I believe that I've found the easiest solution, and it should be transparent. PayPal has a Fundraiser feature that allows for friends to raise funds for some shared expense. I started the application process to create this fundraiser (it requires a lot of ID authentication) and apparently will have to wait 2-3 days now for them to approve things. 

If it all works out, I will be able to post a PayPal link here that you just click on to make your contribution.

I'm also updating the Patron list, which is only missing two people now who had stated in the poll they would contribute $20. 
PATRON LIST:
Pete E. $50
Uwe $20
SoucekFan $20
mikeytap $20
robmck $20
? $20
? $20
skywatcher $15
Typewriter Man $15

Last edited by Uwe (28-9-2026 13:50:14)

Paypal is ok by me too.

Updated Patron list, now only one missing!  
PATRON LIST:
Pete E. $50
Uwe $20
SoucekFan $20
mikeytap $20
robmck $20
fountainpensplus $20
? $20
skywatcher $15
Typewriter Man $15

I'm still waiting on the PayPal to approve the fundraiser. It's taking longer than the 2-3 days the company claimed it usually takes.
 

My frustration level with PayPal is through the roof. What should have been a 2-3 day process to set up a "Fundraiser" account has now been dragging on for over two weeks. And trying to actually contact someone at PayPal to get this matter resolved was a nightmare of Generative AI barriers. I finally spoke to someone today who could only tell me it's a "known issue" and it shouldn't be much longer. Great.

In the meantime, the forum's grace period ended, so I paid for a month's service to keep the lights on while I wait for PayPal to get its act together.

Otherwise there's nothing new to report. One person who offered $20 is still to make themselves known, but otherwise we're in good shape to go another year (once the Fundraiser is active).