Why would we raise funds and give it to children for education materials? We already pay our taxes to people to do that. This is the Flat Earth Society. We should be raising funds to further Flat Earth research.
Because it is a decent thing to do? The world isn't perfect and not all good causes receive the money they need and deserve. Especially as we are now wrapped in austerity across the Western world.
If you think all worthwhile causes get tax money, why doesn't TFES? You are asking for the same thing. You think your cause "flat earth research" is more worthwhile than educational materials for children, for example. I don't think it is.
As the person who runs this forum, let me state for the record that there will never be any revenue raised from it in any form. This forum is and always will remain free of charge, free of advertising and free of any solicitation of financial contribution (direct or indirect) for anyone to use, provided that they post within the rules.
Naturally, Daniel's website (which will remain the host of the Society homepage post-reunification) is under his remit, but I would be very surprised if he is any more amiable to this idea than I am.
Well this is fairly insidious. You are saying "I rule the forum, Daniel rules the website, and you will all adhere to our ideals." This is against everything we stand for on this half of the society. The society is supposed to be run by the community for the community. If we all want banner ads (and we don't), but if we all do and you don't then that is the will of the community.
I understand that we have a mantra of free and open access, but we also are a community and the reason this half of the society was created was because we were sick of tyrants. I'm not disagreeing with you on your principle, but you should not be issuing edicts.
Regarding the 'charity' aspect, I just think we waste a good opportunity to do something worthwhile. We have a globally recognised brand, we could use it for good as well as for our own entertainment. If TFES was a recognised charity, I also think people would have more time for us as we have more of a purpose. Currently we are viewed as a parody site. I think helping others would also help us achieve our aims ... a more vibrant community.