MM 2008 Fund Drive

Over the last several years, ModelingMadness has been slowly growing in popularity and is a part of the daily routine for tens of thousands of reader around the world. While this is really great as it means that more and more of you have discovered and are enjoying the content of the website, it has brought with it a funding crisis as I am financially unable to cover the costs myself as I did in the early years. Advertising helps, but only covers a small percentage of the thousands of dollars a year it takes to keep MM on-line.

The truth is that if everyone who reads Modeling Madness donated just a few dollars a year, I'd have no worries. However, that's not happening.

I ask that those of you who consider Modeling Madness to be an asset to you and your hobby help in its support. If you consider a magazine subscription to be worth $35-$100 a year, consider donating to a magazine in which you don't have to wait two-three months to read about a new kit. Where you can get answers to your questions, and where you can find the best kit database on the net when considering your next kit purchase.

For those of you who wish to donate via credit card, I have set up a Pay Pal account (http://www.paypal.com)  using my e-mail; svanaken@aol.com. Please make all donations in US dollars and thank you very much for your support.

For you wishing to mail in donations (the preferred method as none of your donation goes to paypal fees), my address is:

Scott Van Aken
10108 State Route 4
Lebanon, IL
62254 USA

Please ensure that my name is on the payee line of your donation and that it is in US dollars against a US bank or it will confuse my bank.

My thanks to you all for helping to meet this year's site funding. Any additional inputs are still welcome to help with replacement of aging hardware and any software upgrades that will be needed to keep things running smoothly. Unless otherwise told not to, I'll acknowledge everyone who helps out in the What's New page and keep a running total to meet this year's goal of $4800.

As of AM 11 July, $4846 and change has been donated by 132 readers.

Sincerely,
Scott Van Aken
Editor/Publisher/Chief cook and bottle washer.

...". How many times-on this site- or others, have you gleaned enough information to make an informed decision; either to purchase the kit reviewed, or decide NOT to. That small input-multiplied out over a year- is worth a lot more than you are probably thinking of donating. I know that I personally have bought, or rejected, many items in the last year based on pictures, reviews, and buildups on this site and many others. When you factor in the time and effort of the host to provide us with this info-any money contributed is small compared to the joy, education, references, links, and modeling esprit de corps received. Dig deep. Dave Reed, Nashville, Tn."

"Modeling Madness is at least worth the price of a good kit to me!  It's the site I visit most and it has helped me make many better buying decisions.  The reviews have saved me several headaches, too.   If you're hitting the site often, think about what it does for you, and realize this is your chance to help ensure M2 continues to be there for you! "
Tony Hodun, Cincinnati OH