# Anonymous Gift Subscriptions to the SDMB **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [March 18, 2004, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112 "2004-03-18T23:46:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![WomanofScorn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b5a626/32.png) [@WomanofScorn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WomanofScorn)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/21 "2004-03-19T05:46:58Z")
> [@WomanofScorn](#): > > I’m not sure if I should post this in more than one forum, or if this has already been thrown out there. > > There are prepaid cards. For instance, look at this site, > [https://secure.privacash.com/index.cfm?catID=displaySalesLocations](https://secure.privacash.com/index.cfm?catID=displaySalesLocations) > > There are more locations than just the ones listed here. Like grocery stores and gas stations. The limit is $25 on a card, but you can always use the extra $15 on whatever else you want. Or even save it for other internet purchases. Or even for next year’s subscription. > > It’s like buying a giftcard. Maybe this will help those of us who have the money, but no credit card. bwahahaha that should be extra $20, not $15, but you get the idea 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![WomanofScorn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b5a626/32.png) [@WomanofScorn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WomanofScorn)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/22 "2004-03-19T05:49:33Z")
Holy shite I’m a moron. I should have read just a few posts above mine. D’oh!! Ahh well. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/23 "2004-03-19T05:53:29Z")
😃 But you’re OUR kind of moron. 😃 And the debit card is a great idea, no matter who got here first with it. ---
**Author:** ![Ale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Ale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ale)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/24 "2004-03-19T05:57:54Z")
> [@WomanofScorn](#): > > Holy shite I’m a moron. I should have read just a few posts above mine. D’oh!! > > Ahh well. Oh, don´t be so hard with yourself, the nearest PrivaCash is 9.996 kilometers away, I´d have to walk 4 kilometers less!, it´s an improvement… _baby steps to the PrivaCash, baby steps…_😃 ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/25 "2004-03-19T06:39:30Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > Any mechanism for the Dopers-helping-Dopers movement has to look at the long term. Well, you did say you were sponsoring on the same basic terms as me, and I noted that I was doing it just for the first year. I could be unemployed or I could be making $200k a year by then so I can’t really promise anymore more than that. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/26 "2004-03-19T07:07:08Z")
re possible problems of sponsors renewing their sponsorees: We don’t know how much the board will change in the next year, if your sponsorees or you yourself will feel it’s worth renewing, or even if the board will still be here. It probably isn’t worth agonizing over right now. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/27 "2004-03-19T13:32:00Z")
True, a year from now who knows how things will look? I agree it’s not something to waste a lot of time over (unless, like certain people, you’re obsessive-compulsive anyway 🙂 ), but I thought I’d toss that in just to point out yet another reason why a sponsoring system that’s not dependent on ad hoc volunters is needed. I also want to note that as of 8:30 Eastern Standard Time, I hadn’t received any emailed requests for sponsorship, or replies to two emailed offers I’d made to Dopers who wanted help in some way. There’ve been lots of posted offers to help, but other than the handful of Dopers who’ve requested it on the Board, have any of you volunteers gotten requests? Maybe my five-day deodorant pad has failed me? ---
**Author:** ![sunfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/96bed5/32.png) [@sunfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sunfish)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/28 "2004-03-19T17:18:32Z")
I made an offer in **RNATB** ’s thread last night, and have gotten one email request. I suspect that a lot of people are still chewing over their decision, or perhaps haven’t even realized the situation, so I don’t think we need to worry about anyone’s deodorant malfunction just yet. 😉 I realize too that many people would likely be more comfortable requesting help anonymously, but with **Ed Zotti’s** current suggested way of handling it (donor gets password from donatee, logs in as donatee to make the payment, then logs back so that donatee can change password) it is frankly impossible. If **Dex’s** reaction above is in any way representative of the SDMB administration as a whole, I don’t see any way to set up an anonymous pool without saddling a volunteer poster with immense responsibility, because then that individual would essentially have to play middle man for Ed Zotti’s method, and how many people would be willing to hand over their financial info to even a fellow Doper? As for the sponsorships… perhaps to prevent the sort of escalation in cost that could pose a problem for donors after the initial sign-up deadline, why not just say that requests not submitted before the deadline will not be considered unless a donor explicitly states otherwise? I think it’s also fine for donors to say at some point, I was willing to sponsor X people and that quota has now been met. There are multiple threads going now where people have mentioned needing help or wanting to give it. Can we agree to create one thread that has no other discussion in it than posts from donors that would say how many they are willing to sponsor, and when they have reached their limit? All requests can then be dealt with off the board via email. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/29 "2004-03-19T17:43:32Z")
Yeah, if all you guys who’ve made offers could say how many requests you’ve gotten, that would be great. Right now it’s looking like we’re going to have two or three times as many sponsors as requests, not even considering the fact that numerous people have offered two, three, or ten gift subscriptions. ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/30 "2004-03-19T18:13:29Z")
Here`s what I would do, if it matters; \*\*By posting in this thread I will state that I am willing to host at least one subscription. All that I need is an e-mail communication from a current member with their username and password. I will then process their new 1 year subscription at the current rate of $4.99. I will do this with as many requests as I wish, whether it be 1 or 87. I will take members on a first e-mail basis, without prejudice to the member. I will reply to those whom I am not able to help because I have already reached my quota. I will then, never at any point, release this information to any other person(s) or hold this over the head of my sponsored member(s) for any reason at any time. After I have fulfilled my own personal gift subscription quota I will immediately post to this thread to let others know that I am finished hosting guest subscriptions without letting on to whom or how many I processed. Any interested hosters may now post to this thread stating that they will take on a membership for the first people that e-mail them (up to their quota). Naturally, the signup period isn`t untill the 21st so the actuall payments won`t take place before then. However, the communication and the exchange of information can take place before then. Please confirm that the host member is able to help you out before you send your password to them. This thread may also be used to help someone pay who doesn`t have a credit card or other means of auto payment.\*\* ---
**Author:** ![SnoopyFan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d07c76/32.png) [@SnoopyFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnoopyFan)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/31 "2004-03-19T20:39:20Z")
I haven’t been contacted yet. I guess it’s because I have my email address hidden, doh! So I’ll reveal one of the addies I use. Not my main one, but I do check it every day. Like I said I can only sponsor one person for this year only, and I don’t care who it is. Email me and tell me the nick you want to use, and I’ll cover your subscription. First come, first served. I’ll have to make up a password, I guess, but it’ll be something really easy to remember so you can change it ASAP. I’ll post again as soon as someone has claimed me. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/32 "2004-03-19T21:47:39Z")
**Uncommon Sense** , your proposal sounds fine to me! ---
**Author:** ![SnoopyFan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d07c76/32.png) [@SnoopyFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnoopyFan)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/33 "2004-03-19T22:01:33Z")
I’m spoken for. ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/34 "2004-03-19T23:29:19Z")
Poop, my e-mail contact is my work address. If anyone e-mails me I will get it Monday morning and we can work out the details. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/35 "2004-03-19T23:43:55Z")
Since the Reader chooses to stay mute (for now) about the possibilty of mail in payments, how about if some of us accept snail mail payments and then register for those people? I could do that virtually indefnitely, I think. Unless the volume just got incredibly huge. I may spend a lot of time online, but I still have to work and feed the need for Steve of my RL friends. Or is that what you guys are talking about? As for those who truly have difficulty with the amount, I will help some of them. Again, first come, first serve. After registrattion, I’ll e-mail you whatever receipt page they generate. Then, I will delete the original e-mail request. I’ll post again when I’m at my limit. ---
**Author:** ![MaxTheVool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/36 "2004-03-20T01:50:45Z")
I’m willing to sponsor a non-zero number of people, but (as others have mentioned), there’s something to be said for anonymity in that type of situation. (Although **BuckleberryFerry** is leaving these boards OVER MY DEAD BODY!!!) Anyhow, I suppose we can wait a bit and see how the situations unfold. Hopefully some sort of pooled resource will develop. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/37 "2004-03-20T02:36:55Z")
Having verified that my seldom-used PayPal account is still active, I am willing to sponsor five members under the system proposed by **Uncommon Sense**. I am also willing to assist any current Dopers who are unable or unwilling to use a credit card or PayPal to pay for their membership. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/38 "2004-03-20T02:43:11Z")
I’ll sponsor someone. I’ve mentioned it in other threads but haven’t gotten any takers. If anyone wants to reach me, email my username at [hotpop.com](http://hotpop.com). I’ll also do proxy sign-ups for anyone interested. Would there be any way for someone to open a PayPal account that others could put money in, and then the account holder pays for anyone interested? It makes it an indirect sponsorship, and someone could contribute just a dollar. Um, I don’t know how PayPal works, so if this is a dumb idea, please don’t hit me with anything really heavy. Julie ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/39 "2004-03-20T02:46:27Z")
Someone just asked me to post the $5.00 they’re sending me for their accont. So, the idea is working. And… there obviously is a need for snail mail registration. Admins? btw, post ypur SDMB blues [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=4663000#post4663000) ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112/40 "2004-03-20T03:16:07Z")
btw, after paying by proxy, when you’re sure you’re in, change your password. Just to be on the safe side. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gift-subscriptions-to-the-sdmb/235112.md?page=3)