When I started AgTalk back in 2000, I used software that was already on my computer and paid a minimal fee for 100 MB of storage on a shared server. Within a few months it became apparent that we would need more room and better software. That increased costs dramatically. A couple years later, a small group of supporters began chipping in and my cost was essentially reduced to zero for a few years. But that wasn't a good solution, either.

We talked it over and, with some reluctance, decided to add a donations link. I had no idea what replacement software would cost -- but knew it wouldn't be free. AgTalk also needed its own server. Before heading into a major rebuild, we needed a war chest.

AgTalk users have been very generous. I appreciate that very much and want to make sure every dollar is well-spent. The software my friends and I considered ranged from very cheap to $15,000 -- per month! (Strangely, there isn't much in between.) After much discussion and some demos, we opted for a program that was surprisingly affordable. The Web host we have used for years has no good plan at the level we need...so we're switching hosts, too.

With most of those expenses behind us now, it's time to take stock. A realistic budget shows that we have enough cash on hand to run the operation for more than a year. Because of that, I think we should suspend donations for now. When the need arises, we'll bring back the PayPal link.

Thank you all very much for your support. This is the Website you helped to build and I hope you enjoy it and find it useful. Keep in touch and let us know what we can do to make AgTalk your favorite place online!

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David K. Orr
orrfarms@DELETEhorizonview.net