I'm coming to this late, but I want to make this comment. I have belonged to a couple of internet forums where there was a charge to subcribe. In no case was there any 'accountability' in terms of where the money went. If you wanted and liked the service, you subscribed and paid the fee. The 'accountability' was that the forum and the information provided was there for you to use and enjoy.

Max was simply asking for voluntary donations - no one is obligated to pay. Mudcat is either worth it to you or it isn't.   I'm currently in pretty dire economic circumstances but I intend to send a small donation. Sorcha's comments were way out of line, most especially because of the accusatory tone which implied that Max was somehow trying to bilk the Mudcat community. Whatever she may have contributed in the past, her remarks were uncalled for and insulting.

Frankly, I marvel at Max's patience when confronted with such ingratitude.   

Sometimes I find Mudcat exasperating, frustrating, irritating, and dysfunctional. But it's also full of wit, humor, knowledge and fun. It's my community and I feel a sense of belonging. I check in several times a day. If it were to go away there would be a tremendous void.

Thank you, Max, for creating and maintaining the Mudcat community.