Today is the second anniversary for the kick-off of what is now MonteCarloSS.com. For those what would like to see what the page looked like around that time.. I have it captured for properity: Historical Page

It's times like this that I get to look back and see just how far the site has evolved from that simple beginning. Back then we hadn't even considered the Message Board idea (started on December 12th, 1999). Since then, the number of visitors to the site has grown dramatically.. partly because of some good publicity in Chevy High Performance magazine.. but also on large part because you guys have told everyone about the site. Word of mouth publicity is probably by far the largest tool we have to getting word out to those who have not joined us yet. So thanks to all who have done that for us.. and to all who will in the future.

I also want to take this opporutnity to thank the many volunteers we have here on MonteCarloSS.com.. from PaulB, our other Administrator here on the Message Board.. to all the Moderators who give of there personal time to ensure that things run smoothly on the Board. We have a great crew who is dedicated to seeing that the site moves in the right direction.. thanks to you all.

I want to also thank those who have chosen to donate to the site, to ensure that it stays around for just a little longer. A while back, I set up a separate bank account to collect all donations received, so I could keep tabs on input/output for the site. As you may know.. this site is entirely funded and supported soely by donations.. with no advertising income at all. I have not pushed the donation effort in some time, partly because the bank account had enough to keep the site alive for a while... and partly because, frankly, I'm uncomfortable asking for help with site funds. I don't want to constantly nag people about helping the site.

We've had enought to get by with in the account up until recently, when I renewed the domain name for another few years.. and paid up hosting fees for 6 months. The account funds have never been healthy enough to support the many side projects that people have suggested and requested (like shirts and more stickers). The first set of stickers were produced based on pre-orders I took.. with the initial outlay of money (about $450) coming out of my pocket. It then was like pulling teeth to get people to send in the money for their pre-orders. It wasn't until near the end of filling orders that I recouped my out of pocket expenses. If we do stickers again, it will be with paid pre-orders. I don't want to go through the previous scenario again. My personal SS fund is finally back up to where it should be, to where I can actually get some work done (if I ever find the time), now, because I have not used those funds for the site.

Anyway.. it boils down to.. we are dangerously low on site funds, with only 50 bucks left in the account. That's enough to keep the site alive for awhile.. but not too long past the 6 months period I just paid for. It certainly is not enought to do any projects of any kind on the side for the site.

So, I ask you all to at least consider donating a few bucks (that's all it would take) to the site. You can donate via PayPal (instructions on the site information page), or via check or money order. I'm going to take the unusual step of posting my mailing address to send donations.. and trust I don't get any letter bombs :

Paul Carreiro
15607 Cordary Ave
El Camino Village, CA 90260-3530

Please make all checks and money orders payable to me.. as the site does not have it's own identity at the bank. If anyone would like to know the balance of the site account at any time.. that information will be freely given. This is not a money making site at all. My intent is to have enough to maintain the site.. and at the same time, be able to sponsor some projects on the side for the community. So, consider the benefits of the site.. the cost savings from finding the right answers.. or finding the right replacement part.. or the income from those selling parts or cars.. or just the sense of community here on the Message Board... then consider what that's worth to you. That's all I ask.

If you do decide to donate.. please include your email address, and nick name here on the board so I know who you are. As a reminder, donations of $20 or more will get you an email address here on MonteCarloSS.com.

Thanks for taking the time to read this far... and for at least considering helping out. Happy Birthday MonteCarloSS.com! Now in the terrible two's!

PaulC

[ 07-09-2001: Message edited by: Z65_Paul ]

this site is great for the SS Monte Carlo. i'll be sending something by next week. thanks for all the work you do to keep it going.

You can count on another check from me. This site has saved me a ton of money in aggravation by being able to get the answers to some of my problems off the board. It is also great entertainment and a source that has given me some great new friends from around the country. None from California. They cheat at cart racing. (inside joke). Keep up the good work Paul, and I for one greatly appreciate all of your effort.
Kevin AKA: Crusher

I will gladly give a donation,again.

You should have a PayPal confirmation very soon coming through to you.

Happy B-Day - I Love this site.

Kudos to all involved.

Ill definately send some money even though im a poor college student. :rolleyes: but I think you should also put this message in a gen disscusion area I'm sure you'll get more people to contribute. This board has saved my a$$ many times.

Put me down for $20.00
I think you have a great site here.
I'll send you a money order next week.

Happy to help!

Great site Paul, Thanks!! I sent a donation via Paypal, hope it helps!! Look forward to hearing from you and getting my montecarloss email address!!
Keep up the great work!!!!

Thanks again!!

I will send what I can, I hope Canadian funds are ok with you? Terry Mulvale AKA SSKnight.

PAUL,
I SENT TEN WASHINGTONS YOUR WAY TODAY.

THANKS FOR HOSTING A GREAT SITE!

DID YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL GOAL?

i want to apologize for not sending anything yet. to be honest i've been broke lately. i'll get something out to you soon. i won't forget. this is a great site. thanks.

So Paul,

We haven't heard, have you reached yoour goal for contributions. What is the figure at.

The Crusher

Yeah i sent my weekely grandma money. Please make me a believer than the USPS doesnt read our mail. J/K