State of The Planet - ONE MONTH OF LOVE!

[Admin]

Hello All!

The Planet is officially about ONE MONTH old! Thanks to all of you, The Planet has seen astounding growth in the first month with almost 500 members and almost 15,000 posts! Folks are showing up from all over to show their love, reconnect with long lost friends, and chat their asses off. The Planet thanks YOU for believing in this vision and decorating this home with fantastic threads, lots of gorgeous faces, and tons of lively debate.

In the last couple of weeks, we have added a "Thanks" button, the ability to buy a "gift" subscription, an area in the profiles that is visible in each post for folks to post their "preferred pronouns", and tweaked a couple of the janky options on the back end. (those pesky "logged out" messages after only 13 minutes)

We still have a LOT of stuff on our list but we are chipping away at it slowly. A huge "Thanks" to our Tech Guru, LINUS, for suggesting lots of AWESOME ideas and helping out with some of the junky stuff in the back end...AND for adding about a bazillion smilies. Y'all are a bunch of EMOTERS!

We have discovered over the last several weeks that our chat room is really awesome with lots of cool features but INCREDIBLY buggy so we will definitely be ugrading the chat room by this weekend.

Our server performance seems to be doing MUCH better with occasional slowness due to our bandwidth usage. As of today, we have upgraded to the $15 hosting plan. (I know, GASP! Can y'all handle it?!)

Our community bank is looking fantastic! After Paypal fees, this community has raised $2783.08! This will GUARANTEE our survival as a site for AT LEAST a year and have a nice nest egg for the first Reunion party.

Speaking of Reunions: Are y'all ready to party? We had initially planned to wait until 2011 for our first big Reunion but folks want to hook up NOW so we are in the preliminary stages of finding hotel and meeting space. Our FIRST priority is keeping the costs low so we are looking at a mid-level hotel and will probably curtail the waxy hotel cheeses at our Meet and Greet in order to save about $500! I didnt think y'all would mind that but if you do, grab a can of E-Z Cheese and go to sucking!
We are also looking to keep our party in a time frame BEFORE school starts to allow those teachers and students among us to attend and will keep you folks updated on what we find. Scholarships will be available depending on how our site's finances are looking.

In the last couple of weeks we have also added an Ability Ambassador! Please welcome SUPERFEMME! Superfemme will be checking our processes and providing suggestions for how to make this site more accessible for folks with different abilities and we are SO SO SO lucky to have her.

There have been multiple wonderful people step up tio the plate and offer their services, help, and advice for how to make The Planet a better place! We will be reaching out to all of you over the next several weeks as we tweak our Terms of Service, start researching for a history archive, and write language for our inclusion statements. Thanks to all of YOU who are offering to help!

In the next few days we will also be releasing our MARKETPLACE! I know you all are ready to buy some wonderful QUEER-MADE arts and crafts! This is a GREAT way to keep those dollars in the Queer community so come on out and show some love for the folks who will be selling or advertising their services. Also remember that Christmas is coming and a nice handmade gift or painting would be a great suprise for anyone.

Finally, I just want to say to everyone that words cannot express the gratitude that Jack and I feel for everyone who has been so willing to believe in this space. We arent perfect and will and have made mistakes and we appreciate folks who are willing to help us out along the way.
To those of you who feel at home here, thank YOU so much for nestling in and throwing your feet up on the coffee table. This is YOUR home.
If you are just passing through, Welcome and we hope you stay awhile.

This community is growing rapidly, and with any growth there might be a few growing pains, but as long as we all remember the purpose of this site, we will be just fine. Extend a hand and show some love, this is your FAMILY (even that weird cousin), and dont forget that there will sometimes be frustrations and anger but that this site was built with love and that each person here has CHOSEN to be here out of (mostly) love.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you and believe in YOU. Thank YOU for believing in US.

Much Love,
Admin

[IrishGrrl]

FIFTEEN DOLLARS~?!

:thud:




Love to everyone!!!!!!!!!

We are DOING IT!!!


:sparklyheart:

[Linus]

And don't forget your :freetoaster: ! :) One for everyone!

[Scorp]

And a huge thank you to you and Jack for rebuilding another place for us to feel welcomed and loved and believing it could be done.

I know you did this from the heart with good intentions, and put a lot of time and effort into this project.

I love you guys.

[Bit]

"Even that weird cousin"? *just ROLLS* hahahahahahahahahahahahaaa!

Dear Admindusa,

:kissy: :kissy: :kissy:

hahahahahahaha!!!
Tickled

{{{{{{{{{{{{{Dusa and Jack}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} Thanks, from the bottom of my heart.

[PapaC]

Dear Admindusa,


*best* nick ever.

[SuperFemme]

Yay to this site! State of the Planet is very sweet indeed.

Dusa and Jack? Thank you for entrusting me to be the Ability Ambassador.

A shout out to our many differently abled members. Feel free to pm me with any questions or needs. Or visit our Differently Abled thread here: http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=278

It is an amazing feeling to have site owners that count us and value us enough to work with our needs. That has not been my experience in the past and I find it so refreshing!

Now if I could only remember where my can o' cheese went!

[Diva]

This place makes my heart sing!

Thanks to Medusa, Jack, Linus, Superfemme and moderators for making this place run as smoothly as possible at this young age!!!

WOW!!! $15!?!?!?!?!?! Imagine THAT!!!!

I say if Your screen name begins with A ~ H bring a block o' cheese, I ~ P, a coupla boxes o' cracks, and Q ~ Z fruitstuff. Why the hell NOT? :gimmehug:

Yea for our first month!!!! Cake anyone? :D

[NotAnAverageGuy]

YAY on the Anniversary, I'm very grateful to Medusa and Jackhammer and everyone else, in making this site.

Cake please for me Miss Diva

[SassyLeo]

$15/mo.

WOAH!



:cheerleader::thumbsup::clap:

[atomiczombie]

This site is awesome. It doesn't carry the baggage that one of the others does. And it is so active with lots of cool people. We sometimes talk about heavy topics, but remain for the most part respectful of each other. I LOVE this place!! Thank you Jack and Dusa!! :cheer:

[Bit]

*best* nick ever.

I love it--I think it mighta been Boots who used it first. It makes me smile every time!

[FR]

woo hoo :danceparty:

we can make bagel pizzas in the toaster at the party-hehe


--- i'm not gonna be the one to splain cheez whiz to Ms Snowy
:bolt:

[The_Lady_Snow]

:readfineprint:Who's idea was it to make SuperFemme an ambassador??? NOW on top of all the other million things, I also have to reminder her she has a title...

OY VEY.....:explode:



P.S.

I got the ok to say these things about Ms Forgetfulness, so don't flame me:tongue:

[The_Lady_Snow]

I am confused.... Why is your fee only 15 dollars??? Where other places charged and have charged around 2,500.00 DOLLARS??? I am in awe at this new found cheaper fee..:duck:


Things truly are deeper in the South!!:thud:

[Diva]

Oh I don't know.......I think


Medusanator

is good, too! <giggle>



Snowy.....she needs a tiara......jus' sayin'.....:princess:

[Unndunn]

Thank you, Jack and Medusa, for starting this site. It couldn't have come at a better time.

[cara]

:stillheart::stillheart::stillheart:
:stillheart::stillheart::stillheart:

:stillheart: this site!!!

~cara

[Puplove]

I am confused.... Why is your fee only 15 dollars??? Where other places charged and have charged around 2,500.00 DOLLARS??? I am in awe at this new found cheaper fee..:duck:


Things truly are deeper in the South!!:thud:

Based on my 20+ years' experience in the corporate internetz world plus the cost of hosting my own (very low traffic) site, I always wanted to scream and protest the $2500/month fee. Either someone is being taken for a MAJOR ride, or they are adding a LOT of unnecessary expenses that are not related to hosting. I never spoke up because my forte is not in the network admin/site hosting area, so I figured they must be doing something really really bizarre that I don't understand, like maybe sponsoring some google dot com traffic or something. Nice to see some transparency -- and figures that match what I would expect! (even though I also expect costs to go up a bit as traffic and storage increases, but not to super-mega global corporate-level of monthly costs!)

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Then thank you again for the "how do you identify" field.

[Words]

Respect. It's a wonderful thing. Even more wonderful when it's given and received.

Thank you Medusa and Jack for everything you've done here. But most of all, thank you for the respect.

And re. the 'waxy cheese'? How about everyone bringing a small block of local cheese to the reunion and then putting a little home made flag in to show where it's from? Could be a great way of emphasizing the strength of our little planet...

Words

[PapaC]

Based on my 20+ years' experience in the corporate internetz world plus the cost of hosting my own (very low traffic) site, I always wanted to scream and protest the $2500/month fee. Either someone is being taken for a MAJOR ride, or they are adding a LOT of unnecessary expenses that are not related to hosting.

You and me BOTH.

I never spoke up because my forte is not in the network admin/site hosting area,

I did speak up about it in as diplomatic and respectful way as I could. And just in case anyone really needs to see exactly where, send me a pm, or threadstalk me elsewhere... like around.... July 25, 2009 I explained at great length my honest, experienced, and 'former techy' and trusted opinion on the matter. I would again, in a loving but pragmatic and assertive way, in a fuckin' heart beat.

Why? well, words says it best: "Respect. It's a wonderful thing. Even more wonderful when it's given and received. " .

Nice to see some transparency -- and figures that match what I would expect! (even though I also expect costs to go up a bit as traffic and storage increases, but not to super-mega global corporate-level of monthly costs!)

Nice in that we are involved in a loving, supportive environment.



And here's where I get to chuckle to myself. Medusa asked me for an opinion about throwing up vBulletin on a shared server space, I guess a few months back (when was it anyway?) Anyway... I think it was maybe October I found out what server package she had it on, and I just about choked in laughter... not because I personally thought it was "crazy" to run a site on $5/mth, I just wanted to sit back and fuckin' watch her *try* and do something that nuts because I believe I said it then, and I'll say it now: people will respect her for being conscientious enough about their money and see her heart and love and dedication to making some semblance of a home of sorts for many of us.

And for the most part, I was right.

And on that note, I wanna thank my dear Virgo sister, for daring to show how right I was. :P

I'd rather slow downs and burps and mistakes and errors and bumpy rides on $5, $15, $60/mth (or more) than sit back and watch people throw dollar bills into a fireplace just to keep warm.

Dusa/Jackhammer... I love you both for sticking it out thus far, and for doing a lot of fuckin' hard work on so many levels, starting with really stepping up and listening to us and working with us as family.

Peace.

[blackboot]

It really does feel like being welcomed home here. Thank you for your hard work and providing this space. CherryFemme and I are looking forward to the Reunion and spending time with our BFP Family.

bootie

[fishinabaggie]

I am so very glad to be here.
Grateful for all the planning, sweat, and tears (and for that $15!!!) that it took/takes to make this place breathe.
I feel like I am home. Thank you. Thank you!
:)
Liz~

[Jess]

And here's where I get to chuckle to myself. Medusa asked me for an opinion about throwing up vBulletin on a shared server space, I guess a few months back (when was it anyway?) Anyway... I think it was maybe October I found out what server package she had it on, and I just about choked in laughter... not because I personally thought it was "crazy" to run a site on $5/mth, I just wanted to sit back and fuckin' watch her *try* and do something that nuts because I believe I said it then, and I'll say it now: people will respect her for being conscientious enough about their money and see her heart and love and dedication to making some semblance of a home of sorts for many of us.

And for the most part, I was right.

And on that note, I wanna thank my dear Virgo sister, for daring to show how right I was. :P

I'd rather slow downs and burps and mistakes and errors and bumpy rides on $5, $15, $60/mth (or more) than sit back and watch people throw dollar bills into a fireplace just to keep warm.

Dusa/Jackhammer... I love you both for sticking it out thus far, and for doing a lot of fuckin' hard work on so many levels, starting with really stepping up and listening to us and working with us as family.

Peace.


Thanks to everyone who has added to making this a reality rather than a "woulda, coulda, shoulda". I did attempt to speak up as well and point out what I thought were obvious "issues" :hospital-snoopy: at b-f.com and got me lil arse tweaked :spank: . Big britches clutched firmly in hand and pulled up to the navel, I salute you.. :formalbow: with my free hand, of course ( tidy wiped and all!) :boxers:

Happy first month!

[Gemme]

What's the gift for a one month anniversary? I forget. :cheesy:

Congrats and a huge THANK YOU to the AdMedusaHammestrator. :thumbsup:

[christie]

Thanks to everyone who has added to making this a reality rather than a "woulda, coulda, shoulda". I did attempt to speak up as well and point out what I thought were obvious "issues" :hospital-snoopy: at b-f.com and got me lil arse tweaked :spank: . Big britches clutched firmly in hand and pulled up to the navel, I salute you.. :formalbow: with my free hand, of course ( tidy wiped and all!) :boxers:

Happy first month!

We just HAD to have more smileys! Thanks, Linus... Now the :goat: can be ever so clever! I so :love1: my butch!

That being said, Medusa and Jack, thank you both for all your hard work. Its hard to believe that you have accomplished so much in such a very short amount of time.

Here's to much continued success! :toast:

Christie

[MissVarda]

Thank you to everyone who has put the hard work into getting this site off the ground. It came at the perfect time as others have said...

The Universe does listen!

[always2late]

Dear Medusa and Jack,

Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication in creating the site. Many of us have complained about other sites, but how many of us would have been willing to sacrifice the sleep, and do the work needed to create another. You did it. Thank you SO much! I love the planet. It has a sense of warmth and welcoming that I have not found elsewhere. I :heartbeat: this community! Happy Anniversary! :awww:

[Novelafemme]

Thank you ever so much Jack and Medusa :) This sight is so welcoming and fun and couldn't have appeared at a better time. I look forward to the months to come as our community grows together. :cheer:

[shadows papa]

Jack&Medusa, Thanks for creating this wonderful welcoming space for any and every stripe of person who exists within our community! I think we have a chance here to make something real,and open and educating for all of us already here,and all of us to come!It is nice to have a place where we can agree to agree or agree to disagree about various and sundry topics and do it in a manner that is respectful and hopefully educational and thought-provoking to the members of the planet. ROCK ON!!!:bandkiss: ANDDDDDDDDDD...THX FOR THIS PARTICULAR SMILEY::bicycle:AND THIS ONE!:heavyweight:AND THIS ONE!!:cherokee:

[daisygrrl]

This is a really groovy place, filled with so many fabulous people!
Thank you so much for creating this space (f)

[suebee]

Medusinator, Jack: Thanks for giving us a REAL community!

I'm so glad to be able to log on each day and not worry about what I'm going to find. Now I KNOW I'm going to find: friends, chosen family and R E S P E C T!

Rock on Planet!

[FR]

-- a thought i had-- i am lucky i will purchase a susbscription and i know it is free for anyone-- for some that 30 dollars is a alot if he are on fixed incomes but WANT to conribute something to the site- thoughts about a special rate for seniors/disabled/low income? i know some would say how do u verify? well i think we have to go on the honor system and hope ppl will be honest. perhaps $12 a year? a little special thingy by name or extra pic or avitar? so its more than a basic? just an idea -any thoughts?

[Admin]

-- a thought i had-- i am lucky i will purchase a susbscription and i know it is free for anyone-- for some that 30 dollars is a alot if he are on fixed incomes but WANT to conribute something to the site- thoughts about a special rate for seniors/disabled/low income? i know some would say how do u verify? well i think we have to go on the honor system and hope ppl will be honest. perhaps $12 a year? a little special thingy by name or extra pic or avitar? so its more than a basic? just an idea -any thoughts?

This is actually a *great* idea for low income or special access needs. Lemme do some thinking around it and we can certainly put something into place. It probably wouldnt hurt to have the same thing for students.

:)

[MissVarda]

This is actually a *great* idea for low income or special access needs. Lemme do some thinking around it and we can certainly put something into place. It probably wouldnt hurt to have the same thing for students.

:)

Oooh yeah, I'm all about a student discount. I'm unemployed right now and going to school, but would love to be able to support the site. I am so grateful right now, you dont even know...

[FR]

--- maybe a sliding scale fee for what i menioned above? maybe a one time $5 name register fee or if u can have another name here a fee? --i know im full of..... ideas-hehe

[JAGG]

I have an idea. For members who are on tight incomes for whatever reason but really want to buy a memebership here, but can't afford to at the current time, how about some sweat equity. Maybe some find raising project like if you get 5 new people to join you get a year free. I can probably think of a hundred things that involve sweat equity. Just an idea.

[Selenay]

--- maybe a sliding scale fee for what i menioned above? maybe a one time $5 name register fee or if u can have another name here a fee? --i know im full of..... ideas-hehe


What about a name change fee? I know that as time progresses there will be people who, for whatever reason, want to use a different username. Perhaps allowing them to pay for this privilege would make everyone happy.

[Rockinonahigh]

:bowdown::thumbsup: I am so glad to find the planet,it brings much hope to find another place we can be bf.This planet hsa a happy home feeling that warms my butch heart to no end.Dusa and Jack u 2 rock.
Rockin