New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -
Number of replies: 20
Dear fellow moodlers:
big grin This idea is being "roaming "in my little mind for a long time:
if I never tell you about it,then,may drive me crazy.

Remember the saying :"my 2 cents worth "
well this is similar ,only change is : my $5.00 (five dollars )
worth.
I kept thinking about this ,considering the large group of unemployed
university ,college and senior high school students,that are
on a tight and low budget,the retired seniors,and also,
housewives and single parents,that use moodle.All this people,
are a bit intimidated,when they see the one thousand and below
one thousand donation mark,ofcourse ,now is much easier with
Irene's 50.00 dollars button campaign,but still may ,be beyond,
what the large group of people, already mentioned above could
be able to spare.
This is why I am proposing the folowing idea :
The five,ten,15 and 20 dollars donation campaign.
For Example a student ,instead of going to a movie,may
donate those five dollars
to moodle ,every other week.
A retiree may donate once a month 10 ,15,or 20 dollars.
A housewife or single parent,could afford to send five dollars every
month.,etc
Remember this is the way,that now,giant Mail and Post corporations started making
their money ,how :
with a single stamp worth a few pennies.
Realistically,I think that we need to implement this idea,
in a hurry,so Moodle.org
can take off as a CMS powerhouse.
Also,and last,because,many people do not use credit cards,and do not want
to use paypal,a mail address for Moodle org would make this process
much easier and convenient.

Sincerely ,I wish only the best for our dear Moodle.ORG
after all ,we all are a part of it,don't you agree ?....

Have you donated something ,yet ?
Well,
If you agree,please send your donation right away,
it will be accepted no matter how small it is.

Thank you,
all the best, for you.

Max Zúñiga

http://SpanishForWork.net

max@maxzuniga.com cool
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In reply to Max Zúñiga

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Don Hinkelman -
Picture of Particularly helpful Moodlers Picture of Plugin developers
Hi Max,

I like your idea a lot!   There is tremendous power in thousands of small donations.

In order for Moodle to take off, we have to free Martin from administrative work, and as much programming work so he can concentrate on coordinating and integrating all the brilliant strands of modules and upgrades needed.  Donations will help.  However, right not there is no time or energy for creating a new donation system.  Still you are right, we have to make some non-credit card options for people to give.

So if you have a way you can administer such a  plan for donations, so that he can concentrate right now on  getting  version 1.5 out the door, please start work on it.  If not, then let's use the current system, keeping thinking practically about your ideas, and implement when time permits.

Thanks, Max!!    smile
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In reply to Don Hinkelman

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -
Yes,!  Don:
Thanks for prompt reply,I've thought about this issue,and even knowing
I ran the risk of being  named volunteer implementing this idea,I launched
the idea anyway ,because ,I have the strong feeling that our donations are
falling short of what is even basically needed in an organization of such stature
and future of our dear Moodle.org.So in short,I would volunteer to help.but would need
the aditional help of a programer and accounting expert to carry and implement
this idea ,when and if this is approved By Martin and "high brass "
max z
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In reply to Don Hinkelman

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by John Rodgers -
Hi Don:

I like your attitude.

I've donated to moodle a couple of times, and I will continue to do so.  This is unbelievable value for the money and I have a cool button now too.

There was a suggestion a while ago, and I don't know what became of it, to  start a sort of subscribable professional organization on learning design or elearning or... well you get the picture.  This would have the palatable side effect of making my donation tax deductable here in Canada, enabling me to contribute more and still afford to feed my cows.

Is it still an option, or is it a Pandora's box of inequality and tax laws?


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In reply to John Rodgers

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Sean S -
Well this thread got me thinking and I donated just now. I've done 3 paid installations of moodle and thought I would return some of the money.

Thanks for a great product.
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In reply to Sean S

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -
Linguistic:
Wow !
Gee Whiz !
 Man, Congratulations !
and Thanks so much.


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In reply to John Rodgers

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -
John:
yours is an excelent idea,
a good incentive to increase donations,
for a tax discount,
it makes a lot of sense  here in Canada.
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In reply to Max Zúñiga

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Chris Ainsworth -

Max - why not have your donation forwarded to the nearest Moodle Partner and they can then transfer the money when they do their monthly transfer to Martin.  One could alsways send a cheque or money order to the local partner in local currency and then the partner bundle the lot up in one single monthly payment.

The partners could also have a donors block on their local site so people within your local region would be recognised for their contribution - building an stronger local community.

Just a thought.  

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In reply to Chris Ainsworth

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -
Yes Chris:
is an excelent idea,
I did that last year and I will do it again this month,check my name in the donation
page.
Best Regards,
Max Zuniga
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In reply to Chris Ainsworth

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -
Chris:
analyzing and studyng your proposal :
" One could always send a cheque or money order to the local partner in local currency and then the partner bundle the lot up in one single monthly payment.The partners could also have a donors block on their local site so people within your local region would be recognised for their contribution - building an stronger local community."
Chris:
I strongly believe this is a great idea,because this would take the load
of extra administration work,for our already overworked leader and mentor :
Mr.Martin Dougiamas.
Now,I leave to you ,guys and Martin to study this important subject.
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In reply to Max Zúñiga

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Don Quixote -
Hi Max,

the idea of many small donations is great, for sure. Only, the question is how you would realise this without for instance paypal.

Just an example: If someone from Switzerland would like to send an amount of 20 US$ to Martin via traditional bank transfer, the fees would be about 13 US$. Just about 1/3 would go to moodle. Even worse, if someone pays just 5 US$ and selects that the receiver needs to pay the transfer fees, Martin would need to pay 13 US$ of fees to get 5 US$! black eye

The transfer of small amounts of money is only possible via systems like Paypal. Otherwise it's just attractive for the bank, but neither for moodle nor for the person who wants to support moodle.

Andreas
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In reply to Don Quixote

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -
Yes Andreas :
thanks for prompt reply,
I agree,
you are right,and I am aware of this problems,which are real,....
However,last  year I was able to send a small donation to moodle .org using
Martin's own personal address ,and  a international money order wich I purchased
at no extra cost because I am over 60.
If there are any more problems these can be "irone out "
with the tremendous "Think Tank " of all your brains put toghether,right.Ok
max z
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In reply to Max Zúñiga

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Hideto Harashima -

Hello Max.

I appreciate your thinking, but practically, I second Don and Andreas.

The thousand dollar mark on the donation page might look like a high threshhold, buy nobody should be intimidated by that. You can feel free to donate in 1s, 5s, and 10s, and people actually DO donate in such amounts through PayPal everyday.

Paying through PayPal is a very much automated system which bothers nobody's hand; transaction, recognition, recording, counting, etc. go all automatic. (Well, the Irene button campaign is not automatic; we deal with each donation by hand, but that's a different issue.) However, if someone send a check to Martin, he has to open the envelope, acknowledge it, keep records, issue receipt, send thank-you letter?? -- he has to do all this by hand, and that's just impractical.

I think the best we can do is to spread a word whenever/wherever we have a chance and solicit more donation big or small from anybody.

Let's put our efforts together to support Moodle.org smile

Yours,

Hideto

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In reply to Hideto Harashima

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -

Hideto :

Thank for prompt reply,
I agree with you completely, 100 %,
"Let's put our efforts together to support Moodle.org "
smile

However, in order to fund this organization ,more appropiatly and efectively
we need to scale up our efforts,with a much stronger effort than present.
We are an organization now that,is making the work of an elephant,but is being
fed like a little mouse,and this situation,cannot longer continue if we, as Moodle.org
are going to survive in the long run,againt the "competition. "
This unfortunately is a fact of life.
Best Regards,from Canada,
max z.
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In reply to Max Zúñiga

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -
Well Done Fellow Moodlers:
Donations are coming in now, with renewed strenght
and enthusiasm,and we anticipate,they will be
increasing even more,
with a future implementation of an added
non credit card system-option,as soon after
ver 1.5 is released.
In the meantime we may use Pay-Pal or
send an International Money order to Martin
address.(If you are a young person ask a senior
friend or relative ,to buy it for you this way is free)
Also, you may forward the money to a
Moodle Partner in your area,as sugested before
by the mayority of this thread participants.
Irene is doing a fantastic job with those moodle buttons
Have you got one ,yet ?
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In reply to Max Zúñiga

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -
To all fellow moodlers:
If you already done so,please ignore this reminder.
But, I'd like to remind all those of you ,that still have not sent a donation
in,that, now may be a good time ,to do,so.Let's do it now,mañana (tomorow ),
may be, too late.
Moodle.org is having a lot of expenses,and has presently the need to increase
budget,specially now,when so many extra help is needed ,to get version 1.5
ready,even when dozens of moodlers are already volunteering their time,this is not enough.
Please,help,Moodle.org to reach this goal of releasing soon version 1.5
After your donation is received,your name will appear in this short list. (should be long,don't
you think ).
Also,if you sent 50.00 dollars or more ,you will receive a Moodle Button from Dear Irene
in Japan.
Thanks,and please forgive me,for this reminder to those that still have not donated.
Remember,we need you.
But,do whatever you can,to keep moodle free.
Cheers,
max@maxzuniga.com
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In reply to Max Zúñiga

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Max Zúñiga -
Latest from Max R.Zuniga: cool
A Donation Campaign with the roar of a Lion,the strength of a Tiger,
the surprise of a Cougar and the lightness and graciousness of a ballerina,
what do you say ,Eh,?big grin
we will apply the telethon idea to Moodle,
Like a pledge system
we will call it Moodleton.
It will be a Moodleton 3 times a year,all for it ,reply.
First Moodleton will be a date you choose,I like next week,all for it ,reply.
Sorry I can Not be a moderator,cause I have no time.
First Moodleton will have a goal of 500.000 dollars ,please reply with other amounts.
All for it reply.
Remember ,is our Moodle,is our Org.is our lives.....
Please reply with your input.we need you,as much as you need Moodle.
max@maxzuniga.com
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In reply to Max Zúñiga

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Joao Barroso -

My 2 cents... and it could be $99... maybe even $199... it just depends!

Have you noticed the amount of people struggling to get moodle installed and running? Why not do what others have done -- like at Invision Power (with Invision Power Board, for example).

One would still be able to get moodle free, if one did not need any help with it. Needing help, one could get on the forums... BUT... for people running short of time (patience!...) and growing up frustrated... why not offer a paid version, that would inlcude free instalation of the basic moodle, and then, maybe a fee for other services, upgrades, etc.

Those feeling generous, could consider this a donation and use it or not... those needing it, would sing and praise Moodle's virtues to the four winds!, and we would all be 1) happier, and 2) making sure moodle would get much deserved suypport, and 3) less frustrated... which I confess I am, and starting to think if I shuld rather use another tool rather than Moodle... 

I would pay for... I just can't seem to get past some installation problems, files not found that yet seem to be there, etc. It was suggested it might be a permissions problem... I still cannot figure it out... this would be a much welcomed option! I got Invision Power Board this way and never, ever thought it was a waste of money! It also helps make sure development will see these tools thru (hopefully!) version after version... and not discontinued sometime because people can't simply keep up...

As said, just my 2 cents... makes any sense to anyone else?

Kind regards,

Joao

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In reply to Joao Barroso

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by Frances Bell -
I think that you should check out Moodle partners hosting services and you'll find one who will offer installation, etc and part of your fee will go back to help develop Moodle.  You can find themat http://moodle.com/partners/
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In reply to Joao Barroso

Re: New humble,but proud idea about donations to Moodle.

by N Hansen -
Yes, I noticed the number of people struggling with installing Moodle too before I started using it. That's why I chose a hosting company that will install and upgrade Moodle for free for me. Judging how little I am paying for my hosting (the host is not a Moodle partner), and the fact that they still will do the installation for free, this makes me think that installing Moodle is a very very easy thing to do once you learn how to do it-the difficulty is that learning curve. Therefore, even though it might benefit Moodle, I'd have to question charging as much as $99 or $199 for an installation whose true value is probably a tiny fraction of that in terms of the time it takes someone to install it. It might turn people off from even trying Moodle if you make the installation cost so high.
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