TinToilet's (aka...IronJohn) remarks have only created one thing, more money from me for this legal defense fund...I will be sending more tomorrow when I get paid.

Thanks, TinToilet for inspiring me to give more....

I've always wanted to get behind Cyd. Or in front. I'm versatile. wink

Well i'm not sure how GJ found the time to post inbetween laundry, dishes, dusting, and the vacuum. We already had to cut off the TV because of too much oprah.

Maybe everyone should write a letter to the editor of the NC newpaper to give this dude the publicity he wants... Might drum up some more cash too.

Just to let you all know - we made the Advocate - at least the on-line edition today. They apparently tried to contact the plaintiff's lawyers, but no comment was forthcoming.

Gay sports Web site sued over marathon photo


[Hyperlink updated. - Outsports moderator]

[ August 22, 2004, 07:58 PM: Message edited by: m1 ]

"Maybe everyone should write a letter to the editor of the NC newpaper to give this dude the publicity he wants... Might drum up some more cash too."

Working on that, PF, I hope to get in touch with the regional gay rag down here and give them a hot story about a local gay-bashing individual.

Check is in the mail, I can't figure out that damn paypal.

Actually I've been busy swimming, biking, running, and managing the yard crew (KeyWestGuy and BPT) who have been demanding appletinis in exchange for doing my yard work ever since PF got busy with his "real" job.

(((Jim and Cyd))), thanks for fighting the good fight and holding the higher moral ground. It's our turn to give back to you.

I sent them this as a news tip on Wed. I'm glad they picked it up.

I am disgusted by this suit. I've even been disturbed by it these past few days. :mad:

And I thought I was a loser...

Regarding a topic discussed above: Although people don't necessarily have to disclose in this thread the amount they're contributing, I think it's good that those who do, post that they have done so just to encourage those who haven't. As has been said before, there are those who prefer not to say anything at all out of modesty or for other reasons, and this decision must be respected.

On the other hand, disclosing the amount given could probably encourage competition and prompt others to reconsider their contributions, as at an auction (who bids more?).

I sent my (humble ) contribution today by mail. I'll send more later.

___________________

Why for you to increase, I must decrease?
If I treat you kindly does it mean that I'm weak?
You hear me speak and think I won't take it to the streets?
I know enough cats who don't turn the other cheek

[...]

To survive is to stay alive
In the face of opposition
Even when they come gunnin'
I stand position -- Lauryn Hill

[ August 20, 2004, 11:59 AM: Message edited by: noumenon ]

Well, honey, he can't stand on that street corner all day!

Great idea...perhaps we can auction off a night with Cyd...hehe

Or maybe even better, we can Auction off a night with PF... eek!

I'll start the bidding at $5

Ok, but if I win, I'm taking him to a double feature of Fahrenheit 911 and Yentl followed by front-row seats at a Barbra Streisand concert.

That's what we should do - have an outsports.com bachelor (and bachelorette) auction!

But how are we going to make PF pay the amount that ends up as the highest bid?

Actually, here's a fundraising idea that would have several salutary effects: charge an annual membership fee payable to Outsports for those who want to post to the board. Reading posts, posting and reading profiles, etc., all these and everything else on OS would remain free but to post to the board you'd have to pay to play. Not only would we rid ourselves of some of our most pernicious - and apparently parsimonious - posters, we'd also give OS a fixed amount of money they knew they could count on in budgeting their operations. $100 a year - roughly $8.35 a month and less than what most of us spend each time we head out for a drink - seems a reasonable sum to me. Nothing's free in life and OS is certainly deserving of our support. What say the rest of you?

I would pay it, but I think it sounds a little high. I'd be concerned so many people wouldn't join that the board would be almost empty. Plus there would be no guarantee that those few I'd like to see stop posting would (and they are not the ones I think most people consider annoying) $25-$35/year might be more reasonable. $2.50 per month would be $30/year (if my math is correct).

I'd be much more comfortable charging an annual membership with additional benefits beyond what everyone gets right now for free (e.g. free t-shirt, discount on annual conference, free t-shirt or cap).

Scottie, That'd work too - and I can certainly see where $100 might be a bit high for some, even if the amount of time they seem to spend posting irrelevantia here might be better spent (earned? ) elsewhere. Maybe combine the two ideas to provide different levels of membership bennies like most orgs do. :cool:

I'd be happy to provide full-size pictures of your favorites [or ones not posted], perhaps to be applied to a tshirt as a membership bonus.

Not to mention Cyd from all angles!

When can we schedule PF's photoshoot?!!

It's been scheduled for Sept 18-21. I didn't buy a digital camera for nothing. Of course, the pictures will not be given away for free. They will be auctioned off as well. wink

I bid $4.

Regarding the idea of membership fees...I wonder if that's a good idea. From what I've read, free sites can become very popular but once they decide to start charging for content, their popularity drops off. Now, if a donation brings some benefits as scottie mentioned that's fine, but if someone doesn't want to pay I'm not sure they should have to. For example, I wouldn't want a gay teenager (like a high school athlete -- I know we have at least one who posts) who has some questions or wants advice to have to pay to access the message board.

On the other hand, if you had to pay x dollars per post, Outsports would be rich just from me alone. eek!

Looks like it's already been pulled.... I just followed the link, and no mention of Outsports whatsoever. frown

4 bucks JIP! I bought your ass lunch last time, i'm sure that was more than 4 bucks, dont worry me and sting will take it out of you on saturday night.....

Don't worry there will be pictures taken of that.

Marcus....it's archived under 8/20/04. They've already moved on to 8/21/04. New link

Have you contacted the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)? They're all over these types of things like a cheap suit!

I called them just to provide the news tip, and was told this was nothing they would be interested in by some really snotty person.

I'm not AT ALL surprised by your experience with HRC - they've become an elitist bureaucracy enshrined in an expensive new headquarters staffed by a bunch of bratty young punks. Yes, they've done some good work for gay rights in the past, but as they've grown their hubris has become intolerable. In short, they operate much as a middleman, charging tolls for their dubious services in the form of attitude and "access fees." Forget 'em, I say - deal with the gay rights lawyers direct! There are many of us out there and we know who's good - and who's just a facade.

I am not in favor of a Outsports being a pay site per se. I prefer the idea of those who make a contribution getting some additional benefit. Actually, a contribution drive occured last year with different levels of giving. Perhaps this should be continued, although I don't recall any added benefits being realized from this. By the way, I have made my defense contribution.

By the way, since the Advocate hooked up with Sirius OutQ radio for news content, the same story on the Advocate site was heard on the news updates on Sirius OutQ. I heard it a little while ago.

Hey guys -

Just putting in my two cents - I don't know the specifics obviously, you would have to get that from Jim and Cyd - but can anyone here think of a way to make Outsports more financially viable so that the next time someone sues, Jim and Cyd aren't left scrambling to collect donations to defend themselves.

I am not talking about making them rich or anything - but are there ways to raise enough money to safeguard the site itself? - like getting a balloon insurance policy, etc.???...

Call it a stupid idea, but its a thought; I have no idea how Jim and Cyd would greet the idea.

I have worked with several not for profit groups to get something started - but as I understand it Outsports is a LLC.

One way I can think of off the top of my head is that Amazon and Barnes and Noble used to have programs whereby if you linked to their site for specific books - and someone from your site bought the book - a percentage would go into your account. I have never really dealt with this kind of thing before (My background in computers involves mostly AV and security systems for networks and servers) but maybe someone out there has a good idea...

Rob

[ August 21, 2004, 12:00 PM: Message edited by: ITJock ]

No question I am a huge supporter (albeit a very busy one these days with the Games and a season about to start, my apologies!). I remember fondly to our first convention two years ago and thinking what a great step that was....and look how much it has grown thanks to everyone being involved! I love reading what all of you have to say, and this is definitely something that will bind us all together even more. Thanks for sharing--your time AND money AND all your stories and thoughts!!

let's keep it up...always more to do!
Brent--great post!

Whoa! It was blanket stereotypes that instigated this lawsuit and we certainly shouldn't be joining in that little game. I know a few of the folks who work at HRC (the real worker bees) and they are genuine in their desire to help the gay community. While we may all have problems with the actions of an organization, that should not be used to misjudge their entire staff.

Besides, this is nothing that HRC would get involved in - they're a lobbying group after all. I would think this would be more along GLAAD's line, and suggest Cyd or Jim (or maybe a member with connections) contact them, if that hasn't already been done (or perhaps the Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association).

Edited to add:

And apparently Cyd and Jim may be getting support from another source, and one that could be considered a competitor. The website is gayoutdoors.org and they have a spirited rallying cry for their own members to contribute as well. rest of gayoutdoors coverage

[ August 21, 2004, 08:53 PM: Message edited by: CPT_Doom ]

They essentially copied and pasted Jim and Cyd's message on the donation page, and changed all the "we" and "us" references to "they" and "them" references. If Jim and Cyd are okay with that, they've got my support. wink

The more who spread the word, the better.

Well, well. You stay off the site for a few days and look what happens. I guess I have to apologize for the hetero residents of my former home state. The "Triangle", in which Wake County is part of, is hit and miss as far as the way people think, even today.

I emailed all my friends with the link to the story so hopefully it will spread around. And since I blew $65 on fantasy football earlier today, I cant contribute as much to Outsports, but I will give you all some dough since youve been kind enough to run articles of mine in the past and have a great community on the board.

And just my own opinion, dont drag national groups into it. GLAAD and HRC have their place, but I dont think a $10,000 defamation lawsuit would pertain to either organization. And national special interest groups dont necessarily help at times. And with a state like NC with its conservative politics and judges, it wouldnt be wise to bring in those attached to the "homosexual agenda". It would do little to help the case. Just to portray oneself as a media outlet would be sufficient defense.

Found out about this through a link on datalounge, oddly enough. Sent in $50. There may be other posters like me who only bookmark/look at a few of the forums and don't pay attention to "About the Board."

And I think that's one of the main differences between Outsports and gaysports/gayoutdoors/etc. Outsports provides real news, articles, commentaries, biographies, etc. related to gays in sports--not just stories picked up over the wire. As noted in another thread, Outsports was used as a biographical references for Olympic Equestrian Robert Dover on the Official Athens Olympics website. Just further reason why our illustrious Outsports founders should be proud of what they, and their team of columnists, writers, and contributors (incl. Discussion Board members), have accomplished.


(That said, we should thank the whole network of gaysports/gaywired/gayoutdoors/365gay.com/etc. for supporting this issue... which, ultimately, affects them, too.)

I'm curious, how big a bite does PayPal take? If it's significant, I'll mail a check as above, so that more of my hard-earned contribution will directly benefit the Outsports Legal Defense Fund.

I don't think PayPal takes anything. I sent my donation through PayPal, and as far as I know, everything went directly to Outsports.

PayPal does take a percentage, depending on how large the contribution is. For a $250 contribution, they take 3%; for a $100 contribution, they take 3.2%; for $50 they take 3.5%; for $10 they take about 6%.

cyd

Those percentages aren't very different than if you owned a small store and accepted credit cards. The bank always charges a percentage of the transaction, sometimes a flat transaction fee and sometimes a flat monthly service charge. I don't think these percentages should stop anyone from donating via PayPal.

[ August 23, 2004, 06:54 AM: Message edited by: scottie ]

By no means. But I sent a check anyway -- so easy with online banking!

Cyd could do a beefcake calendar.

What a combination of brains and hunkiness. (And he seems to be a nice guy with a good sense of humor.) wink

And on the lawsuit front, I assume Cyd and Jim will be updating us with any developments on the case that they can share. Hang in there, guys!

[ August 23, 2004, 09:32 AM: Message edited by: willyboy ]

Oh...oh well. If it's the easiest way for people to donate, though, then by all means, that's how they should donate.

ttt

PayPal is no friend of mine right now as we just can't seem to get on the same page. I know I've used it on this site before, but it's not recognizing my password and I can't get an e-mail response.

So, the check is in the mail.


Justice will prevail!

Well, I've been reading this for awhile. Yes, I've been lurking. Obviously, OutSports will win this. It's a ludicrous case w/ no merit. I am surprised that NO GAY PUBLICATIONS like the Washington or New York Blade or even the Advocate have picked up the story.

I, unfortunately, cannot send $$. My main reason is everyone where I work took a $2 an hour paycut, so I am cutting corners and working my ass off at Rainbow Road to survive. So far, so good. Also, I'm still dealing with my bike accident and the costs with that.

So, I'm doing what I can here to support OutSports and cheering Cyd and Jim on. Hopefully they can see me waving my pom-poms. wink

The story has appeared in the Raleigh News & Observer.


[Post modified for hyperlink format. - Outsports moderator]

[ August 24, 2004, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: m1 ]

Links to the Advocate online coverage are in this thread. Since the magazine is only published every 2 weeks (I think) there hasn't been enough time yet to have it in the publication. Don't know the info for the Wash/NY Blade but the story became public knowledge through this thread only 6 days ago, this past Wednesday. The Phila. Gay News is on the street every Friday, so it was likely too late to meet their deadline last week. I'll be stunned if they don't have something on it this week...especially considering the ability of scottie to get his name in the paper again and again and again and again....

Well, Cyd writes for the NYC and Washington editions of the Blade, so hopefully he's got some juice there and can get the story covered.

I did submit the story to Philadelphia Gay News, but I'm not sure if it will be written about locally, as it is a national story they are more likely to pick up off a newswire. I also submitted it to EXP, a gay newspaper (magazine size) based in Rehoboth Beach, DE, but with distribution in the mid-Atlantic region.

That's why I threw that in my previous post.