SysKoll wrote: ... but the expenses... continue offering free service.
You cannot have it all, you know.
This may be off limits for some reason, then please ignore.
Go colo with the users.
Make up a bounty barometer that is very well visible, and ask users to register as reliable supporters for as long as they want to.
It is all about knowledge of reliability for the admins, and maybe the mode of payment. Not Money! Divide the 800 x 13 (per year) that josh mentioned thru 1/170th of all accounts = 1000 and marvel
I would register with spamgourmet as a reliable supporter with my e-mail address. In the future you guys could remind of me of the barometer - in case necessary.
Admins and users could first watch if enough registered users also register as reliables, via a reg. barometer. If yes, change the barometer to show $ balance, and show the yearly amount needed from each.
At last ask reliables by e-mail to beginn donating, like once a year maybe.
No strings attached. SG would get better, and will last anyway
Arick