2009 site fundraiser and bailout
Posted: Jan 1st, '09, 12:14
Its time to raise some money to support our site here. I'm going to digress into some history for the benefit of you newer folks and perhaps some lurkers who follow our site bu may wonder where all this started.
Bertram31.com was started in 1999 by Capt. Patrick who is its sole owner and high muckety-muck, and is also lovingly known by the appelation of "Ole Fart". In 1999 a few of us with old Bertrams were posting on some other sites now and then and Patrick invited us to participate in his new site. And as they say, the rest is history. The site does not charge admission unlike most other boating sites. Over the years the notion of charging an annual membership fee has been kicked around, but rejected in favor of keeping the site free and open to all. Because Ole Fart spends his own money keeping this place up, as well as devoting considerable time to answering questions, posting up building tips, etc, it is necessary to find an income stream to keep this going in lieu of membership fees.
The solution is a simple one: everyone who hangs around here chips in some money now and then. There are no regular advertising sponsors that I know of. Bertram Yacht does not financially support this site, although they should be ashamed of themselves for not doing so, hear me Mr. Jones???? The contributions go to Capt. Patrick directly, no middle man. He uses the funds as he sees fit, and obviously has done a good job over the years since the site is still here.
There is little doubt that Bertram31.com is considered the premier boating website worldwide. A casual pursual of some of the other sites quickly reveals how petty and shallow they are. Our site is distinguished from those by a culture of mutual respect and zero tolerance for personal attacks. We do get mean now and then, but most all of us have very thick skins. Many of us have used this site as a springboard to forge strong lifelong personal relationships. In so doing we have had a helluva lot of fun. Our get-togethers are legend....the UVIs (Uncle Vic International Invitational), the various randevous(s?), the flophouse and boat shows, hunting trips, fishing trips, you name it and we have done it. Back when I traveled a lot for Uncle Sugar any time I'd be headed to a strange city I'd put out a call for dinner companions and bingo, we'd have a helluva party.
So anyway, down to business. Cash, check or money order payable to Patrick McCrary, mail to 834 Scott Dr., LLANO, TX 78643. We like to suggest $100 as a good donation but any amount is welcome. You gotta admit that's a very small price for the knowledge available here, not counting the pure entertainment value....I mean, gimme a break, the pix of Ole Fart (who probaby scales in at 115# wet) and the fat gals is priceless.
You saw "Bailout" in the header, right? I'm offering a bailout for those who are having tough financial times right now but enjoy the site and would like to be among the Faithful supporting the site. Just email me, royvictor@cox.net and tell me you want to participate but have the shorts right now and I'll make a donation in your name. You can pay me back if you ever get straight, and if you don't that's fine. I'll send the Ole Fart one check with a list of names for his "naiughty or nice" list and I'll be the only one that knows, and I am professionally trained to keep my mouth shut.
Here's how we gonna do it: if you are in for this fundraiser, just post up "I'm in" under my post here and send your money directly to Capt. Partick, and do the same if you want to use the bailout, just send me an email too.
Let 'er rip!
UV
Bertram31.com was started in 1999 by Capt. Patrick who is its sole owner and high muckety-muck, and is also lovingly known by the appelation of "Ole Fart". In 1999 a few of us with old Bertrams were posting on some other sites now and then and Patrick invited us to participate in his new site. And as they say, the rest is history. The site does not charge admission unlike most other boating sites. Over the years the notion of charging an annual membership fee has been kicked around, but rejected in favor of keeping the site free and open to all. Because Ole Fart spends his own money keeping this place up, as well as devoting considerable time to answering questions, posting up building tips, etc, it is necessary to find an income stream to keep this going in lieu of membership fees.
The solution is a simple one: everyone who hangs around here chips in some money now and then. There are no regular advertising sponsors that I know of. Bertram Yacht does not financially support this site, although they should be ashamed of themselves for not doing so, hear me Mr. Jones???? The contributions go to Capt. Patrick directly, no middle man. He uses the funds as he sees fit, and obviously has done a good job over the years since the site is still here.
There is little doubt that Bertram31.com is considered the premier boating website worldwide. A casual pursual of some of the other sites quickly reveals how petty and shallow they are. Our site is distinguished from those by a culture of mutual respect and zero tolerance for personal attacks. We do get mean now and then, but most all of us have very thick skins. Many of us have used this site as a springboard to forge strong lifelong personal relationships. In so doing we have had a helluva lot of fun. Our get-togethers are legend....the UVIs (Uncle Vic International Invitational), the various randevous(s?), the flophouse and boat shows, hunting trips, fishing trips, you name it and we have done it. Back when I traveled a lot for Uncle Sugar any time I'd be headed to a strange city I'd put out a call for dinner companions and bingo, we'd have a helluva party.
So anyway, down to business. Cash, check or money order payable to Patrick McCrary, mail to 834 Scott Dr., LLANO, TX 78643. We like to suggest $100 as a good donation but any amount is welcome. You gotta admit that's a very small price for the knowledge available here, not counting the pure entertainment value....I mean, gimme a break, the pix of Ole Fart (who probaby scales in at 115# wet) and the fat gals is priceless.
You saw "Bailout" in the header, right? I'm offering a bailout for those who are having tough financial times right now but enjoy the site and would like to be among the Faithful supporting the site. Just email me, royvictor@cox.net and tell me you want to participate but have the shorts right now and I'll make a donation in your name. You can pay me back if you ever get straight, and if you don't that's fine. I'll send the Ole Fart one check with a list of names for his "naiughty or nice" list and I'll be the only one that knows, and I am professionally trained to keep my mouth shut.
Here's how we gonna do it: if you are in for this fundraiser, just post up "I'm in" under my post here and send your money directly to Capt. Partick, and do the same if you want to use the bailout, just send me an email too.
Let 'er rip!
UV