I have been asked in the past how one can contribute to the DRiP Investing Resource Center, and have some answers below. First, an explanation as to why we are here in the first place.

History

With the end of the dot.bomb implosion came the end of many things that had previously been available without charge. One of the most useful of these was the discussion boards at The Motley Fool, where many of us gathered to learn about DRiPs from one another. Unfortunately, in late 2001 they made the decision to terminate free access to these boards. I felt that there should be a place for us to gather, so I started writing code that would allow this to continue. On 11 February 2002 the boards had been tested and were made available, shortly before The Motley Fool began charging.

About a year and nearly 10,000 messages later, things were going fine, but the people who had been hosting the site were apparently placing too many sites on their server, so simply displaying a message became a major task. The site was moved, and following testing, on 14 March 2003 made available in their current location.

Purpose

The reason this site exists is to serve those who wish to learn about Dividend Reinvestment Programs (DRiPs) as well as those who wish to help others in this regard. This is not a moneymaking venture for me, nor do I ever wish for that to happen.

As I want to ensure that this will not become a moneymaking venture, I will publish the cash amounts contributed and show when they will be used. If you see that there is enough money set aside for the next month or two, then I would recommend that you not make a monetary contribution at that time.

How to Contribute

• The best way anyone can contribute is to participate on the message boards. If you feel more confortable lurking, then you are certainly welcome to do that, as this the choice of many. However, conversation fosters ideas and discussion of those ideas. If you disagree respectfully, then you also contribute to the learning process (off-topic and disrespectful arguments waste bandwidth and turn people away). Even "stupid" or "simplistic" questions can inspire thought. If we are not learning and growing, then there is no need for the site.
• Tell others of the site and help them with sound, proper investing. The more people who come to the site, the more useful the site is. If newcomers decide to participate, then we get to learn from them.
• Buy anything at Amazon.com through the Books link at the top. When a Suggested Reading book is purchased, I get a portion of the proceeds, which gets folded into paying for maintenance of this site. Even if you do not purchase one of these books, if you go through this portal, then the site gets a portion of anything that is purchased, so that helps.
• Financial contribution are now being allowed. I have a PayPal account and can accept money easily through it. All donations will be listed as anonymous, unless specifically requested to release the name by the donor, and you will see below when your money will be used. If you decide to go this route, please indicate that the money is to be used for the maintenance of DRiPInvesting.org, as I process other transactions through this account.

Thank You

Most of all, thank you for coming to the website and using what is here.

Cheers -

George L Smyth