An Appeal from the e.Librarian

Since the beginning of this project, in 1980, all of the costs have been covered by the e.Librarian — that's me, Jim Stewart. It has been a gift to the world, and a joy for me to be part of this initiative. Back in 1992, when we first made Steiner's works available over the Internet, the cost of the Internet connection was $30 US per month. Three years ago, the cost of our Internet connection was $2500 US per month! I'll bet I've got your attention now ...

We have since then cut costs so that now, we can run the entire operation for that same $2500 US per month. But that is just the direct operating costs ... there are no salaries, benefits, taxes, office supplies, etc. in that amount. It is just the bare necessities: Internet connection, office space, heat, electricity, and telephone. Though we do generate about $600 US per month from web hosting and related services, and a few contributions, the balance of the outgo comes from my retirement funds, and our family inheritances. That money is all but gone.

Most of you know that the Spring of this year, 2004, has been a devastating one weather-wise, here in Michigan (see the photo below where fallen trees are dangling over the garage). The power problems, though they seem to be fixed now, really took their toll on our electronic equipment. We found out too late that, though our equipment was covered by insurance, it was not covered if the damage was due to “artificially produced electrical failure.” Consequently, we have four large servers that are limping along because of damaged CPU's, ruined SCSI disk drives, or damaged RAID controller cards. We have used up all of our spare parts, and are really in the hole when it comes to fixing machines.

We have tried to make this initiative a free service ... free for anyone to use. So, it really pains me to have to come to you like this — I know how I feel about appeals for contributions. But, we are in a very dire set of circumstances! We need to have help ... support from you kind folks, out there. For all of you that have contributed money, thank you ever so much. For the rest of the readers out there that have really been meaning to give their support, now is a most important time to act. We understand there are many readers who do not have the means to support a service like ours. We sincerely hope those of you that can help, will do so, helping those other folks that are also in need.

Every day there are around 2000 individual visitors to the Rudolf Steiner Archive. If each one of the 2000 visitors could see it in their hearts to contribute just $10 US, we would be on our way to replenishing our crippled spare parts inventory and equipment repair project (about $8,500 US), and getting the backup power generator (approximately $11,000 US) that is so dearly needed to avoid the on-going power interruption problems in this area. And with a gift of $20 US, we would have our operating cost deficit eliminated, too. It seems so simple ... can it be done?

You, kind readers, should know that we are registered as a not-for-profit corporation in the State of Michigan. This means your gifts are tax-deductible. Our Federal not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) status is pending. The e.Lib, Inc. is the operational entity that controls the contributions for the Rudolf Steiner Archive. Its Employer Identification Number (EIN#) is 20-0631312. You can read all about it on the About Us pages for The e.Lib, Inc.

Currently, there are three ways to help out: by using Amazon.com, by using PayPal, or by sending us your check. Did you know that PayPal no longer requires you to join PayPal when you send money through them? The links and more information is available on our Helping Out page.

And while we're all thinking about this, here are a couple of Steiner quotes we all should think about and meditate on:

“There is a maxim — on the face of it rather perplexing — that whatever is achieved in the way of development of consciousness in the world does something to further the evolution of the consciousness of every single being, even if such a being has not actually worked at the development of his own consciousness.” Steiner also says, “It will be realised — by the public mind too — that the atom is nothing but coagulated electricity. — [That] thought itself is composed of the same substance. Before the end of the fifth epoch of culture, science will have reached the stage where man will be able to penetrate into the atom itself. When the similarity of substance between the thought and the atom is once comprehended, the way to get hold of the forces contained in the atom will soon be discovered and then nothing will be inaccessible to certain methods of working.”

The Atom as Coagulated Electricity Rudolf Steiner, Berlin, December 23, 1904

We need your help, folks ... won't you please consider how much joy you get from the information provided here, and find it within yourself to help preserve this initiative. Think about this ... imbue it with your deepest feelings ... and will it to be done.

I thank you, in advance.

James D. Stewart
e.Librarian