A rare post from me

[stoney321]

where I ask you to consider supporting Hey, Don't Judge Me in meaningful ways. :) (I rarely ask for support. It's a Leo thing.)

What with one thing and another, (DDoS/malware attacks, server issues) I'm making huge changes behind the scenes for HDJM. With the exception of three phenomenally generous donations to the site over the last year, the few advertisements that I was able to land for two months were the only source of income we've had. Advertising has dried up (people get nervous around malware; I can't blame them) and we're back to how we've run the site since its inception: my pocketbook.

I am happy to continue this site, and will for as long as there is interest. I believe in making a fannish place that is about JOY. Not mocking, not tearing things down with mean pleasure. Our site is not ironic. We genuinely enjoy what we recap. That's the rule. If you've felt guilty about loving something so much and maybe didn't feel comfortable sharing your squee in a place where it might get teased, WE ARE YOUR SQUEE-ZONE. There really aren't many places that provide that for fans. There's always a basher, shamer, whatever in the corner, right? Not here. LET YOUR LOVE LIGHT SHINE AT HDJM. :)

We've had amazing discussions there; we've had SHOW RUNNERS praise our site, not to mention some actors and their PARENTS thanking us for providing a place of happiness. I love it, and as long as I can afford to do so, I'll keep the site running.

But I want to be able to pay our writers more than just a prize at the end of the month if they're the top-viewed author. That's reasonable, right? For all of the time they put into the site? It's A LOT, trust me.

And now, with a much-needed move to a secure and dedicated farm, HDJM's expenses will go up 230%. This will ensure that we don't crash, that I have a dedicated staff of geeks to keep things tight on the server side, and that when you click a link, it blazes on your screen so fast your head will spin.

I know a lot of you have enjoyed our site. I've appreciated that support so much. Those of you who routinely share us on social media or through email, I see that you're sharing, and I'm even more grateful. But maybe those of you that enjoy our recaps regularly that don't share the site might consider slipping a dollar or two into our tip jar? Did you know we had one?. :) It's on the main page, on the right hand side under the list of shows we cover.

You get ad-free (unfortunately, lol) fan-based enjoyment regularly. That would be an AMAZING way to show our writers that you appreciate them. (If you are uncomfortable with PayPal, I'd be happy to provide alternative options for donations, as well. Um, no gently used clothing, please. ;D)

Final note: the more you share our site socially, the faster we'll grow with new users. That's the key for real, prolonged growth. And that draws advertisers. And that means revenue that I can share with the girls. I do not pay myself. All incoming money goes to direct payment of fees to maintain HDJM, or into payments to the other writers.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. (And of course, we have a Cafe Press store that has cute tees and mugs and other things with images related to HDJM.)

Comments

[sheafrotherdon.livejournal.com]

I am strapped right now, but when finances ease later this summer, I'll be sure to throw in! ♥

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

You are so kind! (And seriously, sharing links, +1-ing, tweeting, etc. - those are all TREMENDOUSLY HELPFUL ways of supporting us. And it's free!!)

<3 <3

[christina morrison (from livejournal.com)]

I'll see what I can do. I cannot live without our Hoarders recaps.

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Ha, thanks, C! Linking on FB is a big help, too. <3

[christina morrison (from livejournal.com)]

I know that is sposda be a heart, but it always looks like boobs to me.

[timba.livejournal.com]

Is there a NON-paypal tip jar? I'd been annoyed with them for a while and after this foolishness (http://www.regretsy.com/2011/12/06/sooner-or-later-youll-pay-pal) I closed my account for good.

[timba.livejournal.com]

LJ said my previous comment was spam...so I shall ask again, but in a more different way:

Any way I can donate not using the PayPal?

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

SOmetimes LJ holds comments with links for moderation - I get a surprising number of spambots on my LJ.

Yes - that previous issue they had, I was worried, too. I've covered my tracks on that (and have a "I am complying with the listed rules" on my site, too.) But if you'd like to donate in another way, I certainly will not turn that away! I'll PM you alternate methods. :)

AND THANK YOU. <3

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

*shoves away all of the bags of used clothing she was going to donate*

I don't think people realize how much of a difference a five dollar donation can make if it's added to other people donating five dollars, too! I mean, fifty is great, fifty thousand would get us a really awesome party somewhere warm, but even five would be a great show of support for you and would help defray the costs of maintaining the site.

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Of course I'll still take old belts that came with cheap pants, mismatched china, and old records from the smooth hits of the 70s!

I love you, lady. You're one of my best supporters in EVERYTHING, let alone HDJM. <3

[zyrya]

What, you're too good for second-hand underwear? You got all fancy on us, Stoney??

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

I DID. ONLY FIRST HAND PANTIES FOR THIS GAL.

I will, however, graciously accept used socks, but only if they don't match. ;)

[entrenous88.livejournal.com]

Yay for HDJM and all the future awesome recaps there!

I just linked/posted about this here. ♥

[entrenous88.livejournal.com]

Uh. And the present ones. Obviously. *is sleepy* :D

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

HAHAHAHA. You and me both! <3

THANK YOU, ENTRENOUS! I so appreciate the batsignal getting a boost. *smish*

[dovil.livejournal.com]

I'm not on good terms with money at the moment, but give me some bank details or whatnot (paypal scares me) and I'm sure next pay I can throw some money over, but only if you gyrate around while keeping eye contact. I want this to be as awkward as possible.

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Do you know that New Zealand bounces between the second and third most active countries on our site? In your FACE, UK! I always attribute that to you and any links you share. :)

I will always make eye contact with you when doing shameful things. I think it's the only way I know how to feel anymore.

(also, Christ, I miss you!!)

[dovil.livejournal.com]

I think that can be attributed to the fact that we watch a lot of tv because there's nothing else to do. Also because the entire cast/crew of Spartacus are hanging out at your site, heh! Take that, rest of internet!

I MISS YOU TOOOOOO! I miss the days where I could moonbathe in your backyard while drinking all your wonderful wine. I'm going to buy a lotto ticket and come back out again. (there are air fare sales on at the moment, I pawed the computer screen.)

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

OMG just know that if you EVER wanted to come back, you could, and you could stay as long as you'd like. My friend Kristi and Johnny still ask me about you, and they only knew the drugged out you! Ha.

[dovil.livejournal.com]

Awww! I really liked Kristi and Johnny as well! I APPROVE OF YOUR FRIENDS. This should comfort you.

If I come over again is not allowed that my entire body goes into shutdown. Or that I'm a drama queen about it, lol.

I'll come over and we'll ride the trains like hobos. I'm going to select a sturdy branch and a checkered handkerchief in the weekend.

[hazyjayne.livejournal.com]

Tip jar rattled ;)

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

THANK YOU!!!! (I was trying to figure out who that was from...)

Seriously, thank you so much. We all really appreciate that you contributed. <3

[hazyjayne.livejournal.com]

Completely not a problem! Just happy to contribute to the site :)

[blue-peridot.livejournal.com]

awwww! i wish i could donate, but i'm 18 and unable to do so. i'm happy to share the site though. best of luck fundraising!

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Honestly, linking, reading, clicking, tumbling, all of that stuff is a HUGE support, so thank you very much for sharing the site! That is INCREDIBLY valuable!!

<3 <3 <3