Keeping this invaluable forum alive

[alexwalker]

Dear pilgrim friends; new and perhaps frightened, as well as us experienced and more relaxed ones:

This forum is undoubtably the most valuable resource on the Internet for people who want to walk the Camino(s), searching for help, encouragement and advice, or people who have done it, and want to share and help others. But it takes time and money for Ivar to keep it running. He has a humble "donate" feature in the right-side menu or top menu bar (which he humbly does not push on you), and I challenge you to support his good work. For a one-time donation of 40+ Euro, your concience is saved, and you also get access to the "Premium" part of the forum, otherwise hidden for you, as well as a forum badge for your backpack. And advertising (often necessary to finance a website) is turned off, as well.

It's not that I doubt that Ivar is capable of running this into infinity; he has proven that, but we could all help out a little in order to ease it a bit, don't you think? I do.

I post this in the Frances section, since it is the most visited section of the forum.

Sorry if this is inapropriate, Ivar, but I just thought, as an impartial 3rd party, that I should make people more aware of this fine opportunity to contribute to a thriving and blessed community of all us pilgrims and wannabies Maybe this should be a sticky in all forums?

 

[dalston999]

What is the Premium part of the forum?

 

[Al the optimist]

Good question dalston. I'm intrigued. What have I been missing? But thanks for posting Alex. Ivar is a quite, retiring sort of guy and it is good that every once in a while one of us reminds everyone that it costs him to provide us with this (in my opinion essential) facility.

 

[supersullivan]

Alex, bualadh bas as we say in the Emerald Isle, for many of us reading and posting in the forum is a pleasure we can indulge in as and when we feel like it, for Ivar, it is a huge, ongoing commitment for which we all should be truly thankful and for those of us with a few spare spondulicks, a donativo is well warranted.

Seamus

 

[taozenqi]

+1 on having this be a "sticky" on each forum.

 

[pilgrim b]

A thought has just come to me, instead of that long todo list why not just add it to our Christmas list?

 

[SYates]

What is the Premium part of the forum?

Me also wants to know this! SY

 

[alexwalker]

Me also wants to know this! SY

It is nothing much; Just a list of donating people that Ivar pays special attention to, without letting go of all the others visitors at the forums, in his kindness.

Having said that, My thoughts are that everyone should think about what we receive here. I most sincerely think that we all should keep together and offer a kind donation to Ivar's efforts, in order to keep this forum as good as it is today. Just my thoughts on helping Ivar in his daily struggles.

 

[karenfromcali]

I thought the premium part was no advertisements for those who donate???

 

[fraluchi]

[...] you also get access to the "Premium" part of the forum, otherwise hidden for you,[...]

Could it be the beer in that bar, hidden past the corner of Ivar's office?

 

[t2andreo]

Donating to support Ivar's efforts at maintaining this forum is an investment in the future of the Camino, at least for those folks who can manage in English. Without it, many pilgrims would be clueless and make too many mistakes that would affect the quality of their experience.

Also, and selfishly for anyone who has done a Camino and "got it" having the forum provides a safety or escape valve - like on a pressure cooker. We can "talk" among ourselves as experienced pilgrims about all aspects of the Camino. We share experiences, and advice. Over time, this improves the overall Camino experience for anyone who reads these posts.

I for one would have a tough slog back at home without it. My wife is tolerant of what she calls my "obsession." However, not having experienced it herself, she cannot comprehend the profound change it makes in a person. I am working on changing her status to passively tolerant to a veteran...

All this said, we all need the forum for any variety of reasons. PLEASE find a way to donate, even a few Euros to the forum during this holiday season. After all, money is like manure. It does no good unless it is spread around...

Happy holidays to all!

 

[ivar]

Me also wants to know this! SY

It is just a separate forum that is available to "Donating Members". Right now there is nothing much in there, but I am keeping a close eye on it.

For the other advantages of donating, have a look here:
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/account/upgrades/

Thanks everyone!
Ivar

 

[Tia Valeria]

That is interesting Ivar. Am I accessing it automatically or is there a link I should be able to see and am missing?

 

[wayfarer]

I never spotted the Premium Forum before, is there a link.

 

[ivar]

http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/premium-forum.116/

If you do not see it (and you have made a donation), let me know... I may have not configured the rights correctly...

 

[wayfarer]

I am getting an error page.
Camino de Santiago Forum - Error
You do not have permission to view this page or perform this action.

 

[ivar]

Ok, I see this now... this works only for the users that have donated in the new forum, on a €40,- level or above...

 

[DavidsRetired]

I’m glad this thread was started as I never noticed the donate option at the top of the page before.

I for one would (and will shortly) gladly donate to help maintain this crucial and instrumental forum, as it provides invaluable information and perhaps more importantly, esprit de corp.

Additionally, I can appreciate the need for financial support to aid in the yearly cost of the site. However, the real value of donations, is more in-line with the personal time spent in the development and maintenance of this forum.

Therefore, I believe financial recognition is a well-deserved and added incentive for a job well done! Or as we say in the military, Bravo Zulu!

Cheers,

Dave

 

[DurhamParish]

I just donated 20 Euro. This forum is invaluable.

 

[johns]

it costs 25 pounds a year to be a member of c s j should i donate direct to ivar instead.

 

[karenhypes]

View attachment 6952

http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/premium-forum.116/

If you do not see it (and you have made a donation), let me know... I may have not configured the rights correctly...

Ivar, We have not noticed it yet. But regardless, thanks for all you do. We do appreciate it. Dayton and Karen.

 

[ivar]

Ivar, We have not noticed it yet. But regardless, thanks for all you do. We do appreciate it. Dayton and Karen.

Thank you for your donation!

If you look under your username:

...you will see the "Donating Member" badge that indicates that you have donated. Also you will see a "Thank you for donating" message all the way at the top + you will see that the advertising has disappeared. Do you see it?

 

[zakosdad]

Ivar thanks for this forum and for your package service in Santiago. It was a real pleasure for Arlene and me to meet you last September.
Keep up the good work.

 

[pilgrim b]

A thought has just come to me, instead of that long todo list why not just add it to our Christmas list?

If you do agree, and haven't done it yet, Happy Christmas everyone lets make it a prosperous New Year for our dear friends Ivar and the forum!

 

[Brendan Dawson]

Dear pilgrim friends; new and perhaps frightened, as well as us experienced and more relaxed ones:

This forum is undoubtably the most valuable resource on the Internet for people who want to walk the Camino(s), searching for help, encouragement and advice, or people who have done it, and want to share and help others. But it takes time and money for Ivar to keep it running. He has a humble "donate" feature in the right-side menu or top menu bar (which he humbly does not push on you), and I challenge you to support his good work. For a one-time donation of 40+ Euro, your concience is saved, and you also get access to the "Premium" part of the forum, otherwise hidden for you, as well as a forum badge for your backpack. And advertising (often necessary to finance a website) is turned off, as well.

It's not that I doubt that Ivar is capable of running this into infinity; he has proven that, but we could all help out a little in order to ease it a bit, don't you think? I do.

I post this in the Frances section, since it is the most visited section of the forum.

Sorry if this is inapropriate, Ivar, but I just thought, as an impartial 3rd party, that I should make people more aware of this fine opportunity to contribute to a thriving and blessed community of all us pilgrims and wannabies Maybe this should be a sticky in all forums?

MOST APPROPRIATE !
Thank you.

 

[David]

I support this thread completely! - Though, I like the adverts, don't know why.

I left the csj when they put their fees up to £25 a year .. for what? So I left - I wish them well.

 

[PeregrinaMC]

Thanks so much for raising the issue of donations. I've just made mine with much appreciation to everyone involved in this wonderful forum.
I can't get enough of the Camino in my 'real' life and am a financial member of 3 of the 'confraternities' internationally (UK, USA and Australia). Over the years since my first Camino in 2009, each of them has offered me different (and happily complementary) things.
While I'm always slow to make any digital footprint (having only officially signed up to this forum last year), it makes complete sense for a crank like me to be a 'financial' member of this forum as well!

 

[freeflyer123]

I love this forum and think you're doing a sterling job, Ivar. We could never have managed the Camino last year without the valuable information found here.

 

[alexwalker]

Ivar, I hope this thread has helped in supporting your generous efforts for all us pilgrims in the world; Keeping a live and prosperous forum running, giving us so much help and "training wheels". You are now on my yearly donating list, and I am very happy with that. It is such a small amount of good in the world of bad that we are struggling in. As I sit here in the icy Arctic Norway, planning for my next Camino (Frances, yes, one more time), I am warmed by the many friendly threads and posts, once again helping me to plan, prepare, and complete my journey. I cannot fully express my gratitude for this (your) resource, but I suspect you'll get the meaning of it... So, I am sooo very happy to warmly contribute to this blessed society.

(To all of you walking; Don't you feel like a family? I do, and want to see you on the Way...)

Det var fantastisk å finne dette forumet og få all hjelpen, Ivar! (Norwegian thank you style)

 

[andarilho]

This forum was where I got all the right advice, info and encouragement for my first Camino (Leon to Santiago about 18 months ago) - worked out fantastically, so memorable! and hopefully more to come. It's a privilege to make a donation towards Ivar's costs in keeping this great community in place.

 

[Sraaen]

What is the Premium part of the forum?

I think the "premium" just means that if you contribute, you can log in as a member and there won't be any advertising to interfere with the purity of the experience.

We all love this forum. We all want the host to be able to keep this going. But please don't "challenge" us to contribute.

If you want to, but can't afford to contribute right now and you still want to help, visit all of the advertising links DIRECTLY FROM HERE. Referrals to the advertisers' sites (not the DISPLAY of ads) are tracked and are how the host gets paid by serving ads.

I actually wish there was a way to both contribute AND see the ads!

 

[ivar]

I think the "premium" just means that if you contribute, you can log in as a member and there won't be any advertising to interfere with the purity of the experience.

We all love this forum. We all want the host to be able to keep this going. But please don't "challenge" us to contribute.

If you want to, but can't afford to contribute right now and you still want to help, visit all of the advertising links DIRECTLY FROM HERE. Referrals to the advertisers' sites (not the DISPLAY of ads) are tracked and are how the host gets paid by serving ads.

I actually wish there was a way to both contribute AND see the ads!

The Premium part of the forum has since been removed. All members, donating or not, now get access to exactly the same content.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Hola Ivar,
I might be missing something but I cannot see a Donate button. Will it re-appear when my donation runs out, or where should I be looking for it?
I do know that it depends on which computer I use as to whether I can see everything properly.

 

[ivar]

Hola Ivar,
I might be missing something but I cannot see a Donate button. Will it re-appear when my donation runs out, or where should I be looking for it?
I do know that it depends on which computer i use as to whether I can see everything properly.

When your "donation time" runs out you will start to see ads and under the ads you will see a donation link. It will be the same on any computer as long as you are logged in as the same user. (Your donation is connected to your user, not to a computer).

There is another way to get to the donation page as well... it is called "Account Upgrades", see here:


I hope this helps!
Ivar

 

[Tia Valeria]

Thank you - so I will see the donation button when my donation runs out, but can find it before hand as you say. I didn't know or think to look there.

I realised it was linked to me as user, but my mini PC contracts the page and 'loses' some bits partway under others. The problem of a 7" screen on an old computer.........

 

[Robo]

A tremendous resource Ivar. Well done.

 

[ivar]

I think I have found a good way to accept donations without using Paypal. It can be done here:
http://www.santiagodecompostela.me/products/camino-forum-donation

Thanks everyone!
Ivar

 

[alexwalker]

There are several parties interested in keeping this forum alive: not only pilgrims but also our helpers on the Way: give them room to speak (and Ivar obviously do, kind as he is)

But please donate. It is for the benefit of us all.


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[jemitch65]

Dear pilgrim friends; new and perhaps frightened, as well as us experienced and more relaxed ones:

This forum is undoubtably the most valuable resource on the Internet for people who want to walk the Camino(s), searching for help, encouragement and advice, or people who have done it, and want to share and help others. But it takes time and money for Ivar to keep it running. He has a humble "donate" feature in the right-side menu or top menu bar (which he humbly does not push on you), and I challenge you to support his good work. For a one-time donation of 40+ Euro, your concience is saved, and you also get access to the "Premium" part of the forum, otherwise hidden for you, as well as a forum badge for your backpack. And advertising (often necessary to finance a website) is turned off, as well.

It's not that I doubt that Ivar is capable of running this into infinity; he has proven that, but we could all help out a little in order to ease it a bit, don't you think? I do.

I post this in the Frances section, since it is the most visited section of the forum.

Sorry if this is inapropriate, Ivar, but I just thought, as an impartial 3rd party, that I should make people more aware of this fine opportunity to contribute to a thriving and blessed community of all us pilgrims and wannabies Maybe this should be a sticky in all forums?

Thank you Alex for this post. I have been a member of this forum for nearly three years and used the community's advice in planning my Camino Frances in 2012. I recently saw your post when planning my second trip to Spain walking the Norte in 2015. It never occurred to me to donate, and I didn't know you could until today. Having said that, I agree with you on the "value" of this online peregrino community and took up your suggestion for a donation. I have received so much from this forum, so it was a good feeling to give back and show my appreciation. Best regards, John

 

[alexwalker]

Thank you Alex for this post.

Da*n: I was only allowed ONE "like" on your post...

 

[jemitch65]

Da*n: I was only allowed ONE "like" on your post...

No worries Alex and thank you for the "like" and thanks again for taking a lead in encouraging others to contribute to this wonderful online community!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Thank you Alex for this post. I have been a member of this forum for nearly three years and used the community's advice in planning my Camino Frances in 2012. I recently saw your post when planning my second trip to Spain walking the Norte in 2015. It never occurred to me to donate, and I didn't know you could until today. Having said that, I agree with you on the "value" of this online peregrino community and took up your suggestion for a donation. I have received so much from this forum, so it was a good feeling to give back and show my appreciation. Best regards, John

Hola Jemitch - glad you have come on board as a "donating member" and for all the rest of the Forum Family - yes it is not compulsory to donate - but even E10 (thats about 3 coffees!) once a year will help maintain what is (IMHO) to most helpful traveller page - not just for those walking the Camino. The advice covers the complete gambit of issues - health; relationships; grief just to name a few. So please consider

 

[karenhypes]

View attachment 6952

http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/premium-forum.116/

If you do not see it (and you have made a donation), let me know... I may have not configured the rights correctly...

Hi Ivar, We're getting an error page as well. Dayton and Karen

 

[ivar]

Hi Ivar, We're getting an error page as well. Dayton and Karen

The "Premium forum" (this link was to this forum), does no longer exist.

 

[simply B]

Thanks for bumping this thread up on the listings! I just noticed the other day that I was apparently not a "Donating Member" anymore. Then I realized the amount of time elapsed since I donated last and had a "Duh!" moment.

So, many thanks for the gentle reminder to contribute to the effort to make this site thrive, not just exist. It is, as @alexwalker describes, "invaluable".

B

 

[amorfati1]

Hola Jemitch - glad you have come on board as a "donating member" and for all the rest of the Forum Family - yes it is not compulsory to donate - but even E10 (thats about 3 coffees!) once a year will help maintain what is (IMHO) to most helpful traveller page - not just for those walking the Camino. The advice covers the complete gambit of issues - health; relationships; grief just to name a few. So please consider

Saint Mike - there are other reasons for currently not donating (as i've done in the past) besides not knowing about it.
10 (ten) months unemployment and ZERO unemployment benefits/support for e.g. (am tempted to add a polit statement here, but shall refrain)
and no, in this state of affairs i wouldn't dream about spending any funds on caffe's bought by the cup in cafe's etc. So yes, a donation to this valuable and appreciated forum is currently not possible/feasible and no amount of "so please consider" will manifest $$$. I contribute otherwise in a hopefully useful fashion - and will most certainly donate in $$ again when possible. - you just have to trust me on that one
cheers, c

 

[DurhamParish]

Just re-upped my donation. It's been about a year since the last one. amorfati1, I consider it to be in your honor. Best of luck for future employment.

 

[Al the optimist]

I hope thinks change for tghe better for you soon Amorfati

 

[Bernard duffy]

How does one donate,let me guess, i have missed a big heading for it somewhere :/

 

[SYates]

How does one donate,let me guess, i have missed a big heading for it somewhere :/

Have a look here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/account/upgrades/
Buen Camino! SY

 

[Arn]

The Dr is In: Well, it's been awhile since I've tried to wrap myself around any "serious" numbers, but I'll give it a go.
In 2007 I began planning my first Camino...I bought books ($120 worth...barely cracked the cover...now getting dusty), I bought at least three different types of shoes/boots ($460...chose the wrong boots to wear for the CF...I was still thinking AT; actually I wasn't thinking at all), I booked my travel to and from Madrid (didn't realize I could have saved both money and time using a "multi-cities" option by returning from SdC).
Aside from the many healthy walking tips, honest equipment reports, great/not so great albergues, safety concerns, or not...the Forum has saved me mucho $$$ on my subsequent Caminos and all for FREE.
Oh, two last things (maybe three): a trip to my psych was $120 per visit...haven't gone since 2008.
Today is Super Bowl Sunday. Folks will eat $1.2 billion in just chicken wings and spill way more beer than they will consume
On my first Camino the rate of exchange $ to euros was about $1.40 = E 1. Todays rate is: $1.13 to E 1. Hey, I'm sure we can shake the can for the Forum.
Moral: rather than paying for some spilled beer and a trip to the ER for overeating "Spicy-Hot" chicken wings...consider a $$ or two for the "cause"; because if it wasn't for Ivar there wouldn't be a Forum.

 

[Bernard duffy]

The Dr is In: Well, it's been awhile since I've tried to wrap myself around any "serious" numbers, but I'll give it a go.
In 2007 I began planning my first Camino...I bought books ($120 worth...barely cracked the cover...now getting dusty), I bought at least three different types of shoes/boots ($460...chose the wrong boots to wear for the CF...I was still thinking AT; actually I wasn't thinking at all), I booked my travel to and from Madrid (didn't realize I could have saved both money and time using a "multi-cities" option by returning from SdC).
Aside from the many healthy walking tips, honest equipment reports, great/not so great albergues, safety concerns, or not...the Forum has saved me mucho $$$ on my subsequent Caminos and all for FREE.
Oh, two last things (maybe three): a trip to my psych was $120 per visit...haven't gone since 2008.
Today is Super Bowl Sunday. Folks will eat $1.2 billion in just chicken wings and spill way more beer than they will consume
On my first Camino the rate of exchange $ to euros was about $1.40 = E 1. Todays rate is: $1.13 to E 1. Hey, I'm sure we can shake the can for the Forum.
Moral: rather than paying for some spilled beer and a trip to the ER for overeating "Spicy-Hot" chicken wings...consider a $$ or two for the "cause"; because if it wasn't for Ivan there wouldn't be a Forum.

SPILL BEER,HEATHENS !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[AmandaMandolin]

Hi Alex!! Casey & I met you on the Camino this past May & you shared some very yummy dried fish with us! (sorry I cannot remember the correct word for it.) Hope you are doing well & It's good to see you on here!

 

[JackCamino]

There are several parties interested in keeping this forum alive: not only pilgrims but also our helpers on the Way: give them room to speak (and Ivar obviously do, kind as he is)

But please donate. It is for the benefit of us all.


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

Thanks for bringing this up , Alex. We all need reminders to support good work like this forum as we can. Paypal is working fine.

 

[Carol brown]

It is nothing much; Just a list of donating people that Ivar pays special attention to, without letting go of all the others visitors at the forums, in his kindness.

Having said that, My thoughts are that everyone should think about what we receive here. I most sincerely think that we all should keep together and offer a kind donation to Ivar's efforts, in order to keep this forum as good as it is today. Just my thoughts on helping Ivar in his daily struggles.

 

[Carol brown]

How much should we donate in U.S. Dollars?

 

[ivar]

How much should we donate in U.S. Dollars?

It is all up to you. Have a look here:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/account/upgrades/

You are charged in euros, your card will convert this to dollars.

Thank you!
Ivar

 

[ricitosdeplata]

I donated with PayPal on 5/11, I think the conversion was to $17.38 and nothing has changed on my account will donate more later but just wondered if it takes a month to kick in, not that the ads are a bother.

 

[ivar]

I donated with PayPal on 5/11, I think the conversion was to $17.38 and nothing has changed on my account will donate more later but just wondered if it takes a month to kick in, not that the ads are a bother.

Hi there,

Will send you a private message.

Thanks!
Ivar

 

[Coleen Clark]

Smart Wool Sox...$12
Silk Sleeping Bag Liner....$26
3000 new encouraging friends communicating info and advice with humor and love.....PRICELESS!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

It is just a separate forum that is available to "Donating Members". Right now there is nothing much in there, but I am keeping a close eye on it.

For the other advantages of donating, have a look here:
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/account/upgrades/

Thanks everyone!
Ivar

Ivar, tell me, how much do you lose in advert revenue for each one of us who donates? Do break even, make a multiple? What do you need each member to give to at least break even? Frankly, there are times the adds are a plus, so why would I pay to lose them, after all they are Camino minded....

 

[David]

I agree with that. I liked the ads but I also wanted to support Ivar - so I had to lose the ads - shame really.

 

[wayfarer]

I think people pay to support the running of the site by Ivar not to get rid of adds.

 

[ricitosdeplata]

It is all up to you. Have a look here:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/account/upgrades/

You are charged in euros, your card will convert this to dollars.

Thank you!
Ivar

Just a word of caution, make sure you use this website Ivar posted in this quote.

 

[ivar]

Ivar, tell me, how much do you lose in advert revenue for each one of us who donates? Do break even, make a multiple? What do you need each member to give to at least break even? Frankly, there are times the adds are a plus, so why would I pay to lose them, after all they are Camino minded....

A donation gives me more than "ad-clicking" ever would. The ads does not pay much.

Thank you to everyone who donates!!
Ivar

 

[MichaelRpdx]

It is just a separate forum that is available to "Donating Members". Right now there is nothing much in there, but I am keeping a close eye on it.

For the other advantages of donating, have a look here:
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/account/upgrades/

Thanks everyone!
Ivar

What? There's more? I donated to have the site supported by users instead of advertisers. To me Ivar is providing the best of web options: let the advertisers pay for people to get to know the place and then let the users pay to really make the place "our own."

 

[ivar]

What? There's more? I donated to have the site supported by users instead of advertisers. To me Ivar is providing the best of web options: let the advertisers pay for people to get to know the place and then let the users pay to really make the place "our own."

No, this extra forum has since been discontinued. Donating and non donating members see the same content. One group with ads, the others with no ads.

Thanks for your donation!
Ivar

 

[Tia Valeria]

Ads! We have donated to support Ivar, but the removal of the ads is a real bonus. If you want to see the ads just don't log-in until you have read them. I don't know if you might have to clear the cookies to see the ads, but mine clear anyway on closing the browser, so I always have to log back in.
As usual, thank you Ivar, and it was good to meet you at last.

 

[suzannejmartin]

Dear pilgrim friends; new and perhaps frightened, as well as us experienced and more relaxed ones:

This forum is undoubtably the most valuable resource on the Internet for people who want to walk the Camino(s), searching for help, encouragement and advice, or people who have done it, and want to share and help others. But it takes time and money for Ivar to keep it running. He has a humble "donate" feature in the right-side menu or top menu bar (which he humbly does not push on you), and I challenge you to support his good work. For a one-time donation of 40+ Euro, your concience is saved, and you also get access to the "Premium" part of the forum, otherwise hidden for you, as well as a forum badge for your backpack. And advertising (often necessary to finance a website) is turned off, as well.

It's not that I doubt that Ivar is capable of running this into infinity; he has proven that, but we could all help out a little in order to ease it a bit, don't you think? I do.

I post this in the Frances section, since it is the most visited section of the forum.

Sorry if this is inapropriate, Ivar, but I just thought, as an impartial 3rd party, that I should make people more aware of this fine opportunity to contribute to a thriving and blessed community of all us pilgrims and wannabies Maybe this should be a sticky in all forums?

Cannot find the "Donate Link". Looking where you described . . . .

 

[Tincatinker]

Try here: www.caminodesantiago.me/community/account/upgrades/

 

[Robo]

Dear pilgrim friends; new and perhaps frightened, as well as us experienced and more relaxed ones:

This forum is undoubtably the most valuable resource on the Internet for people who want to walk the Camino(s), searching for help, encouragement and advice, or people who have done it, and want to share and help others. But it takes time and money for Ivar to keep it running. He has a humble "donate" feature in the right-side menu or top menu bar (which he humbly does not push on you), and I challenge you to support his good work. For a one-time donation of 40+ Euro, your concience is saved, and you also get access to the "Premium" part of the forum, otherwise hidden for you, as well as a forum badge for your backpack. And advertising (often necessary to finance a website) is turned off, as well.

It's not that I doubt that Ivar is capable of running this into infinity; he has proven that, but we could all help out a little in order to ease it a bit, don't you think? I do.

I post this in the Frances section, since it is the most visited section of the forum.

Sorry if this is inapropriate, Ivar, but I just thought, as an impartial 3rd party, that I should make people more aware of this fine opportunity to contribute to a thriving and blessed community of all us pilgrims and wannabies Maybe this should be a sticky in all forums?

Well done for posting this..............better jump on the link

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Well done for posting this..............better jump on the link

If I want to be a double donor like Robo, what do I have to do ? Seriously, the new unlimited bookmark makes donating even more worth it.

 

[Robo]

If I want to be a double donor like Robo, what do I have to do ? Seriously, the new unlimited bookmark makes donating even more worth it.

I just clicked on the link and donated again...........

 

[suzannejmartin]

Try here: www.caminodesantiago.me/community/account/upgrades/

Thank you.

 

[Thornley]

No, this extra forum has since been discontinued. Donating and non donating members see the same content. One group with ads, the others with no ads.

Thanks for your donation!
Ivar

Is there a record of how many donate?

 

[zzotte]

Ivar, we all take it for granted the great job you have and continue to do for us, its so easy we just post it read and move on we little knowledge of the hard work keeping up behind the scenes thanks for the great service you have provided.

Zzotte

 

[Angel-hart]

Dear pilgrim friends; new and perhaps frightened, as well as us experienced and more relaxed ones:

This forum is undoubtably the most valuable resource on the Internet for people who want to walk the Camino(s), searching for help, encouragement and advice, or people who have done it, and want to share and help others. But it takes time and money for Ivar to keep it running. He has a humble "donate" feature in the right-side menu or top menu bar (which he humbly does not push on you), and I challenge you to support his good work. For a one-time donation of 40+ Euro, your concience is saved, and you also get access to the "Premium" part of the forum, otherwise hidden for you, as well as a forum badge for your backpack. And advertising (often necessary to finance a website) is turned off, as well.

It's not that I doubt that Ivar is capable of running this into infinity; he has proven that, but we could all help out a little in order to ease it a bit, don't you think? I do.

I post this in the Frances section, since it is the most visited section of the forum.

Sorry if this is inappropriate, Ivar, but I just thought, as an impartial 3rd party, that I should make people more aware of this fine opportunity to contribute to a thriving and blessed community of all us pilgrims and wannabies Maybe this should be a sticky in all forums?

Thank you for your post. I just read this post, and you are correct, donating also removes advertisements for a period of time. I found that those who are advertising are mostly selling items used and needed by and for piligrinos. Im ok with that too, Ivar does such an incredible job. Not inappropriate at all. Thank you for your view on this important topic.

Rob

 

[fraluchi]

Us lifelong peregrinos know how to appreciate Ivar's continued efforts to maintain this Forum in keeping to make sense (not to forget the moderators either!). There is no such thing as a free meal: the ingredients have to be provided somehow. We therefore should allow Ivar to send a reminder to us when we should be ready to send our donation.
Who agrees? (Those who don't agree pay double!)

 

[SYates]

... We therefore should allow Ivar to send a reminder to us when we should be ready to send our donation.
Who agrees? (Those who don't agree pay double!)

The reappearance of the ads is reminder enough for me to hit the PayPal button
Buen Camino, SY

 

[ivar]

Us lifelong peregrinos know how to appreciate Ivar's continued efforts to maintain this Forum in keeping to make sense (not to forget the moderators either!). There is no such thing as a free meal: the ingredients have to be provided somehow. We therefore should allow Ivar to send a reminder to us when we should be ready to send our donation.
Who agrees? (Those who don't agree pay double!)

Thank you all! ..by the way, there is a reminder e-mail that goes out 7 days before a donation expire. Also, when you see the ads, that means that it has expired.

Thanks again!
Ivar

 

[alexwalker]

Very good that this thread is brought up again from time to time in order to inform new (and old) members of this opportunity to secure our invaluable information bank. Personally, I find it easy to donate a sum equivalent of a few beers each years to the Forum. Cheers.

 

[Angie94]

This forum is undoubtably the most valuable resource on the Internet for people who want to walk the Camino(s), searching for help, encouragement and advice, or people who have done it, and want to share and help others. But it takes time and money for Ivar to keep it running.

Bravo ~ well said. I will get on it (making a donation)....the info and experience from others that I have gleaned from this forum is exactly why I have mustered up the courage and the commitment to do the Camino. I seriously don't know if it would have become a reality without this forum! (haven't done it yet - but May of 2016 will not be just a pipe dream for me...I will join in with the multitude that have gone before me.) I am grateful to all who take the time to participate on this forum and I am to grateful to Ivar!

 

[alexwalker]

Bravo ~ well said. I will get on it (making a donation)....the info and experience from others that I have gleaned from this forum is exactly why I have mustered up the courage and the commitment to do the Camino. I seriously don't know if it would have become a reality without this forum! (haven't done it yet - but May of 2016 will not be just a pipe dream for me...I will join in with the multitude that have gone before me.) I am grateful to all who take the time to participate on this forum and I am to grateful to Ivar!

Well said.

You have made a wise decision, to walk.

I will be somewhere on the Camino in May 2016. Maybe we'll meet one afternoon for a chat.

 

[tomjane40]

Ok, I see this now... this works only for the users that have donated in the new forum, on a €40,- level or above...

I donated via paypal July 12. I do not see donating member on my profile.

 

[ivar]

I donated via paypal July 12. I do not see donating member on my profile.

Hi there,

I do not use PayPal, so not sure what happened there... e-mail me ivar@casaivar.com and we will work it out.

On the forum you can only donate here:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/account/upgrades
or here:
https://www.santiagodecompostela.me/products/camino-forum-donation