Maybe this helps the lurkers... Registering and owning the domain name is one piece. Then there is the cost of hanging the server (real equipment) on the internet, and the cost of powering the server...even if this is rented space on someone else's server (rented web-services). Then there is keeping the webpages/site running on current services (only a small piece of maintaining the server operating system). None of this is cheap in dollars or labor...especially if the server-side maintenance is paid for versus self-run/maintained. And we haven't even talked about a backup of the existing content. The "Wayback Machine" can do only so much, and it isn't enough in case "the data center" crashes. I bet this is a big piece of why Stuka Stunk caved.
While I may the newbie around here, there are others that use the forum as a conduit to maintaining life-long friendships acquired through meets and other venues. This allows for collaboration that email cannot touch! I read that in the banter, and sharing of ideas and memories you all display here.
I also see the some of the same names on the facebook "site" by the same name...but I don't think the FB site has the same personal qualities as this one. FB can/will censor without "your" approval. It IS more personal here, and self-moderated...and that comes with a financial burden we all must bear if you/we are to have a voice that FB cannot touch.
I've got a bit more in the game this year (lets just say I'm making up for lost time) than you see below...Please help keep this site vibrant, and viable as not only a learning environment, but as "your" community. Do it now. Do it for the long haul.