If you've been lurking around here for awhile, you know this is a pretty slick forum. That's because it's not a simple static web. Essentially it's a database, and features such as search functions have to be added to it. Some really smart folks build and maintain the software that present this content. And, for a contribution to their foundation, they make search engines, too.

They're creating a search module for Rick Cowles' EUY2K Forum, and are willing to build one for this forum. TimeBomb 2000 is a bit more complex, so requires more effort.

Now, here's the question (I know they'll ask me this when I approach them): How much money would you contribute to their non-profit foundation for a search engine?

-- Critt Jarvis (critt@critt.com), January 02, 1999

Answers

Well, since I'm the one to blame for having gotten this forum started, I should certainly be willing to contribute toward making it more organized and useful. Count me in for $500.

Ed

-- Ed Yourdon (ed@yourdon.com), January 04, 1999.

Is it tax deductible? Can we get a legitimate receipt? Will the new MacOS Sherlock search the site? I'm not rich but will send $10 if it's legit to show my support. We need a search engine!


-- Leska (allaha@earthlink.net), January 02, 1999.

A few months back I offered a $100 donation to this forum (tax deductible or not) for just such a contingency. That offer still stands. Ed or the forum operators need only contact me by email and the check will be on its way. I've gotten way more than that much value out of this forum already - much more than many of my technical subscriptions.

Yes, I find this forum extremely valuable and would love a search engine. I realize that everyone cannot afford $100 (I can by simply not renewing a couple of overpriced technical subscriptions this year - sorry Cobb Group, you're outa here..) but even small donations add up and there might be a few who can afford more.

I suspect this forum will become even more valuable over the next few months. Please help support it if it is within your means to do so.

-- Arnie Rimmer (Arnie_Rimmer@usa.net), January 02, 1999.

I can probably scrape up $25 or so. Just say where to send it and it's on the way. A search engine would be good. Bobbi http://www.buzzbyte.com

-- Bobbi (bobbia@slic.com), January 02, 1999.

As soon as I know the logistics for transferring contributions, I will post it. The checks will be made payable to ArsDigita Foundation or the SARA Sanctuary. (your choice; both are tax-deductible)

-- Critt Jarvis (critt@critt.com), January 02, 1999.

Critt,

First e-mail Phil Greenspun, the forum maintainer. He once said he disabled the search engine for the site due to bugs in Oracle. Maybe those are fixed now.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), January 02, 1999.

I asked Phil before I posted this request.

In March, Oracle's full-text indexer will actually be working. However, some of us don't want to wait that long. ArsDigita can make the time (a couple of days) to build a new search engine for this forum.

So, is having a search function available now worth a financial contribution to their foundation?

-- Critt Jarvis (critt@critt.com), January 02, 1999.

To be honest - I'd rather not, if it were already available and provided free. But its needed - I'd use it, so I'd expect pay for it.

-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (Kennesaw GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), January 04, 1999.

Count me in for $50.00 deductable or not.

-- Bob Branson (bobb@mtjeff.com), January 04, 1999.

I will contribute also

-- Moore Dinty moore (not@thistime.com), January 04, 1999.

A search engine would be wonderful, as right now I'm navigating this thing blind and losing threads I had interests in.

I'll contribute also, as I've gotten so much out of this forum, practical and entertainment, I ought to pay something for it ;-)

-- Chris (catsy@pond.com), January 04, 1999.

I'm willing to contribute, as well. Put me down for $100.

-- Vic Parker (rdrunner@internetwork.net), January 04, 1999.

I wanted to reactivate this thread. We need a search engine badly!!! Has their been decisions made? I would gladly contribute some mula!!

-- shivermetimbers (zerodegrees@brrrrrr.com), January 28, 1999.

no.

-- ed (edrider007@aol.com), January 28, 1999.