We said no,
@redhead because we felt we did not need someone to write grant applications and such.
@Pinga 's forecast out to 2017 (which I won't link to yet since she may need to update it) last year had our three year costs at around a $1000 (not a year, but for the three years), most of that upfront and already paid at this point. Your posts at WC during the original discussions suggested you thought we needed a lot more. We do not.
Mandella cannot call it donations unless it is a registered charity
be honest about WC2 - volunteer driven not a charitable site
Um, no. A donation is still a donation even if it is not tax-deductible. It is not longer a "tax deductible donation" but it is definitely a donation in the dictionary sense. However, if it makes you feel better, we can call them contributions or gifts. We are, indeed, not a charitable site and see no reason to go through the headaches of becoming one right now though it could be discussed (in a new thread in Council New & Business please, not here).
so big question how is this site hosted - who operates and runs it and pays for it
It is hosted by Crocweb, a Canadian-based Internet hosting company for roughly $125 per year. They provide the Internet access, backups, and a virtual server on which we then installed Xenforo. The template that gives the site it's look was designed by an experienced Xenforo designer for c. $400 one time. We may re-engage him in future to help with upgrades and such.
@chansen has done some of the work of patching, I have done some work on adding logos and smileys and such.
As I said upthread, the Treasurer is supposed to report annually so
@Pinga should be posting updated financials soon. I suggest we not discuss this any further until we have those since hard numbers are better than idle speculation. Also, this topic is better suited to a new thread in Council News & Business since we are derailing a tips and techniques thread with business discussion here.