Closing bensgigs

106 views
Skip to first unread message

Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 11:18:23 AM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Friends, I'm retiring the bensgigs server due to hosting costs since I'm not making any money from it.

If any of you feel like contributing something on a monthly basis to keep things going and support costs, please email me directly. If enough people respond to cover the overhead, I will get it up and running again :)

Thanks for all the awesome feedback.

b

---
skype: benallfree


conor doyle

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 12:16:28 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Unfortunantly, I wouldn't be able to contribute financially at the moment, but would open-sourcing the code be an option?

--
------
http://www.bensgigs.com
b...@bensgigs.com
Skype: benallfree
------
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Ben's Gigs" group.
To post to this group, send email to bens...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
bens-gigs+...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/bens-gigs?hl=en



--
Conor Doyle

Robert Tracy

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 12:25:49 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Ben,

what are the hosting/bandwidth costs? We  have our own server... maybe we could do something with that.

If not can you relate the target costs so I know if it's even feasible?

Thanks for the hard work. I will miss all those e-mails.

Rob

Rob Tracy
Remedial Comics
http://www.remedialcomics.com/
http://www.webcomicscommunity.com/

Katie

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 12:49:40 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com

I could do up to $20 a month.

Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 12:54:15 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
The dedicated server with backups costs $100/mo.


b

---
skype: benallfree




Alexander Latour

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 12:59:06 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
why don't you just introduce a subscription plan? 

-alex

Robert Tracy

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 1:04:51 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
why don't you just introduce a subscription plan? 

-alex


Yeah!?


Rob

 
On Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 9:59 AM, Alexander Latour <alexl...@gmail.com> wrote:
why don't you just introduce a subscription plan? 

-alex

--
------
http://www.bensgigs.com
b...@bensgigs.com
Skype: benallfree
------
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Ben's Gigs" group.
To post to this group, send email to bens...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
bens-gigs+...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/bens-gigs?hl=en



--

Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 1:11:37 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Ok, $20/mo. Who's in besides Katie? :)


b

---
skype: benallfree




Katie

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 1:20:20 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com

Come on people! :)

Rodney Saenz

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 1:45:48 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
I'm more than happy to pitch in, but is there any way to use an alternative to Paypal? 

I closed my account some time ago and have boycotted them ever since.

I can submit payment through any other gateway, including Google Checkout, and I'd really like to help keep this alive.

Thanks for your help.

Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 1:18:46 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Actually, let's just do it this way, here's a PP subscription link. If I get at least 5 signups it will be enough to keep the lights on. Anything on top of that will go toward new features. If I don't get 5 signups, we'll shut er down and your subscription will be canceled and refunded in full.


b

---
skype: benallfree




Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 3:55:28 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
I'm happy to offer Google Checkout as an alternative. I don't see a way to create a subscription button, do you have any info on that?


b

---
skype: benallfree




Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 3:59:19 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Yay to Katie for subscribing! 

b

---
skype: benallfree




Rodney Saenz

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 4:07:41 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Damn. Looks like subscriptions are available, but in the beta-only API only. :(

Alternatively, and less-conveniently, you could send an e-mail invoice. That's my usual method for retainer clients.

Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 4:28:13 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Oh well. If you come up with any alternatives for recurring billing that are as easy as PayPal, send them over and I'll have a look.

For now the easiest thing is PP and it doesn't require a PP account. You can just input your card info.


b

---
skype: benallfree




Rodney Saenz

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 4:30:13 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
I though the same thing, but it definitely asked for a Paypal account once I chose the "Pay with a Credit Card" option.

I'll keep an eye out, and thanks for looking into it, regardless. Here's hoping you can get your required number of folks.

Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 4:41:48 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
I see it now too, PP has an "Advanced" service where buyers do not need a PP account.

Ok so seriously, what else is out there? I am going to hit this same problem with another service I'm offering (anyone want singing lessons via Skype video??). I need something that can do international recurring billing. 


b

---
skype: benallfree




Robert Tracy

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 4:59:13 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
I've mentioned them before. Dwolla has a lot of positive buzz.


I'm not going to lie I don't know tons about the service but I know a lot of people are seeing them as an alternative to the evil Paypal (yes I'm not a fan either even though I still use them and they have never given me anything but excellent service I am aware of their issues and don't want to use them if I don't have to). 

I have a Dwolla account. I understand the money transfers are instant instead of days like Paypal and I also understand that each transaction not matter how big or small costs 25 cents. No more, no less. 

Which considering I lose about seven bucks in fees every time a client pays me $250 through Paypal is pretty attractive. 

Check them out. They may have a solution and if they do please share your info/experience. I want to learn more about them myself. 

Rob

Rodney Saenz

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 5:04:02 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
I've been hearing lots about Dwolla, as well.

Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 5:10:06 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Dwolla looks like you have to prime it with a bank transfer.


b

---
skype: benallfree




Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 5:58:34 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Hmm.. Well I see the benefits of Dwolla for the merchant, but what is the advantage for the buyer? It appears that you need to prime the account with a bank transfer before you can even use Dwolla to pay for anything. I can't imagine that system ever eclipsing credit cards which do not require buyers to place their cash in escrow.


b

---
skype: benallfree




Jason Thompson

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 7:21:11 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
I have had no success with your program, and I've spent a lot of time sweating over the leads and just trying to make it work, and while doing it I've been losing time and money. I don't know where my next rent check is going to come from, and I have hospital bills of my daughter's I have to pay for. 

I'm sending you 20$. Because while it may not have worked yet, I believe in you Ben. You've busted your ass for this, and I want to see it succeed.

-Jason C. Thompson
----------------------------------------------------------
Message sent from Pipboy 3000

Visit http://krowface.com/ for more information.

Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 7:26:19 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
That's 2!

Jason, have you used the forum much? I can't imagine not having any success at all. Let's fix that.


b

---
skype: benallfree




Jason Thompson

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 7:31:57 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Link me to the forum, and I will gladly jump in.

Can I get a cool badge next to my name for supporting you? Something with a lightening bolt that means "extra awesome".


-Jason C. Thompson
----------------------------------------------------------
Message sent from Pipboy 3000

Visit http://krowface.com/ for more information.


Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 7:54:53 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
We should definitely do badges.

Do you want notes on your current process and site? I have a few thoughts but I don't want to overstep :)

Katie

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 9:34:45 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Ben,

Would a tiered system be a possibility?  For example, people who pay a certain amount per month would get X amount of leads sent to them per day.  I don't know much about servers and how this all works, but if something like that were a possibility, I think it could really cut down on server costs.  That way, the people who are really using the service (like me) can pay for their own share of server costs, while people who are only casual users aren't racking up server costs by having tons of leads that they aren't utilizing sent to them.  Would a system like that work, or do I have no idea what I'm talking about?  



On Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 6:54 PM, Ben Allfree <b...@bensgigs.com> wrote:
We should definitely do badges.

Do you want notes on your current process and site? I have a few thoughts but I don't want to overstep :)

--

Jason Thompson

unread,
Mar 19, 2012, 9:45:42 PM3/19/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
I would appreciate any input. Consider my 20$ payment for about 3 minutes of consulting work. ;D


-Jason C. Thompson
----------------------------------------------------------
Message sent from Pipboy 3000

Visit http://krowface.com/ for more information.


On Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 7:54 PM, Ben Allfree <b...@bensgigs.com> wrote:
We should definitely do badges.

Do you want notes on your current process and site? I have a few thoughts but I don't want to overstep :)

--

mantra2

unread,
Mar 20, 2012, 12:27:33 AM3/20/12
to Ben's Gigs
Alright, I'm in. Subscribed. Please keep this open It's really helped
me out a lot.

If not, I'd love a copy of the code...I'd pay for that.

On Mar 19, 11:18 am, Ben Allfree <b...@bensgigs.com> wrote:
> Friends, I'm retiring the bensgigs server due to hosting costs since I'm
> not making any money from it.
>
> If any of you feel like contributing something on a monthly basis to keep
> things going and support costs, please email me directly. If enough people
> respond to cover the overhead, I will get it up and running again :)
>
> Thanks for all the awesome feedback.
>

Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 20, 2012, 1:12:53 AM3/20/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Thanks! That makes 3!!


b

---
skype: benallfree




Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 20, 2012, 1:26:21 AM3/20/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Hmm... you know, it would be too shameless of me to do it, but perhaps it would be just shameless enough if one of you would spread word of our plea on reddit.


b

---
skype: benallfree




Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 21, 2012, 9:51:09 AM3/21/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Update everyone,

Thanks so much for the 3 subscriptions that we have gotten to date! I've managed to move the database to a less expensive host, so that should help alleviate things. For now, we still do need a dedicated server.

If anyone else wants to step up and fill in the last two, we will be set. Just go to www.bensgigs.com, the links are up there.

Has anyone found an alternative subscription provider than PayPal? 

b

---
skype: benallfree




Jason Thompson

unread,
Mar 21, 2012, 10:01:20 AM3/21/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Have you looked into google's system?


-Jason C. Thompson
----------------------------------------------------------
Message sent from Pipboy 3000

Visit http://krowface.com/ for more information.


Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 21, 2012, 10:20:34 AM3/21/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Google Checkout? Yes, they do not have a subscription button. It's only available through their API. If there is any service that offers a subscription button that is as simple as PayPal's, I'll put it up :)


b

---
skype: benallfree




Ben Allfree

unread,
Mar 21, 2012, 11:05:47 AM3/21/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
See Rodney earlier in this thread. We already went a few laps on this :)


b

---
skype: benallfree




On Wed, Mar 21, 2012 at 7:33 AM, Jason Thompson <krow...@gmail.com> wrote:
Really? There's no way to just have a link to a page without using an API? 


-Jason C. Thompson
----------------------------------------------------------
Message sent from Pipboy 3000

Visit http://krowface.com/ for more information.


Jason Thompson

unread,
Mar 21, 2012, 10:33:18 AM3/21/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Really? There's no way to just have a link to a page without using an API? 

-Jason C. Thompson
----------------------------------------------------------
Message sent from Pipboy 3000

Visit http://krowface.com/ for more information.


Jason Thompson

unread,
Mar 21, 2012, 11:44:06 AM3/21/12
to bens...@googlegroups.com
Thanks, I'll reread it. (This thread is a mess now. and it hurts to look at it.)


-Jason C. Thompson
----------------------------------------------------------
Message sent from Pipboy 3000

Visit http://krowface.com/ for more information.


Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages