NeighboursFans needs your help

[Sayaka]

Hello everyone

I have been on this board for over 20 years and I am posting on behalf of @Hawker Sal, the board owner, with her full knowledge and permission.

Those who have been around here more than a few years will have noticed that Sal has been conspicuous by her absence over the last two years. It has been mentioned from time to time that Sal is "unwell". You might have perceived that Sal was actually incredibly unwell when Phil Martin came back to Neighbours TWICE and Sal has not been online to discuss either of these appearances, after waiting patiently for almost two decades.  

Sal's life is not in danger, nevertheless, she is currently unable to oversee the board in the way that she has in the past. Indeed, the recent security updates were not done by Sal herself, but by an experienced Invision freelancer that Sal has paid to do it for her. 

In the social media age, we have become used to having "free" social media platforms (paid for by the selling of our data and advertising). An "old-school" forum such as this however, is not free. Sal pays the hosting costs, the costs of the Invision software and the costs of bandwidth (every time we click a thread on board, bandwidth is needed to deliver the page). It all adds up to hundreds of pounds a year.

A few of the longer-term members have assisted Sal financially over the years with these bills, but it's fair to say that Sal has paid the lion's share out of her own money (alongside mortgage and bills etc) for over two decades. Now that Sal is unwell, she is not able to work as much as she used to and therefore the board is experiencing some financial pressure. Sal has always strived to keep the board advert-free and in this day and age with so much competition for the advertising pot it is unlikely that it would cover costs here anyway. 

Therefore, we need to turn to you, the community of the board, for help. We know times are tough for everyone. We know the cost of living has increased unexpectedly. We simply ask that if you enjoy the board and are able, if you would contribute a small amount to the running costs of this board and the summaries archive. If you are not able, we completely understand and there is no judgment.

My role in this is to gather donations and pass them to Sal who will use every penny towards running costs. I've offered to do this because Sal simply isn't well enough to organise it herself. We are going to use the Ko-fi platform - some of you may know it already: it is used extensively by online content creators with the "Buy me a coffee" metaphor. I've set the minimum donation at £1 - of course you can donate as much as you like/are able. You may make a one-off donation or a monthly donation - it is entirely your call. All donations of any amount will be gratefully received by Sal.

There is hope for Sal's condition: she is showing slow improvement, but it is an extremely slow process that is going to take years rather than months. 

Thank you all for reading this, and our donation page for Ko-fi is here. https://ko-fi.com/neighboursfans 

[andrewR]

I will do my best, also get others from digital spy members) who might be able to help.

[wizardt™]

Thanks @Sayaka for organising this, and @Hawker for everything you do to keep the board running.

From my perspective, I'm probably here more than almost anyone else (and would be very lost without my daily Nfans fix!) and so I'm more than happy to make a regular contribution. Likewise if you ever need additional help with any admin-y stuff or the like, then feel free to get in touch and if it's within my power, I'm happy to pitch in.

[ict 3000]

Just Contributed

[Skylover]

23 minutes ago, wizardt™ said:

Thanks @Sayaka for organising this, and @Hawker for everything you do to keep the board running.

From my perspective, I'm probably here more than almost anyone else (and would be very lost without my daily Nfans fix!) and so I'm more than happy to make a regular contribution. Likewise if you ever need additional help with any admin-y stuff or the like, then feel free to get in touch and if it's within my power, I'm happy to pitch in.

Same as @wizardt™, I will donate when I’m home from work  

[honeykid]

Happy to chip in.   Once my bloody VPN decides to work. 

 

[Martin1988]

Really sad to hear the news about Sal and will be hoping for her to make a recovery in the shortest possible time.

Have just made a one off contribution and will consider if I can make a regular one.

[Emily J]

Done

[Sayaka]

54 minutes ago, Martin1988 said:

Really sad to hear the news about Sal and will be hoping for her to make a recovery in the shortest possible time.

Thanks Martin, she's certainly had and continues to have a hard time of it, thank you for your good wishes (and those from others too)

[neighbours fan 1986]

Hi @Sayaka I have known for some time that Sal has been unwell and whilst this does not come as a surprise I was hoping that she was making some progress by now. I hope she will in the future.

Can I just confirm,  does this replace the PayPal payments I have been making for many years for premium subscriber or is it better to continue through PayPal friends and family (no platform fees)?

[Llywela]

All my love to @Hawker - I did notice her unusual silence when Phil Martin made his brief reappearance, and am sorry to learn the reason for it. I've made a donation. I may not post very often, but I've been a member here for more than 20 years, even through the years I wasn't watching the show I still lurked here daily to read updates and spoilers. This is such a lovely community, it deserves support.

[Poor Libby]

Wishing @Hawker all the best and have donated to the cause. Thanks @Sayakafor the update and for organising this.

I can't offer a huge amout of technical knowhow but will endeavour to contribute financially when I can. Just please don't make me go back to Digital Spy

[Clare]

Sending get well wishes, hugs and positive thoughts Sal. Thinking of you as well.

A few years ago did we pay to have an avatar to raise funds for the board? Or am I imagining that?

[Sayaka]

5 hours ago, neighbours fan 1986 said:

Hi @Sayaka I have known for some time that Sal has been unwell and whilst this does not come as a surprise I was hoping that she was making some progress by now. I hope she will in the future.

Can I just confirm,  does this replace the PayPal payments I have been making for many years for premium subscriber or is it better to continue through PayPal friends and family (no platform fees)?

Thanks matey, you can continue as you are I think, but I will check with Sal when I speak to her

[davep]

Done! Love the site. Love the show. No brainer. Thoughts with Sal and lots of thanks for creating this community. 

[honeykid]

Done and done.   Hope your recovery picks up Sal and thank you for everything you've done to make this site.

[Sayaka]

19 hours ago, neighbours fan 1986 said:

Hi @Sayaka I have known for some time that Sal has been unwell and whilst this does not come as a surprise I was hoping that she was making some progress by now. I hope she will in the future.

Can I just confirm,  does this replace the PayPal payments I have been making for many years for premium subscriber or is it better to continue through PayPal friends and family (no platform fees)?

Have confirmed with Sal this is still fine  She also says thank you very much she really appreciates you donating all these years 

[Sayaka]

16 hours ago, Clare said:

Sending get well wishes, hugs and positive thoughts Sal. Thinking of you as well.

A few years ago did we pay to have an avatar to raise funds for the board? Or am I imagining that?

Yes there was something way back, around 2007 or something, but Invision discontinued the plugin

[Ash]

Done! Thinking of you, Sal, and wishing you all the future health and happiness!

Your hard work, time and passion in creating this wonderful community is never something I've taken lightly, even if my viewing habits have been erratic over the years. I wouldn't change it for the world, and we wouldn't change you for the world either! Happy to help!  

Lovely of you to organise this, Gaynor!

[Sparklydee]

I’m very sorry to hear about Sal and am happy to donate.