Hi, Folks -

I'm aware that some have the perception that my/our posts asking for our Readers to contribute in support of RMN is "panhandling".

The meaning of panhandling is asking for a favor of some kind without expectation of reciprocation - "free money", in other words.

But think about it. :) RMN "gives first". We're here, day in, day out, every day and throughout the year, posting information for our Readers, without charging anything for access to that information.

That's by intention and design - we don't think the information should be kept from anyone for lack of a few dollars. But it would be reasonable to say, "That's RMN's reciprocation for contributions made in support of what we do by those who are able to make those contributions."

We want the information to be free - but of course there are expenses involved in our doing it. Thus, I post reminders that we need your support in order to keep doing it.

Some, I know, feel that the amount we're asking for each month seems somehow excessive, and some feel they should not be asked to contribute toward particular needs of RMN's publisher, Rayelan.

But, how would it be if RMN were a "by subscription" website?

Well, we routinely see about 5,000 views on the Poofness newsletter and update posts. Let's suppose some of that is second or even third views by the same Reader or Agent. Fair enough. :)

Let's say then that we set a fee of about $5 or $6 each month to subscribe to Rumor Mill News. What would happen?

Perhaps one fifth of the folks who seek out and read the Poofness posts would subscribe. That would bring in $5,000 or $6,000 each month.

Only, you wouldn't know that. :) Whether you were among the thousand who subscribed or among the thousands more who did not, you would have no idea how much money was coming in to Rumor Mill News. And you'd figure it was none of your business to know, anyway.

Likewise, you'd give no thought to where the money was going. :) You'd just figure, "Okay, it's just the price of admission, that's all," and continue on your way. How much money is being paid by subscribers to Ben Fulford's site? How much is Jeff Rense receiving from his subscribers and advertisers? Well, basically, who cares? :) It's not our business to know, and none of our concern how Ben or Jeff allocate that money.

But, however many of our Readers are unable to pay "the price of admission", they would be locked out. :( The information would no longer be available to them, which is not how Raye and the rest of us wanted it to be.

The difference here is, we're telling you how much is needed, and telling you about particular needs of the site's publisher. :) And not charging anyone anything for the information being provided, daily for over 16 years.

Blessings, all.

--hobie