As you guys have seen there are a few changes around here...and for good reason. For the regular members you will attest that I have not asked one cent of support since the beginning. So, the next logical question is how the bills get paid. The sponsors of this board will attest to the fact that I do not charge them money fees for the privilidge of advertising on this board...instead I demand the highest of service for the members, expedited resolution of disputes, and consideration of the MOD team.
So no money from the members...no money from the sponsors...must be out of my pocket!

Yes and no --> let me explain: at the beginning of this board I vowed to set aside a portion of the proceeds from my lotion sales. IMO, the money belongs to the board and isn't mine to begin with. Now, the AM fund will last about 6 more months without an outside source of funds. The actual dollar value for running AM is in the $200 range. If we eliminate chat then it is cut roughly in half. In that case the funds will last for at least another year.
I'd prefer not to have to cut any services and instead plan on expanding them to make this a truly online community. For instance, I am working on a board instant messenger system. I will integrate this into the chat service so that one on one convos can quickly turn into a full blown, real time conversation (think AIM or MSN that is browser based and only works while logged into the board). The Live Help button at the top of the board is the first baby steps toward this goal.
Another service that is in the works will serve to increase the level of intelligent discussion on the board: AM University. It is in initial development but when finalized will offer the opportunity for members to enroll classes of their choosing *FREE OF CHARGE*. We plan on courses in basic chemistry, diet and nutrition, training theory, etc.
One point I want to stress is the need for member help in more areas than just money donations. I have not asked any more from the members than to learn and share with peers the information (maybe some experience) gained. It is now the time to hold the member base to the same high standards as I hold the MOD team. This is the time that true colors will show and we will weed out the hardcore regulars and the transient spirit. I formally ask for help from those that have the time to spare and dedication to excel.
We need bodies to man the Live Help department. We need those with knowledge to share to create the online classes that will comprise our core curriculum. If one of the above can't be given we ask for small donations for the operating costs so that we may continue to grow. I call on every member to rise to the occassion and help our community!
Those are fine goals but the fact remains that bills have to be paid. Just so we are on the level, my plans for AM will keep the unbiased and high standard to which you know and love...commercial free. See, by not taking sponsor money or charging very little I ensure that we do not maintain alliance and have the ability to identify week vendors early on (actively hunt them down). This means that if a vendor does not return emails, has bad customer service, or bad quality products then we can drop them at leisure. For this reason, I am requiring all board sponsors to have a Live Help Department dedicated to them and
WILL BE STAFFED by them. It will be up to them to set hours that Live Help will be manned but it is in their best interest to tap the portal directly to their customers. It is my intention to create a demand for this service with sponsors as the code can be placed on their website and used to monitor their traffic as well....in real time! Interested sponsors can contact me for beta testing details.
For those that skip to the bottom of a post please allow me to summarize:
- Creating comprehensive instant messaging program for AM. Need help manning the board help line.
- Creating AM University. Need help creating classes.
- Operating funds will last about 6 months. Donate money.
- T-shirts will be developed. Proceeds for operating costs.
- Sponsors will have a Live Help requirement. Solid sponsors will man the line faithfully.