Site Update 3/17/25 đź’»

Site Feedback
1

(just FYI, I’ve been working on the following nonstop since 8pm yesterday, sorry for the copy/paste, will answer any questions after a few hours sleep!)

Hello everyone!

UglyBetty here, admin and owner of Shopping Snark, a no-holds-barred forum to discuss a particular home shopping channel’s decent into madness.

Shopping Snark began in March 2024, and has since been funded entirely by myself. This has been such a fun experience, but as the site grows, so do operating costs. It’s simply not feasible to continue this on my own. I’ve created this Patreon in the hopes that some of our loyal members contribute to help keep the site going.

Times are tough, and I know this is a lot to ask, but this is the only way we can keep the site operating at this point. I have been working diligently on alternate revenue streams, but unfortunately stringent advertising policies require more investment than I am able to provide at this time.

Any funds received through Patreon will be invested in Shopping Snark. I am not looking to profit or even recoup my losses. My only goal is to keep the site going.

If you wish to contribute, please check out our membership levels and their associated benefits. All levels include site badges displaying membership level, while Founding Members and above will have access to a private discussion group on our forum. Meanwhile, Certified Snarkers and Site Ambassadors will have access to a private Discord live chat server where you can visit in real time, share music and movies, and even challenge your fellow Snarkers to various online games! Snarkers poker night anyone?

A very sincere thank you for taking the time to read this. Your understanding and patience are greatly appreciated.

-UglyBetty :heart:

Shopping Snark | forum.shoppingsnark.com | Patreon

2

@UglyBetty - I hope I’m not being dense, but I’m a little confused. Is paid membership required to continue participating here, or is it voluntary? Thanks in advance for clarifying.

1 Like
3

It’s voluntary.

This is a last ditch effort to keep the site running.

The operating costs vary between ~$200-500 per month, not including various administrative expenses.

In addition, I need to spend another several hundred dollars to get the site ad-ready. Once the ads are active, I don’t anticipate the need for Patreon.

How many people here would spend hours of their time and money every month to keep this site running? I’m trying to do the best I can to keep the “self-moderated” format we all prefer.

It’s confusing… on the anniversary post, I received many kind messages and posts thanking me for keeping the site running. And now that I’m humbly groveling for $5 for operational expenses, no one is interested. I’m embarrassed that I even have to do this, but it is what it is. :frowning:

4

What are hoping for? Is $5 really going to help enough? I don’t know how many people are on this board, but it doesn’t seem like it would be enough. I am happy to donate and will go to Patreon now. I am still so grateful that you have funded this yourself for so long.

ETA - just saw the membership options and costs.

1 Like
5

This board has hundreds of users, but only a small number actively post. Most people lurk. Even if a small percentage signed up, it would at least help with the costs.

4 Likes
6

Happy to support, @UglyBetty :grin:

1 Like
7

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!! :heart: You have NO IDEA how much this means. I’m definitely NOT crying tears of joy over here! :joy: :heart:

1 Like
8

Is there a link to to the Patreon? I have no clue how it works. emphasized text

2 Likes
9

Here’s the link! I’m sorry, it automatically shortened for some reason earlier…

1 Like
10

I’m in! Thanks again Ugly Betty!

2 Likes
11

I’m in… I think?? Hope I did it right!

2 Likes
12

My question is this - Is it possible to donate without making a monthly commitment?

2 Likes
13

Unfortunately, Patreon does not have an option for one time donations, but membership can be cancelled at any time.

Since most people check this site daily, I thought a smaller monthly donation made more sense. Shopping Snark’s version of Easy Pay, if you will. :rofl:

14

Is there an address we could send a contribution to? I’d be happy to donate, but I don’t want to subscribe. FWIW, I would donate a lot more than a yearly subscription. Thanks.

4 Likes
15

I need a lesson! Do I now go to Patreon (can’t remember if that’s the name) to access stuff? If so, where on that sure do I go? Thanks!

16

Since multiple people have now expressed an interest in one time donations, I will look into this and report back ASAP!

5 Likes
17

EDIT: Sent you a DM, please check your inbox! :slight_smile:

18

If anyone signed up for a Patreon membership and does not see the badge next to their username on THIS site, please DM me so I can get you added! :slight_smile:

19

I’m in, I think. Happy to contribute. :grinning_face:

2 Likes
20

Thank you for your support! :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

1 Like