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Bonaire WebCams: The Bonaire WebCams - An Update & a Survey
Bonaire Talk: Bonaire WebCams: Archives: Archives 1999-2004: Archives - 2004-02-29 to 2004-08-31: The Bonaire WebCams - An Update & a Survey
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter (Moderator - Post #4916) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 7:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've seen a lot of message traffic today from people who are dying to find out what is happening with the Bonaire WebCams, if anything

Well, let me give you all an update...

It looks very likely like we may have a new home for them. So close that in fact there is a meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning to sign a contract and arrange for payment of the first year's installment.

However, until that is all done, we cannot announce that it is a done deal, nor, obviously, can we announce who will be providing a new home to the WebCams. We hope to be able to share that with you later tomorrow.

If all goes well, we could have the WebCams moved and in place, ready to go live in early July (can't be sooner because of schedule conflicts Dan and I have, like moving in my case - Linda would not appreciate my ducking out on that!).

Those of you who have pledged money, we (Caribbean WebCams and the potentially new host location for the WebCams) have a definite use for your contribution - one which will help improve the stability of the WebCams.

Specifically, we would like to apply the donations towards getting redundant Internet connections for the WebCam capture server on Bonaire, namely one Telbo Wireless connection, and one Flamingo TV Cable Internet connection. Both peak at about 256Kbps, but in reality the Telbo connection is a lot slower than that during the day, while the FTV connection is pretty peppy, but drops out frequently. That configuration is similar to what I current have in my office and which I share with the WebCams, and for the most part it works pretty well (although today has been a bit troublesome). The cost for this redundancy is about NAF 5000/year (NAF 200/month for each connection), which works out to about US$2700 in annual costs (plus about NAF 800 in one-time set-up fees).

We are also trying to come up with some way, in addition to a Web page thanking all individual supporters, to thank those of you willing to provide this additional sort of support, including possibly Bonaire WebCams T-shirts additionally imprinted with "Sponsor" on the front.

As we await the potentially positive announcement of a new home for the WebCams, Dan and I would like the feedback from those of you who have pledged financial support to see if you think our idea of having your contributions support a more stable Internet connection from Bonaire as a worthy one, and our idea of a Web page on the Bonaire WebCams Web site honoring your efforts, as well as special Bonaire WebCams t-shirts, as being a good way for us to say thanks for your support and dedication.

So, please let us know your thoughts (post them publicly if you can, or send them privately if you prefer, to info@caribbeanwebcams.com)

And thank you so very much for your dedication and support! Without the letters you all have sent and the public support you have shown, I don't think tomorrow's hoped for result could have happened.

Jake

PS I had several administrative staff members from different resorts tell me last night at the Taste of Bonaire event about the on-going stream of e-mails they have been getting about the WebCams, and they are just amazed by the outpouring of support for the WebCams, and that they are not sure how to respond, as management hasn't given them any direction.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #11280) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 7:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

OK, I'm going to do an early WOOHOOOO!!! That is fantastic news Jake!!! I can't wait until tomorrow, when all is revealed:-)

As far as where to use the pledge money, wherever you and Dan feel it is needed...as far as I'm concerned, it's up to you...and as far as any recognition, none needed as far as I'm concerned:-)

I'm glad that the email barrage may have helped a bit! And interesting that the resorts don't quite know how to respond...bet they were a bit surprised to get all the email! That's GOOD news!!!!

Good job BTalkers!!!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #321) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 7:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

It would be cool to wear my Official WebCam Sponsor T-Shirt with my National Public Radio Car Talk hat (hat has the Car Talk's law firm printed on the back..."Duey, Cheatum and Howe". For anyone with a ranking above "experienced user" it should probably read Addicted Sponsor

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #11281) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 7:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

OK Wally, "Addicted Sponsor" is a pretty funny...and TRUE!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #322) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 7:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

As I remember you are in line for the "Golden Peanut" honor as well Cyn-diety

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By jos van osnabrugge (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1157) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 7:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

That's great news Jake , thanks for the update.

Wally ? Shouldn't it be a "golden Halo" for our Cyn-diety ??? :-)

Lets all hope for a "quick and succesfull " Move.
Sjosss

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #11282) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 7:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jos...definitely NO halo here!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eileen Kimmett (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5744) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 8:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Wonderful News!!! :-) I agree with Cynde, wherever you think the $ needs to go is fine by me:-).

Will there be a paypal account set up to send in the pledge $$?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Cousino (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #546) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 8:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake, My fingers are crossed hoping the meeting goes well.

As I said in an earlier post, I can not imagine any of the resorts/operators on Bonaire not jumping at your offer.

We will, I imagine be able to make our contributions directly through www.caribbeanwebcams.com?

Thanks as always for all you do!

Tom

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Freddie Hughes (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4934) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 8:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

GREAT NEWS Jake!!! Where do we send the checks???
We have trusted you before to make the right decision, We trust you now!!!
Thanks for all you do, Freddie

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter (Moderator - Post #4917) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 8:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

PayPal will certainly be an option, as will checks, and credit card payments. As Dan handles finances for CWC, he will have to indicate whether credit card payments or PayPal is more preferable.

Keep your fingers crossed that all goes smoothly tomorrow.

And let us know what you think of our idea regarding the donations/pledges.

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1038) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 9:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Awesome news!!!! I am so glad that all our e-mails could make a difference in saving the cams!!! Wooo Hoooooooo!!!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #107) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 9:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sounds like a plan. Standing by to send $100. The T-shirt would be cool!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barbara Leary (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5805) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 9:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sounds wonderful Jake...I'm looking forward to visiting them live SOON July 26 for real! Let us know what you need...I'm with Wally, would proudly wear the shirt...but would recommend using the money for the cams...they are much more necessary for us addicts! :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Cousino (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #547) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 9:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake and Dan,

Ditto to Freddie's remarks.

I believe our responses here are indicative of our supporting the upgrades you mentioned to making the WebCams even better.

Web pages and t-shirts honoring sponsors are a nice thought - thank you. However, they cost time and money which I feel can be better used on the project itself.

Good luck tomorrow,

Tom

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fiona Rattray (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #242) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 10:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Go Jake go! It's great to think the e-mails are having an impact.
All fingers and toes crossed.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By herman mowery (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #388) on Monday, June 7, 2004 - 10:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake,
I will take 2 t-shirts...be down in a few weeks to pick them up :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3603) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 12:02 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

This is fabulous news, Jake, Dan and Linda! Sent an email to you a moment ago, too. We will be there shortly and will pay up on our pledge while we are on Bonaire....gladly and with thanks to you guys and everyone else who jumped right in there to Save the Cams! Can't wait until the ink is on the paper and the identity of the new home of the Web Cams is known! Thanks again Jake, Dan, Linda and everyone here on this board!! Give yourselves a great big pat on the back!!

We will drop by the cams on June 20 to say "goodbye" and Bon Voyage, anyway. See you then. Carole and Joe

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Meryl Virga (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4090) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 12:02 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake...great news....just tell us when to send ze monie! Good luck tomorrow you guys!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Greta Badstebner (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #361) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 12:32 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake~ That's the news we've all been waiting to hear! YEAH!!

You have my permission to use my donation to obtain redundant internet connections and whatever else is of necessity for the webcams.

I'm with Cynde and everyone else. No recognition or material items are needed for our contributions. However, I do realize that you may already have extra shirts printed up and all you have to do is add "sponsor" to them. Whatever works best! I do like Wally's "ADDICTIVE SPONSOR" idea though!

One thing to consider from your end, is whether or not the contributions will be U.S. tax deductible to the donors. It doesn't matter to me one way or another, but I think it's something that will be an issue when working through the financial logistics of these transactions. Have Dan talk with your CPA.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Diana van den Wollenberg (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2131) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 4:51 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Great news! And as soon as you know where to send some money, I'm in. Maybe not for $100, but a bit less. I need some money to go to Bonaire in september as well! Hopefully I can get in front of the cams in the new location!

I'll keep my fingers crossed

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Phillips (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 7:11 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hope all goes well this week. I think that making it known that ANY kind of Bonaire Webcam T-shirt is available ("sponsor" or not) for sale would bring out a bunch of folks (and hence dollars) that would help fund this very worthy endeavour. I'll bet that offering shirts (perhaps caps, too, or bumper stickers) for sale and mentioning (advertising?)this on BT and on the webcam site would be a substantial fundraising activity. Are there currently "non-sponsor" shirts available?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By LaDonna Pride (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1824) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 7:17 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake....I second, third, fourth ......etc....the statements above! Use the money to upgrade the connections, and a T-shirt would be cool! Let me know when and where to send the donation!

LaDonna

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Elvira M. Bolanos (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #287) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 7:56 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake, thanks for the good news. I agreed with everyone else. Waiting to write a check.

Good luck today!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martine TLOUZEAU - Jean Paul GODARD (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5036) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 8:29 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

What a marvelous new, Jake ! Like Diana I will send my contribution too as soon as you tell us where to send the money. Sorry I can't offer 100$ for the moment, but surely 50 $ ( I had to waste a lot of money with my kidney problem... )
I keep my fingers and toes crossed !

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Jo Lott (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1220) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 8:52 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Looking forward to great news today, Jake. Been sending lots of positive vibes to Bonaire.. :-)

I trust you one hundred percent in deciding what to do with the money.

Keep us informed! We are addicts for sure. lol

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Wood (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #116) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 8:52 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake, fantastic news!

Using the pledges for redundant internet connections sounds like a great use of the money, but as long as the money goes in support of the cams, I agree with most everyone here....you decide.

As far as the shirts go, well that would certainly be cool...but certainly not necessary.

Thanks!
Mike

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carl Pflanzer (BonaireTalker - Post #66) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 9:05 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Good luck and best wishes today - our $300 is
ready to go, just give us the address.

Carl and Patty

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2581) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 9:54 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake - WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!!

I am with everyone else in that you can use the pledge money as you guys see fit!!! Just let me know where and how you need me to send my $100!!!

T-shirt sounds great!!! Wally I wish I had a Car Talk hat - I love those guys!!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Denise Kacavas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #727) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 10:07 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Oh Boy!!!! Can't wait to see who stepped up to the plate!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kevin McCarthy (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 11:45 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hello everyone,
It's been a long time since I logged a message or even had a chance to visit the webcam chat. For those of you who may remember my login was Kevinmac. A special "HI" to Annie who may remember our e-mails about her sister.

I tied to use my old username again but I lost my password and had an e-mail address change. In short, I'm very glad to be back especially with the potentially good news Jake has for all of us.

I am pledging $100 as well and look forward to handing it to Jake and Linda in September when Claire and I return to BelMar. I am really happy to be back and to hear about the webcams. I can't wait to hear where they end up.

Oh, t-shirts. I would like to buy mine, or maybe a couple so Jake, please let me know what your special retail pricing will be for webcam members.

Gotta go to a meeting. I'll check back around 2:30 EST.

It's good to be back

Kevin

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Renea (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #112) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 11:55 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Great News Jake!! And, I agree with Cynde, use it wherever you and Dan see the need. Just let us know when/how to send the money and I'm still in for $100.

Good luck tomorrow!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #11283) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 12:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kevin, welcome back (Kotter style:-)) Of course we remember you and Claire!!!! Glad to see you pop in, and help out to boot!!!

I think a special thanks is also in order to everyone that sent mass emails to the resorts, that surely got attention, so no matter if you have pledged money, sent emails, or both, everyone deserves a kudos and thank you!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roderick Pervier (BonaireTalker - Post #52) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 12:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Super News Jake, I agree that you should use the pledge money as need be. Good & redundant connection sounds like an important part of the system.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #605) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 12:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

great news. Paypal is good for me to send my pledge.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Denise Kacavas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #728) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 12:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I agree regarding your suggestion as how to use the pledged $, and would appreciate a sponsor t-shirt :-) I don't know if I can do this anually but will for sure the first year and will try to later too. And if you do go with t-shirts, don't waste any of the pledge $ mailing it to me - I can pick it up in Oct at a Gibi's dinner if that's OK with you.
Denise

Congratulations Jake and all the BTers who worked together to make this happen.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kevin McCarthy (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 3:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Cynde,

Thanks, it's good to be back. I'm moving to the next thread today so catch you there.

KM

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Baker (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #499) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 3:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

As one who has been away from the web cams since last November, (WOW, that long) I was absolutley stunned when I read the news about the possible loss of the web cams. My mind started racing with what would life now be like when I can't at my leisure just type in a few letters and get a long overdue dose of paradise. As I continued to read the responses to Jakes and Dan's predicament, (and ours)I kept looking at the date hoping that it would read April 1, 2004 and not what I was seeing.

I sure hope this gets resolved to th satisfaction of those concerned and those of us who have depended on the web cams in the past as source of entertainment and enjoyment. What would I have done if I had only stayed away just a few more days and seen black.

Hello again to all

Aquaman

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Jo Lott (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1225) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 3:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Barry nice to have you back.

When is your next trip? I'm going July 19-28. :-)

Hi to Sherry.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Baker (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #500) on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 - 3:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We won't be able to make it to Bonaire this year. Not enough $$$. So we decided to make a quick trip to Cancun so I can take my daughter diving in August.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Smits (BonaireTalker - Post #99) on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 - 4:49 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake, is there white smoke already?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3334) on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 - 4:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bob, even fireworks... Check: http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/cgi-local/bbs/show.cgi?626/167369 and http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/626/167368.html?1086808737

WE HAVE STARTED THE PARTY!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dara Walter (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #611) on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 1:00 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Can I send you all of the guilders I have mouldering in my desk drawer....I don't think I'll be spending them too soon :-(

Should I fire up the press and get the "fullfillment arm" ready for some pitching action?

My shirt will have to say "recovered BT addict"....but some day I hope for enough time to have a complete and total relapse :-)



 


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