I will be explaining how the site is run, the costs, bandwidth, my philosophy etc.
This is the first of this series.
BANDWIDTH: As we grow bigger and bigger, I have had to acquire more and more bandwidth. We currently get about 2.5 million 'hits' per month. That's an average and sometimes we're close to 3 million.
I know some web sites like Yahoo groups and other free sites have no bandwidth restrictions. They are mostly part of a multi billion dollar company and are using their own servers, we rent our space and it is limited.
We sometimes go over our bandwidth limit and I have to pay extra for that. If we continue to grow I will have to step up to the next level and it will cost twice as much.
But, for the most part we DO NOT have bandwidth constraints for our discussion posts. The only thing I ask is you not post pictures (which take up huge bandwidth) UNRELATED to surgery and that you use the album feature.
The only person who has the authority to regulate bandwidth on this site is me.
Why am I explaining this? Because some people have questioned my cost estimates for running this site. Please keep in mind our site is free and will continue to be. I have not asked anyone to donate for a very long time and donations are totally voluntary.
Thankfully we have some sponsors that have been faithful to us the last few years. I hope they will remain so I do not have to ask for donations from our members.
Thanks for you time.
Best
Bill
Coming next-My philosophy on running the site

Thanks Bill. I think that most of us are pretty clueless about what it takes to run a site like this. I really appreciate the fact that there are only a few low-key sponsors and you do not have imbedded advertisements, pop-ups, and flashing banners. You really do so much for us!

Jan

Bill,

Jan is right, we really don't know and don't appreciate all you do to run this site. Thanks for everything you do and thanks for letting us know some about the nuts and bolts of running the site.

Jim

Absolutely, what they said. We do appreciate ALL that you do.I am looking forward to the education.
Holly

Bill,

Thanks for the information. All we know is that this incredible site is INCREDIBLE, and contributed to our healthy healing.

Also, if another advertiser/sponser were needed, maybe consider approaching Phoenix ostomy Belt. It was on this site from Lisa R. (I believe) that we learned about the ostomy belt, and in the pictures of Mark people often ask about the belt, and as a product there have been many discussions on it on the site.

Thanks for everything!

hi bill, i wud also like 2 say a massive massive thankyou 4 this site. im a new member and honestly dont know how i survived without it. i wud also like 2 say hi and thanx 2 mark and megan, i think u r amazing mark and ure pics show how brave u r. also hi 2 jan i av learned alot from ure messages. good luck 2 us all and i hope the site continues 4eva. its well fab. love, hope, and health and happiness, hedkandigirl xxxx

I know there are many new members. Most do not read the disclaimers, etc.
I hope some will have a chance to read this.