


The only other option, is to say our goodbyes..

I wanted to give you a heads-up.. I know there's some smart people in this community and maybe there'll be some ideas I haven't thought of.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Implement a small yearly fee x the number of active members. That would give you time to move to a VPS and cut cost dramatically O/S assuming you're not already. Regarding old content, well, something has to give.

[bojan]

Oh no...


How about voluntary donations?

[chrisp9au (Chris)]

Originally Posted by multiweb

Implement a small yearly fee x the number of active members. That would give you time to move to a VPS and cut cost dramatically O/S assuming you're not already. Regarding old content, well, something has to give.

100 hundred of us paying $20 a year would cover it?
There HAS to be a way!

[atalas]

Noooooo! $1 donation from every member every year would fix this.

[Tulloch (Andrew)]

That is disappointing - I don't post here much (I prefer to use Cloudy Nights for that) but this site is my only trusted source for picking up 2nd hand astro items. Most of my equipment (from cheap accessories to my 9.25" SCT) has been bought from this site, and I'd hate to see it disappear.

Maybe send out a sitewide request on all forums for a $10/20 donation and see what happens?

Andrew

[stringscope (Ian)]

I would happily pay an annual subscription. Also donation to get you over the immediate issue.

[Nikolas (Nik)]

Happy to pay an annual subscription, will also be away to vet scammers who may try and sell items here, (not that there were many anyway)

[AnakChan (Sean)]

Originally Posted by Tulloch

That is disappointing - I don't post here much (I prefer to use Cloudy Nights for that) but this site is my only trusted source for picking up 2nd hand astro items. Most of my equipment (from cheap accessories to my 9.25" SCT) has been bought from this site, and I'd hate to see it disappear.

Maybe send out a sitewide request on all forums for a $10/20 donation and see what happens?

Andrew

Same for me, I don't really post much here, but IIS has been invaluable for its Classifieds.

I think it'll depend on your intent. IMO, in this current day/age, setting up a mandatory subscription is likely going to create "closed club" that buys time in short term, but not necessarily long term.

I'd fall on the soliciting donations, but at regular intervals sharing transparency on where/how the donations are going to. I reckon this would help increase donations IMO. This also keeps the site open if the intent is to have more a community than a members-only club.

Biasedly/Subjectively, I see Classifieds to be the main winner here and maybe this is the space to have a mandatory posting fee, or restricted membership access - both buying & selling.

Working areas to save costs too, looking at Projects/Articles, Equipment Reviews/Resources, etc. may not have such high traffic, so could save costs in dropping them? Don't know how much that'll save.

[Joshua Bunn (Joshua)]

I would also be happy to pay a donation now, and an annual subscription to help keep the site going.

[bojan]

It is not only Classifieds..

Most important (IMHO) sections are DIY and discussions on equipment and methods..

there is a wast amount of information here, we should preserve that.
I am sure most regular users (and others) will support IIS with donations and/or annual subscription.



Perhaps a poll with question could reveal the general feeling among members about that?

[Pasko (Pascal)]

I just tried the PayPal link to donate but it’s broken. Are the EFT account details still correct for donations?

[gaseous (Patrick)]

I think a lot of people would be happy with a $10/$20 yearly access subscription. I don't know how many people are regulars on here, but maybe even $5 a year would keep things in a healthy surplus going forward. Perhaps a 1% premium payable on classified sales would help as well, although I'm not sure how you'd police that. As others have mentioned, a poll would let you see what may be a preferable solution, as well as giving an indication as to how many people are willing to cough up a bit of coin to keep the site alive.

[leon]

Absolutely a 10.00/20.00 subscription for all members and new ones each year, I would be most happy to pay that or even more.

This is very sad news indeed, lets all work together to keep this forum up and running, i just love this place.

Leon

[AlexN]

Absolutely happy to pay a yearly memebership to help keep it alive, alternatively, I can help you to look into new hosting/migration processes etc...

It's been a few years since I've done a full website and database migration from one server to another, especially when talking about having to shape 20+ years of posts and user profiles...

I really don't want IIS to go away if we can avoid it Mike.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help, but by all means, implement a membership fee for us all, I'd say the firm majority of active users would happily cough up $20~$50/yr... I pay more than that for Astrobin, just to host my photos so I can link to them on here!

[Saturn488]

Subscription model would be better than a once off donation as there will be a constant amount of funds coming through to keep the site running.

Somewhere in the neighborhood of $15 a year would cover it (if $2k to run it annually then 134 member payments would cover it and I am sure there is more than that here).

[iceman (Mike)]

Subscriptions can be a barrier to entry for newcomers who might want to come to the site and enjoy the discussions, learn stuff, ask advice etc.

It's probably not as much of a problem for people who have already experienced the value. But for someone just starting out, they haven't seen the value yet, and would likely go elsewhere.

I'd prefer not to go down that route - there'd have to be elements that remain free for all / free forever.

I just tried the PayPal link to donate but it’s broken. Are the EFT account details still correct for donations?

Apologies, yes that's broken.
But you can still paypal to paypal@iceinspace.com.au, or the BSB/Acc# are still valid.

I haven't got time at the moment to reply more, but I'm reading the discussions and appreciate your thoughts.

[DarkArts]

Perhaps a half-way solution might work:

(a) Donations, with a suggested rate and a gentle hint that heavier users might donate more;
(b) A subscription fee but only for using the IIS Classifieds, which then keeps out the scammers and is an easier 'sell' for new users.

Just a thought.

Edit: Although I don't post much anymore, 9 times out of 10, it's the history that brings me back to the site - to look up some past wisdom or solution. It would be a shame to lose that.

[Crater101 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by Joshua Bunn

I would also be happy to pay a donation now, and an annual subscription to help keep the site going.

Seconded! More than happy to chip in and keep the site alive!

[MortonH]

We can't lose IIS. I probably spend more time here than all the other sites I visit combined.

$20 a year would be fine. It's less than a pizza and I need to lose weight anyway!